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Master Farmer Program
Scott D. Edwards
State Resource Conservationist
Phone:318-473-7774
The Louisiana Master Farmer Program helps agricultural producers voluntarily
address the environmental concerns related to production agriculture, as well as
enhance their production and resource management skills that will be critical
for the continued viability of Louisiana agriculture. This program involves
producers becoming more knowledgeable about environmental stewardship,
resource-based production and resource management through a voluntary producer
certification process.
The Master Farmer Program began in 2001 as a way for farmers to learn
up-to-date, research-based conservation practices in a comprehensive manner. It
is a partnership of five agricultural entities – NRCS, Louisiana State University Ag
Center, Louisiana Farm Bureau,
Louisiana Cattlemen’s Association and
Louisiana Department of Agriculture and
Forestry, which has the authority by law through the Commissioner of
Agriculture to approve the certification.
| A Louisiana Master Farmer should: |
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- Demonstrate knowledge of and dedication to environmental stewardship
- Demonstrate mastery levels of conservation-based production
- Demonstrate resource management through the implementation of a
comprehensive conservation plan
- Promote the success of local-level conservation to the agricultural
community and public and private interests
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Featured Story - July 2011 NRCS Louisiana
Conservation Update:
Cecil Ramagos
Iberville Parish, Louisiana
“Being a
Certified Master Farmer lets everyone know that you understand the
basics of being a good land steward and are utilizing this knowledge on
your farming operation. Certified Master Farmers also receive additional
points when competing for Environmental Quality Incentives Program
financial assistance.”
- Cecil Ramagos |
Getting an Edge in Farming
Iberville Parish Farmer Certified as Master Farmer
Cecil Ramagos, a third generation sugarcane farmer, carries on his
family’s farming tradition with help from his daughter, Katie; sons
Matt, Andy, and Ben; and wife Sally on their 1,479 acre sugarcane farm
in Iberville Parish.
In farming it is important to have an “edge.” Ramagos’ edge is the
Master Farmer Program. Cecil Ramagos was certified as a Louisiana Master
Farmer in 2011.
To become a Master Farmer, the farmer must complete a Resource
Management System (RMS) plan on their operation. Ramagos worked with the
Natural Resources Conservation Service and Lower Delta Soil and Water
Conservation District to develop his RMS plan. His plan addresses crop
residue, crop rotation, grade stabilization structures, precision land
forming, nutrient and pest management, and field borders.
“The Master Farmer Program allows farmers to understand what they are
doing on their farms and makes sure that the right practices are being
planned and implemented,” said NRCS District Conservationist, Jerry
Hall.
Read More... July 2011 Conservation Update (PDF; 1.6 MB) |
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Conservation planning is a voluntary natural resource problem solving and
management process. The NRCS objective in conservation planning is to help the
client achieve sound use and management of soil, water, air, plant, and animal
resources to prevent their degradation, assure their sustained use and
productivity, and comply with regulatory requirements while considering economic
and social needs. |
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...More Info |
Master Farmer Program Publications and Forms
The following document requires
Adobe Acrobat
(PDF; 231 KB)
Conservation
Handbill - What
is Conservation Planning Full Version Document (PDF; 231 KB)
Master
Farmer Program Operation and Procedures Manual (PDF; 55 KB)
Application
for Louisiana Master Farmer Certification (PDF; 39 KB)
Louisiana
Master Farmer Certification of Land Control (PDF; 83 KB)
Links
Last Modified:
01/20/2012
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