by Hanna Singh
Century Next Bank and Louisiana Land Bank made notable contributions to the Food Bank of Northeast Louisiana by purchasing and donating steers from the Louisiana Tech Annual Production Sale.
Their generous purchase resulted in the donation of over 700 pounds of beef to the food bank, aiding in its mission to combat hunger in the region. Additionally, the proceeds from the sale were allocated toward scholarships for the Agricultural Sciences program at Louisiana Tech University, supporting the education and development of agriculture students.
This collaborative effort highlights the local businesses’ commitment to both alleviating food insecurity and promoting educational opportunities in the Lincoln Parish community.
Louisiana Tech University Tech Farm hosted its 51st Annual Production Sale on May 4, generating $104,602.50 in sales. Of this amount, $26,827.50 was allocated toward scholarships for the Agricultural Sciences program at Louisiana Tech, with the remaining funds designated for the farm’s livestock units and sales expenses.
Mark Murphey, the Academic Program Chair for Agricultural Sciences at Louisiana Tech, highlighted the importance of the collaboration with the local banks who participated in the auction.
“I had been talking to Century Next Bank and the Louisiana Land Bank. They both bought a steer, and both donated the meat to the Food Bank of Northeast Louisiana,” Murphey said. “The proceeds from the steers go into the scholarship funds for the LA Tech Agricultural Science students. So not only did they help people with food insecurities through their donation, but they will also be helping the Ag Science students in their academic future.”
Century Next Bank purchased the lot number one steer for $5,000, donating all the processed beef to the Food Bank of Northeast Louisiana. Louisiana Land Bank purchased the lot number two steer, splitting their donation of processed beef between the Food Bank of Northeast Louisiana and the Louisiana Tech University Food Pantry.
Jessica Slaughter, Century Next Bank’s Engagement and Marketing Officer, explained the business’s motivation for participating in the sale.
“Dr. Murphey, who is involved in the agricultural program at Louisiana Tech, reached out to our CFO Mark Taylor,” Slaughter said. “We wanted to be involved in the fundraiser because we love to support activities that are going on at Tech. It was a great way to help the University as well as the Foodbank of Northeast Louisiana.”
The Food Bank of Northeast Louisiana gratefully accepted the donations from the banks, which will be incorporated into meals for families across the region.
Jean Toth, Executive Director of the Food Bank of Northeast Louisiana, expressed her gratitude for the contributions, sharing the impact these donations will have in providing meals for those in need.
“We are so thankful for this donation of over 700 pounds of meat from Century Next Bank and LA Tech Farm,” Toth said. “It’s a wonderful donation of protein and a very healthy addition to a family’s meal.”
The Annual Production Sale at Louisiana Tech Farm was led by auctioneers Dusty Taylor, an animal science alum and owner of Taylor Made Auctions, and Dr. Gary Kennedy, Dean of the College of Applied and Natural Sciences. The labor and preparation for the sale were carried out by Louisiana Tech faculty, staff, and students from the Agricultural Sciences program and the College of Applied and Natural Sciences.
Thanks to the collaborative efforts of Louisiana Tech Farm, Century Next Bank, Louisiana Land Bank, and the numerous volunteers and donors, more meals will be provided for families in need across Northeast Louisiana. Additionally, the proceeds from the sales will support educational opportunities for agricultural science students at Louisiana Tech. The commitment from these local businesses to support their community will have a significant impact on food security and education in the region.
