Nominations Open for Louisiana Agriculture Hall of Distinction

BATON ROUGE — The Louisiana Agriculture Hall of Distinction is now accepting nominations for its induction ceremony, which will be held March 22, 2018, at the L’Auberge Hotel in Baton Rouge.

The nomination form can be obtained online at www.louisianaagriculturehallofdistinction.com or through any parish LSU AgCenter extension office. The deadline for the nominations is Nov. 20.

2017 Inductees (l-r) David Graugnard accepting on behalf of his late father James Graugnard, Sr., Buck Vandersteen and Ray Young 2017 induction ceremony.

A joint effort of the LSU AgCenter, Louisiana Radio Network, Louisiana Farm Bureau Federation and the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry, the Louisiana Agriculture Hall of Distinction honors individuals who have made significant contributions to agriculture or agriculture-related industries. Nominations can represent farming, ranching, forestry, aquaculture, fisheries, education or agribusiness.

“There are many individuals in our state who have dedicated their lives to improving Louisiana agriculture,” said LSU Vice President for Agriculture Bill Richardson. “This industry continues to provide our food and fiber and is an essential part of our state’s economy. Our state owes much to agriculture, and this event recognizes those men and women who have made an everlasting contribution to it.”

Three individuals were recognized in 2017. C.A. “Buck” Vandersteen, executive director of the Louisiana Forestry Association, and Ray Young, a farmer and crop consultant from Wisner, were honored at the ceremony. James Graugnard, who served as president of the Louisiana Farm Bureau Federation for 26 years, was inducted posthumously.

“Our state is blessed with some of the most productive and innovative farmers and ranchers in the world. We also have top notch researchers and ag consultants who have changed the way we in agriculture grow better crops and raise healthier animals, all with fewer inputs. It’s important that we have a way to recognize the ones who are still with us and remember those who have passed on, and that’s what the Louisiana Agriculture Hall of Distinction does,” said Ronnie Anderson, Louisiana Farm Bureau Federation president.

“We are pleased the Hall of Distinction has become a signature event each year as we honor those who have contributed to the state’s most significant industry,” said Louisiana Radio Network President Jim Engster. “The Louisiana agriculture industry helps feed and clothe all of us, and this is just one small way to say thank you to all our farmers and ranchers.  And all of us involved with the program are more than proud and happy to do so.”

“Agriculture and forestry are critical to the state of Louisiana’s economy. They are industries that continue to grow and prosper. It is important to recognize those who make outstanding contributions to agriculture, forestry, their state and to their communities,” said Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry Commissioner Mike Strain.

For more information, contact Don Molino with the Louisiana Radio Network at 225-291-2727, ext. 210, or don@louisianaradionetwork.com or Bobby Soileau with the LSU AgCenter at 225-578-3659 or bsoileau@agcenter.lsu.edu.