Lafourche Parish, La. -- Arthur Lirette has been farming for nearly 20 years. The job rarely allows a day off and Mother Nature always has the final say.
She's been good to southeast Louisiana so far this year but other parts of the country are feeling her wrath. Rain is now falling on parts of the Midwest but the weather might not be enough to reverse effects from the worst drought in over a half century.
Soybean and corn crops suffered some of the worst damage, a casualty being felt by farmers in this part of the state in the form of higher prices.
"The biggest problem we're going to have with the drought is feeding livestock, feed," says Lirette, owner of Diamond S Produce. "Corn is I think one of the biggest things that's affected by the drought and probably hay, silages and those things. As far as growing, since we grow and sell direct, we're not in a drought area, we're doing ok. But when it comes down to the cattle and the livestock, then we're going to start having problems because the price of the feed is just going to go through the roof."
As feed prices rise, Lirette says that the relationship between farmer and consumer becomes more important. He keeps more money when he sells direct to the public.
Roadside stands have long been a part of Lafourche Parish and soon, farmers and fishermen in the parish will have another option.
The Central Lafourche Market opens to the public on August 31. The pavilion, located at LA 1 and Highway 90, can hold 32 vendors and parish leaders hope it becomes a destination for shoppers who want to buy local.
"We have a lot of people who work out of their backyard or on the side of the road," says Julie Barrilleaux. "This is a nice, safe, clean environment. There's restrooms, running water, electricity so it's a great place to come and show your wares and get to meet a lot of people at the same time."
Lirette plans to sell his produce at the market when the next growing season starts. Mother Nature willing, the fall harvest here should be bountiful.
The Central Lafourche Market, opening to the public Aug. 31
