Agriculture Hall of Distinction nominations sought

The Louisiana Agriculture Hall of Distinction is now accepting nominations for its annual induction ceremony, which will be held March 26, 2020, 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 receiving nominations is Nov. 22.
The Hall of Distinction is a program of the Louisiana Radio Network, LSU AgCenter, Louisiana Farm Bureau Federation and the 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.
“Agriculture is a significant part of Louisiana’s economy,” said Bill Richardson, LSU vice president for agriculture. “It provides many jobs, especially in rural communities. More importantly, agriculture produces the food we need and supplies the materials used for our homes. Our country and state would look much different without a successful agriculture industry. This event honors those who have made a difference.”
The four individuals inducted in 2019 were Grady Coburn, a crop consultant from Cheneyville; the late Jack Hamilton, a cotton farmer and cotton warehouse manager from Lake Providence; George LaCour, a farmer from Morganza; and Linda Zaunbrecher, a long-time member of the Louisiana Farm Bureau executive committee.
“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.”
“The Louisiana Farm Bureau Federation is proud to continue its partnership with the Louisiana Radio Network, LSU AgCenter and the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry to recognize the men and women who made, and continue to make, farming and ranching the backbone of our state,” said Louisiana Farm Bureau Federation President Ronnie Anderson. “We’re growing better crops and raising healthier animals with fewer inputs than we did just 20 years ago. That only happens when people dedicate their lives to agriculture. That’s why I think the Louisiana Agriculture Hall of Distinction is such an important honor.”
“It is a great honor to be nominated and inducted into the Agriculture Hall of Distinction. Agriculture and forestry are major industries in Louisiana and a huge impact on our economy. Those who have dedicated their lives to these industries deserve to be recognized,” said Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry Commissioner Mike Strain. “I encourage you to submit nominees so we can celebrate their lifelong contributions to agriculture and forestry.”
Bayer is the corporate sponsor for this year’s event.