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.

Links

• Louisiana Office of State Climatology Facebook Page
• U.S. Drought Monitor – Louisiana
• Find 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’s really happening at the Capitol? On this episode of the Louisiana Farm Bureau Podcast, host Karl Wiggers sits down with LFBF Legislative Specialist Joe Mapes, Sabine Farm Bureau President David Mains, and Avery Davidson for an in-depth look at the 2025 Louisiana Legislative Session. From the growing debate over carbon capture and eminent domain to sweeping insurance reform proposals and the "Make America Healthy Again" bills, we unpack some of the legislation that affects every Louisiana landowner and farmer. With real boots-on-the-ground insight, this conversation brings politics home to the people it impacts most.

Recorded during the 2025 Legislative Session in Baton Rouge.

🔗 Show Notes Links

• Stay up-to-date on bills LFBF is following here.
• This Week in Louisiana Agriculture
• Become a member of Louisiana Farm Bureau Federation 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 Links

• Louisiana Office of State Climatology Facebook Page
• U.S. Drought Monitor – Louisiana
• Colorado State Tropical Weather Forecast
• Subscribe to stay up-to-date with the Louisiana Farm Bureau Daily Voice
• Become 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 Links

• Previous Episode on Trade with Farmer & Banker
• American Farm Bureau Market Intel Reports
• Betty Resnick’s Trade Analysis at AFBF
• This Week in Louisiana Agriculture
• Become 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.