Tri-Parish Vegetable Growers & Angus Cattle Community Farmers Association, Inc., honor local + 70 farmers

+70 Farmer Honorees

Who is Craig Coleman? Gathering of Hearts embarked on mission work some years ago, and I met Craig's mother and sister Kim. They lived across the track outside of Kentwood city limits. It was a peaceful and quiet fifteen-minute drive from my home inside the city limits to their home along the scenic route.

It took  two weeks for the mission work to be completed. I had many conversations with Kim during this period. During many conversations, she mentioned her brother Craig's love for farming. In fact, he planted a small garden behind his mother's house. It was years later that I had the pleasure of meeting Craig and his wife Shannon. The passion he had for farming captivated me. Today, it is difficult to find young men who are passionate about farming and raising livestock.  As my curiosity got the best of me, I had to interview him to learn where his passion for agriculture came from

"Whenever I got the chance, I would help older farmers on their farms when I was growing up," Craig recalled. He was learning from more experienced farmers, it provided a networking opportunity with other farmers and owners of livestock. Craig said that farming is something he has dreamed of since he was a child. Having his own land and farming it is a dream come true for him. Furthermore, he truly appreciate

the knowledge that older farmers had shared with him. Craig organized the +70 Farmers Award to honor the farmers' contribution over the years. As a member of the Angus Cattle Community Farmers Association, Inc., Craig chair the Tri-Parish Vegetable Growers program.  Several honorees received recognition for providing their families and communities with fresh produce and meat for many years. 

Mike Strain, the Agricultural Commissioner, delivered the keynote address. "While he covered many topics that evening, I remember one in particular: don't sell the land." His father told him, boy, never sell this land.  Land is the one thing they cannot make anymore.  They understood that statement because they have been farming and living on their land for decades. Many discuss this topic with their own offsprings and family members. 

Support for the honorees was well-represented by family and friends. Mayor Irma T. Gordon welcomed everyone to the event. A healthy lunch was served to everyone. St. Helena 4-H Club was in attendance.  The event was supported by farmers and livestock ranchers from Tangipahoa, St. Helena, and Washington Parishes. Craig was equally surprised to see that his family presented him will a plague for his hard work and dedication first to his family and secondly for his role in agriculture.

Craig Coleman 
Chair of the Tri-Parish Vegetable Growers

Honorees

Don Asford, Betty Asford, Annette Brumfield, Ardean Brumfield, Stanley Brumfield, Albert Brumfield, Malcom Brody, Aulton Cryer, Sr., Alphonse Dillon, Allen Donald,  Ricky Gutierrez, Warner Hall, Louis Hall, Herman Henry, Bob Havin, Raymond Holmes,  Forace James, Carl James, Emily King, Leon Lenard, Don Peoria, Emmitt Perry, Louis Self, Rosa Shaffett, Jeff Shaffett,  Frank Taylor, Quincy Walker, Robert Wallace, Carnell Wallace, Nonzie Williams, John Womack.