Wayne H. Wood

County: Sanilac
Class Years: 2002
Title:
“As a 4-H member I learned the importance of undertaking a project, completing the project and the rewards of putting forth your best efforts. 4-H taught me not only to work as an individual, but the importance of working as a team. It gave me the opportunity to make many lasting friendships.”

Wayne Wood, a former Sanilac County 4-H’er and fourth-generation dairy farmer, is in his second year as the 16th president of the Michigan Farm Bureau. Wood has served on the Michigan Farm Bureau board of directors since 1984 and was vice-president for 12 years before being elected president. Wood has served and chaired several Farm Bureau committees, including the policy development committee, which recommends state and national policies. Before being elected to the state board, Wood was president of the Sanilac County Farm Bureau and later District 6 director, representing Huron, Tuscola, Sanilac, Lapeer, St. Clair and Macomb Counties. Wood has also served his community as township supervisor for 16 years, chairman of the Sanilac County United Way, cochair for the Sanilac County Economic Development, 21 years on the Sanilac Mental Health Board (six as chair), a lay leader for MSU Extension, and as chairman for FOCUS 2000. He is currently a member of the Extension Advisory Council and the chairman of the Agriculture Preservation Fund Board. Wood is also partner (with his wife, Diane, his brother, Randy, and his son, Mark) of a 1,200-acre family farm that produces corn and alfalfa, and milks 300 head of dairy cattle. He was the dairy fair superintendent for 10 years and a 4-H dairy leader for eight years.

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Bridget Paidl, Menominee County

Through 4-H, I have become the person I am today. Not only has it made me who I am, but has given me lifelong friendships and leaders to look up to. 4-H and everyone I have met through 4-H has fostered my passion for animals and led me to the path I am considering for my future.

— Bridget Paidl, Menominee County

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2024 4-H Salute to Excellence Award Winners

he Michigan Farm Bureau 4-H Excellence in Agriculture Award recognizes 4-H volunteers who exhibit excellence in 4-H youth education and leadership in agriculture-related areas. 2024 4-H Salute to Excellence Award winners pictured include Robert Richards (left) and Jennifer Specht (right). Click on the button below to view all of the 2024 4-H Legacy Award winners!