The Lasting Value of LSU AgCenter's Agricultural Leadership
Development Program in Avoyelles Parish
By Dr. Paul Coreil
In the late 1980s, under the visionary leadership of Dr. Bob Soileau, the
LSU AgCenter established the Agricultural Leadership Development
Program to prepare the next generation of leaders in Louisiana agriculture.
The program was specifically designed for farmers, timber producers,
seafood harvesters, rural community leaders, and others whose livelihoods
depend on the production of food, fiber, forest products, livestock, and
seafood…the industries that form the backbone of Louisiana's rural
economy.
With the strong support of the Louisiana Farm Bureau Federation, the LSU
AgCenter made a long-term commitment to developing leaders who could
guide these vital industries into the future. More than three decades later,
that commitment remains as important as ever. Strong leadership is essential
to sustaining rural communities, strengthening Louisiana's agricultural
economy, and ensuring the food security upon which every American
depends. After all, everyone eats, everyone wears clothing, and nearly
everyone lives in a home built with wood products - making agriculture
important to every one of us.
The Agricultural Leadership Development Program is a prestigious two-year
educational experience that prepares men and women dedicated to
agriculture for the leadership challenges of tomorrow. Participants engage in
seminars with agricultural experts, leadership development training,
communication and personal skills workshops, educational tours, and
meetings with business, industry, and government leaders throughout
Louisiana and Washington, D.C. One of the most valuable components is an
international study tour, where participants gain firsthand insight into global
agriculture and better understand how many nations depend upon American
farmers to help feed a growing world population that currently stands at over
8 billion people!
When I transferred from Cameron Parish to the LSU campus in Baton
Rouge in 1991 to pursue my Ph.D. and serve as the statewide LSU
AgCenter/Louisiana Sea Grant Extension Specialist for Wetlands and
Coastal Resources, the Agricultural Leadership Program had already
initiated Class 2 (Group II) and the program had quickly earned a statewide
reputation for excellence. During my career, I had the privilege of speaking
to several subsequent Ag Leadership classes on topics including private
property rights, wetlands regulations, wetlands functions and values, coastal
erosion, and hurricane storm surge protection. It was always rewarding to
interact with outstanding agricultural leaders and witness their enthusiasm
for serving both agriculture and their local communities.
From its inception, the Agricultural Leadership Program has been
recognized as Louisiana's premier leadership development opportunity for
agriculture and rural communities across the state. Its graduates have gone
on to serve in leadership positions within commodity organizations, parish
and state Farm Bureau organizations, Soil and Water Conservation Districts,
farm cooperative organizations, agribusinesses, parish government, state
agencies, and many public elected offices. Many have also become
respected leaders within their communities, helping shape policies that affect
agriculture across all 64 Louisiana parishes.
Beyond developing leadership skills, one of the program's greatest strengths
is the lifelong friendships formed among classmates. Participants also gain a
much broader appreciation of the diversity of Louisiana agriculture and the
economic, environmental, and management challenges faced by producers
across different commodities and regions of the state. These relationships
and experiences often become just as valuable as the classroom instruction
itself.
As I researched the Agricultural Leadership Program alumni (the alumni
association is formally called Agricultural Leaders of Louisiana) from
Avoyelles Parish, I was impressed and proud to discover both the number of
graduates who have completed the program and the number that have gone
on to serve their communities in significant leadership roles. Many have
served or continue to serve on levee districts, the Police Jury, Soil and Water
Conservation Districts, Louisiana Farm Bureau parish and state boards,
USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) committees, and numerous other
agricultural and civic leadership organizations. Their service reflects the
very mission upon which the program was founded - developing leaders who
make a lasting difference.
Over the past 35-plus years of the program's existence, the following
Agricultural Leadership Program graduates have proudly represented
Avoyelles Parish:
Class 1
David Bordelon - Bordelonville
Class 2 (AKA Group II)
Mark Fields - Marksville
Class 3
Ruben Dauzat (deceased) - Marksville
Henry Moreau - Simmesport
Gerard Moreau - Bunkie
Class 4
Larry Sayes - Vick
Scott Williams - Vick
Class 5
Mark Bordelon - Moreauville
Tommy Laborde - Hamburg
Phillip Lamartiniere - Marksville
Class 6
J. K. Bordelon - Moreauville
John Earles II - Bunkie
Class 8
Clay Roblin - Moreauville
Shaun Mayeaux - Moreauville
Derek Dauzat - Marksville
Class 9
Kent Roblin - Moreauville
Mary Zaunbrecher - Simmesport
Class 10
Trent Clark - Moreauville
Class 11
John Thevis - Simmesport
Class 12
Kevin LaCour - Moreauville
Kyle Lemoine - Moreauville
Luke Sayes - Vick
Matthew Zaunbrecher - Simmesport
Class 17
Esther Boe - Mansura
James Newton - Bunkie
Class 18
John Laborde - Moreauville
Lance Roblin - Bordelonville
Alex Williams - Vick
Leadership within agriculture will always be essential to Louisiana's
economic development, job creation, natural resource stewardship, and
quality of life for all of us.
Agriculture touches every citizen through the food we eat, the clothing we
wear, and the materials used to build our homes. Simply put, agriculture
affects us all.
My goal in writing this article is not only to highlight the tremendous value
of the LSU AgCenter's Agricultural Leadership Development Program, but
also to recognize and applaud the 28 men and women from Avoyelles Parish
who have successfully completed this outstanding leadership experience
over the past three and a half decades. Their willingness to invest in themselves and serve others has strengthened Avoyelles Parish, the
communities where they live and Louisiana agriculture across the entire
state.
Today, Class 19 is completing its second program year and is scheduled to
graduate in February 2027. With that graduation, the program will surpass
500 alumni statewide - a remarkable legacy of leadership that continues to
grow.
Applications are now being accepted for Class 20. If you or someone you
know has an interest in agriculture and a desire to serve their community, I
strongly encourage you to consider applying. It is truly one of the finest
leadership development opportunities available in Louisiana.
For additional information, contact:
Dr. Bobby Soileau
Director, LSU AgCenter Agricultural Leadership Development Program
Email: BSoileau@agcenter.lsu.edu Phone: (225) 620-8293
Of special note: Dr. Bobby Soileau is the son of Dr. Bob Soileau, the
visionary founder and first director of the Agricultural Leadership
Development Program when it began in 1988. It is fitting that Bobby is
currently carrying on his father's legacy by continuing to prepare future
generations of Louisiana agricultural leaders in 2026!
Until next time,
Paul Coreil
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