SU Ag Center set to host a slate of events to celebrate its 80th Annual Livestock Show
Baton Rouge, La. – Since 1943, the Southern University Ag Center has continued the tradition of holding a Livestock Show for the youth of Louisiana. Making Southern University the only 1890 Land-Grant Institution to still hold this time-honored tradition. To mark the show’s 80th year, the Ag Center will host several events to celebrate this historic occasion. These events will include a Boots and Bling Affair, an Ag Showcase, and an Educational Experience Expo for youth all leading up to the annual livestock show.
The full list of events with dates, times, and locations is listed below:
February 25, 2023 - Boots and Bling Affair
The event will begin at 7 p.m. at the Maurice A. Edmond Livestock Arena Multi-Purpose Building. Individual tickets are $25; tables are $150 and can be purchased online at https://bit.ly/3QXYWvM. The attire for the event is semi-formal/western.
February 26, 2023 – Livestock Appreciation Luncheon
The luncheon will be held at 1 p.m. at the Maurice A. Edmond Livestock Arena. This event will honor the individuals who have made an impact on the Livestock Show.
February 27, 2023 – Ag Showcase
The Ag Showcase will begin at 9 a.m. on the lawn of Pinkie Thrift Hall on the Southern University campus. Students, faculty, and staff in the Southern University College of Agricultural, Family and Consumer Sciences will discuss career opportunities in the field of agriculture.
February 28, 2023 – The Chancellor’s Luncheon
This event is by invitation only.
March 1, 2023 – The Educational Experience Expo
The Educational Experience Expo will be held from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. at the Maurice A. Edmond Livestock Arena Multi-Purpose Building and will provide students for East Baton Rouge Parish and surrounding areas with an opportunity to explore agricultural displays, demonstrations, exhibits, visit a petting zoo, and tour our mobile technology unit. Schools interested in participating in this event should register online at https://bit.ly/3HrOt8s.
March 2, 2023 – 80th Annual Livestock and Poultry Show Begins
The Livestock Show will officially begin at 8 a.m. at the Maurice A. Edmond Livestock Arena.
March 3, 2023 - Livestock and Poultry Show & Night with the Stars Old Fashion Decorating Contest
Livestock show judging continues at 9 a.m. at the Maurice A. Edmond Livestock Arena. The Friday Night with the Stars Old Fashion Decorating Contest will be held at 6 p.m. at the Maurice A. Edmond Livestock Arena. The event will allow participants to have fun with their animals one last time before the Junior Auction on Saturday morning. The theme for this year is Mardi Gras.
March 4, 2023 – The Awards Program
The awards program will be held at 8:30 a.m. at the Maurice A. Edmond Livestock Arena followed by the Junior Auction at 9:30 a.m.
About the Southern University Livestock Show
The Southern University Ag Center’s Livestock and Poultry Show was established in 1943 as a poultry show by J.W. Fisher, director of the College of Agriculture and Tom J. Jordan, state cooperative extension agent, along with a group of statewide vocational agricultural teachers, agricultural extension workers, and community leaders.
A dairy calf project was added in the second year and the show’s name was changed to the State Poultry and Dairy Show with youth exhibitors (participants) from limited-resource families.
This year, more than 100 youth from across Louisiana will show over 120 animals during this event which provides an opportunity for them showcase their hard work in raising and caring for various breeds of cattle, hogs, sheep, lamb, goats, and poultry. Winners will receive premiums, banners, ribbons, rosettes, and trophy belt buckles.
The Livestock Show cultivates the development of responsibility, dedication, decision-making, leadership, and entrepreneurship skills to the youth who prepare throughout the year for competitions, through the possession and personal care of a live animal project.
Meat Purchases are available
The Livestock Show Office is currently accepting pre-orders of non-processed choice meats from various livestock. All proceeds from meat sales go directly to participating youth as a reward for their hard work and financial investment. The following meat choices and quantities are available:
• Whole Beef $2,000
• Half Beef $1,000
• Fourth Beef $500
• Whole Pork $225
• Whole Lamb $200
• Whole Goat is $175
There is a processing fee that is not included in the original cost of the meat. All purchases must be paid by money order or check and made payable to the Southern University Ag Center Livestock Show, before picking up the meat from the slaughterhouse.
Those who don’t pre-order their meat are invited to make a purchase during the show’s ‘Junior Auction Sale’ on
Saturday, March 4, beginning at 9:30 a.m.
The office will deliver the meat to two locations, either the Cutrer Slaughter House in Kentwood, La. or Rouchers in Plaquemine, La.
Donations to the Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank are also welcome.
For more information on the SU Ag Center’s Livestock Show or to purchase meat, visithttps://www.suagcenter.com/page/80th-annual-livestock-poultry-show-2023 or contact the Livestock Show Office at 225.771.6208.