Mike Strain talks to Republican women

Hopes to unseat long-term Commissioner of Agriculture, Bob Odom.

Rep. Mike Strain who hopes to unseat Bob Odom who has been at the helm for 28 years and become Commissioner of Agriculture and Forestry paid a visit to St. Charles Parish last Thursday night. Rep. Strain, who spoke at the Republican Woman’s meeting at the West Bank library, talked about his agenda, and answered questions from the audience.

“I come with a truckload of experience for the commissioner of agriculture position,” said Strain, who is a fifth generation farmer and has practiced rural country medicine for nearly 25 years as a veterinarian with his wife and owns a cattle farm.

Strain served nine years as parish president, and has represented St. Tammany, Washington and Tangipahoa Parishes in the La. House of Representatives since 2000.

He has also worked closely with Farm Bureau and has represented the Veterinary Association as its president. He says he knows how to get things done and is not term limited so he is giving up his Representative seat to serve what he feels is this greater need as commissioner of agriculture & forestry.

“Sugar cane, rice, dairy, forestry, cotton; every commodity has seen a decrease with Odom at the helm,” Strain told the republican women.

“Agriculture is big business in Louisiana. Farming and forestry contribute 10 billion each year to our state’s economy. So it probably comes as no surprise that farming and agriculture plays an important role in our state goverment.”

With 829 employees and a 102 million dollar budget, the Dept. of Agriculture is a political powerhouse that has lost touch with its core mission of helping Louisiana’s farmers, ranchers and loggers.

He says he wants to shake up the 829 employees of department down to its very core and put people to work to help farmers get products to profitability.

 

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