A pandemic has restricted many things, but for the Louisiana Farm Bureau Federation, it has limited our ability to bring our members directly to their elected officials, particularly those serving in Washington D.C.
Also, with four out of the six House of Representative staffers of Louisiana’s delegation being new to their jobs, we thought it was the perfect time to bring these important individuals to the farm.
Read MoreThe Louisiana Ag in the Classroom named Lisa Wiggins of Natchitoches Parish the 2021 Teacher of the Year, her second time winning the award. The award recognizes a Louisiana teacher for achievements and efforts in teaching students the importance of agriculture. Wiggins is the school librarian at Northwestern State Elementary Lab School in Natchitoches, LA where she teaches English language arts, science and reading to her K-5th grade students using literacy gardens she built more than a decade ago.
Read MoreAfter seventeen months of grassroots work and persistence, Louisiana Farm Bureau Federation (LFBF) and other state Farm Bureaus can celebrate a massive victory.
Contract poultry growers who were previously ruled out of the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program are now eligible to apply for aid thanks to collaboration between various state Farm Bureaus, lawmakers and USDA. Up to $1 billion will be made available through the Consolidated Appropriations Act to livestock and poultry producers who suffered financial losses from January 1, 2020, through December 27, 2020.
Read MoreThe 84th International Rice Festival will recognize Phillip Lamartiniere as the 2021 Farmer of the Year. Phillip Lamartiniere was born, raised and currently resides in the small community of Fifth Ward, located seven miles west of Marksville. His parents were Louis J. Lamartiniere and Loretta Bordelon Lamartiniere. Phillip is the third of five children consisting of three sisters and one brother. He is a graduate of Fifth Ward High School and attended LSU-Alexandria for two years in Agri Business. He is married to Collier Lamartiniere from Natchitoches Parish. They have three children, Eric (45), Seth (38) and Brandon (34), whom all have successful careers outside of agriculture. Phillip and his wife, Janis, are faithful and active members of Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Fifth Ward.
Read MoreAugust is back to school, back to the heat and, for us farmers, back to the fields. Many of our commodities in Louisiana are being harvested right now, including corn, beans and rice, as well as planting for sugarcane. While COVID is also back, farmers still can’t take a break, especially right now. One thing that’s different from last year to this year is the ag economy. We’re seeing better prices, in general, for most farm commodities. China’s been in the market buying our products and, due to some bad weather in South America, as well as the Phase One trade deal, we’re seeing American products head overseas once again.
Read MoreThe U.S. House Agriculture Committee unanimously passed a resolution that could help Louisiana farmers and ranchers qualify for disaster assistance through the Wildfire and Hurricane Indemnity Program Plus, better known as WHIP+. The 2020 WHIP+ Reauthorization Act, with an Amendment in the Nature of a Substitute (ANS) qualifies both the 2020 and 2021 crop years for coverage.
Read MoreLouisiana farmers and ranchers now have an online resource to connect with one another in times of need via Facebook, just in time for the peak of hurricane season.
The Louisiana Farm Bureau Disaster Response Facebook Group is where farmers and ranchers can post their needs before, during or after natural disasters.
Read MoreBroadband internet is not available everywhere in Louisiana, but work is underway to change that. Louisiana Farm Bureau is helping the Delta Regional Authority connect with rural residents to learn what internet speeds are available, if broadband internet is available at all.
Read MoreA number of my columns since my election as Louisiana Farm Bureau President have revolved around farm programs through USDA. I also often try and implore our farm leaders to get involved. Now I would like to share with you how you can combine the two. USDA-FSA is currently accepting applications for County Committees. Nomination forms for the 2021 election must be postmarked or received in the local FSA office by Aug. 2, 2021.
Read MoreThe voting delegates of the Louisiana Farm Bureau Federation elected Jim Harper, a rice, crawfish, sugarcane and soybean farmer in Rapides Parish, to a second term as president of the state’s largest general farm organization.
Read MoreMatt Dennis doesn't mind following in previous generations' footsteps, or turn rows, on his family farm in East Carroll Parish, even though they're big shoes to fill.
His father and grandfather were both once recognized as top young farmers in the state.
And now Matt Dennis has been recognized as Louisiana's top young farmer of 2021.
Read MoreWith 7,500 acres of sprawling farmland in East Carroll Parish, Matt Dennis has a lot on his plate.
This year, he’s got something new on the farm—the 2021 Young Farmer and Rancher Achievement Award. The award was presented during the Louisiana Farm Bureau Annual Convention, held partly in person and online for the second year in a row.
The month of June is a busy time on the farm for many of us, but for Farm Bureau members, it means the anticipation of another year gathering with friends from across the state on Canal Street in New Orleans for the Louisiana Farm Bureau Annual Convention.
Read MoreAvery Claire Hebert, 20, of Vermilion Parish, was crowned the 2021 Louisiana Farm Bureau Federation Queen on Saturday afternoon during an unconventional LFBF Queen’s Coronation Ceremony.
While the crowd was small and limited due to COVID-19 precautions, Hebert’s beaming smile filled the room as 2019 Louisiana Farm Bureau Queen, Victoria Roussel placed the crown upon her head.
Read MoreTwo pieces of legislation that could slow solar development in Louisiana moved forward at the State Capitol Wednesday. A House resolution and Senate bill both advanced out of committees without opposition.
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