Drake honored as outstanding 4-H agriculture volunteer
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EmailErica Drake of Washtenaw County is among five Michigan Farm Bureau 4-H Excellence in Agriculture Award recipients honored in 2026.
Erica Drake, of Washtenaw County, is among five outstanding 4-H volunteers honored with the Michigan Farm Bureau (MFB) 4-H Excellence in Agriculture Award in 2026. This award recognizes the 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 project areas.
Drake is a fourth-generation farmer whose lifelong connection to agriculture began on her family’s dairy farm in Washtenaw County. A 4-H alumna herself, Drake gives back to the program in countless ways, helping young people discover the opportunities, skills and sense of purpose that agriculture can provide.
Drake serves in numerous volunteer leadership roles within Washtenaw County 4-H, including co-leader of the Country Expressions 4-H Club, assistant dairy superintendent, livestock auction superintendent and adult vice president of the Washtenaw County 4-H Livestock and Dairy Committee. Through these roles, she creates meaningful opportunities for youth to develop agricultural knowledge, leadership skills and confidence. She helps coach the Washtenaw County 4-H dairy team, supports youth competing at state and national events, and regularly shares her expertise as a dairy educator during Project Rural Education Days, where she introduces thousands of students to modern agriculture and related career opportunities.
“My greatest reward has been sharing my passion for agriculture with 4-H youth, helping them to learn and grown their own passions and purpose,” said Drake.
A dedicated mentor, Drake is known for encouraging youth to challenge themselves, pursue leadership opportunities and develop the skills needed for future success. Whether helping young exhibitors prepare their dairy projects, supporting scholarship applicants or mentoring youth leaders, she invests her time and energy in helping others grow.
Drake also models the value of service through her involvement with Washtenaw County Farm Bureau, the Saline Community Fair and numerous community initiatives. Her humble leadership, strong work ethic and commitment to youth have made a lasting impact on the Washtenaw County 4-H program.
MFB Excellence in Agriculture Award honorees are recognized by Michigan State University Extension, Michigan 4-H and MFB. Each receives a $1,000 grant, funded by the MFB 4-H Excellence in Agriculture Endowment at the Michigan 4-H Foundation. Awardees use the grants to help support a 4-H agricultural program of their choosing, or for volunteer training, supplies or curricula to enhance 4-H programming locally and statewide. Honorees will also receive a personalized recognition memento and be honored at the Michigan 4-H Legacy Awards Celebration scheduled for October 3 in Lansing.
Other recipients of the 4-H Excellence in Agriculture Award in 2026 are Cathy Fry of Isabella County, Melissa Gordon of Monroe County, Bryan Shirk of Branch County and Michelle Short of Macomb County. To learn more about the MFB 4-H Excellence in Agriculture Award and honorees, visit https://mi4hfdtn.org/4-h-emerald-awards/michigan-farm-bureau-4-h-excellence-in-agriculture-award. To learn more about the Michigan 4-H Legacy Awards Celebration, visit https://mi4hfdtn.org/legacy-awards.
