Shirk honored as outstanding 4-H agriculture volunteer
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EmailBryan Shirk of Branch County is among five Michigan Farm Bureau 4-H Excellence in Agriculture Award recipients honored in 2026.
Bryan Shirk, of Branch 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.
Shirk’s passion for agriculture first began when he himself was a 4-H exhibitor at the Branch County Fair. Inspired by the mentors and leaders who invested in him, he returned to the Branch County 4-H program after college, determined to provide the same opportunities and support for the next generation.
Today, Shirk serves as president of the Branch County Fair Board after serving as small animal superintendent. Shirk works to make sure the youth in his county are well-prepared for fair, helping them to build practical agricultural knowledge, leadership skills and confidence through rabbit, cavy and poultry workshops, as well as educational workshops on buyers’ letters and more.
“My greatest reward is watching the individual youth that I’ve mentored grow up to become great young adults who give back to our community in so many ways,” said Shirk.
Shirk’s influence also extends beyond Branch County. As a 4-H volunteer, he helped update the state 4-H Rabbit Showmanship Guide, supports the State 4-H Rabbit Show and serves as a licensed rabbit and poultry judge, bringing current industry knowledge directly to youth. He is also actively engaged in an Extension project with professionals in Michigan and New York to create a comprehensive poultry education guide.
A lifelong advocate for youth development, Shirk believes agriculture teaches far more than animal care. He donates animals to young people who may not otherwise have access to livestock projects, ensuring more youth can experience the responsibility and growth that come from caring for animals. By giving back to the same program that helped shape his own future, Shirk continues a legacy of mentorship that impacts youth across Branch County and beyond.
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 Erica Drake of Washtenaw County, Cathy Fry of Isabella County, Melissa Gordon of Monroe 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.
