(02/21/17) GONZALES, La. – Six exceptional Louisiana youths were recognized Feb. 18 for their knowledge, skills and communication abilities as they were named winners of the Gerry Lane Premier Exhibitor Award at the 82nd annual LSU AgCenter Livestock Show at the Lamar Dixon Expo Center.

For the past 19 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, LSU AgCenter 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 many other contestants in the program, which recognizes outstanding livestock exhibitors in six categories – beef cattle, dairy cattle, poultry, sheep, goats and swine.

Supported by an endowment from Gerry Lane Enterprises in Baton Rouge, the program is open to participants exhibiting beef, dairy, swine, sheep, poultry and goats. The top winner in each premier exhibitor category received a $500 cash award, a commemorative belt buckle and a monogrammed jacket. The other four finalists in each category were awarded trophies.

This year’s top winners in the LSU AgCenter’s Gerry Lane Premier Exhibitor Program are:

– Beef Premier Exhibitor – Jennifer Windham, West Baton Rouge Parish 4-H.

– Dairy Premier Exhibitor – Megan Mincey, Livingston Parish 4-H.

– Goat Premier Exhibitor – Stacey Baker, Caddo Parish 4-H.

– Poultry Premier Exhibitor – Trace Presley, St. Mary Parish 4-H.

– Sheep Premier Exhibitor – Carmen Latiolas, Red River Parish 4-H.

– Swine Premier Exhibitor – Hallie Landry, St Mary Parish 4-H.

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

Beef – second, Breann Keowen, West Baton Rouge Parish 4-H; third, Maeleigh Conner, Cameron Parish 4-H; fourth, Megan Mincey, Livingston Parish 4-H; fifth, Briley Richard, Cameron Parish 4-H.

Dairy – second, Maggie Brian, East Feliciana Parish 4-H; third, Baylse Salley, Sabine Parish 4-H; fourth, Luke Seguin, Livingston Parish 4-H; fifth, Madison Pollet, West Feliciana Parish 4-H.

Goats – second, Mackenzie Roberie, St. Landry Parish 4-H; third, Keri Landry, St. Mary Parish 4-H; fourth, Ethan Coker, Claiborne Parish 4-H; fifth, Sophie Guillory, St. Landry Parish 4-H.

Poultry – second, Luke Seguin, Livingston Parish 4-H; third, Paycen Brouillette, West Feliciana Parish 4-H; fourth, Clarence Smith, Sabine Parish 4-H; fifth, Cody Hanna, Lincoln Parish 4-H.

Sheep – second, Raylan Hracek, Iberville Parish 4-H; third, Kathryn LeBlanc, Acadia Parish 4-H; fourth, Maci Schexnayder, Ascension Parish 4-H; fifth, Joshua Lessigne, Acadia Parish 4-H.

Swine – second, Paycen Brouillette, West Feliciana Parish 4-H; third, Josie Purvis, Livingston Parish 4-H; fourth, Courtland Blanchard, St. Martin Parish 4-H; fifth, Gunner Johnson, Calcasieu Parish 4-H.

Six youths were named first-place Premier Exhibitor Award winners at the 82nd annual LSU AgCenter Livestock Show awards ceremony on Feb. 18, 2017. From left, Eric Lane, of Gerry Lane Enterprises; Trace Presley, St. Mary Parish 4-H, poultry; Hallie Landry, St. Mary Parish 4-H, swine; Jennifer Windham, West Baton Rouge Parish 4-H, beef; Stacey Baker, Caddo Parish 4-H, goats; Carmen Latiolais, Red River Parish 4-H, sheep; LSU Vice President for Agriculture Bill Richardson; and Megan Mincey, Livingston Parish 4-H, dairy. Photo by Olivia McClure/LSU AgCenter