Jamie and Aaron Lee of Vermilion Parish join the Louisiana Farm Bureau Podcast to talk about how Young Farmers & Ranchers helped shape their path in agriculture and leadership. They share how Farm Bureau gave them confidence, connections, and encouragement to grow as farmers, advocates, and volunteers. From parish involvement to leadership at the state level, their story is a reminder that sometimes simply showing up can change everything.

• See a story about Aaron & Jamie as YF&R Achievement Award finalists here.
• Learn more about Louisiana Farm Bureau Young Farmers & Ranchers here
• Find a Louisiana Farm Bureau office in your parish here.
• Become a member of Louisiana Farm Bureau today.

Louisiana Farm Bureau President Richard Fontenot joins the Louisiana Farm Bureau Podcast from his farm to talk about the realities of spring planting, the uncertainty facing agriculture in 2026, and the work being done on behalf of farmers at every level. From Farm Bill conversations in Washington, D.C., to the success of Louisiana Farm Bureau’s Rooted in Leadership Conference and the upcoming Membership Monday push, Fontenot shares why engagement, relationships and grassroots advocacy matter more than ever. He also looks ahead to convention season and previews new efforts to support farmers through mental health awareness.

• Learn more about Louisiana Farm Bureau Young Farmers & Ranchers here
• Find a Louisiana Farm Bureau office in your parish here.
• Become a member of Louisiana Farm Bureau today.

Louisiana Farm Bureau’s Young Farmers and Ranchers recently traveled to Washington, D.C., for their annual fly-in, meeting with members of Louisiana’s congressional delegation and advocating for issues affecting agriculture back home.

In this episode, host Karl Wiggers visits with Andy Brown, Director of Commodity and Public Policy at the Louisiana Farm Bureau Federation, about the trip and the issues discussed on Capitol Hill. Brown explains how the young farmers shared their personal stories about challenges facing their farms, including agricultural labor shortages and the need to pass a new Farm Bill.

They also discuss the latest developments in Washington, including movement on Farm Bill 2.0, labor issues impacting Louisiana’s crawfish industry and the importance of grassroots advocacy in shaping agricultural policy.

• Learn more about Louisiana Farm Bureau Young Farmers & Ranchers here
• Find a Louisiana Farm Bureau office in your parish here.
• Become a member of Louisiana Farm Bureau today.