MSU Extension 4-H

Kalamazoo County 4-H alumnus Maurice J. Kaercher, of Kalamazoo, is among ten 4-H alumni inducted into the 2024 class of the Michigan 4-H Emerald Clover Society. Kaercher was recognized on Sept. 21 during the Michigan 4-H Legacy Awards Celebration hosted by Michigan State University Extension and the Michigan 4-H Foundation in East Lansing.

The Michigan 4-H Emerald Clover Society honors former Michigan 4-H members whose professional leadership and community service reflect the ultimate outcome of 4-H membership – extraordinary use of an individual’s head, heart, hands and health to make communities, the country and the world better places in which to live. This recognition is provided by Michigan 4-H Youth Development with support from the Michigan 4-H Foundation.

Growing up on his family farm, Kaercher was actively involved in the Kalamazoo County 4‑H program, showing beef, sheep, and other projects. After high school, Kaercher completed MSU’s two-year AgTech program, specializing in livestock. He spent five years in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War, then returned to MSU and completed a bachelor’s degree in animal science.

After graduation, Kaercher worked as a vocational agriculture teacher and a seed sales district representative before beginning a 28-year career with MSU Extension. He started in 1983 as a Kalamazoo County agriculture Extension agent, then in 2003 became an area livestock agent, covering five counties. He served as St. Joseph County MSU Extension director from 2006 until he retired from MSU in 2011. Kaercher then became executive director of the Michigan Sheep Producers Association, retiring for a second time in 2020.

“4-H played an important role in shaping my future,” said Kaercher. “It taught me how to win and how to lose. Learning how to lose and win helped me understand that life has many challenges and it is better to look at challenges with the glass half full rather than the glass half empty.”

Kaercher and his wife, Nancy, owned and operated a 60-head cow-calf operation. They raised their two sons in the Kalamazoo County 4-H program, where Kaercher served as the Kalamazoo County 4-H Leaders Council President for four years and the adult volunteer leader of the Gull Lake Community 4-H Club for 10 years. Kaercher served on the Michigan Cattleman’s Association board for more than 25 years and was named Member of the Year in 2002. He also served as a member of the Kalamazoo County Veterans Affairs Committee.

Kaercher has been honored many times for his distinguished service and achievements, including with the MSU College of Agriculture and Natural Resources’ Distinguished Service Award, the MSU Extension Distinguished Service Award, the St. Joseph County and Kalamazoo County Farm Bureau Distinguished Service Awards, the MSU Extension President’s Citation Award, the St. Joseph County 4-H Above and Beyond Award, and the Michigan Sheep Producers Association’s Service to Industry Award. In 2020, he was the honored guest at the MSU Block and Bridle Club’s annual recognition banquet. In 2022, Maurice and Nancy were inducted into the Michigan Farmers Hall of Fame.

Also inducted into the 4-H Emerald Clover Society Class of 2024 were: Sarah A. Black, Eagle; Thomas L. Bosserd, Plymouth; Mary F. Draves, Midland; Katie M. Eisenberger, Shepherd; State Sen. Edward W. McBroom, Vulcan; former State Rep. Joel Sheltrown, West Branch; Nancy L. Victorson, Newberry; Shaun T. Wade, Norton Shores; and Dr. Dave D. Weatherspoon, East Lansing. Michigan 4-H Emerald Clover Society members are inducted every two years. The inaugural class of 62 members was inducted in 2002. For more information on the 4 H Emerald Clover Society and its members, visit www.mi4hfdtn.org/ecs.

Other honorees recognized at the 2024 Michigan 4-H Legacy Awards Celebration included partners receiving the Michigan 4-H Citation Award, volunteers awarded the Michigan 4-H Salute to Excellence Awards, volunteers awarded the Michigan Farm Bureau Excellence in Agriculture Awards, 50-year 4-H volunteers, winners of the MSU 4-H Scholarship, and retiring 4-H staff.