MSU Extension 4-H

Melissa Barnett LaForest of Wayne County was among four Michigan Farm Bureau 4-H Excellence in Agriculture Award recipients honored on Sept. 30 during the Michigan 4-H Legacy Awards Celebration. The event was hosted by Michigan State University Extension and the Michigan 4-H Foundation in East Lansing. 

The award recognizes the outstanding youth education and leadership development achievements of Michigan 4-H volunteers in the beef cattle; dairy cattle; goats; horses; horticulture, crops and soils; poultry; rabbits; sheep; swine; and veterinary science project areas. Honorees receive $1,000 grants they can use for training, to buy supplies or curriculum, or to enhance local or statewide programming. 

LaForest’s passion for horses started when she was a 4-H member. Today she shares that passion with 4-H members as a 4-H volunteer. LaForest started volunteering with the Wayne County 4-H program in 1991 and has since become instrumental in the county’s 4-H horse program. She is a volunteer leader for the Mustangers 4-H Club, a group known for its efforts to maintain the county fairgrounds and participate in outreach experiences. In addition, LaForest serves as president of the Wayne County 4-H Horse and Pony Association, a member of the county fair board, and the chairperson of the county fair equine division. 

“It would be difficult to say [my greatest reward] but I could narrow it down to two things,” said LaForest. “First, I feel being a 4-H leader has given me a way to feel that I can ‘return the favor’ to 4-H. I’ve always felt indebted to 4-H because it led me to my career as a horse trainer, farm owner and riding instructor. Secondly, 4-H has given me unlimited opportunities to share my love of horses with so many young people. It has always been important to me that future generations understand, love, and care for horses the way I have my entire life.” 

Working with other Wayne County 4-H volunteers, LaForest helped develop the county’s 4-H protégé horse program. This program allows young people to learn horsemanship and animal care in a safe environment. Additionally, LaForest runs the master equestrian program, which allows older Wayne County youth to expand their horsemanship and professional skills. Over the years, LaForest has also led horse clinics for local young people and participated in the Michigan Farm Bureau’s Project RED (Rural Education Day). Her efforts and passion for the 4-H horse program have influenced countless young people and will continue to support the program for years to come. 

The Michigan 4-H Legacy Awards Celebration was hosted and emceed by MSU Extension Associate Director Matt Shane, a Kent County 4-H alumnus and 2014 4-H Emerald Clover Society inductee. The other 2023 recipients of the 4-H Excellence in Agriculture Award are Katheryn Bell of Oakland County, Marie Curell of Lapeer County and Dione M. Oliver of Alpena County.

The award is supported by an endowment with the Michigan 4-H Foundation that was established by Michigan Farm Bureau. To learn more about the 4-H Excellence in Agriculture Award and awardees visit https://mi4hfdtn.org/4-h-emerald-awards/michigan-farm-bureau-4-h-excellence-in-agriculture-award/. 

The Michigan 4-H Foundation is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization that supports Michigan 4-H Youth Development. For more information about the Michigan 4-H Foundation, visit www.mi4hfdtn.org. Michigan 4-H Youth Development is the youth-serving program of MSU Extension. Nearly 100,000 youth are involved in 4-H with the support of 9,000 adult volunteers. For more information about Michigan 4-H, visit www.4h.msue.msu.edu.