Louisiana Farm Bureau Podcast

What happens to a crop after it leaves the farm can be just as important as what happens while it is growing. Avery Davidson sits down at the Port of New Orleans with U.S. Department of Transportation Assistant Secretary Michael Rutherford, Port NOLA Chief Commercial Officer Kristi App and Louisiana Commissioner of Agriculture and Forestry Mike Strain to follow agriculture from the farm gate to the global marketplace. They discuss the Mississippi River and America’s inland waterways, the growing role of containerized agriculture, the future Louisiana International Terminal, new efforts to improve freight visibility and security, and why every delay, bridge, lock, rail line and port eventually affects the farmer’s bottom line. It is a look at the massive transportation network working behind the scenes to keep Louisiana agriculture — and American agriculture — moving. Show Notes: Host: Avery Davidson Guests: Michael Rutherford Assistant Secretary for Multimodal Freight Infrastructure and Policy U.S.…

Kam Harper grew up on a cotton farm, but his road back to agriculture took him through the Marine Corps, law enforcement and an unexpected business opportunity. In this episode of the Louisiana Farm Bureau Podcast, Karl Wiggers visits the Franklin Parish farmer and owner of Macon Ridge Specialty Drones to discuss how a magazine article sparked a spray drone business and how a conversation with a longtime farmer opened the door to farming for himself. Along the way, Kam shares how faith, family and his agricultural community keep him going through the toughest days. Show Notes: Learn more about Macon Ridge Specialty Drone Services. Here's the first story I did with Kam in 2023 about the new drone business. A recent story with Kam Harper about the 2026 crop -- Second-Chance Corn: Northeast Louisiana Farmer Harvests Replanted Crop. Learn more about Louisiana Farm Bureau Young Farmers & Ranchers here Find a Louisiana Farm Bureau office in your parish here. Become a member of Louisiana Farm Bureau today.

Louisiana duck hunters have a new opportunity this October, and concerns from rice farmers helped move the conversation forward. On this episode of the Louisiana Farm Bureau Podcast, Karl Wiggers visits with Vermilion Parish rice farmer Allen McLain, Louisiana Farm Bureau Commodity and Public Policy Director Andy Brown, and Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Waterfowl Program Manager Jason Olszak. They explain how black-bellied whistling ducks damage young rice, why grain facilities have raised concerns of their own, and how farmers, researchers and wildlife officials have worked together to address the issue. The conversation covers Louisiana’s new experimental hunting season, why it took years of coordination and how hunter participation and reporting can help shape what comes next. The guests also discuss the connection between productive rice farms and healthy waterfowl habitat. Show Notes: LDWF: Special black-bellied whistling duck season announcement — Official announcement and season…

Louisiana is Sportsman’s Paradise, and Hunters for the Hungry Louisiana is giving hunters and fishermen another way to put that tradition to work. Host Avery Davidson sits down with Hunters for the Hungry Louisiana Executive Director Julie Grunewald to talk about how the organization turns donated deer, hogs, fish and other protein into meals for people in need. Julie explains the upcoming Clean Out Your Freezer Day, how hunters can donate freshly harvested game at participating processors at no cost to them, and how those donations are kept as local as possible to help feed neighbors in communities across Louisiana. Show Notes: Hunters for the Hungry Louisiana - https://www.h4hla.org/ Clean Out Your Freezer Day — Aug. 23, 2026 - https://www.h4hla.org/freezer-day Find a participating deer or hog processor - https://www.h4hla.org/processors Find a Louisiana Farm Bureau office in your parish here. Become a member of Louisiana Farm Bureau today.

When a member of U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson’s staff asked to learn more about Louisiana cattle production, Louisiana Farm Bureau knew exactly where to take him. Then Johnson noticed the visit on his calendar and asked to come along. In this episode, Karl Wiggers talks with Andy Brown, director of Commodity and Public Policy at the Louisiana Farm Bureau Federation, about the resulting roundtable at Marty Wooldridge’s farm near Oil City. Brown explains how farmers used the opportunity to discuss high input costs, difficult commodity markets, trade, forestry, poultry, livestock disaster programs and the stalled farm bill. The conversation also offers a behind-the-scenes look at grassroots advocacy and why relationships built long before a major policy vote can give Louisiana farmers a meaningful seat at the table. Show Notes: Watch the related TWILA story about Speaker Johnson’s farm visit here. Read Andy Brown’s USA Rice Daily article about the meeting. Learn more about Louisiana Farm Bureau Young Farmers…

Before Jean Treas ever stepped onto a convention stage, she was folding produce boxes, helping customers at her family’s roadside market and learning the work behind a fifth-generation farm. Now, the 19-year-old Tangipahoa Parish native is carrying that agricultural experience into her new role as the 2026 Louisiana Farm Bureau Queen. Host Allie Shipley—herself a former Louisiana Farm Bureau queen—sits down with Jean to discuss growing up on a produce farm, working directly with consumers, studying occupational health and safety at Southeastern Louisiana University and preparing for a year of representing farmers and ranchers across the state. Jean also explains why the Louisiana Farm Bureau Queen’s Contest is about much more than dresses and a crown. For her, the title is an opportunity to advocate for agriculture, connect consumers with the people growing their food and help build a culture that supports local and generational farms. Jean will spend the coming year attending agricultural events and…

Louisiana Farm Bureau President Richard Fontenot joins Karl Wiggers for a post-convention conversation following the 104th Annual Louisiana Farm Bureau Convention in New Orleans. Fresh off his reelection to a third term, Fontenot reflects on a convention marked by record attendance, strong energy, youth involvement, policy discussions and the multigenerational Farm Bureau family that continues to shape Louisiana agriculture. He shares what stood out from the week, from the great youth competitions to the lawmakers, USDA leaders and industry stakeholders who came to listen, learn and work alongside farmers. The conversation also turns to the serious challenges facing producers across the state, including flooding impacts in parts of central Louisiana, tight margins, input costs, labor concerns, the Farm Bill and the importance of strong agricultural policy. Through it all, Fontenot points back to the people, families and volunteers who make Louisiana Farm Bureau “the voice of Louisiana agriculture.” Show…

Josh Meeks takes over the Louisiana Farm Bureau Podcast from the road during the 2026 LFBF Beef Tour in Texas. He sits down with longtime tour participant and Louisiana cattleman Gilbert Boudreaux to talk about his cow-calf operation, why he keeps coming back on the Beef Tour and what producers can learn from seeing how others approach the same challenges in agriculture. Gilbert shares his honest perspective on cattle, legacy, markets, sustainability and the importance of getting away from the day-to-day work long enough to learn from other farmers and ranchers. From feedlots and universities to conversations on the bus, this episode is about the value of fellowship, curiosity and “getting outside the trees” to see what agriculture looks like beyond your own operation. Show Notes: See coverage from this year's beef tour here. Learn more about Louisiana Farm Bureau Young Farmers & Ranchers here Find a Louisiana Farm Bureau office in your parish here. Become a member of Louisiana Farm Bureau today.

Katie Nunez grew up in Iberville Parish as part of a fourth-generation sugarcane farming family, with Farm Bureau woven into nearly every part of her life. Today, she serves in several leadership roles with Louisiana Farm Bureau and American Farm Bureau, while also helping farmers navigate H-2A labor paperwork and supporting workers who are often facing their own stress far from home. In this episode of the Louisiana Farm Bureau Podcast, Allie Shipley sits down with Katie as part of our Mental Health Month series and the Cultivating Connection initiative. Katie opens up about the pressure farming families carry, the pain of her family’s farm changing, the stress of business ownership, motherhood, adoption and raising a child with special needs. She also shares how therapy, medication and honest conversations have helped her better understand her own mental health. Katie’s message is simple but powerful: farmers are used to calling someone when a truck breaks down, and that same Farm Bureau family is there…

Beauregard Parish Farm Bureau President David Smith has spent a lifetime around agriculture. Today, he grows corn, soybeans, wheat and other crops near DeRidder, while also serving on the Louisiana Farm Bureau Federation state board and the Cultivating Connection Mental Health Committee. In this episode of the Louisiana Farm Bureau Podcast, Smith joins us from the field to talk about the weight farmers carry during tough economic times, unpredictable weather and the pressure of keeping a family farm going for the next generation. He reflects on growing up during the farm crisis of the 1980s, watching his father carry the stress of farming, and how those same pressures show up in different ways today. Smith says farmers are often “fixers,” but that does not mean they have to carry everything alone. His message is simple: check on each other, listen, and do not be afraid to talk about what is really going on. This conversation is part of Louisiana Farm Bureau’s Cultivating Connection effort, encouraging…

In this episode of the Louisiana Farm Bureau Podcast, Allie Shipley sits down with Courtney Gerace to talk about mental health in agriculture and the personal journey that led her to help launch Louisiana Farm Bureau’s new initiative, Cultivating Connection. Gerace shares her own experience with anxiety and depression, explains why farm life can intensify stress and isolation, and discusses how this effort hopes to connect people with resources and encourage honest conversations across rural Louisiana. Louisiana Farm Bureau's Cultivating Connection website with mental health resources. American Farm Bureau's Farm State of Mind website Find a Louisiana Farm Bureau office in your parish here. Become a member of Louisiana Farm Bureau today.

Jamie and Aaron Lee of Vermilion Parish join the Louisiana Farm Bureau Podcast to talk about how Young Farmers & Ranchers helped shape their path in agriculture and leadership. They share how Farm Bureau gave them confidence, connections, and encouragement to grow as farmers, advocates, and volunteers. From parish involvement to leadership at the state level, their story is a reminder that sometimes simply showing up can change everything. See a story about Aaron & Jamie as YF&R Achievement Award finalists here. Learn more about Louisiana Farm Bureau Young Farmers & Ranchers here Find a Louisiana Farm Bureau office in your parish here. Become a member of Louisiana Farm Bureau today.

Louisiana Farm Bureau President Richard Fontenot joins the Louisiana Farm Bureau Podcast from his farm to talk about the realities of spring planting, the uncertainty facing agriculture in 2026, and the work being done on behalf of farmers at every level. From Farm Bill conversations in Washington, D.C., to the success of Louisiana Farm Bureau’s Rooted in Leadership Conference and the upcoming Membership Monday push, Fontenot shares why engagement, relationships and grassroots advocacy matter more than ever. He also looks ahead to convention season and previews new efforts to support farmers through mental health awareness. Learn more about Louisiana Farm Bureau Young Farmers & Ranchers here Find a Louisiana Farm Bureau office in your parish here. Become a member of Louisiana Farm Bureau today.

Louisiana Farm Bureau’s Young Farmers and Ranchers recently traveled to Washington, D.C., for their annual fly-in, meeting with members of Louisiana’s congressional delegation and advocating for issues affecting agriculture back home. In this episode, host Karl Wiggers visits with Andy Brown, Director of Commodity and Public Policy at the Louisiana Farm Bureau Federation, about the trip and the issues discussed on Capitol Hill. Brown explains how the young farmers shared their personal stories about challenges facing their farms, including agricultural labor shortages and the need to pass a new Farm Bill. They also discuss the latest developments in Washington, including movement on Farm Bill 2.0, labor issues impacting Louisiana’s crawfish industry and the importance of grassroots advocacy in shaping agricultural policy. Learn more about Louisiana Farm Bureau Young Farmers & Ranchers here Find a Louisiana Farm Bureau office in your parish here. Become a member of Louisiana Farm Bureau today.

Recorded at the LSU State Livestock Show, Karl Wiggers sits down with Madison DeKeyzer and Macy Rushing to talk cattle-show life, Farm Bureau connections, and what’s ahead on the Louisiana Farm Bureau Livestock Advisory Committee Beef Tour (March 22–27). Madison shares what makes the tour special—top-notch ranch visits, educational stops, and the real value: the relationships you build along the way. Macy brings the “new producer” perspective, talking about jumping into cattle as a first-generation operation and why she’s excited to learn from others on the trip. Sign up here: https://lafarmbureau.org/calendar/2026/3/22/2026-louisiana-farm-bureau-beef-tour Guests - Madison DeKeyzer – Louisiana Farm Bureau Commodity & Public Policy Specialist - Macy Rushing – Lucky 5 Land & Livestock Key topics - What the Beef Tour is (ranches + educational stops + networking) - Why the best learning happens between stops (bus conversations) - Macy’s operation: backgrounding / stocker calves - Farm Bureau connections that…

Louisiana’s been dry. But what does that mean for farmers across the state? This week, Avery Davidson sits down with State Climatologist Jay Grymes to unpack the ongoing drought conditions, why the Mississippi River is running low, and how Louisiana managed to dodge tropical storms this hurricane season. Jay also opens up about a personal battle he’s recently won — his fight with throat cancer — and shares a powerful reminder for everyone to take their health seriously. Links Louisiana Office of State Climatology Facebook Page U.S. Drought Monitor – Louisiana Find a Louisiana Farm Bureau office in your parish here. Become a member of Louisiana Farm Bureau today.

This week on the Louisiana Farm Bureau Podcast, Karl sits down with Matt Sirgo, Farm Bureau safety specialist and motorcycle instructor with the Louisiana State Police. Matt shares his journey from dirt bikes and four-wheelers as a kid to teaching safety courses that save lives today. They dive into ATV and UTV safety, the importance of helmets, how Louisiana Farm Bureau trains farmers and first responders on grain bin rescue, and why safety should always come first on the farm. Whether you’re in the field, on the road, or teaching the next generation, this conversation highlights practical tips and powerful stories that every farm family needs to hear. Find all the resources from National Farm Safety & Health Week here. To find the map of grain bin rescue resources, visit this site. Here is the playlist of stories from past grain bin entrapment trainings. Find a Louisiana Farm Bureau office in your parish here. Become a member of Louisiana Farm Bureau today.

Louisiana 4-H took more than 140 students, leaders, and parents across the Atlantic for a 10-day agricultural and cultural tour of Ireland—and the lessons went far beyond farming. In this episode, host Karl Wiggers sits down with 4-H leader Hannah Devall and TWILA’s Josh Meeks to talk about the stunning landscapes, the farm visits, and the unforgettable moments that brought the group closer. From planting cauliflower in rich Irish soil to learning the art of oyster farming, hear how these experiences helped young people grow life skills, friendships, and new perspectives on agriculture. Links: See photos from the trip here. See the first week of TWILA coverage here. Read blog posts from the trip here. Find a Louisiana Farm Bureau office in your parish here. Become a member of Louisiana Farm Bureau today.

In this episode, Karl Wiggers sits down with Louisiana Farm Bureau President Richard Fontenot and Director of Public Policy and Commodities Andy Brown to break down the “One Big Beautiful Bill,” which includes more than $65 billion in agriculture investment that strengthens the farm safety net, boosts crop insurance, and delivers long-overdue updates to reference prices and base acres. They also reflect on unprecedented access to top decision-makers in D.C. and what that means for Louisiana farmers. From the convention floor to the White House, hear how years of grassroots advocacy just paid off—and what Farm Bureau is working on next. Show Notes: Watch a TWILA on the One Big Beautiful Bill here. Read the American Farm Bureau Market Intel report about the legislation here. Read the Louisiana Farm Bureau report on the One Big Beautiful Bill here. Find a Louisiana Farm Bureau office in your parish here. Become a member of Louisiana Farm Bureau today.

What does 40 years of Farm Bureau leadership look like? Former president Ronnie Anderson joins the podcast to share stories from his journey—from growing up on a dairy farm to leading the Louisiana Farm Bureau Federation for over three decades. He opens up about how he was introduced to Louisiana Farm Bureau, the policy battles that shaped Louisiana agriculture and the enduring values that still guide the organization today. Show Notes: Watch the TWILA story Karl filmed with Ronnie in 2016 here. Watch the American Farm Bureau Founder's Award video honoring Ronnie Anderson. Find a Louisiana Farm Bureau office in your parish here. Become a member of Louisiana Farm Bureau today.

What happens in Ohio doesn’t stay in Ohio—at least not when it comes to rainfall. As waters rise on rivers in Louisiana and hurricane forecasts are published, Jay Grymes joins us to explain why Louisiana’s weather future is shaped by forces far beyond our borders. This episode connects the dots between past disasters and present warnings, offering a clear-eyed outlook for the season ahead. 🔗 Show Notes Links Louisiana Office of State Climatology Facebook Page U.S. Drought Monitor – Louisiana Colorado State Tropical Weather Forecast Subscribe to stay up-to-date with the Louisiana Farm Bureau Daily Voice Become a member of Louisiana Farm Bureau Federation today!

Tariffs are back— turning a lot more eyes to Louisiana agriculture and our customers worldwide. In this episode, Andy Brown joins Karl Wiggers to unpack how new trade actions are shaking the ag economy, from soybean prices to crop loans and farm bankruptcies. It’s a wake-up call from the global chessboard to the fields of Louisiana, and farmers aren’t flinching—they’re planting through the chaos. 🔗 Show Notes Links Previous Episode on Trade with Farmer & Banker American Farm Bureau Market Intel Reports Betty Resnick’s Trade Analysis at AFBF This Week in Louisiana Agriculture Become a member of Louisiana Farm Bureau Federation today!

In this episode of the Louisiana Farm Bureau Podcast, Beauregard Parish farmer and Farm Bureau Parish President David Smith shares his journey from a young, uncertain farmer to a confident grassroots leader. He and host Karl Wiggers discuss the power of community, leadership, and advocacy through Farm Bureau, and how connections—even in the most rural corners of Louisiana—can shape agriculture policy and build lifelong friendships. Watch the TWILA story with Mike Johnson's staff tour here. Find a Louisiana Farm Bureau office in your parish here. Become a member of Louisiana Farm Bureau today.

In this episode of the Louisiana Farm Bureau Podcast, we visit Tensas Parish to chat with Melanie Netterville Beavers about her journey in agriculture. From growing up surrounded by agriculture to her current role as a full-time farmer, Melanie shares her experiences, challenges, and the values that drive her passion for the industry. Whether it’s balancing farm life, leadership roles, or community involvement, Melanie’s story is a testament to the dedication of women in agriculture. Watch the TWILA story with Melanie and Kody here. Learn more about the LFBF Young Farmers & Ranchers Committee here. Become a member of Louisiana Farm Bureau today.

In this episode of the Louisiana Farm Bureau Podcast, host Allie Shipley sits down with Amelia Kent—a dynamic leader in Louisiana agriculture who’s redefining what it means to be a modern farmer. Amelia opens up about her journey from early agricultural roots to taking on leadership roles, discussing the challenges and rewards of balancing family, community, and life on the farm. Her insights and passion for advancing agriculture in Louisiana provide both inspiration and practical advice for farmers and ag professionals alike. Find a Louisiana Farm Bureau office in your parish here. Learn more about the LFBF Young Farmers & Ranchers Committee here. See one of Amelia's recent appearances on This Week In Louisiana Agriculture. Become a member of Louisiana Farm Bureau today.

In this episode of the Louisiana Farm Bureau Podcast, we spotlight Raquel Manuel's inspiring journey from suburban life to becoming a passionate advocate and leader in Louisiana agriculture. Raquel shares how her background in communications and her love for agriculture shaped her family's farm, her leadership roles in the Farm Bureau, and her commitment to representing Louisiana farmers. This conversation dives deep into the challenges, values and community spirit that define modern farming life. Find a Louisiana Farm Bureau office in your parish here. Listen to the episode with Cade LeJeune here. Learn more about the LFBF Young Farmers & Ranchers Committee here. Learn more about the Louisiana Ag in the Classroom here. Become a member of Louisiana Farm Bureau today.

This week, the Louisiana Farm Bureau Podcast begins our celebration of National Women’s History Month, highlighting the impactful contributions of women in agriculture. Allie Shipley is stepping in to host some engaging conversations with women involved in Louisiana Farm Bureau Federation. In this episode, LFBF Women's Leadership Committee Chair, Michele Simoneaux shares her journey into Louisiana Farm Bureau, how getting involved helped her grow in leadership, community involvement, and the importance of passing on the family farm tradition. Find a Louisiana Farm Bureau office in your parish here. Learn more about the LFBF Women's Leadership Committee here. Become a member of Louisiana Farm Bureau today.

In this episode, Karl Wiggers sits down with Dr. Tara Smith, Director of the Louisiana Cooperative Extension Service at the LSU AgCenter. They explore how innovative extension programs—from youth initiatives and internships to the state livestock show and AgMagic—are shaping the future of Louisiana agriculture. Discover how these efforts are not only educating the next generation but also driving lasting impact across the state. See the story from the state livestock show here. Learn about AgMagic here. Learn more about the LSU Extension Internships here. Become a member of Louisiana Farm Bureau today.

This week is National FFA Week. As part of the celebration, the Louisiana FFA state officer team came to visit Louisiana Farm Bureau to film an episode of This Week In Louisiana Agriculture. That's a tradition that started when Cade LeJeune, then the Executive Secretary of Louisiana FFA, began working with the team at Louisiana Farm Bureau Federation to promote the great work of the organization. This week, Karl Wiggers sits down with Cade to discuss his new job with Louisiana FFA and how he came to find his career in agriculture education. See the Louisiana FFA Takeover show on TWILA. Learn how to donate to Louisiana FFA here. Become a member of Louisiana Farm Bureau today.

Louisiana again has a voice on the national stage. Racheal Duncan of Rapides Parish grows cut flowers, helps her husband, Robert, on their soybean and cattle farm and is a mother to three daughters. She is now on the American Farm Bureau Young Farmers & Ranchers Committee. Karl Wiggers sat down with Duncan at the recent AFBF Annual Convention in San Antonio to discuss this big step and how serving in Louisiana Farm Bureau opened doors for her to grow in leadership. See a story from TWILA about Robert and Rachel Duncan. Learn more about Louisiana Farm Bureau YF&R today! Become a member of Louisiana Farm Bureau today.

The weather is warming up and so is crawfish production in Louisiana! This week, Karl Wiggers visits with rice and crawfish farmer Dylan Benoit at his field in Jeff Davis Parish. They discuss the outlook on this year's crawfish season, Benoit being raised on the farm, as well as what works and what doesn't in crawfish economics. See a story from TWILA about the 2025 crawfish season. Become a member of Louisiana Farm Bureau today.

In December, Congress passed the American Relief Act, a continuing resolution to fund the government and provide immediate economic relief to American farmers. The appropriations for supplemental assistance and disaster relief added up to nearly $31 Billion dollars -- a massive win for agriculture. In this episode, Karl Wiggers and Andy Brown sit down with some friends from Tensas parish, Kellon Lee and Josh Copes, to see what this relief is going to mean to them. See a story from TWILA about the need for a new Farm Bill and supplemental assistance. Hear more podcast episodes about this need here. Read articles about the Farm Bill, supplemental assistance, and disaster relief here. Become a member of Louisiana Farm Bureau today.

Leadership at home often means seeing the big picture and the place Louisiana agriculture has on the global scale. LSU Agricultural Leadership Development Program Class XVIII is gaining that global perspective right now visiting farms and businesses in The Netherlands and Belgium. Avery Davidson speaks with LSU Ag Leadership Director Dr. Bobby Soileau in this episode of the Louisiana Farm Bureau Podcast to find out why that world perspective provides clarity on the local level. This is where you can follow along with blog posts from the Class XVIII international trip to Belgium and the Netherlands. Here is an interview with Dr. Soileau in 2024 about the value of the LSU Ag Leadership program. Here is the episode of TWILA from Southeast Asia in 2020. Here is the episode of TWILA from Costa Rica and Panama in 2023. Learn more about the LSU Ag Leadership Program here. Become a member of Louisiana Farm Bureau today.

This year is growing in the right direction for Louisiana farmers. As Christmas approached, Congress passed a Continuing Resolution, the American Relief Act, to fund the government through March. In addition to avoiding a government shutdown, there is major supplemental assistance for farmers and aid for those affected by natural disasters over the past couple of years. The Act also extended the existing farm bill for another year. On this episode of the podcast, Louisiana Farm Bureau President, Richard Fontenot reflects on that huge win for his friends and neighbors in agriculture and wants to build on that momentum to a new Farm Bill. See the story from TWILA highlighting the need for assistance and a new farm bill. Read more about the Continuing Resolution and its aid for farmers. Read about a new bill filed by Congresswoman Letlow to strengthen funding for farmers and ranchers. Become a member of Louisiana Farm Bureau today.

In this episode of the Louisiana Farm Bureau Podcast, we explore a recent trade mission to Cuba, led by the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry. The trip brought together a Louisiana delegation, including Commissioner Mike Strain, elected officials, and LSU AgCenter personnel, to discuss trade opportunities and foster diplomatic relations. Joining the conversation are Louisiana Farm Bureau President Richard Fontenot and Second Vice President Burch Pierce, who share their firsthand experiences from the trip. Here are some stories Neil Melancon brought back from Cuba in 2017 -- Part 1 and Part 2. Here's a playlist of more TWILA stories from Cuba over the years. Become a member of Louisiana Farm Bureau today.

Louisiana Farm Bureau volunteer leaders recently traveled to the nation's capitol to advocate for some much needed relief for Louisiana farmers and ranchers. Their message was clear -- it's time for a new farm bill, but that's not enough. Congress' failure to pass a 5 year safety net has created the need for immediate supplemental assistance so farmers can keep farming. The group of leaders discuss the trip and what you can do to make a difference. See the story from TWILA about this trip. Visit https://lafarmbureau.org/farmbill to have your voice heard. See TikToks about how the farm economy looks in Louisiana here or here or here. Become a member of Louisiana Farm Bureau today.

Louisiana Ag In The Classroom is a fantastic resource for teachers to incorporate, you guessed it, agriculture into lessons in the classroom. Louisiana AITC State Coordinator Lynda Danos joins Karl Wiggers in the studio this week to discuss those amazing resources and how AITC is continuing to find new ways to support and partner with teachers across the state. Learn more about Louisiana AITC at their website here. See stories about past winners of the Louisiana AITC Teachers of the Year. Learn more about Louisiana AITC Teacher of the Year here. Become a member of Louisiana Farm Bureau today.

The past couple months have been dry in Louisiana, with the exception of a couple pockets and a quick tropical system that rolled through the state. Drought conditions are affecting farmers and ranchers across the state, but the tool used by USDA in determining financial assistance may not be keeping up with conditions on the ground. Avery Davidson sits down with Louisiana State Climatologist, Jay Grymes, and Louisiana Commissioner of Agriculture and Forestry, Mike Strain, to discuss how you can help paint the picture of Louisiana's drought. See the current U.S. Drought Monitor Map here. Submit photos and conditions from your farm or pastures here. Share your pictures on this Facebook post also! See the story Avery produced about Jay Grymes on TWILA. See the story Josh Meeks produced about the Mesonet Program at ULM on TWILA. Become a member of Louisiana Farm Bureau today.

There are many things in life that are necessary, like food, water, clothes to wear, and education. We also need insurance. In this week's episode, Karl sits down with a couple insurance agents from Louisiana Farm Bureau Insurance to discuss their field of work which is often misunderstood. Start the conversation with a Louisiana Farm Bureau agent today here. Become a member of Louisiana Farm Bureau today. Learn more about Louisiana Farm Bureau member benefits here.

In this episode from the archives, Karl sits down with Louisiana Farm Bureau Federation 1st Vice President, Marty Wooldridge. They discuss how he first was introduced to the Farm Bureau as a young farmer. They also discuss how he found success in different areas in the organization's Young Farmers and Ranchers program that connected him to a network that reached across the country in American Farm Bureau. See the Road To Leadership video about Marty Wooldridge. See a story from This Week In Louisiana Agriculture featuring Marty and his family. Learn more about Louisiana Farm Bureau member benefits here. Become a member of Louisiana Farm Bureau today.

In a time when the ag economy has razor thin margins, farmers are looking for any way to make an extra penny for their crops. In this episode, Karl Wiggers sits down with grain marketing specialists Greg Fox and Grayson Close to talk about the Louisiana Farm Bureau Grain Marketing Association and how they're helping farmers across Louisiana sell their crops at the best price at the best time. See the story from a proud Louisiana Farm Bureau Marketing customer here. Learn more about Louisiana Farm Bureau member benefits here. Become a member of Louisiana Farm Bureau today.

In this episode of the Louisiana Farm Bureau Podcast, Louisiana Farm Bureau President Richard Fontenot and Louisiana Farm Bureau Commodity and Public Policy Director Andy Brown discuss the critical need for a new Farm Bill. Fresh off a recent trip to Washington D.C., they share insights from their meetings with lawmakers, highlighting the essential risk management, nutrition, and conservation programs the Farm Bill provides for Louisiana's farmers and rural communities. With the future of agriculture at stake, they urge Congress to take swift action to ensure the stability and success of our state's farms. Get engaged with Louisiana Farm Bureau for a new Farm Bill today! Learn more about the Farm Bill here. Louisiana Farm Bureau News updates can be found here. Learn more about Louisiana Farm Bureau member benefits here. Become a member of Louisiana Farm Bureau today.

This week, Nick and Courtney Gerace join Karl on the podcast to talk about their farm and how they found their way into Louisiana Farm Bureau. They're leading Louisiana Farm Bureau's Young Farmers and Ranchers state committee and they are looking for more young farmers like them to get plugged into Farm Bureau to benefit from the family they've found themselves in. See more about the Gerace family here. Learn more about LFBF Young Farmers & Ranchers here. Learn more about Louisiana Farm Bureau member benefits here. Become a member of Louisiana Farm Bureau today.

Every President since Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1944 has proclaimed the third week in September be National Farm Safety & Health Week to raise awareness about the safety and health of people working agriculture. That is what this week's episode of the Louisiana Farm Bureau Podcast is all about. Louisiana Farm Bureau Safety Managers Wendell Miley and Matt Sirgo join the podcast to discuss the topics focused on this week and the important resources available to farmers, ranchers, and rural residents. Find webinars and more resources from AgriSafe here. Learn more about the grain bin rescue tube locations and last year's grain bin safety workshops. Learn more about Louisiana Farm Bureau member benefits here. Become a member of Louisiana Farm Bureau today.

This week, Louisiana Farm Bureau Federation Commodity and Public Policy Director, Andy Brown sits down to discuss the top priority for Louisiana farmers and the Farm Bureau -- a new Farm Bill. Andy offers some history to help us understand why we still don't have a new Farm Bill and why there's such a sense of urgency now as we approach the end of September. We finish the episode with a little peak ahead to the coming weeks where Farm Bureau will be urging our members to engage and help bring Congress to action. Louisiana Farm Bureau News: The Time is Now to Pass a Farm Bill Article: Congress is Failing America's Farmers The latest news on the Farm Bill can be found here. Learn more about Louisiana Farm Bureau member benefits here. Become a member of Louisiana Farm Bureau today.

During the August recess for Congress, Louisiana Farm Bureau hosted a number of visits for Congressional staff to get some hands-on experience in the field. Madison Plaisance from the LFBF Commodity and Public Policy department helped arrange these tours and joins us on the podcast today to discuss the value of that experience for the farmers and staff alike. Also, we get to know Matthew Waguespack, the newest member of the Commodity and Public Policy team at Louisiana Farm Bureau. Here is the video from convention Madison talks about. Here is the story from the Staffer Tour to Beauregard and Evangeline parishes. Here is the story with Michael Fruge in this week's episode of TWILA. Learn more about the latest news on the Farm Bill. Learn more about Louisiana Farm Bureau member benefits here. Become a member of Louisiana Farm Bureau today.

In this episode of the podcast, Karl Wiggers sits down with Richard Fontenot, the newly elected Louisiana Farm Bureau President and they discuss his busy first month in the new role. To learn more about Richard Fontenot, check out this video. Read about Richard Fontenot here or here. Learn more about Louisiana Farm Bureau member benefits here. Become a member of Louisiana Farm Bureau today.

For a while, we've been updating listeners about the crawfish season that has been a tough year for many who count on the mudbugs for a crucial part of their annual production. This week, we have exciting news for those hit hard by drought and excessive heat impacting production of crawfish on their farms. Louisiana Farm Bureau Federation has secured some assistance for Louisiana crawfish farmers in the Emergency Livestock Assistance Program with the help of Gov. Landry, Louisiana's Congressional delegation, the LSU AgCenter, and, most importantly, countless volunteer leaders. LFBF National Affairs Director, Andy Brown, joins the podcast this week to tell us how this happened and what it means for the Louisiana crawfish industry. Learn more about crawfish news here. Find crawfish prices near you using the Crawfish App! Learn more about the tough year for crawfish farmers in Louisiana in this video. Follow the Louisiana Crawfish Promotion and Research Board on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok. Learn…

In this episode, Karl sits down with Louisiana Farm Bureau Federation 1st Vice President, Marty Wooldridge. They discuss how he first was introduced to the Farm Bureau as a young farmer. They also discuss how he found success in different areas in the organization's Young Farmers and Ranchers program that connected him to a network that reached across the country in American Farm Bureau. See a story from This Week In Louisiana Agriculture featuring Marty and his family. Learn more about Louisiana Farm Bureau member benefits here. Become a member of Louisiana Farm Bureau today.

It's National Safe Digging Month and Brent Saltzman from Louisiana 811 is on the podcast talking about why it's so important for everyone to "Call before you dig!" While everyone should make it a normal practice to dial 811 before doing yard work, construction projects, or any other types of digging, there are some exceptions for farmers and others in agriculture, and Brent explains those in this episode. Visit Louisiana811.com to learn more. Learn more about Louisiana Farm Bureau member benefits here. Become a member of Louisiana Farm Bureau today.