BATON ROUGE-Young farmers and ranchers from across the state are gearing up for the 66th Annual State Livestock and Poultry Show hosted by the Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center.

They are grooming, weighing, and even breeding their champion animals in preparation for the February 27-28 competition to be held at the Maurice A. Edmond Livestock Show Arena on James C. Archie Drive in Baker off of Highway 61N. School groups and families are invited to attend this free event. Prize meats (beef, lamb, pork, and goat) are available for sale.

"This culminating event not only showcases the showmanship of Louisiana's young herdsmen, it also shows the hardwork, dedication, and financial investments they and their families have made in raising the livestock," said Renita Marshall, DVM, livestock show programs director. According to Marshall, proceeds from the meat sales go directly to the youth.

The show features animals that have been showcased or have won in parish competitions. During the two-day event, judges will name the state champions in various breeds of beef and dairy cattle, hogs, sheep, lamb, and goats. The all-time favorite mini-farm, featuring a variety of small farm animals, will open Friday, February 27, 9 am. Tour guides will discuss different animals, their food sources, farming and how agriculture affects everyone's lives. The show will also have livestock and poultry quiz bowl, face painting, food, craft booths, and the Hall of Louisiana Agriculture, until 1 pm Friday for local school groups.

The Southern University Ag Center has hosted the competition as a means to "develop champion youth," said chancellor Leodrey Williams. Youth, age seven to 19, whose animals successfully weigh-in will be judged on showmanship and the animal's grooming. Winners will receive premiums, rosettes, ribbons, and silver platters. An awards presentation for exhibitors of champion market animals in the show will be held Saturday, February 28, at 8 am and will be immediately followed by the Junior Auction Sale at 10:30 am. Meat buyers, who have not pre-purchased their meat, will be on hand to bid for show livestock meat.

To pre-order meat or register a group, call the livestock show office at (225) 771-2242 or emailing Marshall at renita_marshall@suagcenter.com

Visit the 2009 Livestock Show website here.

Media Contact: Candace J. Semien
Communications Coordinator
(225)771-2242 ext. 319
Photos and broll available.