2002 4-H Centennial Alumni-The Inaugural Class of the Emerald Clover Society

Recognized by
Michigan 4-H Youth Development

With support from
Michigan 4-H Foundation

Last updated: July 11, 2006

The Emerald Clover Society reflects the ultimate outcome of 4-H membership—extraordinary use of an individual's head, heart, hands and health to make our communities, our country and our world a better place in which to live.

2002 4-H Centennial Alumni: The Inaugural Class of the Emerald Clover Society

Ralph James Frahm Ralph James Frahm, Saginaw County 4-H'er

Retired Agricultural Loan Officer,
First of America Bank

“4-H provided me with a basic understanding of parliamentary procedure.”

Ralph J. Frahm has been a 4-H member, farmer, banker and politician in Saginaw County. For close to 20 years, he operated Elmwood Farms in Frankenmuth in a farm partnership with his family. He has shown dairy cattle for more than 60 years in local, state, national and international venues. He was recognized as Farm Manager of the Year and Outstanding Young Farmer in 1965 and 1964, respectively, for his production and management achievements. In 1978, he transitioned from farmer to banker, working first for the Federal Land Bank of Bay City as a field assistant and retiring in 1994 from First of America Bank of Frankenmuth as an agricultural loan officer.

Frahm’s public service has included of a four-year term on the Saginaw County Board of Commissioners and a 20-year term on the Saginaw County Metropolitan Planning Commission. He has been the Blumfield Township clerk for 20 years. Frahm has been a voice in promoting the need for local land use policies. His community service includes serving as an officer for several industry groups, including the Michigan Milk Producers Association and the Michigan Sugar Beet Growers’ Association, the Saginaw County Agricultural Society and the Saginaw Valley Agricultural Association.