The Dorcheat Soil and Water Conservation District’s Conservation Farmer of the Year is Chris Saucier.
Chris’ love for agriculture began as a college student in Stephensville, Texas. He worked on a 4600 acre cow/calf operation ranch during his time there. He learned about hard work and gained an appreciation of the land and environment.
He began a career with a financial institution as a loan officer and soon realized he was not cut out for staying indoors. His best friend Elliot Brown’s father Larry Brown purchased a Chrysler dealership in Minden and Chris followed his friend to the dealership in 2006 where he is employed.
Chris is married with two children, wife Jana, son Tucker and daughter Tatum. Chris’s father-in-law, Jim Ezell has taught him about forages, chemicals and hay production.
Chris has three tracts of land leased in Webster parish where he produces hay and has commercial herds of cattle. Being around other cattlemen such as Loyd Dodson, Stephen Eubanks, Al Faulk and Lee Faulk he was introduced to NRCS. Give’em a call, see what they can help you with. Well, he did in 2018 and began a relationship with the staff at the Minden Field Office. Since 2018 Chris has completed one contract, has an active contract and a new application for more conservation practices to install. NRCS has assisted him with establishing legumes, fences, herbaceous weed treatment, heavy use areas and livestock pipelines. All of these livestock practices improve water quality, improve livestock health and reduce erosion.
Chris told me this Bible Verse from Proverbs 20:4 that keeps him inspired and motivated.
IF YOU ARE TOO LAZY TO PLOW, DON’T EXPECT A HARVEST.