MSU Extension 4-H

Dickinson County 4-H alumnus State Sen. Edward W. McBroom, of Vulcan, is among ten 4-H alumni inducted into the 2024 class of the Michigan 4-H Emerald Clover Society. McBroom 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.

State Sen. McBroom is a fourth-generation dairy farmer who was an active member of the Dickinson County 4-H program. In addition to operating his family’s 100-year-old farm, raising Holsteins, corn, wheat, and hay, McBroom represents the Upper Peninsula’s 38th Senate District and serves as the dean of the Michigan Senate Republican Caucus. Before being elected to the Michigan Senate in 2018, McBroom served three terms in the Michigan House, from 2011 to 2016. Before entering politics, McBroom was elected to the Michigan Farm Bureau’s Young Farmer Committee in 2006 and served there until 2010.

As a public servant, State Sen. McBroom has made a career of helping people in his community and across the state. He has chaired many legislative committees that have had lasting impacts on U.P. residents and other Michiganders. He is a proponent of government reform and openness, an advocate for vocational education in the state, and a partner in helping local businesses and projects secure funding and resolve issues.

“Through 4-H, I learned the important values of cooperative learning as I learned new skills through classes, from judges and by competing in many shows,” said McBroom. “It reinforced the values of hard work, patience, and sportsmanship. I also received a valuable education in communication skills as I learned to communicate agricultural values with non-farmers through the fair.”

State Sen. McBroom is very active in his community, serving on the U.P. State Fair Authority, as dairy superintendent of the Dickinson County Fair, and as director of the Norway City Band. He also directs music at the First Baptist Church of Norway. He is a committed 4-H parent, helping his children with their club and projects and supporting fair auctions and events. In addition, McBroom serves as an enthusiastic host to 4-H Capitol Experience attendees and other 4-H youth who visit the Michigan Capitol each year.

McBroom holds bachelor’s degrees in music education and social studies secondary education from Northern Michigan University. He has been honored with the Silver Plow Award from the Michigan Farm Bureau, the Sunshine Award from the Michigan Press Association (in 2016 and in 2022), and was named a 2021 Michiganian of the Year by the Detroit News.

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; Maurice J. Kaercher, Kalamazoo; 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.