FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 12, 2007

Contact: Candace J. Semien
Communications Coordinator
(225)771-2242 ext. 303
www.suagcenter.com

State Livestock Show starts March 1
School groups, families welcomed

Young farmers and ranchers from across the state are gearing up for the 64th Annual State Livestock 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 March 1-3 competition to be held at the Maurice A. Edmonds Livestock Show Arena in Baker. School groups and families are invited for this exciting event.

“We are anticipating more than 500 youth to take center stage and vie to be called the ‘Grand Champion’ of their breed,” said Christie Monroe, assistant livestock show director.

The show features animals that have been showcased and have won in parish and district competitions. During the two-day event, judges will name the state champions in various breeds of beef and dairy cattle, hogs, poultry, sheep, and goats. The al-time favorite mini-farm featuring a variety of small farm animals will open Friday, March 2, 9am-1pm. Tour guides will discuss different animals, their food sources, farming and how agriculture affects everyone’s lives.

For decades Southern University and, now, the Southern University Ag Center has hosted the competition as a means to “develop champion youth,” says chancellor Leodrey Williams. “Developing our youth is the center focus of our programs and the varied events that lead up to this show. By participating in the livestock projects, youth learn valuable life skills and develop character.”

Youth age eight to 17 whose animals successfully weigh-in will be judged on showmanship and the animal’s grooming. Winners will receive premiums, rosettes, ribbons. An awards presentation for exhibitors of champion market animals in the show will be held Saturday, March 3 at 9am and will be immediately followed by the Junior Auction Sale at 10:30am.

School groups should register by calling the Livestock Show office at (225) 771-2242 or emailing Monroe at christie_monroe@suagcenter.com

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