Goodbye

By Carey Martin

Well, the end is finally here for me. This is the last story that I’ll post in “The Daily Voice” eNewsletter and on The Voice of Louisiana Agriculture website.

I started this newsletter and website about four years ago. I was always on the hunt for news about Louisiana agriculture, so every day I searched lots of websites and online resources. It sure would have been a lot easier if all the news and happenings in our state’s agriculture industry were gathered together in one place. So the VoiceofLouisianaAgriculture.org website was born.

The Daily Voice eNewsletter shortly followed and started with two subscribers: me and my wife. Four years later we get about 5,000 visitors to our website each month and have 1250 newsletter subscribers. Those aren’t huge numbers, but I’m very happy that there are that many people who find them useful.

Our goal has always been to publish anything and everything that has to do with Louisiana agriculture all in once place that is easy to read and consume.

I’ve been particularly blown away with the response that I’ve gotten about the newsletter. I’ve heard from government officials such as Commissioner Mike Strain, Congressional staff members, USDA officials in Washington D.C. and FSA and NRCS personnel. Lots of LSU AgCenter friends read it as well as industry and agribusiness professionals.

But the most rewarding feedback I’ve gotten is from Louisiana farmers and ranchers who say they start their day each morning with the newsletter. It’s very humbling. I’m honored that I’ve been able to help you in some small way each day.

The next phase of my life starts after Thanksgiving. Starting December 1st, I’ll be heading to Waco, Texas, where I’ll start a new job as the Associate Director of Communications for the Texas Farm Bureau and General Manager of the Texas Farm Bureau Radio Network.

I never planned to leave Louisiana, but the Lord had other plans for my life. I’m going to miss working in Louisiana agriculture, but I’m sure everything will keep rolling just fine without me.

Thanks for letting me be a part of your life each day. I wish you all of the best.