Owner / Operator, Richard Farms LLC
Christian Richard is a fifth-generation rice producer from Kaplan, LA. Upon graduating from Vermilion Catholic High School he attended the University of Louisiana at Lafayette where he obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture Business. In 2001 Christian started farming and now farms over 4000 acres of rice, soybeans, and crawfish. Christian welcomes groups from across the county to visit his farm to learn more about the production and conservation practices that he utilizes. Continued work with the Natural Resource Conservation Service, Ducks Unlimited, and other conservation groups remain a high priority for Christian and his farm.
Christian is a graduate of the LSU AgCenter Leadership Program, a graduate of the USA Rice Federation Leadership Program, is a certified Master Farmer, was recognized by the Vermilion Parish Rotary club as the 2009 Farmer of the Year, was selected as the LA Outstanding Master Farmer in 2010, the Conservation Systems Rice Farmer of the Year in 2013 by the Cotton and Rice Conference, and was selected along with his wife Julie as one of four National Outstanding Young Farmers in 2014. Christian’s leadership roles include membership in La Farm Bureau, a seat on the Vermilion Parish Soil and Water Conservation Board, Past Chairman of the Vermilion and Louisiana Rice Growers organizations, and Vice Chairman of the LA Rice Promotion Board.