Developing a Strong Winning Proposal

PRESS RELEASE

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

Contact: Bridget Udoh
(225) 771-5714
http://www.suagcenter.com/

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

SU Ag Center to Hold Proposal Writing Seminar

BATON ROUGE, LA, 4/20/2011 - The Southern University Ag Center will hold a seminar on Developing a Strong Winning Proposal, May 25, from 9 am-11 am, in A.O. Williams Hall, room 191. This free educational event is open to the public.

Topics to be covered include: Understanding Government Procurement Instruments; Effectively Responding to Request for Government Proposal; What Today’s Winning Proposal Looks Like; Exchanges/Communication with Contracting Officer; Best Value to the Government; How the Government Evaluates Proposals; Proposal Conferences; Helpful Hints Regarding Writing Proposals; Things to Avoid in Proposal Writing; and Developing Your Cost and Pricing.

Seats are limited and deadline to register is May 20, 2011. Please send your registration by e-mail to Peggy Sammons at prs6182@louisiana.edu, or fax to (337) 482-5837, or phone (800) 206-3545.

For more information, contact: Gloria London at (225) 771-2242; Gloria_london@suagcenter.com

SU Ag Center to Hold Annual Goat Field Day

PRESS RELEASE

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

Contact: Bridget Udoh
(225) 771-5714

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

BATON ROUGE, LA, 4/18/2011 - The Southern University Ag Center will hold its 6th Annual Goat Field Day on Saturday, April 30 in A.O. Williams Hall. This educational event is open to anyone currently involved in goat production as well as those who are interested in learning more about raising goats.

This year’s event will feature presentations on integrated parasite management, including FAMACHA training, record keeping, marketing strategies, and forage-based production. Challenges and opportunities will be addressed during the questions and answers session. The day will also include demonstrations and hands-on training on fecal eggs count (wet lab), goat sausage making, and a farmer’s market set-up and sales.

The Goat Field Day is being offered free of charge and lunch will be served. Those who are interested in becoming FAMACHA trained will incur a charge of $10.00 for the color guide chart. Registration will begin at 7:30 am in the Ag Center, A.O. Williams Hall, and the program starts promptly at 8 am.

For more information, contact: Lisa Gray at (225) 771-2242/ (225) 205-4857, lisa_gray@suagcenter.com; Jim Miller (jmill1@lsu.edu), Terry Dumas (tdumas@gcenter.lsu.edu), or Sebhatu Gebrelul (sebhatu_gebrelul@suagcenter.com.

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Southern University Ag Center Celebrates Life

PRESS RELEASE

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

Contact: Bridget Udoh
(225) 771-5714
http://www.suagcenter.com/

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Southern University Ag Center Celebrates Life

BATON ROUGE, LA, 4/8/2011 – The Southern University Ag Center launched its annual “American Cancer Society Relay For Life” this morning in A. O. Williams Hall. The Southern University Ag Center stands tall to support the Communities of Color Network, a tobacco and health initiative, in collaboration with various organizations. Specifically, the Relay for Life event is being held on Southern University campus April 8, 6:00 p.m. - 6:00 a.m. This activity offers everyone in the community an opportunity to participate in the fight against cancer.

For further details, please contact Linda E. Brown, director, Communities of Color Network at: 771-2242 or visit: www.relayforlife.org/southernuniversity

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SU Ag Center Holds Third Leadership Class Graduation Ceremony in DC

PRESS RELEASE

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

Contact: Bridget Udoh
(225) 771-5714
http://www.suagcenter.com/

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Class III - Small Farmer Agricultural Leadership Institute Graduation, March 24, 2011

SU Ag Center Holds Third Leadership Class Graduation Ceremony in DC

BATON ROUGE, LA, 3/25/2011 – The Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension held its 3rd Leadership Class Graduation Ceremony in DC, March 24.

The Class of 2011 Small Farmer Agricultural Leadership Institute numbered 28 small farmers from across the nation. This illustrious group received certificates of completion during a graduation ceremony in Washington, DC. The ceremony, which concluded a two-year intensive program of study, was held at USDA headquarters. Leodrey Williams, SU Ag Center Chancellor, Gina E. Eubanks, Vice Chancellor for Extension and Dawn Mellion-Patin, Institute Director, graced the occasion along with USDA officials.

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Bayou State Trail Riders to Start Journey to SU Ag Center for Horse Show

PRESS RELEASE

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

Contact: Bridget Udoh
(225) 771-5714
http://www.suagcenter.com/

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Bayou State Trail Riders to Start Journey to SU Ag Center for Horse Show

BATON ROUGE, LA, 3/24/2011 – The Bayou State Trail Riders will start their journey to Baton Rouge for the 41st SU Ag Center’s Horse Show. Students at Winnsboro Elementary and Franklin Parish Head Start will get an afternoon visit from the Bayou State Trail Riders on Monday, April 4.

This is the seventh year that the convoy of horses, buggies and covered wagons has passed through Winnsboro on its way to Southern University in Baton Rouge. Riders from other states join the group at different stops along the way to participate in the seven-day trip.

Participants will leave for the 100-mile journey from the Monroe Civic Center at 8 a.m. on April 3 to arrive in Baton Rouge for the annual SU Ag Center horseshow on Friday, April 8.

The 41st Annual State and Regional Horse Show will take place at the M.A. Edmond Livestock Arena located on Hwy 61. The kickoff events are the western round-up, Best Dressed Cowboy/Cowgirl Contest, Mechanical Bull Contest and Zydeco Band (J. Paul Jr. and Zydeco Nubreeds) on Friday evening. Events for Saturday include Kids Rodeo on stick Horses at 9:00 a.m. in the Arena; the Trail ride, beginning at F. G. Clark Activity Center on the campus of Southern University at 2:00 p.m., and ending at the M.A. Edmond Arena. The Gaited Horse Show will begin at 5:00 p.m. with Leon Chavis and the Zydeco Flames performing at 7:00 p.m. The event culminates with the Cowboy Church at 9:00 a.m., on Sunday, April 10.

The trail ride is a collaborative effort with several organizations throughout the southern region and began initially on Saturday, March 25th in Eldorado, Arkansas. The participants continue the trail ride daily until they reach their destination at the Ag Center’s M.A. Edmond Livestock Arena.

For further information, please contact Christie Monroe at 225-771-2242.

The Franklin Sun carried the story on the March 23 e-news edition: http://www.franklinsun.com/news.php?id=3458

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The SU Ag Center to Host its 39th Annual Rabbit Show

PRESS RELEASE

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

Contact: Bridget Udoh
(225) 771-5714
http://www.suagcenter.com/

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The SU Ag Center to Host its 39th Annual Rabbit Show

BATON ROUGE, LA, 3/23/2011 – The Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center will host its 39th annual state and national Rabbit Show, Saturday, April 2 at the M.A. Edmond Livestock Show Arena. Youth from across the state will converge in Baton Rouge for this annual event that teaches leadership skills, character development, and entrepreneurship skills.

The SU Ag Center’s Annual Rabbit Show is the largest in the state, with competitions in 16 sanctioned rabbit breeds, and draws youth from almost every parish in the State. "We're expecting more than 200 youth exhibitors to participate in this year's Show," said Livestock Show Director, Christie Monroe. Participating youth represent Future Farmers of America (FFA) chapters, 4-H Clubs, and other school-aged youth.

The SU Ag Center’s Rabbit Show is sanctioned by the American Rabbit Breeders Association, and is co-sponsored by the Louisiana Rabbit Breeders Association. All events are free and open to the public.

For further information, please contact Christie Monroe at 225-771-2242.

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SU Ag Center’s Louisiana Small Farmer Conference Culminates in Graduation

Left to right, Chancellor Williams, Graduates, VC Eubanks and Director Mellion-Patin

BATON ROUGE, LA, 3/19/11 –The SU Ag Center’s Louisiana Small Farmer Conference Culminates in Graduation Ceremony. The Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center hosted the Louisiana Small Farmer Conference, March 17 –– 19 in Baton Rouge. The theme for this event was, “Sustaining Louisiana’s Small Family Farms.” This conference was enlightening, informative and designed to educate and expand the awareness of educational opportunities, USDA programs and services and other resources which help small farmers stay in business. The overall goal of the conference was to provide an opportunity for Louisiana’s small agricultural producers to come together and share strategies as well as be informed about the latest educational tools and resources which could impact the survival of their agricultural businesses. The conference targeted small and beginning farmers, agricultural business owners, community-based, and nonprofit organizations.

During the opening session, SU Ag Center Chancellor Leodrey Williams, extended a warm welcome to participants and in conclusion said, “If we don’t do anything to help others, we have not done much at all.” The commissioner of Agriculture & Forestry Mike Strain, DVM was on hand to welcome conference attendees from across Louisiana. He stated that, with the push for alternative energy, great benefits await farmers and emphasized the importance of “preserving, protecting and keeping our farmlands.” Also to address the audience was Cathea Simelton, Interim National Program Leader, Small and Beginning Farmer and Rancher Program, USDA, Office of Advocacy and Outreach, Washington, DC. Simelton assured the participants that her office “understands the obstacles small farmers face,” and ready and willing to help them succeed.

The conference started with a tour of the Perkins’ organic farm in Port Hudson, the Jones’ goat farm in Zachary and the Muhaimins’ poultry farm in Zachary. The second day of the conference involved intense sessions with topics including challenges to sustaining Louisiana small farms, young agricultural program, establishing a farm plan for new and existing farmers, marketing and legal issues.

The conference culminated on Saturday morning with a graduation for the first class of small farmers who participated in the Louisiana Small Farmer Agricultural Leadership Institute. These eleven distinguished honorees from six parishes successfully completed a 75-hour training program focusing on leadership development and business management. “Congratulations to the graduates,” said Dr. Dawn Mellion-Patin, Director and chair of conference committee. The Chancellor summed it all up when he said “I am proud of you, the students, teachers, staff, retirees, and everyone who has supported this conference.”

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Southern University Ag Center Concluded its 68th Annual Livestock Show

Brenda DeRouren (Center) received an award for 30 years of service with the 

Southern University Ag Center’s Livestock Show. Pictured L to R:  

James C. Archie, former Livestock Show Director and 

Christie Monroe, director. 

The Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center concluded its 68th Annual Livestock Show with more than 400 participants from across the state this past weekend.  During the two-day event, young farmers and ranchers from across the state had the opportunity to display animals that have been 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, was held for school-age kids from the local schools.  In addition, tours were provided to discuss different animals, their food sources, farming, and how agriculture affects everyone's life.

Winners of the show received premiums, rosettes, ribbons, and banners. An awards presentation for exhibitors of champion market animals was held followed by the Junior Auction Sale. This year show was dedicated to long-time Livestock Show employee, Brenda DeRouren who will be retiring from the University later this month after working 30 years.

Results from the Show: 

http://www.suagcenter.com/livestock/Livestock2011/photogallery/index.htm

2011 Beef Breeding Division - Chris Robichaux, Superintendent

Category:  Brahman Influence – Heifer

Champion: Ashlyn Turner, Claiborne Parish

Reserve Champion:  Madison Stone, Caddo Parish                              

Category:  Non-Brahman Influence – Heifer

Champion: Sidney Thibodeaux, Lafourche Parish

Reserve Champion: Madison Stone, DeSoto Parish                                            

Category:  Brahman Influence – Bull

Champion Market Goat - Mackenzie Castro, Assumption
 (Purchased by B & G Goat Farm and Castro Club Lamb - $2000)

Champion: Ashlyn Turner, Claiborne ParishReserve Champion: Ashlyn Turner, Claiborne Parish

Category:  Non-Brahman Influence – Bull

Champion: Sidney Thibodeaux, Lafourche Parish

Reserve Champion: Cort Decoteau, East Baton Rouge Parish

Category:  Commercial Heifer

Champion: Mitchell Miles, Winn Parish

Reserve Champion: Mitchell Miles, Winn Parish

Category:  Beef Showmanship

Champion: Madison Cain, Claiborne Parish

Reserve Champion:  Ashlyn Turner, Claiborne Parish

2011 Commercial Dairy Division - Eugene Runles, Superintendent

Category: Supreme Commercial Champion

Champion: Chandler Blayne Salley, Sabine Parish

Category:  Dairy Showmanship

Champion: Maggie Brakeville , Bossier Parish

Reserve Champion: Chandler Blayne Salley, Sabine Parish

2011 Market Goat Division - Terrance Marshall, Superintendent

Category:  Goat Showmanship

Champion: Magan Cheek, Winn Parish

Reserve Champion: Kyle Sonnier, Jeff Davis Parish

               

2011 Market Lamb Division - Terrance Marshall, Superintendent

Category:  Sheep Showmanship

Champion: Hanna Cunningham, Natchitoches Parish

Reserve Champion: Brody Hebert, Lafourche Parish

2011 Market Hog Division - Terry Washington, Superintendent

Category:  Swine Showmanship

Champion: Josie Camp, Winn Parish

Reserve Champion: Colton Branam, Sabine Parish

Market Champions

Champion Market Steer - Chantalyn Jackson, Tangipohoa (Purchased by Bogalusa AME District - $3,500)

Reserve Champion Market & Champion LA Breed Market Steer - Junter Millican, East Baton Rouge (Purchased by Commissioner Mike Strain and Twlight Breaking / LA Cattlemen Association ($3,200)

Reserve Champion LA Breed Steer - Amahay Jackson, Madison (Purchased by Commissioner Mike Strain and LA Cattlemen Association ($3,000)

Champion Market Hog - Mason Collins, DeSoto (Purchased by Commissioner Mike Strain - $1,000)

Reserve Champion Market Hog - Abilgail Robinson, LaSalle (Purchased by Gina E. Eubanks - $800)

Champion Market Lamb - Kathryn Manuel, Beauregard (Purchased by Commissioner Mike Strain and Agnomen, Inc. - $600)

Reserve Champion Market Lamb - Paige Quebedaux, LaFourche (Purchased by Commissioner Mike Strain and Purina Land - $400

Champion Market Goat - Mackenzie Castro, Assumption (Purchased by B & G Goat Farm and Castro Club Lamb - $2000)

Reserve Champion Market Goat - Magen Cheek, Winn (Commissioner Mike Strain and FMC Winn Livestock - $400) 

CoC Network Partners with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of LA promote Healthy Lifestyles

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana observed African-American Heritage Month by calling for “one people, one vision for a healthy Louisiana. To promote health, wellness and celebrate Louisiana’'s rich diversity, the state'’s largest domestic and non-profit insurer partnerered with the Mall of Louisiana to host a month-long celebration of living African-Americans who support healthy lifestyles.

Frankie Poland, regional coordinator, shares with East Baton Rouge 

Parish Mayor/President  Melvin "Kip" Holden about the SU Ag Center's Communities of Color Network.

“Living Legends: Building a Legacy of Health in Mind, Soul and Body” was a series of events held at the Mall's Center Court.  Every Wednesday during the month of February, from 11 a.m. to noon, the Heritage Reading Series feature prominent African-Americans from the Baton Rouge region delivering readings of works by Black thought leaders.

  

Living Legends culminated the activity on February 26th with a Health Expo where Frankie Poland, regional coordinator expertly displayed a booth impacting the negative impact of secondhand smoke and the harmful impact of tobacco products.  The Expo coincided with the American Heart and American Stroke Associations’ Power to End Stroke Mall Walk.  Participants were able to get free health information and other wellness services provided by Blue Cross and other health professionals from throughout the region.  Poland met with East Baton Rouge Parish Mayor/President Melvin "Kip" Holden to discuss Southern University's role in eradicating, reducing tobacco products in the African-American communities.

Capitol High Academy Shines at Annual Black History Quiz Bowl

Capitol High Academy Shines at the Black History
Quiz Bowl: L toR Hanifah Muhammad, Darius Williams, Owusu Bandele, Moderator,
Sherrell Briggs, and John Brumfield. – Photo by Lisa Gray

Baton Rouge (LA) Competition was keen as twelve teams competed for top honors at the 17^th Annual Black History Quiz Bowl hosted by the Southern University Ag Center on Thursday, February 25.   The questions covered a variety of topics including politics, civil rights, culture, sports, and the arts.  Five high school teams and seven teams from the College of Agricultural, Family, and Consumer Sciences competed against each other. 

In the end, the young scholars from Capitol High Academy took first place, followed by a second place finish by the Southern University Timbuktu Academy. The Animal Scientists Blue Team from the Southern University College of Agricultural, Family, and Consumer Sciences finished third.  “It’s all about preparation,” expressed Dr. Owusu Bandele, a retired Southern University Ag Center Professor Emeritus, who initiated the annual quiz bowl seventeen years ago and moderates the
sessions.  “The high school teams signed up early and, consequently received the study guides earlier.  They took the event seriously. It was truly inspirational to see these young people perform so well,” added Bandele.  The Capitol High Academy team included John Brumfield, Sherrell Briggs, Darius Williams, and Hanifah Muhammad.  Timbuktu Academy team members included Ikechi Akujobi, Justin Brumfield, Kristopher Dandridge, and Cyla Queen.  The Animal Scientists team consisted of Isaiah Nelson, Bryan Smith, Patience Muse, and Bryan Goins.  All participants received books by or about African Americans as gifts.

SU Ag Center to Sponsor Annual Connecting Businesses with Contracts Procurement Conference

PRESS RELEASE


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

Contact: Bridget Udoh
(225) 771-5714

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

SU Ag Center to Sponsor Annual Connecting Businesses with Contracts Procurement Conference

BATON ROUGE, LA, February 15, 2011—Small business owners and contractors are invited to participate in the Seventh Annual Connecting Businesses with Contracts Procurement Conference, March 29, 2011, at the Southern University Smith Brown Memorial Student Union, 500 Jesse N. Stone Avenue, Baton Rouge, LA 70813.

The conference continues to bring together potential and existing contractors, entrepreneurs and government agencies in position for business match-making. Small enterprises are provided an opportunity to meet contracting officers and purchasing agents.

Attendees will receive information on sources of assistance, the process of registration and obtaining licensing, methods of financing, and securing contracts. Participants will be exposed to techniques on selling products and services to private industry and federal, state, and local governments.

Representatives from the United States Small Business Administration will be available to discuss SBA programs, guarantees, certification process, bonds and surety, GO Loans, and disaster loans. Likewise, the Louisiana State Contractor Licensing Department will answer questions from individuals who want to become licensed or from existing contractors.

The conference is hosted by the Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center, the Center for Rural and Small Business Development, Louisiana Small Business Development Centers in Baton Rouge and Lafayette, the U. S. Small Business Administration, Louisiana Procurement Technical Assistance Center and Louisiana Economic Development Corporation.

The event is free, but registration ends Thursday, March 24, 2011.

All visitors should park at Southern University Mini Dome from where they will be shuttled to the Student Union.

Register online at: http://www.crsbd.com/events/registration/

For more information, contact Gloria London, Director, Center for Rural and Small Business Development, or Eual Hall, Business Development Specialist, at (225) 771-4107 or 4105.

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SU Students to Participate in Agricultural Research Symposium

PRESS RELEASE

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

Contact: Bridget Udoh
(225) 771-5714

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

SU Students to Participate in Agricultural Research Symposium

BATON ROUGE, LA, 2/10/2011 – Southern University Ag Center professor, Daniel Collins, accompanies students to participate in the USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS) Beltsville Area Graduate Student Agricultural Research Symposium Feb. 10-11, 2011 in Beltsville, MD. Graduate students from the Urban Forestry program at Southern University will participate in this Symposium sponsored by the Beltsville Area Diversity Task Force. The goal of the symposium is to expose students to career opportunities at the Beltsville Agricultural Research Center and throughout the United States Department of Agriculture.

The symposium will bring together the talents of 1890 Land Grant Institution students and future scientists with the ARS scientific staff to strengthen collaborations and jointly enhance the scientific advancement of our nation's agriculture. The Urban Forestry program has a couple of ongoing research projects with ARS including screening the gulf coast forest species for reaction to Phytophthora ramorum, and the use of remote sensing and multispectral analysis for detecting citrus trees in urban environments to enhance surveys for pests of citrus.

The Symposium will feature oral and poster presentations by graduate students from six 1890 Land Grant Institutions including Southern University. Nine graduate students from the SU Urban Forestry Program will be making oral and poster presentations. Presenting in the oral category are doctoral students Ryan Nicholas, Yongsheng Li, Vanessa Ferchaud, and Mary Beals; and Master’s degree student Michaela Danzy. The poster presentation category includes doctoral students Chris Chappell, Jason Preuett, and Tanganika Johnson; and Master’s degree students Amy Gilliam and Brian Mims.

The Symposium website is available at: http://www.ars.usda.gov/Aboutus/docs.htm?docid=17502

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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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