News Release Distributed 02/23/10

GONZALES, La. – Six exceptional Louisiana youths were recognized Saturday (Feb. 20) for their knowledge, skills and communication abilities as they were named winners of the Gerry Lane Premier Exhibitor Awards at the 75th annual LSU AgCenter Livestock Show Presented by Price LeBlanc at the Lamar-Dixon Expo Center here.

For the past 13 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, 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 other 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 – Sarah Cook, Rapides 4-H.

– Dairy Premier Exhibitor – Joel Berken, Jefferson Davis 4-H

– Goat Premier Exhibitor – Cody Benoit, Lafourche 4-H.

– Poultry Premier Exhibitor – Jed Hoover, Livingston 4-H/Albany High FFA.

– Sheep Premier Exhibitor – Matthew Green, Vermilion 4-H.

– Swine Premier Exhibitor – Seth Duhon, Sulphur FFA.

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

Beef – Tyler Braud, Ascension 4-H; Adam Barrileaux, Ascension 4-H; Josh Scott, Tangipahoa 4-H; Cade Marceaux, Vermilion 4-H.

Dairy – Daniel Thompson, St Tammany 4-H; Maria Boudreaux, Assumption 4-H; Ayla Baugh, Vermilion 4-H; John Jarreau, Point Coupee 4-H.

Goats – Morgan Thibodeaux, St Martin 4-H; Lauren Broussard, Calcasieu 4-H; Alexis Hebert, St Mary 4-H; Jade Daspit, Lafayette 4-H.

Poultry – Gregg Simmons, DeSoto 4-H; Karl Simon, Lafayette 4-H; Caitlyn Rogers, Lafourche 4-H; Cindy Edwards, Terrebonne 4-H.

Sheep – Chase Bijeaux, St Martin 4-H; Deborah Rogers, Washington 4-H; Javen Little, Cameron 4-H; John Lejunne, Calcasieu 4-H.

Swine – Jordon Guidry, St. Martin 4-H; Christopher McVicker, Lacassine FFA; Ethan Boudreaux, Iberia 4-H; Leah Delahoussaye, Vermilion 4-H.

Rick Bogren