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.

Louisiana farmers and ranchers will not have to add meters to water wells thanks to amendments offered by Senator Bob Hensgens, author of a bill to restructure the Department of Natural Resources and rename it the Department of Conservation and Energy.

Staff at Louisiana Farm Bureau discovered the provisions in Senate Bill 244 last week dealing with water regulation that did not exempt agriculture from those regulations.

On the heels of a historic trade win, a coalition representing four American food industries praised President Trump's "America First" leadership, while calling for targeted tariffs on imported honey, catfish, crawfish, and shrimp to counter years of predatory trade practices. 

Sen. John Kennedy (R-La), a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, today reintroduced the Crawfish Recovery Assistance from Weather Disasters and Droughts (CRAWDAD) Act. The bill would support Louisiana crawfish jobs when severe weather puts strain on the industry.

Louisiana Farm Bureau President Richard Fontenot issued the following statement in response to the appointment of Craig McCain as State Executive Director for the Louisiana Farm Service Agency (FSA).

Multiple rounds of thunderstorms will impact Louisiana over the next few days, with a nice lull, and some cooler air after the storms move out by late Saturday. Heavy rains upstream could prolong flooding conditions in some areas, but we’ll have to see how much rain falls in each river basin before we get a good handle on future flooding.

The LSU AgCenter and College of Agriculture proudly hosted the second annual AgExcellence Awards Ceremony, presented by A. Wilbert’s Sons, on April 25, 2025. The event, led by Vice President and Dean Matt Lee and emceed by Veronica Mosgrove from the Louisiana Office of Tourism, celebrated leaders whose contributions have significantly advanced the LSU AgCenter and College of Agriculture's mission.

Louisiana farmers are no strangers to market instability, but the recent wave of tariffs announced on April 2 added a fresh layer of uncertainty to an already difficult planting season.

LFBF Commodity and Public Policy Director Andy Brown, has fielded many phone calls from both farmers and media. He said the farmers are not panicked but rather recognize the reality of the situation.

Melanie Netterville Beavers grew up riding horses on the land she now farms in southern Tensas Parish. That’s where the seed was planted for a future she once only dreamed about.

“And I always thought, you know, how cool would it be to be the farmer?” she said.

As a young girl, Melanie had no idea how to make that dream a reality.

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.

American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall commented today on the Senate Agriculture Committee’s markup of the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act of 2025.

“Farm Bureau appreciates the Senate Agriculture Committee’s markup and passage of the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act. This bipartisan legislation will allow schools to offer additional nutritious milk varieties to students. Whole and 2% milk, as well as flavored options, are wholesome choices for children and an important building block for a healthy, balanced diet.”

The Dec. 31, 2025, expiration of many provisions of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) adds a new task to the 2025 congressional to-do list: updating the tax code. Many TCJA provisions provided important relief for farm families. While reductions in the corporate income tax rates were made permanent in 2017, income tax cuts for individuals began to phase out in 2022, with the biggest tax increases coming with expirations at the end of 2025. This Market Intel report is the fifth in a series exploring the expiring TCJA provisions – including individual tax provisions, the qualified business income deduction, capital expensing provisions and estate taxes– and their impact on farm families.

If Congress fails to extend current tax provisions, America’s farmers and ranchers will be forced to pay $9 billion more in federal taxes every year. Tax relief enacted by the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) is set to expire at the end of this year, which would lead to tax increases for almost two-thirds of families, including those in rural America. In the latest Market Intel, American Farm Bureau Federation economists analyzed the impact of reverting to the previous tax code.

American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall commented today on the flawed process that led to a flawed White House report issued by the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) Commission. 

“When I came to Washington to serve as president of the American Farm Bureau Federation, I was surprised by the multiple layers of public review and public comment behind government-issued regulations and reports. In time, I came to appreciate the credibility that results from careful vetting, thorough review and transparency.”

American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall commented today on a White House report issued by the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) Commission.

The American Farm Bureau Federation, in partnership with Farm Credit, is seeking entrepreneurs to apply online by June 9 for the 2026 Farm Bureau Ag Innovation Challenge. Now in its 12th year, this national business competition showcases U.S. startup companies developing innovative solutions to challenges faced by America’s farmers, ranchers and rural communities.