News Release Distributed 06/19/15

HOMER, La. – Poultry producers who attended the field day at the LSU AgCenter Hill Farm on June 17 had an opportunity to participate in a training session for the Louisiana Master Farmer Program.

The agenda included presentations on the Natural Resources Conservation Service grant in nutrient management plan development, the Water Quality Index for Agricultural Runoff and the EQIP On-Farm Energy Initiative. The program also included a session on crop burning management.

Attending the field day satisfies completion of phase 2 of the Master Farmer Program, said Ernest Girouard, LSU AgCenter coordinator of the Louisiana Master Farmer Program. Phase 1 training requires classroom instruction on environmental stewardship.

The final phase is writing and implementing a resource conservation plan, Girouard said. Completing all three phases results in certification as a Louisiana Master Farmer.

The Louisiana Master Farmer Program focuses on helping agricultural producers voluntarily address environmental concerns as well as helping them enhance the production and resource management skills they need for the continued sustainability of Louisiana agriculture, Girouard said.

“Becoming a certified Master Farmer means you are doing everything you can to ensure your farm is sustainable and environmentally in compliance,” Girouard said.

Master Farmer phase 2 training sessions are offered throughout the year at various locations around the state. Upcoming sessions are scheduled on June 30 at the LSU AgCenter Rice Research Station field day in Crowley from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and on July 14 at the LSU AgCenter Sugar Research Station field day in St. Gabriel from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

For more detailed information, contact Ernest Girouard at 337-853-3986, Donna Morgan at 318-613-9278, James Hendrix at 318-766-3320 or Allen Hogan 337-368-4200.