Thursday, March 28, 2024

Louisiana Ag Hall of Distinction opens nomination period

jackie loewer
Paul “Jackie” Loewer has played a significant leadership role in the state’s rice industry. For his efforts, he was inducted into the Louisiana Agriculture Hall of Distinction in 2021.

The Louisiana Agriculture Hall of Distinction is once again accepting nominations for its annual induction ceremony, which will be held March 24, 2022, in Baton Rouge.

The nomination form can be obtained online at www.louisianaagriculturehallofdistinction.com or through any parish Louisiana State University AgCenter office. The deadline for receiving nominations is Dec. 3.

The Hall of Distinction is a program of the Louisiana Radio Network, LSU AgCenter, Louisiana Farm Bureau Federation, and Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry to recognize individuals who have a profound effect on Louisiana agriculture or agricultural enterprises. Nominees can represent any facet of agriculture or agriculture-related industries, including farming, ranching, aquaculture, fisheries, education and agribusiness.

“This honor is especially significant and personal to me as I have been present for the inductions of my father, Lucien Laborde, and my brother-in-law, Ruben Dauzat,” said Luke Laborde, interim LSU vice president for agriculture and dean of the College of Agriculture. “We are grateful for the leadership and inspiration of all inductees.”

The three individuals inducted in 2021 were Ronnie Anderson, a cattle, hay and lumber producer from Ethel and president for 31 years of the Louisiana Farm Bureau Federation; John Gay, a sugarcane farmer from Plaquemine; and Jackie Loewer, a rice farmer from Branch.

“We are pleased the Hall of Distinction remains a signature event each year to honor those who have contributed to our state’s agricultural industry,” said Louisiana Radio Network President Jim Engster. “The past year has reminded us how we depend upon agriculture to provide for us, and we would like to recognize those individuals who have made it so successful.”

Long history of distinction

Since its inception, 25 individuals have been inducted into the Louisiana Agriculture Hall of Distinction.

“The Louisiana Farm Bureau Federation is proud to be a part of the Louisiana Agriculture Hall of Distinction,” said Louisiana Farm Bureau President Jim Harper. “It recognizes the men and women who not only grow the food and fiber we need, but take it upon themselves to set up the next generation for success. Our nation and this state are dependent upon having a strong agriculture economy, and these individuals have made that possible.”

“Agriculture and Forestry are the foundation of our economy,” said Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry Commissioner Mike Strain. “Those who have dedicated their lives to feeding the world and providing fiber and energy in a sustainable fashion deserve to be honored and recognized.”

Bayer is the title sponsor for this year’s event.

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.


Download a nomination form

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