Vermilion Crawfish, Rice and Sugarcane Farmer Named 2026 Top Young Farmer

NEW ORLEANS--Laura Hebert of Vermilion Parish has been named the 2026 Young Farmers and Ranchers Achievement Award winner, the highest honor given by the Louisiana Farm Bureau to individual farmers each year.

The fourth-generation crawfish, rice and sugarcane farmer won the award during the organization’s 104th Annual Convention at the Marriott on Canal St. Thursday night during the Organizational Awards. The young farmer will now go on to compete for the national title in January 2027 at the American Farm Bureau Convention in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Hebert represents both deep roots and a fresh vision for the future of Louisiana agriculture.

"Regardless of how beat down I am, I can step on the field and still feel a sense of pride," Hebert said. “Even though I’m going through a struggle every day, I know that I can make it out on the other side.”

Hebert has faced her most challenging year of her farming career but remains passionate and hopeful in her operation.

“I think that we do what we do—it’s not for the money,” Hebert said. “I’m not here because I’m going to be the most profitable farmer. I’m here because I’m doing what I love.”

Doing what she loves is how Hebert views farming--it is a passion and commitment to the land and those who worked before her. She is continuously motivated through her wife, Amber, and their son.

“He’s been a huge light in my life for sure,” Hebert said. “Even on the tough days, coming home to him kind of makes it all worth it. It makes the struggle worth it, and it makes me want to keep farming to be able to see him enjoy what I do and share that together.”

As the winner of the 2026 YF&R Achievement Award, the farmer receives a comprehensive prize package, including a $35,000 cash prize, courtesy of the Southern Farm Bureau Casualty Insurance Company.

She also receives an all-expenses-paid trip to the 108th American Farm Bureau Federation Annual Convention in Charlotte, North Carolina, in January 2027 to compete for the national Achievement Award, courtesy of the Louisiana Farm Bureau Federation, along with cash prizes of $250 from the Louisiana Farm Bureau Federation and $250 from the Louisiana Farm Bureau Insurance Companies.