BUNKIE, La. (RFD News) — The Louisiana Corn Festival celebrated the state’s corn industry despite a growing season marked by late spring freezes, hailstorms and excessive rainfall across central and north Louisiana.
James Newton, a third-generation farmer in Avoyelles Parish, was named the 2026 Corn Farmer of the Year. Despite this year’s weather challenges, he said he continues to farm because it’s the life he was raised to live.
“I do it because I was born and raised on the farm, and things were hard; there were ups and downs, and I want my kids to be raised the same way I was, and you need to work for what you have and give back to the community when you can.”
While Newton was recognized for his perseverance, the festival also brought the community together to celebrate Louisiana agriculture with family activities and local traditions.
Just one week after the festival, Avoyelles Parish received another 30 inches of rain. Several central Louisiana parishes have since been declared disaster areas.
