For a while, we've been updating listeners about the crawfish season that has been a tough year for many who count on the mudbugs for a crucial part of their annual production. This week, we have exciting news for those hit hard by drought and excessive heat impacting production of crawfish on their farms. Louisiana Farm Bureau Federation has secured some assistance for Louisiana crawfish farmers in the Emergency Livestock Assistance Program with the help of Gov. Landry, Louisiana's Congressiona...
May 13, 2024•32 min•Season 2Ep. 9
In this episode, 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 a story from This Week In Louisiana Agriculture featuring Marty and his family . Learn more about Louisia...
May 10, 2024•22 min•Season 2Ep. 8
It's National Safe Digging Month and Brent Saltzman from Louisiana 811 is on the podcast talking about why it's so important for everyone to "Call before you dig!" While everyone should make it a normal practice to dial 811 before doing yard work, construction projects, or any other types of digging, there are some exceptions for farmers and others in agriculture, and Brent explains those in this episode. Visit Louisiana811.com to learn more. Learn more about Louisiana Farm Bureau member benefit...
Apr 29, 2024•21 min•Season 2Ep. 7
In this episode, LFBF Lobbyist, Joe Mapes joins Avery and Karl to discuss what's been happening at the state capitol since a new crop of lawmakers were elected in the fall. Governor Landry and the legislature have been busy with multiple sessions and there is now a bill filed that calls for a constitutional convention. We also discuss the recent Young Farmers & Ranchers capitol day and the importance of those members learning how to participate and advocate on behalf of the issues that affec...
Apr 02, 2024•30 min•Season 2Ep. 6
This week, a handful of Louisiana Farm Bureau Young Farmers & Ranchers headed to Washington D.C. to advocate on behalf of the ag industry and issues they face on their farms. In this episode, Karl visits with Andy Brown who's helping lead this trip to the Capitol, as well as Josh Meeks, who's going to help cover the trip for Farm Bureau. We cover the issues they're going to be addressing, the value of these trips, and what Josh can expect on his first trip to the nation's capitol. Josh's rec...
Feb 28, 2024•32 min•Season 2Ep. 5
This week is National Grain Bin Safety Week. Joining us on this episode of the podcast are Wendell Miley and Matt Sirgo of Louisiana Farm Bureau. They are here to talk about the upcoming grain bin safety workshops and the story behind why they started these programs over a decade ago. The first workshop will be held Tuesday, Feb. 27 in Acadia Parish The next workshop is Wednesday, Feb. 28 in St. Landry Parish The final workshop is Thursday, Feb. 29 in Catahoula Parish The event is free to attend...
Feb 19, 2024•23 min•Season 2Ep. 4
Labor: it's a constant need on farms across the nation. In many cases, farmers will bring labor in through foreign worker programs to fill jobs that they're unable to fill locally. That's a lot easier said than done, thanks to constantly changing policies and requirements for farmers to bring these valuable workers to their farms. That's why the Louisiana Farm Bureau Federation hosts the Mid-South Ag Labor Seminar -- it's an opportunity to get up-to-date on all things labor policy, law, and best...
Feb 13, 2024•29 min•Season 2Ep. 3
A new year in Louisiana means a few things... king cake, gumbo weather, and crawfish! On this week's episode, Avery Davidson chats with Andy Brown and Bill Pizzolato about the affects weather has had on this year's crawfish crop and how that's making the crustacean quite expensive and hard to get for consumers. Find crawfish prices near you using the Crawfish App ! Learn more about crawfish news here . Plan your visit to Tony's Seafood here . Follow the Louisiana Crawfish Promotion and Research ...
Jan 22, 2024•30 min•Season 2Ep. 2
Welcome to a new year of the Louisiana Farm Bureau Podcast! We return with a great conversation with Robert and Rachel Duncan, young farmers from central Louisiana. Along with raising their children, soybeans, flowers and cattle, they chair the Louisiana Farm Bureau Federation Young Farmers and Ranchers committee. They are also the winner of this year's YF&R Achievement Award. This week they are heading to the American Farm Bureau Federation's annual meeting to represent Louisiana in the nat...
Jan 15, 2024•46 min•Season 2Ep. 1
The primary function of the Louisiana Farm Bureau Federation is to ensure farmers can continue to feed a growing world. One of the ways it does that is by helping move agricultural products through the Louisiana Farm Bureau Marketing Association. In this episode, Karl Wiggers sits down with grain marketing specialists Greg Fox and Grayson Close to talk about the company and how they help farmers across Louisiana sell their crops at the best price at the best time. See the story from a proud Loui...
Dec 04, 2023•44 min•Season 1Ep. 144
You have probably heard us say “we are more than just insurance” a time or two on this podcast. But truth is, access to Louisiana Farm Bureau Insurance is one of the biggest benefits offered to Louisiana Farm Bureau Federation members. In this episode, Avery Davidson sits down with Kirk Hendry, Louisiana Farm Bureau Insurance Vice President of Sales, to discuss the unique structure of the company, his personal career and the difficult times the insurance industry is facing in Louisiana. See the ...
Nov 27, 2023•34 min•Season 1Ep. 143
This week, Karl has Avery and Neil join the podcast to discuss the 2023 American Farm Bureau Thanksgiving Dinner Survey. The short of it, the cost for the average Thanksgiving Dinner is down from last year. This week, Neil Melancon tells us more about the survey's findings and what it means for consumers when it's time to head to the grocery store. See Neil's story on TWILA. See the American Farm Bureau survey results here . Learn more about Louisiana Farm Bureau member benefits here . Become a ...
Nov 20, 2023•27 min•Season 1Ep. 142
In this episode, Karl sits down with Louisiana Farm Bureau Federation 3rd Vice President, Richard Fontenot. They discuss how he originally got introduced to the Farm Bureau family as a child, and then again in the Young Farmers and Ranchers program. They also discuss his crops this year, his involvement in 4-H and FFA as a youth and still today, and why he loves to serve in leadership at Louisiana Farm Bureau. See the story from Richard's farm tour with Evangeline Reimagine Academy . Learn more ...
Nov 13, 2023•30 min•Season 1Ep. 141
This week, Wendell Miley and Matt Sirgo join the podcast to discuss the 2023 Louisiana Farm Bureau Holiday Shop. We discuss the history of the program, changes to this year's lineup of items, and how you can place an order and get some incredible Louisiana items in time to host your family this holiday season. Learn more about the Holiday Shop . See This Week In Louisiana Agriculture stories from the past couple of years featuring the Holiday Shop. - 2023 Holiday Shop Preview - 2022 Feasting On ...
Nov 06, 2023•23 min•Season 1Ep. 140
For the first time, the Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives is a Louisiana Congressman -- Mike Johnson from Louisiana's 4th District. In this episode, Brian Breaux and Andy Brown of the Louisiana Farm Bureau Commodity and Public Policy Department join us to share what this means for Louisiana farmers and ranchers and the issues important to Louisiana Farm Bureau Federation, most importantly a new farm bill.
Oct 30, 2023•22 min•Season 1Ep. 139
You've heard the phrase, "Farm To Table." It's really not that new to most. Generations ago, everyone raised their own food in the garden and cooked it for dinner. Louisiana Farm Bureau Federation is creating a space for those farmers who market directly to consumers to support each other, solve problems, and help continue feeding their neighbors. In this episode, Karl visits with two of those farmers, Kacie Luckett and Grant Estrade. Learn more about Grant & Kate Estrade here . Learn more a...
Oct 23, 2023•30 min•Season 1Ep. 138
This week, Avery Davidson sits down with LSU Vice President of Agriculture, Dr. Matt Lee. They discuss the importance of youth development programs, like 4-H and Louisiana FFA, and the value they bring to Louisiana agriculture and it's future. They also talk about the LSU AgCenter and how its many research stations across the state are improving the Louisiana farming community. Learn more about Louisiana 4H and Louisiana FFA . Learn more about the LSU College of Agriculture and the LSU AgCenter ...
Oct 16, 2023•27 min•Season 1Ep. 137
This week, Avery Davidson has a conversation with Louisiana Farm Bureau President, Jim Harper. They discuss sugarcane harvest and the affects the drought has had on the crop in Louisiana. They also discuss the Drought Assistance Improvement Act, a bill from Louisiana 5th District Congresswoman, Julia Letlow. Learn more about Louisiana sugarcane impacted by drought . Learn more about Congresswoman Letlow's bill and Louisiana Farm Bureau's praise of the bill . Become a member of Louisiana Farm Bur...
Oct 09, 2023•17 min•Season 1Ep. 136
In this episode, we discuss the significance of H.R. 5691, the Drought Assistance Improvement Act, with our guest Andy Brown, National Affairs Coordinator of the Louisiana Farm Bureau Federation. This bill, introduced by Louisiana's 5th District Congresswoman Julia Letlow, holds the potential to bring relief to crawfish farmers and cattle ranchers impacted by drought in our state. We'll examine the bill's key provisions, grassroots efforts to promote change, and its impact on Louisiana's farming...
Oct 02, 2023•26 min•Season 1Ep. 135
In this episode, we tackle the pressing issue of drought in Louisiana. We speak with agricultural experts Andy Brown and Madison Plaisance from the Louisiana Farm Bureau about the challenges faced by farmers and ranchers due to the recent drought. We also cover the impact of the grassroots efforts led by the Farm Bureau to influence the drought monitor and bring about change. Tune in to learn about the initiatives making waves in our state, find inspiration in the stories of farmers overcoming a...
Sep 25, 2023•35 min•Season 1Ep. 134
This week, we dive into the wellbeing of those who feed our nation. Join us as we explore the critical topic of farm safety, featuring Wendell Miley and Matt Sirgo from the Louisiana Farm Bureau. In this episode, we examine essential aspects of safety, from equipment precautions to health and wellness practices, and discuss how these elements impact the agricultural community. Whether you're a farmer seeking practical tips or simply curious about the efforts dedicated to keeping our farmers safe...
Sep 18, 2023•34 min•Season 1Ep. 133
In this episode of the Louisiana Fam Bureau Podcast, we're learning all about the "Louisiana Agriculture in the Classroom" program and the upcoming workshops that are sowing the seeds of agricultural education across our great state. Louisiana Ag in the Classroom provides free resources, like ag-themed lessons that support core subjects and align with Louisiana Student Standard, and training for teachers where Certificates for Continuing Learning Units (CLUs) are provided. Our host, Karl Wiggers...
Sep 11, 2023•22 min•Season 1Ep. 132
In this episode, Avery Davidson continues our coverage of the upcoming gubernatorial election scheduled for October 14th. Davidson interviews Louisiana Treasurer, John Schroder. In this interview, Schroder shares his background in law enforcement, military service, and business and how he found his way into a political career. Watch the video of the interview here. Learn more about John Schroder's campaign here. To sign up for the Grassroots Government e-newsletter and Voter Voice , visit this l...
Jun 20, 2023•18 min•Season 1Ep. 131
In this episode, Avery Davidson continues our coverage of the upcoming gubernatorial election scheduled for October 14th. Davidson interviews Louisiana Attorney General, Jeff Landry. Get a closer look into Landry's background, including some time working on a sugarcane farm, his political journey, and his vision for Louisiana. Watch the video of the interview here. Learn more about Jeff Landry's campaign here. To sign up for the Grassroots Government e-newsletter and Voter Voice , visit this lin...
Jun 19, 2023•12 min•Season 1Ep. 130
In this episode of the Louisiana Farm Bureau Podcast, Avery sits down with Brent Saltzman to discuss changes in Louisiana dig law and how important it is to 'call before you dig.' Learn more at Louisiana One Call.
May 29, 2023•12 min•Season 1Ep. 129
In this episode of the Louisiana Farm Bureau Podcast, host Avery Davidson visits with Deidre Robert from the Office of Rural Development. They talk about the significant increase in grant funding this year, with the office having five times more money available compared to an average year. Together, they explore the efforts by the Office of Rural Development to bolster support for rural communities in Louisiana. Learn more here .
May 23, 2023•20 min•Season 1Ep. 128
In this week's episode, join TWILA's Avery Davidson as he provides more coverage of the upcoming gubernatorial election scheduled for October 14th. Davidson's insightful interviews continue with District One Senator Sharon Hewitt, the sole female candidate vying for the prestigious office. Get a closer look into Hewitt's background, political journey, past career in the oil and gas industry, and her unique perspective on the future of Louisiana in this episode. Watch the video of the interview h...
May 20, 2023•9 min•Season 1Ep. 127
Join TWILA's Avery Davidson as he interviews Richard Nelson, a current member of the Louisiana House of Representatives who's vying for the governor's office. In this episode, Davidson delves into Nelson's background, political experience, and his platform for the future of Louisiana. Tune in to this engaging podcast to learn more about Nelson's vision for the state and how he plans to tackle the pressing issues faced by Louisianans. Watch the video of the interview here. Learn more about Richar...
May 15, 2023•11 min•Season 1Ep. 126
Join TWILA's Avery Davidson as he dives into the highly contested race for the next governor of Louisiana, where seven candidates are vying for the coveted office. In this episode, Avery begins acquainting us with the five Republican contenders, starting with Stephen Waguespack, a familiar face in the governor's office. Get an exclusive glimpse into Waguespack's background, experience, and his vision for the future of Louisiana in this captivating podcast exploring the Louisiana gubernatorial ra...
May 15, 2023•9 min•Season 1Ep. 125
2023 is an important election year for Louisiana. There will be open seats for four statewide elected positions, with the most notable being governor. We are bringing you exclusive interviews with the candidates running for governor. So far, there are five Republicans, one Democrat and one Independent running for governor. TWILA’s Avery Davidson sits down with the lone independent candidate, Hunter Lundy. Watch the video of the interview here. Learn more about Hunter Lundy's campaign here. To si...
May 08, 2023•16 min•Season 1Ep. 124
