Baird, who serves on the Mason County Commission, is one of four Mason County residents to receive the honor. According to Baird, Gus Douglas, Walden Roush and Dave McCurdy, all of Mason County, have been enshrined into the hall of fame.
He described being inducted as a great accomplishment.
“I’m honored to accept the award,” Baird said. “It is one of the greatest honors I’ve received.”
Baird was officially enshrined into the hall of fame on July 24 during a special recognition dinner, which was held at WVU’s Jackson’s Mill State 4-H Conference Center in Weston. Baird was inducted for his work in agriculture. Also enshrined in agriculture were Joseph O. Harper and Jacob M. McNeel, Jr. Those enshrined for forestry were Alvin C. Allison, William L. MacDonald and Eugene P. Shreve.
Baird was born and raised in Mason County. He attended Mason County schools and graduated from Point Pleasant High School in 1951. He later volunteered for the United States Army. After a tour of duty, he was honorably discharged from service and began farming with his father. In 1971, he purchased the farming operation from his father and spent the next 30 years farming 600 acres. He also kept more than 100 head of beef cattle as well as raised hay, corn, wheat, barley and soybeans.
In addition, he has served several terms on what was originally known as the A.S.C.S. committee, now the Farm Service Agency. Baird also has served on the old Farmers Home Administration Committee and is a 51-year member of the Farm Bureau. Currently, Baird is serving his 18th year as a supervisor on the Western Conservation District and is a charter member of the West Virginia State Farm Museum. Baird has previously served as president and vice president of the West Virginia Association of Conservation Districts.
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