La. Farm Bureau Centennial Celebration Underway
By: Avery Davidson
NEW ORLEANS— More than 1,500 farmers, ranchers, and rural residents are at the New Orleans Marriott for the 100th Annual Convention of the Louisiana Farm Bureau Federation.
This marks the first time in three years that members have been able to meet in person, due to restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Our members were eager to get back together in-person,” Louisiana Farm Bureau President Jim Harper said. “With fertilizer prices double or more what they were a year ago and fuel prices setting record highs, we need to come together to protect the industry that feeds Louisiana and the world.”
Statewide elected officials are scheduled to speak with Louisiana Farm Bureau volunteer leaders during the convention. U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser and Louisiana Commissioner of Agriculture and Forestry Dr. Mike Strain will address members during the Friday general session.
“We know we can count on our elected officials to go to bat for us,” Harper said. “The fact that they took time out of their busy schedules in Baton Rouge and Washington, D.C. speaks to the importance of agriculture and the strength of Farm Bureau.”
U.S. Congresswoman Julia Letlow from Louisiana’s 5th District is also scheduled to attend the convention, as are Louisiana State Senator Bret Allain II and Louisiana Commissioner of Insurance Jim Donelon.
“Congresswoman Letlow has been a true friend of agriculture,” Harper said. “And Senator Allain is a fellow sugarcane farmer, so he knows firsthand the difficulties our members face.”
A Farm Bill conference is scheduled for Saturday afternoon where national and local experts will give their insights on what will guide the debate. Congress will draft new legislation to guide agricultural and nutritional programs for the next five years.
“I’m hoping all of members take time to attend that conference,” Harper said. “It’s what our delegates need to hear as they develop policy positions for the coming year.”
More than 200 voting delegates will meet Sunday to vote on state leadership and policy positions.
“The voting delegates session is the heart of Louisiana Farm Bureau,” Harper said. “Having farmers and ranchers who grow and raise different commodities come together with a unified voice for agriculture is why our founders formed this grassroots organization 100 years ago.”
A complete rundown of the convention can be found at https://lfbfconvention.org/.
Founded in 1921, the Louisiana Farm Bureau Federation is the state’s largest general farm organization representing more than 136,000 member families.