Baton Rouge – The American Sugar Cane League presented its highest honor, the President’s Award, to Mike Comb, general manager of the Louisiana Sugar Cane Co-op, at its annual meeting recently.
Comb, who grew up on his family’s sugar cane farm in Breaux Bridge, earned a degree in agricultural engineering from USL before returning to the family farm.
There, he took on leadership roles in such organizations as the Breaux Bridge Sugar Co-op and the Louisiana Sugar Cane Co-op.
As General Manager of LaSuCa, Comb leads efforts to improve efficiency and overall factory performance, nearly doubling annual sugar production at the mill.
In 2003, Comb made a pivotal career change when he moved from crop production to sugar production at LaSuCa, where he served as assistant general manager under the direction of General Manager Jackie Theriot.
After Theriot’s retirement, Comb was promoted into the role he currently holds as general manager of the sugar mill.
“But Mike’s passion for the sugar industry has always stretched far beyond the field and factory.” ASCL outgoing President Bryan Simon said while presenting the award to Comb. “Mike has also served as a director of Louisiana Sugar Cane Products Inc., Sugar Growers and Refiners Inc. and Louisiana Sugar Refining LLC.
“He is also a faithful parishioner of St. Bernard Catholic Church in
™ Breaux Bridge as well as a member of the American Society of Agricultural Engineers.”
Comb
Comb has been a director of the American Sugar Cane League for nearly two decades and served as Chairman of the Dedicated Research Committee from 2009-- 2023.
“His work on the research side has helped guide the direction of our industry’s efforts in improving sugarcane cultivation, processing, and sustainability,” Simon said. “Mike’s passion for the sugar industry is matched only by his commitment to family, faith, and community.
“His humility, kindness, and tireless work ethic have earned him the respect of everyone who has had the privilege to work alongside him.”
Simon said that Comb’s contributions have made a lasting impact on the ASCL, and his commitment to excellence will continue to guide the league for years to come.
Comb and wife Linda have two children, Jill and Jacob.
