SU Ag Center Participates in Formosan Termites Research Project

SU Ag Center Livestock Program Manager Christie Monroe watches LSU student assistants assemble a termite light-trap behind the Maurice A. Edmond Livestock Arena. 

The assembled termite light-trap is expected to capture 350 Formosan termites.

Baton Rouge, La. – May is just around the corner and that means the start of termite season.

According to LSU Ag Center entomologist Gregg Henderson, the number of Formosan subterranean termites found in traps placed around the parish is increasing; a sign that the number of the pest is on the rise.

Henderson and several student assistants have placed light-traps throughout East Baton Rouge and neighboring parishes to see if 2015 will continue the growing trend of increased numbers of termites.

One of the traps was placed behind the Southern University Ag Center’s Maurice A. Edmond Livestock Arena.

Henderson said he expects the trap to catch about 350 termites. Based on his research, the termites are planned to swarm in early to mid-May.

The Formosan termites are more aggressive than the U.S. species. In a report from the New Orleans Mosquito, Termite and Rodent Control Board, the termite’s colonies have caused millions of dollars’ worth of damage in New Orleans alone.

Homeowners should be on the lookout for termite damage. If termites are discovered in a home, the owner should take immediate action to prevent widespread damage.

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SU Ag Center Invites You to Chancellor Williams’s Retirement Celebration

Invitation letter

Baton Rouge, LA - An air of exhilaration, gratitude, and extreme pride is surfacing on the campus of Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center because we are planning to celebrate the legacy of a pioneer!   We want to share the excitement with you.

Dr. Leodrey Williams, Chancellor of the Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center is retiring June 30, 2015 after 50 years of esteemed service.   In an effort to recognize the capacious achievements of Dr. Williams, a celebration is being planned.

You Are Invited

To Join Us In

Honoring the Legacy of a Pioneer:  Dr. Leodrey Williams

50 Years of Esteemed Service

On

Thursday, June 18, 2015

*7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

At

Boudreaux’s

2647 Government Street

Baton Rouge, LA

*The presentation ceremony will begin promptly at 7:00 p.m. Attire:  Semi-Formal

We invite you and your guest (s) to attend this celebration.  Appropriate gifts and a book of letters will be presented to Dr. Williams as mementoes.  If you wish to participate in any of the planned activities, please complete the appropriate section of the form below and return it with the associated fees no later than May 30^th for planning purposes.

Name _________________________ Organization/Affiliation _______________­­­______

Address _______________________  Telephone ____________ Email______________

Deadline May 30, 2015

Table for ten ($500.00)              @ ____ =         _________

Individual Ticket ($50.00)           @ ____ =       _________

            Donations                                                         _________

            The Leodrey Williams Scholarship Fund        _________

All payments should be made to the Southern University Foundation.  Mail checks and letters to:  Southern University, P. O. Box 10010 Baton Rouge, LA  70813.   Attention:  Gloria London. Celebration Contribution - $50.00 includes Reception, Dinner, and Gift). 

For other ticket information, call Gloria London at 225-771-4107. If you have questions please contact Linda Early Brown, Chairman of the Retirement Committee at retirementsuag2015@gmail.com. 

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SU Ag Center’s iLead Club Makes History During Youth Legislative Session

 Students from the St. Helena College & Career Academy participated in the 2015 Youth Legislature held at the Old State Capitol on April 22-23. Pictured from left on the front row are SU Ag Center Assistant Area Agent Nicolette Gordon, Kevelyn Brown, Chemeya Price, A'Laysia Lee and Youth Coordinator Toni Melton. Standing on the second row, beginning from the left are, Kody Murray, Brant Muse and J'Quailyn Floyd.

A'Laysia Lee stands behind the podium in the House Chamber. Lee was elected as a Youth Representative during the 2015 Youth Legislature held at the Old State Capitol.

Brent Muse learns how to cast his vote for Governor during the Youth Legislature.

Kevelyn Brown, who was elected as a Youth Senator, stands behind a podium in the Senate Chamber of the Old State Capitol.

Baton Rouge, La – Seven students in the Interactive Leaders Engaging & Advancing Democracy (iLEAD) Club at the St. Helena College & Career Academy participated in the Youth Legislature Session host by the Boys & Girls Club at the Old State Capitol in Baton Rouge, Louisiana on April 22-23.

The student’s participation marked the first time that students from St. Helena Parish were chosen to participate in the session.

Youth Legislature, which has been in existence for more than 35 years, is a program that introduces middle school students to the legislative process through classroom instruction and participation in a two-day mock legislative session. Students elect a Governor and House and Senate officers. They also draft, sponsor, debate, pass and fail bills, as well as, lead and serve on legislative committees and speak publicly before an audience.

iLEAD is an in-school club developed by Nicolette Gordon, Assistant Area Agent at the Southern University Ag Center. The club is dedicated to training student government officers and members locally in St. Helena and Tangipahoa Parish schools.

“This experience allowed the iLEAD members to enhance their knowledge of not just passing a bill, but the entire political process,” said Gordon of the students. “Club members were also able to share resources and exchange ideas with students from other schools around Louisiana.  Much of what they learned can be applied as life-management skills as well as improving their quality of school life.”

Students participating in the Youth Legislature and their elected positions were:

Kevelyn Brown - Youth Senator

Kody Murray - Youth Representative

Brant Muse - Youth Representative

J'Quailyn Floyd - Youth Representative

Chemeya Price - Youth Representative

A'Laysia Lee - Youth Representative

The students were accompanied on the trip by Gordon and Youth Coordinator Toni Melton.

Click the following link to view a video of the 6th session of the Youth Legislature, https://youtu.be/42taVQKfajU.

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SU Provides Free Excel Training to Madison Parish & Surrounding Areas

Event Flyer

Residents from surrounding parishes are welcome to attend

Baton Rouge, LA – Current and potential small business owners are invited to attend a free Microsoft Excel training at 6 p.m., April 30 in the LSU/SU Ag Center, 114 North Cedar Street in Tallulah.

This interactive training will teach small business owners how to develop budgets, financial cash flow statements, profit and loss statements, balance sheets, bar and circular charts and track scheduled appointments.

The lack of record keeping allows small businesses to operate without knowing whether or not they are making a profit or suffering a loss. This excel training will provide the skills needed to measure business performance, track daily activities, gather data,  and create simple small business financial statements.

The Center for Rural and Small Business Development at the Southern University Ag Center is hosting the training in collaboration with the Economic Development Administration University Center (EDAUC) in the College of Business at Southern University’s Baton Rouge campus. This is the fifth session in a series of trainings aimed at boosting the economy of Madison Parish and surrounding areas.

For additional information or to pre-register for the training, contact Mrs. Sarah Sims at 318.574.2465 or Eual Hall at 225-771.4105.

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SU Ag Center to Collaborate on Braud Cattle Farm Field Day

Event flyer

Baton Rouge, La. – The SU Ag Center will co-sponsor a Field Day on Braud Cattle Farm, May 2, at Braud Cattle Ranch, 21370 Burdette Lee Rd, Amite, LA 70422. Registration begins at 10:30 a.m. This FREE program is from 11:00 a.m. until 5 p.m.

Topics will include: Pasture Improvement & Management, Dr. Ron Strahan, LSU AgCenter; Body Count Condition, Dr. Gary Hay, LSU AgCenter; Herd Health Programs Prevention vs Treatment, Ahmad Robertson, SU Ag Center.

SU Ag Center, A.N.R. Agent, Ahmad R. Robertson and Malcolm Braud will co-sponsor the event.  For more information, contact Ahmad R. Robertson at 985-748-5462 or ahmad_robertson@suagcenter.com or arobertson@agcenter.lsu.ed

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Graduation Program set for SU Ag Center School Garden Participants

Event flyer

Baton Rouge, LA- Approximately 75 students from Southern University Laboratory School, Scotlandville Magnet High School and Scotlandville Pre-Engineering Middle Academy will participant in the Southern University Ag Center’s School Garden Graduation Program at 9 a.m., April 29.

The students are being honored for their participation in the yearlong United States Department of Agriculture/National Institute of Food and Agriculture program titled, “Eradicating Food Deserts through the Development of School Gardens.”

During the project, students learned basic, transferable gardening techniques from the SU Ag Center's self-produced curriculum. This school year, the youth had the opportunity to grow seasonal vegetables, interact with gardening professionals and try new recipes using their own goods.

“In the wake of rising issues with food and dairy products, the project has become more significant,” said Tiffany Franklin, Project Coordinator of the SU Ag Center’s School-Based Gardening Projects.  “In food desert areas, teaching youth how to grow their own fresh goods is an invaluable experience that they can use for a lifetime.”

 

“Stephanie Elwood's expertise has been instrumental in the success of the program the past three years,” added Franklin.

 For more information about the SU Ag Center’s School Gardening Program, contact Tiffany Franklin at 225-771-2775.

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SU Ag Center’s BOLD Project Participants Take Their Message to the Airwaves

Members of the 2015 BOLD Project pose for a photo at radio station KOCZ 92.2FM in Opelousas after discussing their community projects. Pictured from left are Leisha Cousin, Karen Marchand, Dana Isaac, JaLesia Cousin, and Angell Jordan. Standing on the second row from the left are Darryl Robertson, Alderman Tyrone Glover, a former BOLD participant and Dr. Marlin Ford.

Baton Rouge, LA - The Building Opportunities through Leadership Development (BOLD) Project class traveled to Opelousas, Louisiana on Saturday, April 18 to hold a round table discussion at radio station KOCZ 92.2FM with members of the Opelousas community. One of these members was newly elected alderman and former BOLD participant Tyrone Glover. Alderman Glover, who is the station’s programming director, also served as host of the workshop.

Madelyn M. Rosette, Executive Director of the Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) for Children of St. Landry Parish and Charles Ranard, former educator and former Welfare and Attendance Supervisor for St. Landry Parish, spoke to the participants on the topics of community service, advocating for children, learning how to help motivate and build youth self- esteem, parenting and the church's responsibility in the community.

After the discussion, the BOLD participants were allotted three minutes to discuss their current class community projects. They had the opportunity to mention their residential cities and parishes, and how their projects will impact these communities.

Dana Isaac, Extension Assistant, Community & Economic Development, SU Ag Center facilitated the trip.

The BOLD Project, developed by SU Ag Center’s assistant specialist of community and economic development, Dr. Kenyetta Nelson-Smith, improves the leadership development capacity of rural and under-served communities throughout Louisiana. It is an evaluative and technical assistance project designed to develop teams of emerging leaders who work together across racial, class and community boundaries in innovative ways to promote community and economic development.

BOLD members and their parishes are:

Darryl Robertson, East Baton Rouge Parish

Leisha Cousin, St. Tammany Parish

Angell Jordan, Evangeline Parish

JaLesia Cousin, St. Tammany Parish

Karen Marchand, East Baton Rouge Parish

Marlin Ford, Ph.D., East Baton Rouge Parish

For additional information on the BOLD Project, call 225.771.5598.

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Southern University Ag Center Mourns the Loss of Arthur Dantzler

Arthur Dantzler

Baton Rouge, La - The Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center family offers prayers and condolences to Arthur Dantzler’s Family.  On Friday, April 17, 2015, Arthur Dantzler, a Research Farm Specialist II, passed away at his home.  Dantzler worked at the poultry, dairy, goat and swine units and will be greatly missed.

Funeral Arrangements:

Viewing: Saturday, April 25, 2015, from 9:00 am to 10:30 am

Services: Saturday, 11:00 am at Scotts-Bluff Funeral Home, 8546 Scenic Highway Baton Rouge, LA

Please keep Dantzler’s family in your thoughts and prayers as they go through this difficult time.

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Southern University Wellness Walk Teaches 1890 History Lesson

Walk in session

Dr. Peoples brings greetings to participants

The young and old walking together

Dr. Brown gives closing remarks

Walkers warm up ready to move

Students - Allen, left and Taylor learn while they walk

Baton Rouge, La - In celebration of the 125^th Anniversary of the 1890 Morrill Act, the SU community held a wellness walk on Thursday, April 23. The walk started at 9:00 am from Pinkie Thrift Hall, through campus and concluded at the Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center. The registration fee was $18.90; with all of the proceeds going toward the University’s Justin Morrill Scholarship Fund. Dr. VerJanis Peoples, Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs at the SU Baton Rouge campus, gave the opening remarks before the walk and Dr. Adell Brown, Exec. Vice Chancellor and Vice Chancellor for Research at the SU Ag Center gave the closing remarks. Displays on the history of 1890 and SU were set up for participants to view in Pinkie E. Thrift and A.O. Williams Halls.

During the walk, which had more than 100 students, faculty and staff and community participants, some students were asked why they walked with the group. Victoria Allen, a junior majoring in Psychology and Delovely Taylor, a senior majoring in Accounting both answered, “For fitness and health.” The opportunity presented itself for a brief lesson on the 1890 history. 

Senator Justin Morrill introduced the Second Morrill Act of 1890. This Act, which was passed by Congress, included the stipulated that African Americans were to be included in the U. S. Land-Grant University Higher Education System without discrimination. Today, the Southern University System and 18 other institutions proudly carry the distinction of 1890 Land-Grant Universities.

The Southern University System will continue to hold events through the year to celebrate this occasion.

For additional information about upcoming events for the 1890 celebration planned by the Southern University System visit, http://www.suagcenter.com/PageDisplay.asp?p1=2251

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SU Ag Center has Strong Presence at Southern University Day at the Capitol

 SU Family at the Capitol

Baton Rouge, La - The Southern University Day at the Capitol event was held today, April 22. SU Alumni joined together with faculty, staff, students, administrators and supporters of the Jaguar Nation to stand up for the University.

In the event that the major budget cuts slated for higher education in the state of Louisiana are implemented, Southern University, in particular, will be substantially impacted. Our existence is in jeopardy! Thus, we are making every effort to save and strengthen Southern University by supporting and participating in the forum and letting the Legislators and Governor know that Southern University is vital to the state, the nation and the world! Several speakers including legislators, President of SU System, chancellors of all five campuses, SGA President, Alumni President, etc., all addressed the supporters. Dr. Adell Brown, Executive Vice Chancellor & Vice Chancellor for Research represented the SU Ag Center Chancellor.

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SU Ag Center's Urban Forestry Program Holds Seminar

conservation program session 

USDA Forest service session

e-fuel demonstration

tree decay testing

tree decay discussion

Using e-fuel by-product, Biochar as soil amendment

Louisiana urban forestry overview

Baton Rouge, La – The Urban Forestry Program at Southern University Ag Center held seminar and workshop on Tuesday, April 21, 2015.  The workshop shared the latest information about urban forests and green infrastructures in Louisiana. There were expert presentations on education, research and extension activities in Urban and Community Forestry and Urban Natural Resources. Participants learned about the latest technologies available for managing city forests. A forum for diversity and community involvement in urban forestry and natural resources was also held.

Topics presented included: Urban Forestry and Natural Resources Conservation Program at Southern University and A&M by Dr. Kamran Abdollahi, Program Leader and Graduate Director; Overview of the USDA Forest Service - Ashlee Ransom, Liaison Officer, USDA FS; Overview of the Louisiana Urban Forestry Council - Scott Courtright, Vice President; Overview of the East Baton Rouge Urban Parks - Ray Harold Lawson; Overview of Baton Rouge Green Programs - Robert Seeman; Integrating Climate Change Science into Urban Forestry Curriculum through Research, Education, and International Collaboration - Zhu Hua Ning, Ph.D. Professor, SU Urban Forestry Program; Louisiana Arborists Certification - Hallie Dozier, Pd.D., LSU Ag Center; Live Oak Maintenance by Fred Fellner, Ph.D., Director of Landscape Services, LSU; Utilization of Spatial Technologies, GIS and Remote Sensing in Urban Forestry - Fulbert Namwamba, Ph.D., Professor, SU Urban Forestry Program; Understanding Urban Wetlands Potential in Mitigating  Climate Change through Performance Indicators - Andra Johnson, Ph.D. Associative Professor, and Christopher Chappell, Ph.D., Research Scientist, SU Urban Forestry Program; Potential Urban Forest Waste Utilization for Biofuels and Bio-products production - Kamran Abdollahi, Ph.D., SU Urban Forestry Program; and Tree Interactions with Ultraviolet Radiation - Yadong Qi, Ph.D. Professor, SU Urban Forestry.

Hands-on experiential learning and demonstration in the Laboratories included: Tree Decay Detection Using State of the Art Equipment; GIS and GPS Techniques; Ground Penetration Radar; Biofuel Production & E-Fuel System; Portable Photosynthesis System (Li-Cor System); and Soil and Erosion Determination on the SU Bluff.

The event was organized by Kamran Abdollahi, Professor and Director, Urban Forestry Program, and can be reached at 225-771-3535 or 225-324-8206; or via mail: kamrana664@cs.com

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SU Ag Center Participates in LSU AgMagic Event

Children interact with Christie Monroe at rabbit display booth

Visitors play nutrition game with Jasmine Gibbs, left, and Lisa Weber, right

Frankie Poland tells children about the harmful effects of tobacco use 

Baton Rouge, LA - The Southern University Ag Center is partnering with the LSU AgCenter to present AgMagic, an interactive event that teaches children about Louisiana’s agriculture through fun exhibits and activities, and its importance to their lives. The event is going on during the week of April 20-26 in the Parker Coliseum – Highland Road near the south gates of LSU- on the LSU campus, and is free and open to the public.

As part of the partnership, the SU Ag Center is providing a rabbit display, a nutrition game, and a tobacco cessation exhibit. The Center also provides SU J.A.G.I.E activity books and tote bags for the teachers’ packets. On Tuesday, April 21, the rabbit display was manned by Christie Monroe, Livestock Program Director; the nutrition game by Lisa Weber, Nutrition Education, St. James and Ascension Parishes, and Jasmine Gibbs, Nutrition Educator, Lafayette and St. Landry Parishes; and the tobacco cessation exhibit by Frankie Poland, Regional Coordinator, Communities of Color Network in East Baton Rouge.

During the event, visitors get a chance to look inside the brain, make animal tracks, watch eggs hatch and plants grow, learn where food comes from, walk through the forest, and learn about 4-H, bugs and see alligators.

The LSU AgCenter has hosted AgMagic since 2004. For additional information, visitwww.LSUAgCenter.com/AgMagic.

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SU Ag Center’s 'Keeping On My Tiara Tour' Comes to a Royal End

HIV/AIDS Awareness was discussed during the 'Keeping On My Tiara Tour'.

Young ladies learn how to care for their skin at a mobile make-up station.

"Keeping On My Tiara Tour" participants pose for a photo after the event.

Dr. Kelli Joseph, Superintendent of the St. Helena Parish School District, attended the "Keeping On My Tiara Tour" held at the St. Helena College & Career Academy on March 26.

Amite, La – The Southern University Agricultural Research & Extension Center’s (SUAREC) “Keeping On My Tiara Tour,” has come to a royal end. Over 40 Outstanding Mature Girlz (OMG) were in attendance during the March 26 and April 17 workshops held at St. Helena College & Career Academy and Kentwood High Magnet School, respectively. 

In a day when teen girls are heavily influenced by social media with negative body images, and overt sexual content the OMG Club strives to give the balance that is often missing.  Young queens were allowed to literally keep their “Tiaras” on as a representation that they will not be pressured into risky behavior during this prom season or afterwards.

Sashika Baunchand, Regional Advocate for AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF), was onsite to educate the group of wonderful young ladies about HIV/AIDS Awareness.  Nicolette Gordon, Assistant Area Agent, (SUAREC) demonstrated proper techniques to care for their natural hair, and the importance of a well-balanced diet to achieve healthy hair. Rose J. Guy, a Mary Kay Beauty Consultant, provided a mobile make-up station to educate the outstanding young ladies on caring for their natural nails and skin.  After the completion of each session, the young ladies were encouraged to visit a Salad Station to fix a cup-size salad with their favorite dressings.

“I really don’t like to eat salad, but after today I will try,” said Krista Madison of St. Helena College and Career Academy.

The tour was well received by school administrators, and many are looking forward to what’s in store for next year.  The SU Ag Center will continue to promote the empowerment of young women, and the Outstanding Mature Girlz Club as a place where every girl should be!

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SU Ag Center Hosts Successful Small Ruminant Field Day despite Rainy Weather

FAMACHA Certification discussion

Hoof trimming demonstration

Vaccination demonstration

Hands-on fecal egg count

fecal egg count demonstration

Children learn about animals

Baton Rouge, La – The Southern University Ag Center along with LSU and S.A.R.E. held a field day for small ruminant farmers who showed up in numbers despite the steady rain on April 18.

Farmers defied the rain and gathered at A. O. Williams Hall to soak up useful information. In the food safety session, the presenter discussed sanitation aspect of plant and animal production, concluding that healthy producers make safe produce and healthy consumers. The herd health management presenter highlighted the Louisiana climate which makes goat and sheep susceptible to parasite related death and ways to prevent occurrence. All sessions concentrated on increasing the profit margin.

Topics covered included: Sheep production and diversification of small ruminants by S. Gebrelul and J. Miller; On-farm food safety practices – Fatemeh Malekian and A. Adhikari; Small ruminant health management – R. Marshall; Profitable small ruminant marketing – O. Lukongo; Forage Management – E. Twidwell; and Composting animal carcasses – S. Gebrelul and E. Runles. Other sessions included a discussion panel on “Opportunities and Challenges of Small Ruminant Production, FAMACHA Certification, Wet lab fecal egg count, soil testing, as well as demonstrations on band castration, hoof trimming, and injection.

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