Young Farmers and Ranchers Youth Livestock Show Cultivates Lifelong Skills for Next Generation of Louisiana Agriculture

By Anna Holmes

Louisiana Farm Bureau News

More than 130 head of cattle passed through the show ring April 10–11 at the Florida Parishes Arena in Amite during the Louisiana Farm Bureau Young Farmers and Ranchers Youth Livestock Show. The annual event brings young exhibitors from across the state together to showcase their livestock while gaining insight into the agriculture industry.

Amanda Duhon, Louisiana Farm Bureau YF&R Livestock Show Committee chair, said the event provides youth with hands-on experience and leadership opportunities.

“It’s important for YF&R to hold this event for kids because this is the future of agriculture,” Duhon said. “These kids are growing their project, they're learning about beef and sustainability, all while contributing back to agriculture.”

Duhon recognizes this impact through her children, who participate in livestock projects.

“The responsibility my children gain alone is enough. It teaches them responsibility and compassion, all while learning agriculture and the challenges of it,” Duhon said. “You just can’t beat that.”

In addition to livestock experience, the event introduces participating youth to the Young Farmers and Ranchers program and the broader Farm Bureau organization. These connections help youth build relationships and encourage continued involvement in agriculture.

“Having these kids come to this show and introduce them to the farming community and the Farm Bureau family is so important,” Duhon said. “Farm Bureau means so much to us as farmers. It helps us with advocacy, and we build connections with other farmers.”

The annual event continues to serve as a platform for youth to showcase their passion for livestock and agriculture. Youth participants gain valuable experience in the show ring, while building relationships that carry into future involvement in the field.

The show concluded with champions named across showmanship and livestock divisions, recognizing youth exhibitors for their effort and commitment throughout the event.

Showmanship Winners

Junior Division Champion — Reagan Barras
Intermediate Division Champion — Gracie Doiron
Senior Division Champion — Wynn Cupit

Steer & Breed Division Winners

Champion Steer — Slade Cambre
Champion Brahman Influenced Commercial Heifer — Lane Dunn
Champion Non-Brahman Influenced Commercial Heifer — Carter Marsh
Champion Beefmaster Bull — Hayden Williams
Champion Beefmaster Heifer — Peyton Williams
Champion Braford Base Bull — Cooper Miller
Champion Braford Base Heifer — Preslee Rogers
Champion Gray Brahman Bull — Kate Lovell
Champion Gray Brahman Heifer — Kate Lovell
Champion Red Brahman Bull — Adalyn Comeaux
Champion Red Brahman Heifer — Riggs Conner
Champion Santa Gertrudis Bull — Bodie Triche
Champion Santa Gertrudis Heifer — Gracie Doiron
Champion AOB Brahman Influenced Bull — Ella Saizan
Champion AOB Brahman Influenced Heifer — Bennett Bergeron
Champion Miniature Hereford Bull — Bowen Jackson
Champion Miniature Hereford Heifer — Rayne Stilley
Champion AOB Non-Brahman Influenced Bull — Morgan Hunter
Champion AOB Non-Brahman Influenced Heifer — Josie Sibille