KNOE 8 News; KNOE-TV; KNOE.com |New Master Farmers named

New Master Farmers named

EAST CARROLL PARISH, La. (KNOE 8 News) - Robbie and Keith Howard of East Carroll Parish were two of eleven recently certified Master Farmers in Louisiana.  The father-son team completed the requirements for the program, which helps farmers become more knowledgeable about environmental stewardship and resource management."

Keith Howard:  "It is a way to try to do a little bit better job of taking care of the ground and the earth."

The program makes the participants aware of government regulations relating to water runoff and soil quality.  The Howard farm has already been using no-till farming and cover crops to improve the soil and make the best use of moisture."

Robbie Howard:  "It is called continuous cropping.  It is the best possible way to build organic matter and to create healthy environment soils."

Another family member, Robbie's younger brother Brian was certified a Master Farmer last year.  Their goal in becoming better stewards of the land is to pass the farm along to future generations.

Keith:  "This farm allows our family a way of living and passed down through the generations hopefully will provide a living."

Robbie:  "Technology that we have now, if you don't keep up with it you will get left behind.  You have to have it."

In addition to the Howards, another Northeast Louisiana producer, Jack Dailey, of Franklin Parish was certified recently as a Master Farmer.