Three outstanding 4-H leaders were honored with 2022 Michigan Farm Bureau (MFB) 4-H Excellence in Agriculture Awards: David Cox, of Jackson County, Vicki Rau, of Ogemaw County, and Karen Scovill, of Shiawassee County. The 4-H Excellence in Agriculture Awards recognize outstanding achievements of Michigan 4-H volunteers or groups that have exhibited excellence in 4-H youth education and leadership development in the areas of 4-H beef cattle; dairy cattle; goats; horses; horticulture, crops and soils; poultry; rabbits; sheep; swine and veterinary science.

David Cox, Jackson County

David Cox has been a 4-H volunteer for 27 years, focusing on 4-H horse programs. He is the “go-to guy” for 4-H youth and adults in Jackson County. Cox donates his time through many facets in Jackson County 4-H, such as the horse council, Youth 4-H Foundation and Michigan 4-H Horse Council. Through his guidance, the Youth 4-H Foundation has become more driven by youth than adults and embodies what 4-H is really about — empowering youth. Cox is also one of the people found staying late after a show to make sure the grounds are in order, showing up early to condition an arena or mentoring youth on how to set up gymkhana events. More importantly, Cox makes every moment of working with youth and volunteers a teachable moment.

Since 1999, Vicki Rau has been a 4-H volunteer in Ogemaw County. Through Rau’s guidance, her club members demonstrate leadership, responsibility and the development of life skills that will support them in succeeding in any field they choose to enter. Many youth who are in her club pursue agriculture-focused or animal science-related fields upon graduation, whether that is through further education or careers within the agriculture industry. Rau is known by her peers as a dynamic leader, who demonstrates dedication, passion, heart and patience. She supports positive relationships between adults and youth, while providing an environment where they feel safe and welcome. Rau advocates for the importance of community service and giving back to others. She fosters a sense of place in her club members, which encourages them to remain active citizens within their community as they grow older. Through Rau’s leadership, youth are given a place and the support needed to grow and contribute as active citizens through service and leadership.

Karen Scovill, Shiawassee County

Karen Scovill has been a 4-H volunteer of Shiawassee County’s Busy Farmers 4-H Sheep Club since 1991. Over the decades, she has been a devoted mentor, teaching and helping 4-H’ers learn about the sheep project. Scovill has presented at many state and county fitting and showing clinics and workshops, sharing her knowledge of the care, management and showring techniques to numerous youth over the years. Additionally, Scovill has served as a member of the State 4-H Livestock Programming Committee since she was 14 and chaired the committee for 10 years. The committee plans statewide 4-H livestock workshops and sessions for 4-H Exploration Days as well as obtains interviewers for the State 4-H Awards Program. Through her guidance, many club members have received State 4-H Awards and scholarships, and achieved excellence in the showring at county, state and national events. Scovill truly enjoys working with youth, ensuring they are actively engaged in their own development and that they gain the leadership skills to help them succeed.

Honorees are recognized by both Michigan 4-H and MFB. Each received $1,000 grants, funded by the MFB 4-H Excellence in Agriculture Endowment, to help support a 4-H agricultural program of their choosing, for volunteer training, supplies or curricula to enhance 4-H programming locally and statewide. Honorees will also receive a personalized recognition memento.

The MFB 4-H Excellence in Agriculture Endowment was established with the Michigan 4-H Foundation in 2006 by MFB. County Farm Bureaus and individuals were asked to build the endowment and MFB matched gifts received from county Farm Bureaus up to $50,000, resulting in a $100,000 endowment. The awards have been given since 2008. To learn more about the award and past award winners, visit https://mi4hfdtn.org/mfb .