e-Directions is an information-sharing newsletter issued at least bi-monthly to help keep you updated on Extension-related issues covering restructuring, programming opportunities, strategic plan initiatives and enhancements and other information.
If you have any comments or suggestions to improve e-Directions or the Director’s Web site, please contact me at
pcoreil@agcenter.lsu.edu.
Due to the length of this e-Directions, it has been divided into sections. Click on the section you would like to read.
Hurricane Recovery Continues – Sugarcane Disaster Surge Boundaries Established
As a result of hurricanes Katrina and Rita that devastated the state in 2005, LSU AgCenter sugarcane extension specialist Dr. Ben Legendre, county agents in affected parishes and economists Mike Salassi and Kurt Guidry estimated a total of $282,670,909 in economic loss to the state’s sugarcane industry, which equated to a loss of 689,441 tons of raw sugar. Following the storms, Congress passed a bill authorizing the Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) to provide compensation totaling $40 million toLouisiana sugarcane producers and processors who suffered economic losses from the cumulative effects of hurricanes Katrina and Rita in August and September of 2005. The program is intended to partially compensateLouisiana sugarcane producers and processors for losses related to the natural disaster declaration.
The program is similar to the 2003 Sugarcane Hurricane Assistance Program forLouisiana. The producer’s base sugar yield per acre for measuring sugar loss is required to be the base yield used in the 2003 program. CCC is required to make the payments for estimated sugar loss to sugarcane processors, who will then share the payment with producers that deliver sugarcane to their mills according to the producer/processor contract, as in the 2003 program.
Unlike the 2003 program, however, the 2006 act also compensates for damages strictly borne by producers. The payments for these producer-only losses will not be split with the processor. CCC has determined that it will measure the producer-only losses as (1) lost plant or stubble cane acreage, requiring replanting, due to flooding, (2) damaged cane acreage due to flooding saltwater intrusion and (3) additional harvest costs due to wind-damaged fields.
When hurricane flood waters surged over theLouisiana sugarcane region, approximately 3,500 acres of freshly planted cane and stubble cane were destroyed because they either did not germinate or were uprooted. In addition, salt water severely damaged the future plant viability on roughly 35,000 acres of the 2006 crop plant cane, expected to result in reduced production on these acres for the 2007 crop. Further, hurricane winds lodged sugarcane on all of the approximately 422,000 harvested acres, which dramatically slowed harvesting speed and increased fuel costs. Losses for the destruction of sugarcane, saltwater flood-damaged sugarcane and increased harvesting costs are not compensated under existing programs such as the Emergency Conservation Program, federal crop insurance or the Hurricane Indemnity Program.
CCC has determined that it will allocate the $40 million among the different damage types with a higher proportion of reimbursement for the damages that are deemed to have the greatest impact on operation viability. The total destruction of plant or stubble cane by the saltwater flooding is strictly borne by the producer. The next most damaging impacts of the storms were adjudged to be the damage to standing cane by saltwater flooding and increased harvest expenditures due to wind damage. The sugar-loss payment pool is set at $29 million. The payment per pound of sugar loss is the $29 million divided by the total eligible sugar loss pounds. These reimbursement rates result in a split of $29 million for the producer/processor losses and $10 million for producer-only losses. One million dollars will be held in reserve in the event of program appeals.
The LSU AgCenter is responsible for delineating the tidal surge boundaries in the affected parishes brought about by Hurricane Rita. Legendre, watershed/GIS project area agent Tom Hymel, geo-spatial systems research associate Maurice Wolcott and agents in the affected parishes – Jimmy Flanagan (Iberia and St. Mary), Howard Cormier (Vermilion), Mike Hebert (Lafourche), Rick Louque and Barton Joffrion (Terrebonne) and Jerry Whatley (Cameron and Calcasieu) – have met with sugarcane producers in the affected parishes, staff of the American Sugar Cane League of the USA Inc. and consultants in an attempt to define the surge boundaries using available data and satellite information supplied by various government agencies. Hymel and Wolcott will take all available information, determine the tidal surge boundaries and release their findings to USDA-FSA upon completion.
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Giving Them Our Best: 4-H National Learning Priorities 2007–2012
National 4-H Headquarters has announced six national learning priorities for 4-H youth development professionals for the duration of 2007-2012. The goal is to increase the knowledge, skills and leadership of 4-H educators, military program staff and 4-H after-school providers in the field of youth development. The learning priorities are drawn from inputs from across the states and reflect the national strategic plan and plans for the future. The national learning priorities are consistent with the domains found in the 4-H Professional Research Knowledge and Competency model (4-H PRKC, 2005).
Learning Priorities for 4-H Youth Development, 2007-2012
- The Essential Elements of Youth Development (4-H PRKC: Youth Development).
- Volunteer Development for the Next Generation (4-H PRKC: Volunteerism).
- Evaluating for Impact (4-H PRKC: Youth Program Development).
- Expanding Outreach to New and Underserved Audiences (4-H PRKC: Equity, Access and Opportunity).
- Building Effective Organizational Systems (4-H PRKC: Organizational Systems).
- Mission Mandate Subject Matter Content Areas: Science Engineering and Technology (SET), Healthy Living, Citizenship.
Teams will be established for each learning priority. Using the vast array of resources from across the 4 H system, their task will be recommend learning solutions over the next 3-5 years, including face-to-face training, continuous learning using technology, on-line tools and knowledge-sharing of resources. Leadership for each of the learning priorities will be identified by January 2007. Look for more information at NAE4-HA and on the National 4-H Headquarters Web site as it becomes available.
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Guillorys to be Recognized as Monsieur et Madame Coton
“Monsieur et Madame Cotton,” an honor bestowed on few, will be given to Raymond and Tina Guillory at the Louisiana Cotton Festival. Tina Guillory is an extension agent in Evangeline Parish. The Guillorys recently retired from festival life after being involved in cotton for more than 25 years. Tina was elected to serve on the board in the 1980s, and Raymond served as vice president and president. They served the Cotton Festival a total of 25 years as adults. Please join me in congratulating Tina and her husband Raymond for achieving this honor.
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Guide to the Constitutional Amendments Ballot
The following link will lead you to the Public Affairs Research Council (PAR) guide to the constitutional amendments coming up for vote on November 7. Please share this information as appropriate.
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Robin Greene to Assume 4-H Department’s Administrative Secretary Position
Congratulations to Mrs. Robin Greene for having accepted the administrative secretary position with the 4-H Department. She started on October 19. Robin was employed with the BESE board at the Department of Education and brings excellent technology and work skills to the department. Please give Robin your full support.
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21st Century Families Conference
The following FCS faculty’s proposals have been accepted for presentation at the 21st Century Family Conference, April 17-19, 2007 inLittle Rock,Arkansas:
|
Title |
Type of Presentation |
Presenters |
|
When Sharks Attack:
Understanding and Avoiding Predatory Lending |
Presentation/
Workshop |
J. Tucker; C. Richard |
|
CECP:FRM Internet Based In-Service Training |
Presentation/
Workshop |
S. Badenhop; J. Tucker and CECP
FRM Team |
|
Smart Bodies: A formal investigation of a three-component nutrition and physical activity intervention program |
Presentation/
Workshop |
Michael Zanovec |
|
Applying developmentally appropriate practices to children’s stress over natural disasters |
Presentation/
Workshop |
Diane Sasser |
|
Children in Stress: Adapting in Communities After Disaster |
Presentation/
Workshop |
Diane Sasser |
|
Dollar Defense: Protecting your money, personal identity and home equity |
Poster |
J. Tucker, M. Burlew, C. Richard, A. Vidrine, C. Leperi, B. Gambel |
|
Parents Preparing for Success: Workshop series targeting limited resource mothers in work-ready prep program |
Poster |
Diane Sasser |
|
Smart Bodies: Implementation of a comprehensive nutrition education and physical activity program for elementary school children |
Poster |
Denise Holston |
|
Smart Bodies: Focus group discussions to determine enablers, barriers and predisposing factors teachers encounter during implementation of a comprehensive nutrition education and physical activity program |
Poster |
Denise Holston |
|
The ins and outs of your trailer home (hurricane recovery) |
Poster |
Terry Toombs |
|
SMART PORTIONS Healthy Weight Program |
Poster |
Beth Reames |
|
Crazy ‘bout them critters: Character education for preschoolers |
Poster |
Becky White |
|
After the storm: Louisiana’s family and consumer science hurricane recovery experience |
Poster |
Becky White |
Please join me in congratulating these faculty members who I know will represent the LSU AgCenter well when they present at the conference.
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New Extension Appointments
Wes Barnett is the new extension associate agent for Webster Parish. He will be doing 50% 4-H and 50% Adult work. Much of his emphasis in 4-H will focus on livestock and outdoor skills. Mr. Barnett can be contacted via phone at (318) 371-1371 or via e-mail at WBarnett@agcenter.lsu.edu.
Laurie LaFollette is the new extension associate agent for Grant Parish. She is 100% 4-H and has been a 4-H Leader in Winn Parish for several years. Mrs. LaFollette can be contacted via phone at (318) 627-3675 or via e-mail at LLafollette@agcenter.lsu.edu.
Natasha Pittman is the new associate extension agent for the Southeast Region. Mrs. Pittman can be reached via phone at (225) 686-3020 or via e-mail at NPittman@agcenter.lsu.edu.
Ernest Girouard has been appointed area agent at the Rice Research Station for the Southwest Region. Dr. Girouard can be reached via phone at (337) 788-7547 or by e-mail at EGirouard@agcenter.lsu.edu.
Todd J. Fontenot has been appointed assistant county agent in Evangeline Parish in the Southwest Region. Mr. Fontenot can be reached at (337) 363-5646 or by e-mail at TFontenot@agcenter.lsu.edu.
Petrie Baker has been appointed to an administrative coordinator in theSchool ofHuman Ecology on the LSU campus. Petrie can be reached via phone at (225) 578-6701 or via e-mail at PBaker@agcenter.lsu.edu.
Please give our new AgCenter faculty and staff your full support as they assume these responsibilities.
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LaHouse Expansion
The LSU AgCenter is pleased to announce a renaissance of its statewide Energy Extension program with the addition of Audrey Evans to the faculty, through a position funded by LSU's Center for Energy Studies, yet housed in the Dept. of Bio and Ag Engineering as a LaHouse project team member. Audrey has worked with the LaHouse team since shortly after the storms (thanks to grant support from the U.S. Dept. of Energy's Building America program), in response to the housing crisis in coastalLouisiana. As the new Extension Energy Specialist, Audrey will be developing educational materials and opportunities for consumers, builders, and agents, to help maximize energy conservation in the rebuilding process. While primarily focused on residential issues -- given the current needs and her background as an "energy rater" through the La. Dept. of Natural Resources' HERO program -- Audrey is also interested in promoting solar energy and energy conservation in agricultural operations. Although based inNew Orleans, she has a decade of experience working statewide on environmental issues, and looks forward to helping to increase the adoption of building science and "greenbuilding" techniques and "energy smart" education acrossLouisiana.
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SPDN Advisory Council Chair
Dr. Clayton Hollier, professor of plant pathology for the LSU AgCenter, has accepted the position to serve as chair of the Southern Plant Diagnostic Network (SPDN) Advisory Council. His term will be for 2 years. Please join me in congratulating Dr. Hollier.
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Richard Bogren Earns Accredited Business Communicator Designation
Richard Bogren, associate professor of communications at the LSU AgCenter, has earned the Accredited Business Communicator (ABC) designation by the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC).
IABC’s accreditation process measures the strategic abilities and technical skills of a communicator and is a critical step in a communicator’s career growth. The process consists of rigorous evaluation that identifies and recognizes the highly qualified, well-rounded communicator through a review of a portfolio of work and written and oral examinations. The candidate who meets the exacting requirements earns the ABC designation.
To earn the accreditation, Bogren had to demonstrate an understanding of the goals and philosophy of organizational communication; discuss the role of the communicator and communication in modern organizations; present what communication can and cannot do; and display the knowledge to plan, direct, implement and evaluate a broad range of communication programs applying that knowledge to practical, real-life situations.
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Scuddy LeBlanc Honored for Service to St. Bernard Parish
Scuddy LeBlanc was the county agent for St. Bernard Parish for 21 years before leaving in 2001 to work in community economic development for 13 parishes. Most recently he was the horticulture agent for West Feliciana Parish. Mr. LeBlanc, who retired recently after a total of 37 years with the AgCenter, was honored at a reception at the AgCenter trailer office inChalmette. He was given a certificate of appreciation by the AgCenter and a proclamation from the Parish Council naming LeBlanc an honored citizen of St. Bernard.
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Area 4-H Clubs Receive Environmental Grant
Jeff Davis,Calcasieu and Vermilion 4-H Junior Leader clubs recently received a $7,500 grant from the Coca-Cola Foundation. The grant was awarded for a tri-parish service-learning effort entitled, “What Happens in the Environment, Stays in the Environment.” The effort is aimed at educating youth to environmental issues, providing them with service opportunities that can truly benefit their environment, in particular, theLouisiana coastline.
Nancy Cronan,Calcasieu 4-H Youth Development Agent, took the leadership role in applying for the grant after youth from the three parish organizations met in July for a leadership retreat and chose to address environmental issues as their service-learning focus for the coming year. The effort will address watershed protection, coastal erosion and community beautification.
The project will be implemented by about 300 high school 4-H members, faculty of the LSU AgCenter, volunteers and collaborators. The year-long effort will incorporate leadership and service opportunities for a youth-based science and technology curriculum and collaboration with state and local agencies and governments. The culmination of the project will take place in April with a tri-parish service retreat to Cameron Parish, coastalLouisiana, to plant marsh grass. Research on coastal erosion indicates that marsh grass yields the greatest benefit when compared to other conservation methods.
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eXtension to Host National Video Conference Today
This is a reminder that eXtension will host its next national video conference on Tuesday, October 24, 2006 from 2:30 to 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time (1:30-3:00 p.m. Central; 12:30 to 2:00 p.m. Mountain; 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Pacific).
To join the video conference, go to:http://real.unl.edu/extension.
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Alternative Energy Workshop Presentations
The Alternative Energy Workshop that was held inAlexandria in September has posted the presentations on the Web at the following address: http://www.larcd.org/aewpresentations.htm
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Please continue to visit the director’s website at:
http://www.lsuagcenter.com/en/administration/about_us/extension/our+director/
index.htm
If you have any comments or suggestions to improve e-Directions or the director’s website, please contact me at pcoreil@agcenter.lsu.edu.
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