USA Rice extends condolences to the family and friends of Willie Cooper who passed away on April 9, at the age of 90.
Mr. Cooper graduated with a degree in agriculture from Southeastern Louisiana University and proudly served his country in the National Guard for six years. He retired after 56 years with the U.S. Department of Agriculture where he served as the Louisiana Farm Service Agency state executive director for 42 years. During his tenure, he served under eight presidents and 13 Secretaries of Agriculture. Mr. Cooper earned dozens of honors throughout his long career including Progressive Farmer’s Man of the Year and Louisiana Farm Bureau’s Distinguished Service Award.
Jackie Loewer, a Louisiana rice farmer from Branch, Louisiana, echoed the many commendations for Mr. Cooper, saying, “U.S. agriculture lost a champion last week. For many years, Mr. Willie Cooper faithfully served Louisiana's agricultural interests and always with the farmer's interest at heart. He transcended politics and his influence will continue to affect farm programs and state leadership long after his passing. What a wonderful legacy!”
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here to read more about Mr. Cooper’s extraordinary life.