St. Tammany LSU Student Claims Discussion Meet Title

By Chuck Cannon

Louisiana Farm Bureau Federation

Abbygail Davis competes in the 2025 Louisiana Farm Bureau Young Farmers and Ranchers Discussion Meet.

A 20-year-old LSU student from St. Tammany Parish bested 13 competitors to earn the Discussion Meet crown at the 103rd Annual Louisiana Farm Bureau Federation Convention at the Marriott Hotel in New Orleans June 26.

Abbygail Davis, whose family farms cattle, meat goats and dairy goats competed against three other finalists as they discussed the following topic: How can farmers and ranchers effectively advance environmental stewardship while balancing the needs of their farms.

Davis said farming is near and dear to her heart.

“Agriculture wasn’t necessarily a big push because we were hobbyists, but we always had agriculture land and farmed, but my dad never forced it on me,” she said. “They let me experience school and sports.”

Davis said she started developing a passion for agriculture in middle school.

“I really started understanding the importance and value that it took to be someone who put a seed into the ground, or who raised an animal from a baby,” she said. “While I'm not fortunate enough to have many acres where I can produce row crops or grow cattle in a larger scale, I begin to understand and realize the importance this industry has. and it led me to grow as a person through 4-H and FFA.”

Davis is majoring in animal science at LSU, focusing on livestock production, but has no plans to become a veterinarian.

“I would like to lobby or work for the Farm Bureau or the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry, because I want to be able to help advocate and share our farmers’ voice in their stories.”

Davis said that whatever the future holds, agriculture will always hold a place in her heart and life.

“I know if I go to into Baton Rouge and start working in policy it will be a challenge (to farm), but I can have a farm back home in St. Tammany,” she said. “I love it (agriculture). I value the culture we have at Louisiana around agriculture. You can travel anywhere else, but we are so unique, we are so diverse, and we have so much hospitality and the people are so welcoming that you just don't want to leave Louisiana.”

Davis said she first learned of the discussion meet last year and felt confident that if she prepared, she could do well.

“I have a voice and a passion for this industry,” she said. “In November I started preparing, texting people and talking to past winners. I wasn't expecting anything, like winning my first time. I was just happy to experience it.”

2025 Louisiana Farm Bureau Young Farmers and Ranchers Discussion Meet Winner Abbygail Davis.

Although preparing for and winning the discussion meet would be a full plate for most youngsters, Davis is not done at the convention. She is a contestant in the Louisiana Farm Bureau Queen’s Contest June 28.

“It’s a busy week, but I enjoy it,” she said.