The Franklin Sun was named Louisiana Farm Bureau Newspaper Of The Year on June 26.

Joe Curtis, The Sun editor, accepted the award on behalf of the staff at the 103rd annual Louisiana Farm Bureau Convention held at the New Orleans Marriott. 

Louisiana Farm Bureau President Richard Fontenot issued the following statement to members of the U.S. House of Representatives:

“Food, shelter, clothing, and fuel give every American the luxury to chase their dreams, rather than chase their necessities. These securities are provided by American farmers and ranchers across this country.”

Federal food policy changes and a homegrown farming innovation that’s improving water quality in Acadiana highlighted this week’s Sugar Conference at the Louisiana Farm Bureau Federation’s 103rd Annual Convention.

The two-hour session drew growers, processors, and policymakers from across the state to hear updates on issues shaping the future of Louisiana’s $4 billion sugarcane industry. While several speakers focused on farm policy and economic conditions, two key topics stood out.

A third generation cattle farmer from Lacassine took home the top prize at the Louisiana Farm Bureau Talk Meet Contest in New Orleans.

Last year Camille Sonnier, 18, was in second place in the competition but this time around she won the whole competition, beating out 15 other contestants.

Courtney Gerace nurtures land, cattle and five children in Melville, a lifestyle she never knew she wanted until marrying her husband, Nicholas.

But now Gerace, who was named Louisiana's top young woman farmer during the annual Louisiana Farm Bureau Convention in New Orleans, can't image doing anything else.

The Louisiana Farm Bureau Federation (LFBF) hosted its 103rd Annual Convention here this weekend with record breaking participation and key discussions around critical challenges and opportunities for Louisiana agriculture. A longtime rice farmer and agricultural leader from Evangeline Parish, Richard Fontenot, was re-elected as the LFBF president for 2025 and presided over the convention. 

It’s Convention week! You know what that means. It’s going to be hot and humid with a chance of storms each day. I think I could recycle that sentence and use it for the next few months. The good news is, I don’t see a chance for tropical development in the next 10 days. In fact, The Climate Prediction Center shows below normal precipitation across the Caribbean over the first half of July. That’s one of the areas we look at for development, and I think we are all just fine with it looking quiet over the next few weeks.

The Louisiana Farm Bureau is gearing up for its largest annual convention ever, with over 1,500 farmers and their families registered to attend the four-day event in New Orleans.

The 103rd LFBF convention will take place from June 26-29 at the New Orleans Marriott on Canal St. High-profile elected officials, including 5th District Congressman Clay Higgins, are slated to attend. Members will also participate in officer elections, attend a wide variety of conferences, and witness the crowning of the next Louisiana Farm Bureau Queen.

Louisiana Farm Bureau President Richard Fontenot today issued the following statement in support of essential farm programs included in H.R. 1, the "One Big Beautiful Bill Act" and the Senate Ag Committee’s budget reconciliation language.

“Every issue is a local issue. The debate over the ‘One Big Beautiful Bill Act’ may be happening in Washington, D.C., but we’re hearing from farmers, ranchers and bankers in Louisiana who say we’re going to have fewer people in agriculture if Congress does not act soon.”

Dylan and Shelby Laster’s farm in Marion is a place where tradition meets innovation, where technology works hand-in-hand with hard work, and where family roots run deep. As finalists for the Louisiana Farm Bureau’s Young Farmers and Ranchers Achievement Award, the Lasters are not just raising chickens and cattle — they’re raising a future.

As crawfish season comes to a close across south Louisiana, farmers like Jonathan Fontenot in Evangeline Parish are already thinking about next year’s catch.  

At least for K&K Ag Partnership where he works, Fontenot says the season has been a good one. 

A core part of the economy in Central Louisiana, which includes Avoyelles Parish, comes from agriculture. It is why third-grade agriculture teacher Chantelle Hataway from Lafargue Elementary School is exposing her classes to what agriculture is, and how it is an integral part of society and grows the local economy.

American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall commented today on the Senate passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.

“Farm Bureau applauds the U.S. Senate for passing the reconciliation package. Farmers and ranchers are the foundation of America’s food supply chain, and they need the certainty that this legislation will provide. Improvements to farm safety net programs that reflect today’s agricultural economy and maintaining important tax provisions will directly benefit farm and ranch families.”

The American Farm Bureau Federation, with support from Farm Credit, is seeking applicants for the Veteran Farmer Award of Excellence. The award recognizes U.S. military veterans or service members for excellence in farming or agriculture and positively impacting local communities.

The honoree will receive a $10,000 cash prize plus reimbursement in travel and other expenses incurred for him/her and one guest to attend the American Farm Bureau Convention in Anaheim, California, Jan. 9-14, 2026.

Families celebrating the Fourth of July holiday continue to find high prices at the grocery store, based on the 2025 American Farm Bureau Federation annual marketbasket survey. An Independence Day cookout will cost $70.92 for 10 guests this year.

This is down only 30 cents from last year’s record-high cost. At $7.09 per person, 2025 will be the second-highest cost since Farm Bureau began the survey in 2013.

Escalating tensions between Iran and Israel have reignited concerns about global energy and input flows through the Middle East, placing renewed geopolitical stress on one of the world’s most critical shipping routes: the Strait of Hormuz. On June 22, Iran’s parliament voted in favor of closing the strait following U.S. and Israeli military airstrikes. Although tensions appear to have temporarily eased, the situation remains volatile, and disruptions to petroleum and fertilizer shipments could resume with little warning.

The U.S. agricultural trade deficit is widening in 2025, driven by shifting global trade dynamics and rising import demand. USDA's Outlook for U.S. Agricultural Trade: May 2025 report provides projections for exports and imports, offering insight into current trade trends. From January through April, the United States imported $78.2 billion in agricultural products while exporting just $58.5 billion. This $19.7 billion deficit is the largest ever recorded for the first four months of a year and signals that the 2025 deficit could surpass previous records.

American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall commented today on the Department of Labor suspending a rule dubbed the Farmworker Protection Act, which failed to live up to its name and was initially struck down by a district court.

American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall today expressed concern over reports that immigration enforcement focus will resume on farms and ranches.

“President Trump recently emphasized agriculture faces unique circumstances that warrant a different approach to enforcement practices. Agriculture is inherently labor intensive – farmers cannot care for crops and animals without the contributions of the men and women willing to do the hard work.”

Tim Tebow – two-time national champion, Heisman Trophy winner, College Football Hall of Fame inductee, first-round NFL draft pick and former professional baseball player – will address attendees as closing general session keynote speaker during the 2026 American Farm Bureau Convention on Monday, Jan. 12.

Tebow is a five-time New York Times best-selling author, speaker and college football analyst but is most passionate about his work with the Tim Tebow Foundation, with its mission to bring faith, hope and love to those needing a brighter day in their darkest hour of need.

American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall commented today on EPA’s proposed Renewable Fuel Standard requirements for 2026 and 2027. 

“Farm Bureau applauds the Environmental Protection Agency and Administrator Lee Zeldin for recognizing the importance of biofuels for farmers and America’s families. EPA’s proposed Renewable Fuel Standard for 2026 and 2027 would increase domestic biofuel production, prioritize home-grown crops, and enable producers to meet the demands of emerging international markets. America’s families who choose to use biofuels could see much-needed relief at the gas pump, with savings of 10 to 30 cents per gallon.”

American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall commented today on President Trump’s commitment to preventing labor disruptions in the food supply.

“We appreciate President Trump’s comments this afternoon recognizing the contributions of farmworkers who play a vital role in growing food across America, and committing to preserve the ability of farms to provide a safe and secure food supply.”

In meetings with the British government American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall emphasized the importance of finalizing a new trade deal to expand access to markets in the United Kingdom. Duvall is in Great Britain this week to meet with policymakers and to observe British farming practices, among other items of business.

In May, the U.S. and U.K. announced a new trade deal. Farm Bureau urges leaders in both countries to finalize the deal, which expands American ethanol exports and other agricultural products.

Testimony as Prepared for Zippy Duvall President, American Farm Bureau Federation To the Senate Special Committee on Aging June 4, 2025.