Louisiana has stepped out ahead of all other states in the nation in helping farmers learn to voluntarily comply with stricter environmental standards governing water quality. This has happened because of the LSU AgCenter’s Master Farmer Program.
The Master Farmer Program was established in 2001 as an innovative way to help farmers learn to reduce runoff into Louisiana’s waterways and improve water quality.
The premise of the program is to encourage farmers to voluntarily change some of their practices to address environmental concerns.
“If farmers can do this on their own, they can prevent federal regulators stepping in and forcing them to implement measures that may be inefficient and costly,” said Paul Coreil, LSU AgCenter vice chancellor and director of the Louisiana Cooperative Extension Service and the program’s chief instigator.
Although the incentive is water quality, the program gives LSU AgCenter educators the opportunity to roll into the curriculum the latest research-based information concerning production, management and marketing.
“Farming is big business. And with any good business, you have to have a continuing education program,” said Ernest Girouard, a rice farmer in Vermilion Parish and one of the first to sign up to be a Master Farmer. “This program will help bring us up to speed.”
Girouard was among the first 13 farmers to receive certification as a Master Farmer. This official certification was part of the 2006 Farm Bureau convention in New Orleans.
The other 11 are Thomas M. Batchelor of Ringgold, Johnny Boudreaux of Abbeville, Jess E. Crosier of Cade, Harvey Gonsoulin of Loreauville, George Hains of Rayne, Howard Hardie of Jonesville, Kenneth Lahaye of Ville Platte, Hank Schumacher of Husser, Robert Thevis of Simmesport, and Russell and Scott Wiggers, both of Winnsboro.
Earning ‘Master Farmer’ Status
To become a Master Farmer, participants must successfully complete the program’s three phases. The first involves eight hours of classroom instruction on such topics as pesticides, nutrient management, hypoxia and nonpoint-source pollution. The second phase includes tours and field days at “model” farms. These farms have already implemented some of the practices that Master Farmers are to duplicate.
In the third phase, the farmer must put together a conservation plan and timetable for implementation of Best Management Practices (BMPs). And here’s the big advantage to becoming a Master Farmer. These farmers will be considered in compliance with conservation recommendations, and therefore it will be easier for them to qualify for funding available through the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Louisiana.
Partnering with Other Agencies
One reason that so many of Louisiana’s farmers have signed up for this program is the cooperative agreements established with other key agricultural organizations in the state. Besides the NRCS, these include the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry, Farm Bureau and the Louisiana Cattlemen’s Association (LCA). LDAF is responsible for certification.
The LCA is involved because the LSU AgCenter initiated a spin-off of the Master Farmer Program specifically targeted at members of this organization – the Master Cattle Producer program.
“This is a separate program but takes advantage of the curriculum provided through the Master Farmer program,” Mendoza said.
Impact
The LSU AgCenter’s Master Farmer Program has had an impact on the state of Louisiana:
- 2,300 farmers have completed Phase 1 of the program; 13 received Master Farmer certification in July 2006.
- These Master Farmers implement changes to their farms that will reduce runoff into Louisiana’s water bodies; they also become more efficient, productive farmers in learning the latest, research-based strategies.
- Three other states have implemented Master Farmer programs based on Louisiana's – Arkansas, Mississippi and Texas.
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"We are beginning to see signs of water quality improvements in some areas of our state where landowners have participated in the programs that encourage the use of BMPs. We appreciate everyone’s hard work on helping us to reach these shared goals of improved water quality and a viable agricultural community within Louisiana," said Jan Boydston with Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ).
The LSU AgCenter is one of 11 institutions of higher education in the Louisiana State University System. Headquartered in Baton Rouge, it provides educational services in every parish and conducts research that contributes to the economic development of the state. The LSU AgCenter does not grant degrees nor benefit from tuition increases. The LSU AgCenter plays an integral role in supporting agricultural industries, enhancing rural areas and the environment, and improving the quality of life through its family and 4-H youth programs.
(The AgCenter Lead was updated July 5, 2006, by Linda Benedict.)