Southern University Ag Center

Contact:

Bridget Udoh

(225) 771-5714

Tuesday, May 14

SU Ag Center Launches Course for Faith-Based Leaders in Pointe Coupee Parish

Class in session

Baton Rouge, La – The SU Ag Center has launched a series of classes for Faith-Based Leaders in New Roads, Pointe Coupee Parish. Dana Isaac, grant assistant for Building Opportunities through Leadership Development (BOLD), launched the initial “BOLD For Faith-Based Leaders Class” on Saturday, May 4, 2013 in New Roads, attracting 13 participants.

The program’s main goal is to enhance and strengthen faith-based leaders and make them better equipped to serve their institutions and their communities. The classes will be held every Saturday, 10:00 a.m.-12:00 noon, for 6 weeks at the Pointe Coupee Community Resource Center, New Roads, LA, from May 4 - June 15.

BOLD is a statewide grassroots leadership development project under the direction of Dr. Kenyetta Nelson-Smith, assistant specialist for community and economic development. BOLD for Faith-Based Leaders is an extension of the BOLD project, focused solely on faith-based institutions, which will empower persons in leadership positions to become more effective in their roles.

For additional information, contact Dana Isaac at 225-771-3902 or dana_isaac@suagcenter.com

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Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/suagcenter

Contact:

Bridget Udoh

(225) 771-5714

Monday, May 13

SU Ag Center to hold free seminar on ‘How to Start or Expand a Business’ in Tangipahoa Village

BATON ROUGE, LA — The Center for Rural and Small Business Development at Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center will hold a free business development seminar on “How to Start or Expand a Business,” from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Thursday, May 21 at Brown’s Chapel Missionary Baptist Church, 70427 Martin Luther King Jr. Highway 1050 (formerly Cole Street), in Tangipahoa, La.

The seminar is free and open to all current and potential small business owners. Participants will learn how to start or expand an existing business, receive the forms and applications needed to legally operate a business in the state of Louisiana, and information to ensure that an existing business continues to operate efficiently.

To register for the seminar or for additional information about the Center for Rural and Small Business Development or its E-Learning Center, contact LaKeeshia Giddens at lakeeshia_giddens@suagcenter.com or via phone at 225.771.2160 or Eual Hall at eual_hall@suagcenter.com or via phone at 225.771.4105.

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Contact:

Bridget Udoh

(225) 771-5714

LaKeeshia Giddens assisted with this press release.

Friday, May 10

Window of opportunity to response to USDA 2012 census closes on May 31

Baton Rouge, La – On May 6, 2013, the U.S. Department of Agriculture urged farmers and ranchers not to miss this opportunity to be counted and help determine the future of farming in America. The window to respond to the 2012 Census of Agriculture officially closes on May 31. The USDA has already received more than 2 million completed Census forms.

The Census of Agriculture, conducted only once every five years, is the only source of consistent and comprehensive agricultural data for every state and county in the nation.

The information is used by agribusinesses, town planners, local governments, and policy makers, as well as farmers, ranchers, growers and others to shape farm programs, boost rural services and grow the future of farming.

The 2012 Census will provide a complete picture of agriculture that will be used to shape the future of agriculture, rural America, and the lives of those USDA serves for years to come.
The deadline to respond to the Census of Agriculture is only a few weeks away on May 31. USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) may contact producers by phone or in person to collect Census information since time is running out.

Farmers and ranchers can also return their forms by mail or online by visiting a secure website, www.agcensus.usda.gov.

For more information about the Census, including helpful tips on completing your Census form, visit www.agcensus.usda.gov or call 1-888-4AG-STAT (1-888-424-7828). The Census of Agriculture is your voice, your future, your responsibility.

For full story, visit the Daily Herald

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Contact:

Bridget Udoh

(225) 771-5714

SU Ag Center: Live Oak Galls Study Included in Global Species Database

Dr. Yadong Qi

Baton Rouge, La – Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center scientist’s study on live oak galls caused by a species named Arnoldiola atra has been included in the Global Species Database. The article links back to the Ag Center website by clicking on the blue tree thumbnail next to the species name. This means the research work done by the scientists at Southern University and Ag Center has created significant impact on the global community. Dr. Yadong Qi, professor of Urban Forestry and project director, commented on the publication: “We are very happy to see this happening. Also, hats off to the Ag Center webmaster and communication staff for a job well done.” Congratulations to Dr. Qi!

For further details, contact Dr. Qi at 225-771-5385 or via email yadong_qi@suagcenter.com

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Contact:

Bridget Udoh

(225) 771-5714

Tuesday, May 7

SU and LSU Agricultural Centers Host National Conference

Chancellor Leodrey Williams addresses participants

New Orleans, La - Southern University and Louisiana State University Agricultural Centers are jointly hosting the 2013 National Extension and Research Administrative Officer’s Conference (NERAOC) in New Orleans, Louisiana. The conference started on Sunday and continues through Wednesday, May 8. More than 500 officials from land-grant institutions, experiment stations and the National institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) are registered for the conference. This year’s conference with the theme, “Partners in the Journey” is critical and is slated to assist participants in best practices of collaborating to reduce costs.

In his welcome address on Monday, May 6, Deputy Director for Food and Community Resources Dr. Ralph Otto, commended participants for work they are doing and also spoke about the FY 2013 Federal Budgets. Chancellor Bill Richardson, LSU Ag Center and Chancellor Leodrey Williams, SU Ag Center also addressed the participants and discussed the current budget situation in the State of Louisiana. Both chancellors urged attendees to take some time to tour the rich cultural and historical heritage in New Orleans and the surrounding areas and to help boost Louisiana economy by spending some money while they are here in the state. In her address on behalf of the Louisiana Commissioner for Agriculture & Forestry, the Associate Commissioner for Public Policy and Governmental Affairs, Dr. Carrie Castille, spoke about the significant role of New Orleans ports in US agricultural exports. Dr. Calvin Mackie, author, mentor and motivational speaker in his keynote speech, urged the attendees to continue providing hope to all including the hopeless, underserved, socio-economically disadvantaged youth and families, despite budget uncertainties.

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Contact:

Bridget Udoh

225-771-5714

Friday, April 26

SU Ag Center to host HUBZone Boot Camp for small businesses

Registration form

Baton Rouge, La - The U.S. Small Business Administration will hold HUBZone Boot Camp at Southern University Ag Center on May 16, 2013 from 9:00 AM – 12:00 Noon. Registration and Networking begin at 8:00 AM in Room 138, A.O. Williams Hall.

This boot camp for residents of Historically Underutilized Business Zone (HUBZone) is themed “HUBZone – Creating Jobs Where They are Needed Most.” The event is free and open to the public. However, pre-registration is required. Click here for Registration form and further detail: http://db.tt/bDfixr7c.

For additional information, please visit: http://www.sba.gov/hubzone; Call 504-589-6688 or 504-589-6685. To register for the event, please EMAIL: jo.lawrence3@sba.gov

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Contact:

Bridget Udoh

(225) 771-5714

Wednesday, April 24

SU Ag Center to hold free business development workshop in Ville Platte

Event flyer

Baton Rouge, LA - The Center for Rural and Small Baton Rouge, LA - The Center for Rural and Small Business Development at Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center will hold a free business development workshop on “How to Start, Expand and Market a Business.” The event will take place in the Educational Center of the Disciple Baptist Church, 1342 W. Beech Street, Ville Platte, La., from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, May 4, 2013.

The workshop is free and open to all current and potential small business owners. Participants will learn how to start or expand an existing business; receive the forms and applications needed to legally operate a business in the state of Louisiana, information to ensure that an existing business continues to operate efficiently and methods of marketing a business.

For more information or to reserve seating, call:

LaKeeshia Giddens Eual Hall

Southern University Ag Center Southern University Ag Center

(225) 771-2160 (225) 771-4105

lakeeshia_giddens@suagcenter.com eual_hall@suagcenter.com

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Contact:

Bridget Udoh

(225) 771-5714

Monday, April 22

Earth Day 2013: Fun, food, and learning

SU student volunteer & Ag Center staff teach youth how to make recyclable pots for planting

Ag Center staff Elwood and middle school student Wilson teach families how to grow seeds

Baton Rouge, LA – Today, April 22, 2013 Louisiana celebrates Earth Day, an annual national event. SU Ag Center joined in the celebration which started on Sunday, April 21 from noon-8:30 pm in Downtown Baton Rouge. Booth 19 featured the SU Ag Center gardening and tobacco free living information for participants. Participants learned about planting and harvesting crops for food as well as the side effects of using tobacco products. Southern University students volunteered to assist staff on educating the public about Ag Center gardening.

Educational materials and children’s activities took place from noon to 5 p.m. along North Boulevard while live entertainment featured from noon to 8:30 p.m.

This afternoon, Delmont Gardens Branch Library, on Lorraine Street, celebrated earth day with a program targeting surrounding community members of all ages. Southern University Ag Center represented by Stephanie Elwood, Extension Associate for community gardens, taught attendees how to make and use recyclable flower pots. Visitors to the booth took home potted sunflower seeds to nurture and enjoy. The Flower Lover’s Garden Guild also presented different types of flowers and plants alongside the Ag Center.

Elwood was assisted by 13-year old Reshay Wilson of Kenilworth Middle School. Reshay says she is learning and helping because she has done this before.

“Last year, Ms. Stephanie came by my house and asked my mom if she would like a garden by the house. Mom said yes. So she planted a garden with cucumbers, squash and some herbs. Then I signed up for the 2012 Summer Garden ‘Program” at the Southern. Now I like showing other people how to grow things like sunflower.” Reshay is on spring break this week.

For more information, visit Louisiana Earth Day at http://www.laearthday.org

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Contact:

Bridget Udoh

(225) 771-5714

Wednesday, April 17

SU Ag Center Goat Field Day is May 4

Event flyer

Baton Rouge, LA - The Southern University Ag Center announces the Small Ruminant Field Day to be held on Saturday, May 4, 2013 at the Maurice A. Edmond Livestock Arena. This educational event is open to everyone who is currently involved with goat and sheep production or those interested in learning more about raising goats and sheep. The field day will feature presentations on parasite management, holistic approach in small ruminant production systems, small ruminant processing, and parasite control including FAMACHA training. Demonstrations and hands-on learning will include FAMACHA training, wet lab/fecal analysis, soil testing, and spinning and weaving sheep wool.

There is no charge for this field day. However, those who are interested in becoming FAMACHA trained will incur a cost of $10.00 for the color guide chart. Registration will begin at 8:00 am at the Maurice A. Edmond Livestock Arena and the program begins at 8:30 am.

For more information, contact:

· Shonta Manuel at (225) 328-7265, shonta_maunuel@suagcenter.com

· Sebhatu Gebrelul at (225) 771-3841, sebhatu_gebrelul@suagcenter.com

· Lisa Gray at (225) 205-4857, lisagray2020@gmail.com.

For more information contact: Mila Berhane, Dawn Mellion-Patin, or Zanetta Augustine at 225-771-2242

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Contact:

Bridget Udoh

(225) 771-5714

SU Ag Center’s Professor Emeritus authors Rabbit Production Book

Book cover

Baton Rouge, La – SU Ag Center Professor Emeritus James McNitt is senior author of the recently published 9th edition of the book entitled Rabbit Production, now available online. Although the book will be released in May, 2013, you may pre-order it now at Amazon.com. ISBN-10: 1780640110 or ISBN-13: 978-1780640112.

“This new edition of Rabbit Production has been fully updated throughout. Mainly concerning rabbits bred for meat and fur, it also contains practical information on pet rabbits, show rabbits and rabbits used as laboratory animals. Core topics are covered, including rabbit genetics, reproduction, health and diseases, behavior, welfare, fur and meat production, rabbit production in developing countries, slaughtering and the marketing of rabbit products. Current areas of interest such as animal welfare and coat color genetics are expanded in the new edition. An important resource for all those involved in rabbit production, this book is also vital reading for students and researchers of animal science and meat production, as well as the keen amateur rabbit enthusiast.”

Rabbit Production was published by CABI, Oxfordshire, UK. The authors are James I. McNitt, Professor Emeritus, Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center; Peter R. Cheeke, Professor Emeritus, Oregon State University; Nephi M. Patton, Professor Emeritus, Oregon State University; and Steven D. Lukefahr, Regents Professor, Texas A & M University-Kingsville.

Dr. McNitt can be contacted at jimcnitt@att.net or by telephone at 225- 654- 9252.

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Contact:

Bridget Udoh

(225) 771-5714

Tuesday, April 16

Southern University Ag Center’s Container Gardening Workshop for home and office

Baton Rouge, LA - The Southern University Ag Center will host a Container Gardening Workshop to assist with all your plant needs, on Tuesday, April 23, from 2:00-4:00 pm at the SU Greenhouse. Come out and learn tips from our professional plant experts.

What to bring:

· Problem plant,

· Young or old plants

· Planters/containers

The SU Ag Center will provide potting soil, and fertilizer.

For more information contact: Mila Berhane, Dawn Mellion Patin, Zanetta Augustine at 225-771-2242

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-www.suagcenter.com-

Contact:

Bridget Udoh

(225) 771-5714

Click here for the fact sheet

Southern University Ag Center: 24-week shake/smoothie study

Baton Rouge, LA – The Southern SU Ag Center is looking for participants who are interested in lowering weight, body fat, and blood pressure by consuming breakfast shakes/smoothie made from whey protein and resistant starch for 24 weeks from May 6-November 6, 2013. Participants will be compensated with $300.00 at the end of the 24 weeks.
To qualify, applicants must be:

African American
19-40 years old
Willing to lose weight
Willing and able to pick up the shake mixture from A. O. /Williams Hall, Southern University, Baton Rouge once a week
Willing to participate in a nutrition education class once a week at A. O. Williams Hall

For more information please call Fatemeh Malekian at 225-771-0251 or Janana Snowden at 225-771-2734.

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-www.suagcenter.com-

Contact:

Bridget Udoh

(225) 771-5714

ridget_udoh@suagcenter.com

a

Saturday, April 13

Southern University Ag Center: Horse Show and Trail Ride in full swing

On parade route

Baton Rouge, LA - The Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center kicked off its 44^th Annual Horse Show and Trail Ride, April 12 at the Maurice A. Edmond Livestock Arena in Baker with gates opening at 12:00 noon. Trail riders from as far as Texas, Mississippi, and North Louisiana converged in Baton Rouge for the event. The horse parade including riders of all ages galloped around the Baker area with different horse riding associations. The event concludes tonight with performance by local entertainers.

The Last of the Dying Breed Club from Clinton headed by Chris McKnight and Ray Davis came arrayed in red riding gear with youth of all ages. “We bring youth riders together to have fun, learn discipline, showmanship, and stay out of trouble,” said McKnight.

The East Baton Rouge Southern Jr. Posse led by Megan Johnson came in blue outfit. Ms. Johnson reported that, “They have been coming to the show since they were babies. We welcome kids of all ages to learn showmanship, grooming and responsibility. In addition, our youth go out and teach other kids how to prepare their animals for the show. The club is open to all EBR youth even those without horses.”

For further detail, please contact Christie Monroe at 225-771-4350 or via email: christie_monroe@suagcenter.com

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Contact:

Bridget Udoh

(225) 771-5714

Friday, April 12

Annual Horse Show and Trail ride kickoff

SU Trail Ride on US 61

Baton Rouge, LA - The Southern University Ag Center kicks off its 44th Annual Horse Show and Trail ride with the cowboys trail team rolling along to the M. A. Edmond Arena on US Highway 61 in Baker.

Trail riders from as far as Texas, Mississippi, and North Louisiana travel to Baton Rouge annually for the event. The horse parade will gallop around the Baker area with different horse riding associations on Saturday. Participated in the parade will include riders of all ages. Local entertainers will be on hand to perform at the event. The gates opened at 12:00 noon today. Gate fees are: $20 for the weekend; $10 for Friday; and $15 for Saturday.

For further detail, please contact Christie Monroe at 225-771-4350 or via email: christie_monroe@suagcenter.com

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Contact:

Bridget Udoh

(225) 771-5714

Southern University Ag Center’s Horse Show and Trail Ride starts today

event flyer

Trail riders from as far as Texas, Mississippi, and North Louisiana will travel to Baton Rouge for the event. The horse parade will gallop around the Baker area with different horse riding associations, from which, first and second place winners will be selected by judges. Participated in the parade will include riders of all ages. Local entertainers will be on hand to perform at the event.

For further detail, please contact Christie Monroe at 225-771-4350 or via email: christie_monroe@suagcenter.com

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Contact:

Bridget Udoh

(225) 771-5714

Tuesday, April 9

SU Ag Center scientists lead students to excellence at national conference

1st Place l-r: Delane Ross, Lilian Profit, Chris Chappell

Jacksonville, Florida - Southern University College of Agriculture, Family and Consumer Sciences students mentored by SU Ag Center scientists raked up awards at the 17^th Biennial Research Symposium hosted by the 1890 Association of Research Directors in Jacksonville, FL., April 6-10, 2013. Altogether, about 400 students competed in the different program areas for plaques and cash awards. Four students from Southern won awards for their excellent performance in the oral and poster presentation categories at the ARD Symposium. The students who won first place were: Christopher Chappell, doctoral student, Urban Forestry mentored by Dr. Andra Johnson; Delane Ross, Animal Science senior, mentored by Dr. Patricia McLean-Meyinsse; and Lilian Profit, graduating senior, Animal Science mentored by Dr. Renita Marshall. And winning third place in the poster presentation category, Michael Breithaupt, pursuing a Master’s degree in Urban Forestry was mentored by Dr. Yadong Qi. Kudos to our students and their advisors!

The symposium convened with more than 900 participants from 18 Historically Black Land-grant Institutions in 17 states to share research information, collaborate, network, and expose students to graduate school and job opportunities. This year’s theme was “1890 Research: Sowing Seeds of Change for the Global Community,” and included five research program areas: Animal Health and Production and Animal Products; Family, Youth, Community and Economic Development; Food Safety, Nutrition and Health; Plant Health and Production and Plant Products; and Renewable Energy, Natural Resources, and Environment.

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Contact:

Bridget Udoh

(225) 771-5714

Thursday, April 4

Annual Procurement Conference ends on high note

Gloria London please with conference attendance

Baton Rouge, LA - The Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center had the Smith Memorial Student Union teeming with small business owners and experts in the field sharing and learning information at the 9^th annual "Connecting Businesses with Contracts" Procurement Conference today Thursday, April 4. The event kicked-off with registration at 7:30 a.m. on the Southern University A&M College campus, attracting a crowd of nearly 400 participants including new and existing businesses, exhibitors, private and government agencies.

“We wanted people to come out and learn how to do business right, and they showed up, I’m very pleased at the turn out,” said Gloria London, Director of the Center for Rural and Small Business Development at the SU Ag Center.

The annual conference fosters partnerships between all small businesses including small disadvantaged, woman-owned, veteran-owned, Hubzone, Federal, State and Local Government Agencies and major prime contractors. This event is free and open to all current and potential small business owners, contractors and the public.

Representatives from the United States Small Business Administration were available to discuss Small Business Administration programs and services, loan guarantees, certification process, government contracting opportunities and surety bonds. The Louisiana State Contractors License Board, Louisiana Economic Development and Louisiana Secretary of State’s Office were also available to answer questions from individuals and businesses.

For more information, contact Gloria London at (225) 771-4107; Eual Hall, Business Development Specialist, at (225) 771-4105; or LaKeeshia Giddens, Program Director, E-Learning Center, at (225) 771-2160.

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Contact:

Bridget Udoh

(225) 771-5714

SU Ag Center Celebrates Leadership Class Graduation in Washington, DC

Class of 2013

Baton Rouge, La – The Small Farmer Agricultural Leadership Institute is holding an official graduation ceremony in Washington, DC today, April 4, 2013 for its Class IV participants converging from 14 states across the nation. Dr. Dawn Mellion-Patin, Director of the Institute and Chancellor Leodrey Williams, SU Ag Center, were there to bring greetings to the graduating class. The team heard presentations from five of the 18 USDA Agencies. Representatives from those agencies shared information about their programs that are of benefit to minority farmers, limited resource producers/land owners, etc. One of the presenters was Ronald Harris, Director NRCS, Outreach and Advocacy Division. The Keynote Speaker for the ceremony was Dr. Kathleen A. Merrigan, Deputy Secretary, US Department of Agriculture. Following graduation, class members were scheduled to visit both the US Senate and House of Representatives Chambers. Several SU alumni in key positions with USDA were on hand to welcome them and share information about programs available from their agencies. The five USDA agencies represented were: Farm Service Agency (FSA), National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA), Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS), Forest Service (FS), and Natural Resources Conservation Services (NRCS).

For further information, contact Dawn Mellion-Patin at 225-771-3532 or via email: dawn_mellion@suagcenter.com

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Contact:

Bridget Udoh

(225) 771-5714

LaKeeshia Giddens assisted with this press release.

Tuesday, April 2

Southern University Ag Center’s 44th Annual Horse Show and Trail Ride is April 12-13

Baton Rouge, LA - The Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center will host its 44^th Annual Horse Show and Trail Ride, April 12-13 at the Maurice A. Edmond Livestock Arena in Baker. Trail riders from as far as Texas, Mississippi, and North Louisiana will travel to Baton Rouge for the event. The horse parade will gallop around the Baker area with different horse riding associations, from which, first and second place winners will be selected by judges. Participated in the parade will include riders of all ages. Local entertainers will be on hand to perform at the event.

For further detail, please contact Christie Monroe at 225-771-4350 or via email: christie_monroe@suagcenter.com

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Contact:

Bridget Udoh

(225) 771-5714

Monday, April 1

The SU Ag Center’s 9th Annual Procurement Conference is April 4

Exhibitor registration form

Baton Rouge, LA – The Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center will hold its annual "Connecting Businesses with Contracts" Procurement Conference on Thursday, April 4. The event will kick-off with registration at 7:30 a.m. in the Smith-Brown Student Union on the Southern University A&M College campus, 500 Jesse N. Stone Avenue, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70813.

The conference fosters partnerships between all small businesses including small disadvantaged, woman-owned, veteran-owned, Hubzone, Federal, State and Local Government Agencies and major prime contractors. This event is free and open to all current and potential small business owners, contractors and the public. For participant or exhibitor registration form, contact Gloria London at (225) 771-4107.

Now in its 9^th year, this annual Procurement Conference has become the premier event for small businesses throughout the state of Louisiana. Attendees will receive information on developing effective marketing strategies and capability statements, pricing, contracting with federal, state and local government agencies, methods of financing, licensing laws and consumer protection issues. Participants will also be able to network with other small business owners and contracting agents.

Representatives from the United States Small Business Administration will be available to discuss Small Business Administration programs and services, loan guarantees, certification process, government contracting opportunities and surety bonds. The Louisiana State Contractors License Board, Louisiana Economic Development and Louisiana Secretary of State’s Office will also be available to answer questions from individuals and business owners.

The conference is being hosted by the Center for Rural and Small Business Development at the Southern University Ag Center, the U.S. Small Business Administration, Louisiana Small Business Development Centers of Baton Rouge and Lafayette, Louisiana Economic Development and the Louisiana Procurement Technical Assistance Center.

Please fax your participant registration form to (337) 482-1215, ATTN: Peggy Sammons at the Louisiana PTAC before March 29, 2013. Onsite registration will also be available. Federal, State, Local Government Agencies and major prime contractors are welcome to serve as exhibitors for the event. Potential exhibitors are urged to submit an exhibitor registration form to jo.lawrence3@sba.gov or fax to (504) 589-2339, by April 2, 2013. For further detail, please call (504) 589-6688 or (504) 589-6690.

To obtain more information or a registration form to serve as a participant or exhibitor, contact Gloria London, Director of the Center for Rural and Small Business Development, at (225) 771-4107; Eual Hall, Business Development Specialist, at (225) 771-4105; or LaKeeshia Giddens, Program Director – E-Learning Center, at (225) 771-2160.

Visit us at www.suagcenter.com or http://www.crsbd.com/

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Contact:

Bridget Udoh

(225) 771-5714

LaKeeshia Giddens assisted with this press release.

Tuesday, March 26

Deadline extended for Hispanic and Women Farmers, Ranchers to file Claims by May 1, 2013

Baton Rouge, LA - Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack has announced the extension of the voluntary claims process for Hispanic and women farmers and ranchers who allege discrimination by the USDA in past decades. All claims must now be filed by MAY 1, 2013.

Call center representatives can be reached at 1-888-508-4429. Claimants may register for a claims package (by calling the number or visiting the website) or may download the forms from the website. All those interested in learning more or receiving information about the claims process and claims packages are encouraged to visit the website at any time or to contact the call center telephone number Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern Time.

Claim packages and other documentation may be mailed to Hispanic and Women Farmers and Ranchers Claims Administrator, PO Box 4540, Portland, OR 97208-4540. Claim packages and other documentation may also be emailed to claims@hwfr.org. Claimants may also fax claims packages and other documentation to (855) 626-8343. Completed forms and documentation must be received no later than 11:59 p.m. PDT on May 1, 2013.

Once a claim is submitted to the Claims Administrator, the Claims Administrator will determine if it is timely and complete. If it is, the claim will move to the Claims Adjudicator for a determination on the merits of the claim. USDA may submit evidence to the Claims Adjudicator regarding the claim. If a claim is deemed incomplete, a claimant will be notified by the Claims Administrator and given the opportunity to provide additional information within a certain timeframe. Claimants may check the status of their claims on the claims website.

Website: www.farmerclaims.gov

Phone: 1-888-508-4429

Fax: (855) 626-8343

Email: claims@hwfr.org

Claims Period: September 24, 2012 – May 1, 2013.

For full detail, visit http://content.govdelivery.com/bulletins/gd/USDAOC-72d6da

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Contact:

Bridget Udoh

(225) 771-5714