(02/27/25) GONZALES, La. — Louisiana 4-H and FFA livestock competitors from Shreveport to Sorrento and all points between came together to participate in the 90th annual LSU AgCenter Livestock Show from Feb. 11 to 18 at the Lamar-Dixon Expo Center in Gonzales.

Dwayne Nunez, AgCenter livestock show manager, reported that 1,794 exhibitors showed 3,137 animals, including 1,821 breeding animals, 944 market animals, 209 pens of broilers and 1,028 exhibition birds. After competing at the parish and district levels, youth from across Louisiana reached the pinnacle of success statewide.

The show was dedicated to Ascension Parish farmer Frank Sotile, of Sotile Farms, which operates 6,000 acres of sugarcane. Sotile is also chairman of the board of Sunshine Quality Solutions, a longtime livestock show sponsor.

Matt Lee, AgCenter vice president and dean of the College of Agriculture, was on hand to thank everyone who put the event together, saying that this year’s event exceeded all expectations.

“The AgCenter livestock show has a well-established and excellent reputation across the state, bringing together exhibitors from all over Louisiana. This year's execution surpassed even those high standards. I could not be more impressed,” he said. “To all of you who invest so much into the livestock shows, thank you immensely. You are shaping our youth into better individuals and making our state a better place. You are truly building our future.”

Todd Tarifa, interim associate director of 4-H youth development for the AgCenter, recognized the 90 years the livestock show has taken place and called it essential in promoting the state’s agriculture.

“This show not only highlights their agricultural achievements but also instills crucial life skills such as responsibility, independence and confidence,” he said. “4-H and FFA prepare youth to meet challenges head-on and excel in their educational pursuits and careers. The absolute truth is, we prepare them to be beyond ready and to be contributing citizens in our communities.”

Tara Smith, AgCenter executive associate vice president and director of the Louisiana Cooperative Extension Service, cited the importance of youth involvement in keeping livestock production alive in the state for new generations.

“Livestock is one of our signature 4-H projects in the state,” she said. “The state livestock show represents hard work and discipline and an opportunity for our youth to showcase their projects and to be recognized for their achievements.”

Sponsors for this year’s event donated at various levels, including:

Livestock Award Endowments

Gerry Lane Enterprises — Premier Exhibitor Awards

Price LeBlanc — Champion Market Animals Awards

Nutrien — Champion Showmanship Awards

Mereaux Foundation — Supreme Champion Breeding Animals Awards

Arena Sponsors ($10,000 to $19,999)

First South Farm Credit

Sunshine Quality Solutions

Mosaic

Louisiana Land Bank

Gold Level Sponsors ($5,000 to $9,999)

Allen and Jeanette Guillory Thomason Family

Louisiana FFA

Louisiana 4-H Foundation

Louisiana Farm Bureau Federation

CF Industries

Silver Level Sponsors ($2,500 to $4,999)

Louisiana Cattleman’s Association

Louisiana Egg Commission

Boot Barn

For a complete list of 2025 LSU AgCenter Livestock Show champions, go to https://bit.ly/3kDcrVW.

Supreme breeding winners are, from left, Benson Norris, Rapides Parish; Ethan Schilling, Washington Parish; Camille Pridgen, Vermilion Parish; Jacob Lear, St. James Parish; Ashley Woods, Lakeshore FFA; Kobey Buxton, Calcasieu Parish; Tara Smith, AgCenter executive associate vice president and director of the Louisiana Cooperative Extension Service; Isaac Duhon, Vermilion Parish; Matt Lee, LSU vice president for agriculture and dean of the College of Agriculture. Photo by V. Todd Miller/LSU AgCenter

Overall showman Isaac Duhon, of Vermilion Parish, was presented with a check for $5,000 from the Louisiana 4-H Foundation. He is pictured, from left, with Todd Tarifa, interim associate director of 4-H youth development for the AgCenter; Cade LeJeune, executive director of Louisiana agricultural education and Louisiana FFA advisor; Kimberly Williams, interim assistant 4-H department head and instructor; Duhon; Megan Roberts, Alan and Jeannette Thomason Foundation; Tara Smith, AgCenter executive associate vice president and director of the Louisiana Cooperative Extension Service; and Matt Lee, LSU vice president for agriculture and dean of the College of Agriculture. Photo by V. Todd Miller/LSU AgCenter