St. Martin Parish 4-H Agent Wins Excellence in Agriculture Award

Hannah Devall of St. Martin Parish competes in the 2019 Louisiana Farm Bureau Young Farmers and Ranchers Excellence in Agriculture contest at the 97th Annual Convention of the Louisiana Farm Bureau Federation in New Orleans.

By Bobby Soileau, Ph.D., LSU AgCenter

     NEW ORLEANS –  4-H and raising livestock helped shape Hannah Devall’s youth and career. It also  helped her win the 2019 Louisiana Farm Bureau Young Farmers and Ranchers Excellence in Agriculture award.

     Devall received the award Thursday night at the 97th Annual Convention of the Louisiana Farm Bureau Federation. The contest is an opportunity to recognize Young Farmers and Ranchers who do not derive the majority of their income from an owned agricultural operation.  All of the contestants show how they are actively involved in Farm Bureau and the agricultural industry.

     “I was so surprised,” said Devall. “I felt truly honored to be amongst such qualified individuals.”

     A long line of family history and involvement with the 4-H program eventually led to her showing livestock through 4-H. According to Devall she begged her parents to let her show animals at the parish sale. Her father responded, “Raising animals is a big commitment and a lot of work. If you want to show livestock you will find a way.” 

     Her 4-H experience eventually led to a career as a 4-H agent with the LSU AgCenter in St. Martin Parish. 

     “Memories of my time as a 4-H member fueled my desire to become an extension agent and rooted me in the guidance and encouragement bestowed upon me from my extension agents,” said Devall. 

     She first became involved with Louisiana Farm Bureau when she began her career as a 4-H agent. Devall currently serves as the St. Martin Parish chair for Young Farmers and Ranchers. In addition, she serves on the parish Women’s Leadership committee and the Youth Contest committee.

     "I find Farm Bureau to be a natural fit for me. It’s refreshing to be surrounded with such a great group of people with similar thoughts, beliefs and ideas," said Devall.

     She and her husband currently raise Quarter Horses, but they are working to begin a lamb operation.

     “We have big dreams of operating a club lamb operation in hopes of having lambs for 4-H members and ultimately our son John,” said Devall.

     As the winner of the 2019 Louisiana Farm Bureau Excellence in Agriculture Award, Devall receives $7,500 toward the purchase of a 4-wheel ATV, courtesy of Louisiana Land Bank, an all-expense paid trip to the 2020 American Farm Bureau Federation Convention, $1,500 in equipment rentals courtesy of H&E Equipment Services, as well as other cash prices.

     For more information, visit www.lfbfconvention.org.   

     Founded in 1922, the Louisiana Farm Bureau Federation is the state’s largest general farm organization representing more than 137,000 member families.