Louisiana Farm Bureau Federation Hosting 97th Annual Convention

By Neil Melancon, Louisiana Farm Bureau Federation

NEW ORLEANS—The Louisiana Farm Bureau Federation, the state’s largest general farm organization, will hold its 97th Annual Convention June 20-23 at the New Orleans Marriott on Canal St. 

Gov. John Bel Edwards, U.S. Rep. Ralph Abraham and Commissioner of Agriculture & Forestry Dr. Mike Strain are all expected to be in attendance as the Louisiana Farm Bureau sets policy for the coming year, hosts conferences for all of the state’s farm commodities and holds contests for rural youth.  Ronnie Anderson, president of the Louisiana Farm Bureau, said the convention is the most important event for agriculture in the state each year.

 “We’re a grassroots organization representing Louisiana’s farmers and ranchers who produce our food and fiber,”  Anderson said.  “The policies put forth from the convention help not only the farmers and ranchers who feed and clothe us, but the consumers who have the safest and most affordable food supply in the world.”

The convention will hold two general sessions. One on Friday, June 21 at 1:30 p.m. and another Sunday at 9:30 a.m. It’s during these sessions when most elected officials and those running for office are expected to attend.     

“Our convention is the best chance for those running for office to meet face to face to the rural residents of Louisiana,” Anderson said.  “We’re not only farmers, we’re voters and pay close attention to legislation that affects us at the local, state and national levels.”

In addition, Saturday will feature commodity conferences for the farm products grown or raised in the state.  Various experts in those commodities will address each conference to bring the latest information in technology, policy and trends in agriculture.

“The commodity conferences are the workhorses of the convention,” Anderson said.  “That’s where our farmers will be getting the information they need to help keep Louisiana’s products economical.  In addition, they get to share information with their fellow growers from around the state.”

Each night of the convention will feature various contests, beginning at 5:30 p.m.  Thursday night will be the organization’s Annual Awards, featuring recognition for members of the press for their contributions, the top Farm Bureau Parishes and the Young Farmers & Ranchers Achievement Award for the top young farm couple in the state.  Friday night is the Talent Contest, featuring the very best of Louisiana’s rural youth.  Finally, Saturday will be the Queen’s Contest, where the 2019 Louisiana Farm Bureau Queen will be crowned.  

“The convention truly has something for everyone,” Anderson said.  “This is a great chance to interact with the farmers and ranchers that feed Louisiana and the world.

A complete rundown of the convention can be found either at https://lfbfconvention.org/ or by downloading the Farm Bureau app for both iPhone and Android devices.

Founded in 1922, the Louisiana Farm Bureau Federation is the state’s largest general farm organization representing more than 137,000 member families. For more information: www.lafarmbureau.org