Gordon honored as outstanding 4-H agriculture volunteer
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EmailMelissa Gordon of Monroe County is among five Michigan Farm Bureau 4-H Excellence in Agriculture Award recipients honored in 2026.
Melissa Gordon, of Monroe 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.
Gordon’s connection to 4-H began as a member of the Monroe County 4-H Horse Program, where she developed a passion for horses and youth development that would later shape her volunteer service. When the program faced significant challenges years later, Gordon stepped forward to serve as general superintendent, providing the leadership and vision needed to revitalize and grow the program.
During her three-year tenure, Gordon transformed the Monroe County 4-H Horse Program through innovative and inclusive educational opportunities. She championed the addition of the Ranch Horse Division and led the transition from age-based classes to a skill-based leveling system, ensuring youth could learn and compete according to their abilities. Her commitment to expanding access to agricultural education led to the creation of the Monroe Equine Development Program, which opened doors for youth without horses through horseless project opportunities, stick horse and model horse classes, and the Miniature Horse Yearling Challenge.
“My greatest reward is giving kids opportunities to grow, learn and lead in the same program that gave me those opportunities,” said Gordon.
Under Gordon’s leadership, program enrollment grew from 60 to 170 members in just two years. Beyond Monroe County, she shared her expertise through the Michigan 4-H Judges Committee and presented the leveling program at the 2025 Michigan State 4-H Judges Conference, inspiring other counties to adopt similar approaches.
A strong advocate for youth leadership and service, Gordon encouraged members to mentor younger participants, volunteer at events and take on leadership roles. She also helped secure fundraising support to renovate a horse barn, creating lasting improvements for future generations. Through her passion, innovation and dedication, Gordon has created a legacy of inclusion, excellence and opportunity that continues to strengthen Michigan 4-H and agricultural education across the state.
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, Bryan Shirk of Branch 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.
