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Land-grant Summit Schedule - full agenda

“Partners in Progress: Advancing the Land-Grant Mission Through Collaboration and Innovation”

Summit Agenda

Monday, December 15, 2025

MDI – 8:30 – 10 a.m., Nelson Memorial – Brandi Frey

Administrative Lunch for LSU and SU Ag Centers, Nelson Memorial, Dr. Tara Smith. 11:30 a.m.- 1 p.m.

Program Planning and Reporting Bootcamp: Skills for Extension Specialists (non-agents), 9 – 11 a.m. Melissa Cater, Location Life Science Annex 101

Organization Board and Membership meetings 10:00 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Efferson 212 – LCAAA – Jessie Hoover
Efferson 214 - LAE4_HA – Xavier Bell
102 Knapp - LEAFCS – Jennifer Duhon

Photo Portraits 8:30 – 9:30 a.m. (30) and 11:00 a.m.-noon (30), Knapp Photo Studio 128 Knapp

General Session – LSU Union Theatre 2:00 - 5 p.m.

  • Opening session –
    • Pledge of Allegiance, Louisiana 4-H President Dayton Pennington, Anthony Plaisance FFA
    • Reflection, Quinlan H. Motley II
      • MCs Drs. Renita Marshall and Tara Smith
  • Keynote: USDA/NIFA Director Dr. Jaye Hamby
  • Comments from Ag Center’s VPs –Orlando McMeans & Matt Lee
  • SU Ag Center Awards, MC - Dr. Katara Williams, Vice Chancellor for Institutional Advancement and External Relations
    • Outstanding Academics Award
    • Outstanding Extension Award
    • Outstanding Research Award
    • Facilities Award
    • Communication, Technology & Advancement Award:
    • Compliance Champion Award
    • Administrative Assistant Award
  • LSU AgCenter Awards, MC- Dr. Craig Gautreaux, Communications Specialist
    • Associates Award
    • Ganelle Bullock Outstanding Service Award
    • Louisiana Agriculture Magazine Article of the Year
    • Louisiana Agriculture Magazine Outgoing Board Member
    • Sedberry Award – Outstanding Graduate Teacher
    • Sedberry Award – Outstanding Undergraduate Teacher
    • National Association of Colleges and Teachers of Agriculture (NACTA) Teaching Award Certificate
    • Student Success Award
    • Rosalie Bivin 4-H Award
    • International Program Award
    • Floyd S. Edmiston Award
    • G&H Seed Research Award
    • Extension Excellence Award
    • Doyle Chambers Research Award
    • Extension Team Award
    • Tipton Team Research Award
  • Award winners group photo – LSU Union Lobby

Summit Dinner Reception 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. Mini-farm

Tuesday, December 16, 2025 – Patrick F. Taylor Hall – LSU Campus

7:30 a.m. Coffee

Sea Grant will have update sessions in the Sea Grant Building --They are able to attend sessions in PFT

8:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. Sessions

Agriculture, Nutrition, Youth Development Leadership and Academic Outlook Sessions:

  1. 4-H and FFA: Louisiana Incident Management & Communications PFT 1100. Topics will cover the new incident management & communications handbook, shooting sports land use agreements and MOUs, and 4-H camp medical/health documentation/requirements.
  2. Food Preservation, PFT 1236 Shannon Coleman, this presentation will share key insights from the summer/fall pilot of the home food preservation workshop series Mastering Home Food Preservation focused on boiling water canning. It will include an overview of curriculum development, methods of dissemination, and preliminary evaluation results to inform future programming and outreach efforts.
  3. Cancer Prevention Curriculum PFT 1240, Abigail McAlister, To help educate community members on reducing the risk of cancers linked to diet and physical activity, collaboration with experts from the Feist Weiller Cancer Center in Shreveport, LA has strengthened the Nourish to Prevent program as a valuable component of the LSU AgCenter’s NCH education efforts.
  4. Community Partnerships PFT 1216, Sandra May, Community partners join the LSU AgCenter NCH nutrition agents to reach audiences through various venues with practical nutrition information and meal planning techniques.
  5. NCH Learning Labs PFT 1212, Quincy Vidrine and Jennifer Duhon, Joining forces across the regions to deliver timely, relevant, and award-winning workshops that captivate and inspire. This session will spotlight the creation of hands-on teaching kits and foster collaborative presentation strategies to elevate our impact and engagement.
  6. Update on the state of the LA Agricultural Enterprise and Economy PFT 1206 – Dr. Mike Deliberto
  7. Climatology and Agriculture PFT 1253– Applications, Technologies and Future Direction – Jay Grymes
  8. A. Interpreting soil test results PFT 1200 – updates on LSU Soils Lab, Drs. Leandro Vieira, Ted Gautier
    B. Urban Trees and Pond Management PFT 1200 – Robbie Hutchins and Dr. Greg Lutz
  9. Research & Extension Livestock Update PFT 1263 – LSU and Southern U Ag Centers, Drs. Edwards, Vedovatto, Ferreira and Bagley (SUAC)
  10. Cybersecurity PFT 1218 – IT team

Break – 10 – 10:15 a.m.

Professional Development sessions 10:15 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

  1. Conflict 101: Embracing & Navigating Conflict PFT 1206: Presenter: Dr. Michael R Brochu, University Ombudsman, The participants of this session will then learn about the five conflict styles. Armed with the knowledge of one's conflict style, the participants then learn about the importance of listening and speaking through conflict situations.
  2. Branding and Communications guidelines PFT 1236, Presenters: Tobie Blanchard, Communications Director, Roxanne Hare, Assistant Communications Director and Elma Sue McCallum, Assistant Communications Director
  3. Artificial Intelligence: Getting the most out of Microsoft Copilot PFT 1200- Join a technical expert from Microsoft for a lively, hands-on introduction to Microsoft Copilot, where you’ll learn how to craft prompts, get instant answers, and unlock productivity superpowers. Whether you’re a tech newbie or a seasoned pro, you’ll leave with practical tips, a few laughs, and the confidence to make Copilot your go-to resource for work. If you want to follow along, be sure to bring your laptop or tablet.
  4. NIFA Q&A with Director Hamby CANCELLED
  5. Essential Skills PFT 1240 - Dr. Tara Smith - administrative panel
  6. Ethic Use of Artificial Intelligence in Research, Extension and Teaching PFT 1216- Michael J. Ardoline, Assistant Professor of Philosophy at Louisiana State University and Associate Director of the LSU Ethics Institute
  7. Rooted in Sustainability: Garden Start Ups and Hydroponic Towers PFT 1253 Presenters: Stephanie M. Elwood, SUAREC Assistant Specialist, Horticulture; LDAF Licensed Horticulturalist, Cornelius Jackson, SUAREC Horticultural Extension Agent; ANR East Baton Rouge | East Feliciana Parishes, Join SUAREC team members Stephanie Elwood and Cornelius Jackson as they share best practices for launching sustainable community gardens and explore their hands-on experience implementing hydroponic towers in school cafeterias. Learn simple, effective ways to use technology and community engagement to help others grow their own food.
  8. Teaching and Academic Workshop PFT 1212, LSU & SU Colleges of Ag
    Task-Oriented Outreach: Lesson Design with Purpose: The way we organize our teaching can help students stay engaged and get more out of our classes and workshops. This workshop will describe the parts a high-quality lesson and discuss ways to embed more active learning into your teaching for both formal and non-formal audiences.
  9. 4-H and FFA: Louisiana Incident Management & Communications PFT 1100 (continued)

11:45 a.m. – 12:45 p.m. Lunch at the Mini Farm

Afternoon sessions – Patrick F. Taylor Hall - – LSU Campus
1:15 – 2:20 p.m.

Ag and Natural Resources

  1. Reputable Journals vs. Predatory Journals and the Risks such as MDPI PFT1212, Randa Lopez Morgan, LSU Ag Librarian
  2. Cancelled - Guest session from Center of Entergy LSU PFT 1216 - Entergy 101 - Greg Upton, PhD., Interim Executive Director, Energy Institute, Executive Director, Center for Energy Studies (Carbon Capture, Alternative Energy Sources)
  3. A. AI-Driven Precision Agriculture for Enhanced Crop Management PFT 1263, Dr. Congliang Zhou – School of Plant, Environmental and Soil Sciences
    B. Applying Computer Vision for Site-Specific Management in Louisiana Agroecosystems PFT 1263, Dr. Ivan Grijalva - Department of Entomology
  4. Invasive Pests – A Growing Threat to Louisiana Agriculture and Natural Resources PFT 1200: This session brings together experts from the LSU AgCenter to address the growing challenges posed by invasive pests in Louisiana agriculture. Dr. Gentry will provide a programmatic overview of how the LSU AgCenter is responding to economically important invasive species. Dr. Diaz will introduce the Center for Research Excellence for the Study of Invasive Species and lead a broader discussion on invasive pests, while Dr. Singh will discuss the effects of these pests on the horticulture industry. Dr. Villegas will conclude with an update on invasive insect pests on major field crops in the state.

Nutrition & Community Health

5. Community Economic Development Sessions PFT 1206:
A. Collaborative Impact: Strengthening Rural Communities through the PROPEL Program in Ville Platte and Lake Providence, Louisiana
Presenters: Dr. Krystle J. Allen, Assistant Specialist – Community & Economic Development, Southern University Agricultural Research & Extension Center and Ana-Alicia Gouge, LPC, Community Development Specialist, LSU AgCenter, This presentation will highlight the collaborative efforts between the Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center (SUAREC) and the LSU AgCenter through the PROPEL Program, an initiative designed to foster economic and community development in rural Louisiana. The session will explore how both institutions leveraged their unique strengths—Extension, outreach, and community partnerships—to support local communities, assess and build capacity, and strengthen the vitality of Ville Platte and Lake Providence. Presenters will share lessons learned, program outcomes, and strategies for sustaining multi-institutional partnerships that advance inclusive rural development across the state.
B. Overview of Community and Economic Development programming and Planning for the Future @ LSU AgCenter, Dr. Leah Carter, Assistant Professor, Southeast Region

6. Gut health and Microbiome Focus PFT 1218, Drs. Mike Keenan and Ezgi Ozcan, Our gut harbors a diverse consortium of microbes that plays an integral role in mediating the effects of diet on health and disease. This session will highlight the pioneering research from faculty in the School of Nutrition and Food Sciences faculty at LSU AgCenter, focusing on the gut microbiome and its impact on health.

7. Listen To Your Genes: Personalized Nutrition for Optimal Health PFT 1253, Allison Cazenave, RDN, CSO, LDN, ONC, IFNCP, CLT, CNGS (virtual only), Meredith Bechac DCN, RD, LDN (Doctor of Clinical Nutrition – Nourish) Explores the connection between genes and nutrition by analyzing your DNA to identify how your body processes nutrients. Information can be used to provide personalized meal plans and dietary recommendations to optimize overall health and wellness.

8. Policy Shifts and Food Access PFT 1240, Erica Williams, Government Relations Director, American Heart Association, This session will provide a landscape review of recent policy changes made at the federal and state level. Participants will learn and engage in discussions about how these policy changes may impact Louisianans.

9. 4-H Beyond Ready initiative PFT 1100, Beyond Ready Action Team

10. Urban Agriculture Panel PFT 1236, Moderator: Dr. Chiquita Briley
Panel: Dr. Emelia Clement, NCH Agent, Urban Agriculture and Food Security in Orleans Parish
Bethany Corona, Assistant 4-H Agent, Livestock for All: Creating Equitable Access Beyond Rural Boundaries (video)
Charles Hebert, Parish Chair, Lafayette and 4-H Agent, Cultivating Change, Growing Futures Through School Gardens
Will Afton, Parish Chair, St. Tammany, ANR Agent, Building Partnerships Through a Community Garden

2:30 – 3:30 p.m. Lightning rounds

1. Research Room #1 - PFT 1206

  • Hatch and Multistate Projects – Andy Schade, Director of Research Engagement and Lindsey Reed, this round will focus on the requirements, formats, review and approval processes, and reporting for USDA funded Hatch, Hatch Multistate, and McIntire-Stennis projects.
  • Intellectual Property, Trademarking and Commercialization & Grant Management Michelle Miller and PI and Sponsored programs Team

2. Research and Extension Room #2 - PFT 1200

  • Crop Genetics / Breeding Update – 20 minutes – Moderator: Dr. Noah Dewitt, Contributors: Drs. Famoso, Blanchard, Harrison, Labonte and Collins
  • Soil Health and Residue Management – Dr. Tubana, J. Hendrix, Dr. Donna Gentry
  • Cut Flowers/Horticulture – Drs. Christine Coker and Kiki Fontenot
  • Wildlife Hot Topics – Dr. Luke Stamper, Extension Wildlife Specialist, “Deer Density Dynamics: Managing Habitat, Herd, and Harvest”. Deer density from perspectives of both positive and negative (hunters vs agriculture producers) is something worth elaborating on.

3. Renewable and Biobased Energy - PFT 1240

  • Agrivoltaics and Water Quality Research Updates – Dr. M.P. Hayes

4. Academics &Teaching Active Learning: Strategies that Engage Learners PFT 1216, Drs. Kristin Stair, Allen Rutherford, Renita Marshall, Harold Mellion, LSU and SU Colleges of Ag, this workshop will identify research-based teaching strategies that help increase learning and engage participants in classrooms as well as in Extension programs

5. 4-H University Contest Superintendents Meeting PFT 1100– Kayla McGuire

6. 4-H Updates -PFT 1263

  • Southern University 4-H - Dr. Raquel Ayles & Aralynn Davis
  • Q & A - 4-H Programming Efforts -State 4-H Youth Development Specialists

7. Nutrition and Community Health #1 PFT 1236

  • Produce Prescription Program, Makenzie Miller, Becky Gautreaux, Dr. Denise Holston, The Healthy Families Produce Prescription (HFPRx) program provides Louisiana families with Medicaid-enrolled children with $40 a month for six months to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables at participating food retailers. This session will describe the program outreach and implementation process in one participating parish and present preliminary evaluation findings.
  • NCH Read & Ride Program, Quincy Vidrine, Brittney Newsome, Cathy Agan, Markaye Russell, At the heart of the program are stationary fitness bikes equipped with reading desks, installed in schools and public libraries. These bikes allow program participants to read while riding, turning a traditionally sedentary activity into a dynamic, health-promoting experience. The dual-purpose design encourages physical movement while fostering a love for reading.
  • Parent Modeling and Adolescent Diet Quality, Joshua B. McDonald, MPA, This session explores how parents’ eating behaviors, attitudes, and routines directly influence adolescent dietary quality and long-term health outcomes. Discussions will highlight both the conscious and unconscious ways parents shape youth food choices—from meal preparation and portion norms to modeling emotional regulation around food
  • Wellness Wednesday, Shatonia McCarty, Abigail McAlister, Mandy Armentor, Discover the AgCenter’s NCH virtual monthly forums. Held once a month to help individuals improve their overall health and wellness. Learn how topics are selected, creating the webinar via Teams, getting the information out and more from the Wellness Wednesday team and how it can be incorporated as part of your NCH programmatic efforts and reach new clientele

8. Nutrition and Community Health #2 PFT 1253

  • Mindful Eating: Reducing Emotional Eating and Overconsumption, Joshua B. McDonald, MPA, this session examines how mindfulness-based approaches can reduce emotional eating and support healthier food relationships within families. Participants will explore the psychological and physiological triggers that lead to overconsumption, including stress, habit loops, and environmental cues.
  • Taste of Herbs and Spices, Dr. Shakeria Williams, The Taste of Herbs and Spices program, offered through the LSU AgCenter’s Flavors of Health initiative, helps communities discover the health benefits of cooking with herbs and spices. Each month, the program features a different herb or spice, sharing educational newsletters, recipes, and gardening tips to promote flavorful, low-sodium cooking. Free samples of the featured seasoning are distributed at libraries and community centers across multiple parishes to encourage hands-on learning and healthier eating habits.
  • Food Pantry for ALL, Cathy Agan, Learn how strong community partnerships can transform small ideas into powerful solutions, as demonstrated by the Monroe Community Wellness Pantry. What began as a simple way to share extra garden produce has grown into a collaborative resource for food and essentials.

9. Louisiana House Update PFT 1212:

  • What is happening at LaHouse? A Retrospective on $7 Million in Research and Extension-Funded Innovation, Dr. Carol Friedland, Dr. Rubayet Mostafiz,
    Dr. Meggan Franks
  • Strengthening Agricultural Resilience Through Collaboration: Insights from the ARRI Statewide Extension and DRI Regional Needs Assessments, Dr. Meggan Franks, Ms. Shelly Kleinpeter
  • Empowering Communities and Agriculture Through AI Innovation: Exploring the Role of Artificial Intelligence in Equitable Agricultural Advancement,
    Dr. Md Adilur Rahim, Dr. Carol Friedland
  • Streamlining Success in Integrated Research & Extension Grants: Best Practices for Efficient, Impactful, Grant Teams, Dr. Rubayet Mostafiz, Dr. Meggan Franks

10. Organizational Development and Evaluation Updates PFT 1218, Dr. Melissa Cater

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