By Kenneth Gautreaux
LSU AgCenter
The Louisiana Agriculture Hall of Distinction inducted three new members during a ceremony March 4 at the L’Auberge Hotel in Baton Rouge.
The new inductees are former Louisiana Farm Bureau Federation President Ronnie Anderson, of Ethel; sugarcane farmer John Gay, of Plaquemine; and Paul “Jackie” Loewer, of Branch, a rice farmer who has been a strong advocate for the rice industry in state and national organizations.
Anderson has the longest serving tenure as president of Farm Bureau. When he was elected president in 1989, he didn’t realize just how challenging the job was.
“The demands that are put on the whole organization, but especially the president, are overwhelming,” Anderson said.
During his time as president, the organization doubled its membership, going from just more than 60,000 family memberships to nearly 150,000.
Anderson started his agricultural career as a dairy farmer and transitioned to beef cattle. He has a herd of about 400 cattle, and he raises horses, hay and timber in both East Feliciana and West Feliciana parishes. He viewed his induction as one of the highlights of his career.
“If you look at the people that have been inducted before, it’s a real honor to be part of that group,” Anderson said. “And I’m proud of that accomplishment.”