OAK GROVE, La. (RFD NEWS) — Agriculture was on full display in Oak Grove as the West Carroll Parish Ag Expo brought together farmers, innovators, and community members to celebrate rural life and the people who keep local economies moving.
RFD NEWS Correspondent Tammi Arender says the expo represents more than farming — it is about the future of agriculture, where tradition meets innovation, and where the backbone of Northeast Louisiana continues to thrive.
Held at the Lingo Center, the event highlighted everything from modern farm equipment to new agricultural technologies. The expo was organized by the West Carroll Parish Tourism Commission and focused on more than just education — it also aimed to support and encourage farmers following several challenging years.
“Our farmers have had a stressful time and we wanted to do anything we could do to help them in any aspects of their lives,” said Molly Henderson with the West Carroll Parish Tourism Commission.
The expo also served as a showcase for life in West and East Carroll parishes, emphasizing pride in the work done by local producers and businesses. One example is Panola Pepper, based in nearby Lake Providence.
A live cooking demonstration by Katie Coullard added a farm-to-table flavor to the event, connecting local farm families and small businesses directly to the kitchen. Coullard’s pastalaya proved to be a crowd favorite.
“To take people and show them what we do here — cattle, row crops, and a great place called Produce Ridge,” said Amy Hale with the West Carroll Parish Tourism Commission. “We just want to show people what rural life looks like.”
Innovation was also front and center as Sam Ashley was recognized with the Ag Innovator Award. Ashley, a farmer with a mechanical engineering background, is designing and building farm implements aimed at helping producers work more efficiently.
“It’s hard work — late nights, early mornings — but I’m trying to build a quality product for our farmers and sell it at a fair price, where I can make a living, and they can have a reliable piece of equipment,” Ashley said.
Tammi Arender reporting for RFD NEWS.
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