Nominations open for Ag Hall of Distinction

Nominations for induction into the Louisiana Agriculture Hall of Distinction are being accepted now through Dec. 15. Inductees will be recognized at a banquet at White Oak Plantation in Baton Rouge on March 5, 2015.
The nomination form can be obtained online at www.louisianaagriculturehallofdistinction.com or through your parish LSU AgCenter extension office.
The Louisiana Agriculture Hall of Distinction is a joint effort of the LSU AgCenter, Louisiana Radio Network and the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry and is designed to honor individuals who have made significant contributions to agriculture or agriculture-related industries. Nominations can represent farming, ranching, forestry, aquaculture, fisheries, education or agribusiness.
“Agriculture has always been a part of Louisiana’s culture. It has played a significant role in our history, provides us with our food and fiber now and will continue to help drive our economy in the future. This event recognizes those people who have helped shape this dynamic industry,” LSU Vice President for Agriculture Bill Richardson said.
2015 will be the second year for the hall of distinction program. In 2014, three individuals were recognized. They were Clarence Berken, a rice farmer from Lake Arthur, Dennis Aucoin Sr., a forester from Clinton, and the late Ellis S. Martin, a forester from Alexandria.
“We have been more than pleased with the reaction we’ve gotten to the Hall of Distinction,” said Louisiana Radio Network President Jim Engster. “The Louisiana agriculture industry helps feed and clothe all of us, and this is just one small way to say thank you to all our farmers and ranchers. And all of us involved with the program are more than proud and happy to do so.”
“Agriculture and forestry combined is the largest industry in the state at $12 billion. It is important to recognize those who make outstanding contributions to agriculture, forestry, their state and to their communities,” Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry Commissioner Mike Strain, D.V.M., said.
For more information, contact Don Molino with 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.