What a trip we had today down into the marsh country of Plaquemines Parish. First of all the tour was outstanding! We boarded barges and rode thru a series of canals to the Empire Lock and locked into the Mississippi River where we were met by 20-25mph north winds. We ended up in the marsh land made up of small islands and canals. It's on these islands that Mr Phillip Simmons raises his cattle. He explained to us how these cows survive and use the levy system to their advantage. Hurricane Katrina about wiped him out of the business, he lost over 600 cows and 40 bulls to the storm. He said he would have quit but cattleman across the country came to help and brought him replacement cows and bulls and that is what helped him get through one of his toughest times in his life. He said that it was sad that such a terrible storm brings people closer together. He stated several times that farmers are the backbone of our country. I couldn't agree more.
On a side note, I am in awe of the Cajun culture. These folks down here in Plaquemines Parish have worked their entire lives for what they have and in the last 7 seven years they have had to start all over twice. These are hard working people who would give you anything they have to help you out, or at least that's how I felt today!
We are now headed to Baton Rouge for a tour of the LSU Ag Center and a Steak Dinner. I'm going to leave you with some of my favorite quotes of the day, I would have to start a whole new blog to share them all.
Question to Phillip, "How do you identify your cows after a storm?", Phillip, " I look at the cow and say, 'Thats my cow!"
On the levy system, " it would be easy for us "locals" or as he said "coon asses" to solve, but then you would have to hire an architect and engineer".
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