4th Annual Hispanic Farmers and Agricultural Professionals

On October 7th, 2022, mano-Y-ola will host the 4th Annual Hispanic Farmers and Agricultural Professionals Symposium with 2022’s focus, Climate-Smart Agriculture and Equity. These annual symposia seek to celebrate the Hispanic agricultural legacy in the United States and to provide a platform for Hispanics in agriculture to connect with other farmers, professionals, and opportunities, using the virtual platform developed during the COVID-19 pandemic to reach an even wider audience. This year, mano-Y-ola expands its focus to include Hispanic landowners and foresters and uses this virtual opportunity to bring a pre-filmed Silvopasture Field Demonstration experience to attending participants.

Join members of mano-Y-ola’s team as they visit Long Leaf Pine Savanna Rancher Dave Daigle on his Louisiana farm, which employs a silvopasture technique, combining grazing cows under the canopy of trees in a mutually beneficial relationship.

In Daigle’s long leaf savanna, a grassland with pine trees, rotational grazing and control fires are used to keep the grass and soil healthy and the brush at the proper height. Dave strives to “work with nature, not against it.” Through his balanced approach to agriculture and forestry, he has nurtured his land to produce successful crops and become a diverse ecosystem and habitat for local species.

Promoting healthy and helpful techniques to conserve natural resources and grow successful crops is only one aspect of the Annual Hispanic Farmers and Agricultural Professionals Symposium. Other segments include: a presentation on demographic characteristics of Hispanics in agriculture, a discussion led by State Conservationists forecasting climate-smart programs and initiatives, pre-recorded conversations with family farm owners discussing succession and legacy building, student internship presentations, and a panel discussion focused on forestry.