Older brother shows way for young in stock showings

If the state 4H Livestock Show had personalized stalls, Blaise Devillier of Eunice High would have one as he again this year is representing his school and his parish in the upcoming show in Gonzales. And he could pass it on to younger brother Dominique.
Blaise has been showing since he was 9-years-old, first appearing on the pages of The Eunice News in 2009 as he prepared to take his Black Angus to state.
He started with horses and now shows only cattle, which he prefers. He’s done well showing his grandfather Tanny Devillier’s cattle, and now has young brother Dominique Martel showing with him. They are the sons of Marci Devillier.
The cattle they choose to groom for showing come from the family farm just east of Eunice.
Through the years, the young men, with the help of family and friends, have learned a lot. They have participated in shows and clinics throughout the state, essentially accumulating a second family with other regular participants.
Blaise has even traveled as far as Texas A&M (at age 16) to attend a class where he learned how to artificially inseminate and palpate cattle and received certifications that he can use for personal farms or employment.
As graduation approaches, Blaise plans to begin a career offshore, continuing his passion for cattle and cattle shows on his off days.
He’s be training a few calves for upcoming 4H/FFA students from St. Landry and surrounding parishes who want to start the show experience, but are unable to do it alone because of their residential location. Blaise said he is looking forward to helping them get started.
He will also travel with Dominique as the younger brother continues to show his grandfather’s cattle.
So what’s the attraction of showing livestock, a pursuit that requires long hours and hard work?
The boys answer: It’s not for money or prizes; it’s a lifestyle, a passion just like any other sport. It’s more than just showing cattle. It’s friendships, hard work, sweat, sometimes blood. It’s dirt, determination, bonding, dreams, responsibility, memories, early mornings, late nights, leadership, teamwork, strength, lessons learned, self confidence, respect and family time.