Thirty-five young herdsmen were named champion of the Southern University Ag Center's 64th Annual State Livestock Show earlier this month.

With more than 500 young farmers gathering at the M.A. Edmonds Arena to showcase their best stock, show officials said the SU Livestock Show remains a premiere event for displaying youth showmanship and quality animals. "Youth herdsman and shepherds have been preparing for the three-day event all fall and have presented their best animals for judging," said Teri Walsh, research associate.

Youth from all over Louisiana were part of the competition at the 2007 Livestock Show, ultimately vying for the top title of Grand Champion, and hoping to be awarded prize ribbons in the show ring. The livestock entrants individually groom and raise their animals in preparation for the show. This event provides an excellent opportunity for the citizens and youth of Louisiana, to exhibit their prize livestock, and enables them to be competitive, and develop responsibility and leadership skills. The Grand Champion Market Steer prize went to Tensas Parish; Caddo Parish took home the Grand Champion Market Hog and Goat prizes; the Grand Champion Market Lamb prize went to Natchitoches Parish. Thirty five youth were named state champions of dairy animals, goat, beef-bearing animals, lamb, hog and steer competitions.

More than 200 animals were auctioned during the live market, and 800 people visited the arena in support of area youth.

"The 2007 livestock show has been one to remember," said Christie Monroe, show organizer. This year, event participants were introduced to the new livestock show director, Renita Marshall DVM, at the beginning of the show. Other show attractions for area pre-schoolers ranged from guided tour to face-painting and petting zoo. Agriculture Commissioner Bob Odom and his family attended the show.

The peak of the livestock show is the live auction, where buyers pay premium prices for livestock. "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.

More than $12,000 was pledged in the sale of champions and auction of other animals that placed high within their respective categories. Market animals auctioned at the sale will immediately go to the designated meat packaging companies specified by the buyers.

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.

Ag Center chancellor Leodry Williams honored Archie with the designation of the street leading up to the arena as James Archie Drive. Archie's family joined him in the ring for recognition.

"We were extremely pleased with the livestock show this year, and look forward to many more successful shows in the future," said Chancellor Leodrey Williams.

Click here for the Show pictures and winners.

For more information, contact Christie Monroe at (225) 771-2242 ext. 328.