USA Rice extends condolences to the family and friends of John LaRose, Sr., who passed away on January 12, at the age of 84.
LaRose grew up on the outskirts of Perryville, Missouri, in a home built by his father and uncle during the Great Depression. He attended the Falk School of Professional Photography and for 30 years operated professional photography businesses in four Missouri communities at the same time.
In 1982, he became publisher and editor of a local weekly newspaper, an endeavor that eventually morphed into MidAmerica Farmer Grower, a weekly publication that covered agricultural news from throughout the south.
Among his many professional accomplishments, LaRose was the creative force behind the inception of the Annual National Conservation Systems Cotton and Rice Conference (see story below), the Southern Corn and Soybean Conference, the Delta States Irrigation Conference, and the Southern Precision Ag Conference. Since 1988, these concurrent conferences have been held at locations throughout Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas, bringing together researchers and farmers to discuss current production issues and advances.
“John’s vision of the importance of conservation tillage is proven by the growth and success for 28 years of the National Conservation Systems Cotton and Rice Conference,” said Dr. Ronnie Levy, rice specialist at the Louisiana State University AgCenter who worked with John for many years and participated in 25 of the 28 annual meetings. “John promoted conservation practices in many ways but especially emphasized minimum and no-till. He felt these practices were critical in improving the sustainability of U.S. agriculture.”
Memorial contributions may be given to the American Lung Association or St. Vincent de Paul Schools. Go
here to offer online condolences.