Ruben Dauzat, of Avoyelles Parish, was recently recognized as the Outstanding Louisiana Master Farmer for 2014.  This honor was presented at the Annual Meeting of the Louisiana Association of Conservation Districts on January 13, 2015 in Baton Rouge.  This award is presented annually to an agricultural producer who has demonstrated excellency in employing best management practices for the conservation of natural resources in their farming enterprise. Only those who have completed their certification as a Master Farmer are eligible for this honor.  In addition to a recognition plaque, Dauzat received a cash prize sponsored by the Gowan Co. and the Louisiana Land Bank

Dauzat is pictured third from the right, holding his recognition plaque.  Pictured from left to right are Ernest Girouard, LA Master Farmer Program State Coordinator; Kevin Norton, State Conservationist for the Natural Resources Conservation Service; Keith Majors, the Gowan Co.; Brent Robbins, Deputy Commissioner of the LDAF; Dauzat; Bill Richardson, LSU Vice President for Agriculture; and Stephen Austin, Louisiana Land Bank.