Decatur County 4-H members recently exhibited lambs, cattle, and swine during the 35th Georgia National Fair in Perry, Georgia.
Charlie Griffin, Heidi Griffin, Levi Peralta, Fatima Peralta, Kirksey Bell Hayes, and Scott Ross Hayes exhibited lambs at the Georgia National Fair. Exhibitors competed in showmanship, market lamb classes, and breeding ewe classes.
Scott Ross Hayes, Grace Christian Academy 4-H’er, was named champion 8th grade market lamb showman, champion 7th & 8th grade breeding ewe showman, champion division II market ewe, and 4th overall champion market ewe.
Scott Ross Hayes, 8th grade 4-H’er at Grace Christian Academy was named champion 8th grade showman for the Market Lamb Show and champion 7th and 8th grade showman for the breeding ewe show. Scott Ross earned the opportunity to compete against showmanship winners from 6th through 12th grade to compete for the title of Master 4-H Showman. Heidi Griffin, Hutto Elementary 4-H’er, was reserve champion for 4th grade market lamb showmanship. Kirksey Bell Hayes placed 3rd in 5th grade market lamb showmanship. Levi Peralta and Fatima Peralta exhibited ewes and wethers that respectively placed in the top 10 of the breeding ewe and market lamb classes. Charlie Griffin and Heidi Griffin placed in the top 5 for breeding ewe and market lamb classes. Scott Ross Hayes was named Division II champion for market ewes and then excelled to be named 4th overall champion market ewe.
Mr. Jason Simpson from Colorado served as the judge for the market lamb show and evaluated the exhibitors in showmanship for the 2024 Georgia Junior National Market Lamb Show.
Exhibiting cattle during the Georgia National Fair Market Beef and Breeding Heifer Show were Maggie Miller and Kirksey Bell Hayes. Maggie Miller, a 7th grade student at Grace Christian Academy, placed 2nd in class with her chi-influence steer. Kirksey Bell Hayes placed 2nd in class with her Charolais heifer entry.
Mr. Frank Jackson and Ms. Carlie Jackson evaluated the heifers in classes and the exhibitors in showmanship. Mr. Matt Claeys judged the market beef classes.
Maci Lynn, Grace Christian Academy 4-H’er, was named champion division II market barrow, champion division I market gilt, and 4th overall champion market gilt.
Maci Lynn, Grace Christian Academy 4-H’er, exhibited swine at Georgia National Fair breeding gilt and market hog shows. Maci was named champion division II barrow. Maci’s gilt was named champion division I and then advanced to be named 4th overall champion market gilt for the Georgia National Fair Market Hog Show.
Mr. Jeremy Cantrell and Mr. Jeremy Jones served as the judges for the 2024 Georgia National Fair Swine Shows. Judges evaluated the swine in the breeding gilt and market hog classes and the exhibitors in showmanship.
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 southeastern United States. As a result of their involvement, youth gain character traits including responsibility, caring, and fairness. They certainly deserve the reward 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.
