Louisiana Young Farmers Advocate for Agriculture During Washington Fly-In

By Karl Wiggers

Louisiana Farm Bureau News

A group of Louisiana Farm Bureau Young Farmers and Ranchers recently traveled to Washington, D.C., to meet with members of Louisiana’s congressional delegation and advocate for issues affecting agriculture in the state.

The annual trip is part of the Young Farmers and Ranchers leadership development program and gives participants firsthand experience in agricultural advocacy.

Andy Brown, Director of Commodity and Public Policy at the Louisiana Farm Bureau Federation, said the trip allows young farmers to share their stories directly with lawmakers.

“There’s no way for me to tell the personal story that farmers can tell themselves,” Brown said. “When they walk in and explain what’s happening on their farm and how policy affects their bottom line, it gets a different level of attention.” 

The group met with members of Louisiana’s congressional delegation and their staff to discuss several issues impacting agriculture, including the need for a new Farm Bill and ongoing agricultural labor challenges.

Labor shortages were a major topic of discussion, particularly for Louisiana’s crawfish industry. Brown said a shortage of guest workers through the H-2B visa program is creating challenges for crawfish processors during the peak season.

“If we don’t have the workers we need, it threatens the entire supply chain,” Brown explained.

Farm Bill policy was also top of mind for the young farmers during the trip.

The House Agriculture Committee recently advanced the Farm, Food and National Security Act of 2026, commonly referred to as Farm Bill 2.0.

Brown said the legislation includes several priorities important to Louisiana agriculture, including improvements to conservation programs, expanded credit opportunities for young farmers and increased investments in agricultural research.

The trip also included visits to federal agencies and an embassy meeting to discuss international trade.

For many participants, the fly-in was their first visit to the nation’s capital and their first experience engaging directly with federal policymakers.

Brown said the experience helps farmers understand the impact their voices can have in the policy process.

“It’s really rewarding to see them realize that their voices matter,” Brown said. “When they show up and tell their stories, people listen.”