Conservation Through Education, Demonstration, and Implementation
Sustainable Agriculture
Donna Gentry
Louisiana Master Farmer Program Coordinator, ANR Extension Agent
LSU AgCenter
Clinton
Abstract
The Louisiana Master Farmer Program (LMFP) was initiated in 2001 through a cooperative effort between the LSU AgCenter, Louisiana Dept. of Agriculture and Forestry, Louisiana Cattlemen’s Association, USDA’s Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS), and the Louisiana Farm Bureau Federation. This voluntary environmental stewardship program was developed for agricultural producers to focus on addressing sustainability, conservation, and improved water quality through education, demonstration, and ultimately implementation of Best Management Practices (BMPs). A producer must complete three phases to be awarded certification. These include: 1.) attendance of six hours of environmental education through classroom instruction 2.) attendance at a field day, field tour, soil quality workshop, or other function where conservation, soil health, or water quality is discussed and demonstrated 3.) development and implementation of a comprehensive conservation plan with technical assistance available from the Soil and Water Conservation District and NRCS.
Since its inception, 378 agricultural producers have completed certification or recertification, with just over 4000 participating in one or more phases of the program. Over the 23 years, the program has become successful mainly due to the support and cooperative effort from state and federal agencies, as well as all major commodity groups and industry. It has become the standard for environmental pro-activeness and a guideline for other states in the creation of their own programs. Through awareness, education, demonstration, and NRCS’ cost-share incentives, producers have been able to positively address many of the soil and water quality challenges that agriculture is faced with.
Authors: Donna Gentry
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Donna Gentry Louisiana Master Farmer Program Coordinator, ANR Extension Agent, Louisiana State University AgCenter, Louisiana, 70722