On March 18, 2005, conservation and agricultural leaders from throughout the state signed a Memorandum of Understanding to formalize their relationship and work with the Master Farmer Program and associated Master Cattle Producer Program. The Master Farmer Program and the associated Master Cattle Producer Program certifies farmers and cattle producers who have completed three phases of intensive work—classroom instruction, attendance at model-farm field days, and development and implementation of farm-specific comprehensive soil and water conservation plans.
The Louisiana State University Agricultural Center, Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry (LDAF), USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), Louisiana Farm Bureau Federation and Louisiana Cattleman’s Association (LCA) will work together to carry out both programs that not only benefit Louisiana’s agricultural producers, but the state’s soil, water and overall environment as well.