Vermilion Parish youth compete in La. Farm Bureau Contests

Emma Nicole Stelly represented Vermilion Parish Farm Bureau in the La. Farm Bureau Queen’s Contest at the 101st Annual Convention at the New Orleans Marriott June 22-25, 2023. Twenty-five young women representing their respective parish Farm Bureaus participated in the event. The three-day competition included an interview to test knowledge of the agricultural industry and the Louisiana Farm Bureau Federation, a style show at the Women’s Brunch and an evening gown presentation.
The top 10 finalists, which included Emma, were asked to answer a final on-stage question before the new queen was announced. Gracie Pepper, 19, of Lafourche Parish was crowned the 2023 Louisiana Farm Bureau Queen by the outgoing Queen Allison Lynn Powell. Isabella Hardy of Jefferson Davis Parish was named 1st runner-up and Cesilee Oliver of Calcasieu Parish was named 2nd runner-up. The contestants also voted Tanner Pecanty of Franklin Parish Miss Congeniality.
Isaac Duhon represented Vermilion in the Talk Meet Contest with 10 other contestants where each entrant gave a 5-minute or shorter speech on the following topic: How can Farm Bureau support young people to ensure the future of agriculture? Isaac gave four ideas which included strengthened educational relationships, ag university, mentorship program and legacy transfer opportunities.
Kinzie Brassell, a 16 year old student at Lacassine High School won the Talk Meet Contest. She spoke about programs Farm Bureau has implemented, including Ag in the Classroom, scholarship and the Young Farmers and Ranchers program. She then highlighted the mental health issue that farmers face every day. Finishing second in contest was Colton Conley from Natchitoches and Claire Harrington from Lafayette finished third.
Analyse David represented Vermilion in the Senior Talent Contest with 10 other acts. She performed A Broken Wing by Martina McBride. Analyse is heavily involved with C.Y.T.-Christian Youth Theatre, where she’s received vocal and acting training for the past 7 years.
The Senior Talent winners were a vocal duo from Rapides Parish, cousins Lily Mikulas and Waler Cheek. Dancer Danner Fosson of Beauregard Parish finished as first runner-up and singer Audrey Soulier of St. Charles Parish as second runner-up.
Written by: Gwen Broussard, Federation Assistant