Florida 4-H Hall of Fame

Louis E. Larson, Jr.

Louis E. “Woody” Larson Jr. began his first 4-H project at the age of 12 with a Brown Swiss heifer. His enthusiasm for the breed and his success at showing them popularized the breed among Florida dairymen. His leadership skills were recognized  and he competed in national dairy cattle events. He became a volunteer 4-H leader, a coach for the dairy judging team and a judge for county shows. His dairies have been the sites of many dairy judging events and seminars for local and state teams. Many 4-H’ers begin their dairy projects with a trip to a Larson dairy. He has always valued the helping aspect of 4-H and he encourages 4-H’ers to “pass that help along.” His financial contributions to the program are substantial and he says he is making an  “investment in kids.”  Larson has mentored many youth and adults alike and his insight and quiet wisdom have benefited the entire 4-H program. Okeechobee 4-H members, leaders, parents and agents are in debt to Woody Larson for the unselfish and caring contributions he has made to the 4-H program.