Allen Hogan, LSU AgCenter county agent in Jefferson Davis Parish, recently received the Merit Award from the American Forage and Grassland Council.

Hogan received the award at the council's annual meeting at Penn State University. The award is presented to individuals who have made superior contributions in forage and grassland agriculture.

The AFGC is a national organization with 2,500 members. Its mission is to advance forage agriculture and grassland stewardship.

Hogan was presented the award for his educational programs dealing with forages and beef cattle. He has conducted numerous meetings, field days and seminars to keep clientele up-to-date with production information.

Hogan also has been active in conducting more than 25 forage field demonstrations dealing with pasture weed control, fertilization, hay management and ryegrass varieties, and he has worked in cooperation with LSU AgCenter researchers to screen ryegrass varieties for blast disease resistance.

In addition, Hogan has conducted the 4-H Youth Beef Grazing Project in Jefferson Davis Parish for 17 years with more than 50 participants. His program has had more participants than any other parish for the past 10 years, and numerous state winners have emerged from that program.

Hogan has been active with the Louisiana Forage and Grassland Council for many years.