CROWLEY – The 72nd International Rice Festival will recognize Bryant Matthew Gossen as the 2008 Junior Farmer of the Year. Bryant is the 17 year-old son of Dwayne and Carla Gossen of Rayne. He has one sister, Jeanne Claire, who is 7 years-old. He is the grandson of Herbert and Elaine Gossen of Rayne and Curtis and Cheryl Clayton of Iota.

Bryant and his family live on the family farm in Rayne. The family farm consists of 1500 acres of rice, soybeans, crawfish and cattle.

Bryant is a senior at Rayne High School. After graduation, Bryant’s plans are to continue farming. He has been a member of the Rayne High FFA chapter for three years. He has participated in the Acadia Parish Tractor Driving contest for two years in which he was awarded second place. He is a three year member of the Rayne High Wolves Football team. Bryant is also an active member of St. Leo’s Catholic Church in Roberts Cove.

Growing up in a farming family helped Bryant learn the duties and responsibilities of a farmer from an early age. Some of his responsibilities include managing water, spraying levees, operating and maintaining farm equipment, leveling bins, feed and care of cattle, maintaining crawfish ponds and other farm duties.

Bryant’s hobbies include playing football, spending time with his family, attending church, hanging out with friends, movies, driving, hunting and fishing. His agricultural roots and dedication to farming is evident in his passion for the industry. Bryant is a fifth generation rice farmer on their family farm.