Southern University Ag Center and College of Agriculture: March 2017

Thursday, March 30

SU and LSU Ag Centers set to present AgMagic in April

Event Flyer

Event to teach children about Louisiana’s agriculture through fun exhibits and activities

Baton Rouge, La. – The Southern University and LSU Ag Centers have partnered to present AgMagic, an interactive event that teaches children about Louisiana’s agriculture and why it’s important to their lives.

During the event, visitors will be able to pet live farm animals, learn about 4-H, bugs, watch plants grow and learn where their food comes from.

AgMagic will be held at the Parker Coliseum – Highland Road near the south gates of LSU - on the LSU campus. The event is free and will be open to school groups between April 3 and 7, and open to the general public April 8 and 9.

Schools are asked to schedule a visit via Eventbrite.com by searching for ‘AgMagic.’

The LSU AgCenter has hosted AgMagic since 2004 and named the Southern University Ag Center as a partner for the event in 2015. For additional information, visit www.LSUAgCenter.com/AgMagic.

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Monday, March 27

Students Receive Real-Life Training during Mock Youth Legislative Session at Louisiana’s Old State Capitol

2017 iLEAD Club Youth Senators and Representatives are, from left on the first row, Jacolby Parker, Ronnie Morgan and Kymonin Muse; second row Nicholas English, Mela'Je Hurst, Thrid row, Xavier Gordon, Yelitza Gonzales, Chassidy Millspaugh , Christopher Muse and Corey LaBlanc.

Baton Rouge, La. – Ten students in the Interactive Leaders Engaging and Advancing Democracy (iLEAD) Club at the Kentwood High Magnet School and St. Helena College and Career Academy participated in the 2017 Youth Legislature Session hosted by the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Baton Rouge. The annual event was held March 20 -21 at the Old State Capitol in Baton Rouge.

Youth Legislator, which has been in existence for over 35 years, is a program that introduces middle school students to the legislative process through classroom application, and participation in a two-day mock legislative process. This year students received a surprise visit from Louisiana’s Secretary of State, Tom Schedler.

Young “future political” hopefuls get an opportunity to select a governor, house and senate officers. This year Christopher Muse, an eighth grader at St. Helena College & Career Academy ran for Governor. Although, Muse was a few votes shy of winning the election, he delivered a very clever speech that will resonate with the hearts of many youth legislature participants. Muse was also appointed to the Governor’s Cabinet where he served on both the Health & Welfare, and Commerce Committees.

“I learned many things, while serving on the Governor’s Cabinet,” said Muse.

During the session, youth participants that exhibit an exceptional level of professionalism, positive and frequent participation, and democratic spirit get an opportunity to be inducted into the Hall of Fame. This years’ inductee is Youth Senator Xavier Gordon, an eighth grader at St. Helena College & Career Academy.

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

Students participating and their elected positions were Nicholas English, youth senator; Xavier Gordon youth senator; Ronnie Morgan, youth senator; Mela’Je Hurst, youth representative; Yelitz Gonzales, youth representative; Corey LeBlanc, youth representative; Chassidy Millspaugh, youth representative; Kymonin Muse, youth representative and Jacolby Parker, youth representative.

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Friday, March 24

National Agriculture Day attracts more than 3,000 students to SU Activity Center

SU Band welcomes participants to National Ag Day

Baton Rouge, La. - The Southern University Land-Grant Campus celebrated its 2017 National Ag Day event with the rest of the nation on March 21. Faculty, staff, students from kindergarten to college and community members participated in the celebration with students from area schools numbering in excess of 3,000.

National Ag Day is about recognizing and celebrating the contribution of agriculture in our everyday lives. The event provided not only the opportunity and forum for youth to learn about Louisiana agriculture, but also the platform to meet and recruit potential students to Southern University and particularly, the College of Agricultural, Family and Consumer Sciences.

Southern University System President-Chancellor Dr. Ray Belton and Land-Grant Campus Chancellor-Dean Dr. Bobby Phills, along with numerous administrative staff, were on hand to bring greetings to Ag Day participants.

Activities of the day included a performance by the Southern University Human Jukebox Marching Band to kick off the event; animal and plant displays, demonstrations, a petting zoo, and a bio-processing station, to name only a few of the exhibits offered by the students, staff and faculty of the Agricultural Research and Extension Center, College of Agricultural, Family and Consumer Sciences; USDA agencies and the East Baton Rouge Public Library. Even the Land-Grant Campus mascot was on hand to entertain the crowd. Event photos are available here.

Chancellor-Dean Bobby Phills captured the sensation of the day best in his post event message to the organizer Dr. Renita Marshall.

“Dr. Marshall you hit a HOME RUN today. In fact, it was a GRAND SLAM,” said Dr. Phills. “I can truly say that the Land-Grant Campus is on the move, and people like you and the programs that you all host are simply SUPERB. I am not sure who were all your committee members, but please let them know that I am equally as proud of them as I am of you and your leadership,” said Dr. Phills.

“The last time I saw this many people (3000 + students) in the F. G. Clark Activity Center was during SU Basketball Glory Days. Thus, to see it like this again, warms my spirit. I can’t wait to see it become bigger and better,” added Phills.

For the past five years, Renita Marshall, DVM/Associate Professor of Animal Science has worked diligently to make this event better every year. This year, she stated that the success of the event left her speechless. However, she thanked everyone for showing appreciation to all those in the agriculture industry responsible for feeding over seven billion mouths every day.

“Please accept our sincere gratitude for your help during the 5th Annual National Ag Day Celebration. The goal was to promote Southern University Agriculture, celebrate God's creation and encourage whole family awareness of the role agriculture plays in providing safe, abundant and affordable products to the world. The event was, once again, a great success, and we hope all participants enjoyed it as much as we did,” said Dr. Marshall.

On the eve of the National Ag Day event, Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards signed an official proclamation declaring March 21, 2017 Agriculture Day (Ag Day) in Louisiana. On the day of the event, Agriculture Acting Deputy Secretary Michael L. Young issued a statement on National Agriculture Day.

"Today is National Agriculture Day, set aside to pay tribute to the farmers and ranchers of our nation. The work of American producers and growers ensures consumers in our country have plenty of safe food and a wide variety at a cost lower than much of the world.”

The History of National Ag Day dates back to nearly 43 years ago. According to the National Ag Day’s website, it’s a day set aside to encourage every American to understand how food and fiber products are produced, recognize essential roles of agriculture in maintaining a strong economy and appreciating the role agriculture plays in providing safe, abundant and affordable products. Since 1975, National Ag Day has been the program to spotlight all the great work farmers and ranchers do to feed and clothe the United States and the world.

Over the next 40 years, the Earth’s total population is projected to increase from 7.3 billion to more than 9 billion, meaning that global agriculture producers will need to increase food production by 70 percent to meet demand.

Engaging the next generation is one of the important initiatives of the program, which is achieved by giving youth an overview of Ag Day and exposing them to careers in agricultural sciences.

Washington D.C. is the main hub where National Ag Day happens with a luncheon on Capitol Hill and the USDA main Ag Day celebration dinner.

“The significance is to make sure that the policy makers in Washington D.C. know what farmers and ranchers do,” said Colin Woodall, Vice President of Government Affairs at National Cattlemen’s Beef Association.

“Everyone has to put on clothes and eat every single day,” Woodall said. “Without farmers and ranchers, it wouldn’t be possible.”

Source: farmingmagazie.com

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Thursday, March 23

SU Land-Grant Campus to hold Pruning and Wood Waste Utilization Workshop

Event Flyer

Baton Rouge, La. – The Southern University Land-Grant Campus will hold a Pruning Demonstration and Wood Waste Utilization Workshop from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. on March 28 at the SU Ag Center.

The goal of the workshop is to broaden the ability of landowners, students and the general public to maintain Urban Forest Ecosystems that meet both human and ecological needs.

The workshop is free and open to the public, but pre-registration is required.

To pre-register, email Dr. Kamran Abdollahi at kamran_abdollahi@suagcenter.com or call 225-324-8206.

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Wednesday, March 22

SU Land-Grant Campus Concludes another Successful La. Small Farmer Conference

Small Farmer Conference attendees speak with a representative from the state's Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) during the Soil Health session of the conference.

Baton Rouge, La. – The Southern University Land-Grant Campus held its 7^th Annual Louisiana Small Farmer Conference March 16-18, 2017 at the Southern University Ag Center.

Nearly 200 small farmers from throughout the state attended the three-day event themed, “Innovation and Resilience for Louisiana’s Family Farms.”

This year’s conference kicked off with a grant writing workshop which prepared attendees with information to conceptualize and develop a competitive grant proposal for the Southern Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) Program. Other sessions included Value Added Marketing, Soil Health, a Modern Technology and Farming Drone Demonstration, Farm Labor Issues, Produce Safety and a panel discussion on Bees and Cut Flowers.

Jay Grymes, Chief Meteorologist at WAFB News Channel 9, also presented a session on Climate Change and Small Scale Agriculture. During this session Grymes discussed the August 2016 floods, weather trends within the state and how the trends will affect agricultural production.

The Louisiana Living Legends Banquet was held on the evening of March 17 following the conference’s sessions. This banquet honors individuals who have made significant contributions to Southern University in the areas of Agriculture, Family and Consumer Sciences.

The 2017 honorees were Dr. Patricia Meyinsse, professor of Agricultural Economics at the SU College of Agricultural, Family and Consumer Sciences in Baton Rouge; Dr. Donald McDowell, retired professor of the Department of Agribusiness, Applied Economics & Agriscience Education at North Carolina A&T State University; and Lee Hampton, retired Parish Chair of St. Landry Parish and Cooperative Extension Agent.

The three join 21 others who have been honored with this recognition since 2005.

Dr. John Pierre, Chancellor of SU Law Center was the banquet's speaking and shared the history of the Land-grant System with the audience, which dates back to 1862, the Act developed by Vermont Senator Justin Morrill, and the birth of the 1890 institutions. He continued to explain how Southern University became one of the 19 universities in the country in the 1890 Land-Grant System.

Dr. Pierre stated that in 1890, Congress passed the Second Morrill Act with the stipulation that African Americans were to be included in the land-grant university system. The first Morrill Act was signed into law by President Abraham Lincoln in 1862. LSU is the 1862 land-grant instruction in Louisiana.

The conference concluded with the graduation ceremony for the 2017 Class of the Louisiana Small Farmer Leadership Institute.

The graduates are Delores Andrews; Elaine Brumfield; Ricky Brumfield; Mahdi Cezar; Craig Coleman; Larry Freeman; Chris Hayes; Lillie Howard; Yolanda Renee Lee; Patricia Richardson; Patrick Richardson and Rosie White.

The overriding goal of the Institute is to promote the sustainability of small family farms through enhanced business management skills and leadership development.

“The leadership institute has taken the majority of the participants from being just small producers through the mindset of becoming great producers with limited acreage, herds or holdings,” said Dr. Dawn Mellion-Patin, Vice Chancellor for Extension and Director of the Small Farmer Leadership Institute.

2017 Louisiana Living Legend honoree Dr. Donald McDowell served as the keynote speaker for the graduation ceremony. In his speech entitled “Agriculture is deeper than dirt,” Dr. McDowell advised the graduates to be good stewards of the land and acquired skills.

“Get your land and farm incorporated, get them protected,” said Dr. McDowell. “As graduates of the Ag Institute, you have an obligation to encourage youth to pursue careers in agricultural sciences; you are change agents and must educate the public especially young people about the importance of agriculture,” he continued.

Leroy Conish, a 2011 Institute graduate also spoke to the graduates about his growth since his completion of the course. He stated that he started growing vegetables to improve his health and ended up making money from it.

“Now, I make money from growing okra, and make my community in St. James Parish sustainable,” said Conish.

The highlight of the program was the rendition of the poem “Hey Black Child” by nine-year-old fifth grader Christina Gary from Gilbert Junior High in Franklin Parish, who plans to attend Southern University and pursue a degree in agricultural economics. The poem, penned by Countee Cullen, portrays the power of black youth with proper guidance.

SU Land-Grant Campus Chancellor-Dean Dr. Bobby R. Phills was so impressed by Gary's performance and prospect that he offered her a four-year college assistantship should she pursue an agricultural science degree at Southern University.

Photos from the Small Farmer Conference, Louisiana Living Legends Banquet and Louisiana Small Farmer Leadership Institute Graduation Ceremony are available here.

Tuesday, March 21

National Agriculture Day 2017 in full swing

The SU Human Jukebox kicks off Ag Day celebration

Tractor display

Animal display

Plant demonstration

BATON ROUGE, La — The Southern University Land-Grant Campus is in the full swing of celebrating the National Ag Day event with the rest of the nation at the F.G. Clark Activity Center, attended by youth and adults, until 1:00 p.m.

Gov. John Bel Edwards signed an official proclamation declaring March 21, 2017 Agriculture Day (Ag Day) in Louisiana. Organized by the Agriculture Council of America, National Ag Day is also being celebrated today in communities and schools across the United States, including Southern University.

National Ag Day is about recognizing and celebrating the contribution of agriculture in our everyday lives. Thank you for joining us in showing appreciation to all those in the agriculture industry responsible for feeding over seven billion mouths every day.

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Monday, March 20

Gov. Edwards Proclaims Louisiana Ag Day

Louisiana celebrates National Ag Day with pride

BATON ROUGE — Today, Gov. John Bel Edwards signed an official proclamation declaring March 21, 2017 Agriculture Day (Ag Day) in Louisiana. Organized by the Agriculture Council of America, National Ag Day is also being celebrated tomorrow in communities and schools across the United States.

“We all owe a great debt to the hardworking men and women who raise the quality produce and livestock that all Louisiana families depend on daily,” said Gov. Edwards. “Given the two historic floods in March and August, 2016 was a difficult year for many farms, both large and small. I hope that proclaiming Louisiana Ag Day demonstrates our appreciation for the important work being done by this industry to keep our families healthy and productive, especially when that work is most challenging.”

The people of Louisiana depend on a consistently strong $13 billion annual agriculture industry. About 60 percent of Louisiana’s agricultural income is generated by crops while the other 40 percent is produced by livestock and livestock products. In fact, in terms of income generated, the state’s top five agricultural products are sugar cane, rice, cattle, soybeans and cotton. Additionally, Louisiana exports over $8.3 billion in agricultural products annually.

The Southern University Agricultural Land-Grant Campus will host its annual National Ag Day celebration on March 21 from 9:00 A.M. 1:00 P.M. at the F.G. Clark Activity Center. This year’s theme is “Food for Life.” National Ag Day is a nation-wide celebration where individuals and institutions recognize the importance of agriculture and how it relates to everyday life.

Click here to read the governor’s proclamation.

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Saturday, March 18

Class of 2017 Graduates from Ag Leadership Institute at SU Land-Grant Campus

Class of 2017 graduates flanked by Land-Grant Campus administrators and organizers

Baton Rouge, La. – Following the 7th annual Louisiana Small Farmer Conference at the Southern University Land-Grant Campus, twelve individuals graduated from the Small Farmer Agricultural Leadership Institute on March 18.

They are Delores Andrews; Elaine Brumfield; Ricky Brumfield; Mahdi Cezar; Craig Coleman; Larry Freeman; Chris Hayes; Lillie Howard; Yolanda Renee Lee; Patricia Richardson; Patrick Richardson and Rosie White.

The overriding goal of the Institute is to promote the sustainability of the small family farms through enhanced business management skills and leadership development.

“The leadership institute has taken the majority of the participants from being just small producers through the mindset of becoming great producers with limited acreage, herds or holdings,” said Dawn Mellion-Patin, Vice Chancellor for Extension and director of the Small Farmer Leadership Institute.

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SU Land-Grant Campus inducts three new members as Louisiana Living Legends

l-r: Living Legends Lee Hampton, Patricia Meyinsse, and Donald McDowell

Baton Rouge, La. – Three outstanding individuals were recognized as Louisiana Living Legends during the 7^th annual Louisiana Small Farmer Conference on March 17 at the Southern University Land-Grant Campus.

They are Patricia Meyinsse, professor of Agricultural Economics at the SU College of Agricultural, Family and Consumer Sciences in Baton Rouge; Donald McDowell, retired professor from the Dept. of Agribusiness, Applied Economics & Agriscience Education at North Carolina A&T State University; and Lee Hampton, retired Parish Chair in St. Landry Parish and Cooperative Extension Agent.

The three join 21 others who have been honored with this recognition since 2005. This occasion provides opportunity to honor individuals in research, teaching and extension with links to the SU Land-Grant Campus.

Dr. Bobby R. Phills is Chancellor-Dean of the Southern University Land-Grant Campus; Dr. Dawn Mellion-Patin serves as Vice Chancellor for Extension and organizer of the small farmer conference.

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Friday, March 17

SU Department of Family and Consumer Sciences Ranks 19th in list of 50 Great Value Colleges for Family and Consumer Sciences in the nation

Dr. Doze Butler, Associate Dean, College of Agricultural, Family and Consumer Sciences

Baton Rouge, La. – The academic arm of the Southern University Land-Grant Campus is excelling nationally as well as locally. The Department of Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS) in the College of Agricultural, Family and Consumer Sciences is prominently ranked in the 2016-2017 list of 50 Great Value Colleges for Family and Consumer Sciences. Ranked 19 of 50, it is the only FCS unit in Louisiana to make the list. In its discussion of Southern University’s FCS program, greatvaluecolleges.net wrote, “Practical experience is a priority. All concentrations include opportunities for students to enrich their education through participation in internships, service learning, study tours, or similar activities. Students are also encouraged to join professional and student organizations and regularly participate in events held by these organizations.”

FCS has a small, but dedicated faculty and staff. Faculty members are involved in the full spectrum of activities that are the lifeblood of higher education. They teach, participate in research and other scholarly activities, and engage in service and other outreach efforts. Faculty are known for mentoring and advising students. The Department consistently ranks as the 6th largest producer of Bachelor’s degrees at Southern University.

The rating and ranking methodology used to arrive at the 50 Great Value Colleges for Family and Consumer Sciences includes points for presence of Master’s and Doctoral degree programs, FCS awards and recognition at the national and regional levels, 20-year net ROI, research opportunities, innovative programs and/or teaching methods, study abroad opportunities, FCS internship opportunities, FCS scholarship opportunities, affiliated centers and institutes on campus, related student organizations and societies, and “Wow Factor.”

The top 20 FCS schools in the ranking are: 1) Iowa State University, 2) University of Maryland-College Park, 3) Virginia Tech, 4) University of Idaho, 5) University of Texas-Austin, 6) University of Missouri-Columbia, 7) University of Georgia, 8) Alabama A&M University, 9) University of Wisconsin-Madison, 10) California State University-Fresno, 11) California State University-Long Beach, 12) San Francisco State University, 13) University of Utah, 14) Texas A&M University-Kingsville, 15) Montana State University, 16) University of Kentucky, 17) Western Michigan University, 18) North Carolina A&T State University, 19 ) Southern University and A&M College and 20) Eastern Kentucky University.

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Seminar and Book-signing Event at SU Land-Grant Campus Vast Success

Dr. Rose, far left, and Dr. Daniel, far right, receive warm welcome from
SU Land-Grant Campus' Dr. Marshall (holding the book), and Dr. Chin

Seminar, presented by Rose and Daniel, in session

Baton Rouge, La. – Patti Rose, MPH, Ed.D., a renowned author, presented a seminar at the Southern University Land-Grant Campus on March 16, and it was an overwhelming success. The seminar which focused on solutions to major pressing issues in our communities based on Dr. Rose’s latest book, “Health Disparities, Diversity and Inclusion: Context, Controversies & Solutions,” drew a large crowd. Her book, which examines the health status gap in the U.S.; diversity and inclusion; mass incarceration; educational disparities; the school (K-12 children) to prison pipeline; concerns regarding women, children, rural and urban environments; food injustice and other current, critical issues, sold out. Copies of the book can still be purchased online at http://www.jblearning.com/catalog/9781284090161/

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Monday, March 13

Count down to SU Land-Grant Campus Seminar and Book-signing Event

Event flyer

Baton Rouge, La. – Patti Rose, MPH, Ed.D., author, will serve as guest speaker at the Southern University Land-Grant Campus’s Seminar series on Thursday, March 16, at 3:00 p.m. in A. O. Williams Hall. The seminar will focus on solutions to major pressing issues in our communities based on Dr. Rose’s book “Health Disparities, Diversity and Inclusion: Context, Controversies & Solutions.” The book examines the health status gap in the U.S.; diversity and inclusion; mass incarceration; educational disparities; the school (K-12 children) to prison pipeline; concerns regarding women, children, rural and urban environments; food injustice and other current, critical issues. Copies of the book will be available for purchase, and the author will be on hand to sign them. Full details are available on our website.

For additional information, contact Renita Marshall, DVM, at (225) 771-0252.

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Friday, March 10

Senior Research Associate to lead gardening workshop in Ascension Parish

Event flyer

Baton Rouge, La. - Southern University Land-Grant Campus’s Senior Research Associate Mila Berhane will conduct a workshop on “Gardening to Attract Pollinators,” hosted by the Ascension Parish Library, Dutchtown, on March 21 at 6:30 PM. This event is part of the Ascension Parish Master Gardeners Association’s library series of educational workshops with gardening and landscaping tips geared to both novice and advanced gardeners.

To register, call the library at 673-8699.

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Wednesday, March 8

The Nutrition Education Staff at The Land-Grant Campus is working to Recruit Students

Standing on left are Extension Associate Ellen McKnight, East Baton Rouge Nutrition Educator Kiyana Kelly and East Baton Rouge Extension Office Parish Chair Marquetta Anderson.

Baton Rouge, La. – The Southern University Land-Grant Campus is committed to recruiting students near and far. On February 23, 2017, the Land-Grant Campus' SNAP-ED staff partnered with the Louisiana Resource Center for Educators (LRCE) for the ‘Find Your Future Career and Resource Expo.’

The event was held at the East Feliciana Parish Professional Development Center in Clinton, La. Over nine hundred 10th - 12th grade students, from eight school districts, were in attendance. Expo attendees were engaged and eager to learn about careers in Agriculture.

Over 50 post-secondary exhibitors were represented.

For more information about the Land-Grant Campus’s Nutrition Education programs, contact SU Ag Center at 225-771-2242 or e-mail ellen_mcknight@suagcenter.com.

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Monday, March 6

You are Invited to a seminar by a great Guest Speaker, Author

seminar flyer

Baton Rouge, La. - The Land-Grant Campus seminar on March 16 will feature Patti R. Rose, MPH, Ed.D., Director & Founder, Rose Consulting, Miami, Florida. She will discuss from her book “Health Disparities, Diversity and Inclusion: Context, Controversies & Solutions,” on Thursday, March 16 in Room 191, A.O. Williams Hall, Southern University, Baton Rouge, LA at 3:00 p.m.

During this lecture and book signing event, Dr. Rose will examine the health status gap in the U.S.; diversity and inclusion; mass incarceration; educational disparities; the school (K-12 children) to prison pipeline; concerns regarding women, children, rural and urban environments; food injustice and other current, critical issues. The focus of the book is not solely on problems, but SOLUTIONS, in every chapter!

Full details are available on our website at http://bit.ly/2lDewjy. These seminar series provide the Southern University faculty, staff, students and the Baton Rouge community with information on food and agriculture, academic and research updates that impact the food and agricultural communities, and the citizens of Louisiana. This seminar is unique in that it focuses on health relative to agriculture.

Members of Southern University in Baton and surrounding communities are invited to participate in this timely lecture, and to grab a copy of this very enlightening book.

For more information, contact Dr. Renita Marshall at (225) 771-0252 or via email: renita_marshall@suagcenter.com

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Southern University Agricultural Land-Grant Campus Completes 74th Annual Livestock Show

Exhibitors showing lambs during the 74th Annual Livestock and Poultry Show on March 3 at the Maurice A. Edmond Livestock Arena.

Baton Rouge, La. – The Southern University Agricultural Land-Grant Campus concluded its 74^th Annual Livestock and Poultry Show with nearly 200 exhibitors from across the state this weekend. Young farms eagerly arrived at the Maurice A. Edmond Livestock Arena on March 2 for the three-day event in hopes of being named state champion in the various breeds of beef and dairy cattle, swine, sheep, lamb, goat and poultry.

Xavier Jacobs, a seven-year-old first time exhibitor representing St. Landry Parish, expressed his excitement in showing his hog and placing fifth. “I can’t wait to do it again next year,” said Jacobs.

Thirteen-year-old Zoie Monroe, a three-year exhibitor from East Baton Rouge Parish and Reserve Champion winner for Lamb Showmanship, said she looks forward to coming to Southern University’s Livestock Show every year. “I love to raise lambs and compete at Southern University. This experience has taught me how to be responsible and that hard work does pay off,” added Monroe.

The SU Livestock Show is unique in the fact that it offers educational tours to surrounding schools while the competitions are being conducted. This year’s tour attracted almost 200 school-aged youth and featured a petting zoo with a chicks (baby chickens), a kid (baby goat), and a piglet. Other stops on the tour included interactive demonstrations from the SU Ag Center’s programs on the effects of smoking, nutrition, gardening and learning were their food comes from.

Winners received premiums, ribbons, rosettes, silver platters and trophy belt buckles. An awards presentation was held on the last day of the show for exhibitors of champion market animals. A Junior Auction Sale immediately followed the awards presentation.

Results from the show:

Market Champions

Grand Champion Market Steer: Cameron Garrett, Madison Parish

Reserve Champion Market Steers: Garren Natali, Calcasieu Parish

Champion Market Hogs: Gage Haynes, Allen Parish

Reserve Champion Market Hogs: Jossie Camp, Winn Parish

Champion Market Lamb: Makayla Reyenga, Bossier Parish

Reserve Champion Market Lamb: Makayla Reyenga, Bossier Parish

Champion Market Goat: Payton Beard, Jefferson Davis Parish

Reserve Champion Market Goat: Madison Green, Winn Parish

2017 Beef Breeding Division

Category: Brahman Influence - Bull

Champion: Caplan Young, Winn Parish

Reserve Champion: Roy Lewis, Caddo Parish

Category: Brahman influence - Heifer

Champion: John Michael Pickett, Winn Parish

Reserve Champion: John Michael Pickett, Winn Parish

Category: Non-Brahman Influence - Heifer

Champion: Caitlyn Thompson, Bossier Parish

Reserve Champion: Ethan Sandel, Sabine Parish

Category: Commercial - Heifer

Champion: Ashlyn Natali, Calcasieu Parish

Reserve Champion: Macy Rule, Sabine Parish

Category: Beef Showmanship

Champion: Caitlyn Thompson, Bossier Parish

Reserve Champion: Macy Rule, Sabine Parish

2017 Junior Dairy Division

Category: Registered Dairy

Champion: Wyatt Sonnier, Jefferson Davis Parish

Reserve Champion: Kyle Sonnier, Jefferson Davis Parish

2017 Commercial Dairy Division

Category: Commercial Dairy

Champion: Cooper Holmes, Desoto Parish

Reserve Champion: Kyle Sonnier, Jefferson Davis Parish

Category: Dairy Showmanship

Champion: Camille Sonnier Jefferson Davis Parish

Reserve Champion: Kyle Sonnier, Jefferson Davis Parish

2017 Market Lamb Division

Category: Lamb Showmanship

Champion: Makayla Reyenga, Bossier Parish

Reserve Champion: Zoie Monroe, East Baton Rouge Parish

2017 Market Goat Division

Category: Goat Showmanship

Champion: Janna Denis, Winn Parish

Reserve Champion: Luke Pedgett, Claiborne Parish

2017 Market Hog Division

Category: Hog Showmanship

Champion: Palynn Fontenot, Cameron Parish

Reserve Champion: Gage Hayes, Allen Parish

2017 Broiler Division

Category: Broiler Division

Champion: Miles Sam, St. Landry Parish

Reserve Champion: Addisyn Robinson, St. Landry

Photos from the Livestock and Poultry Show are available here.

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