St. Martin Parish Young Farmer Wins Louisiana Farm Bureau Discussion Meet

By Allie Shipley

Louisiana Farm Bureau

Hannah Devall of St. Martin Parish was named the winner of the Young Farmers and Ranchers Discussion Meet contest at the 2024 Louisiana Farm Bureau Convention in New Orleans. This contest simulates a committee meeting which allows professionals in agriculture to develop leadership skills.

“As a youth development professional, I am always encouraging the youth I work with to step out of their comfort zone and do the hard things to better themselves for tomorrow,” Devall said. “This contest provided me an opportunity to lead by example.”

“The discussion meet prepares YF&R members for real life situations through encouraging communication skills, teamwork amongst panelists, and discussion of timely agriculture-based topics,” she added.

This year’s final discussion was centered around ways that young farmers and ranchers can utilize diversification to explore new revenue sources.

“Diverse crops, raising multiple animal species or employing new marketing techniques: Diversification is spreading the downward risk over multiple enterprises,” said Devall. “Whether you're putting your eggs in different baskets or adding other items to your basket of eggs, diversification can lead to a more fruitful harvest.”

Devall serves as a Louisiana 4-H Animal Science and Agriculture Literacy/Awareness Specialist. She and her husband, Justin, are the proud parents of two sons, John Wayne and Reese Wyatt.

“I appreciate the opportunity to represent St. Martin Parish Farm Bureau,” said Devall. “My participation in opportunities such as this one wouldn’t be possible without the support from my family and for that I am most appreciative.”

Devall won a trip to compete in the Discussion Meet at the 2025 American Farm Bureau Convention in San Antonio, Texas, a John Deere Gator utility vehicle, courtesy of Southern Farm Bureau Life Insurance Company, along with other cash prizes.