Mr. Harry Laws served as a County Agent for 34 years (1975-2010), working closely with the 4-H program and helping it succeed. Harry started the strawberry flat and citrus sales that bring in funds to operate the West Baton Rouge 4-H program. As a West Baton Rouge 4-H agent he tripled participation in 4-H Short Course and the 4-H livestock program. Harry assisted agents in Pointe Coupee and Iberville in training for short course and livestock work as well as other 4-H activities. He also helped establish the Tri-Parish Farm Forum Day. After retirement, Harry offered to pay the $1 enrollment fee so all 4th graders could join 4-H in the Parish and has continued to pay this fee even though dues increased to $3 per member. He organized and developed the WBR Parish 4-H Foundation, donating personal funds to ensure its success. He has been instrumental in the success of the West Baton Rouge Parish Fair and serves on the fair board. Harry organized the Louis Mouch Scholarship in the Louisiana 4-H Foundation and donated $20,000 to start the fund. He also brought the Nolan Reech Award to the parish. Harry serves on the Livestock committee and was also the driving force in bringing a PRCA Rodeo to the parish. Many parish council members commented that Harry’s dedication and work in the parish influenced them to build the new West Baton Rouge Extension Office, which is a spacious and professional space for 4-H and extension activities. Harry is a member of the Louisiana 4-H Agents Association and received the Distinguished Service Award from the Louisiana County Agents Association for his work with farmers and 4-H families. He is well respected in West Baton Rouge parish and serves on several parish and community boards. Because of Harry's immense contributions to West Baton Rouge Parish, in 2011the parish named The Harry Laws Classic annual fall livestock show in his honor. With his support, the show has continued to grow.
Please join us in welcoming Mr. Harry Laws to the Louisiana 4-H Hall of Fame!
The LSU AgCenter and the LSU College of Agriculture