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| | Poultry production was originally researched |
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| | Cattle research at station |
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The Rosepine Research Station is in Vernon Parish in western Louisiana, 2 miles north of Rosepine, La., on U.S. Highway 171. The station was established near the site of the abandoned sawmill town of Neame on a 740-acre tract of undeveloped, cut over pine land in September of 1947.
The purpose of establishing the station was to solve problems arising from the landowners' efforts toward making a living from the upland or cut over area of western Louisiana while conserving the natural resources of this area. In the initial planning of the station, major emphasis was placed on investigations in grassland farming and forestry.
Initially, livestock research was conducted with beef cattle, sheep and poultry. The beef cattle program was based on a cow-calf herd of Angus cattle; research included management and nutritional studies on both improved pastures and timber/native pastures. When the Rosepine Research Station was established, there was a sizable sheep industry in this area of Louisiana. Sheep research included crossbreeding of native sheep under grazing conditions and production of grass-fat lambs. Initial forage research included evaluation of several types of clovers, warm-season grasses and cool-season grasses. In addition, research was conducted on soil fertility. Forestry studies included species trials and seeding methods.
The first superintendent of the Rosepine Research Station was Cecil B. Roark (1947 to 1970), who was responsible for planning and developing the research station. John C. Carpenter Jr. was superintendent from 1970 to 1980, followed by C. Pat Bagley from 1980 to 1989. Upon Dr. Bagley's departure, administration of the station was transferred to the resident director of the Dean Lee Research Station. Dr. Jack Kreider served as resident coordinator of both the Dean Lee Research Station and the Rosepine Research Station. Danny Coombs is now coordinator.
Rosepine Research Station serves the beef cattle and forage producers in west central Louisiana and has a history of providing practical, applicable information to area producers. The research programs have received wide recognition at both state and national levels. The station is particularly well suited to beef cattle and forage work because of its good drainage and its unique geographical location. The soil on the station is shallow, droughty Coastal Plain, slightly to strongly acid and relatively low in fertility.