Nestled in the small community of Fifth Ward, Louisiana, just seven miles west of Marksville, lies the story of Phillip Lamartiniere—a man deeply rooted in his heritage and dedicated to the land that has shaped his life. Born and raised in this tight-knit community, Phillip’s journey from a young boy to a prominent rice farmer is a testament to resilience, innovation, and the power of family.
Phillip Lamartiniere’s parents, Louis J. Lamartiniere and Loretta Bordelon Lamartiniere, instilled in him the values of hard work and determination. As the third of five children, Phillip grew up in a household filled with the bustling energy of three sisters and one brother. After graduating from Fifth Ward High School, he pursued his passion for agriculture by attending LSU-Alexandria for two years, focusing on Agri Business.
Phillip’s dedication to his community extends beyond his fields. He and his wife, Janis, are faithful and active members of Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Fifth Ward, embodying the spirit of service and faith that defines their lives. Together, they have raised three children—Eric, Seth, and Brandon—all of whom have forged successful careers outside of agriculture.
The roots of Phillip’s farming legacy run deep. His grandfather and father both farmed and raised cattle, with his father serving as the FSA County Executive Director for Avoyelles Parish for an impressive 36 years. In 1986, during the challenging farm crisis of the 1980s, Phillip and his father embarked on a bold new venture: rice farming. Despite having no prior experience in rice cultivation, they established L & P Rice Farming, overcoming numerous obstacles with determination and the invaluable guidance of local rice farmers and the rice research station.
A pivotal moment in their journey came in 1989 when they began precision leveling on the farm, thanks to the assistance of the Freys from Morganza. By 1996, L & P had acquired their own leveling equipment, transforming the farm into 1,450 acres of precision-leveled fields. The implementation of a loop bin system in 2005, with a 30,000-barrel capacity, allowed them to dry their rice using air only, significantly reducing costs and enhancing the quality of their crop.
In 2001, L & P took a significant step by purchasing the 2,300-acre farm they had been renting. By 2005, Phillip and Janis had acquired his father’s interest in the farm, solidifying their commitment to the family’s agricultural legacy. Today, L & P Rice Farming cultivates 700 acres of rice and 350 acres of crawfish, adapting to changing market conditions and prioritizing sustainable practices that have improved soil fertility and health.
Phillip’s dedication to agriculture extends beyond his fields. He serves as the President of the Cenla Rice Growers Association and the Avoyelles Farm Bureau, and is actively involved in various organizations including the Louisiana Rice Growers Association, Louisiana Rice Council, Farm Bureau Rice Advisory Board, Farm Bureau Crawfish Advisory Board, Spring Bayou Lake Commission, and Louisiana Watershed Initiative Steering Committee. His past contributions include serving as a Farm Bureau State Board Member, a member of the Rice Research Board, 1st South ACA Advisory Board, and being recognized as a Louisiana Master Farmer and a Lifetime Alumni of the LSU Ag Leadership Program.
With 35 years of farming experience, Phillip reflects on the blessings of a career he loves. He finds joy in the sights and smells of a rice crop from planting to harvest, and attributes his success to the support of his Creator and his strong, supportive wife, Janis.
Phillip Lamartiniere’s story is one of perseverance, innovation, and the enduring bond of family—a story that continues to inspire and shape the future of Louisiana rice farming.
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