Winners of the 2012 LSU AgCenter Livestock Show Premier Exhibitor awards are, from left, Goat Premier Exhibitor – Shelby Latiolais, Lafayette 4-H; Poultry Premier Exhibitor – Megan Simon, Lafayette 4-H; Beef Premier Exhibitor – Niki Dutile, Lafayette 4-H; Swine Premier Exhibitor – Jordan Guidry, St. Martin; Dairy Premier Exhibitor – Ayla Baugh, Vermilion 4-H; Sheep Premier Exhibitor – Reed Schexnayder, Ascension 4-H (not pictured). (Photo by John Wozniak. Click on image for downloadable photo.)

News Release Distributed 02/20/12

GONZALES, La. – Six exceptional Louisiana youths were recognized Saturday (Feb. 18) for their knowledge, skills and communication abilities as they were named winners of the Gerry Lane Premier Exhibitor Awards at the 77th annual LSU AgCenter Livestock Show at the Lamar-Dixon Expo Center.

For the past 15 years the premier exhibitor program has recognized 4-H and FFA members who may not have champion animals but who have a thorough understanding of animal science.

“The awards are based on performance in tests of each youth’s knowledge of the livestock industry, practical exercises demonstrating skills and the ability to communicate effectively,” said Dwayne Nunez, LSU AgCenter livestock show manager.

Program participants have to pass an exam, take part in a skill-a-thon, write an essay, prepare a resume and show poise and confidence during an interview with livestock show officials, Nunez said.

The winning youths were among 30 finalists and scores of contestants in the program, which recognizes outstanding livestock exhibitors in six categories – beef cattle, dairy cattle, poultry, sheep, goats and swine.

"The premier exhibitor program definitely is about the young people rather than prize-winning animals,” said LSU AgCenter Vice Chancellor Paul Coreil. “It recognizes them for their skills and abilities, as well as their commitment and hard work.”

Through an endowment from Gerry Lane Enterprises of Baton Rouge, the top winner in each premier exhibitor category received a $1,000 U.S. Savings Bond, a commemorative belt buckle and a monogrammed jacket. Each of the other four finalists in each category was awarded a trophy.

This year’s top winners in the LSU AgCenter’s Gerry Lane Premier Exhibitor Program are:

– Beef Premier Exhibitor – Niki Dutile, Lafayette 4-H

– Dairy Premier Exhibitor – Ayla Baugh, Vermilion 4-H

– Goat Premier Exhibitor – Shelby Latiolais, Lafayette 4-H

– Poultry Premier Exhibitor – Megan Simon, Lafayette 4-H

– Sheep Premier Exhibitor – Reed Schexnayder, Ascension 4-H

– Swine Premier Exhibitor – Jordan Guidry, St Martin 4-H

Other finalists in this year’s premier exhibitor program, by category and in order of placing, are:

Beef – 2nd place, Bryan Haley, Covington High FFA, St. Tammany; 3rd place, Kerrigan Fitch, Iberia 4-H; 4th place, Josh Scott, Tangipahoa 4-H and 5th place, Kirsten Midkiff, Beauregard 4-H.

Dairy – 2nd place, Brady Brian, E Feliciana 4-H; 3rd place, Myra Boudreaux, Assumption 4-H; 4th place, Keirstyn Sonnier, Lincoln 4-H and 5th place, Garrett Gardner, East Feliciana 4-H.

Goats – 2nd place, Jade Daspit, Lafayette 4-H; 3rd place, Jasmine Vallian, Lafourche 4-H; 4th place, Paige Quebedeaux, Lafourche 4-H and 5th place, Sophie Fletcher, Livingston 4-H.

Poultry – 2nd place, Viki-Dawn Landry, Ascension 4-H; 3rd placeKalie Beckers, Tangipahoa 4-H; 4th place, Jade Daspit, Lafayette 4-H and 5th place, Joseph Landry, Ascension 4-H.

Sheep – 2nd place, Kayleigh Switzer, Beauregard 4-H; 3rd place, Dusti Touchet, Iberia 4-H; 4th place, Katherine Grand, East Baton Rouge 4-H.

Swine – 2nd place, Emily Chauvin, St Mary 4-H; 3rd place, Avery Boudreaux, Iberia 4-H; 4th place, Niki Dutile, Lafayette 4-H and 5th place, Clint Welch, Cameron 4-H.

Johnny Morgan