Southern University Ag Center and College of Agriculture: March 2013

Contact:

Bridget Udoh

(225) 771-5714

Monday, March 25

Southern University Ag Center scientists, students ready for national conference

Contending students conduct mock presentation

Baton Rouge, La - Research scientists who hold joint appointment on the SUBR campus and Southern University Ag Center are mentoring students to present their research findings at the 2013 ARD Symposium scheduled for April 8 in Jacksonville, Florida. The scientists have been working with 13 graduate and undergraduate students towards the 17^th Biennial competition. The Symposium targets students from 1890 institutions across the nation, vying for top cash prizes in a stiff competition.

The Association of 1890 Research Directors (ARD), Inc. is the federation of the 18 autonomous 1890 land grant universities that provides coordination of research initiatives among member 1890 Institutions in cooperation with federal, state and private partners.

In 1890, Congress passed the Second Morrill Act for the enhancement of African American higher education. Since then, the Historically Black Land-Grant Institutions, commonly referred to as 1890 Institutions and located in 17 Southeastern states, have served as a vital national resource by supplying most of America’s university trained black population in the land-grant tradition. The 1890 institutions have a strong commitment to improving social and economic success for the United States.

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Contact:

Bridget Udoh

(225) 771-5714

Southern University Ag Center’s program acquires biofuel-making training

Abdollahi addresses question posed by trainee

Baton Rouge, La - Southern University Ag Center’s Urban Forestry & Natural Resource Management Program research scientists, led by Dr. Kamran Abdollahi are always seeking different ways to reduce waste in the urban ecosystem in an environmentally friendly way, particularly in the aftermath of hurricanes. Dr. Abdollahi sought a novel and efficient technology to recycle tree debris that had stressed most of Louisiana following Hurricane Katrina in 2005. In his quest, Abdollahi collaborated with the industry sector and identified a state of the art Micro biofuel system that could produce biofuel from biomass. He obtained funding from the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture to enhance bioenergy education, research and outreach in Louisiana and the region. He also secured additional funding to acquire three Micro-Fueler systems from E-Fuel Corporation in California. Since then, Floyd Butterfield, the inventor of Micro-Fueler System and VP Biofuels, has made several trips to train research scientists and students on the proper utilization of the system. The Micro-Fueler (a Mini Biofuel Factory) is capable of converting processed waste biomass into biofuels such as diesel and ethanol. Mr. Butterfield indicated that the company’s goal is converting waste and agricultural feedstock such as corn, into fuel for vehicles and/or to generate power, further citing this as a more economical approach than transporting debris to landfills.

“We think that fuel independence is valuable for everyone,” said Butterfield.

The company foresees many additions and directions for the machine as well as biofuel production, especially given the constantly rising gasoline prices.

Energy production is currently controlled by huge companies. Making the home ethanol system available to small scale producers through a sustainable self-generated means would boost the local and regional economies while benefiting the environment.

Abdollahi and Butterfield are collaborating on creating public awareness with the possibility of setting up a training facility at Southern University Ag Center to benefit the south. Louisiana State University is also a partner in the project and a representative made a presentation on the topic.

According to the BioMass Energy Center, Biomass is biological material derived from living, or recently living organisms. In the context of biomass for energy, this is often used to denote plant based material, but biomass can equally apply to both animal and vegetable derived material.

For further detail, contact Dr. Kamran Abdollahi at Kamran_abdollahi@suagcenter.com or 225-771-2242.

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Contact:

Bridget Udoh

(225) 771-5714

Tuesday, March 19

Southern University Ag Center Schedules 44th Annual Horse Show and Trail Ride

Horse show

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. Click here for event flyer.

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, March 12

Southern University Ag Center hosts workshop to boost student recruitment

Executive Vice Chancellor & Vice Chancellor for Research
Adell Brown welcomes counselors

Baton Rouge, LA –The Southern University College of Agricultural, Family and Consumer Sciences, in collaboration with the Agricultural Research and Extension Center, hosted a workshop for 30 High School counselors to encourage student enroll in the food and agricultural sciences at Southern.

The workshop was sponsored by USDA/NIFA grant entitled “JAGS in AG: Recruitment, Exploration, and Retention.” Dr. Renita Marshall, Associate Professor, serves as the PD for the project with co-PDs Dr. Rawls, Associate Research Director, Dr. Kenyetta Smith, Extension Specialist and Dr. Gary Simon, D.V.M.

A website that can be downloaded onto mobile devices is available at www.jagsinag.org. This site will be updated as the project progresses.

For further detail, please contact Renita Marshall at 225-771-0252 or via email: renita_marshall@suagcenter.com

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Contact:

Bridget Udoh

(225) 771-5714

Monday, March 4

SU Ag Center concludes annual livestock show

Elvadus Fields (Center) receives award for 50 years of service
with the SU Livestock Show
L-r: Chancellor Leodrey Williams, Livestock Show Mgr, Christie Monroe, Vice Chancellor EubanksPicture by Christopher J. Rogers

Baton Rouge, LA –The Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center concluded its 70^th Annual Livestock Show with more than 350 participants from across the state this past weekend. This year, the show was a celebration of decades of service to youth, providing them opportunity to learn leadership and life-long skills, and build friendships for life. The Ag center developed a video depicting an oral history of the show. During the two-day event, young farmers and ranchers from across the state had the opportunity to display animals that were showcased or have won in parish competitions. After the show, judges named state champions in various breeds of beef and dairy cattle, hogs, sheep, lamb, and goats. The all-time favorite mini-farm, featuring a variety of small farm animals, and tours attracted school-age youth from local schools. Tour stops explained different animals, their food sources, farming, and how agriculture affects everyday life.

Winners received premiums, rosettes, ribbons, and banners. An awards presentation for exhibitors of champion market animals was held, followed immediately by the Junior Auction Sale. This year’s show was dedicated to long-time Livestock Show Director, James C. Archie who died this past December. He worked for both Southern University and Louisiana State University Ag Centers for more than 30 years.

Results from the 2013 Livestock Show

2013 Beef Breeding Division

Chris Robichaux, Superintendent

Curtis Chisley, Ring Master

Category: Brahman Influence – Heifer

Champion: Regan Cornet, DeSota Parish

Reserve Champion: Regan Cornet, DeSota Parish

Category: Non-Brahman Influence – Heifer

Champion: Chloe Thompson, Bossier Parish

Reserve Champion: Cassie Decoteau, East Baton Rouge Parish

Category: Brahman Influence – Bull

Champion: Chase Cornet, DeSoto Parish

Category: Non-Brahman Influence – Bull

Champion: Mitchell Miles, Winn Parish

Reserve Champion: Cassie Decoteau, East Baton Rouge Parish

Category: Commercial Heifer

Champion: Mitchell Miles, Winn Parish

Reserve Champion: Trevor Delee, West Feliciana Parish

Category: Beef Showmanship

Champion: Chloe Thompson, Bossier Parish

Reserve Champion: Cassie Decoteau, East Baton Rouge Parish

2013 Junior Dairy Division

Beth Brakeville, Superintendent

Victor Womack, Ring Master

Category: Supreme Champion

Champion: Chandler Salley, Sabine Parish

Reserve Champion: Chandler Salley, Sabine Parish

2013 Commercial Dairy Division

Beth Brakeville, Superintendent

Victor Womack, Ring Master

Category: Supreme Commercial Champion

Champion: Hayden Spann, Sabine Parish

Reserve Champion: Emily Revera, Sabine Parish

Category: Dairy Showmanship

Champion: Chandler Salley, Sabine Parish

Reserve Champion: Hayden Spann, Sabine Parish

2013 Market Goat Division

Mary McMahon, Superintendent

Lisa Gray, Ring Master

Category: Goat Showmanship

Champion: Jarred Coleman, Bossier Parish

Reserve Champion: Ethan Coker, Claiborne Parish

2013 Market Lamb Division

Terrance Marshall, Superintendent

Category: Lamb Showmanship

Champion: Caroline Dupee, Bossier Parish

Reserve Champion: Kalee Wich, Bossier Parish

2013 Market Hog Division

Terry Washington, Superintendent

Jason McCray and Odis Hill, Ring Masters

Category: Swine Showmanship

Champion: Catlin McBride, Ouachita Parish

Reserve Champion: Mitchell Miles, Winn Parish

Market Champions

Division	Exhibitor	Parish
Grand Champion Market Steer	Destiny Morris	West Feliciana
Reserve Champion Market Steer	Freddie Allen	Tensas
LA Breed Market Steer	Dalacey Jackson	Tangipahoa
LA Bred Reserved Champion Steer	Mashayla Dyson	Tangipahoa
Champion Market Hog	Kade Huval	St. Martin
Reserve Champion Market Hog	Mitchell Miles	Winn
Champion Market Lamb	Caroline Dupree	Bossier
Reserve Champion Market Lamb	Katilyn Matthews	Claiborne
Champion Market Goat	Shae Fontenot	Cameron
Reserve Champion Market Goat	Spencer Lipsey	Winn

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Contact:

Bridget Udoh

(225) 771-5714

Friday, March 1

SU Ag Center Livestock Show, a Family Affair

Camryn Castrogovannie, 7, prepares to take ring

Freddie Allen, 11, takes the ring with steer

Baton Rouge, LA - The Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center’s 70^th Annual Livestock Show is in full swing. The day started bright and early with showmanship competitions, involving hogs, lambs, steers and goats. Group tours for local k-12 students included stops at cow milking, gardening, and potato harvesting stations. This family friendly event continues to draw crowd until Saturday, March 2.

For further information, please contact Christie Monroe at 225-771-4350 or Christie_monroe@suagcenter.com

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Contact:

Bridget Udoh

(225) 771-5714