Louisiana Junior Angus Association

Jess Roussel, Gramercy, La., right, received the Louisiana Angus Auxiliary
scholarship at the 2009 Louisiana Junior Angus Association Annual Banquet,
February 15 in Gonzales, La. Melanie Ourso is presenting the scholarship.
Photo by American Angus Association.

History of the Louisiana Junior Angus Association

The Louisiana Angus Association board of directors approved sponsorship of a junior association on January 13, 1964. The Louisiana Junior Angus Association was organized on June 6, 1964, when the juniors were invited to attend and participate in the annual field day, which in 1964 was held at the Dr. A.V. Young farm in Grand Cane, Louisiana.

The following officers were elected to serve the first year: Lee Walker, Lake Charles, president; Chris Loupe, Zwolle, 1st vice president; Carolyn Hunter, Dubach, 2nd vice president; Beverly Means, Gloster, secretary; Gerald L. Woods, treasurer; and Debbie Hays, Ruston, reporter. The advisor was Dr. L. H. Pease, Lafayette.

In 1965 the juniors held four field days, each in a different part of the state, so that new members could be recruited. These were held at Baton Rouge, Elton, Ruston, and Providence. As the association grew, one annual field day was held in co-sponsorship with the adult association. The annual field day is held in June and rotates to a different part of the state each year. The field day and junior heifer show are combined.

Right top: Colby Lingo, Oak Grove, La., right, received the rookie of the year award at the 2009 Louisiana Junior Angus Association Annual Banquet, February 15 in Gonzales, La. Patti Hymel presented the award. Photo by American Angus Association.

Above: Isaac McFarland, Keithville, La., right, was honored with the outstanding friendship award at the 2009 Louisiana Junior Angus Association Annual Banquet, February 15 in Gonzales, La. Joshua Scott is pictured presenting the award. Photo by American Angus Association.

These young ladies were selected as Angus royalty at the
2009 Louisiana Junior Angus Association Annual Banquet,
February 15 in Gonzales, La. Pictured from left includes
Samantha Yantis, Bunkie, La., 2009 queen;
Katelyn Corsentino, Denham Springs, La., 2009 princess;
and Nancy Bickham, Saint Francisville, La., 2008 princess.
Photo by American Angus Association.

In 1967, Jimmie Lee Fontenot, Vinton, and Diane Powell, Coushatta, were selected to represent Louisiana for the first time in the National Angus Showmanship contest. The first Louisiana Angus Queen, Mary Myers, Jennings, was crowned in 1972 during the field day in Ruston. In 1977 a major Angus show was brought to the deep South when the Louisiana juniors co-hosted the South Central Regional Heifer Show in Shreveport. Mark Wyble, Opelousas, was elected to serve on the first National Junior Angus Board in 1980. In 1982 the Louisiana Junior Angus advisors, Mr. and Mrs. Paul St. Blanc, Charenton, were named “Junior Angus Advisors of the Year” during the national show in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Also in 1982, the Louisiana Junior Angus Association hosted the Dixie Junior Angus Leadership Conference in Monroe, Louisiana.

In 1986, Caliste and Sandy Rougeau became Junior Advisors, and through their efforts the LJAA 25th year celebration at the 1989 Regional Preview Show in Shreveport was a huge success.

In 2000, Leslie and Brian Kennedy became advisors. In 2003 Eddie and Patti Hymel became advisors.