East Baton Rouge ANR Advisory Committee Meeting
April 16, 2013
EBR Extension Office
Minutes recorded by Mark Williams
Members Present
Robert Wallace
David Spiess
Cornell Washington
James Richmond
Bob Dillemuth
Terrence Marshall
Bob Souvestre
Mark Williams
Zachary Community Cattle Enterprise
Commercial Vegetable Grower
Zachary Community Cattle Enterprise
Pride Farm Improvement
La. Master Gardener
The meeting was called to order by Terrence and guests were introducedby the parish Extension Agents.
Terrence reviewed the purpose of the advisory committee and went on to question, “Given our
resources how can we better serve the residents of the parish? Terrence also gave a review of past
programs (see attached).
C. Washington: The Zachary Community Cattle Enterprise group has been helping with school gardens at
Northeast middle school, working with the fourth, fifth, and sixth graders. It is important to educate
children on where their food comes from. Would like to see a combined effort in introducing children to
gardening and eating more homegrown vegetables.
R. Wallace: Stated the importance of educating cattle producers on new technologies and production
practices that can help with the day-to-day management of the farm. For example, the BioPRYN
pregnancy test for cattle can be very helpful for the small cattle producer in determining the
reproductive status of the herd at a low cost. Concepts like these are critical information for farm
management.
D. Spiess: Discussed the topic of helping vegetable producers in the parish build a community business.
Need to promote fresh local sources of farm products, possibly through friends and schools. Interested
in information about Community Supported Agriculture. Could be a way to demonstrate how food goes
from the farm to the table.
Group discussion on marketing farm products (vegetables, beef, honey etc...). Working with small
season supplies is challenge to market at specific time of the year. One of the impediments of selling
farm-raised meat is the lack of USDA inspected slaughter facilities in the state. Currently can only sell
within the state if animals are harvested and processed at any of the facilities that are only state
inspected. The group also discussed other avenues of marketing produce other than farmer markets.
Market maker website was mentioned as an option as well as a private stand.
D. Spiess stated that is important for the agents to continue working with parish producers by providing
information and expertise in the production and marketing of their farm products.
Terrence used the example of the Redstick Forestry Association as a producer group that has excelled at
providing education and opportunities for its members to network in the management and marketing of
timber. Group discussion followed on the many agricultural enterprises in the parish. Talked about what
commodities and products have worked and which have not. The group explored the possibilities of
minor enterprises such as aquaculture or hydroponics being a viable option for producers that want to
diversify.
J. Richmond directed the discussion toward the availability of certain publications such as Horticultural
Hints. Richmond stated that this publication has more value than just the information it contains, but is
also a great way to advertise the value of Extension offices throughout the state. B. Souvestre explained
that the budget limits the amounts of information we can mail out. Most AgCenter publications are
available on the website, but the public does not look there first.
Group discussion: Reaching the residents of the parish. The use of social media can be beneficial, but
must have applicable followers to make it useful on a routine basis. Currently agents rely on email list
and web postings to reach the larger audience of the parish. Need to let the clients know what we do,
what information is available and how to get help. Group discussed options available to get the word
out, for example newsletters, radio, newspaper and possibly television.
R. Wallace: Stated that he appreciates what the agents do to help producers become successful.
Delivering timely information is important in maintaining agricultural enterprises.
The group wrapped up the meeting by discussing that school gardens have the potential for community
impact. Continue working with schools and community organizations to help facilitate gardens at
schools (4-H school gardens) and community centers in the parish.
Top issues identified:
Importance of promoting school gardens
Provide education and technical support for producers
Promote the beneficial attributes of the LSU & SU AgCenter(s)
Support and development of production and marketing of local farm products
Adjourned.