Archive

From international trade to hands-on ag education, this week’s show looks at the key issues and events shaping Louisiana agriculture. As new tariffs take shape and global trade shifts, what could it all mean for Louisiana farmers? We talk with grain producers and Farm Bureau leaders about what they’re watching — and why this moment could play a key role in the next Farm Bill. We’ll also introduce you to Mark Shirley, take you back to the Kansas plains for more coverage of the 2025 Louisiana Farm Bureau Beef Tour, and explore how AgMagic’s interactive approach is teaching kids about agriculture.

This week on This Week in Louisiana Agriculture, we’re celebrating innovation, leadership, and legacy in Louisiana farming. From hydroponic lettuce in Harvey to Certified Louisiana beef in St. Francisville, we explore how producers are meeting the moment. We follow cattle ranchers to the Midwest, spotlight women and youth shaping ag’s future, and visit a multi-generational rice farm in Jennings. Plus, see how young chefs are cooking up confidence in the 4-H Food Challenge.

From the fields of Evangeline Parish to the halls of Louisiana's Capitol, we're bringing you the biggest stories in Louisiana agriculture this week! Crawfish farmers are seeing a much better season than last year, and rice farmers are finally seeing sales on the horizon. We highlight the incredible impact of Caroline Dorman, a pioneer in forestry conservation, and honor the legacy of longtime TWILA host Mike Danna. Plus, we follow members of the Louisiana Farm Bureau Women’s Leadership Committee into the classroom to see how they helped celebrate Louisiana Ag Week.

It’s been a warm and busy week in Louisiana! This week on This Week in Louisiana Agriculture, we take a look at how tariffs are impacting Louisiana rice farmers and what it means for the future of the industry. Backyard chicken coops are becoming increasingly popular with rising grocery prices, so we share what you need to know before starting your own flock. We also see the unique ways Louisiana youth are getting involved in agriculture—from a traditional boucherie at a local high school to a farm tour in Concordia Parish where 4-H students are showcasing their skills in livestock projects and culinary demonstrations. Plus, we take a look at crawfish prices across the state and introduce you to another woman leading in Louisiana agriculture in honor of Women’s History Month.

It may be a slower time on most farms in Louisiana, but that doesn’t mean Louisiana farmers aren’t busy. In this week’s show, Avery Davidson takes us to Washington, D.C., where a group of Louisiana Farm Bureau Young Farmers and Ranchers traveled to Capitol Hill to discuss tariffs with lawmakers and advocate for policies impacting the agricultural community. We also explore how the new administration's changes could impact farmers, particularly with the H-2A labor program and federal job cuts affecting weather forecasting services. Plus, we kick off our Women’s History Month segment, highlighting women in agriculture, starting with Louisiana Farm Bureau Women’s Leadership Committee Chair Michele Simoneaux.

We’ve got young farmers on the Hill and young people on the farm this week! We get a preview of the Louisiana Farm Bureau Young Farmers and Ranchers' recent trip to Washington, D.C. Karl Wiggers visits Jeff Davis Parish Ag Safety Day to show us how the Jeff Davis Farm Bureau is helping make their communities safer while fostering a deeper connection between students and agriculture. Josh Meeks heads to Kaplan High, where students are learning about farm-to-table production by raising and processing chickens and preparing classic Louisiana dishes. Plus, Kristen Oaks-White brings us a new Feasting on Agriculture with a royal twist!

It’s a cold week in Louisiana, but that’s not stopping our farmers and ranchers! In this week’s episode, Neil Melancon shows us how the recent weather is impacting the state’s strawberry industry and how you can support local growers. Avery Davidson explains how rising costs and shifting consumer trends are creating challenges for Louisiana’s sugarcane farmers. We also highlight some big moments for Louisiana Farm Bureau members, including Rachel Duncan, who was recently appointed to a national role with the American Farm Bureau Young Farmers & Ranchers Committee, and the Vermilion Parish Farm Bureau Young Farmers & Ranchers Committee, whose annual fundraiser brought in big dollars for agricultural education. Plus, we hear how one young lady’s passion for dairy goats and goat milk soap earned her the Champion Showmanship Buckle at the LSU AgCenter’s 90th Annual Livestock Show—and so much more.

National FFA Week is a time to share the impact FFA has on its members, the community and the agricultural industry. And what better way to do that than letting Louisiana FFA take over TWILA? In this special episode of TWILA, we highlight the impact of FFA across Louisiana. From FFA members developing leadership skills and gaining real-world experience to advisors fostering the next generation of agricultural leaders, this episode shows how FFA continues to drive success in Louisiana agriculture.

We’re out of the studio (and the state) in this special edition of TWILA as we bring you coverage from the 2025 American Farm Bureau Convention in San Antonio, Texas! We cover pressing issues facing Louisiana farmers, including the push for a new Farm Bill, labor challenges, and rising beef prices. Louisiana delegates made a strong impact through policy discussions and competitions. Plus, meet Louisiana transplants in Texas keeping their roots alive with a unique farm and award-winning Cajun cuisine.