Leveraging Its Statewide Network, AgCenter Launches Community and Economic Development Initiative

The AgCenter is leveraging its statewide network to bolster rural Louisiana at a time when many small towns are facing challenges such as population loss and infrastructure woes. Through a newly launched community and economic development initiative, the AgCenter will connect rural communities with funding and expertise that can help their residents live better, healthier lives.

Jessica Stroope, who recently was named community and economic development specialist, will take the lead in this work.

Stroope will help community leaders identify sources of funding for projects such as infrastructure improvements. Much of this type of funding comes from the federal government, either directly or through the state government or entities such as the Delta Regional Authority. Other opportunities include grants from private foundations.

■ Olivia McClure

AgCenter Researcher Receives Louisiana Soybean and Feed Grains Distinguished Professorship

LSU AgCenter plant pathologist Paul “Trey” Price received the Louisiana Soybean and Feed Grains and Promotion Board Distinguished Professorship on Nov. 20, at the board’s proposal meeting in Baton Rouge.

Price is an associate professor and soybean and feed grains disease specialist located at the Macon Ridge Research Station. He is the first recipient of the professorship.

This distinguished professorship is awarded to a faculty member whose research program enhances the economic viability of Louisiana soybeans. This award supports the advancement of soybean research, promotion of soybeans and the dis­semination of consumer and industry information.

The Louisiana Soybean and Feed Grains Research and Promotion Board established the endowment of $480,000 at LSU for the distinguished professorship in February of 2024. This grant qualifies for state matching funds from the Board of Regents.

■ Frankie Gould

Master Farmers Awarded Certifications, Honors

At a January luncheon, one farmer was awarded a new Master Farmer certification, and five others were recertified as Master Farmers during the 2025 meeting of the Louisiana Association of Conservation Districts.

The Outstanding Master Farmer Award was presented to Wesley and Kevin Volentine, of Volentine Partnership Farm in Caddo Parish.

To receive the Master Farmer certification, participants are required to take part in educational sessions, attend a field day and create plans for the development and implementation of conservation practices on their entire operation. To retain the designation, farmers must be recertified every five years.

The Louisiana Master Farmer Program was created more than 20 years ago to encourage conservation and environmental stewardship and teach producers ways to improve their soil health, water quality and sustainability. The program is led by the LSU AgCenter, which partners with federal and state agencies to teach the sessions.

“We're all pulling in the same direction, and the goal is the environmental sustainability of a $13 billion industry across the state of Louisiana,” said Tara Smith, AgCenter executive associate vice president and director of the Louisiana Cooperative Extension Service.

The winners of the Outstanding Farmer Award, the Volentine brothers, have spent years farming cotton, corn, cattle and hay in Caddo Parish. They are active in their community and have raised more than $8,000 for local 4-H clubs.

■ Anthony Bailey

Jessica Stroope, the LSU AgCenter’s new community and economic development specialist. Provided photo by Brian Pavlich

Trey Price receiving the professorship from Charles Cannatella, Soybean Board Chair and Matt Lee, LSU AgCenter Vice President. Photo by Olivia McClure