Louisiana Farm Bureau President Richard Fontenot joins the Louisiana Farm Bureau Podcast from his farm to talk about the realities of spring planting, the uncertainty facing agriculture in 2026, and the work being done on behalf of farmers at every level. From Farm Bill conversations in Washington, D.C., to the success of Louisiana Farm Bureau’s Rooted in Leadership Conference and the upcoming Membership Monday push, Fontenot shares why engagement, relationships and grassroots advocacy matter more than ever. He also looks ahead to convention season and previews new efforts to support farmers through mental health awareness.

• Learn more about Louisiana Farm Bureau Young Farmers & Ranchers here
• Find a Louisiana Farm Bureau office in your parish here.
• Become a member of Louisiana Farm Bureau today.

Louisiana Farm Bureau’s Young Farmers and Ranchers recently traveled to Washington, D.C., for their annual fly-in, meeting with members of Louisiana’s congressional delegation and advocating for issues affecting agriculture back home.

In this episode, host Karl Wiggers visits with Andy Brown, Director of Commodity and Public Policy at the Louisiana Farm Bureau Federation, about the trip and the issues discussed on Capitol Hill. Brown explains how the young farmers shared their personal stories about challenges facing their farms, including agricultural labor shortages and the need to pass a new Farm Bill.

They also discuss the latest developments in Washington, including movement on Farm Bill 2.0, labor issues impacting Louisiana’s crawfish industry and the importance of grassroots advocacy in shaping agricultural policy.

• Learn more about Louisiana Farm Bureau Young Farmers & Ranchers here
• Find a Louisiana Farm Bureau office in your parish here.
• Become a member of Louisiana Farm Bureau today.

Recorded at the LSU State Livestock Show, Karl Wiggers sits down with Madison DeKeyzer and Macy Rushing to talk cattle-show life, Farm Bureau connections, and what’s ahead on the Louisiana Farm Bureau Livestock Advisory Committee Beef Tour (March 22–27).  Madison shares what makes the tour special—top-notch ranch visits, educational stops, and the real value: the relationships you build along the way.  Macy brings the “new producer” perspective, talking about jumping into cattle as a first-generation operation and why she’s excited to learn from others on the trip.

Sign up here: https://lafarmbureau.org/calendar/2026/3/22/2026-louisiana-farm-bureau-beef-tour

Guests
- Madison DeKeyzer – Louisiana Farm Bureau Commodity & Public Policy Specialist
- Macy Rushing – Lucky 5 Land & Livestock 

Key topics
- What the Beef Tour is (ranches + educational stops + networking)
- Why the best learning happens between stops (bus conversations) 
- Macy’s operation: backgrounding / stocker calves 
- Farm Bureau connections that turn into real-world help 

Beef Tour dates
- Deadline to register: March 11th
- March 22–27, 2026

• Learn more about Louisiana Farm Bureau Young Farmers & Ranchers here
• Find a Louisiana Farm Bureau office in your parish here.
• Become a member of Louisiana Farm Bureau today.

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!