2009 Mahaska County - Lee Norris

Lee Norris was an active 4-H member, leader, volunteer and advocate for 4-H in Mahaska County, starting at the age of 9 with his first Hampshire pig, laying the foundation for his lifetime career.

He served on many local, county, state, and national boards and always worked towards making the hog business profitable for all hog producers.  Lee judged many 4-H hog shows over the years and continued to compete in hog shows locally, state-wide and even nationally for over 60 years.

He took great pride in helping boys and girls start in a 4-H project with one of his Hampshire pigs.  He loved working with kids and always encouraged them to do their very best with what they had available.   He would help teach them how to feed, keep record books, show livestock, and they would often come back to him for advice and guidance.  He also believed youngsters sometimes needed a boost to begin in 4-H so he provided that help when needed.  He would give a hog, usually a bred gilt, and require a small pig back from the first litter as his payment.

Lee encouraged his own three children, four grandchildren and a great-grandchild to be active in their 4-H projects.  He knew that the skills, knowledge and responsibility that they gained from their 4-H projects and experiences would help to make them stronger leaders as adults.