Southern University Ag Center’s director of livestock programs Mr. James Archie retires this 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.

He began his training at an early age on his family farm in Spearsville, Louisiana, raising Angus cattle. At age eight, Archie exhibited cattle in the second Southern University livestock show. The show had been established to provide youth of color with an opportunity to participate in livestock ownership. It has become more diverse and serves as a strong outreach arm for the university.

He earned bachelor and masters degrees in agriculture science from Southern University. Starting his career in 1963 county agent in East and West Carroll parishes with LSU, Archie has impacted the lives of thousands of young farmers and their families statewide. In 1969, he became a joint employee with LSU and Southern University as livestock show director.

Archie has successfully carried the mantel for the Livestock programs, including the recent annual state livestock show, the state and regional horse show, the delta dairy goat and annual market goat show, and the national rabbit show. Under Archie’s leadership, Southern University Ag Center has developed the only 1890 program operating high quality youth competitions.

“Mr. Archie has overcome adversities thanks to a dedicated staff, community leaders, small farmers, livestock associations and producers, parents, and show alumni. We appreciate his diligence and wish him success for the future,” says SU Ag Center Chancellor Leodrey Williams.

Archie ended his service as an animal science specialist with the LSU AgCenter in March 2003. For more information or photos of Mr. James Archie, contact Katara Williams at katara_williams@suagcenter.com. or 225-771-2242.

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