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.
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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.
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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 farmers and ag professionals alike.
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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 life.
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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 importance of passing on the family farm tradition.
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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.
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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 came to find his career in agriculture education.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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