Louisiana Agriculture & Forestry Quarterly

Winter 2020

Drs. Susan and Mike Strain pictured at the White House Christmas celebration

Now that it’s Christmas season once again, it’s a time to reflect on the past year and our many blessings.

This year has been long and hard for many as we continue to deal with a worldwide pandemic along with the many natural disasters that have battered our state. With hurricane season behind us and vaccines now being administered, there is great hope and optimism as we look forward to 2021.

The holiday season is also a time of joy and sharing meals with friends and family and carrying on great time-honored customs and traditions. While you may be planning on ways to safely gather with friends and family, it’s important to be mindful of coronavirus safety precautions to keep everyone healthy.

If you are capable of doing so, I encourage you to support your neighbor and buy local, Louisiana products. Also, remember those treasured gifts of food and Louisiana specialty products such as fresh citrus and pecans, pure honey, real, old-fashioned cane syrup, delicious sweet potatoes, and other fresh meats, seafood, and produce.

Take care and thank you for the support you give Louisiana agriculture and forestry producers.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year,

Mike Strain, D.V.M.

Commissioner

Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry

State leaders team up to promote Certified Louisiana products

Louisiana agriculture and seafood producers need our support now more than ever. That's why Louisiana Agriculture and Forestry Commissioner Mike Strain and Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser teamed up in a new commercial to promote Certified Louisiana products. When you buy Certified Louisiana products, you are supporting Louisiana businesses. The Certified Louisiana logo ensures that each product was either made, grown, manufactured or processed in our state. To learn more about the Certified Louisiana program...Here

LDAF Names New AES Assistant Commissioner, Director

Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry (LDAF) Commissioner Mike Strain, D.V.M. recently tapped Ansel Rankins, Sr., Ph.D., to serve as the Office of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences Assistant Commissioner. Rankins has been with the department since 2006, beginning his career as an agricultural environmental specialist in Baton Rouge.

Rankins, a Greenville, Miss. native, received an undergraduate degree in agronomy from Alcorn State University and earned his doctorate from Southern University and A&M College in Urban Forestry and Natural Resources.

Additionally, Strain also announced that Tina Peltier was selected to serve as director of the Horticulture and Quarantine Programs Division, the position previously held by Rankins. The division is responsible for the prevention, control and eradication of exotic crop pests or diseases endangering Louisiana’s agricultural, horticultural, and apiary industries. The division also oversees the qualifications and practices of persons engaged in the green industry.

Peltier, a native of Labadieville, La., most recently served as the assistant director of the Horticulture and Quarantine Programs Division which she held since 2015.

High-Speed Broadband Investment in Rural Louisiana

Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry Commissioner Mike Strain, D.V.M., praised the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Trump Administration for following through on a promise to invest in rural Louisiana...Read more

Produce Safety Training for La. Produce Growers, Stakeholders

Two virtual training courses are being offered through a partnership with Louisiana Department of Agriculture & Forestry, LSU Ag Center, Southern University Agricultural Research & Extension Center and the Central Louisiana Economic Development Alliance.

More information is available on the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry's website under the heading "Upcoming Training Opportunities."...Read more