Rice Fest names Leonards as Rice Farmer of the Year

Donald A. Leonards has been chosen as the 2016 Farmer of the Year by the International Rice Festival, according to Elisabeth LeLeux, festival president. This year’s festival dates are Oct. 20 to 23.
Leonards was born and raised on a rice farm just north of Crowley. A fourth generation farmer, there was never any doubt that he wanted to become a farmer. He started helping out his father, Dennis, by driving trucks and carts as soon as he was able to reach the clutch. He continued to help on the family farm each summer until his dad told him, “There’s no one right way to farm rice. You know how I do things, now go out and see how others farm.” So each summer he helped out other local rice farmers to gain new perspectives and learn their methods.
In 1988, he graduated from Notre Dame High School. While he knew that farming was what he ultimately wanted to do in life, Donald didn’t begin farming immediately after high school. Earning a college degree was something he knew he wanted to accomplish. He wanted to prove to himself that he could earn a degree and in the process increase his knowledge on the business aspect of agriculture. He attended USL and graduated with a degree in Agriculture Business in 1994. While in college, Donald completed an internship with Pioneer Seed Company working with farmers and seed dealers throughout Louisiana.
In 1995, he formed a partnership with his brother, Bubba, where they farmed 800 acres just north of Iota. In 1999, he bought out his brother’s share of the partnership and became sole operator. His farm has grown to over 1,400 acres. The acreage is spilt between crawfish and rice with the rice acreage consisting most recently of Clearfield-111, Mermentau and Cheniere.
In the beginning, Leonards was averaging around 30 barrels per acre. Utilizing new technologies, conservation practices and recommendations by the LSU AgCenter, the LSU Rice Research Station, National Resources Conservation Service and agriculture consultants has resulted in increased yields. He now averages in the 50s with his highest hitting 64 barrels per acre.
Leonards said “just like with any job there are challenges. Farming is an occupation built on faith and hard work. Every day is a new adventure. If it’s in your blood, it runs deep. It’s what I love. It might sound crazy, but when rice is growing, there’s a certain smell. There’s nothing like it.”
Leonards is married to the former Karen Nix of Iota and has three daughters, Mary, Malerie and Mackenzie and one son, Jake-Nicholas.
Leonards is a member of the St. Joseph Catholic Church in Iota. He is an active member of his community and is a 3rd and 4th degree Knights of Columbus, has served as vice-president of the St. Francis Catholic School Advisory Council, the Acadia-Evangeline Fire Protection District Board and also served as a volunteer fireman. He is active in the rice threshing demonstrations at the Roberts Cove Germanfest and the Rice Festival. He also helps with the maintenance of the equipment used in these demonstrations. Professionally, he is a member the Acadia Parish Rice Growers Association, Louisiana Rice Growers Association, Acadia Parish Farm Bureau, Louisiana Farm Bureau and the U.S. Rice Federation. He has served on the Acadia Parish Rice and Soybean Advisory Board.
Leonards was recently recognized at the IRF Honoree Social and Queen’s Ball held at the Rice Festival Building in Crowley.