Evangeline beef producer selected as Louisiana Cattleman of the Year

The Louisiana Cattleman’s Association held their 85th annual convention on January 2-4, in Houma at the Courtyard Marriott Hotel. It was a statewide gathering of members to address industry accomplishments, elect officers, recognize several youth scholarship winners, and crown a new queen to represent the association for the New Year.
Evangeline Parish cattlemen and their association were excellently represented by Alyson Brooke Fontenot, daughter of Dr. Craig Fontenot and Marella Fontenot. She performed exceptionally well in all phases of the queens contest, especially considering this as her first year in the competition.
The State LCA Cattleman of the Year award, in the words of LCA president Tom Ardoin, is a prestigious recognition that is presented to an individual that exhibits several facets of knowledge, participation and involvement in the beef industry. An individual that stands out from the rest exhibiting exceptional levels of participation, involvement, commitment and leadership to the industry and youth development, as well as promoting beef. These qualities are exhibited with the management of his own herd but does not end there, due to his assisting fellow producers and youth with the betterment of their herd, and in general always promoting and pushing the cattle industry, as well as the association.
Jake Cecil Guillory owns and operates G-Cross Cattle, a commercial cow/calf operation, with his wife Natalie and their children. Jake’s interest in raising beef cattle isn’t a recent revelation, or a hobby that took flight, it stemmed from a passion made into a business that was instilled into him as he worked side by side with his father, Cecil Guillory, on their family farm 4-G Cattle.
Exemplifying the three pillars of a quality cattleman, part of his commitment to both the industry and his herd management practices is staying up to date with the latest advances in veterinary care and pasture management. Jake devoted much time not only communicating with local veterinarians and LSU Ag Center specialists, but he also completed the Master Cattleman Program hosted by the LCA, LSU AgCenter & NRCS. Jake was instrumental in organizing a parish Beef Quality Assurance Program to assist in certifying all parish cattlemen in this national program that provides guidelines for beef cattle production, health care, and management to meet national marketing objectives. Jake also serves as a member of the state Farm Bureau Livestock Committee, participating in meetings dealing with legislative matters, such as the Beef Checkoff program among many others. Jake has also participated in the LSU AgCenter “Calf to Carcass Program,” as well as going on the three- state “Calf to Carcass Tour.” This tour allows participating cattlemen a bird’s eye view of Midwest beef feedlots, including hitch and buffalo feeders, as well as a walking tour of the very large Tyson processing plant, where on average 6,200 head of cattle are processed in one day. Most recently, Jake was nominated for and elected as the chairman of the LCA Parish Presidents Committee, which is composed of all the presidents of the parish cattleman associations in the state. He serves on this committee, as well as continuing his current elected duties as the Evangeline Parish Cattleman’s Association President.
Youth development is an area where Jake has always seen a need to become involved in, such as participating in 4-H and FFA events in his community or as his wife requests. His support of youth in agriculture is unlimited with his presence at livestock shows, cookery contests, acting as a judge, or even dressing as Santa Claus, will surprise no one within the parish. His support of and chairmanship of the Evangeline Parish Beef Classic Livestock show, along with involvement at parish, district and State 4-H and FFA Livestock shows, has always been evident.
This involvement in all areas of the beef industry is why, after much communication and deliberation between Jake and local cattle producers, the Evangeline Parish’s first Beef Cattle Alliance was formed. The goals and purposes for this alliance are for the betterment of each individual cattleman’s operation and to enhance marketing returns. This will be accomplished through standardized beef production practices, as well as standardized volume marketing. Working very much like a cooperative, it’s an all or nothing agreement. Lines of communication are constantly open and everyone works together for a common goal, “Optimal Beef Production & Returns.”
When told the good news of their fellow cattleman having been selected for such an award, a few of Jake’s cohorts had well wishes for their friend. Mark Fontenot of M/M Fontenot Farm said, “First and foremost, congratulations. You’ve worked, stressed and worried enough to deserve two awards. To say a few words about Jake, he’s honest to a fault, fair, open to criticism, but strong willed. He puts the Lord first and thanks Him for every blessing. This guy looks for the good in everyone. He has a ‘We are going to make it in the cattle business attitude, which rubs off on everyone who associates with him.
I don’t have many friends, but Jake Guillory, Cattleman of the Year is my friend. Relish this for all it’s worth. You deserve it and you’ve more than earned it.”
Double D Cattle owner and operator Danny Miller and his wife, Dee, attribute much of their improved farm practices to Jake and his selfless efforts in assisting those in his area. Danny recalled, “Being a beginner in the cattle business, I really needed a mentor to show me the way. Jake became that person. He showed me the importance of working cattle twice a year, putting out minerals, having good quality hay, planting rye grass, rotating pastures, testing bulls before putting them out and how to market calves to get the best price. He has been an inspiration to me and many others like me.
Jake has been a true ambassador for the Beef industry. As president of the local cattleman's organization, he is always recruiting new members, and encouraging current members to be active in all local events, as well as joining the national organization, and keeping up with current beef industry news. He organizes and works tirelessly to make sure functions, such as livestock shows, blood drives, and enrollment events go off without a hitch.
He is very knowledgeable of the cattle business and is always striving to improve himself, his operation and is always ready and willing to help others do the same. He is always the first to call to inform you of any changes or updates to anything. If you ever have a conversation with Jake, he will always end it with, ‘Call if you need.’ And he really means it.”
Jake, from the LCA, the Evangeline Parish Cattleman’s Association, the Cajun Country Cattle Alliance and all your friends and family, Congratulations, your tireless efforts have paid off for you and for all of those you represent.