SU Ag Center officially opens its Demonstration Farm during a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
Baton Rouge, La. – Southern University Ag Center Administrators, staff, faculty, students, and community members gathered behind the Headhouse/ Greenhouse Building on July 1, 2026 for the grand opening its Demonstration Farm.
The farm was officially opened with a ribbon cutting by Dr. Orlando F. McMeans, Chancellor of the SU Ag Center and interim President of the Southern University System and Dr. Tiffany Franklin, Vice Chancellor for Extension and Outreach at the SU Ag Center.
Now in its second growing season and featuring its first spring planting, the Demonstration Farm serves as a living classroom where visitors can learn about vegetable production, sustainable gardening techniques, and agricultural education.
“The Southern University Ag Center is about bringing people back to the land and that’s what we’re doing,” said Stephanie Elwood, Agriculture and Natural Resources Program Leader and Assistant Specialist for Horticulture at the SU Ag Center. “If you have just a little inkling that you want to garden, we can teach you everything that you want to know,” Elwood added.
The garden currently features tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, squash, hibiscus roselle, green onions, red onions, Serrano peppers, sunflowers, zinnias, and other seasonal crops and flowers.
It is open to visitors and available for educational field trips. Schools, community organizations, summer camps, and other groups are encouraged to schedule tours and learning experiences. All field trip requests should be directed to Dr. Charity Schaffer, SU Ag Center Assistant Area Extension Agent for Youth Development, at charity_schaffer@suagcenter.com.
The Demonstration Farm was made possible through funding from the USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA).
For additional information about the Demonstration Farm or upcoming programs, contact Stephanie Elwood at stephanie_elwood@suagcenter.com.
