Sustainable Agricultural Systems

The Sustainable Agricultural Systems Program is comprised of plant management system and animal management system. The program goals are to strengthen the productivity, profitability and competitiveness of Louisiana’s agriculture, while being good stewards of the environment and resources. Currently, a significant portion of the public prefers to buy organically grown vegetables and fruits, and meat, eggs, cheese, milk that come from pastured animals. Therefore, the SUALGC orientates its research and information toward organic crop production and pastured animals.The overall goal of the plant and animal production systems research program is to generate empirical information that will enhance economic opportunity and quality of life among small-agricultural producers in the state of Louisiana.

Animal Management Systems

This program conducts research in forage development and utilization for cattle and goats (cattle and goats grazing together or separately in controlled and continuous pasture). This is a multidisciplinary project involving scientists in animal science, plant and soil sciences, and agricultural economics. Swine research involves the use of seafood waste as feed supplements to livestock. Information is available on pastured poultry and rabbit as alternative and more profitable means of producing and marketing quality meat and meat products.

Program Leader:

Calvin R. Walker, Ph.D.

Associate Vice Chancellor for Research
Professor of Animal Science
Room 118A Fisher Hall
Ph:225-771-3204
Email: calvin_walker@subr.edu

Plant Management Systems

Plant Management explores vegetable and agronomic production, organic farming and processing, alternative crops production, processing and marketing, and medicinal plants.

Program Leader:

Kit Chin, Ph.D.

Professor of Plant Science
Horticulturist
181 B. A. Little Dr.
Baton Rouge, LA 70813
Ph: 225-771-0068
Email: kit_chin@suagcenter.com