LaRPAC Chair Jeffrey Sylvester (center) and his favorite donors take a turn in the photo booth
Feb 25, 2026
CROWLEY, LA – This past weekend, the Louisiana Rice Council and the Louisiana Rice Growers Association (LARGA) held their joint annual membership meeting here. The organizations’ respective presidents, Eric Unkel and Alan Lawson, presided over the business meetings.
Unkel began the proceedings by thanking the Council Board, members of the Louisiana Rice Promotion Board, and USA Rice for all they do to promote Louisiana and U.S.-grown rice locally and around the world. He also reminded everyone that this is an election year for the Council as the current board’s four-year term ends December 31, 2026. An election will be conducted this fall among candidates nominated from each district in the state, and ballots will be mailed out in the fourth quarter of the year.
Lawson opened the LARGA meeting with approvals of the 2025 annual meeting minutes and current financials of the organization. Michael Durand of St. Martinville was nominated and re-elected as the at-large board member for the LARGA Board. Lawson also recognized Kyle Soileau, the state’s Ducks Unlimited rice stewardship coordinator, and the USA Rice/Ducks Unlimited Partnership for all they do to advance conservation practices for more efficient and sustainable rice production in Louisiana.
Shelby Young, USA Rice senior manager of government affairs, provided an update on the current status of legislation and committee mark-ups for the Farm Bill, as well as the timeline for prospective assistance for growers as they confront the turbulent time ahead this planting season.
“It was an honor to join the Louisiana Rice Council and LARGA members in Crowley and deliver the latest on Farm Bill developments and economic assistance,” said Young. “With planting season quickly approaching amid ongoing market pressures, it was invaluable to hear directly from Louisiana growers about their priorities and challenges. These insights strengthen our advocacy in Washington as we continue to push for a robust safety net and timely assistance to help the industry navigate these tough conditions.”
Finally, USA Rice Farmers Chair Fred Zaunbrecher, from Duson, shared highlights from the recent farm policy fly-in that took place in Washington earlier this month.
As soon as the meetings adjourned, the LaRPAC Rice Ball began, and the crowd shifted to a more festive mood, enjoying dinner, entertainment, and taking part in the live and silent auctions in the historic Grand Opera House of the South reception area.
“This year's Rice Ball was another successful event,” said LaRPAC Chair Jeffery Sylvester. "We continue to build relationships, along with our partners from other rice growing states, to have the ability to support the candidates who support our industry. This is more critical now than ever before, and every little bit helps.”