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 experi...
Aug 19, 2025•51 min•Season 3Ep. 18
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 farm...
Jul 21, 2025•29 min•Season 3Ep. 17
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 ...
May 15, 2025•39 min•Season 3Ep. 16
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 Co...
Apr 15, 2025•25 min•Season 3Ep. 14
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 I...
Apr 09, 2025•27 min•Season 3Ep. 13
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 . Fin...
Apr 01, 2025•19 min•Season 3Ep. 12
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 ...
Mar 25, 2025•43 min•Season 3Ep. 11
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 far...
Mar 18, 2025•29 min•Season 3Ep. 10
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 lif...
Mar 12, 2025•41 min•Season 3Ep. 9
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 imp...
Mar 04, 2025•17 min•Season 3Ep. 8
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 AgMa...
Feb 25, 2025•24 min•Season 3Ep. 7
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 cam...
Feb 18, 2025•31 min•Season 3Ep. 6
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 abo...
Feb 11, 2025•23 min•Season 3Ep. 5
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....
Feb 04, 2025•24 min•Season 3Ep. 4
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 th...
Jan 28, 2025•39 min•Season 3Ep. 3
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...
Jan 23, 2025•40 min•Season 3Ep. 2
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,...
Jan 21, 2025•16 min•Season 3Ep. 1
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 ...
Dec 17, 2024•32 min•Season 2Ep. 22
Louisiana Farm Bureau volunteer leaders recently traveled to the nation's capitol to advocate for some much needed relief for Louisiana farmers and ranchers. Their message was clear -- it's time for a new farm bill, but that's not enough. Congress' failure to pass a 5 year safety net has created the need for immediate supplemental assistance so farmers can keep farming. The group of leaders discuss the trip and what you can do to make a difference. See the story from TWILA about this trip . Visi...
Nov 26, 2024•36 min•Season 2Ep. 21
Louisiana Ag In The Classroom is a fantastic resource for teachers to incorporate, you guessed it, agriculture into lessons in the classroom. Louisiana AITC State Coordinator Lynda Danos joins Karl Wiggers in the studio this week to discuss those amazing resources and how AITC is continuing to find new ways to support and partner with teachers across the state. Learn more about Louisiana AITC at their website here . See stories about past winners of the Louisiana AITC Teachers of the Year . Lear...
Nov 12, 2024•20 min•Season 2Ep. 20
The past couple months have been dry in Louisiana, with the exception of a couple pockets and a quick tropical system that rolled through the state. Drought conditions are affecting farmers and ranchers across the state, but the tool used by USDA in determining financial assistance may not be keeping up with conditions on the ground. Avery Davidson sits down with Louisiana State Climatologist, Jay Grymes, and Louisiana Commissioner of Agriculture and Forestry, Mike Strain, to discuss how you can...
Oct 31, 2024•28 min•Season 2Ep. 19
There are many things in life that are necessary, like food, water, clothes to wear, and education. We also need insurance. In this week's episode, Karl sits down with a couple insurance agents from Louisiana Farm Bureau Insurance to discuss their field of work which is often misunderstood. Start the conversation with a Louisiana Farm Bureau agent today here. Become a member of Louisiana Farm Bureau today. Learn more about Louisiana Farm Bureau member benefits here....
Oct 22, 2024•30 min•Season 2Ep. 18
In this episode from the archives, Karl sits down with Louisiana Farm Bureau Federation 1st Vice President, Marty Wooldridge. They discuss how he first was introduced to the Farm Bureau as a young farmer. They also discuss how he found success in different areas in the organization's Young Farmers and Ranchers program that connected him to a network that reached across the country in American Farm Bureau. See the Road To Leadership video about Marty Wooldridge . See a story from This Week In Lou...
Oct 14, 2024•22 min•Season 2Ep. 17
In a time when the ag economy has razor thin margins, farmers are looking for any way to make an extra penny for their crops. In this episode, Karl Wiggers sits down with grain marketing specialists Greg Fox and Grayson Close to talk about the Louisiana Farm Bureau Grain Marketing Association and how they're helping farmers across Louisiana sell their crops at the best price at the best time. See the story from a proud Louisiana Farm Bureau Marketing customer here. Learn more about Louisiana Far...
Oct 07, 2024•37 min•Season 2Ep. 16
In this episode of the Louisiana Farm Bureau Podcast, Louisiana Farm Bureau President Richard Fontenot and Louisiana Farm Bureau Commodity and Public Policy Director Andy Brown discuss the critical need for a new Farm Bill. Fresh off a recent trip to Washington D.C., they share insights from their meetings with lawmakers, highlighting the essential risk management, nutrition, and conservation programs the Farm Bill provides for Louisiana's farmers and rural communities. With the future of agricu...
Oct 01, 2024•25 min•Season 2Ep. 15
This week, Nick and Courtney Gerace join Karl on the podcast to talk about their farm and how they found their way into Louisiana Farm Bureau. They're leading Louisiana Farm Bureau's Young Farmers and Ranchers state committee and they are looking for more young farmers like them to get plugged into Farm Bureau to benefit from the family they've found themselves in. See more about the Gerace family here. Learn more about LFBF Young Farmers & Ranchers here. Learn more about Louisiana Farm Bure...
Sep 23, 2024•19 min•Season 2Ep. 14
Every President since Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1944 has proclaimed the third week in September be National Farm Safety & Health Week to raise awareness about the safety and health of people working agriculture. That is what this week's episode of the Louisiana Farm Bureau Podcast is all about. Louisiana Farm Bureau Safety Managers Wendell Miley and Matt Sirgo join the podcast to discuss the topics focused on this week and the important resources available to farmers, ranchers, and rural resi...
Sep 16, 2024•27 min•Season 2Ep. 13
This week, Louisiana Farm Bureau Federation Commodity and Public Policy Director, Andy Brown sits down to discuss the top priority for Louisiana farmers and the Farm Bureau -- a new Farm Bill. Andy offers some history to help us understand why we still don't have a new Farm Bill and why there's such a sense of urgency now as we approach the end of September. We finish the episode with a little peak ahead to the coming weeks where Farm Bureau will be urging our members to engage and help bring Co...
Sep 10, 2024•27 min•Season 2Ep. 12
During the August recess for Congress, Louisiana Farm Bureau hosted a number of visits for Congressional staff to get some hands-on experience in the field. Madison Plaisance from the LFBF Commodity and Public Policy department helped arrange these tours and joins us on the podcast today to discuss the value of that experience for the farmers and staff alike. Also, we get to know Matthew Waguespack, the newest member of the Commodity and Public Policy team at Louisiana Farm Bureau. Here is the v...
Sep 03, 2024•27 min•Season 2Ep. 11
In this episode of the podcast, Karl Wiggers sits down with Richard Fontenot, the newly elected Louisiana Farm Bureau President and they discuss his busy first month in the new role. To learn more about Richard Fontenot, check out this video . Read about Richard Fontenot here or here . Learn more about Louisiana Farm Bureau member benefits here. Become a member of Louisiana Farm Bureau today....
Aug 26, 2024•28 min•Season 2Ep. 10
