District 13 State Representative and Winnfield native Jack McFarland has been appointed Chairman of the Agriculture, Forestry, Aquaculture, and Rural Development Committee by House Speaker Clay Schexnayder, R-Gonzales. McFarland did not support Schenxnayder in the speaker race and was one of only two representatives that supported Sherman Mack R-Albany for speaker that were awarded chair positions.

The Agriculture, Forestry, Aquaculture, and Rural Development Committee has jurisdiction over matters relating to: Agriculture generally; Agricultural and industrial chemistry; Agricultural economics and research; Agricultural engineering; Agricultural production on public lands; Agricultural production, promotion, and marketing; Agricultural services; Animal industry and diseases of animals; Aquacultural economics and research; Aquacultural production, promotion, and marketing; Dairy industry; Production, promotion, harvesting, and marketing of forestry products; Silviculture; Human nutrition and home economics; Inspection of livestock and meat products; Plant industry and plant quarantine; Rural development; Soils and soil conservation. 

McFarland was also assigned to one of the “money” committees; Appropriations. In a press release from Clay Schexnayder, the Louisiana House Speaker stated, “I’m excited to announce the makeup of the two major financial house committees today. The decision-making process for each committee has been deliberate and I believe you will see a reflection of both the body and the core conservative principals which guides it.” The Appropriations Committee is where the state’s spending plan for the fiscal year beginning July 1 begins its journey.