Short honored as outstanding 4-H agriculture volunteer
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EmailMichelle Short of Macomb County is among five Michigan Farm Bureau 4-H Excellence in Agriculture Award recipients honored in 2026.
Michelle Short, of Macomb 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.
Short has dedicated herself to helping young people discover the many opportunities available through agriculture and 4-H. Through her leadership in the Macomb County 4-H program, she has inspired youth to build knowledge, confidence and life skills while developing a deeper understanding of animal science, agriculture and community service.
Short serves as president of the Macomb County 4-H Horse Committee, a member of the Macomb County Fair Board and horse superintendent. In these roles, she creates meaningful educational experiences that help youth develop skills in horsemanship, animal care, livestock management and agricultural responsibility. She supports projects ranging from horses and livestock to floriculture and horticulture, ensuring young people gain hands-on experience and exposure to a wide variety of agricultural disciplines.
“My greatest reward as a 4-H volunteer and leader has been watching our members grow in their communities and utilize their skills and experiences to become leaders,” said Short.
A passionate advocate for positive youth development, Short encourages young people to take ownership of their learning, participate in leadership roles and contribute to their communities. Through service projects such as the St. Jude Trail Ride fundraiser, the Rays Riding Rascals Tack Sale and veteran wreath-making initiatives, she helps youth connect their skills and interests to a larger purpose.
Outside her service to 4-H, Short also helps expand agricultural literacy through her involvement with the Macomb County Farm Bureau’s Project Rural Education Days. Through this program, she helps introduce students and families to agriculture, food production and potential agricultural career pathways, making agriculture accessible to youth from both rural and urban backgrounds.
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 Bryan Shirk of Branch 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.
