Evangeline Parish Couple Win Excellence in Agriculture Award

By Veronica Mosgrove

Lt. Gov. Billy Nungesser’s Office

A couple from Evangeline Parish is this year’s recipient of the Louisiana Farm Bureau Federation Young Farmers and Ranchers Excellence in Agriculture award. Clint and Raquella Manuel took the top prize at the 102nd annual convention held in New Orleans, La.

This prize is awarded to young farmers and ranchers who do not earn the majority of their income from an owned agricultural operation but contribute to the industry.

“I feel blessed, humbled and proud to have such a huge support group,” said Clint Manuel.

Raquella Manuel is also a 2023 winner of the Young Farmers and Ranchers Discussion Meet competition and added, “It was such a great experience to participate and win the Discussion Meet, but this is even more special getting to share this with my husband.”

Clint is a fourth-generation cattle and hay farmer who works part-time with his father. He is also a mechanical engineer.

“It was on my father's small cattle operation where my appreciation for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics fields truly blossomed. Immersed in rural life, I witnessed the power of innovation and mechanic practices in agriculture. I chose to pursue engineering with the goal of returning to my hometown,” said Clint.

Raquella’s background is marketing, business and communications but was always drawn to agriculture. During high school, she assisted in chartering her school’s first-ever FFA program. She currently serves as director for the State FFA Foundation.

“We are both driven to uphold our family's farming legacy and contribute to our community's well-being,” added Clint.

The Manuel’s have two young sons, Luke and Levi.