Just Rambling: July 21, 2011 was a good night for those that were able to attend the poultry growers meeting held at the Willie Davis Recreational Center in Farmerville. Doors opened at 5 pm for an hour of fellowship with coffee and cookies furnished by Ag Trader USA. The meeting began at 6 pm with a big welcome by Farmerville Mayor Stein Baughman followed by a short presentation by Sam Cooper, Representative for Southern Ag Credit who was our lead sponsor for this event. A meal of barbeque chicken and brisket with all the trimmings was then enjoyed by all in attendance. After the meal, catered by BBQ West, Dr. Mike Strain, Louisiana Commissioner of Agriculture and Forestry, spoke about the positive things happening in the Agriculture industry throughout Louisiana. He emphasized the importance of the poultry industry, which is the largest meat industry in the state, and the important job poultry growers have producing food for our state, nation, and other countries around the world. Dr. Strain is an excellent speaker and is always very upbeat about the future of the Agriculture industry. Traveling with Commissioner Strain were Rene’ Simon and Mike Buchart. These men were instrumental in the PGAP Grants that were received by many poultry growers earlier this year. Rene’ headed up this program with Mike and his staff administering it. Thanks again Dr. Strain, Rene’, and Mike for all you have done for the poultry industry. Following Dr. Strain, Dr. Ron Harrell, Commodity Director with the Louisiana Farm Bureau, updated everyone on what has been happening in our state and federal legislative processes. Capping off our speakers for the evening was Dr. Bobby Soileau, Director of the Ag Leadership Program for the LSU AgCenter. Dr. Soileau provided basic tools to help poultry growers improve their communication skills. Rounding out the evening was the drawing for door prizes furnished by Southern Ag Credit, John Thomas Nursery and Feed, and Ag Trader USA. If you missed this meeting, you missed quite an event - a good night of fellowship and relaxation, good information, and good food. Don’t worry though—we plan to make this an annual event or maybe a semi-annual event for our poultry growers. Don’t forget to thank our meal sponsors for this event—Sam Cooper, Southern Ag Credit; Union, Lincoln, Claiborne, Jackson, Ouachita and Bienville Parish Farm Bureau’s and Louisiana Farm Bureau Poultry Board. A special “Thank You” goes out to Jason Holmes with the LSU AgCenter who coordinated this event. Van Bennett