Erath sugarcane farmer named to state FSA board

From American Sugarcane Leauge

The USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) announced the new appointees who will serve on the Louisiana USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) state committee.
Among them was sugarcane farmer Brian Guidry of Erath.
Members of the FSA state committee are appointed by Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack and are responsible for the oversight of farm programs and county committee operations, resolving program delivery appeals from the agriculture community, maintaining cooperative relations with industry stakeholders, keeping producers informed about FSA programs and operating in a manner consistent with USDA equal opportunity and civil rights policies.
Guidry, 45, operates Brian Guidry Farm LLC, a 400-acre venture, in Vermilion Parish.
“It’s a real honor to be asked to serve on the Farm Service Agency State Committee,” Guidry said. “I’m looking forward to the experience of helping farmers.”
Guidry and his wife Tesha are the parents of two boys, Braylon and Bryant.
Also newly appointed in 2023 was Monica Hernandez-Melancon of Sunset, Willis Nelson of Sondheimer and Julie Baker Richard of Kaplan. The USDA made the announcement March 17, 2023.
Each FSA state committee is comprised of three to five members including a designated chairperson. The complete list of the committee for Louisiana are:
Committee Chair Dr. Julie Baker Richard – Kaplan
Brian Guidry – Erath
Monica Hernandez-Melancon – Sunset
Kristy Jones – Natchez
Willis Nelson – Sondheimer

“The FSA state committee members play an integral role in the continuity of operations, equitable and inclusive program administration and ensure the overall integrity of services to the nation’s agricultural producers,” said Marcus Graham, FSA Deputy Administrator for Field Operations. “These individuals have proven themselves to be leaders, early adopters and key influencers in the agriculture industry in their respective states – qualities that will serve them well in these key Biden-Harris Administration leadership positions.
The Farm Service Agency serves farmers, ranchers, foresters, and agricultural partners through the effective, efficient, and equitable delivery of federal agricultural programs. The Agency offers producers a strong safety net through the administration of farm commodity and disaster programs. Additionally, through conservation programs, FSA continues to preserve and protect natural resources and provides credit to agricultural producers who are unable to receive private, commercial credit, including targeted loan funds for beginning, underserved, women and military veterans involved in production agriculture.