Block and Bridle

Each year our club nominates and votes on our Annual Recognition Banquet Honored Guest. Our honored guests are individuals that have made an impact on the Livestock Industries and Michigan State University Agriculture/Animal Science Programs. We are currently accepting nominations for next year’s honored guests.  If you know someone deserving of this recognition, complete the nomination form and return to the club (Block and Bridle Club, Attn: Rec. Banquet Chair, 474 S. Shaw Ln., East Lansing, MI 48824)

Meet our current year Honoree below!

Read about past year Honorees by clicking on a name. (Mobile device users: click on the arrow in block above to access previous year Honoree biographies.)

Leland Wheaton

Block and Birdie Honoree

Leland Wheaton was born and raised in Charlotte on a 180-acre dairy and sheep farm.  Lee's parents' honeymoon was at the International Livestock show in Chicago.  The Wheaton family showed at a dozen county fairs each summer and the Michigan State Fair.  They gained friendships and memories that would last a lifetime.  In 1958, the purchase of 3 bred ewes re-established a Hampshire flock that became Lee's.  Some of Lee's earliest memories revolve around feeding, washing, fitting and showing sheep.  Though successful, Lee never thought of the sheep as a long-term project or vocation.  Funny the turns life takes!

After graduating from MSU in 1972, with Skeet Byrum's input Lee took a teaching job at Leslie High School.  1974 saw more Byrum family intervention as Lee met Denise Parker, they married later that year.  In 1992, Lee became Principal of Charlotte High School where he worked until retirement in 2011.

Today Wheaton Hampshires has a reputation across the country for quality and integrity.  Now numbering over 200-head, the sheep have become literally a project on steroids.  Over the years facilities have grown to support semen sales and an expanded lambing and sales calendar.  The help of children and grandchildren has been essential, as is the support of former and present employees like Jeff Gordeneer, Tom Buckham, David Scales and William Barnum.

Flock recognitions include Champions at Louisville, Indiana State Fair, and the Midwest Stud Ram Sale as well as many State Fair Champions for customers.  Leadership opportunities included President of American Hampshire Sheep Association, Michigan Sheep Breeders Association and appointment by Governor Granholm to a term on the Michigan State Fair Commission. 
Lee and Denise are proud of their children Megan and Brant, both MSU College of Agriculture grads and past members of the meats and livestock judging teams.  Both are involved today with Wheaton Hampshires.

Receiving this year's Block and Bridle Club recognition is both unexpected and appreciated.  Many thanks to all who made this recognition a reality.  Go Green!!