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.

Thirty 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 allow the participants 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 Austin, Jr. 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