News Release Distributed 03/05/12

The 12th class of the LSU AgCenter’s Agricultural Leadership Development program completed its two-year course of study with graduation February 25 at the LSU Union in Baton Rouge. The program featured 24 leaders in agriculture production and ag-related industries from around the state who completed the program.

“This is an outstanding group of agricultural leaders,” said program director Bobby Soileau. “The knowledge and skills they have attained will make them more effective leaders in the future.”

The Ag Leadership program prepares men and women who are established in their communities and dedicated to the agriculture industry to take leadership roles on issues that affect Louisiana agriculture at local, national and global levels, Soileau said.

Class 4 alumnus Michael Hensgens, of Crowley, addressed the group from a graduate’s perspective. He told the class they are now members of a new team, referring to the 350 graduates of the program.

Offering the class response, Matt Raley, of Winnsboro, talked about the experiences of the program and implored his fellow class members to stay together so they can work for a better future for agriculture.

Diplomas and leadership pins were presented to each graduate by LSU AgCenter vice chancellor and director of extension Paul Coreil and vice chancellor and director of research John Russin.

The two-year curriculum included classroom seminars on the LSU AgCenter campus, travel seminars to Washington, D.C., and California, and an intensive two-week tour of agriculture in Chile and Argentina.

Graduates of Class 12 and their hometowns are:

Dennis Aucoin Jr., Clinton
Patrick Babineaux, Ponchatoula
Vic Blanchard , Plaquemine
Richard Costello, Oak Grove
Kyle Dill, Shreveport
Marty Graham, Morganza
Noble Guedon, Vidalia
Jason Holmes, Farmerville
Brad Judice, Loreauville
Russell Kent, Clinton
Vadim Kochergin, Baton Rouge
Kevin LaCour, Moreauville
Kyle Lemoine, Moreauville
Karen Leonards, Lettsworth
Brandon McCartney, Shreveport
Barrett McKnight, Frogmore
Neil Melancon, Baton Rouge
Heath Morris, Port Allen
Matthew Raley, Winnsboro
Dean Reed, New Roads
Troy Romero, Welsh
Luke Sayes, Vick
Jess Vanderlick, Alexandria
Matthew Zaunbrecher, Simmesport