Jeff Davis Parish Youth Crowned 2018 Louisiana Farm Bureau Queen

By Allie Doise, Louisiana Farm Bureau News

Caroline Hardy, 19, of Jefferson Davis Parish covered her mouth in awe when she was named the 2018 Louisiana Farm Bureau Federation Queen Saturday night during the organization’s 96th Annual Convention. 

After a weekend of tough interviews testing her agricultural knowledge and understanding of the Farm Bureau Federation and practices, the blonde-haired, blue-eyed teen captured the title of Queen.  The competition included 23 other parish queens. Hardy, along with the other top 10 finalists, was asked why Farm Bureau is important to the farmers and ranchers of Louisiana.

“Farm Bureau takes it to the next level of not just advocating for agriculture, but also protecting our farmers and giving them a sense security,” Hardy said. “I just think Farm Bureau is a great way to keep agriculture alive in Louisiana.”

Hardy said representing Farm Bureau is something she has dreamed about since her grandfather served on the parish board, and can’t wait to live out her dream this year.

“I know that it’s going to be such an educations experience,” Hardy said. “I can’t wait to learn more about the diverse agricultural industry in our state.”

Hardy is the daughter of Kevin and Sharla Hardy, of Welsh. She is currently a sophomore at McNeese State University studying general agriculture. 

Victoria Roussel of Vermilion Parish was named first runner-up in the contest. Second runner-up in the competition was Victoria Comeaux of Acadia Parish. The contestants also voted Abby Stogner of Washington Parish Miss Congeniality. 

The Louisiana Farm Bureau Queen's Contest is sponsored by the Louisiana Farm Bureau Women's Committee, and concluded the youth events in a week jam-packed with activity during the organization's annual meeting.

Founded in 1922, the Louisiana Farm Bureau Federation is the state’s largest general farm organization representing more than 140,000 member families.