About Us
Where tradition meets responsibility
LAFRA is dedicated to promoting the sustainable use, responsible management, and conservation of the American alligator through science-based practices, government and industry collaboration, and community engagement.
Our members advocate for fair regulations, preserving wetland habitats, fostering economic opportunity across rural Louisiana, and advancing education and awareness. Our commitment ensures that the alligator industry remains the global model for conservation through sustainable trade.
History of LAFRA
The Louisiana Alligator Farmers & Ranchers Association (LAFRA) was established in 1989 to work alongside the Louisiana Department of Wildlife & Fisheries (LDWF) in restoring and protecting the American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis).
By the 1950s, alligator populations had plummeted due to unregulated hunting and habitat loss. Their decline led to federal protection under the Endangered Species Preservation Act in 1967, and again under the modern Endangered Species Act signed in 1973.
Louisiana began its alligator conservation program in 1972, managed by LDWF. This program combines wild alligator management, alligator farming and ranching, and nuisance control. The goal has always been simple:
protect the species, preserve its wetland habitat, and support the communities who depend on both.
A key component of this effort is Louisiana’s farm-and-release model. Farmers collect eggs from privately owned marshlands, hatch and raise the young in ideal conditions, and return a required 5% of their juveniles—now strong 3–5 foot alligators—back into the wild. In nature, as few as 1–3% of hatchlings survive to adulthood. Returning larger juveniles dramatically boosts survival rates and strengthens the wild population year after year.
This innovative model helped bring the American alligator back from the brink, leading to its removal from the Endangered Species List in 1987. Today, Louisiana’s alligator population is thriving, and the state is recognized globally for one of the most successful conservation programs in the world.
At LAFRA, our success depends on the continued health of both the species and the wetlands they call home. Conservation isn’t just part of our work—it is the foundation of our industry and our future.
Our Story in Motion
See the heart of Louisiana alligator farming through the eyes of the people who live it every day. This short film, created in partnership with LDWF, captures the traditions, responsibility, and conservation efforts that define our industry.
Meet The Team
Stephen Sagrera
President of LAFRA
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Stephen serves as President of Vermilion Gator Farm, Inc, a 3rd-generation alligator farm founded in 1983 in Abbeville, Louisiana. Stephen is also the President of Gators Unlimited, Inc. Stephen has 42 years of experience in the alligator industry.
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Kevin Sagrera
Vice President of LAFRA
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Kevin serves as the Vice-President of Vermilion Gator Farm, Inc, a 3rd-generation alligator farm founded in 1983 in Abbeville, Louisiana. Kevin is also the Owner of Abbigator, Inc. Kevin has 42 years of experience in the alligator industry.
Rebecca Hale
Executive Director / Secretary-Treasurer of LAFRA
Rebecca is the Owner-Operator of Rancho 2R, LLC, managing her family’s 8th generation ranching business. She has served as LAFRA's Administrative Manager since 2020, Secretary-Treasurer since 2022, and was appointed Executive Director in 2025. She has 15 years of experience in alligator industry.
Jeff Donald
LAFRA Board of Directors
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Jeff is the Owner & President of Donald Farms, Inc, a 3rd generation alligator farm, founded in 1987, in West Monroe, Louisiana and Columbia, Louisiana. Jeff has 38 years of experience in the alligator industry.
Nathan Wall
LAFRA Board of Directors
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Nathan’s family founded Walls Gator Farm, LLC, a 3rd generation alligator farm in 1986 in Springfield, Louisiana. Nathan is the president and CEO of Walls Gator Farm II, WG Alligator Farm, and Brooks Family Alligator Farm II. Nathan has 39 years of experience in the alligator industry.
Jerry Savoie
LAFRA Board of Directors
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Jerry is the Owner & Managing Member of Savoie’s Alligator Farm, LLC, a 2nd generation alligator farm founded in 1991 in Cut Off, Louisiana. Jerry has 34 years of experience in the alligator industry.
Steele McAndrew
LAFRA Board of Directors & Founding Member
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Steele is President of Louisiana Alligator Industries, Inc, a 2nd generation alligator farm founded in 1982 in Ville Platte, Louisiana. Steele has 42 years of experience in the alligator industry.
Aaron Ledet
LAFRA Board of Directors
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Aaron is President of Leatherneck Farms, LLC, founded in 2023 in Gheens, Louisiana. Aaron began working at Golden Ranch Farms in 2012 and purchased one location in 2023. Aaron is a 2nd generation alligator farmer has 19 years of experience in the alligator industry.