Lafourche Parish Ag Teacher Wins Louisiana Farm Bureau YF&R Excellence in Agriculture Award
By Bobby Soileau, Ph.D.
LSU AgCenter
NEW ORLEANS – Growing up in a suburban community that did not involve agriculture is not the typical story of an agricultural professional. It is part of the unique path for Emily Steagall of Lafourche Parish who won the 2026 Louisiana Farm Bureau Young Farmers and Ranchers Excellence in Agriculture award.
“My childhood was spent at motocross tracks, racing competitively with my family,” said Steagall. “Agriculture entered my life through my school FFA program and a local family who opened their farm to students like me.”
Louisiana Farm Bureau Young Farmers and Ranchers Committee Chair Aaron Lee, Louisiana Land Bank CEO Stephen Austin, Excellence in Agriculture Award Winner Emily Steagall and Louisiana Farm Bureau President Richard Fontenot.
Steagall received the award Thursday night at the 104th Annual Louisiana Farm Bureau Convention. 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 incredibly honored and humbled to receive this award,” said Steagall. “This recognition means a lot to me because it is a reflection of not only my own efforts but the efforts of my students and the many supporters within my own community. I wouldn’t be the professional I am today without their support.”
Once Steagall was introduced to agriculture, she pursued a degree in Agricultural Education from LSU and began teaching at Sixth Ward Middle School in Thibodaux.
“I teach Agriscience and focus on connecting classroom concepts to real-world application through project-based learning, hands-on skill development and experiential instruction,” said Steagall.
She regularly organizes farm and agribusiness tours throughout the state for her students. In addition, she has industry-based projects for the students. One of those projects is greenhouse production that produces and sells more than 1,300 plants annually each spring.
These and other aspects of her program led to being recognized as the state’s top middle school FFA chapter and ranked among the Top 25 National FFA Chapters.
Steagall became involved with Young Farmers & Ranchers in 2025 with plans to become more involved in the future. She believes the skills gained through her involvement will impact her as an educator and community member.
“My involvement with Young Farmers & Ranchers has provided me with valuable opportunities to connect with agricultural leaders throughout our state,” said Steagall. “Through these experiences I have gained a deeper appreciation for the importance of advocacy and collaboration within the context of sustaining the agricultural industry.”
For winning, Steagall received $7,500 toward the purchase of a 4-wheel ATV, courtesy of Louisiana Land Bank, an all-expenses paid trip to the 2027 American Farm Bureau Federation Convention in Charlotte, North Carolina, and other cash prizes.