Retired LSU AgCenter Rice Specialist Johnny Saichuk, at right, talks with farmers Paul Johnson, far left, and Tim Wild. (Photo by Bruce Schultz)

News Release Distributed 01/16/15

CROWLEY, La. – More than 100 friends, farmers and fellow employees turned out on Jan. 13 for a reception for Johnny Saichuk, who retired recently as LSU AgCenter rice specialist.

“You don’t have any idea how many people you’ve helped,” Steve Linscombe, director of the LSU AgCenter Rice Research Station, told Saichuk. “I don’t think you realize how many people hold you at such a high level of respect.”

Jerry Whatley, retired county agent in Calcasieu Parish, spoke about Saichuk’s help for extension personnel. “You came along at the right time, and you made us all better. And we just appreciate your honesty and integrity.”

Saichuk was moved by the turnout. “I never expected this many people to be here,” he said.

Saichuk credited his love of teaching to his stepfather and his football coach, Richard McCloskey, of Franklin.

It was intimidating to start out as rice specialist, following in the footsteps of his predecessors, Lewis Hill and Linscombe, Saichuk said. “I started out just as green as could be.”

He acknowledged retired LSU AgCenter professor Ken Whittam for urging him to start working in the rice verification program that required him to advise individual farmers throughout the state on their rice crops. Many farmers who had fields in the verification program attended the reception.

Farmers Richard Hardee and David LaCour, both of Vermilion Parish, were Saichuk’s students when he taught agriculture classes at the University of Southwestern Louisiana.

Hardee recalled finding a weed on his land that Saichuk persistently worked to identify.

LaCour said Saichuk has the ability to bring highly technical research results to the practical level, and he was conscientious. “He looked out for the farmers’ interests,” LaCour said.

As LSU AgCenter rice specialist, Saichuk won numerous national awards from organizations such as the USA Rice Federation and the Rice Technical Working Group. Most recently, he was honored with the Louisiana Agriculture Industries Association Plaque of Appreciation.

Saichuk said he will continue to be active in agriculture as a consultant and working for Ducks Unlimited.

LSU AgCenter agronomist Dustin Harrell is the new rice specialist.

“Through the years, I’ve really looked up to Dr. Saichuk, and he’s taught me a lot,” Harrell said. “I know I have very big shoes to fill.”