For questions or comments, please contact Communications Director Avery Davidson at averyd@lfbf.org.
Richard Fontenot, a fourth-generation rice, soybean and crawfish farmer from Ville Platte, was reelected to serve his third term as president of Louisiana Farm Bureau at the 104th Annual Convention of the organization on June 21, 2026.
The election took place during the organization’s voting delegates session and saw the reelection of the executive committee as well.
Read MoreRhinestones and evening gowns filled the ballroom as young women from across Louisiana competed in the Queen’s Contest, and a Tangipahoa Parish beauty took home the crown Saturday night.
Jean Treas, 19, of Tangipahoa Parish was crowned the 2026 Louisiana Farm Bureau Queen at the organizations 104th Annual Louisiana Farm Bureau Convention on June 20 at the New Orleans Marriott Hotel.
Read MoreTyler Barlow, 24, of Rapides Parish claimed the Discussion Meet title at the 104th Annual Louisiana Farm Bureau Convention held at the Marriott on Canal St. in New Orleans.
Barlow emerged victorious from a field of 12 competitors, advancing through multiple rounds of discussion before earning the top honor in the Young Farmers and Ranchers contest.
Read MoreLouisiana's sugar industry continues to demonstrate its resilience and economic importance, now being recognized as the nation's leading sugarcane-producing state despite ongoing challenges from labor shortages, global market pressures, pests and unpredictable weather.
That message was front and center during the Louisiana Farm Bureau Federation's Sugar Conference, where industry leaders, policymakers and agricultural experts discussed the opportunities and challenges facing one of Louisiana's most important agricultural sectors.
Read More18‑year‑old Anna Hebert of Assumption Parish, Louisiana is the winner of the 2026 Louisiana Farm Bureau Talk Meet Contest, held during the 104th Annual Farm Bureau Convention in New Orleans.
Hebert earned top honors with a compelling speech addressing the question: “How can farmers and ranchers balance environmental stewardship with financial success on their farms?”
Read MoreThe 104th Louisiana Farm Bureau Federation’s annual talent contest winners are 10-year-old Emerson Duhon from East St. James Parish and 14-year-old Slade Thibodeaux from Assumption Parish.
“It is unbelievable the talent that hits the stage for the junior and senior contests. From dancers, musicians and singers to acrobatic type performances - I am so proud of our young people who work so hard to excel at their craft and participate in events such as this,” said Louisiana Farm Bureau President Richard Fontenot.
Read MoreGrowing up in a suburban community that did not involve agriculture is not the typical story of an agricultural professional. It is part of the unique path for Emily Steagall of Lafourche Parish who won the 2026 Louisiana Farm Bureau Young Farmers and Ranchers Excellence in Agriculture award.
“My childhood was spent at motocross tracks, racing competitively with my family,” said Steagall. “Agriculture entered my life through my school FFA program and a local family who opened their farm to students like me.”
Read MoreLaura Hebert of Vermilion Parish has been named the 2026 Young Farmers and Ranchers Achievement Award winner, the highest honor given by the Louisiana Farm Bureau to individual farmers each year.
The fourth-generation crawfish, rice and sugarcane farmer won the award during the organization’s 104th Annual Convention at the Marriott on Canal St. Thursday night during the Organizational Awards.
Read MoreThe Louisiana Farm Bureau Federation culminated the opening night of its 104th Annual Convention with Vermilion Parish Farm Bureau capturing the President’s Award, the organization’s highest parish honor, for the seventh year straight.
Read MoreThe 104th Annual Louisiana Farm Bureau Convention at the New Orleans Marriott will go on as scheduled despite the formation of Tropical Storm Arthur. The event will take place June 17-21.
“Farmers and ranchers show up and do the hard work no matter the weather,” said Louisiana Farm Bureau President Richard Fontenot. “For some folks in the northern part of the state, this is welcomed rain. For soybean farmers, like me, this is another delay in planting. While this storm may keep some farmers at home, it will also free many up because they can’t work in their fields.”
Read MorePageantry and royalty filled the ballroom of the New Orleans Marriott during the Queen’s Contest held June 28 at the 103rd Annual Louisiana Farm Bureau Federation Convention.
Emma Louise Dupree of Grant Parish was crowned the 2025 Louisiana Farm Bureau Federation Queen.
Read MoreRichard Fontenot, a fourth-generation rice, soybean and crawfish farmer from Ville Platte, will serve a second term as president of Louisiana Farm Bureau.
Voting delegates from across the state reelected Fontenot at the 103rd Louisiana Farm Bureau Convention at the New Orleans Marriott on Canal St.
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