Recognized by
Michigan 4-H Youth Development

With support from
Michigan 4-H Foundation

Last updated: May 26, 2004

Owner/operator,
Wooden Purebred Swine Farms

“I believe that without the influence that 4-H has had and still has on my life, I wouldn’t have been as community-minded as I am today. I enjoy helping others—youth, adults, everyone—it’s so fulfilling to my soul. To see the appreciation and joy in helping others gives its own reward.”

Dennis Wooden is a partner in Wooden Purebred Swine Farms in Cassopolis, Mich. He is vice president of the Cass County Farm Bureau board of directors and serves on the state policy development committee for Michigan Farm Bureau. He is also chairperson of the county policy development committee. Wooden is well-known within the swine community for his involvement in the past 19 years with the Michigan Pork Producers Association (MPPA), which he has served terms as president and treasurer. He is currently chairperson of the MPPA pork quality assurance committee and co-chairperson of the Michigan Department of Agriculture’s pseudorabies committee. He is also an active member of the Cass County Pork Producers and was a Michigan delegate to the National Pork Producers Council. He was recognized for his efforts with the 1994 Pork All-American award.

Wooden, a former member of Cass County’s Penn 4-H swine club, has also dedicated his life to his community. His fund-raising efforts with area pork producers and Michigan Farm Bureau helped develop a new complex for the Cass County Council on Aging. He has served as a Cass County 4-H volunteer for the past 27 years and serves on the Cass County Cooperative Extension Advisory Committee. He is also a 4-H swine superintendent for the Cass County Fair and a member of the Cassopolis FFA Advisory Board. Wooden has been a trustee of the First Church of God board since 1999, served terms as board president and secretary, and also serves as worship leader.