| | Kids learn as animals grow in the LSU AgCenter's 4-H livestock educational program. (Photo by Bruce Schultz) |
|
| | Taking care of animals helps children learn responsibility and character. (Photo by John Chaney) |
|
| | Young people can raise a variety of animals, from cows and pigs to rabbits and chickens. (Photo by Bruce Schultz) |
|
The 74th LSU AgCenter Livestock Show begins Feb. 14, with the concluding awards ceremony on Feb. 21, at the Lamar-Dixon Expo Center in Gonzales.
Working with livestock helps young people develop knowledge, a sense of responsibility and skills that last a lifetime. That philosophy is at the core of the LSU AgCenter’s livestock educational programs for youth.
Raising livestock is a year-round activity, but for 4-H and FFA members it culminates each year with the LSU AgCenter’s Livestock Show. Nearly 3,000 young people attend along with 6,000 animals.
By the time those 4-H and FFA members reach the state show, they already will have competed in parish and district competitions across Louisiana during the first few weeks of 2009. All will arrive in Gonzales aiming to be state champions – or at least to earn rewards for their hard work and dedication.
But the livestock show and the educational efforts that support it are more about the kids than the livestock. The program is about helping young people be all they can be and rewarding them for the perseverance, courage and the commitment they have put into taking care of animals.
Organizers say livestock projects provide a means for families to come together to participate in quality educational activities. Young people say participating in the program gives them opportunities to make new friends, see old friends and gain valuable experience. And everyone agrees it helps youngsters develop character and hone skills that will benefit them, their families and their communities throughout their lives.
“The animals in a livestock show represent some of the best examples of our state’s vibrant animal industry – an industry worth more than $2.9 billion to Louisiana’s economy last year,” LSU AgCenter Chancellor Bill Richardson said.
The life skills young people gain from working with livestock projects is the major focus of the LSU AgCenter’s livestock shows. “All of these young people are champions, whether the animals they are showing turn out to be winners or not,” Richardson said.
As a result of what they learn, generations of young people who have participated in LSU AgCenter livestock projects go on to become leaders – whether in the livestock industry or a variety of other fields ranging from medicine to government.
“Livestock shows and livestock projects give a glimpse of some of the best young people in the state and some of the brightest outcomes of our youth development programs,” said LSU AgCenter Vice Chancellor Paul Coreil.
Coreil also points out that parents, teachers, 4-H agents, leaders and other volunteers who support the 4-H program play a big role in youth development.
Dwayne Nunez, Livestock Show manager, says youth participating in livestock projects gain knowledge of animal husbandry – including selection, genetics, nutrition, health, fitting, showing, economics and marketing of livestock.
“But they also develop skills such as communication, leadership and cooperation,” Nunez said.
Price LeBlanc establishes endowment
Beginning with the 2009 show, Price LeBlanc, a Baton Rouge car dealer, has established the Price LeBlanc Champion Livestock Award through a $40,000 endowment. One of the grand champion market award winners will be selected each year to receive this award. The award will rotate among the different species, which include steers, sheep, swine, chickens and goats.
"Price LeBlanc has been a long-time supporter of the state livestock show. We are most appreciative of his commitment to youth development through our livestock show education program," Richardson said.
Because of the endowment, the official name of the show for 2009 and 2010 will be the LSU AgCenter Livestock Show Presented by Price LeBlanc.
Premier Exhibitors learn animal science
Thanks to an endowment from Gerry Lane Enterprises of Baton Rouge, the premier exhibitor program recognizes exceptional young people, even though their animals may not have been selected as champions. These 4-H and FFA members have gained a thorough understanding of animal science.
"These young people have to pass an exam, go through a skill-a-thon, write an essay, prepare a resume and show poise and confidence during an interview with livestock show officials," said Terry Dumas, the LSU AgCenter’s state 4-H livestock specialist.
The awards are based on performance in tests of each youth’s knowledge of the livestock industry and in practical exercises that demonstrate their skills and the ability to communicate effectively.
To learn more about the 4-H program or to become involved in the livestock project, go to Kids, Teens & 4-H.
Read details of the livestock show schedule.
Read the press release about the 74th annual LSU AgCenter Livestock Show.
The LSU AgCenter is one of 11 institutions of higher education in the Louisiana State University System. Headquartered in Baton Rouge, it provides educational services in every parish and conducts research that contributes to the economic development of the state. The LSU AgCenter does not grant degrees nor benefit from tuition increases. The LSU AgCenter plays an integral role in supporting agricultural industries, enhancing the environment, and improving the quality of life through its 4-H youth, family and community programs.