On the Farm with Richard Fontenot: Spring Challenges and Strong Leadership
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.
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From the Farm to Capitol Hill: Louisiana Young Farmers in D.C.
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.
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The Road to Better Beef in Louisiana
Recorded at the LSU State Livestock Show, Karl Wiggers sits down with Madison DeKeyzerand Macy Rushing to talk cattle-show life, Farm Bureau connections, and what’s ahead on the Louisiana Farm Bureau Livestock Advisory Committee Beef Tour (March 22–27). Madison shares what makes the tour special—top-notch ranch visits, educational stops, and the real value: the relationships you build along the way. Macy brings the “new producer” perspective, talking about jumping into cattle as a first-generation operation and why she’s excited to learn from others on the trip.
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TWILA — October 24, 2025
From sugar mills in New Iberia to city gardens in New Orleans, it’s a pretty sweet episode of TWILA! We take a look at how drought conditions are tightening their grip on the state and how Louisiana Farm Bureau is connecting lawmakers and farmers ahead of the special session. We’ll tour the historic M.A. Patout sugar mill, share harvest road safety tips, and see how SPROUT NOLA is growing fresh food in the heart of the city. Plus, we visit Liuzza Land for some fall fun, stop by the first-ever Livestock Connection event, and join Farm Bureau as they give back through Pat’s Coats for Kids.
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State Climatologist Says Dry Fall Ahead For Louisiana
Louisiana’s been dry. But what does that mean for farmers across the state? This week, Avery Davidson sits down with State Climatologist Jay Grymes to unpack the ongoing drought conditions, why the Mississippi River is running low, and how Louisiana managed to dodge tropical storms this hurricane season. Jay also opens up about a personal battle he’s recently won — his fight with throat cancer — and shares a powerful reminder for everyone to take their health seriously.
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TWILA -- October 17, 2025
From the classroom to the countryside, this week’s TWILA dives into the stories shaping Louisiana agriculture. Farmers are feeling the pinch from record-low cotton acres, a federal shutdown, and shifting global trade. Meanwhile, students across the state are getting a firsthand look at where their food comes from through Farm City Day and the Farm to School Conference. We’ll also explore Louisiana’s forestry roots in Longleaf and stop by Champagne’s Marché for a taste of Cajun tradition.
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TWILA — September 26, 2025
We’re going from the fields of West Carroll to the peppers of Avery Island in this week’s TWILA!
We show you how farmers in West Carroll Parish came together to harvest for a neighbor after an injury. You’ll also meet Chris Roussel, a jeweler and rancher who used his experience of running a family jewelry business to build 12-Star Ranch and launch a custom beef label. We’ll highlight traditions old and new, see how teachers are bringing agriculture into the classroom, and visit Avery Island for a closer look at the peppers behind a world-famous hot sauce. Plus, this week’s TWILA Boost features a pro quarterback giving back to farmers during harvest.
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From ATVs to Grain Bins: Protecting Lives on the Farm
This week on the Louisiana Farm Bureau Podcast, Karl sits down with Matt Sirgo, Farm Bureau safety specialist and motorcycle instructor with the Louisiana State Police. Matt shares his journey from dirt bikes and four-wheelers as a kid to teaching safety courses that save lives today. They dive into ATV and UTV safety, the importance of helmets, how Louisiana Farm Bureau trains farmers and first responders on grain bin rescue, and why safety should always come first on the farm. Whether you’re in the field, on the road, or teaching the next generation, this conversation highlights practical tips and powerful stories that every farm family needs to hear.
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Life Skills, Lush Fields, and Lasting Friendships -- Louisiana 4-H Goes To Ireland
Louisiana 4-H took more than 140 students, leaders, and parents across the Atlantic for a 10-day agricultural and cultural tour of Ireland—and the lessons went far beyond farming. In this episode, host Karl Wiggers sits down with 4-H leader Hannah Devall and TWILA’s Josh Meeks to talk about the stunning landscapes, the farm visits, and the unforgettable moments that brought the group closer. From planting cauliflower in rich Irish soil to learning the art of oyster farming, hear how these experiences helped young people grow life skills, friendships, and new perspectives on agriculture.
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One Big Beautiful Bill: What's In It For Louisiana Agriculture?
In this episode, Karl Wiggers sits down with Louisiana Farm Bureau President Richard Fontenot and Director of Public Policy and Commodities Andy Brown to break down the “One Big Beautiful Bill,” which includes more than $65 billion in agriculture investment that strengthens the farm safety net, boosts crop insurance, and delivers long-overdue updates to reference prices and base acres. They also reflect on unprecedented access to top decision-makers in D.C. and what that means for Louisiana farmers. From the convention floor to the White House, hear how years of grassroots advocacy just paid off—and what Farm Bureau is working on next.
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