From The Hill in Washington, D.C., to the waters of Cameron Parish, we’ve got a little bit of everything in this episode of TWILA! Avery Davidson joins Louisiana Farm Bureau leaders in our nation’s capital as they advocate for urgent action on the Farm Bill and FARM Act. We celebrate the opening of Jackson Parish Farm Bureau’s new office, a testament to their dedication to growth and service. From seafood workshops introducing underutilized fish species to Uncle Larry’s Certified Louisiana Stew in a Few, culinary creativity takes center stage. Finally, Kristen Oaks-White visits Cameron Parish’s Salt Revival Oyster Company to showcase innovative oyster farming and the delicious dishes served at their Lake Charles restaurant.

From the push for a new Farm Bill to rising saltwater threats, we’re covering a lot of ground in this episode of TWILA. The Louisiana Farm Bureau continues its push for a new Farm Bill to provide relief as farmers face ongoing losses. We also examine how rising saltwater in the Mississippi River is threatening coastal water supplies and how the Army Corps of Engineers is working on long-term solutions. Josh Meeks travels to Tensas Parish, where children are being educated on farm hazards. Avery Davidson visits Kennedy Rice Mill, which is boosting efficiency through upgrades with Entergy Solutions. Neil Melancon is at the Yellow Rails and Rice Festival, where birdwatchers get a chance to see the rare Yellow Rail.

From policy to pines, we’re exploring many different facets of Louisiana agriculture this week! U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy visits Louisiana farms to discuss the urgent need for a new Farm Bill and additional support for farmers. We then turn to East Feliciana Parish, where drought and wildfire threats put local ranchers on high alert. TWILA’s Neil Melancon explores the hidden biodiversity of Kisatchie National Forest, showcasing Louisiana’s unique ecosystems. We also wrap up Italian American Heritage Month with a look at Italian farming traditions in the state. Finally, we head to St. James Parish for Ag Day, where students learn firsthand about farming and food.

From the grain bins in Franklin to an alligator farm in Vermilion, we’re covering some ground in this week’s show! Karl Wiggers takes us to northeast Louisiana, where firefighters recently completed a successful grain bin rescue. Neil Melancon reports from the LSU campus in Baton Rouge to take a closer look at Mike the Tiger’s life and game-week tradition of eating meals shaped like LSU’s football opponents. Keely Ana Dillon accompanied the Kansas Farm Bureau on a trip to an alligator farm in Vermilion Parish. We also see how a dairy farm in North Carolina helped bottle fresh water for Hurricane Helene victims and learn about the agricultural practices of Italian immigrant descendants in Louisiana.

Usually when we talk about disasters in Louisiana this time of the year it is a hurricane. However, it's the extreme heat and drought wearing on Louisiana farmers.  This week we learn how lack of rain and high temperatures are impacting grain crops, sugarcane, timber and cattle in every corner of the state and how farmers can make their voices heard. Plus, we get an update on the upcoming Farm Bill. 

This week we take you to the streets of downtown Baton Rouge, the forests of Vernon Parish, and a lot of places in between. 

 Karl Wiggers shows us how the triple digit temperatures are impacting Louisiana’s beef industry. Trevor Williams takes us to the Red Stick Farmers Market where farmers are bringing their bounty to community tables. Neil Melancon tells us about an archaeological discovery in the forests of Vernon Parish. Plus, we get a behind-the-scenes look at the 2023 Louisiana Harvest.

In this special episode of Louisiana Farm Life, TWILA’s Avery Davidson sits down with third generation farmer and American Farm Bureau President Zippy Duvall and his new bride Jennifer. Zippy tells us about his upbringing family’s dairy farm, and how a conversation with his father grew into a life-long passion for Farm Bureau. They also talk about how Jennifer and Zippy connected after losing their first loves, and the importance of mental health in agriculture.

Irish writer Jonathan Swift once wrote, “He was a bold man that first ate an oyster.”

And maybe he was right. Heck, it took me 37 years to muster up the courage to take the plunge—into raw oysters, at least.

If you’re going to cross this cultural bridge into the world of oyster slurping, there’s no better place than the Gulf Coast of Louisiana, which is where I found myself for this month’s Feasting on Agriculture.

When you think of wine country, I doubt northeast Louisiana is one of the first places that comes to mind.  But, Ouachita Parish is quickly becoming a unique, must-see destination for wine lovers in the Bayou State.

This week, I traveled north, to my hometown of Calhoun, LA to visit one of the newest vineyards, growing just miles from my childhood home.  

Early Monday morning, I headed south to Kaplan, LA to shoot this week’s Feasting on Agriculture segment, but I had no idea that I would literally be working for my meal! 

Barry Toups owns Crawfish Haven/ Mrs. Rose’s Bed and Breakfast and also offers crawfish excursions for his visitors.  Nestled in the heart of Cajun Country, Barry says his bed & breakfast is the only place where you can “catch, cook, and sleep!”