By Lacey Dodson, Louisiana Farm Bureau Federation

Adam and Megan Caughern find success in bailing hay, trucking cotton, shipping grain, raising beef cattle and all while taking care of their nine-month old son, Caleb.
That’s part of why this couple from Gilliam, La. is one of three finalists for the 2019 Louisiana Farm Bureau Young Farmer and Rancher Achievement award for their personal growth and involvement in the agriculture industry. With all of their responsibilities on their plate, it’s hard to believe that they’re first-generation farmers.

Adam Caughern worked with his grandfather in the hay fields as he was growing up, which stirred his interest in farming. Today his business is steadily growing as he finds more interest on the farm.

“We spray about 20,000 to 25,000 acres annually,” Caughern said. “We truck cotton, we ship grain, and we pick a lot of cotton for the neighbors, so we stay pretty busy throughout the year.”

Megan Caughern has a full time job outside of the farm, but when duty calls she can be found raking hay, loading the round bale processor, or taking care of their cattle herd—which is her favorite job.

“As soon as we started growing out cattle herd, that’s where I wanted to be was out in the pasture,” Megan Caughern said.

With the busy schedule she keeps there is one piece of technology that has helped her improve the functionality of their cattle herd.

“I just started recently using an app, Livestocked, and that way I can keep a record on my phone,” she said. “I’m able to plug that information in the app on my phone and that helps me keep track of things whether I’m at the office or the pasture, just pull it right out of my pocket and there it is in my hand, ready to go.”
Although they live a busy lifestyle, Megan believes that even though times may get tough on the farm it will be these same things that brings their family together in the long run.

“It’s also going to unify us as a family I think, because you know a lot of stuff has to be done together,” Caughern said. “We have to communicate and work with one another.”

The winner of the Young Farmer and Rancher Award will receive a $35,000 cash prize provided by Southern Farm Bureau Casualty Insurance Company, along with may other prizes. The winner will be announced during the 97th Annual Louisiana Farm Bureau convention, June 20 through the 23 at the New Orleans Marriott on Canal. For more information, visit https://lfbfconvention.org/.