U.S. Sens. Cassidy, Boozman Visit AgCenter Sugar Research Station
Funding for agricultural research — which helps protect the livelihoods of countless American farmers, ensure national security and promote economic development — is critical, U.S. Sens. Bill Cassidy and John Boozman said during a July 12 visit to the LSU AgCenter Sugar Research Station in St. Gabriel.
Cassidy, of Louisiana, and Boozman, of Arkansas, toured the station, where they saw the fields and facilities where scientists develop new, higher-yielding sugarcane varieties as well as strategies to help farmers manage pests and improve other aspects of production.
With farm bill discussions currently underway in Congress, the senators highlighted the importance of supporting agricultural research efforts like those they saw during their visit to the station.
The farm bill is an omnibus law that authorizes and funds numerous programs affecting agriculture, food and rural communities. It must be renewed every five years. ■ Olivia McClure
Brayden Blanchard, second from right, a quantitative geneticist at the LSU AgCenter Sugar Research Station in St. Gabriel, leads, from left, U.S. Sens. Bill Cassidy and John Boozman and LSU Vice President for Agriculture and College of Agriculture Dean Matt Lee on a tour of the station. Photo by Olivia McClure
High School Students, Teachers Learn About Agriculture at Camp CRISP
A group of high school students and teachers from Baton Rouge attended a two-week camp that had them exploring crop fields, laboratories and research stations alongside LSU AgCenter scientists.
Six students and four teachers from Woodlawn High School, Baton Rouge Magnet High School and Arlington Preparatory Academy participated in the inaugural Camp CRISP from June 17-28. The program was part of the Climate Resilient Innovations for Sustainable Production of Rice, or CRISP Rice, grant.
AgCenter researchers working on the grant project are trying to make rice production more sustainable and profitable. They also are promoting career opportunities in agriculture.
The students and teachers toured various labs and other facilities at LSU as well as the Doyle Chambers Central Research Station, which is just a few minutes away from campus. They also traveled to the Bob R. Jones-Idlewild Research Station near Clinton and twice to the H. Rouse Caffey Rice Research Station near Crowley, spending one day in the field with scientists and another attending the facility’s 115th annual field day.
Throughout their two weeks, campers heard lessons and completed activities on plant physiology, plant pathology, soil health, entomology and economics. ■ Olivia McClure
Louisiana 4-H Elects New Officers, Crowns Contest Winners at 4-H University
More than 1,300 4-H'ers, 4-H agents and volunteers spent time on the LSU campus in Baton Rouge to participate in 4-H University. Members had their choice to compete in at least one out of a possible 41 contests, attend one of 21 education sessions or select from eight Clover College tracks.
4-H U is the event where next school year’s executive boards and new officers are elected. Breleigh Page, of Livingston Parish, was elected as president. Eliza Foster, of Tangipahoa Parish, was chosen to serve as vice president.
Elizabeth Page was selected as the secretary. Mattie Miller was elected as the historian/reporter, and Andrew Chevailler was elected as the parliamentarian. All three are from Winn Parish.
Regional representatives for the 4-H state executive board also were chosen. In addition to the appointment of the executive board, youth were also selected to serve as representatives for the citizenship, fashion, food and fitness, shooting sports and science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) boards. Equine, livestock and wetland ambassadors also were chosen.
“Channel Your Leadership” served as the theme. Participants in contests had a chance to win educational trips, cash prizes and the right to represent Louisiana 4-H in several national competitions. ■ Craig Gautreaux
Winn Parish 4-H’ers, from left, Izabella O’Bannon, Rilend Lawson and Ellie Bryant, celebrate winning the Consumer Food Evaluation Contest during 4-H University. The event was held on the LSU campus June 18-20. Photo by Olivia McClure