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| Directions l American Farm Bureau l Farm Bureau Bank l Privacy Policy l Contact Us l Help l Site Map |
The Voice of Louisiana Agriculture
Welcome to the Louisiana Farm Bureau Federation
| Directions l American Farm Bureau l Farm Bureau Bank l Privacy Policy l Contact Us l Help l Site Map |
Welcome to the Louisiana Farm Bureau Federation
Welcome to the Louisiana Farm Bureau Federation
The Voice of Louisiana Agriculture
NEW ORLEANS -- Christian Richard, a rice, crawfish and soybean producer from Kaplan, squeaked out a
win against a remarkably tough field in the Louisiana Farm Bureau Discussion meet here. Bridging the
gap between America's producers and legislators was the subject of the contest, held in front of a
standing-room-only crowd at the organization's 87th annual meeting.
"How often have we heard calls to contact our local legislators
when an issue important to agriculture comes up?" Richard
asked competitors. "How often, however, do we actually make
that call? If we want to further our industry, we must establish
strong relationships with lawmakers on the local, state and
national level.
"Make sure not only your legislator knows your name, but his
or her ag liaison knows your name too," he said. "A
relationship or, better yet, a friendship between agriculture
and policymakers is the key to ensuring our voices are heard."
Sugar producer Wilson Judice, of St. Mary Parish, said the
sugar industry, traditionally a political powerhouse, has been
so successful because it presents a united front between
producers, millers and processors. He said organizations
such as the Louisiana Farm Bureau offer that same united
voice for producers, which is even more important now as
the number of farmers and ranchers across the country
continues to decline.
"Just as a politician's office is always open, our "offices" need
to always be open as well," Richard said. "We must show
lawmakers and other influencers what we do so they can
understand and appreciate issues when they arise in
communities, chambers of commerce and the legislature.
We're not just farmers, we're businessmen. We need to demonstrate that through participation in parish
and city government, chambers of commerce and other business organizations."
Richard competed in the Discussion Meet final against Judice, Travis Medine, of Iberville Parish, and
Christopher Bertrand, of St. Landry Parish. As winner of the competition, Richard took home a Deere 4x2
Gator, compliments of the Southern Farm Bureau Life Insurance Company. He also received $1,000 U.S.
savings bonds from Gowan Company and Syngenta, and $250 cash awards from both the Louisiana
Farm Bureau Radio Network and "This Week in Louisiana Agriculture." As the state winner, Richard also
will receive an all-expenses-paid trip to represent Louisiana at the national Discussion Meet finals in
Seattle in January.
The Discussion Meet offers a forum for young producers to address issues important to their industry. It is
sponsored each year by the Louisiana Farm Bureau Federation's Young Farmers and Ranchers
committee and takes place each year as part of the organization's annual meeting.
win against a remarkably tough field in the Louisiana Farm Bureau Discussion meet here. Bridging the
gap between America's producers and legislators was the subject of the contest, held in front of a
standing-room-only crowd at the organization's 87th annual meeting.
"How often have we heard calls to contact our local legislators
when an issue important to agriculture comes up?" Richard
asked competitors. "How often, however, do we actually make
that call? If we want to further our industry, we must establish
strong relationships with lawmakers on the local, state and
national level.
"Make sure not only your legislator knows your name, but his
or her ag liaison knows your name too," he said. "A
relationship or, better yet, a friendship between agriculture
and policymakers is the key to ensuring our voices are heard."
Sugar producer Wilson Judice, of St. Mary Parish, said the
sugar industry, traditionally a political powerhouse, has been
so successful because it presents a united front between
producers, millers and processors. He said organizations
such as the Louisiana Farm Bureau offer that same united
voice for producers, which is even more important now as
the number of farmers and ranchers across the country
continues to decline.
"Just as a politician's office is always open, our "offices" need
to always be open as well," Richard said. "We must show
lawmakers and other influencers what we do so they can
understand and appreciate issues when they arise in
communities, chambers of commerce and the legislature.
We're not just farmers, we're businessmen. We need to demonstrate that through participation in parish
and city government, chambers of commerce and other business organizations."
Richard competed in the Discussion Meet final against Judice, Travis Medine, of Iberville Parish, and
Christopher Bertrand, of St. Landry Parish. As winner of the competition, Richard took home a Deere 4x2
Gator, compliments of the Southern Farm Bureau Life Insurance Company. He also received $1,000 U.S.
savings bonds from Gowan Company and Syngenta, and $250 cash awards from both the Louisiana
Farm Bureau Radio Network and "This Week in Louisiana Agriculture." As the state winner, Richard also
will receive an all-expenses-paid trip to represent Louisiana at the national Discussion Meet finals in
Seattle in January.
The Discussion Meet offers a forum for young producers to address issues important to their industry. It is
sponsored each year by the Louisiana Farm Bureau Federation's Young Farmers and Ranchers
committee and takes place each year as part of the organization's annual meeting.
Vermilion Rice Grower Wins
Farm Bureau Discussion Meet
Farm Bureau Discussion Meet
By FARM BUREAU NEWS SERVICE REPORTS
| FB NEWS Photo by Lauren Thom |
TOP HONOR. Christian Richard, third from left, of Kaplan was named
winner of the 2009 Farm Bureau Discussion Meet. The award was
presented by YF&R Chair, Elliot Colvin, Joey Strobel, Southern Farm
Bureau and Farm Bureau President Ronnie Anderson.
winner of the 2009 Farm Bureau Discussion Meet. The award was
presented by YF&R Chair, Elliot Colvin, Joey Strobel, Southern Farm
Bureau and Farm Bureau President Ronnie Anderson.