Posted on August 18, 2025 at 8:00 AM by Anna Egan
Michael J. Bauer was a long-time Audubon County 4-H’er and continues his support of the Audubon County 4-H program.
Michael was a member of the Leroy Leaders 4-H club where he exhibited Market Steers, Market Heifers, Breeding Heifers, and Feeder Calves. He showed his first beef project at the Audubon County fair in 1976 and never looked back. He set goals beyond the county level and exhibited at the Iowa State Fair, Aksarben, and the American Royal. He won many awards with his beef projects and on his livestock judging team.
The leadership skills learned in the 4-H program have benefited him his whole life as he has been active in his community and has volunteered within the 4-H program, serving as the beef department superintendent for ten years. He raised his son through the 4-H program and is supporting his daughter as she begins her 4-H career as a current Clover Kids member.
Michael embodies the 4-H spirit of making the best better by always stepping up to volunteer when needed. He has also helped 4-H’ers find affordable projects and has taught them how to be successful in their endeavors. An example of this is when a 4-H member’s father was deployed overseas, and Michael stepped in to help that member with whatever they needed. Michael has always had the theory that a person doesn't need to go out and spend large amounts of money on cattle. With a little time and effort and the right breeding, you can build a successful herd. Michael continues to use his head, heart, hands, and health to help make the Audubon County 4-H program a success.
