Buck Leonards
Agriculture is the lifeblood of our economy. All together, agricultural endeavors in Acadia Parish generates millions into the parish, and those dollars are turned over numerous times.
Dr. Kurt Guidry, director of the LSU AgCenter’s Southwest Region said agriculture provided a five-year average of $170 million, and that does not include the spin-off benefits to the local economy. That would probably bring the value of agriculture to $300 million, he estimates.
Spending by farmers helps fuel the economy, putting money in the pockets of farm supply dealers, tractor and vehicle dealerships, grocery stores, attorneys, accountants, etc.
Without agriculture, I don’t even want to think what this parish would have to keep it going.
An important tax millage is up for renewal on Nov. 16. Should it fail, 4-H programs will be crippled, your county agent will be hampered at his job advising farmers and homeowners, and a major attraction in Crowley — the Rice Arena — will be closed.
Kids need an outlet for their youthful energy, and 4-H provides that. It’s a character-building organization that teaches our children about leadership, as well as the finer points of raising livestock and preparing meals. All this takes money, and even then 4-H Club members have to staff fundraisers to pay for trips and projects.
The LSU AgCenter foots the bill for most of the funding for the county agent and 4-H, but local funding sources are expected to pay 20 percent of the 4-H budget. Without the supplement, 4-H Club members will have to pay more for their programs like shooting sports, and many of them cannot afford it.
A county agent cannot work from an office. He needs to get out into the farmers’ fields and residents’ backyards to see their problems and challenges and interact with his clientele. Traveling across the parish requires time, vehicles and fuel.
The renewal is for 2.12 mills. It was first approved by voters in 1994.
A residence valued at $75,000 or less will not be taxed under the state’s homestead exemption.
The average homeowner in Acadia Parish will pay less than $1 a month for these valuable programs. That’s a small price to pay to support our key industry, and to provide our youth with activities to help build better citizens.
The millage raises $818,000 annually, and I can tell you the money is well spent.
The difference that 4-H can make in a child’s life cannot be quantified but it is certain to make a difference as a child matures and becomes a vital part of society.
The Acadia Parish 4-H program is one of the largest in the state. It’s impact on kids is priceless.
Farmers are having enough difficulty currently with low prices and high input costs. But to hamstring our county agent when we need him the most would not be a wise move.
The Rice Arena draws horse enthusiasts from across the state, and they spend money on motels, restaurants, feed businesses and gas stations. If the Arena closes, that all goes away, and once people stop visiting an area, it’s difficult to attract them again.
The Arena is available at an attractive, competitive cost but higher rates would have to be charged and that would cause horse and livestock enthusiasts to look elsewhere for their events.
Local residents get access to the arena at a reduced rate because they have already paid for the facility through their taxes.
Make sure you vote on this important issue. Polls open at 7 a.m. and close at 8 p.m.
Buck Leonards is a farmer in Acadia Parish and publisher of Louisiana Farm and Ranch Magazine