News Release Distributed 12/20/11
RAYVILLE, La. – A forum to discuss issues facing farmers will be held Jan. 24 at the Rayville Civic Center.
John Barnett, director of the LSU AgCenter Northeast Region, said the morning’s speakers will cover a wide range of topics.
“Producers of all commodities will benefit from the information they will hear from the presenters,” Barnett said. “Two state legislators from the area will give an update on the issues at the state level, and state and federal agencies also will inform farmers about important matters that affect agriculture.”
The program will begin with registration at 8 a.m., followed by state Rep. Andy Anders, of Jonesville, chairman of the House Agriculture Committee, and state Sen. Francis Thompson, of Delhi, chairman of the Senate Agriculture Committee.
Chris Piehler of the state Department of Environmental Quality will talk about the status of fuel storage regulations followed by a discussion of salt in well water by Jason Griffith of the U.S. Geological Survey and J Stevens, LSU AgCenter soil fertility specialist.
Mike Salassi, LSU AgCenter economist, will talk about farm bill negotiations.
The program also will include state Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain, LSU AgCenter Chancellor Bill Richardson, Louisiana Farm Bureau President Ronnie Anderson, Louisiana Farm Service Agency Director Willie Cooper, LSU AgCenter Associate Vice Chancellor for Research Rogers Leonard and Britt Paul, acting state conservationist for the Natural Resources Conservation Service.
Moderators will be Keith Collins, LSU AgCenter county agent in Richland Parish, and Jess Barr, Louisiana Cotton and Grain Association executive vice president.
The Rayville Civic Center is located at 827 Louisa St.
Bruce Schultz