April 2017 Articles

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Youths earn Gerry Lane Premier Exhibitor Award

Youths earn Gerry Lane Premier Exhibitor Awards Writer: Rick Bogren at 225-578-5839 or rbogren@agcenter.lsu.edu (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.