V. Todd Miller LSU AgCenter
Gonzales — 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.
Dwayne Nunez, Ag-Center 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.”
St. Martin Parish winners included: Goat Show - Grand Champion La. Bred Nigerian Dwarf Doe, Juliana Girouard.
Breeding Swine Show - Grand Champion Yorkshire Gilt, Jaxon Taylor.
Market Hog Show- LPPA/LCES Senior Swine Showmanship Reserve Champion, Rheese Robicheaux.
LPPA/LCES Intermediate Swine Showmanship Champion, Rhayli Robicheaux.
LPPA/LCES Junior Swine Showmanship Champion, McKlain Cortez.
LPPA/LCES Overall Swine Showmanship Champion, Rhayli Robicheaux.
Reserve Champion La. Bred Hampshire Hog - Light, Rheese Robicheaux.
Rabbit Show - Netherland Dwarf - Best Opposite of Breed 4-H Himalayan F, Cecilia Cantu.
State Horse Show - Public Speaking Junior Division - 1st Place, Annalise Arnaud.
Individual Demonstration - Junior Division - 3rd Place, Annalise Arnaud.
Halter and Special Needs Classes Quarter Horse Mare, Foaled In 2022 (3-year-old) - 1st Place, Annalise Arnaud.
Miniature Horse Geldings, All Ages - 1st Place, Annalise Arnaud.
Champion Miniature Horse Gelding - Annalise Arnaud.
