Livestock show teams excel at the Northwest Georgia Regional Fair
Youth members of the Gordon County 4- H livestock show teams had a chance to show their project at four different species shows at the Northwest Georgia Regional Fair. Counties from all around Northwest Georgia gathered to compete in showmanship classes, as well as for the title of grand champion livestock. In addition, the fair hosted a livestock- judging contest with nearly 100 youth participating. Results from these shows and contests are listed below.
On Saturday, Sept. 10, the goat show marked the first livestock show in a series at the fair. Shelby Stephenson, of Pickens High FFA, won Grand Champion and Ben Williams of Gordon County 4-H won Reserve Grand Champion. Showmanship winners were Madi Lumpkin, Luci Talton, Ben Williams, Breana Manning, Mallory Langston, and Alice Kirby.
Monday, Sept. 12, the market lambs showed and Emma Long of Pickens High FFA won Grand Champion and Caroline Jenkins of Floyd County 4H won Reserve Grand Champion. Showmanship winners were Henry Duggin, Caroline Jenkins, Lydia Lorenz, and Emma Long.
The beef cattle show was held Tuesday, Sept. 13 and Olivia Tierce of Gordon County 4-H won Supreme Grand Champion Heifer, and Robbie Arnold of Sonoraville High FFA won Supreme Reserve Grand Champion. Dalton Green of Walker County 4-H earned the title of Grand Champion Steer. Showmanship winners were Ben Williams, Olivia Tierce, Brent McDaniel, and Dalton Green.
On Wednesday, Sept. 14, Jason Duggin, University of Georgia Beef Specialist, coordinated the livestock judging contest for 4H and FFA chapters across North Georgia. Youth judged classes of sheep, goats, swine, and cattle. Awards were given among top 4-H and FFA students for their placings. Kylie Hurd, of Gordon County 4- H, won top Junior 4- H’er. Other Gordon County 4- H juniors who placed among the top 10 were Raleigh Hooper, Jazmine Ralston, Gabrielle Ralston, Curt Craig, Ben Williams, Breana Manning, Josh Carr, and Roberto Romero. Gracy Sexton earned top Senior 4- H’er. Other Gordon County 4- H’ers who placed in the Top 10 were Caleb Carr, Annelies Carr, Brooklyn Carr, Chelsea Clayton, and Shelby Stephenson. Gordon County 4-H earned top honors as the 1st place Junior and Senior 4-H team. FFA Junior Team winning first place was Union County Middle and first place Senior Team was Gordon Central High. FFA High Individuals were Junior: Celeste Parker of Red Bud Middle and Senior: Kamara Anderson of Gordon Central High.
On Friday, Sept. 16, the series of Northwest Georgia Regional Fair livestock shows ended with a swine show. Youth brought purebred and commercial breeding gilts as well as market hogs to the show. Brady Carney, of Gordon Central High FFA, won Grand Champion Breeding Gilt, while Gracy Sexton of Gordon County 4-H earned Reserve Grand Champion Breeding Gilt. Brady Carney also received Grand Champion Market Hog, and Lacey Hickman, also of Gordon Central High FFA, was Reserve Grand Champion Market Hog. Showmanship winners were Rebekah McElrath, Carmen Thomas, Gracy Sexton, and Kamara Anderson.
Gordon County 4- H Kick- Off Party and Parent Meeting on September 26
Gordon County 4H will hold a Kickoff Party and parent meeting on Monday, September 26 at 6:00 PM at the Gordon County Extension office at 1282 Highway 53 Spur SW in Calhoun. Youth will meet new friends, play games, elect officers, and enjoy activities, while parents will learn about opportunities for their children and themselves in 4- H. All school- age children and parents are welcome to attend at no cost. Supper will be provided.