Service for forestry, farming noted as three industry giants recognized

Service to forestry and farming was recognized recently as three giants in the industries were inducted into the Louisiana Agriculture Hall of Distinction at a banquet held at White Oak Plantation in Baton Rouge.

This year's inductees included Dennis R. Aucoin Sr. of Clinton, Clarence Berken of Lake Arthur and Ellis S. Martin (posthumously) of Alexandria.

• Aucoin was inducted for his work in forestry. As owner of Slaughter Logging, his expertise with logging techniques and resource management has made him an industry leader. He is also a Louisiana Loggers Hall of Fame inductee.

• Berken has emerged as an agricultural leader with contributions in the rice, soybean and wheat farming industries. He serves as president of the La. Rice Council and he served two terms as president of the La. Rice Growers Association.

• Ellis S. Martin is remembered as a mentor in Louisiana forestry. His presidencies at Martin Timber Co. and Roy O. Martin Lumber Co. brought numerous opportunities to the state, including North America's largest plywood-manufacturing facility.

The Hall of Distinction honors outstanding contributions to Louisiana agriculture in farming, ranching, forestry, aquaculture, education and agribusiness. It is presented by Louisiana Radio Network in conjunction with the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry and the LSU AgCenter. Monsanto was the title sponsor and First South Farm Credit was the presenting sponsor.

Founded in 1974 and celebrating its 40th anniversary this year, Louisiana Radio Network provides more than 60 radio stations throughout Louisiana and parts of Mississippi with news, sports and agri-news. LRN also publishes Tiger Rag, "The Bible of LSU Sports" since 1978, and presents the Louisiana Agriculture Hall of Distinction award.