East Carroll Parish Grain Farmer Among Top 10 Young Farmers in America

By Avery Davidson & Monica Velasquez
This Week in Louisiana Agriculture

Matt Dennis of East Carroll Parish represented Louisiana at the American Farm Bureau Federation Young Farmers and Ranchers Achievement Award. The contest was held at the 103rd American Farm Bureau Convention at Atlanta, Ga. January 7-12, 2022.

Matt Dennis, 28, will represent Louisiana for the American Farm Bureau Federation Young Farmers and Ranchers (YF&R) Achievement Award at the 103rd Annual American Farm Bureau Annual Meeting in Atlanta, Georgia. 

Dennis is a third generation corn and soybean farmer in Sondheimer, La. Dennis respects the traditions his grandfather started when he established Lost Ball Farms, but the younger Dennis is using technology to ensure the future of his farm. 

"They thought I spent too much money,” said Dennis. “I bought ditchers, GPS equipment, and the newest technologies. The ditches were the best thing we ever did. It’s important to get the water on the field, but it's more important to get the water off the field."

Dennis uses a variety of systems to increase planting and harvest efficiency for himself and his workforce. While he is constantly improving and preparing for the future of agriculture, Dennis eventually wants to return to the roots of the family farm and plant rice like his grandfather. 

The YF&R Achievement Award recognizes outstanding achievement in production agriculture and leadership by an individual or couple involved in production agriculture with a majority of his or her gross income subject to normal production risks. 

Dennis earned his spot at the American Farm Bureau Convention by winning the Louisiana Farm Bureau Federation Young Farmers and Ranchers Achievement Award in June 2021.

The winner of the YF&R Achievement Award will receive a new Ford vehicle valued up to $35,000, courtesy of Ford Motor Company, and paid registration to the YF&R Leadership Conference in Louisville, Ky. First runner-up receives a Case IH Farmall 50A tractor valued at $27,699, courtesy of Case IH. Second runner-up receives a Case IH 40” combination roll cabinet and top chest and a $500 Case IH parts card, courtesy of Case IH, a $2,500 cash prize, courtesy of American Agricultural Insurance Company, and $1,850 worth of Stanley Black and Decker merchandise, courtesy of Stanley Black and Decker. Third runner-up receives a Case IH 40” combination roll cabinet and top chest and a $500 Case IH parts card, courtesy of Case IH.

The winners will be announced at the Closing Session of the 103rd Annual American Farm Bureau Federation Convention on Monday, January 10, 2022.