LA Cattlemen Celebrate New Legislation To Reduce Taxes on Producers

The Louisiana Cattlemen’s Association celebrates Governor John Bel Edwards’ signing of legislation that will provide critical tax relief to Louisiana’s beef farmers and ranchers. The legislation (House Bill 330/Act 425)—introduced by Representatives Mike Johnson and Francis C. Thomas—will reduce state sales and use tax and exempt local sales and use tax on agricultural fencing materials for producers with a commercial farmers certification.

“Louisiana’s cattle producers have faced no shortage of challenges and this legislation provides important tax relief for farmers and ranchers, especially as they repair their fencing from hurricane damage,” said Louisiana Cattlemen’s Association President Vendal Fairchild, a cattle producer from Oak Grove. “The Louisiana Cattlemen’s Association is thankful for Representatives Johnson and Thomas for sponsoring this bill, Representative Orgeron, Senator Womack, & Agriculture Commissioner Strain for their assistance, and Governor Edwards for signing it into law.”

This legislation will establish a state and local sales and use tax reduction for agricultural producers purchasing fencing material. As a result of this bill, producers will see 2.45% lower taxes on their state tax and a full tax exemption on parish tax on these products. Fencing is critical to farms and ranches and producers often need large amounts of fencing to protect their livestock. As producers repair their operations following natural disasters, this tax savings will be especially welcomed.

“The Louisiana Cattlemen’s Association was instrumental in getting this legislation passed and we thank all the cattle producers who contacted their elected officials and made their voices heard on this issue,” said Louisiana Cattlemen’s Association President-Elect Brandon DuBois, a cattle producer from Winnfield. “This is just one example of how the Louisiana Cattlemen’s Association is working on your behalf. If you are not already a member, I encourage you to join the association so we can continue fighting for you.”

The bill was signed into law on June 27 and will take effect on August 1.