Southern hosts 64th annual livestock show

Animal lovers get ready!
Southern University will host the 64th Annual State Livestock Show March 1 through 3 at the Maurice A. Edmond Livestock Arena, a division of the Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center.
Over 500 young potential farmers will gather at the Arena, some with animals larger than themselves, for the show.
According to officials the SU Livestock Show remains a premiere event for displaying youth showmanship and quality animals.
Approximately 35 individuals will be named state champions of dairy animals, goat, beef-bearing animals, lamb, hog and steer competitions.
By the end of the three-day event, over 200 animals will be auctioned during the live market and 800 people will have visited the arena in support of area youth.
“The 2007 livestock show promises to be one to remember,” said Christie Monroe, program director. “We have a few surprises in store for the youth. We have a craft booth, mini farm and a face painting station. The participants will also receive a gift bag at the end of the tour as they board the bus.”
Registration began at 8 a.m. on Thursday followed by weigh-in.
Showmanship and judging will begin today at 8:00 a.m.
The show will conclude on Saturday afternoon with a sale of champions and auction of other animals that placed high within their respective categories.
According to research associate Teri Walsh, “Youth herdsman and shepherds have been preparing for the three-day event all fall and are ready to show off their best animals for judging.”
Market animals auctioned at the sale will immediately go to the designated meat packaging companies specified by the buyers.
“The auction is a chance for the public to show their support for those youth and fill their freezers with quality beef, pork, lamb and goat,” said James Archie, former Livestock Program Director.
Archie retired last month following decades of highly successful livestock shows and youth competitions.
Known in agriculture circles by his dedicated service and trademark cowboy hat, Archie contributed 42 years to the agriculture profession at Southern University and Louisiana State University. Many people said Archie has impacted the lives of thousands of young farmers and their families statewide.
Meat orders and exhibitor donations are being accepted through the Agriculture Center’s Livestock department. For more information, contact Christie Monroe at (225) 771-2242 ext. 328.