GONZALES – The State Livestock Show was held at the Lamar Dixon Expo Center in Gonzales recently. Over 5,000 youth and adults from around the state participated in this weeklong event. Included in this number were eight of the hardest working first-time exhibitors St. John the Baptist Parish has seen yet.

Our parish pigs were shown by St. John Parish Junor Leader Jeffrey Selig. After his second place – Blue Ribbon placing at the District Livestock Show held in Covington, Jeffery proceed to the State competition in Gonzales. Jeffery won third place overall and second place Louisiana Bred for his Yorkshire pig in her weight class at the state show.

Also showing their livestock animals were our broiler exhibitors: Gabby Boesen, Cami Hymel, and Gabriel Williams from St. Joan of Arc School, Destiny Judd and Jimmy Stuart from St. Peter School, Dezarai Landry from Reserve Christian School, and Immanuel Mamou from Garyville Magnet School. After raising their 24-48 chickens for six weeks, the 4-Hers were able to pick out their three best pullets along with their three best cockerels. They then weighed them, cleaned them, and judged their uniformity as a group before bringing them to Gonzales. These youngsters worked hard to keep the chickens well fed, exercised, and well groomed. They also had to endure the excitement of washing the chickens, cleaning their pins, and making sure they were eating as often as possible. This was a bigger project than most of them expected, but they learned so much from it. They learned responsibility for others, including animals, and are now excited to move on to a bigger project.

At the State Livestock Show, Cami Hymel, placed second overall in the Junior Broiler Showmanship Contest with her chicken. Gabriel Williams’ pin of cockerels was picked for the top 25 pins, so he along with Camiand Gabby showed the three birds in the arena. After deliberating, Gabriel’s pin placed 15th overall.

These awards are ones to be very proud of, being that they are top ranked in the state. Our other exhibitors did an excellent job winning them red and blue ribbons to add to their 4-H Record Books or their walls at home. We are excited for the 4-Hers, and would like to take this time to thank the parents and loved ones of the 4-Hers. Thank you for taking the time to help the youth with their projects by providing carpentry work, feeding costs, and dedicating time to help them succeed in their project.

If you would like to participate in any livestock activity next year to please contact Kelly at the Parish Extension Office 985-497-3261.