Key Takeaways
- Loveland Products and Dyna-Gro Seed continue their strategic collaboration with the LSU AgCenter through the LPI Research Station Support Fund.
- The initiative supports rice breeding innovation, including germplasm exchange and early-stage agricultural research.
- The collaboration has led to the release of multiple rice varieties and has enhanced LSU’s ability to secure competitive grants.
- 36 faculty members completed grant writing training, contributing to a $3.9 million research grant and 13 pilot projects.
- Loveland Products was awarded the 2025 Industry Leader Award for its contribution to agricultural research.
Loveland Products’ Commitment to Advancing Rice Research
Loveland Products, Inc. (LPI) and Dyna-Gro Seed, both proprietary products businesses under Nutrien Ag Solutions, have reaffirmed their commitment to agricultural innovation by highlighting the continued success of their collaboration with the Louisiana State University (LSU) AgCenter. Now in its fifth year, the partnership is driven by the LPI Research Station Support Fund, an initiative supporting rice breeding and foundational agricultural research.
The fund enables LSU AgCenter scientists to accelerate the development of advanced rice germplasm and early-stage technologies aimed at improving yield, grain quality, and disease resistance. The collaboration fosters innovation through shared field trials, germplasm evaluation, and infrastructure support for public-sector research.
Expanding Breeding Capabilities and Academic Capacity
The partnership has resulted in the release of several commercial rice varieties, along with a robust breeding pipeline developed jointly by Nutrien Ag Solutions and LSU AgCenter researchers. These efforts aim to equip U.S. rice producers with varieties that are better adapted to domestic conditions and market demands.
“Our collaboration with the LSU AgCenter is about unlocking the full potential of rice breeding science,” said Randy Ouzts, U.S. 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.”
Dr. Adam Famoso, a rice breeder at the LSU AgCenter, noted that the initiative has enabled unique joint development opportunities. “This level of private-public alignment allows us reciprocal access to germplasm and research tools that would otherwise not be possible,” he stated.
Loveland Products & LSU: Building Research Infrastructure and Grant Success
Beyond its contribution to breeding, the collaboration has supported the broader academic ecosystem. Through Loveland Products’ support of the Hanover Grant Writing Program, 36 LSU AgCenter faculty members have enhanced their grant application skills. This effort has contributed to winning a $3.9 million grant and launching 13 pilot research initiatives across multiple agricultural disciplines.
In recognition of these achievements, Loveland Products received the Industry Leader Award at the 2025 LSU AgCenter and College of Agriculture AgExcellence ceremony. The award acknowledges the company’s contributions to advancing public-private academic collaboration in agriculture.
Future Outlook for U.S. Rice Production
Loveland Products’ and Dyna-Gro Seed’s support of the LSU AgCenter is part of a broader strategy to deliver sustainable, high-performance agricultural solutions. Through ongoing partnerships with research institutions and continued investment in agronomic research, the companies are contributing to a more resilient and innovative U.S. rice industry.
