Within a few hours of severe storms passing through the state in early April, Louisiana Farm Bureau Federation members and volunteers were on the phone with each other, assessing damage and determining the next steps to protect the future of their crops and livestock.
“By mid-morning, we had talked to at least six people in different areas of the state. We knew we had farmers with barns that were damaged by the wind and fields that were flooded. We were immediately figuring out what people needed,” said Robert Duncan, chair of the Louisiana Farm Bureau Federation Young Farmers and Ranchers Committee. “That connection and reliability is such an important part of what we do.”
The organization and its members pull together in times of need, but that cooperation and involvement extends to other types of work year-round. Each parish has a Louisiana Farm Bureau Federation board and members who meet regularly to discuss current challenges, successes, and how to have their concerns heard. On a statewide level, LFBF has multiple committees that specialize in various commodities, as well as community outreach and support.
“With any issue in Louisiana agriculture, there’s automatically a network of people who can work to find a solution. Everything starts at the parish level with the farmers on the ground, then branches out to the state and even federal level,” said Katie Ramagos Nuñez, president of Iberville Parish Farm Bureau and chair of the Louisiana Farm Bureau Labor Advisory Committee. “If a bill is coming up in the legislature or Congress that is important to agriculture, there’s an entire team that creates a huge voice to tell lawmakers the impact it would have. That grassroots network is so important to how Farm Bureau functions and why it is so successful.”
For example, Nuñez said that in recent years, farmers at the parish, state and national levels have discussed labor shortages, as well as how to best hire and retain employees. With so much interest and concern in the topic, there has been the opportunity for different perspectives and thoughts on how to improve labor numbers in today’s economy.
“I think it makes farmers feel like they have people in their corner,” Nuñez said. “It provides a sense of comfort that they don’t have to deal with these challenges alone.”
Because most Louisiana farmers are at least in their late 50s, the LFBF has created a committee that is solely focused on encouraging more young people, ages 18 to 35, to work in agriculture. Duncan said he is optimistic about the number of Louisianians in that age group who want to be farmers, especially if agriculture has been in their families for multiple generations. The LFBF offers them support as well as opportunities to expand their skill sets to protect the industry for themselves and their own families.
“Our message to them is that we want producers who are willing to voice their opinions, visit the state and national capitols, and share their stories and concerns with decision-makers,” Duncan said. “In today’s world, it’s more difficult for you if you just stay home on the farm and work. You have to connect with lawmakers, other farmers, bankers, and others who touch the industry. We work a lot with our youth to expose them to situations where they have those conversations so they can become more comfortable with that aspect of the work.”
In addition, LFBF hosts numerous youth contests for both full-time and part-time farmers and growers. The winners of many state contests earn cash prizes and the opportunity to compete on a national level. Aside from the potential financial benefits, Duncan said the contests give young farmers the chance to network with others, hear lessons from more experienced farmers, and develop leadership and communication skills.
“It’s a good chance to teach the next generation about legislative and policy issues, as well as how to serve and connect with others,” he said.
The LFBF also has a Women’s Leadership Committee that provides support to female farmers who are working individually or as part of a family. Michele Simoneaux, chair of the committee, said one of its main priorities is to highlight the success of women in agriculture while also serving their local communities. Their projects have included volunteer work and donations at veterans’ homes across Louisiana, several Ronald McDonald Houses, and more. Oftentimes, other LFBF committees have joined forces to create an even greater impact.
“This is rewarding work that we can do anywhere in the state,” Simoneaux said. “Our members tell us these are things they want to do because service is important to them. It’s also a great opportunity for women to be leaders in their communities, tell their stories, connect with consumers, and encourage people to think more about where their food is coming from. The fact that other committees help out is an added bonus. It just reiterates for me that Farm Bureau is like a big family with a presence in every parish.”
Founded in 1922, the Louisiana Farm Bureau Federation is made up of volunteer leaders at the local, parish and statewide levels. For more information or to find an LFBF committee or leader, visit .