Daughter of Fallen Lafourche Parish Deputy Named 2023 La. Farm Bureau Queen

By Allie Shipley

2023 Louisiana Farm Bureau Queen Gracie Pepper

NEW ORLEANS— At an event for farmers and ranchers, it was a Lafourche beauty queen in a white evening gown who took center stage Saturday night.

Gracie Pepper, 19, of Lafourche Parish was crowned the 2023 Louisiana Farm Bureau Queen at the organization’s 101st Annual Convention, June 24 at the New Orleans Marriott Hotel.

“Being named queen means the world to me, especially this year,” Pepper said. “I lost my father, Detective Sgt. Nicholas Pepper, in the line of duty on April 2, 2023. He was there for me when I was crowed Lafourche Parish Farm Bureau Queen. He and I talked about the dress I was going to wear, and he loved it.”

Twenty-five young women representing their respective parish Farm Bureaus participated in the event. The three-day competition included an interview to test knowledge of the agricultural industry and the Louisiana Farm Bureau Federation, a style show at the Women’s Brunch and an evening gown presentation. Pepper and the other top 10 finalists were also asked to answer a final on-stage question.

“My goal is to make the process of production, the relationship between producers and consumers, the importance of listening to someone’s story, farm to table education, and the importance of agriculture and farm bills, just as commonly known as who painted the Mona Lisa,” Pepper said.

As a representative of the state’s largest general farm organization, Pepper will spend the next year doing just that. She will represent the Louisiana Farm Bureau Federation throughout the state at various festivals and events and even nationally at the Mystick Krewe of Louisianians Mardi Gras Ball in Washington, D.C.

“I am looking forward to making not only my parish of Lafourche known and proud, but also this great state that has so much to offer to the United States,” Pepper said. “Oh and of course, D.C. Mardi Gras with Drew Brees as King!”

Pepper is the daughter of Christie Pepper and the late Det. Sgt. Nicholas Pepper of Thibodaux. She is a 2022 graduate of Edward Douglas White Catholic High and will begin her sophomore year at Nicholls State University this fall. She is majoring in biology with hopes of becoming an anesthesiologist.

Isabella Hardy, of Jefferson Davis Parish, was named first runner-up in the contest. Second runner-up was Cesilee Oliver of Calcasieu Parish. The contestants also voted Tanner Pecanty, of Franklin Parish, Miss Congeniality.

The Louisiana Farm Bureau Queen's Contest is organized by the Louisiana Farm Bureau Women's Committee.

Founded in 1921, the Louisiana Farm Bureau Federation is the state’s largest general farm organization representing more than 142,000 member families.