By Jamie Martin
Eddie Drew Lewis III is a fifth-generation sugarcane farmer in Lafayette Parish, Louisiana. Following advice from his grandfather, Eddie always prioritizes crop insurance.
This decision has helped his family survive major challenges, including severe droughts and freezing weather.
Eddie works with his brothers Jordan and Hunter, managing over 2,000 acres of farmland across Louisiana. While they grow crops like corn and okra, sugarcane remains their main income source. Farming has been their life since childhood.
In recent years, the Lewis farm has faced serious weather events. A deep freeze once destroyed nearly all their crops.
Another freeze later wiped out 30% of their sugarcane. A severe drought also hurt planting efforts. During each of these setbacks, their crop insurance policy saved the farm.
“Insurance is the number one thing that you want to have on the farm,” Eddie said. “That's the first and foremost thing.”
Federal crop insurance, managed by USDA’s Risk Management Agency (RMA), provides essential support.
Eddie says without it, they might have lost their farm. Their trusted insurance agent, who once worked with Eddie’s grandfather, continues to guide the family today.
As farming becomes riskier with rising costs and unpredictable weather, crop insurance gives families like the Lewis brothers a safety net. It ensures they can replant and keep farming.
Eddie hopes to pass on the farm to the sixth generation. For him, farming is not just work—it’s a way of life. And thanks to crop insurance, that life can continue.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-eugenesergeev
Categories: National