Sixteen of American Farmers and Ranchers’ finest youth boarded a Red Carpet charter bus to visit the historical and culturally rich New Orleans, Louisiana on May 27 - May 30. The purpose of the Presidential Youth Leadership Tour is not only to reward the students for their accomplishments, but also broaden their agricultural knowledge while providing them with unique opportunities.

While in New Orleans, the students were able to participate in five tours. The first one was the Hurricane Katrina tour where the students heard first hand accounts of the events surrounding the most devastating natural and man made disaster on American soil.  They next boarded a ferry to travel to Mardi Gras World to see all the colorful Mardi Gras floats and props.  This is a year round project for artist, painters, and actors to get ready for the largest celebration in New Orleans.  Shortly after the Mardi Gras tour they went on the world renowned Haunted History Tour, where they each caught a glimpse of the legendary hauntings and ghosts of the French Quarter.

To conclude the trip, the group traveled to the fascinating swamps of New Orleans, where they got to travel out in the swamp and got to see many different types of wildlife such as alligators, egrets, and many species of snakes.  The final tour was of the Laura Plantation, a historic sugar plantation built in 1805.  The students got to experience first-hand the lifestyle of a Southern Creole family as well as the lives and homes of the Creole slaves.

Youth attending included: McKenzie Clifton, Taylor Holt, Madison McGolden, Hollie Detrick, Taylor Tucker, Katie Smith, Kayla Devous, Tara Burchfield, Jordan Lindsey, Maverick Squires, Kelby Rounsaville, Ross Mencke, Collin Listen, Brock Herren, Brian Gosselin.  Also attending the tour as chaperones were Eric, Shelly and Lauren Bilderback, and Nikki Holt.