First Woman Inducted Into The Louisiana Agriculture Hall Of Distinction
Ninety-six-year-old Margie Jenkins is the first woman inducted into the Louisiana Agriculture Hall of Distinction. Governor John Bel Edwards says the Jenkins Farm and Nursery in Amite has been a staple in Tangipahoa Parish since 1960.
"And she is a real fixture in that industry and I'm so glad they are recognizing her," said Edwards.
Jenkins' career in agriculture spans 80 years. She and her late husband, Bryant, moved to Tangipahoa Parish in 1951 and planted a small watermelon field.
The following year the couple started a dairy farm and they also had success in the timber industry. Edwards says Ms. Margie remains very busy to this day.
"She is a special lady, she's just not 96-years-old," Edwards said. "Margie Jenkins goes to work and she has and she works hard."
Jenkins is recognized nationwide as one of the most knowledgeable experts on the cultivation of rare, unusual and native landscaping plants. She has spoke across the country on the topic. Edwards says it’s a long overdue honor for Ms. Margie.
New Orleans native Pete Lanaux will also be inducted posthumously. He’s known as one of the state’s most successful sugarcane growers, farming on 900 acres in St. John the Baptist Parish.
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