Tropical Storm Arthur Will Not Dampen 104th Annual Louisiana Farm Bureau Convention
By Avery J. Davidson
Louisiana Farm Bureau News
The 104th Annual Louisiana Farm Bureau Convention at the New Orleans Marriott will go on as scheduled despite the formation of Tropical Storm Arthur. The event will take place June 17-21.
“Farmers and ranchers show up and do the hard work no matter the weather,” said Louisiana Farm Bureau President Richard Fontenot. “For some folks in the northern part of the state, this is welcomed rain. For soybean farmers, like me, this is another delay in planting. While this storm may keep some farmers at home, it will also free many up because they can’t work in their fields.”
More than 1,600 farmers and their families are expected to descend upon 555 Canal Street for the family-friendly event. That could be a new record for attendance.
The candidates vying to be the next U.S. Senator for the State of Louisiana are taking notice of this concentration of engaged voters. Republicans Congresswoman Julia Letlow and Treasurer John Fleming will each speak Friday at separate events. The Louisiana Farm Bureau invites all statewide and congressional elected officials to speak at events during convention. Democratic candidates Jamie Davis and Gary Crockett will also attend the convention to meet one-on-one with members.
Louisiana Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser, Commissioner of Agriculture and Forestry Dr. Mike Strain and Commissioner of Insurance Tim Temple are also scheduled to speak at the convention. Several state representatives and senators will also be in attendance.
“The fact that so many involved in politics will be here is a testament to the relevance of our organization,” Fontenot said. “Louisiana Farm Bureau members are what you would call chronic voters and make a difference at the polls in every election.”
The convention kicks off Thursday, June 18, with the Louisiana Farm Bureau Annual Organization Awards where parish Farm Bureaus are honored for their achievements over the past year. The top Farm Bureau in the state will receive the President’s Award. The Young Farmers and Ranchers Achievement Award will also be presented to the top performing farmer or rancher between the ages of 18 and 35.
The Labor, Environmental and Farm-To-Table Conferences will be held Friday, June 19. These conferences are open to anyone interested in expanding their businesses and hearing about the issues that can make or break a farm. That night, the organization will hold its Talent Contest, where the best of farm and rural youth will compete in the Junior and Senior categories during an exciting night.
Commodity conferences are on slate for the morning of Saturday, June 20. That’s where policy and crop-specific issues will be addressed, along with national speakers on topics most important to farmers. In addition, the LSU AgCenter’s Ag Leaders of Louisiana meeting and the Century Farm Awards will be held in conjunction with the Louisiana Farm Bureau Convention.
Saturday night will be the “crowning” event of Convention, as the organization will name the 2026 Louisiana Farm Bureau Queen at the Queen’s Contest.
Sunday, June 21 is the Voting Delegates Session, where the business of Farm Bureau will take place.
Full convention coverage, including livestreams of the Talent and Queen’s Contest, will be available at https://lfbfconvention.org.