Champions Shine at 91st Annual LSU AgCenter Livestock Show
LSU AgCenter
Overall showman Kadie Fontenot, center, of Evangeline Parish, is pictured with, from left, with Matt Lee, senior vice chancellor of the LSU AgCenter and dean of the College of Agriculture; Todd Tarifa, associate director of 4-H youth development for the AgCenter; Megan Roberts, of the Alan and Jeannette Thomason Foundation; and Tara Smith, AgCenter executive associate vice president and director of the Louisiana Cooperative Extension Service.
Photo by V. Todd Miller/LSU AgCenter
GONZALES, La. — Louisiana 4-H and FFA livestock competitors from Homer to Houma and all points between came together to participate in the 91st annual LSU AgCenter Livestock Show from Feb. 14 to 21 at the Lamar-Dixon Expo Center in Gonzales.
Supreme breeding winners are pictured with LSU AgCenter leaders. From left, front row, Matt Lee, senior vice chancellor of the AgCenter and dean of the College of Agriculture; Todd Tarifa, associate director of 4-H youth development for the AgCenter; Camille Pridgen, Vermilion Parish; and Hollie Metz, Iberia Parish. Back row, Jacob Lear, St. James Parish; Tinsley Sanders, Webster Parish; Emma Moss, Calcasieu Parish; and Tara Smith, AgCenter executive associate vice president and director of the Louisiana Cooperative Extension Service.
Photo by V. Todd Miller/LSU AgCenter
Dwayne Nunez, AgCenter livestock show manager, reported that 1,207 eligible exhibitors showed 2,276 breeding animals, 956 market animals, 209 pens of broilers, 1,028 exhibition birds, 13 pens of meat rabbits and 545 exhibition rabbits. After competing at the parish and district levels, youths from across Louisiana reached the pinnacle of success statewide.
The show was dedicated to Jerry Whatley, from East Carroll Parish, who was a cornerstone in the foundation of Louisiana 4-H for nearly half a decade.
Matt Lee, senior vice chancellor of the LSU AgCenter and dean of the College of Agriculture, was on hand to thank everyone who put the event together.
“We’re here to say, ‘thank you’ to the exhibitors, to the families who come from all over the state to help support their young people and show them a path to the future,” Lee said. “They teach them skills and values that will turn them into productive citizens and adults, helping to elevate the great state of Louisiana.”
Todd Tarifa, associate director of 4-H youth development for the AgCenter, said the Livestock Show is more than a competition. It’s an event where young people discover their confidence, build lifelong skills and learn the value of hard work and responsibility.
“Every animal, every project and every new relationship formed represents the future leaders of Louisiana agriculture, and I’m proud to support a program that shapes such capable, responsible, grounded and resilient leaders,” Tarifa said. “In addition, this wonderful event wouldn’t be possible without the support of parents, volunteers, FFA advisers and 4-H agents.”
Tara Smith, AgCenter executive associate vice president and director of the Louisiana Cooperative Extension Service, called the state show a “signature event” that brings together participants from all corners of the state.
“Livestock is an integral project area for both 4-H and FFA in Louisiana. It is truly remarkable to observe the youth doing what they love and to see all the hard work and effort culminate in this experience,” she said. “Livestock projects emulate the ‘learn by doing’ 4-H motto. These experiences will impact the participating youth for years to come.”
Sponsors for this year’s event donated at various levels, including:
Livestock Award Endowments
Gerry Lane Enterprises — Premier Exhibitor Awards
Price LeBlanc — Champion Market Animals Awards
Nutrien — Champion Showmanship Awards
Meraux Foundation — Supreme Champion Breeding Animals Awards
Arena Sponsors ($10,000 to $19,999)
First South Farm Credit
Sunshine Quality Solutions
Mosaic
Louisiana Land Bank
Exxon Mobil
Gold Level Sponsors ($5,000 to $9,999)
Allen and Jeanette Guillory Thomason Family
Louisiana FFA
Louisiana 4-H Foundation
Louisiana Farm Bureau Federation
CF Industries
Silver Level Sponsors ($2,500 to $4,999)
Louisiana Cattleman’s Association
Louisiana Egg Commission
Boot Barn
The complete list of 2026 LSU AgCenter Livestock Show winners will be posted soon.