Southern University Ag Center to Host 17th Annual Black History Quiz Bowl

PRESS RELEASE

Southern University and A&M College
Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center

Contact: Bridget Udoh
(225) 771-5714

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Southern University Ag Center to Host 17th Annual Black History Quiz Bowl

BATON ROUGE, LA, 2/9/2011 – Southern University Agricultural and Research Extension Center is hosting its 17th annual Black History Quiz Bowl. The event will be held Thursday, February 24, 2011 at 3:00 p.m. in the Auditorium of the Ag Center. This is an educational and exciting event for everyone to attend. In previous years, the Quiz Bowl has been very successful.

All departments, divisions, clubs, student organizations and individual students within the university are encouraged to form teams in preparation for this event. Each team will consist of four players, one of whom should serve as captain. All teams must register in the College of Agricultural, Family and Consumer Sciences Dean's complex located in room 102 Fisher Hall. The deadline to register is Friday, February 18, 2011.

A variety of topics will be covered, including current events, politics, history, sports and entertainment. All interested students must sign the roster at the Southern University College of Agricultural, Family and Consumer Sciences Dean's complex.

For further details, please contact Dr. Owusu Bandele at (225) 284-0063.

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http://www.suagcenter.com/

Home Harvesting and Processing Chicken video now available online

PRESS RELEASE


Southern University and A&M College
Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center

Contact: Bridget Udoh
(225) 771-5714

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Home Harvesting and Processing Chicken video now available online

BATON ROUGE, LA, 2/7/2011 – The SU Ag Center video on “Home Harvesting and Processing Chicken” is now available online at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SLMiMly27l8

For further detail, please contact Professor Emeritus James McNitt at 225-771-2242

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www.suagcenter.com

National 4-H Council Announces National Mentoring Program With Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center

PRESS RELEASE


Southern University and A&M College
Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center

__________________________________________________________________

Contact: Bridget Udoh
(225) 771-5714

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

National 4-H Council Announces National Mentoring Program With Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center


BATON ROUGE, LA, 2/2/2011 – National 4-H Council is proud to announce that it has launched a nationwide mentoring initiative to increase youth social competency, family relationships, and academic success. The 4-H National Mentoring Program will provide funding to land-grant universities in 47 states to replicate three evidence-based Extension 4-H programs in communities that have an increased risk for youth delinquency.

The Department of Justice’s Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP) awarded a $5 million grant to National 4-H Council in support of the 4-H National Mentoring Program. The grant comes as a part of the OJJDP’s national effort to strengthen, expand and implement youth mentoring activities nationwide to improve the lives of millions of young Americans.

Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center is pleased to announce it has been selected to implement 4-H LIFE – Living Interactive Family Education as a part of the 4-H National Mentoring Program. Staff members recently joined representatives from other state 4-H programs for training at the National 4-H Youth Conference Center in Chevy Chase, MD, near Washington, DC, January 10-15, 2011. State 4-H programs selected from three of Cooperative Extension’s proven mentoring programs to implement in their local communities: 4-H Mentoring: Youth & Families with Promise (YFP), created by Utah State University; 4-H Tech Wizards, created by Oregon State University; and 4-H Living Interactive Family Education (LIFE), created by the University of Missouri.

The 4-H LIFE Program is a family strengthening program that addresses the needs of children of incarcerated parents. The overall objective of the 4-H LIFE Program is to promote a strong, healthy, and nurturing family environment for children of incarcerated parents, while helping incarcerated parents and trained 4-H volunteers become positive role models and mentors.

The program has three, interwoven components focused on parenting skills classes and planning meetings for the incarcerated parents and 4-H club meetings that unite children with their families inside the prison visiting room. These components are designed to create stronger parent-child bonds, improve the quality of prison-based family visits, and increase youth decision-making and communication skills. Incarcerated parents are required to participate in weekly parenting, leadership, and planning meetings in order to qualify for the program. Children of offenders who are involved in 4-H LIFE are also enrolled as members of county 4-H programs and are mentored by 4-H volunteers.

It has been demonstrated that a trusting relationship with a caring adult can have a life-changing effect on a young person. Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center will implement, monitor, and assess program mentoring strategies to create positive outcomes for youth. Research data indicates that mentoring programs have reduced first-time drug use by almost 50 percent and first-time alcohol use by 33 percent. In addition, mentored youth displayed greater confidence in their schoolwork and improved their academic performance.

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About 4-H

4-H is a community of six million young people across America learning leadership, citizenship, and life skills. National 4-H Council is the private sector, non-profit partner of 4-H National Headquarters at the National Institute for Food and Agriculture (NIFA) within USDA. 4-H programs are implemented by 109 land-grant universities and the Cooperative Extension System through their 3,100 local Extension offices in every county across the country. Learn more about 4-H at www.4-H.org.

This project is supported by Award No. 2010-JU-FX-0016 awarded by the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, Office of Justice Programs

For further detail, please contact Tiffany Franklin at 225-771-2242 or (225) 771-2775

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www.suagcenter.com

Southern University Ag Center Youth to Sing at Carnegie Hall

Southern University Ag Center


Press Release

For Immediate Release

Contact: Bridget Udoh
(225) 771-5714

Southern University Ag Center Youth to Sing at Carnegie Hall, New York City

BATON ROUGE, LA, February 2, 2011 – Daisha Badon is scheduled to sing at Carnegie Hall, New York in mid February. The full feature article entitled: "Sing Daisha, Sing," is available on the West Side Journal's website. Daisha is the 17- year old daughter of SU Ag Center Creative Specialist Donna, and Dwayne Badon. Please visit the link at: www.thewestsidejournal.com/home.html and select "News" from the menu, then "Story One." Congratulations, Daisha and the Badon family!



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www.suagcenter.com

http://www.cnpp.usda.gov/dietaryguidelines.htm

Southern University Ag Center


Press Release

For Immediate Release

Contact: Bridget Udoh

(225) 771-5714

New Dietary Guidelines for Americans now available

BATON ROUGE, LA, February 1, 2011 – The - US Department of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack and Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services Kathleen Sebelius announced the release of the 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, the federal government's evidence-based nutritional guidance to promote health, reduce the risk of chronic diseases, and reduce the prevalence of overweight and obesity through improved nutrition and physical activity.

For more information see attached press release and executive summary or visit http://www.cnpp.usda.gov/dietaryguidelines.htm



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www.suagcenter.com

 

Available now - 2010 Global Food Security and Plant Biosecurity Symposium Videos

Southern University Ag Center

Press Release

For Immediate Release
Contact: Bridget Udoh
(225) 771-5714

Available now -2010 Global Food Security and Plant Biosecurity Symposium Videos

BATON ROUGE, LA, January 21, 2011 - Links to videos of the 2010 Global Food Security and Plant Biosecurity Symposium are now available on YouTube:

Hands-On Demonstrations: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VbWXQ3YvT64


Awards Ceremony: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V0gef9P4LTk

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www.suagcenter.com

Agricultural producers: NAP application deadline is February 29

Southern University Ag Center
Press Release
For Immediate Release

Contact: Bridget Udoh
(225) 771-5714

Agricultural producers: NAP application deadline is February 29

BATON ROUGE, LA, January 2011 - Agriculture and Forestry Commissioner Mike Strain, D.V.M., said Louisiana producers have until Feb. 28 to apply for Noninsured Assistance Program (NAP) coverage for spring and summer seeded crops such as vegetables and grass for pasture and hay.

Strain stated that NAP provides protection from catastrophic natural disasters up to 50 percent of an established yield and 55 percent of an established price.

There are no provisions for late-filed applications. Closing dates vary by crop and are scheduled throughout the year. Producers should discuss their current year planting intention with their local Farm Service Agency office to ensure application deadlines are not missed.

Application fees are paid in each parish in which a producer has an interest in a crop at a cost of $250 per crop not to exceed $750 per parish and $1875 per producer for all parishes.

The Noninsured Assistance Program (NAP) is optional; however, it is required for all non-insurable crops for benefits received under the Supplemental Revenue Assistance Payments Program (SURE); Tree Assistance Program (TAP); Livestock, Honey Bees and Farm-Raised Fish Program (ELAP), and in some cases to acquire a production loan through FSA. The Livestock Forage Disaster Program (LFP) requires coverage on grazing only.

All interested farmers and ranchers should contact the local FSA office for eligibility and application details before the application closing dates.

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www.suagcenter.com

SU Ag Center Employees Listen to Secretary Vilsack at National Conference

Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center

Press release

SU Ag Center Employees Listen to Secretary Vilsack at National Conference

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

December 7, 2010

Contact: Bridget Udoh
Southern University Ag Center
225-771-5714
http://www.suagcenter.com/

Tuskegee, Alabama- USDA Secretary of Agriculture, the Honorable Tom Vilsack addressed attendees of the 68th Professional Agricultural Workers’ Conference (PAWC) at Tuskegee University, Tuskegee, Alabama on December 7. This year’s theme was Empowering Underserved Farmers and Rural Communities by Changing Legislation, USDA Eligibility Requirements, and Program Delivery.

Dr. Mellion-Patin conducted the 7th session of the Small Farmer Agriculture Leadership Institute as part of the pre-conference workshops, December 4-5. Class participants numbering more than 30 arrived from various states to attend PAWC, and two of them asked questions during the Q&A session with Secretary Vilsack.

Dr. Owusu Bandele, Professor Emeritus, horticulture and organic agriculture, SU Ag Center gave the George Washington Carver Public Service Hall of Fame Awards Banquet Lecture. Dr. Gina E. Eubanks presided over this event.

Conference participants representing Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center include: Dr. Gina Eubanks, Vice Chancellor for Extension, Dr. Dawn Mellion-Patin, Extension Specialist and Director of the Small Farmer Agriculture Leadership Institute, Dr. Bridget Udoh, Communications Specialist, Mrs. Zanetta Augustine, Extension Associate, Mr. Eugene Runles, Farm Superintendent, Ms. Lisa Gray, Research Associate and Mr. Terry Washington, Extension Agent (Rapides Parish).

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USDA Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights to Speak at Southern University

Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center

Press release

Contact: Bridget Udoh
225-771-2242/225-771-5714
Date: October 29, 2010

USDA Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights to Speak at Southern University

Dr. Leonard

Baton Rouge, LA - Dr. Joe Leonard, USDA Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights is scheduled to speak at the Southern University's Global Food Security and Plant Biosecurity Symposium on November 9, 2010. Dr. Leonard will give remarks on Tuesday, November 9 at 9:30 am at the Southern University Royal Cotillion Ballroom, Smith-Brown Memorial Student Union. Leonard will address symposium participants including students, guests, staff, administrators, community and faculty members.

The Symposium will feature presentations and demonstrations from scientists and professionals working on the frontlines of global food security and plant biosecurity from Land-Grant Universities as well as various federal and state agencies.

The symposium will also feature graduate students' research in Global Food Security. An awards luncheon will be held on Tuesday to honor urban forestry graduate students for their outstanding achievements in Global Food Security. Students who completed Plant Biosecurity Internships during the summer of 2010 will receive a special recognition.

The Symposium is sponsored by the USDA/NIFA 1890 Capacity Building Grant awarded to Dr. Daniel Collins, entitled “Graduate Education and Training in Global Food Security and Agricultural Bio-security.” Collins is Professor of Plant Pathology in Urban Forestry Program at Southern University and A & M College, Baton Rouge. For further details, please contact Collins at: 225-771-2242 or via email: daniel_collins@subr.edu.

USDA Releases Report on the Impact of the Recovery Act on America's Rural Communities

WASHINGTON, Oct. 20, 2010 – USDA Under Secretary for Rural Development Dallas Tonsager today issued a report on how the agency's distribution of loan and grant funds provided to the agency through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Recovery Act) has helped the Nation's rural residents. The report estimates that millions of business owners and agricultural producers; Internet users, and thousands of homeowners will benefit and over 300,000 jobs are being created or saved. The job estimates contained in the report are derived from recipient reported data or program-based economic models.

"With Rural Development's loans, grants, and loan-grant combination financing for new and existing programs, we have leveraged our Recovery Act funds to ensure the greatest bang for the taxpayer's buck, allowing our agency to make unprecedented and lasting investments in rural America," said Tonsager. "I am proud of what we have accomplished over the last two years towards building livable, innovative, and sustainable rural communities."

The entire report can be read at: http://www.usda.gov/documents/USDA_ARRA_AnnualReport_10192010.pdf

President Obama signed the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Recovery Act) into law last year. It is designed to jumpstart the Nation's economy, create or save millions of jobs and put a down payment on addressing long-neglected challenges so our country can thrive in the 21st century. The Act includes measures to modernize our nation's infrastructure, enhance energy independence, expand educational opportunities, preserve and improve affordable health care, provide tax relief, and protect those in greatest need. More information about USDA's efforts regarding the Recovery Act is available at www.usda.gov/recovery. More information about the Federal government's efforts on the economic stimulus is available at http://www.recovery.gov/

Global Food Security and Plant Biosecurity Symposium

Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center

Press Release

Contact: Daniel Collins
225-771-2242
Daniel_Collins@subr.edu

Date: October 20, 2010

Global Food Security and Plant Biosecurity Symposium

Baton Rouge, LA - Scientists and professionals who are working on the frontlines of Global Food Security and Plant Biosecurity research will gather at Southern University and A & M College Baton Rouge, on November 9-10, 2010, to uncover potential threats to our nation’s natural resources and agriculture. They will participate in the university Global Food Security and Plant Biosecurity Symposium.

“This symposium features presentations and demonstrations from researchers at universities, state and federal agencies that are monitoring high consequence plant pathogens, insect pests, invasive weeds that threaten our nation’s food security and renewable natural resources,” says Daniel Collins, professor of plant pathology and symposium organizer.

Workshop topics include:

Sudden Oak Death: A Threat to Our Forest Ecosystems
Strategies for Safeguarding American Plant Resources
Food Biosecurity and Fresh Produce Safety
Agro-Forestry Systems and Food Security
Exotic Pest Detection in Urban Environments
Mycotoxins and Food Safety

www.urbanforestry.subr.edu/biosecurity.htm

Southern University Ag Center Satellite Headquarters Set for Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center

Press Release

Contact: Christopher J. Rogers
225-771-2242
chris_rogers@suagcenter.com

Date: October 20, 2010

Southern University Ag Center Satellite Headquarters Set for Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

Opelousas, LA - The Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center will be having a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the new headquarters for the Southwest Center for Rural Initiatives (SCRI) on Wednesday, October 27 at 2:00 pm. The SCRI operates as a satellite entity of the SU Ag Center whose mission; in its land-grant role, is to conduct state-wide basic and applied research and to disseminate information to the citizens of Louisiana in a manner that is useful in addressing their scientific, technological, social, economic, and cultural needs. The SCRI serves a 10-parish region in Southwest Louisiana. Those parishes include: St. Landry, Lafayette, Vermilion, Acadia, St. Martin, Pointe Coupee, Avoyelles, Beauregard, Allen, and Evangeline. For the past five years, the SCRI has been housed in a temporary location at 242 S. Liberty Street in Opelousas. “This is a great day for the Southern University Ag Center! It’s been a long and tedious journey to this day,” says Chancellor Leodrey Williams. This accomplishment is due in part to the interest and tireless efforts of several elected, appointed and community leaders. The new headquarters is located at 1209 Diesi Street, Opelousas, LA 70570.

The SCRI was created as an extension of the Louisiana Center for Rural Initiatives. The Center coordinates and links university-based needs and strategies to address the current status of socioeconomic conditions, with particular emphasis on rural and persistent poverty areas.

- www.suagcenter.com-

Global Food Security and Plant Biosecurity Symposium

Global Food Security and Plant Biosecurity Symposium


NOVEMBER 9-10, 2010


SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY - BATON ROUGE

The symposium is free and open to the public and media. Registration form, locations and schedules are posted online at http://www.urbanforestry.subr.edu/biosecurity.htm

Please click below to view flyer.

The Jaguar Nation gears up for the 20th Annual Radiothon

The Jaguar Nation gears up for the 20^th Annual Radiothon

http://www.sus.edu/

Seminar on Plant Pests

Seminar on urban plant pests will address trees, gardens and lawns. Flyer is displayed below: 

Group Suites and individual suite tickets are available for purchase NOW!

Bayou Classic group and individual suite tickets are available for purchase NOW!

Southern University students connect in Mayor’s beautification project

Southern University students connect in Mayor’s beautification project

Mayor-President Kip Holden recently announced plans to beautify the city of Baton Rouge. Students from Southern University and Louisiana State University have designed, and will take charge in executing the two beautification projects.

According to a plan created for The Green Light Beautification Program, students from Southern University's School of Urban Forestry will work on one project while LSU Robert Reich School of Landscape Architecture students will work on the other. Each of the projects will cost $50,000 to complete.

Students from Southern University will improve the median on North Acadian Thruway between Winbourne and Chippewa Avenues by planting several southern live oak, bald cypress, and red maple trees. They will work under the supervision of Dr. Kamran Abdollahi, SU Ag Center scientist.

The LSU students will plant a rain garden at the I-10/Dalrymple interchange at the LSU Lakes, to replace the current lawn area, and other rain gardens along the lakeside to cleanse the storm water running into the lake.

The Green Light Plan was created to improve traffic for the city, and a portion of the funding was set aside for a physical facelift in some areas, creating the Beautification Program. In the last two years, the program has completed several beautification projects including the areas of Ashley Place on Marque Ann Drive, Melrose Place, The Lakes at Highland on Burbank Drive, Gus Young Avenue, and Corporate Boulevard.

Beware of Fall Army Worms

Beware of Fall Army Worms

Fall army worms are on the march in Louisiana, and heavy populations are causing major damage to lawns across the state. No lawn grass is immune to their attack.

Fall army worms can have up to four generations per year in Louisiana, and each generation takes about a month to complete its life cycle from egg to adult moth. In epidemic years, heavy moth flights can result in overlapping generations.

The larva or caterpillar stage lasts two to three weeks. The full-grown larvae are about 1-1.5 inches long, brown to green in color, with a prominent, inverted Y on the front of the head. They are called army worms because they move together in large numbers, just like an army.

Large caterpillars can devastate a turfgrass lawn’s foliage in just a few days. Areas affected by army worms in lawns may start small but rapidly expand in a few days. Damage resembles major scalping with a weed eater or lawn mower. Grass will grow back, but recovery will be slow. The damaged areas will be more susceptible to disease invasion this fall.

In urban areas, homeowners can treat their lawns when fall army worms threaten turf establishment or survival. Bermuda grass is normally the most susceptible lawn grass. Major infestations and damage have been found in Centipede grass and St. Augustine grass in the past month.

Insecticides recommended for control of insects on lawns are Acelepryn, Azatin XL, Battle GC, Mach 2, Lepinox WDG, Conserve SC, Talstar 10WP, Dylox, Condor XL, Crymax and Sevin.

Contact:
RONALD J. NICHOLAS, SR.
COUNTY AGENT
ST. LANDRY PARISH

Tel: 337-948-0561
E-mail: RNicholas@agcenter.lsu.edu

Morrill Inducted into USDA Hall of Heroes

Morrill Inducted into USDA Hall of Heroes

Today, Southern University is among the nation’s 18 Historically Black Land-Grant Universities because of the legislation introduced by Vermont Representative Smith Morrill in the “Agricultural College Act of 1890” as part of the Morrill Acts. The Morrill Land-Grant Acts allowed for the creation of land-grant colleges. The first Morrill Act was passed in 1862, and the second in 1890 to establish black land-grant colleges. The bill did not pass until Morrill proposed that the institutions would teach military tactics, engineering and agriculture.

In Washington, D.C., Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced five new inductees into the USDA Hall of Heroes, September 15. Established in September 2000, the USDA Hall of Heroes recognizes those that have had a lasting impact on agriculture and related programs. These leaders – both past and present – receive a permanent tribute for their contributions to agriculture. This year’s honorees include Justin Smith Morrill, Norman Berg, Thomas Monroe Campbell, Senator Tom Harkin, and Senator George McGovern.

"Each of these individuals has dedicated their public and private lives to improving various facets of food and agriculture," Vilsack said in a statement. "As a result, rural communities are stronger, people in America and throughout the world have abundant food, kids have access to more nutritious meals, and our public and private lands are better conserved. It is an honor to recognize and pay tribute to those who have contributed greatly not only to USDA, but also those who live in this great country."

Justin Smith Morrill (1810-1898) acted as the driving force behind the College Land-Grant Act, the legislation which laid the framework for the highly productive, science-based agricultural systems still in place today. This legislation, known as the Morrill Acts, is complete with two governing principles: the equality of opportunity and the utility of knowledge. The Land-Grant Acts helped set up the Nation's system of land-grant colleges, providing public land to each state that financed Agricultural Education. The second Morrill Act required that no funding be distributed to any state that differentiated education on the basis of race, or that did not issue funds equitably to parallel institutions.

Norman Berg, Thomas Monroe Campbell, Justin Smith Morrill, and Senators Tom Harkin and George McGovern have their names added to plaques featured at the Jamie L. Whitten Federal Building in Washington, D.C.

Seminar on European Fashion Study Tour

A seminar entitled "European Fashion Study Tour" will be presented by Dr. Doze Butler and three students on Thursday, September 23 at 3:30 pm in A.O. Williams Hall, room 191.  Please see attached flyer.   Hope to see you there. Thank you.