The LSU AgCenter announced the appointment of Mark LeBlanc as head of the Department of Agricultural Chemistry effective April 1, 2009. LeBlanc was previously assistant director of the agricultural chemistry programs and director of the Louisiana Fertilizer Commission for the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry. A joint effort between the LSU AgCenter and the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry, the Department of Agricultural Chemistry provides analytical support for regulatory analyses, research and agricultural extension work. In the LSU AgCenter, the department provides analytical support for research scientists and extension specialists. It conducts analyses on plant and animal tissues, soil, water, feeds, fertilizers, pesticides, agricultural chemicals and agricultural commodities.The department also performs chemical analyses of animal feeds, pet foods, fertilizers, agricultural liming materials, pesticides and pesticide residues in agricultural products and environmental samples for LDAF. In addition, the laboratory is home to the analytical division of the LDAF’s meat inspection office and provides microbial analysis for the LDAF Hazard Analysis at Critical Control Points program as well as the nutrient analysis.
Rick Bogren
(This article was published in the spring 2009 issue of Louisiana Agriculture.)
The LSU AgCenter and the LSU College of Agriculture