(02/18/20) Gonzales, La. — Six exceptional Louisiana youths were recognized Feb. 15 for their knowledge, skills and communication abilities as they were named winners of the Gerry Lane Premier Exhibitor Award at the 85th annual LSU AgCenter Livestock Show at the Lamar-Dixon Expo Center in Gonzales.

For the past 22 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, demonstrate skills, 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 first-place winners of the Gerry Lane Premier Exhibitor Awards are:

• Beef Premier Exhibitor —Ty Hebert, Vermilion Parish 4-H.

• Dairy Premier Exhibitor — Coralie Deloach, Avoyelles Parish 4-H.

• Goat Premier Exhibitor — Luke Lirette, Iberville Parish 4-H.

• Poultry Premier Exhibitor — Alex Meche, St. Martin Parish 4-H.

• Sheep Premier Exhibitor — Megan Davidson, St. Landry Parish 4-H.

• Swine Premier Exhibitor —Caitlin McBride, West Ouachita FFA.

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

• Beef — second, Klaire Fontenot, Evangeline Parish 4-H; third, Caiden McDowell, East Baton Rouge Parish 4-H; fourth, Madison Guillory, St. Landry Parish 4-H; fifth, Emmerson Lyons, St. Landry Parish 4-H.

• Dairy — second, Greer Gardner, East Feliciana Parish 4-H; third, Madalyn Landry, Assumption Parish 4-H; fourth, Payton Willis, Avoyelles Parish 4-H; fifth, Kyle Sonnier, Lacassine High FFA.

• Goats — second, Emmerson Lyons, St. Landry Parish 4-H; third, Shaohannah Martin, Lafayette Parish 4-H; fourth, Garrett Manuel, St. Landry Parish 4-H; fifth, Sarah Moore, Pointe Coupe Parish 4-H.

• Poultry — second, Brayden Huff, St. Tammany Parish 4-H; third, Katelyn Nettles, St. Tammany Parish 4-H; fourth, Jason Freeman, Vermilion Parish 4-H; fifth, Alli Roheim, St. Tammany Parish 4-H.

• Sheep — second, Ali Fontenot, St. Martin Parish 4-H; third, Emma Sarradet, West Baton Rouge Parish 4-H; fourth, Hunter Marshall, Rapides Parish 4-H; fifth, Ali Roheim, St. Tammany Parish 4-H.

• Swine — second, Owen Brouillette, West Feliciana Parish 4-H; third, Jayce Trahan, Calcasieu Parish 4-H; fourth, Alexis Walker. West Ouachita FFA; fifth, Will Pankey, Livingston FFA.

Winners and those helping present Gerry Lane Premier Exhibitor awards are, from left, state Rep. Clay Schexnayder; Saundra Lane; Megan Davidson, of St. Landry Parish; Coralie Deloach, of Avoyelles Parish; LSU Vice President for Agriculture Bill Richardson; Alex Meche, of St. Martin Parish; Ty Hebert, of Vermilion Parish; Caitlin McBride, of Ouachita Parish; and Luke Lirette, of Iberville Parish. Photo by Olivia McClure/LSU AgCenter