(09/29/23) BATON ROUGE, La. — The Louisiana Agriculture Hall of Distinction is now accepting nominations for its annual induction ceremony, which will be held March 7 in Baton Rouge.
The nomination form can be obtained online at www.louisianaagriculturehallofdistinction.com or through any parish LSU AgCenter office. The deadline for receiving nominations is Nov. 17.
The Hall of Distinction is a program in conjunction with the Louisiana Radio Network, LSU AgCenter, Louisiana Farm Bureau Federation and Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry. It recognizes individuals who have had a profound effect on Louisiana agriculture or agricultural enterprises. Nominees can represent any area of agriculture or agriculture-related industries, including farming, ranching, aquaculture, fisheries, education and agribusiness.
“The people engaged in Louisiana agriculture provide us with food, materials for our homes and the fibers for our clothes,” said Matt Lee, LSU vice president for agriculture and dean of the College of Agriculture. “All of these are essential to our existence. The individuals we honor at this event have made significant contributions to improving our everyday lives.”
The three individuals inducted in 2023 were Gerard Frey, a rice and crawfish farmer from Iota; longtime LSU AgCenter rice breeder and regional director Steve Linscombe, who is a native of Gueydan; and Jackie Theriot, who was born in Catahoula in St. Martin Parish and spent nearly his entire life planting, growing, harvesting, milling and advocating for the Louisiana sugarcane industry.
“We are pleased the Hall of Distinction remains a signature event each year to honor those who have contributed to our state’s agricultural industry,” said Louisiana Radio Network President Jim Engster. “The past year has reminded us how we depend upon agriculture to provide for us, and we would like to recognize those individuals who have made it so successful.”
Since its inception, 31 individuals have been inducted into the Louisiana Agriculture Hall of Distinction.
“The Louisiana Agriculture Hall of Distinction recognizes the hard work of those who ensure agriculture remains the state’s most important economic driver,” said Louisiana Farm Bureau President Jim Harper. “The Louisiana Farm Bureau Federation is proud to sponsor and be a part of this event where so many of our volunteer leaders are recognized for their lifetimes of hard work."
“The agriculture and forestry sectors of our economy are deeply rooted in tradition, history and legacy,” said Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry Commissioner Mike Strain. “The Louisiana Agriculture Hall of Distinction honors those roots. The Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry is honored and proud to be a part of an event that highlights these individuals’ profound contributions to innovation and the wellbeing of all.”
For more information, contact Don Molino with the Louisiana Radio Network at 225-291-2727, ext. 210, or don@louisianaradionetwork.com, or Bobby Soileau with the LSU AgCenter at 225-578-3659 or bsoileau@agcenter.lsu.edu.