Louisiana Farm Bureau President Richard Fontenot Elected to Second Term, Other Officers Reelected

By Avery J. Davidson

Louisiana Farm Bureau Federation

Richard 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.  

“I’m humbled and honored that my fellow Louisiana Farm Bureau volunteer leaders are supportive of the direction we’re taking this organization,” Fontenot said. “Our grassroots members have shown the influence they have when we come together to tell their stories and ensure agriculture has a seat at the table when it comes to policy and the legislative process.” 

Voting delegates also reelected other members of the Louisiana Farm Bureau Board of Directors Executive Committee. They include First Vice-President Marty Wooldridge of Caddo Parish, Second Vice-President Burch Pierce of Catahoula Parish, Third Vice-President Amelia Kent of Tangipahoa Parish, and Secretary/Treasurer Mike Melancon of St. Martin Parish. All members of the Executive Committee serve one-year terms. 

Newly-elected chair of the Louisiana Farm Bureau Young Farmers and Ranchers Committee Aaron Lee of Vermilion Parish will serve on the board of directors.  

Michele Simoneaux of Assumption Parish was reelected to chair the Louisiana Farm Bureau Women’s Leadership Committee and will serve as a voting member of the board. 

Voting delegates elected board members to represent odd-numbered districts across the state. These board members serve two-year terms. Paul Morris of Sabine Parish will represent District I. Robert Warren of Madison Parish will represent District III. District V will be represented by David Smith of Beauregard Parish. Willie Danos of Calcasieu Parish will serve in the District VII seat. Trace Harris of Livingston Parish will hold the District IX seat and Katie Nuñez of Iberville Parish will represent District XI.  

Serving the second year of their two-year terms are Louisiana Farm Bureau board members representing even numbered districts. Butch Oaks of Ouachita Parish represents District II. Bill Cheek of Rapides Parish holds the District IV seat. Ted Glaser of Pointe Coupee Parish serves District VI. District VIII is represented by Benson Langlinais of Iberia Parish and East St. James Farm Bureau President Matthew Gravois represents District X.   

Founded in 1921, the Louisiana Farm Bureau Federation is the state’s largest general farm organization representing more than 145,000 member families.