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The 89th International Rice Festival proudly recognizes Jarrod Breaux as the 2026 Farmer of the Year. His 17-year-old son, Bryce Breaux, is recognized as the 2026 Junior Farmer of the Year. 

Jarrod's passion for farming began at an early age. As a third-generation farmer, some of his fondest childhood memories are of watching his father and grandfather work the land and learning firsthand the values of perseverance, responsibility, and stewardship. While attending school, he spent countless hours working on local farms, developing the work ethic and agricultural knowledge that would serve as the foundation of his future career. 

Today, Jarrod operates a successful agricultural business, Jarrod Breaux Farms, as well as Jarrod Breaux Trucking LLC. His farm consists of approximately 1,350 acres of rice and 1,150 acres of crawfish. Through careful management, innovative farming practices, and a commitment to sustainability, he has continued to grow and improve the operation while maintaining a focus on efficiency and environmental stewardship. 

In 2010, he was named Conservation Farmer of the Year for Acadia Parish. Jarrod currently serves on the Egan Drainage Board, the Southwest Farm Service Board of Directors, the First South Farm Credit Louisiana Regional Advisory Committee, the County Office Committee as an alternate Member and the Acadia Parish Farm Bureau board. 

Over the years, Jarrod has experienced both prosperous and challenging seasons. During the latter, he believes in staying the course and continuing to work hard. He firmly believes that success comes through dedication and perseverance. Jarrod takes great pride in knowing that everything he has accomplished has been earned through determination and a commitment to his profession. 

Jarrod resides in Iota with his wife, Kim Sittig Breaux. They are the proud parents of three sons, Tyler, Ashton, and Bryce, and grandparents to Grahm and Vannah. 

Agriculture is truly a family affair for the Breaux family. Kim, who also comes from a third-generation farm family, plays an integral role overseeing the business side of the farm while actively contributing to the crawfish operation. Her agricultural roots have given her a deep appreciation for farming and the hard work it requires. Tyler, owner of Southern Dirt Works LLC, is also a crawfish farmer and was recognized as the International Rice Festival Junior Farmer of the Year in 2015. Ashton is also actively involved in rice and crawfish production. Jarrod is passionate about passing along his knowledge and passion for agriculture to the next generation, ensuring the continuation of the family farming legacy. 

Throughout his career, Jarrod has embraced new technologies and advancements in agriculture while remaining committed to the traditional values that have contributed to his success. He stays informed on the latest agricultural developments by following recommendations from the LSU AgCenter, participating in the Natural Resources Conservation Service CSP program, and attending the USA Rice Outlook Conference each year. Jarrod has precision-leveled the majority of his farmland, allowing for more efficient irrigation, improved drainage, and enhanced crop production. His willingness to adopt innovative practices while maintaining responsible stewardship of the land has helped ensure the continued success and sustainability of his farming operation. 

While farming leaves little time for leisure, Jarrod enjoys taking advantage of opportunities to travel, spend time with family, and observe farming practices in other regions. He believes that learning from fellow producers and sharing experiences helps strengthen agriculture as a whole.

Bryce was raised on his family’s farm, allowing him to develop a strong work ethic and learn the responsibilities of farming at an early age. His passion for agriculture became evident when, at just six years old, he planted a small rice crop in his backyard and harvested it with a pair of scissors.

As he grew older, Bryce became involved in the daily operations of the farm. By the age of eight, he was operating the tractor and grain cart. At age eleven, when the COVID-19 pandemic caused schools to shut down, Bryce used his time away from the classroom to gain valuable hands-on experience. He independently planted 1,100 acres of rice, a testament to his expanding agricultural expertise and his willingness to embrace new technology.

Today, Bryce plays an active role in the farming operation. During planting season, his primary responsibility is operating the spreader truck, while also assisting on the grain drill and spray rig when needed. During harvest, he spreads fertilizer in the mornings and fills in on combines and grain trucks as necessary. Bryce also utilizes a thermal drone to help eradicate wild pigs that damage rice crops, both on his family's farm and in neighboring fields. His experience with drone technology has sparked a strong interest in agricultural spray drones, which he is beginning to incorporate into the farming practices.

Bryce is currently a senior in Iota High School's class of 2027. Following graduation in May, he plans to join the family farming operation full-time and hopes to acquire farmland of his own as he continues his agricultural career.

When he is not working, Bryce enjoys hunting, riding his jet ski and side-by-side, and spending time with his family and friends. He is also a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Iota.

“I got the chance to meet up with Jarrod and Bryce in the field during harvest recently to share introductions. Their operation is a great example of the family bonds that are the foundation of the U.S. rice industry,” said USA Rice Director of Field Services Kane Webb. “They are truly deserving of these honors, and it’s fitting to share them as father and son. We are looking forward to celebrating the our industry together in Crowley at the International Rice Festival this October and invite everyone to join us for the festivities!”

Source : usarice