Southern University Ag Center Holds 77th Annual State Livestock Show
Baton Rouge, La. – For 77 years, Southern University has continued the tradition of providing an opportunity for youth throughout Louisiana to gain valuable knowledge and skills at its Annual State Livestock and Poultry Show. The event was held on February 27 – 29 at the Maurice A. Edmond Livestock Arena.
Twenty-nine young people from across the state were named state champions in various breeds of dairy and beef cattle, lamb, goat, and poultry during the show.
Southern University is the only Historically Black College or University that currently holds a livestock show and it is like no other show in the state.
“Our show is unique in the fact that we offer guided school tours that include a petting zoo, gardening station, and educational presentations while the participants are showing their animals,” said Harold Mellieon, Ph.D., Director of Livestock Show Programs.
“The tours provide an opportunity for many youth in the Baton Rouge area to see live farm animals in person for the first time. We also have college students from Southern’s College of Agricultural, Family and Consumer Sciences assisting with every part of the show. This gives our college students hands-on experience in the field,” added Mellieon.
Southern also holds a “Night with the Stars: Old Fashion Livestock Decorating Contest” on every Friday evening after all the animals have been judged.
“We hold this event to give the participants an opportunity to have fun with their animal one last time before the Jr. Auction on Saturday morning,” said Mellieon.
The “Night with the Stars’ winners were:
Kenzi Primm in first place and Skylar Primm second place. The first-place winner received $100, the second-place received $50 and both winners took home a commemorative belt buckle cup.
The following is a list of additional winners in various livestock categories and their home parishes. Each winner received a premium, ribbon, rosette and trophy belt buckle.
Registered Dairy
Champion – Cooper Holmes, Desoto Parish
Reserve Champion – Kyle Sonnier, Jeff-Davis Parish
Commercial Dairy
Champion - Kyle Sonnier, Jeff-Davis Parish
Reserve Champion - Wyatt Sonnier, Jeff-Davis Parish
Dairy Showmanship
Champion - Kyle Sonnier, Jeff-Davis Parish
Reserve Champion - Camille Sonnier, Jeff-Davis Parish
Brahman Bull
Champion – Sutton Shields, Calcasieu Parish
Reserve Champion – Coy Desormeaux, Cameron Parish
Non-Brahman Bull
Champion – Skylar Primm, Caddo Parish
Reserve Champion – Samuel Danos, Sabine Parish
Brahman Heifers
Champion – Sutton Shields, Calcasieu Parish
Reserve Champion – Brenden Ford, Sabine Parish
Non-Brahman Heifer
Champion - Skylar Primm, Caddo Parish
Reserve Champion – Kenzi Primm, Caddo Parish
Commercial Heifer
Champion – Kenneth Rains, Sabine Parish
Reserve Champion – Emma Peace, Sabine Parish
Beef Showmanship
Champion – Brenden Ford, Sabine Parish
Reserve Champion - Kenzi Primm, Caddo Parish
Market Steer
Champion – Adam Wilson, East Baton Rouge Parish
Reserve Champion – Mykia Dyson, Tangipahoa Parish
LA Bred Market Steer
Champion – Robbie Ausin, Madison Parish
Market Lamb
Champion – Hunter Parks, Livington Parish
Reserve Champion – Makayla Reyenga, Bossier Parish
Market Lamb LA Bred
Champion – Evan Mahler, Lafourche Parish
Reserve Champion – Catherine Martin, Winn Parish
Lamb Showmanship
Champion – Carlone Dupree, Bossier Parish
Reserve Champion – Makayla Reyenga, Bossier Parish
Market Goat
Champion – Jennifer Langston, Bossier Parish
Reserve Champion – Chloe Ayo, Lafourche Parish
Market Goat LA Bred
Champion - Jennifer Langston, Bossier Parish
Reserve Champion - Ava Chambers, Bossier Parish
Goat Showmanship
Champion - Jennifer Langston, Bossier Parish
Reserve Champion - Ava Chambers, Bossier Parish
Market Hog
Champion – Hunter Parks, Livingston Parish
Reserve Champion – Brianna Siebarth, Calcasieu Parish
Hog Showmanship
Champion - Alexis Laiche, St. James Parish
Reserve Champion - Kensie Pellerin, Iberia Parish
Broiler
Champion – Michelle Adams, Caddo Parish
Reserve Champion – Halle Coppernex, St. James Parish
Broiler Premier Exhibitor
Co-Champion – Lillian Lofton, Avoyelles Parish
Co-Champion – Jasmine Soniat, Avoyelles Parish
Reserve Champion – Aliyah Milburn, St. Landry Parish