Pointe Coupee Chamber Hosts 2016 Ag Summit

 

By: Jill Copeland

 

One of the primary economic drivers in Pointe Coupee, the Agriculture Industry was in full focus at the Annual Pointe Coupee Chamber of Commerce Agriculture Summit, held on July 20 at the Innis Community Center.

 

Over 50 members of the farming, retail, and financial industries, as well as state and local elected officials attended the event, which has grown consistently over its 3-year history.

 

Pointe Coupee Parish Economic Development ('ED') Director, Les Cantrell, spearheaded the effort to launch the Summit in 2014.  According to Cantrell, the event is "a way for the both the Chamber and Parish to recognize the economic significance of Agriculture in Pointe Coupee, and provide an opportunity for local farmers, businesses, and elected leaders to network and listen to industry updates over lunch."

 

Chamber President, Arthur Ewing, echoed this sentiment during his opening remarks, stating "whether it's through seed and equipment purchases, employee wages, crop financing, crop sales, or taxes paid to the local and state government, the direct and indirect impacts can be felt throughout the local economy.  The Chamber will continue to ensure that the farming industry is recognized more broadly and consistently as the economic driver it is."  Ewing also alluded to a more pronounced role for the Chamber in the near future, with a focus on "responsible growth," while actively championing the needs of the membership.

 

Doc Spears, Manager of the Pointe Coupee Farmers Co-Op, thanked the audience for their dedication to the industry, and highlighted the importance of locally run farms.  Spears also touched on some of the challenges that face the industry today, such as the availability of land and increasing costs, but encouraged those in attendance to continue the work that they do, and ensure the involvement of the next generation.

 

Pointe Coupee Electric Board President, Jimmy Ewing, introduced the Co-Op's new General Manager, Myron Lambert.  Ewing underscored the benefits of Lambert's prior experience and Economic Development background during his introduction.  Lambert further emphasized the importance of growth within the parish, and explained how he plans to leverage his background to ensure the long term success of the both Co-Op as well as the parish and its citizens.

 

State Representative Major Thibaut updated the audience on the recent series of legislative sessions, "one of the longest stretches of consecutive legislative sessions in Louisiana history."  The sessions, which were primarily focused on addressing the state's fiscal woes, meant fewer policy items with a direct impact on the agriculture industry.  However, regarding the increase in sales tax, Rep. Thibaut acknowledged that tough calls were made, and some of the burden will be shouldered by everyone.  Rep. Thibaut concluded by encouraging the audience to reach out more frequently during future sessions, as "the walls of the Capital can be isolating," and mentioned that he was grateful for the opportunity to speak with everyone in person.

 

The keynote speaker, Dr. Kurt Guidry, is a professor of Agriculture Economics at the LSU Ag Center.  Dr. Guidry compared the current state of the commodities markets and pricing to projections that were given at the start of the year, and explained why current prices are exceeding earlier expectations.  He noted that while the production from Louisiana Agriculture is significant, it's relatively small when compared to other areas of the United States.  As a result, the primary driving forces behind fluctuations in the commodities markets tend to be focused on variables affecting the Midwest.  While today's grain prices are fairly reflective of the current supply and demand balance, there may be some potential improvements if current weather forecasts hold true as the summer progresses, according to Dr. Guidry.

 

Sponsors of this year's event included the Pointe Coupee Farmers Co-Op, Pointe Coupee Electric Membership Co-Op, Regions Bank, and Maggio Buick GMC, and The Knights of Columbus were also on hand to prepare lunch for the group.

 

In his closing remarks, Ewing thanked the audience for taking the time to attend, and emphasized that he was "grateful for the support of all of the sponsors and volunteers that made this event a success.  It's because of you that we're able to host these events, and we look forward to seeing everyone in 2017!"

Friday Night Cookie Jar Bass Fishing Tournaments  will be held every Friday night until the fall final classic tournament. The tournament starts at 7 p.m. and will end at 12 a.m.  Fishermen will weigh in at LA Express Boat Dock in Jarreau, LA  70749.  Entry fees apply, but weigh in is free for spectators.  For more information contact:  Guy Perkins (225) 293-3402 or E-mail: [email protected]

Friday Night Golf Scramble  will begin Every Friday starting in March at 5:30 pm. at the False River Country Club located at 13875 Patin Dyke Roads, Ventress, LA 70783.  Open to members and non members.  For more information contact: (225) 638-6309 or email: [email protected].

Reserve a YOLO Board or Wavepad at False River Paddle Club.

2 hours - $30

4 hours - $45 (half-day)

8 hours - $65 (full day)

*overnight and weekend rentals also available.

False River Paddle Club, LLC

108 Main St.

New Roads, LA 70760

Email:  [email protected]

Phone:  225.281.2315 or 318.421.9144