MSU Extension 4-H

Bryant Janetzke is 18 years-old and has been an active member in the Kent and Ionia County 4-H programs for 14 years. As a 4-H’er, he has been involved in multiple livestock projects areas, including goats, sheep, dairy feeder, rabbits, cavy, dairy and dogs. Bryant has achieved much success, winning the Sweepstakes Showman Award multiple times, multiple 4-H scholarships, and being named a Michigan 4-H State Award winner in 2024 for Companion Animal Science. Currently, he is a freshman at Michigan State University in the Lyman Briggs College, majoring in actuarial science with a minor in Agribusiness Management.  

In September, Bryant shared a personal essay reflecting on the impact of the Michigan 4-H program on his life. The following is his testimonial, delivered to guests at the 2024 Michigan 4-H Legacy Awards Celebration. 

4-H started for me at five years-old by owning my first goat and has since turned into so much more. When picking out my first goat, I thought I would need something small, since I was only five, however with great guidance through a family friend who was the leader of a 4-H goat club, she guided me to owning Saanens. This is the largest breed of dairy goat but also the most docile. From the first time showing, my leader said that I was a natural. Over the years, I took that advice and perfected my techniques, always striving to be the best that I could be by learning from the best. I have taken the skills that I learned through 4 H and worked hard to compete beyond the county fair with my goats, rabbits and dogs.  

Most recently, my hard work raising, training and competing with my dog had led me to qualify three times to show at the AKC Westminster Dog Show in New York and four times at the AKC National in Orlando, Florida. I am thankful to have had older youth mentors who gave me time and patience to learn and grow in each species that I showed. Even at a young age and through to today, when I could give back to fellow 4 H members by guiding them through the showmanship steps, I took the time to do so.   

This is what 4-H is all about: giving back to the community, always striving to be better and to make the best better. Living the 4-H way led me to service as my high school’s National Honor Society president, serving over 150 hours of community service in two years, both in and out of 4-H. Some of the things I did included assisting Cloverbuds at shows and practices, setting up or tearing down rings, and starting a club of my own. I have brought in new club members, been a part of multiple clubs in two counties, educated others, served my high school, and spent time at the elementary schools spreading ways that they can be involved. 

This involvement also led to me spending a full school year mentoring and tutoring a second grader. With patience, time and building a relationship, he was able to make huge gains. It is so rewarding to see him years after, as it is not always about the banners and ribbons. The 4-H journey becomes so much more.  

Through experiences in 4-H programs like Exploration Days, sporting events and various shows on campus at the MSU Pavilion, I began to show interest in MSU at a young age. I have always set high goals for myself in the classroom, knowing that Michigan State is a competitive school. I learned good study habits and paved a path for myself.  

This path led to multiple scholarships, one of which was the MSU 4-H scholarship. Being able to stay in the same dorm during 4-H Exploration Days as the one where I live today allowed me to prepare for college more efficiently. When I got here in the fall, I already knew where most buildings were because of Exploration Days.  

4-H gave me my first interactions with people who I did not know, such as talking with business owners when I was preparing to sell my livestock at the fair. It allowed me to form communication skills, which led me to successes in FFA, leadership roles, and my daily life. I am able to strike up conversation with anyone that I meet. These skills will prove to be important in my future job.  

While showing animals, it was the handshakes, life lessons and memories that I formed that mean the most. The people who I met were always, and still are, an important part of my journey. I always encourage people to join 4-H. I enjoy the new challenges that come my way and 4-H continues to give me an opportunity to push myself in different ways.