News Release Distributed 08/04/14
BATON ROUGE, La. – After 35 years of work with sweet potato growers in northeast Louisiana, former LSU AgCenter agent Myrl Sistrunk has decided to come out of a two-year retirement.
Effective August 1, Sistrunk began working as an extension associate in the LSU AgCenter’s sweet potato extension and outreach program.
Tara Smith, LSU AgCenter regional director and coordinator of the Sweet Potato Research Station, said she is excited to have Sistrunk back working with the industry.
“The AgCenter recognizes the importance of the sweet potato industry in Louisiana and that we needed to increase our presence with producers heading into this year’s harvest season,” Smith said.
Sistrunk will be working in an interim appointment for the next 12-18 months and filling a need those in the industry will greatly appreciate, Smith said.
“Myrl has the expertise needed to meet the needs of our industry, while working with our producers and the LSU AgCenter Sweet Potato team,” she said.
Sistrunk will be working out of the West Carroll Parish extension office and the Sweet Potato Research Station. He can be reached at 318-267-6712.
In addition to the knowledge that Sistrunk brings back to the industry, sweet potato growers can hear about the latest research being conducted at the LSU AgCenter sweet potato field day on August 7 at the Sweet Potato Research Station in Chase, Smith said.
The program will begin with registration at 7:45 a.m., and the program beginning at 8:15 with a wide range of topics of interest to growers.
Johnny Morgan