‘I’m Living My Dream’: Meet Louisiana’s Top Young Farmer

LAKE PROVIDENCE, La. (AP) — Phillip Tomlinson, a fourth generation East Carroll Parish farmer, has been named the state’s top young farmer for 2020 by the Louisiana Farm Bureau Federation.

The Louisiana Farm Bureau Young Farmers and Ranchers Achievement Award is presented each year to a producer who is 35 or younger.

Tomlinson and his wife Carey operate a 2,700-acre grain and livestock farm near Lake Providence with their four children.

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“I have to say that I’m living my dream on this farm,” Tomlinson said.

Louisiana Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain said the Farm Bureau’s young farmers and ranchers program is critical to the future of agriculture as the industry’s producers age with fewer people stepping in to fill their shoes.

The average age of the American farmer is 57.

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“Farm Bureau recognizes the best of the best; its a huge honor and one that’s earned,” Strain said in an interview with USA Today Network.

Tomlinson Farms was established in 1950.

The Tomlinsons’ children already pick sweet corn from the field and harvest fresh eggs from the chickens.

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“The joy of it, to me, is having my kids out there,” he said.

Tomlinson said he hopes the fifth generation will carry on the business.

“My dream would be for at least one of my kids to come back to the farm,” he said. “It wouldn’t matter if it’s my son, Weston, or any of my girls. If anybody wants to join this operation, they have got an open door and we will make it work.”

Tomlinson will represent Louisiana in the national competition during the 2021 American Farm Bureau Federation Convention in San Diego.

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