February 2019 Articles

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Thompson, area farmers honored at Ag Expo event

Thompson, area farmers honored at Ag Expo event State Sen. Francis Thompson and three area farmers were honored for their contributions to northern Louisiana agriculture last week during the North Louisiana Agri-Business Council’s annual event. The North Louisiana Agri-Business Council held the event at the West Monroe Convention Center on Jan. 18 prior to opening the 2019 Ag Expo at the Ike Hamilton Expo Center in West Monroe. The Young Agriculture Producer of the Year Award was given to Craig Smith, with Smith Family Farms in Doyline. The Specialty Agriculture Producer of the Year Award was given to Charles Holley, of Pioneer, with Produce Ridge. The Outstanding Agriculture Producer of the Year Award was given to Robert Berry Barham, of Oak Ridge. Thompson was awarded the Distinguished Service to Agriculture Award. “All of you have done so much for Louisiana agriculture,” said Thompson, D-Delhi. “What it will do for me is stimulate me to do more.” Thompson congratulated the other award winners as well, noting their work as well as the work of other local legislators to grow the area’s agriculture business. “Trump stole my words the other day: I said back then that the backbone of this state is agriculture,” Thompson said. “It’s the backbone of this nation.” “Thank you for honoring me today. I’ll never forget it,” he added. Sandy Lyons, the retired Agri-Business Council executive director, also was honored with a special recognition. Gov. John Bel Edwards delivered the keynote address at the Agri-Business Council event. “Agriculture here in the country feeds the world,” Edwards said. “It is a way of life. For people like me who grew up on a parish farm, I dare say it’s the best way of life.” Edwards pointed out the several hands that helped bring food to the market. “There are people around this country who don’t know how that food gets on their plate,” Edwards said. “You all know that. This is your business.”