[Image: Picture of Mike Strain]Over seventy DeSoto Parish Cattle Producers attended a meeting hosted by the LSU Agriculture Center, DeSoto Parish Extension Service, and the DeSoto Cattleman’s Association on Thursday, January 15th at the David B. Means 4-H Center. Dr. Mike Strain, Commissioner of Louisiana Department of Agriculture, was the key note speaker. He discussed several programs that the Department of Agriculture implements that could benefit cattle producers such as the milk loss income program and the country of origin label program. He fielded several questions on the Animal ID System, County of Origin Label, Tuberculosis and Brucellosis program. Commissioner Strain also spoke briefly about the budget cuts in his department along with cuts in the LSU AgCenter Center budget. Dr. Strain commented on the importance of the Research and Extension work of the LSU AgCenter and also the work of the local Farm Bureau. He also said that he is trying to minimize the loss of essential Department of Agriculture programs because of the budget reduction.
Bob Felknor, Louisiana Cattlemen’s Association (LCA) Executive Vice President also [Image: Picture of Bob Felknor]spoke. He said that it was very fitting that one of his first meetings that he attended as a representative of the LCA was in DeSoto Parish and this would be his last meeting as the Executive Vice President of the LCA. He announced that Robert Joyner will become the new Executive Vice President. Mr. Joyner attended DeSoto Cattlemen’s meeting in July. Mr. Felknor did say that he would be working with the LCA with legislative matters at the State Capital. Representative Richard Burford and Senator Sherri Cheek and retired Representative Beverly Bruce were at the meeting supporting the local cattle producers and are now aware of Mr. Felknor’s new role with the LCA. The group enjoyed brisket, potatoes, green beans and rolls prepared by Mindy Kile, Desoto 4-H Agent. If you would like to become a member of the DeSoto Parish Cattle Association please contact Chuck Griffin, DeSoto Parish County Agent at 872-0533 or Mr. Andy Loftus, President of the DeSoto Cattle Association.