SU Ag Center set to host its 83rd Annual Livestock and Poultry Show
Baton Rouge, La. – Small farmers from throughout the state will gather at the Maurice A. Edmond Livestock Arena from February 26 – 28, 2026, to compete for an opportunity to be named grand champion during the Southern University Ag Center’s 83rd Annual State Livestock and Poultry Show.
Several events have been planned leading up to the Annual Show. These events include the Boots and Bling Affair, a Livestock Give Day, and a Youth Agriculture Experience for local students.
The full list of events with dates, times, and locations is listed below:
January 31, 2026 – Boots and Bling Affair
The 4th Annual Boots & Bling Affair will kick-off events for the 83rd Annual State Livestock and Poultry Show. The event will begin at 7 p.m. at the F. G. Clark Activity Center on the Southern University campus. Zydeco accordionist and singer, Chris Ardoin will be the musical artists for the event. The attire is western and heavy hors d’oeuvres and drinks will be provided. Tickets are $45 for general admission (standing room only) and $300 per table. Individuals must be 21 or older to attend. To purchase tickets visit, https://foundation.sus.edu/4th-annual-boots-and-bling/.
February 22, 2026 – Trailblazer Appreciation Luncheon
The luncheon will be held at 11 a.m. at the Maurice A. Edmond Livestock Arena Multi-Purpose Building. This event will honor the individuals who have made an impact on the Livestock Show.
February 24, 2026 – Livestock Give Day
The Jaguar Nation is asked to participate in the 4th Annual Livestock Give Day. Individuals are asked to donate $83 for the Livestock Show’s 83rd anniversary.
February 25, 2026 – The Ag Experience
The Ag Experience will be held from 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. at the Maurice A. Edmond Livestock Arena and Multi-Purpose Building. It will provide students from East Baton Rouge Parish and surrounding parishes with the opportunity to explore agricultural stations containing displays, demonstrations, exhibits, and animals.
February 26, 2026 – 83rd Annual State Livestock and Poultry Show Begins and Mellow Barn Day
The Livestock Show will officially begin at 8 a.m. at the Maurice A. Edmond Livestock Arena. Animal check-in will start at 12 p.m.
The Mellow Barn Day will be held from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. This day allows sensory sensitive students to experience agricultural exhibits, demonstrations, and animals.
February 27, 2026 - Livestock and Poultry Show & Night with the Stars Old Fashion Decorating Contest
Judging will continue at 9 a.m. in the Maurice A. Edmond Livestock Arena. The Friday Night with the Stars Old Fashion Decorating Contest will be held at6 p.m. at the Maurice A. Edmond Livestock Arena. The event will allow participants to have fun with their animals one last time before the Junior Auction on Saturday morning.
February 28, 2026 – Awards Program and Junior Auction
Exhibitors who placed in the category of champion and showmanship will receive their awards during this program, which will be held at 8:30 a.m. at the Maurice A. Edmond Livestock Arena. The Junior Auction immediately follows the awards program.
About the Southern University Ag Center’s Livestock Show
The Southern University Ag Center’s State Livestock and Poultry Show was established in 1943 as a poultry show by J.W. Fisher, director of the College of Agriculture and Tom J. Jordan, state cooperative extension agent, along with a group of statewide vocational agricultural teachers, agricultural extension workers, and community leaders.
A dairy calf project was added in the second year, and the show’s name was changed to the State Poultry and Dairy Show with youth exhibitors (participants) from limited-resource families.
This year, youth from across Louisiana will showcase their hard work in raising and caring for various breeds of cattle, hogs, sheep, lamb, goats, and poultry. Winners will receive premiums, banners, ribbons, rosettes, and trophy belt buckles.
The Livestock Show cultivates the development of responsibility, dedication, decision-making, leadership, and entrepreneurship skills to the youth who prepare throughout the year for competitions, through the possession and personal care of a live animal project.
Southern University is the only 1890 Land-Grant Institution that continues to hold a livestock show.
For additional information on the SU Ag Center’s Annual Livestock Show visit, Livestock& Poultry Program.
