Six Generations Strong: Louisiana Farmer Grows Legacy Through Leadership
By Anna Holmes
Louisiana Farm Bureau News
New Orleans — For Aaron Lee, farming was never just a career choice, it was a legacy.
That legacy challenged him to grow into leadership while carrying the expectations of five generations before him. Lee grew up on his grandfather’s farm, realizing from a young age that he wanted to pursue a career in agriculture. He’s now a sixth-generation sugarcane, livestock, rice, and crawfish farmer.
“My career in it really started when I went to LSU in college,” Lee said, “I just knew I had a passion for agriculture, and I wanted to farm when I got out of school.”
While Lee had always pictured himself taking over his family's farm, he struggled with the pressure to live up to expectations.
“I’m a sixth generation on this farm now, so that was in the back of my mind the whole time,” Lee said. “I need to keep this going.”
During times of hardship, Lee relies on encouragement from fellow farmers through Louisiana Farm Bureau members. His peers help remind him of the success he can achieve in farming.
“Even when things are bad, you need to find encouragement and help from elsewhere,” he said, “That’s where Farm Bureau comes into play. I met a lot of people who showed me I can do this and be successful at it.”
Lee and his wife, Jamie Lee, now serve as chairs of the Young Farmers and Ranchers State Committee, helping create a supportive community for young farmers and ranchers across the state.
“The real benefit to being engaged in Farm Bureau is the people you meet and the connections you make throughout trips and meetings,” Lee shares, “You might meet someone who can help you in the future, or you might be able to help someone there. It goes both ways.”
While Lee values the sense of community his membership and leadership provide, he enjoys seeing the impact he can make for farmers statewide.
“Being on the Young Farmers and Ranchers State Committee when we go to Washington, D.C., and see firsthand that we are making a difference,” Lee said, “They actually are listening to us when we have problems.”
After 15 years of involvement in Louisiana Farm Bureau, Lee credits much of his confidence and success to the community he has found.
“My involvement in Farm Bureau has definitely made a difference on my farm and in my personal life. It has taught me leadership skills,” he said, “I have the confidence in myself and in my operation now, that helped me get my story out and help encourage others to do the same.”
Lee hopes to continue supporting young farmers and ranchers, drawing on his own experiences to help strengthen the Louisiana Farm Bureau Federation for future generations.