Soybean & Corn Researcher Of The Year
James Hendrix, Environmental Agent and Conservation Agronomist for the LSU AgCenter Northeast Region has been named the 2023 Soybean & Corn Researcher of the Year at the 26th Annual National Conservation Systems Cotton & Rice Conference, Southern Precision Ag Conference, Southern Soybean & Corn Conference, and the Delta States Irrigation Conference.
Hendrix graduated from LSU with a degree in Animal Science and concentration in science and technology in 1975. He continued graduate work at LSU and Louisiana Tech University. Much of his work in conservation and water quality is supported by the Louisiana Master Farmer Program (LMFP). He serves as the LSU AgCenter Northeast Region contact for the LMFP and has become a site coordinator for soil and water conservation efforts at the LSU AgCenter’s Northeast and Macon Ridge Research Stations.
Hendrix has worked on numerous conservation and environmental projects over the years. Some of these projects have incorporated cover crops and filter strips in corn and soybean fields in Northeast Louisiana. He has become a go-to source for the selection of cover crops and mixes specific for soybeans and corn production. Recently, he has also began implementing cover crops in furrow irrigated rice at the Northeast Research Station.
In the past year, Hendrix has established over 6000 research and demonstration plots addressing questions on conservation and production as part of locally and nationally funded projects. Even when funding is not readily available, he finds innovative ways to establish trials to better serve the community that relies on him.
Hendrix has been an essential part of LSU AgCenter’s environmental outreach and education programs, working with a variety of programs from youth leadership to agent trainings. He has been a driving participant in programs with the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality, U.S. Fish and Wildlife, and the Patrick F. Taylor Foundation Project. He is the first to volunteer for all field work, never expects anyone to do more than he is willing to do himself, and always downplays his crucial contributions.
His presentations at local, regional, and national conferences are always well received, providing knowledge to a wide variety of participants. His most recent contributions include the development of a summer course for students to gain first-hand experience in on-going research/demonstration projects and on-farm crop production at a research station. Additionally, they also mentor ASPIRE students from Southern University to support their research and experience in agriculture.
He is a stellar example of what is possible when someone puts forth effort and initiative towards something they love. ∆