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Louisiana Farm Bureau is constantly working protect and promote Louisiana's farmers, ranchers, and rural residents. This podcast exists to share stories of those farmers with interviews about their farms and issues important to them. Here, we will also share about the work Farm Bureau is doing on their behalf on issues related to public policy from the parish level all the way to the halls of Congress in D.C.
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Louisiana’s been dry. But what does that mean for farmers across the state? This week, Avery Davidson sits down with State Climatologist Jay Grymes to unpack the ongoing drought conditions, why the Mississippi River is running low, and how Louisiana managed to dodge tropical storms this hurricane season. Jay also opens up about a personal battle he’s recently won — his fight with throat cancer — and shares a powerful reminder for everyone to take their health seriously.LinksLouisiana Office of State Climatology Facebook PageU.S. Drought Monitor – LouisianaFind a Louisiana Farm Bureau office in your parish here.Become a member of Louisiana Farm Bureau today.
This week on the Louisiana Farm Bureau Podcast, Karl sits down with Matt Sirgo, Farm Bureau safety specialist and motorcycle instructor with the Louisiana State Police. Matt shares his journey from dirt bikes and four-wheelers as a kid to teaching safety courses that save lives today. They dive into ATV and UTV safety, the importance of helmets, how Louisiana Farm Bureau trains farmers and first responders on grain bin rescue, and why safety should always come first on the farm. Whether you’re in the field, on the road, or teaching the next generation, this conversation highlights practical tips and powerful stories that every farm family needs to hear.Find all the resources from National Farm Safety & Health Week here.To find the map of grain bin rescue resources, visit this site.Here is the playlist of stories from past grain bin entrapment trainings.Find a Louisiana Farm Bureau office in your parish here.Become a member of Louisiana Farm Bureau today.
Louisiana 4-H took more than 140 students, leaders, and parents across the Atlantic for a 10-day agricultural and cultural tour of Ireland—and the lessons went far beyond farming. In this episode, host Karl Wiggers sits down with 4-H leader Hannah Devall and TWILA’s Josh Meeks to talk about the stunning landscapes, the farm visits, and the unforgettable moments that brought the group closer. From planting cauliflower in rich Irish soil to learning the art of oyster farming, hear how these experiences helped young people grow life skills, friendships, and new perspectives on agriculture.Links:See photos from the trip here.See the first week of TWILA coverage here.Read blog posts from the trip here.Find a Louisiana Farm Bureau office in your parish here.Become a member of Louisiana Farm Bureau today.
In this episode, Karl Wiggers sits down with Louisiana Farm Bureau President Richard Fontenot and Director of Public Policy and Commodities Andy Brown to break down the “One Big Beautiful Bill,” which includes more than $65 billion in agriculture investment that strengthens the farm safety net, boosts crop insurance, and delivers long-overdue updates to reference prices and base acres. They also reflect on unprecedented access to top decision-makers in D.C. and what that means for Louisiana farmers. From the convention floor to the White House, hear how years of grassroots advocacy just paid off—and what Farm Bureau is working on next.Show Notes:Watch a TWILA on the One Big Beautiful Bill here.Read the American Farm Bureau Market Intel report about the legislation here.Read the Louisiana Farm Bureau report on the One Big Beautiful Bill here.Find a Louisiana Farm Bureau office in your parish here.Become a member of Louisiana Farm Bureau today.
What does 40 years of Farm Bureau leadership look like? Former president Ronnie Anderson joins the podcast to share stories from his journey—from growing up on a dairy farm to leading the Louisiana Farm Bureau Federation for over three decades. He opens up about how he was introduced to Louisiana Farm Bureau, the policy battles that shaped Louisiana agriculture and the enduring values that still guide the organization today.Show Notes:Watch the TWILA story Karl filmed with Ronnie in 2016 here.Watch the American Farm Bureau Founder's Award video honoring Ronnie Anderson.Find a Louisiana Farm Bureau office in your parish here.Become a member of Louisiana Farm Bureau today.
What happens in Ohio doesn’t stay in Ohio—at least not when it comes to rainfall. As waters rise on rivers in Louisiana and hurricane forecasts are published, Jay Grymes joins us to explain why Louisiana’s weather future is shaped by forces far beyond our borders. This episode connects the dots between past disasters and present warnings, offering a clear-eyed outlook for the season ahead.🔗 Show Notes LinksLouisiana Office of State Climatology Facebook PageU.S. Drought Monitor – LouisianaColorado State Tropical Weather ForecastSubscribe to stay up-to-date with the Louisiana Farm Bureau Daily VoiceBecome a member of Louisiana Farm Bureau Federation today!
Tariffs are back— turning a lot more eyes to Louisiana agriculture and our customers worldwide. In this episode, Andy Brown joins Karl Wiggers to unpack how new trade actions are shaking the ag economy, from soybean prices to crop loans and farm bankruptcies. It’s a wake-up call from the global chessboard to the fields of Louisiana, and farmers aren’t flinching—they’re planting through the chaos.🔗 Show Notes LinksPrevious Episode on Trade with Farmer & BankerAmerican Farm Bureau Market Intel ReportsBetty Resnick’s Trade Analysis at AFBFThis Week in Louisiana AgricultureBecome a member of Louisiana Farm Bureau Federation today!
In this episode of the Louisiana Farm Bureau Podcast, Beauregard Parish farmer and Farm Bureau Parish President David Smith shares his journey from a young, uncertain farmer to a confident grassroots leader. He and host Karl Wiggers discuss the power of community, leadership, and advocacy through Farm Bureau, and how connections—even in the most rural corners of Louisiana—can shape agriculture policy and build lifelong friendships.Watch the TWILA story with Mike Johnson's staff tour here.Find a Louisiana Farm Bureau office in your parish here.Become a member of Louisiana Farm Bureau today.
In this episode of the Louisiana Farm Bureau Podcast, we visit Tensas Parish to chat with Melanie Netterville Beavers about her journey in agriculture. From growing up surrounded by agriculture to her current role as a full-time farmer, Melanie shares her experiences, challenges, and the values that drive her passion for the industry. Whether it’s balancing farm life, leadership roles, or community involvement, Melanie’s story is a testament to the dedication of women in agriculture.Watch the TWILA story with Melanie and Kody here.Learn more about the LFBF Young Farmers & Ranchers Committee here.Become a member of Louisiana Farm Bureau today.
In this episode of the Louisiana Farm Bureau Podcast, host Allie Shipley sits down with Amelia Kent—a dynamic leader in Louisiana agriculture who’s redefining what it means to be a modern farmer. Amelia opens up about her journey from early agricultural roots to taking on leadership roles, discussing the challenges and rewards of balancing family, community, and life on the farm. Her insights and passion for advancing agriculture in Louisiana provide both inspiration and practical advice for farmers and ag professionals alike.Find a Louisiana Farm Bureau office in your parish here.Learn more about the LFBF Young Farmers & Ranchers Committee here.See one of Amelia's recent appearances on This Week In Louisiana Agriculture.Become a member of Louisiana Farm Bureau today.
In this episode of the Louisiana Farm Bureau Podcast, we spotlight Raquel Manuel's inspiring journey from suburban life to becoming a passionate advocate and leader in Louisiana agriculture. Raquel shares how her background in communications and her love for agriculture shaped her family's farm, her leadership roles in the Farm Bureau, and her commitment to representing Louisiana farmers. This conversation dives deep into the challenges, values and community spirit that define modern farming life.Find a Louisiana Farm Bureau office in your parish here.Listen to the episode with Cade LeJeune here.Learn more about the LFBF Young Farmers & Ranchers Committee here.Learn more about the Louisiana Ag in the Classroom here.Become a member of Louisiana Farm Bureau today.
This week, the Louisiana Farm Bureau Podcast begins our celebration of National Women’s History Month, highlighting the impactful contributions of women in agriculture. Allie Shipley is stepping in to host some engaging conversations with women involved in Louisiana Farm Bureau Federation. In this episode, LFBF Women's Leadership Committee Chair, Michele Simoneaux shares her journey into Louisiana Farm Bureau, how getting involved helped her grow in leadership, community involvement, and the importance of passing on the family farm tradition.Find a Louisiana Farm Bureau office in your parish here.Learn more about the LFBF Women's Leadership Committee here.Become a member of Louisiana Farm Bureau today.
In this episode, Karl Wiggers sits down with Dr. Tara Smith, Director of the Louisiana Cooperative Extension Service at the LSU AgCenter. They explore how innovative extension programs—from youth initiatives and internships to the state livestock show and AgMagic—are shaping the future of Louisiana agriculture. Discover how these efforts are not only educating the next generation but also driving lasting impact across the state.See the story from the state livestock show here.Learn about AgMagic here.Learn more about the LSU Extension Internships here.Become a member of Louisiana Farm Bureau today.
This week is National FFA Week. As part of the celebration, the Louisiana FFA state officer team came to visit Louisiana Farm Bureau to film an episode of This Week In Louisiana Agriculture. That's a tradition that started when Cade LeJeune, then the Executive Secretary of Louisiana FFA, began working with the team at Louisiana Farm Bureau Federation to promote the great work of the organization. This week, Karl Wiggers sits down with Cade to discuss his new job with Louisiana FFA and how he came to find his career in agriculture education.See the Louisiana FFA Takeover show on TWILA.Learn how to donate to Louisiana FFA here.Become a member of Louisiana Farm Bureau today.
Louisiana again has a voice on the national stage. Racheal Duncan of Rapides Parish grows cut flowers, helps her husband, Robert, on their soybean and cattle farm and is a mother to three daughters. She is now on the American Farm Bureau Young Farmers & Ranchers Committee. Karl Wiggers sat down with Duncan at the recent AFBF Annual Convention in San Antonio to discuss this big step and how serving in Louisiana Farm Bureau opened doors for her to grow in leadership.See a story from TWILA about Robert and Rachel Duncan.Learn more about Louisiana Farm Bureau YF&R today!Become a member of Louisiana Farm Bureau today.
The weather is warming up and so is crawfish production in Louisiana! This week, Karl Wiggers visits with rice and crawfish farmer Dylan Benoit at his field in Jeff Davis Parish. They discuss the outlook on this year's crawfish season, Benoit being raised on the farm, as well as what works and what doesn't in crawfish economics.See a story from TWILA about the 2025 crawfish season.Become a member of Louisiana Farm Bureau today.
In December, Congress passed the American Relief Act, a continuing resolution to fund the government and provide immediate economic relief to American farmers. The appropriations for supplemental assistance and disaster relief added up to nearly $31 Billion dollars -- a massive win for agriculture. In this episode, Karl Wiggers and Andy Brown sit down with some friends from Tensas parish, Kellon Lee and Josh Copes, to see what this relief is going to mean to them.See a story from TWILA about the need for a new Farm Bill and supplemental assistance.Hear more podcast episodes about this need here.Read articles about the Farm Bill, supplemental assistance, and disaster relief here.Become a member of Louisiana Farm Bureau today.
Leadership at home often means seeing the big picture and the place Louisiana agriculture has on the global scale. LSU Agricultural Leadership Development Program Class XVIII is gaining that global perspective right now visiting farms and businesses in The Netherlands and Belgium. Avery Davidson speaks with LSU Ag Leadership Director Dr. Bobby Soileau in this episode of the Louisiana Farm Bureau Podcast to find out why that world perspective provides clarity on the local level.This is where you can follow along with blog posts from the Class XVIII international trip to Belgium and the Netherlands.Here is an interview with Dr. Soileau in 2024 about the value of the LSU Ag Leadership program.Here is the episode of TWILA from Southeast Asia in 2020.Here is the episode of TWILA from Costa Rica and Panama in 2023.Learn more about the LSU Ag Leadership Program here.Become a member of Louisiana Farm Bureau today.
This year is growing in the right direction for Louisiana farmers. As Christmas approached, Congress passed a Continuing Resolution, the American Relief Act, to fund the government through March. In addition to avoiding a government shutdown, there is major supplemental assistance for farmers and aid for those affected by natural disasters over the past couple of years. The Act also extended the existing farm bill for another year. On this episode of the podcast, Louisiana Farm Bureau President, Richard Fontenot reflects on that huge win for his friends and neighbors in agriculture and wants to build on that momentum to a new Farm Bill.See the story from TWILA highlighting the need for assistance and a new farm bill.Read more about the Continuing Resolution and its aid for farmers.Read about a new bill filed by Congresswoman Letlow to strengthen funding for farmers and ranchers.Become a member of Louisiana Farm Bureau today.
In this episode of the Louisiana Farm Bureau Podcast, we explore a recent trade mission to Cuba, led by the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry. The trip brought together a Louisiana delegation, including Commissioner Mike Strain, elected officials, and LSU AgCenter personnel, to discuss trade opportunities and foster diplomatic relations. Joining the conversation are Louisiana Farm Bureau President Richard Fontenot and Second Vice President Burch Pierce, who share their firsthand experiences from the trip.Here are some stories Neil Melancon brought back from Cuba in 2017 -- Part 1 and Part 2.Here's a playlist of more TWILA stories from Cuba over the years.Become a member of Louisiana Farm Bureau today.
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