Southern University Ag Center and College of Agriculture

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

Thursday, February 28

Youth poised for 70th Livestock Show at SU Ag Center Arena

youth shears animal for show

Baton Rouge, LA - The Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center’s Maurice Edmond Livestock Arena is teeming with people and activities as youth arrive for the 70^th Annual Livestock Show. The next couple of days will be filled with contests among young farmers and ranchers from across the state displaying prime animals and vying for top prizes. This family friendly event kicks off tonight and concludes on 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

Saturday, February 23

SU Ag Center begins new session to teach Louisiana small farmers leadership skills

Dr. Mellion-Patin interacts with participants

Baton Rouge, LA - The Louisiana Small Farmer Agricultural Leadership Institute held its first training session for the year on February 23. Participants from various parishes gathered to focus on developing leadership skills, while learning about agricultural legal, management and risk issues. The event took place at A. O. Williams Hall, Southern University Ag Center, Baton Rouge.

The institute is a course of study designed to guide small, socially disadvantaged, limited resource and/or minority farmers through the transformative process of becoming more successful agricultural entrepreneurs. The overall goal is to promote the sustainability of small family farms through enhanced business management skills and leadership development. The training sessions are designed to be highly interactive and include seminars, video lessons and study tours.

At today’s session, topics of discussion included the definition of leadership, and leadership assessment by Dawn Mellion-Patin, Institute Director; leadership characteristic group activity by Tiffany W. Franklin, Extension Associate; overview of agricultural risks by Emily M. King, Outreach Specialist; and understanding farm taxes by John K. Pierre, Esq., Vice Chancellor and Professor, SU Law School.

For further detail, contact Dr. Dawn Mellion-Patin at 225-771-3532.

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Contact:

Bridget Udoh

(225) 771-5714

Thursday, February 21

Honors College Black takes first place in Annual Black History Quiz Bowl

L-r: J.P. Douglas, Thomas Hulbert, Mario Johnson, Dr. Bandele, David Hulbert, Dr. Eubanks

Baton Rouge, LA – The Southern University Ag Center held its 19^th Annual Black History Quiz Bowl on Thursday, Feb. 21 in A. O. Williams Hall. The Honors College Black team came out on top of the five competing teams. Dr. Gina E. Eubanks, vice chancellor for Extension, presented the plaques to the winners.

Dr. Owusu Bandele, Professor Emeritus has been committed to this high school-college educational contest for the past 19 years.

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http://www.suagcenter.com/

Contact:

Bridget Udoh

(225) 771-5714

The SU Ag Center is set for its 9th Annual Procurement Conference

Exhibitor registration form

Conference 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. However, pre-registration is required. The registration deadline for conference participants is March 29.

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.

Friday, February 8

Claims Filing Deadline for Hispanic and Women Farmers is March 25

Baton Rouge, LA - Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack has reminded Hispanic and women farmers and ranchers who allege discrimination by the USDA in past decades that there are 45 days remaining in the filing period closing March 25, 2013.

"Hispanic and women farmers who believe they have faced discriminatory practices in the past from the USDA have 45 days left to file a claim in order to have a chance to receive a cash payment or loan forgiveness," said Secretary Vilsack. "USDA urges potential claimants to contact the Claims Administrator for information and mail their claim packages on or before March 25, 2013."

The process offers a voluntary alternative to litigation for each Hispanic or female farmer and rancher who can prove that USDA denied his or her application for loan or loan servicing assistance for discriminatory reasons for certain time periods between 1981 and 2000. As announced in February 2011, the voluntary claims process will make available at least $1.33 billion for cash awards and tax relief payments, plus up to $160 million in farm debt relief, to eligible Hispanic and women farmers and ranchers. There are no filing fees to participate in the program.

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 attend meetings in your communities about the claims process and contact the website at any time or call center telephone number Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern Time.

Website: www.farmerclaims.gov

Phone: 1-888-508-4429

Claims Period: September 24, 2012 - March 25, 2013.

Audio and video public service announcements in English and Spanish from Secretary Vilsack and downloadable print and web banner ads on the Hispanic and women farmer claims process are available online.

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Contact:

Bridget Udoh

(225) 771-5714

Tuesday, February 5

SU Ag Center: kudos to staff author

Mrs. Tiffany Franklin

Baton Rouge, LA – SU Ag Center recognizes Mrs. Tiffany Wilkerson-Franklin, Extension Associate, for her contribution to a recent book publication. She co-authored a book chapter entitled, “Private Prisons as Economic Development: Evidence and Implications for Public Policy.” The book is titled “Prison Privatization: The Many Facets of a Controversial Industry,” Volume II: Private Prisons and Private Profit. Other authors include Drs. Leslie Taylor-Grover and Eric Horent, both from the Nelson Mandela School of Public Policy, Southern University A&M College in Baton Rouge, LA. Mrs. Franklin completed the policy implications and the conclusion portions of the aforementioned book chapter.

“It is my distinct honor to recognize Mrs. Tiffany Wilkerson-Franklin,” said Dr. Gina E. Eubanks, Vice Chancellor for Extension. “We are proud of Mrs. Franklin for her accomplishments and look forward to future contributions to the field of public policy regarding vulnerable populations, and here at the Southern University Ag Center.”

Franklin is currently pursuing her doctorate degree in Public Policy with a concentration in Sustainable Futures.

The book’s ISBNs are 10: 0313395713 | and 13: 978-0313395710, available online at Amazon. This three-volume set brings together noted scholars and experts in the field to provide a comprehensive treatment of the subject of privatized prisons in the United States.

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Contact:

Bridget Udoh

(225) 771-5714

Monday, February 4

SU Ag Center holds “How to Start a Sustainable Business” seminar in Kentwood, LA

BATON ROUGE, LA— The Center for Rural and Small Business Development in the Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center will hold a free business development seminar on “How to Start a Sustainable Business,” from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Saturday, February 16 inside the E-Learning Center, which will be parked in front of the Ebony Beauty Supply Store, 800 third Street, in Kentwood, La.

The seminar is free and open to all current and potential small business owners. In the event that more participants attend the seminar than can be accommodated in the E-Learning Center, the seminar will be moved inside the Ebony Beauty Supply Store. Participants will learn how to start or expand an existing business and receive the forms and applications needed to legally operate a business in the state of Louisiana, as well as, information to ensure that an existing business continues to operate efficiently.

To register 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, Eual Hall at eual_hall@suagcenter.com or via phone at 225.771.4105.

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Contact:

Bridget Udoh

(225) 771-5714

SU Ag Center to hold raised bed workshop for women on the farm, February 16

Baton Rouge, LA - Southern University Ag Center will hold a workshop for women on the farm, Saturday, February 16, 2013 in A.O. Williams Hall/Greenhouse Complex, from 8:30 am-2:00 pm. Topics will include constructing, planting and using raised beds for gardens.

For further details, contact Emily King at 225-771-2242 or emily_king@suagcenter.com

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Contact:

Bridget Udoh

(225) 771-5714

Friday, February 1

SU Ag Center’s 2nd Annual Louisiana Small Farmer Conference starts March 14

conference registration form

exhibition registration form

Baton Rouge, La – The SU Ag Center will hold its annual Louisiana Small Farmer Conference, March 14-16, 2013 in A. O Williams Hall, 181 B. A. Little Drive, Baton Rouge, LA 70813.

Registration is $25.00 by March 1, 2013.

Pre-conference sessions will include grant-writing opportunities. Conference sessions will cover topics such as farm diversification, record keeping, marketing strategies, estate planning and USDA programs.

The Louisiana Small Farmer Agricultural Leadership Institute is a course of study specifically designed to guide small, socially disadvantaged, and limited resource farmers through the process of becoming more successful agricultural entrepreneurs.

This unique training prepares small farmers to make better decisions on their farms or agricultural operations, while also equipping them with the necessary skills and expertise to assume positions of leadership in the agricultural community.

To register or obtain further details, visit us at www.suagcenter.com or call 225-771-2242.

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Contact:

Bridget Udoh

(225) 771-5714

SU Ag Center to hold free ‘Non-Profit Start-Up’ Workshop

Baton Rouge, LA - The Center for Rural and Small Business Development in the Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center will hold a “Non-Profit Start-Up” workshop from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., Tuesday, February 5 in room 191, A.O. Williams Hall, 181 B. A. Little Drive, in Baton Rouge, LA 70813.

The workshop is free and open to the public.

Workshop attendees will receive information on how to start a viable, operational non-profit organization, and the steps to receiving 501© 3 tax exempt status.

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; 225.771.2160; or Eual Hall at eual_hall@suagcenter.com; 225.771.4105.

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http://www.suagcenter.com/

Contact:

Bridget Udoh

(225) 771-5714

Wednesday, January 30

Seminar on how to start a sustainable business

Baton Rouge, LA - The Center for Rural and Small Business Development will present a free business development seminar entitled “How to Start a Sustainable Business,” at noon, February 2, 2013 aboard the E-Learning Center, which will be parked at 65424 South Hookfin Road in Fluker, Louisiana.

The seminar is open to all current and potential small business owners. Participants will learn how to start or expand an existing business and receive the forms and applications needed to legally operate a business in the state of Louisiana, as well as, information to ensure that an existing business continues to operate efficiently. To register 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, Eual Hall at eual_hall@suagcenter.com or via phone at 225.771.4105.

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Contact:

Bridget Udoh

(225) 771-5714

Tuesday, January 29

SU Ag Center Leadership Institute mentioned in article

Mr. Washington on his farms

Baton Rouge, LA - An article published by Civil Eats entitled “Farmer Knows Best: How Mentoring Programs Can Help the Next Generation of Farmers Land on Their Feet” mentioned Small Farmer Agricultural Leadership Institute as one of the mentoring programs that help the next generation of farmers succeed. The Agricultural Leadership Institute is a course of study specifically designed to guide small, socially disadvantaged, and limited resource farmers through the process of becoming more successful agricultural entrepreneurs. Brennan Washington, a former IT employee turned owner and operator of Phoenix Gardens, LLC, is a graduate of the program. He talks about his mentoring experience. Click here to read the full article.

Dr. Dawn Mellion Patin, agriculture specialist, is director of the Small Farmer Agricultural Leadership Institute and can be reached at 225-771-2242.

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Contact:

Bridget Udoh

(225) 771-5714