Jake Barber, Bainbridge Middle School 4-H’er, exhibited the 4th Overall Market Hog at the 2022 Georgia National Fair
Decatur County 4-H members recently exhibited swine and cattle during the 2nd weekend of the Georgia National Fair held in Perry, Georgia.
Jake Barber, Bainbridge Middle School 4-H’er, exhibited the 4th Overall Market Hog at the 2022 Georgia National Fair. Jake, son of Jeff and Leslie Barber, also exhibited a Division Champion and class winning market hog.
Exhibitors participating in the Georgia National Fair breeding gilt and market hog shows on October 13-15 were: Brannon Parker, Jake Barber, Preston Lynn, Maci Lynn, and Scott Ross Hayes. Brannon Parker, Bainbridge High School senior, was the 3rd overall senior showman. Brannon also placed 4th respectively with two barrow entries. Grace Christian Academy 4-H’er, Preston Lynn, placed 8th in 8th grade showmanship. Preston also placed 2nd with his purebred Yorkshire gilt in class. Maci Lynn, a 3rd grade student at Grace Christian Academy, placed 4th with her purebred Yorkshire gilt in class. Scott Ross Hayes, GCA 4-H’er, placed 4th in 6th grade showmanship and 2nd with his market gilt in class.
Mr. Kelton Mason from Texas Mr. Danny Davis from Kansas served as the judges for the 2022 Georgia National Fair Swine Shows. Judges evaluated the swine in the breeding gilt and market hog classes and the exhibitors in showmanship.
For the past several years the Georgia National Fair, in cooperation with the Georgia Department of Agriculture, the Chair of the Georgia Senate Ag Committee, and the Chair of the Georgia House of Representatives Ag Committee have conducted the Legislative Showdown. During the 2022 Georgia National Fair the annual Livestock Legislative Showdown was held with Georgia legislatures and youth livestock exhibitors. Eight swine exhibitors were selected to pair with four Georgia House of Representative members and four Georgia Senators for a legislative livestock competition. The youth worked with their paired legislator to teach the legislator the mechanics of exhibiting swine. Following the three-hour instruction, the House members and Senate members competed in a showmanship competition (House vs Senate). Judge Danny Davis named the House members as the 2022 Legislative Showdown Champions. Decatur County 4-H’er, Scott Ross Hayes, was selected as a youth livestock exhibitor and was paired with Georgia Senator Nikki Merritt of Gwinnett County.
The Georgia National Fair Invitational Cattle Show was also held October 14-16, 2022. Scott Ross exhibited the Champion All Other Breeds Market Beef during the show. Mr. Brian Fox of Colorado served as the judge for the exhibitors in showmanship and cattle classes.
These 4-H livestock exhibitors represent their schools and community as part of the Decatur County Show Team as they participate in livestock shows all over the south. As a result of their involvement, youth gain character traits that include responsibility, caring and fairness. They also reap the rewards of hard-work and dedication. In addition, they practice numerous life skills including teamwork, self-motivation, building self-esteem, critical thinking, decision making, goal setting, cooperation, and communication.
