On Monday, June 16, 2025, the Richmond Civic Center hosted a gathering of local farmers, agronomists, and agricultural educators as part of the LSU AgCenter’s Grazing Cover Crops Workshop. The event, organized by Madison Parish agronomy agent William Wallace, drew around 15 attendees and focused on equipping farmers with strategies to generate secondary income by integrating livestock grazing into their cover crop systems.
Wallace, who serves Madison, Tensas, East Carroll, and Richland Parishes, explained that the workshop was born from the economic challenges many row crop farmers are currently facing. “Grain prices have been down and there’s been issues,” he said. “This provides farmers with the ability to possibly have a secondary income over the winter.” Though turnout was modest, Wallace viewed the event as a meaningful first step toward more sustainable and profitable agricultural practices. “It has to start with someone.” he said.
The workshop featured four speakers offering a broad range of expertise. Kurt Guidry, an economist, opened the event by discussing the economic viability of using cover crops for grazing purposes. Jose Pereira Neto, a forage agronomist, followed with insights on crop selection, planting schedules, and grazing windows tailored for Louisiana’s unique climate and soil conditions. Leandro Vieira, a soil fertility specialist, delivered a presentation on nutrient management in grazed pastures and integrated cropping systems. Wallace himself concluded the workshop with a session on grazing management for cattle, providing practical guidance on how to implement these practices effectively.
Wallace mentioned the LSU AgCenter's role is to serve the public, and future events will be guided by community interest. “If the public liked it and finds it interesting, then we will keep teaching, keep pushing it,” he said. Community members can contact Wallace by calling the Madison Parish LSU AgCenter at 318-574-9509. The office is located at 114 North Cedar Street in Richmond, and walk-ins are welcome.
