Southern University Ag Center and College of Agriculture

Contact:

Bridget Udoh

(225) 771-5714

bridget_udoh@suagcenter.com

Thursday, June 6

SU Ag Center welcomes Joe Leonard and David King from USDA

L-r: Mellion-Patin, Williams, Leonard, Mason, Namwamba

Baton Rouge, La - The Southern University Ag Center received two guests this morning from Washington, DC, Dr. Joe Leonard, Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, and Mr. David King, Deputy Director, Office of Adjudication, U.S. Department of Agriculture.

SU System President, Ronald Mason; Chancellor Leodrey Williams; Grace Namwamba, Interim Dean, College of Agricultural, Family and Consumer Sciences; and a host of SU Ag Center employees offered the duo a warm welcome. The one-day visit will involve meetings with faculty, staff, and small farmers.

Also present to welcome the guests were John K. Pierre, Vice Chancellor and Law Professor, SU Law Center; Allison Johnson, USDA Liaison; Byron Williams, Executive Consul to the System President; and Raymond Lockett, Professor and retired Chair of History Department at SU Baton Rouge.

Dr. Leonard is scheduled to visit several small farms in Louisiana. He will be directed on the tour by Dr. Dawn Mellion-Patin, Specialist-Agriculture.

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

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Contact:

Bridget Udoh

(225) 771-5714

bridget_udoh@suagcenter.com

Wednesday, June 5

Southern University Ag Center Concludes Second Chance 2 Recover Session

The Southern University’s Second Chance 2 Recover program helps individuals prepare for quality life after incarceration. Inmates have completed a Second Chance 2 Recover session organized in East Baton Rouge Parish prison by Tiffany Franklin, extension associate. Click here to view video clip from WAFB covering the event.

For further details, contact Tiffany Franklin at 225-771-2575 or email tiffany_franklin@suagcenter.com

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Contact:

Bridget Udoh

(225) 771-5714

bridget_udoh@suagcenter.com

Monday, June 3

SU Ag Center helping community children improve health

Elwood, Franklin and students in the garden

L-R: Hogan, Smith and Franklin, poised for session

Baton Rouge, La - The Southern University Ag Center’s Eradicating Food Deserts in Neighborhoods through the Development of School Garden’s project, on May 31, 2013 recorded the first of many segments that will encourage healthy living during the school year and the summer. Typically, youth engage in more sedentary activities during their “down time” than when school is in session. But, the Ag Center team had a different summer planned for a group of youth. Their partnership with Exxon Mobil’s YMCA affords youth the opportunity to continue planting gardens and engaging in physical fitness activities during the summer to further reiterate the need to eat and exercise for healthier living. The skills that youth ages, 6-14 will learn are transferable to their homes, schools, and neighborhoods. Mr. Ron Smith, Executive Director for Exxon Mobil’s YMCA is an asset to the program and very “hands-on” with ensuring successful outcomes for participating youth.

This USDA/NIFA funded Capacity Building Grant project is directed by Tiffany Franklin, Extension Associate, assisted by Stephanie Elwood, Extension Associate-Community Gardens. The National Institute of Food and Agriculture is an agency of US Department of Agriculture.

“The SU Ag Center is delighted to partner with Louisiana Public Broadcasting to assist with marketing and publicizing our project! This is only the beginning of great things to come! Stay tuned,” says Franklin.

Keith Crews, Cameraman and Dorothy Kendrick, Senior Producer, both from LPB, were excellent to work with. Also present at the taping was Kristen Hogan, Marketing Director, YMCA of the Capital Area.

For more information on the “Eradicating Food Deserts in Neighborhoods through the Development of School Gardens” project, contact Tiffany Wilkerson-Franklin at 225-771-2775 or via email at tiffany_franklin@suagcenter.com

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Contact:

Bridget Udoh

(225) 771-5714

bridget_udoh@suagcenter.com

Tuesday, May 28

Correction: St. Helena Parish Ag Day slated for June 10

Event flyer

Baton Rouge, La – The SU Ag Center in collaboration with the LSU AgCenter will hold a Save Rural America field day in St. Helena Parish on Monday, June 10, from 8:30 am – 3:30 pm. Extension agents, specialists and state experts will provide educational programs at the St. Helena Parish Park, 227 Park Loop Road, Greensburg, LA 70441. Activities will include tours to Southeast Research Station in Franklin, Goat Farm/Johnson Rodeo Pen in Montpelier, and J&L Farms Home Garden. The event will also feature nutrition demonstration and USDA exhibit. The event is free to everyone who is interested in learning about agriculture, gardening, irrigation, wild life and livestock management. Lunch will be provided.

To register, please contact Angela Myles, Parish Chair Youth Development or Rev. John Holiday, Extension Aide at 225-222-4136 or Warner Hall at 225-931-0534.

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Contact:

Bridget Udoh

(225) 771-5714

bridget_udoh@suagcenter.com

St. Helena Parish Ag Day slated for June 10

Event flyer

Baton Rouge, La – The SU Ag Center in collaboration with the LSU AgCenter will hold a Save Rural America field day in St. Helena Parish on June 10, from 8:30 am – 3:30 pm. Extension agents, specialists and state experts will provide educational programs at the St. Helena Parish Park, 227 Park Loop Road, Greensburg, LA 70441. Activities will include tours to Southeast Research Station in Franklin, Goat Farm/Johnson Rodeo Pen in Montpelier, and J&L Farms Home Garden. The event will also feature nutrition demonstration and USDA exhibit. The event is free to everyone who is interested in learning about agriculture, gardening, irrigation, wild life and livestock management. Lunch will be provided.

To register, please contact Angela Myles, Parish Chair Youth Development or Rev. John Holiday, Extension Aide at 225-222-4136; or Warner Hall at 225-931-0534.

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Contact:

Bridget Udoh

(225) 771-5714

bridget_udoh@suagcenter.com

Sunday, May 26

Youth arrive at SU Ag Center for summer program

Zanetta Augustine welcomes students

Baton Rouge, La – The Southern University Ag Center welcomed 20 students to the 3^rd “Academy for Academic Enhancement of High School Students in the Food and Agricultural Sciences” program. Chancellor Leodrey Williams, and Gina E. Eubanks, vice chancellor for Extension were among the administrators, faculty and staff of the Ag Center who brought greetings to the students and their families.

The five-week program, which kicked off May 26, 2013, recruits students in 11^th grade based on strict criteria to benefit from skill enriching activities ranging from classroom instruction to outdoor tours. Candidates were selected from East Baton Rouge and surrounding parishes. The goal of this all-expense paid residential program is to prepare youth for college or agriculture related careers. Participants, who will live on Southern University campus will hone their skills on American College Test (ACT) taking, engage in other activities such as field trips, receive community service certificate and $500 at the end of the program.

The “Academy for Academic Enhancement of High School Students in the Food and Agricultural Sciences” is a US Department of Ag/National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) funded project directed by Zanetta Augustine and Dawn Mellion-Patin.

“This program has been successful in increasing ACT scores as high as six points, qualifying students for TOPS and enrollment at Southern,” Mellion-Patin said.

Taylor Opportunity Program for Students (TOPS) is a Louisiana scholarship program.

For further detail, contact Zanetta Augustine at 225-771-2591.

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Contact:

Bridget Udoh

(225) 771-5714

bridget_udoh@suagcenter.com

Wednesday, May 15

Farmers’ Market Launches Better Baton Rouge Mobile Unit

Community members shop at mobile unit location

Baton Rouge, La – The Red Stick Farmers’ Market under the auspices of the Big River Economic and Agricultural Development Alliance (BREADA), officially launched its mobile market unit at the Scotlandville Branch Library on Scenic Hwy, May 15, 2013. Henceforth, the market will open every Wednesday, 9:00 am-11:00 am.

The Blue Cross Foundation is building a healthier Louisiana by sponsoring the mobile fresh produce unit. The Fresh Beginnings Program, developed through Mayor-President Melvin L. “Kip” Holden’s Healthy City Initiative, has been awarded a $1 million grant by the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana Foundation’s Challenge for a Healthier Louisiana Grant Program. The purpose of the funding is to support innovative partnerships that promote healthy eating and active lifestyles which are aimed at reducing the rate of obesity in Louisiana, especially among children. Funds have enabled the new Mobile Market to Start Rolling in May 2013.

BREADA received a sub award for the Mobile Market Unit from the Mayor's Office. The goal of this collaborative effort is to encourage healthy eating and active lifestyles of the “Food Desert” communities in the Baton Rouge area. The Red Stick Farmers’ Market totes the slogan “Buy Local, Buy Fresh” on signs and t-shirts to transform producers and consumers toward a more robust economy and lifestyle in Louisiana.

Present at the launching were Copper Alvarez, Executive Director, BREADA with staff members; Lydia Marin, Foundation Initiative Manager, Blue Cross & Blue Shield of LA Foundation; Sunanna Chand, Coordinator, Mayor’s Healthy City Initiative, Office of Mayor President Melvin “Kip” Holden; several Southern University Ag Center employees and community shoppers.

“Southern Ag Center has been in the conversation from the beginning when we were planning strategies to solve the USDA food desert declaration of North Baton Rouge,” Alvarez said.

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Contact:

Bridget Udoh

(225) 771-5714

Tuesday, May 14

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

Class in session

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

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

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

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

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Contact:

Bridget Udoh

(225) 771-5714

Monday, May 13

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

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

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

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

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Contact:

Bridget Udoh

(225) 771-5714

LaKeeshia Giddens assisted with this press release.

Friday, May 10

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

For full story, visit the Daily Herald

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Contact:

Bridget Udoh

(225) 771-5714

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

Dr. Yadong Qi

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

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

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Contact:

Bridget Udoh

(225) 771-5714

Tuesday, May 7

SU and LSU Agricultural Centers Host National Conference

Chancellor Leodrey Williams addresses participants

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

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

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Contact:

Bridget Udoh

225-771-5714

Friday, April 26

SU Ag Center to host HUBZone Boot Camp for small businesses

Registration form

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

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

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

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Contact:

Bridget Udoh

(225) 771-5714

Wednesday, April 24

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

Event flyer

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

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

For more information or to reserve seating, call:

LaKeeshia Giddens Eual Hall

Southern University Ag Center Southern University Ag Center

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

lakeeshia_giddens@suagcenter.com eual_hall@suagcenter.com

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Contact:

Bridget Udoh

(225) 771-5714

Monday, April 22

Earth Day 2013: Fun, food, and learning

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Contact:

Bridget Udoh

(225) 771-5714

Wednesday, April 17

SU Ag Center Goat Field Day is May 4

Event flyer

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

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

For more information, contact:

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

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

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

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

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Contact:

Bridget Udoh

(225) 771-5714

SU Ag Center’s Professor Emeritus authors Rabbit Production Book

Book cover

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

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

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

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

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Contact:

Bridget Udoh

(225) 771-5714

Tuesday, April 16

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

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

What to bring:

· Problem plant,

· Young or old plants

· Planters/containers

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

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

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-www.suagcenter.com-

Contact:

Bridget Udoh

(225) 771-5714

Click here for the fact sheet

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

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

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

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

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-www.suagcenter.com-

Contact:

Bridget Udoh

(225) 771-5714

ridget_udoh@suagcenter.com

a

Saturday, April 13

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

On parade route

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

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

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

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

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Contact:

Bridget Udoh

(225) 771-5714

Friday, April 12

Annual Horse Show and Trail ride kickoff

SU Trail Ride on US 61

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

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

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

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Contact:

Bridget Udoh

(225) 771-5714