Against the Odds: Louisiana Small Farmer Larry Freeman Continues the Legacy
Baton Rouge, LA - Mr. Larry Freeman, born in Independence, LA, native of St. Helena Parish is a third-generation farmer who owns the same land in which he grew up as a child. Freeman credits his grandfather for not selling the land after purchasing it six years after slavery in 1873 for $1,280. His farm roots began young, but he set up his own cattle business in the late 90s.
“The whole community was farming back then,”said Freeman.
Freeman has been married to his wife, Shirley Freeman, for 40 plus years. In 1987, he sold all his cows in support of her, to open a daycare. Currently, he owns his own Beef Cattle farm. He expressed some of the obstacles he faced such as finances and maintaining equipment, which is similar to the stories of many other small farmers.
“Farming has taught me good work habits. It is hard work, but it benefits my family and I'm able to eat most of the things on my farm,”added Freeman.
His connection with Southern University began with connecting with a member of the Louisiana Cattleman Association in St. Helena, LA.
In 2017, Freeman received an award from the Farm Bureau for farming in the same location for 150 years. In 2018, he was one of the six recipients who received the Louisiana Century Farm award presented by the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry and the LSU AgCenter as having owned and consistently farmed on Louisiana land for at least 100 years.
He is also a graduate of the Southern University Ag Center's Small Farmer Agricultural Leadership Institute. The Institute is a year-long course designed to promote the sustainability of small socially disadvantaged and/or minority owned farms through the enhancement of business management skills, utilization of USDA programs and services and leadership development. He credits Southern for helping him with the business aspect of his farm, encouraging him to get an LLC.
“Southern University has helped me tremendously,”expressed Freeman.
Freeman is also a 2015 graduate from the LSU AgCenter’s Master Cattleman’s Program and is a member of the LA Cattleman’s Association. He is an East Feliciana Audubon Library board member, Justice of the Peace wedding officiant, and member of Rocky Hill AME Church. He currently serves as an advocate, encouraging individuals in his community to continue farming their land and to eat heathy.