[Image: Cormier portrait]News Release Distributed 01/25/08
ABBEVILLE – The Vermilion Parish Farm Bureau has honored Howard Cormier, LSU AgCenter county agent in Vermilion Parish, with its Lifetime Achievement Award.
Cormier received the award Sunday (Jan. 20) at the Vermilion Parish Farm Bureau’s annual banquet.
Cormier, who is retiring this year, has worked as county agent in Vermilion Parish since 1978.
He received the USA Rice Federation’s Rice Industry Award in 2002 for his work.
“He’s probably one of the reasons I’m still farming today,” said Christian Richard, a rice farmer and secretary of the Vermilion Parish Farm Bureau.
Richard said Cormier is thorough in his work, advising rice farmers.
“He’s out there every day,” Richard said. “But beyond all that, Howard really cares about farmers. He wants to see success in the industry. All you’ve got to do is pick up the phone, and he’s there to help.”
Richard said Cormier’s work in 4-H has benefited many youngsters.
Ted Girouard, Vermilion Parish Farm Bureau president, said Cormier regularly attends the Farm Bureau meetings to give an update on all crops, not just rice.
“He’s been a good friend of agriculture,” Girouard said. “I can’t say enough good things about Howard.”
Dr. Steve Linscombe, LSU AgCenter regional director, said Cormier is one of the finest and most dedicated agents within the AgCenter. “It is very fitting that Howard received this recognition as he has been a tremendous asset to Vermilion Parish agriculture,” Linscombe said.
###
Writer: Bruce Schultz (337) 788-8821 or bschultz@agcenter.lsu.edu