Louisiana 2 step: there is an app for that

Baton Rouge, La – On Feb. 9, 2012 Blue Cross Launched Mobile App to Help Louisianans Eat Right and Move More. The iPhone app provides an easy way to track healthier lifestyle choice.

This free and fun motivational program is designed in collaboration with Pennington  Biomedical Research Center to inspire healthier choices. The 2 Step program offers tools and resources to help people take two simple steps to better health: eat right and move more.

The new mobile app has several features to help users maintain a healthy lifestyle while on the go:

A list of 100-calorie snacks; Visual portion guide; List of exercises; BMI calculator; Educational videos

About the Louisiana 2 Step
Launched in 2007, the award-winning Louisiana 2 Step program is a fun, free and motivational way to teach adults in Louisiana two simple steps to better health: eat right and move more. Through the interactive website, www.Louisiana2Step.com, participants can use tools and get information to help get healthy and stay healthy. Kids ages 5 to 12 can find their own age-appropriate tools, games and info at the 2 Step 4 Kids companion site (www.2Step4Kids.com).

The 2 Step is the ultimate tool for "health guidance." Louisiana2Step.com provides: information on eating right and moving more; health tracking tools; goal setting tools; guidance for healthy families; healthy recipes; links to support organizations.

For more information on how to do the 2, visit http://www.louisiana2step.com/resources/parishes

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2012 Southern University Livestock Show

Baton Rouge, LA – This Week in Louisiana Agriculture’s A. J. Sabine speaks with Southern University Ag Center Livestock Show Director Christie Monroe about the upcoming March Show. Watch Farm Bureau interview video at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=azgnNG6SEr8

The SU Ag Center will hold its 69th Annual Livestock Show March 1-3 at the M.A. Edmond Arena in Baker, located on Scenic Hwy.

Youth from across Louisiana are getting ready to display their animals in a competitive, yet family oriented environment at the Annual State Livestock Show organized by the Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center.

For more information, and to place meat orders, please contact Christie Monroe at 225-771-4350 or 2241 or via email at christie_monroe@suagcenter.com

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SU Ag Center’s Annual Procurement Conference

 BATON ROUGE—Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center will hold its 8^th Annual “Connecting Businesses with Contracts” Procurement Conference, April 10, 7:30 a.m.-3 p.m., in the Smith-Brown Memorial Student Union, 500 Jesse N. Stone Ave., on Southern University Baton Rouge campus.

The event is open to all small business owners, contractors, and the public, but registration is required.

The conference will bring together potential and existing contractors, entrepreneurs and government agencies with 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 also learn the latest techniques on selling products and services to private industry, federal, state, and local government agencies.

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

The Center for Rural and Small Business Development at Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center, Southern University College of Business, the U.S. Small Business Administration, Louisiana Small Business Development Centers of Baton Rouge and Lafayette, and Louisiana Procurement Technical Assistance Center will host the conference this year.

Pre-registration is required. To obtain more information or to register, contact Gloria London, Director of the Center for Rural and Small Business Development, or Eual Hall, Business Development Specialist, at 225.771.4107 or 225.771.4105.

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Timbuktu Academy Emerges Champion of Black History Quiz Bowl

Baton Rouge, LA – Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center hosted the 18^th Annual Black History Quiz Bowl, February 23 at A. O. Williams Hall. This year, the Timbuktu Academy team took first place in the nine-team competition. Last year, Capitol High School took home the prize.

SU Ag Center and the College of Agricultural, Family and Consumer Sciences jointly organize the event involving stiff competition among high school and college students under the leadership of Dr. Owusu Bandele, professor emeritus, horticulture.

“It was a great competition; it is all in the preparation,” said an elated Bandele at the end of several rounds of contests.

When asked why it was important to hold such competition, Paula Mensah of the Timbuktu Academy responded that preparing for events like this gives the younger generation an opportunity to learn and remember great African Americans who paved the way for them.

Team Coach Sharon Nash concurred with Mensah stating, “It is very important for students to learn about their heritage so they are not living a crippled life. It helps them to know who they are, and that they can excel in life.”

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SU Ag Center to sponsor exhibit, tour during SU System-wide Founders’ Day Celebration

Baton Rouge, LA – Southern University Founders’ Day Celebration themed “Strengthening the Gift of a Strong Foundation," will take place March 4-9. The Ag Center will sponsor an Exhibit and Tour as part of this celebration on March 6, from 10:00 am-2:00 pm in A. O. Williams Hall..

During this week, we pause to celebrate 132 years of Southern University and the heroic efforts of many; and to reflect, analyze and strategically forge our path to the future. 

For more information, please contact Kim Butler at 225-771-5880 or kim_butler@suagcenter.com

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Timbuktu Academy Emerges Champion of Black History Quiz Bowl

Baton Rouge, LA – Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center hosted the 18^th Annual Black History Quiz Bowl. This year, the Timbuktu Academy team took first place in the nine-team competition. Last year, Capitol High School won first place. 

SU Ag Center and the College of Agricultural, Family and Consumer Sciences jointly organize the event involving stiff competition among high school and college students under the leadership of Dr. Owusu Bandele, professor emeritus, horticulture.

“It was a great competition; it is all in the preparation,” said an elated Bandele at the end of several rounds of contests.

When asked why it was important to hold such competition, Paula Mensah of the Timbuktu Academy responded that preparing for events like this gives the younger generation an opportunity to learn and remember great African Americans who paved the way for them.

Team coach Sharon Nash concurred with Mensah stating, “It is very important for students to learn about their heritage so they are not living a crippled life. It helps them to know who they are, and that they can excel in life.”

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Annual Livestock Show, March 1-3

Baton Rouge, LA- the SU Ag Center will hold its 69th Annual Livestock Show. Youth from across Louisiana are getting ready to display their animals in a competitive, yet family oriented environment at the Annual State Livestock Show organized by the Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center, March 1-3.

The Show will be held at the M.A. Edmond Arena in Baker, located on Scenic Hwy.

The Show features prize-winning animals that have won in parish and district competitions. Judges will name the state champions in different breeds including lamb, swine, goats, beef and dairy cattle. This year, the event will feature an old fashion livestock decorating contest called “Night with the Stars,” on Friday March 2 at 7 pm. Tour groups will discuss various animals, their food sources, farming and how agriculture plays a part in everyone’s life.

The Southern University Ag Center Livestock Show remains the premiere event for displaying youth showmanship and quality animals. The Show and related programs teach leadership, character development, and entrepreneurship skills to the youth who prepare year round for competitions.

An awards presentation will take place on Saturday, March 3 at 8:30 am, followed by the Junior Auction Animal line-up at 10:30 am and concludes with the Sale of Champions.

You can pre-order your meat by completing the attached order form and returning it before the show. You can also make a donation to support our youth in lieu of meat purchase.

For more information, and to place meat orders, please contact Christie Monroe at 225-771-4350 or christie_monroe@suagcenter.com or visit our website at www.suagcenter.com

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Dr. Brown to host town forum on crime

Baton Rouge, LA – Dr. Adell Brown, Executive Vice Chancellor & Vice Chancellor for Research, Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center will co-host a forum with NBC33 TV News Anchor, Tammi Arender. Rev. Alvin Herring, Executive Director with Working Interfaith Network, announced a Town Forum coming up on Feb. 24 at the Baton Rouge Marriott, which will address issues pertaining to crime.

The public is invited to attend the Forum, which will air on NBC33, Feb 24, 2012 from 6:00-7:00 p.m.

For more information, please contact Dr. Brown at 225-771-2244 or adell_brown@suagcenter.com

Story: http://www.nbc33tv.com/br-lagniappe/nbc33-to-host-community-dialogue-on-crime-on-feb-24

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USDA Offers Mobile Access and More Efficient Online Tools for Farmers and Ranchers

Baton Rouge, LA— Farmers and Ranchers now have a more efficient and timely option for receiving important Farm Service Agency (FSA) program eligibility requirements, deadlines and related information. USDA/FSA is now offering free online communications through GovDelivery electronic news service.

Acting Under Secretary for Farm and Foreign Agricultural Services Michael Scuse announced on Feb. 10, a package of technology enhancements from the Farm Service Agency that includes Web access for handheld and smartphone users, as well as a more efficient and timely option for receiving news and critical program information. The technology improvements will allow users of FSA information to gain access to easy-to-read data, including key features such as loan deficiency payment (LDP) rates, posted county prices (PCP), FSA news releases and AskFSA, the agency’s online self-help knowledge base.

Like all websites, the FSA site is accessible through any device that connects to the Internet. The mobile site organizes the information on the website in a way that makes for easy reading on a small, hand-held screen. It does not require screen adjustments or constant scrolling and panning across the information.

In addition to the mobile website, FSA is now offering farmers and ranchers a more efficient and timely option for receiving critical program information. Such things as eligibility requirements, deadlines and related information can be accessed through an electronic news service hosted by GovDelivery.

By signing up for free online communications through GovDelivery, farmers and ranchers can receive news, via e-mail, directly to their home or farm office or to their mobile devices—allowing them to receive immediate notification of farm program news that is pertinent to their agricultural operation.

To access FSA’s mobile website visit www.fsa.usda.gov/mobile. To sign up for FSA’s GovDelivery electronic news service, visit www.fsa.usda.gov/subscribe.

For information on USDA’s Blueprint for Stronger Service, please visit www.usda.gov/strongerservice.

Visit http://content.govdelivery.com/bulletins/gd/USFSA-2e6c51 for full story.

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Louisiana Small Farmer Conference

Baton Rouge, LA – The SU Ag Center will hold its second Annual Louisiana Small Farmer Conference at A. O. Williams Hall, Southern University Ag Center, Baton Rouge, from March 15-17. The theme for this year’s conference is “Building Capacity of Louisiana’s Small Family Farms.” The general session will focus on ways to building capacity of Louisiana’s small family farms and several concurrent sessions, will be held. The conference will begin with a preconference session of farm tours in Pointe Coupee and West Baton Rouge Parishes. Other topics will be covered such as food safety, record keeping, succession planning, mentoring the next generation of producers, cooperative development, diversification, USDA programs and services, and accessing new and emerging markets.

The conference is open to new and beginning farmers, small farmers, agricultural business owners, community leaders, non-profit organizations, and community-based organizations.

The conference registration fee is $25 and exhibitor registration fee is $200.00. The registration forms are attached herewith.

For more information, please contact Dr. Dawn Mellion-Patin at dawn_mellion@suagcenter.com or by telephone: 225-771-3532 or Zanetta Augustine at 771-2591

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Beef Cattle Body Condition Scoring Workshop

Baton Rouge, LA – Community Cattle Enterprise will sponsor a beef cattle body condition scoring workshop on Saturday, February 18, at 10: 00 am on Wallace Farm, 12041 Port Hudson, Pride Road in Zachary. The workshop presented by Ann Wells, DVM, will teach you how to judge your cattle’s condition by observing and touching.

Other topics on the program include Controlling Weeds With Sheep and Goats, presented by Earl Jones; and Ryegrass Demonstration Plots and Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQUIP) installations, by Robert Wallace.

Community Cattle Enterprise was established in 1988 to help limited-resource livestock farmers in East Baton Rouge Parish and surrounding areas become more efficient and sustainable producers and to train small livestock producers. The Enterprise helps train future livestock producers and helps local 4-H exhibitors prepare for livestock shows at Southern University and LSU.

For more information, please contact Emily King, outreach specialist, SU Ag Center at 225-771-2399 or 225-718-3705; or Robert Wallace at 225-654-9633.

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SU Ag Center scheduled to hold 18th Annual Black History Quiz Bowl

Baton Rouge, LA – The SU Ag Center will hold the 18th Annual Black History Quiz Bowl on Thursday, Feb. 23 at 3:00 pm, Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center Studio (Auditorium).

The Black History Quiz Bowl is an exciting educational event that stimulates our students. All divisions, clubs and other organizations and individual students within the College of Agriculture, Family and Consumer Sciences form teams including students from other colleges for this event with encouragement from faculty members. Each team consists of four players, one of whom serves as captain. The competition covers a variety of topics, including current events, politics, history, sports and entertainment

Teams must sign the roster in the College of Agriculture, Family and Consumer Sciences Dean's complex by Wednesday, February 15, 2012 in order to participate and to obtain a copy of the study guide from Ms. Sheila Smith.

The Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center and College of Agriculture, Family and Consumer Sciences jointly support the Black History Quiz Bowl under the leadership of Owusu Bandele, Ph.D., Professor, Horticulture, SU Ag Center

Should you need a copy of the study guide via email, please contact Dr. Bandele at obandele@cox.net. For further details, contact Professor Emeritus Owusu Bandele at 225-771-2242.

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The SU Ag Center Annual Livestock Show Slated for March 1

Baton Rouge, La – The Southern University Ag Center will hold its 69th Annual Livestock Show, Thursday, Mar 1-3 in SU Ag Center Arena, Baker, Louisiana (map)

During the show, youth throughout the state of Louisiana display quality steers, goats, lambs, and hogs in a competitive and family oriented environment. For more information or to preorder meat, contact Christie Monroe at 225-771-2242.

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SU Ag Center Researcher Selected to Serve on International Board

Baton Rouge, LA - Renita W. Marshall, D.V.M., Associate Professor of Animal Science at Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center, has been selected to serve on the editorial board for the American Journal of Animal and Veterinary Sciences (AJAV).

Marshall requested the position of editor, and later received word of her acceptance to serve as a Contributing Editor for the AJAVS's board.

“It is a great honor for us to have such a distinguished researcher as you on our board of Editors”, said the publication team in the announcement letter.





In the letter, Marshall also learned that her role would be entirely different from a reviewer. She will be expected to contribute material from herself or her institution, and region in the shape of research/review articles, short communications, technical comments, and editorials in each issue.

Her duties include collecting research / review articles, evaluating and submitting them for publication. Accepted articles will be available at the Science Publications web site for unlimited data download, without any compulsory membership. Additionally, the team expects proposals for special issues and ideas from Marshall related to the journal.

Other current Board members come from diverse countries including Australia, Canada, Mexico, Norway, Slovenia, and United Arab Emirate.

Please visit http://www.thescipub.com/editorial_AJAVSsp for further details

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Southern University System Implements Tobacco-free Policy

Baton Rouge, LA - Effective January 2, 2012, the Southern University System enforces its 100% tobacco-free policy. At the Southern University Ag Center, from where the policy originated, we have removed smoking receptacles, posted signs, and continue to educate our constituents regarding the adopted policy.

Should you have questions, or to receive a copy of the policy, please contact us by calling Linda Early Brown, Director at 225.771.4456 or Frankie Poland, Regional Coordinator, at 225.771.6237.

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SU Ag Center to Hold Louisiana Small Farmer Agricultural Leadership Institute

Baton Rouge, LA – The Southern University Ag Center will hold its 4th session of Louisiana Small Farmer Agricultural Leadership Institute training on Saturday, Jan 7 at A. O. Williams Hall, Baton Rouge, LA (map)

For more information, please contact Dr. Dawn Mellion-Patin, project director, at 225-771-2242.

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Dr. Brown Named Executive Vice Chancellor and Vice Chancellor for Research

Baton Rouge, LA - Adell Brown, Jr., Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration, SU Ag Center, has been named Executive Vice Chancellor and Vice Chancellor for Research at Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center. Dr. Adell Brown will replace Dr. Kirkland E. Mellad who retired from the position of Vice Chancellor for Research on December 31, 2011.

Additionally, Chancellor Leodrey Williams formally appointed Brown to be the official designated person in charge in his absence.

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AG CENTER YOUTH SINGS AT LSU WOMEN’S BASKETBALL GAME

BATON ROUGE, LA – SU Ag Center youth are excelling on all fronts. Daisha Christine Badon once again had an opportunity to do something exciting and special with her God-given talent.

In September, the LSU Athletics Department and the LSU School of Music selected Daisha to sing the national anthem at LSU Athletics events this year. She performed at the LSU Women’s Basketball game in the Pete Maravich Assembly Center, December 18.

Badon is a graduating senior from Brusly High where she has been a member of the school’s choir and the talented art program. She currently sings with St. John the Baptist Catholic Church Youth Choir, under the direction of Celeste Veillion and studies piano with Ronald Perry of Baker Music. In addition, Daisha enjoys dancing. She is celebrating twelve years of dance education with Machita and Company of Port Allen.

After graduation from high school, she plans to major in music and performing arts, and further her education at the renowned Julliard in New York.

Badon is the daughter of Dwayne and Donna Badon of Brusly, and big sister to Dara.

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Small Farmer Agricultural Leadership Training Session Held in Houston

Baton Rouge, LA - The Southern University Ag Center based Small Farmer Agricultural Leadership Institute, Class IV held its second training session at Prairie View A&M University in Houston, December 14-17. The group consisting of 31 participants from 12 southern states came together for farm tours and classroom lectures. The first stop was Yonder Way Farm, which began in 2006 when owners Jason and Lynsyn Kramer decided to live out their dreams of owning a farm. Their business goal is to be good stewards of the land and raise their animals free of confinement in a natural environment. Classroom lectures included lessons such as, team building, leadership, diversity training, farming as a business, and creating a resource inventory. In all, 47 individuals attended the event.


For further detail, please contact Mellion-Patin, Project Director at (225)771-3532.

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Southern University Ag Center Spotlighted in National Newsletter

Dr. Walker

Baton Rouge, LA – The Southern University Ag Center was spotlighted in the December issue of USDA National Organic Program Insider Newsletter. The spotlight followed a September visit to Louisiana by Miles McEvoy, Deputy Administrator of USDA’s National Organic Program (NOP). During his visit, Dr. C. Reuben Walker gave McEvoy a guided tour of the Ag Center. Walker serves as one of 15 National Organic Standards Board (NOSB) members. He succeeds Professor Owusu Bandele who served on the board from 2000-2005. The federal statutory board advises the Secretary of Agriculture on Organic policy. The Board meets twice a month to address organic agriculture issues.

The National Organic Board’s Organic Insider newsletter mentioned SU Ag Center on page 1 and spotlighted it on page 11 of the December issue. The spotlight focuses on the Center’s organic and sustainable agriculture production activities. The Organic Insider has a wide readership of approximately 3,500 internationally.

The full article is available online at http://www.ams.usda.gov/AMSv1.0/getfile?dDocName=STELPRDC5090466.

For further detail, please contact Reuben Walker at 225-771-3111

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