Loveland Products, Inc. (LPI) andDyna-Gro Seed, Nutrien Ag Solutions’ proprietary products businesses, are proud to highlight the success of its ongoing collaboration with the Louisiana State University (LSU) AgCenter through the LPI Research Station Support Fund – a targeted initiative accelerating innovation in rice breeding and early-stage agricultural research.
Now in its fifth year, the collaboration provides critical funding and technical support to empower LSU AgCenter scientists in developing advanced rice germplasm and foundational technologies. The collaboration is designed to fast-track high-performing rice solutions to US growers by strengthening early-stage research, expanding faculty grant capacity, and fostering innovation in breeding.
The LPI Research Station Support Fund, established by Loveland Products, supports public-sector research and field station infrastructure. At LSU, it has significantly enhanced the university’s rice improvement program through germplasm exchange, germplasm evaluation, and shared field trials – efforts focused on boosting disease resistance, grain quality, and adaptability to US growing conditions.
“Our collaboration with the LSU AgCenter is about unlocking the full potential of rice breeding science,” said Randy Ouzts, US Rice Manager at Nutrien Ag Solutions. “By teaming up with top-tier researchers and sharing breeding resources, we’re delivering real-time insights into product performance and regional adaptability. These discoveries are shaping the next generation of innovations that matter to rice producers.”
The collaboration has already led to the release of multiple commercial rice varieties and a robust breeding pipeline supported by shared research between Nutrien Ag Solutions and the LSU AgCenter.
According to Dr. Adam Famoso, LSU AgCenter rice breeder, the collaboration has enabled joint development initiatives and reciprocal access to germplasm – opportunities that would not exist without this level of private-public alignment.
Beyond breeding advancements, the relationship has strengthened research capacity at the LSU AgCenter. With Loveland’s support of the Hanover Grant Writing Program, 36 faculty members have completed the training, enhancing their ability to secure competitive funding. This investment has already yielded results, including a $3.9 million grant and 13 pilot research projects launched across disciplines.
In recognition of its contributions, Loveland Products recently received the Industry Leader Award at the 2025 LSU AgCenter and College of Agriculture AgExcellence ceremony. The honor underscores the company’s impact on academic collaboration and agricultural innovation.
This initiative with LSU Ag Center is part of Loveland Products’ and Dyna-Gro Seed’s broader commitment to advancing rice research and delivering more sustainable, high-performance solutions through their diverse technologies. By aligning with leading research institutions and leveraging agronomic expertise, Loveland and Dyna-Gro are helping shape the future of US rice production.
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