Central America: An Epilog

By Mike Danna
Louisiana Farm Bureau Public Relations Director

I trust everyone made it safely home, got some well-deserved rest and is readjusting to being back in the greatest country on earth.

There’s nothing like seeing the world for what it truly is, but there’s also nothing like sleeping in one’s own bed safe in the knowledge that, essentially, we have it made.

Having traveled on AgLeadership international tours for the last 10 years I can honestly say this was one of the best.  I know we ran hard and got little sleep, but that’s really the whole idea behind the program: to craft leaders who will always go the extra mile to promote farming and ranching, to never take a day off when it comes to letting the world know about the importance of agriculture.  Commitment, as they say, never takes a holiday.

And when it comes to leaders you’ll not find a better one than Dr. Bobby Soileau.  There’s not much more I can write or say about the man who holds the reigns to the AgLeadership program.  Bobby is a man of many talents; a writer, reporter, news videographer, producer, organizer and most importantly, a teacher.

Like his father before him, Bobby understands the role of education, no matter the venue.  AgLeadership is about education; educating those who will take their newfound knowledge to the masses.  As the number of farmers and ranchers continues to decline there’s never been a more important time to remind all Americans, and the world for that matter, that agriculture matters.  Thanks brother.

Thanks also to Cheryl Duplechain for keeping us organized along the way.  Managing the flights, the tours and the hotels wasn’t easy.  On trips like these even the smallest missteps are multiplied ten-fold.  Cheryl kept us on time and on track.

A big shout out to Dr. Phil Elzer.  His knowledge of agriculture and his penchant for timely, engaging discussion was a value-added bonus to this trip.  His comic relief was also a welcomed respite from the long hours on the bus.  And thanks again Phil for helping me stay in the game.

For the last 28 years I’ve had the privilege of calling Jim Monroe not only my boss, but also one of my closest friends.  I can’t tell you how much his friendship has meant to me, both professionally and personally.  Jim and I have traveled the world, shooting photos, producing programs and documenting Louisiana agriculture’s reach across the globe.  When you need the shot, Jim’s got it.  When you need a friend, Jim’s there.  And for the last 40 years he’s been one of the most outspoken advocates for Louisiana agriculture.  Thanks boss.

And a big thank-you to Farm Bureau President Ronnie Anderson. Like Jim, Ronnie has been a true friend and the man I have proudly served for the last 25 years.  Ronnie and the Farm Bureau wholeheartedly support the LSU AgLeadership program and will continue to do so.  Thanks for letting me be a part of AgLeadership and continuing to support the program through my travels with it.

Finally, thanks to all of you for allowing me and Jim to travel with you and to share in your experiences.  It was great getting to know each of you and I know I speak for Jim when I say that with leaders like you, the future of Louisiana agriculture is in good hands.

Congratulations on completing Class 13 of the LSU AgLeadership Development Program and I look forward to seeing you all at graduation Feb. 22.

Until next time…