Southern University Ag Center and College of Agriculture

Tuesday, February 20

Local Leaders Bring Awareness to Teen Dating Violence & Prevention during the Month of February

Baton Rouge, La. – Just two days after celebrating love around the world, local leaders in St. Helena Parish gathered to bring awareness to Teen Dating Violence & Prevention Month to students at St. Helena College & Career Academy. Surveys have shown that 1 in 4 teens are being harassed or abused through the use of technology. Nationally, many advocates rally behind this cause to raise awareness about dating abuse, and promote youth programs that teach the importance of healthy relationships.

During the Outstanding Mature Girlz (O.M.G.) Club focus group, youth participants were engaged through many scenarios on building healthy relationships, and the signs to look for in unhealthy relationships as a teenager. Club members also had an open discussion on the popular hashtag “Relationship Goals.”

“When I think about relationship goals, I think about my uncle and aunt, because they’ve gone through so much and they are still together,” said one club member who chose to remain anonymous.

A few club members even referenced coupled YouTube Bloggers as being their standard model for “Relationship Goals.” At the conclusion of the focus group, many teens agreed that one way to prevent teen dating violence and abuse at their age is to have a certain level of expectations. Those hierarchy of expectations included self-love, and respect for one another.

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Friday, February 16

2018 Black History Quiz Bowl slated for February 22

Collage of students participating in the annual Black History Quiz Bowl from previous years.

Baton Rouge, La. - The Southern University Land-Grant Campus will host the 24^th Annual Black History Quiz Bowl on Thursday, Feb. 22 at 3 p.m. in the Studio of the SU Ag Center – A. O. Williams Hall.

All students are eligible to participate. Teams – consisting of 4 members each - must register by submitting a roster online at http://www.suagcenter.com/quizbowl, in person at the Dean’s Office in the College of Agricultural, Family and Consumer Sciences located in Fisher Hall room 102 or by emailing a registration form to obandele@cox.net no later than Friday, Feb. 16. The rules for the competition and a study guide are available here.

The Black History Quiz Bowl is an exciting educational event that stimulates our students. The competition covers a variety of topics, including current events, politics, history, sports and entertainment.

Plaques will be awarded to the 1^st, 2^nd, and 3^rd place teams, and all participants will receive a book by or about some aspect of the Black experience at the end of the event.

The Black History Quiz Bowl is organized by Owusu Bandele, Professor Emeritus at the SU Ag Center.

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Wednesday, February 7

Louisiana Department of Health urges residents to ‘Fight The Flu’

Baton Rouge, La. – According to the Louisiana Department of Health, the state has seen widespread and early flu activity.

“In more severe seasons, the flu causes approximately 700 deaths and nearly 8,000 hospitalizations each year in Louisiana. We are already on track to meet and possibly exceed these statistics for the 2017/18 flu season,” said Dr. Frank Welch, state immunization medical director.

The Louisiana Department of Health offers these reminders to help keep people from spreading the flu:

· Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

If you have cold symptoms or have fever greater than 100.3, stay away from others until you have not had a fever for 24 hours.

Call your doctor immediately to see if an antiviral medication is appropriate for you.

If you are sick, do not visit vulnerable loved ones who may be receiving care in a hospital, nursing home, cancer center or other setting.

If you are sick, do not kiss babies, pregnant women, grandparents, and others who may be at a higher risk of getting sick.

Cover your cough and sneeze.

Try not to touch your eyes, nose and mouth.

Wash your hands frequently.

Clean and disinfect surfaces and objects that may be contaminated with germs like the flu.

It’s not too late to get a flu shot.

The Department of Health is offering free flu shots at parish health units across the state until February 12, 2018.

To schedule an appointment to receive a flu shot, find the Parish Health Unit nearest to you by visiting http://ldh.la.gov/FightTheFlu and then call to schedule your visit.

Information provided by the Louisiana Department of Health.

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Monday, February 5

SU Alumni Association to hold membership drive at SARDI

Event Flyer

Baton Rouge, La. – The Southern University Alumni Association of St. Landry Parish will hold a membership drive on February 10 from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.

The event will be held at the Sustainable Agriculture and Rural Development Institute (SARDI), 1209 Diesi Street, in Opelousas, La.

For additional information contact, Antonio Harris at 337-278-6865 or 337-943-2410.

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SARDI partners with SU Alumni Association to host Debutante Ball

Event Flyer

Baton Rouge, La. – The Sustainable Agriculture and Rural Development Institute (SARDI) has partnered with the Southern University Alumni Association of St. Landry Parish to host an annual Debutante and Cotillion Ball.

The event themed, “Imagine the Possibilities, A Journey to Excellence,” will be held at 7 p.m. on February 17, 2018 at the Evangeline Downs Racetrack & Casino Event Center, 2235 Creswell Lane Extension, in Opelousas, La.

Tickets are $25.

The ball is a formal event and men are asked to wear tuxedos or dark suits. Women are asked to wear floor length dresses.

For additional information, contact Antonio Harris at 337-278-6865 or 337-943-2410.

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Thursday, February 1

SU Land-Grant Campus to host 8th annual Louisiana Small Farmer Conference

Event Flyer

Baton Rouge, La. - Small farmers from throughout the state will gather at Southern University’s Felton G. Clark Activity Center March 15-17 to attend the 8^th annual Louisiana Small Farmer Conference.

The three-day conference, themed “Transforming and Elevating Louisiana Small Family Farms,” is designed to educate, provide expanded awareness of educational opportunities, USDA programs and services and other resources to help small farmers stay in business.

This event is the ideal venue for new and beginning farmers, small and urban farmers, agricultural business owners, community leaders, community based organizations, Urban Agriculturalists, Government Agencies and anyone interested in learning about agriculture.

The conference will kick-off at 10 a.m. with a grant writing session. Other events occurring during the conference will include the Louisiana Living Legends Banquet, which honors individuals who have made significant contributions to Southern University in the areas of Agriculture, Family and Consumer Sciences, and a ribbon cutting ceremony for the Southern University Land-Grant Campus’ Mobile Education and Technology Center.

Additional conference sessions will cover the topics of:

Managing Feral Hogs
Composting Large Animals
Social Media Marketing
Biodiversity on your Farm
Breeds for Changing Climates
Programs for Veterans

This year’s conference will also feature an Exhibit Hall which will provide an opportunity for vendors from various companies and organizations to share information about their products and services with the participants.

There is a limited complimentary registration for anyone who submits their registration by March 2. After this date, the registration fee for the conference will be $75 for Agricultural Professionals and $50 for Small Farmers. Payment for the conference should be made in the form of check or money order made payable to: Southern University Foundation – ANR Programs.

On-site registration will begin at 8 a.m. daily during the conference.

To register or to reserve an exhibitor space, click here or contact Kelli Hollins at 225.771.5782 or via e-mail at kelli_hollins@suagcenter.com.

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Monday, January 29

SU Land-Grant Campus set to host 75th Annual Livestock Show

Meat purchases are available

Baton Rouge, La. – More than 100 young farmers from throughout the state will travel to the Maurice A. Edmond Livestock Arena with hopes of having their prized winning animals named champion during the Southern University Agricultural Land-Grant Campus’ 75^th Annual State Livestock and Poultry Show.

The event provides an opportunity for youth to showcase their hard work in raising and caring for various breeds of cattle, hogs, sheep, lamb, goats and poultry. Winners will receive premiums, ribbons, rosettes and trophy belt buckles.

A week of events has been scheduled to celebrate the show’s 75^th anniversary. Activities leading up to the Livestock Show will begin on February 23 with a Livestock Show Advisory Council Luncheon held at the SU Ag Center, a Livestock Information Social Media Blast will be held on Feb. 26, a Jagriculture Student Livestock Show Cook-Out will be held on the front lawn of Fisher Hall on Feb. 27, and a Jagriculture Student Livestock Show Information Booth will be set-up at the Smith-Brown Memorial Student Union on Feb. 28. The 2018 Livestock Show will run from March 1 – 3.

The Livestock Show Office is currently accepting pre-orders of non-processed choice meats from various livestock. All proceeds from meat sales go directly to participating youth as a reward for their hard work and financial investment. The following meat choices and quantities are available:

One whole beef $2,000
One half beef $1,000
One-fourth beef $500
One whole pork $225
One whole lamb $200
One whole goat is $175

There is a processing fee that is not included in the original cost of the meat. All purchases must be paid by money order or check and made payable to the Southern University Ag Center Livestock Show, prior to picking up the meat from the slaughter house.

Those who don’t pre-order their meat are invited to make a purchase during the show’s ‘Junior Auction Sale’ on Saturday, March 3 beginning at 9 a.m. at the Maurice A. Edmond Livestock Arena.

The office will deliver the meat to two locations, either the Cutrer Slaughter House in Kentwood, La. or Rouchers in Plaquemine, La.

Donations to the Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank are also welcome.

For more information on the SU Land-Grant Campus’ Livestock Show or to purchase meat, click here or contact the Livestock Show Office at 225.771.6208 or 225.771.4350.

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Monday, January 22

SU Land-Grant Campus gears up for the 14th Annual ‘Connecting Businesses with Contracts’ Procurement Conference

File photos from the 2017 Procurement Conference.

Baton Rouge, La. – Hundreds of current and potential small business owners from around the state will gather at Southern University’s Felton G. Clark Activity Center on March 27 for the Southern University Agricultural Land-Grant Campus’s 14^th Annual ‘Connecting Businesses with Contracts’ Procurement Conference.

The conference, which will be held from 8 a.m. – 3 p.m., provides a venue for potential and existing business owners, contractors, non-profits, small towns, and municipalities to learn about the resources that are available through federal, state and local government agencies and major prime companies.

Last year’s event drew a crowd of nearly 400 exhibitors and participants; offering sessions for millennial business owners as well as sessions on business tax strategies and financial management, employee performance management, writing winning bids, effective marketing strategies, construction law, and how to obtain and maintain a contractor’s license.

The conference is co-sponsored by the U. S. Small Business Administration; Louisiana Small Business Development Center at Southern University; Louisiana Economic Development (LED) and the Louisiana Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC).

Pre-registration is required to participate in the conference, which is free and open to the public. Individuals can register for the conference online at, Eventbrite.com or by faxing a paper registration form to 504.589.2339 by March 20. Onsite registration will also be available.

Small businesses are welcome to serve as exhibitors for the event. Potential exhibitors are urged to submit an exhibitor registration form by March 19 to jo.lawrence3@sba.gov or fax to 504.589.2339.

For more information about the Procurement Conference or to obtain registration forms, contact Eual Hall at 225.771.4105 or via e-mail at eual_hall@suagcenter.com.

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Tuesday, October 10

SU Land-Grant Campus staff bridges the gap between parents, students and teachers

Dr. Tiffany W. Franklin served as the guest speaker for Lee High School's Parent Meeting on Sept. 27.

Baton Rouge, La. – Southern University Land-Grant Campus Project Coordinator, Dr. Tiffany W. Franklin, served as the guest speaker for Lee High School’s Parent Meeting on September 27.

Dr. Franklin was invited to the meeting by the school’s counselor, Ms. Keana Mason.

The audience included the school’s freshmen and sophomore students and their parents. Franklin’s presentation was titled, “Bridging the Gap between Parents, Students, and Teachers: A New Age Learning Curve.” Her focus for the presentation was to introduce parents, students and teachers to information that would create an open dialogue for effective communication between all involved and encouraged parents to not be afraid to address real-life or complicated issues or situations when involving their children at school.

The New Age Learning Curve specifically encouraged parents to be vigilant in their child’s lives by utilizing new technological advances to stay connected with their children, which was different from their childhoods. Franklin noted, “When we were growing up, many of the new ways for parents to keep up with their child’s progress, were not around at that time. So, we have to effectively utilize our resources to keep our hands on our kids.”

During the presentation, Dr. Franklin provided both the parents and students with tips to assist them with a better educational experience. These tips encouraged parents to get informed and/or educated about what’s happening at their child’s school; be responsive to teacher’s concerns about their child’s academics, behavior, etc.; and ask questions and get clarification when needed.

SU Land-Grant Campus Parent Educator, Milissia John-Baptiste, also attended the presentation and suggested that parents develop a list of questions prior to attending any conferences or meetings at the school. This provides parents with time to think about the situation and process the reason for the gathering.

Franklin and Batiste also set-up a table display where they shared information about the campus’ Recruitment Extravaganza, the Cooperative Extension program and the SU College of Agricultural, Family and Consumer Sciences with participants and school counselors.

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Monday, October 9

SU Land-Grant Campus to host free Personal Health History Workshop

Event flyer and registration form

Baton Rouge, La. – The Southern University Agricultural Land-Grant Campus’ Family and Human Development Unit will host a ‘Personal Health History’ Workshop on October 31, 2017 at the SU Ag Center, 181 B.A. Little Drive, from 9 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.

The free workshop will show individuals how to create a personal health history journal that can be used to keep track of not only their health history, but also the health history of their family’s including illnesses, medications, treatments and any past medical procedures. This information is often asked for by medical professionals when being admitted to the emergency room or seeing a doctor for the first time.

Topics covered during the workshop will include:

• Knowing Your Family Medical History

• How To Get The Most From Your Doctor’s Visit

• What’s A Power of Attorney

• What’s A Living Will

• Eating Healthy At Every Age

• Harmful Effects of Tobacco

• USDA Rural Housing Repair Program

The event is free, but pre-registration is required.

To request a registration form or to pre-register, email milissia_jbaptiste@suagcenter.com, delores_johnson@suagcenter.com or call 225-771-2583, 225-771-3704.

The deadline to pre-register is October 18, 2017.

The Southern University Ag Center and the Southern University College of Agricultural, Family and Consumer Sciences together are called the Southern University Agricultural Land-Grant Campus.

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SU Land-Grant Campus holds Successful St. Landry Parish Community Focus Group at SARDI

Dr. O.E. Ben Lukongo speaks to St. Landry Parish residents during a Sept. 19 focus group meeting at SARDI in Opelousas, La. The event was held to find ways to support economic development within the parish.

Baton Rouge, La. – The Southern University Land-Grant Campus (SULGC) hosted a community focus group at the Sustainable Agriculture and Rural Development Institute (SARDI) office in Opelousas, La. on September 19, 2017.

The event was held to uncover a range of ideas, insights, and solutions to support economic development in St. Landry Parish. This new community engagement project was developed to improve the quality of life for parish residents and strengthen the relationship of the Land-Grant Campus with stakeholders within the community.

Stakeholders within the parish participated in the focus group to share ideas, stories, experiences, and input; while discussing and co-creating the future vision for the community. Participants began by collectively answering questions on a focus group questionnaire titled, “Integrating Methods of Economic Development Analyses for Economically Distressed Communities in Louisiana.” After completing the questionnaire, the participants were then separated into four smaller groups and collaborated with university representatives to discuss ways to improve the community, identify issues, and discuss alternative solutions, plans, resources and assets needed to better the community.

The focus group was comprised of elected officials, clergy, teachers (current and retired), medical professionals, youth, and others who serve the community in various capacities. SARDI’s office serves as the headquarters for this new framework of University-Community Engagement.

The planning of the focus group discussion was arranged by Dr. O.E. Ben Lukongo, Project Director; Dr. Tiffany Wilkerson-Franklin, Co-Project Director; Dr. Kenyetta Nelson-Smith, Co-Project Director; Antonio Harris, Director of SARDI and SARDI’s staff.

The SULGC research team will go back to present the results of the focus group discussions to the St. Landry Parish economic development stakeholders.

For additional information on how you can assist in the implementation and execution of future focus groups, please contact Drs. Lukongo, Wilkerson-Franklin or Nelson-Smith at 225-771-2242.

The Southern University Ag Center and the Southern University College of Agricultural, Family and Consumer Sciences together are called the Southern University Agricultural Land-Grant Campus.

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Thursday, October 5

SU Land-Grant Campus holds Successful Recruitment Extravaganza

Photos from the 2017 Southern University Agricultural Land-Grant Campus Recruitment Extravaganza held on September 30, 2017 at the SU Ag Center.

Baton Rouge, La. – More than 200 high school students, parents and chaperones - representing over 30 high schools from through the state - attended the Southern University Agricultural Land-Grant Campus’ first Recruitment Extravaganza.

The event was held at the SU Ag Center on Saturday, Sept. 30 from noon to 5 p.m.

During the extravaganza, high school students were able to visit booths and discuss the career opportunities available in the fields of agricultural sciences, family and consumer sciences and urban forestry and natural resources with professors and college students majoring in agriculture.

The Recruitment Extravaganza also featured livestock, biofuel production, and drone demonstrations.

More than $20,000 of financial assistance, in the form of book stipends or research and extension assistantships, was pledged to select, qualifying students who committed to enrolling at Southern University in the Fall of 2018 and selecting a program of study in either agricultural sciences, family and consumer sciences, or urban forestry and natural resources.

Participants were also treated to a tailgate where they were greeted by Southern University System President – Chancellor Dr. Ray Belton. Everyone who participated in the extravaganza also attended the Southern University Jaguars vs. the Fort Valley State University Wildcats football game in A.W. Mumford Stadium.

The Southern University Agricultural Land-Grant Campus will continue to hold additional recruitment activities to expose more elementary, middle and high school students to the career opportunities available in the field of Agriculture.

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Tuesday, October 3

SU Land-Grant Campus staff holds lecture at Angola Prison

SU Land-Grant Campus employees Mila Berhane and Stephanie Elwood pose with Delane Ross outside the Angola State Penitentiary. Ross invited Berhane and Elwood to speak to his agricultural sciences students.

Baton Rouge, La. – Southern University Agricultural Land-Grant Campus Senior Research Associate, Mila Berhane and Extension Associate, Stephanie Elwood, held a lecture at Angola State Penitentiary on Sept. 20.

The two were invited to speak to nearly 40 agricultural sciences students by Delane Ross with the Baton Rouge Community College’s Louisiana Federal Prison Program.

During the presentation, Elwood spoke about her experience working with incarcerated youth while Berhane spoke about non-traditional uses of traditional crops.

After the lecture, Berhane and Elwood were provided with a tour of the facilities trade school.

The SU Land-Grant Campus will continue to partner with other educational institutions and agencies in an effort to provide opportunities to the incarcerated community.

Monday, October 2

SU Land-Grant Campus partners with Missy Radio Organization to co-host 11th Annual Pink Party with a Purpose… “Pink After 5!”

Breast Cancer Aware Event

Baton Rouge, La. – The Southern University Agricultural Land-Grant Campus, consisting of the Southern University Ag Center and the Southern University College of Agriculture, has partnered with the Missy Radio Organization, Southern University Alumni Federation, Southern University Student Organizations and the Outstanding Mature Girlz Organization to host the 11^th Annual Pink Party with a Purpose…“Pink After 5!”

The breast cancer awareness event will be held on October 19, 2017, on Southern University’s Baton Rouge campus. Onsite registration will be held from 5 p.m. until 6:30 p.m. at the SU Ag Center. Proceeds from this fundraiser will be donated to Pink Party Recipient, Marcia Myles, who is currently undergoing chemotherapy treatment.

The Pink Bike Ride will begin at the Southern University Ag Campus, ending at the Southern University Alumni Federation House with live music, healthy eating, and fun. Tickets range from $0 - $25.

The entire family will have an opportunity to join a cause that raises awareness to millions around the U.S. during the month of October. Pink Bike Riders can pre-register, get tickets, or make a donation at https://goo.gl/Bc2Xaw.

The Pink Party with a Purpose began in 2006, when local radio personalities Missy and Sashika joined forces to raise awareness to young women about breast cancer after Missy’s hairstylist, Jacinta Freeman, was diagnosed with cancer at the age of 28. Freeman had to abruptly stop working to undergo a mastectomy and chemotherapy, which caused her to lose a portion of her primary source of income.

As a result both Missy and Sashika put on their creative wigs and gave birth to, “The Pink Party with a Purpose.” For the past ten years, ten ladies have received an outpouring of love from the community during their time of need.

The Missy Radio Organization is a ten year champion in bringing awareness to breast cancer in young women. The organization consist of a network of individuals and other organizations dedicated to facilitating communications and education to improve communities in Louisiana. The organization aims to facilitate community expression; provide access to interactive media for the purpose of sharing news, music, culture, and information; and the production of unique and diverse programming that challenges the cultural and intellectual assumption of its core audience with a respect for all peoples and a concern for those under-represented by other media.

For additional information, contact SU Ag Center Assistant Area Agent Nicolette Gordon at 225-222-4136.