EC livestock exhibitors place at state show
By Jakyn N. Tyson
February 23-25, seven Emanuel County 4-H and FFA members exhibited their beef and swine projects at the Georgia Junior National Livestock Show in Perry, GA. The show, open to Georgia 4-H and FFA members from across the state, is the culmination of the two youth programs’ livestock projects, which give students a chance to learn how to care for beef cattle, dairy heifers, hogs, goats and lambs for months, train them to be shown, and then compete for state honors as having the best species animal in various categories.
Listed is each exhibitor and their respective placings by species. In the area of Beef Cattle Heifers, the winners were: Nataleigh Belcher, 10th Grade, ECI FFA placed 7th in Hereford class; Lexa Jukes, 7th Grade 4-H Member at DEA placed 3rd in Hereford class; Emma Lawrence, 10th Grade, ECI FFA placed 6th in Showmanship, Grand Overall Hereford Heifer, and Grand Champion Bred and Owned Hereford Heifer; Clay Lawrence, 7th Grade, ECI FFA placed 3rd in Showmanship, 7th in Angus class;Liam Simmons, 5th Grade 4-H member at TCE placed 7th in Angus class; Hoyt Lawrence, 4th Grade 4-H Member at TCE placed 6th in Showmanship, 3rd in Low % Simmental Class. In the area of Market Hogs, Clay Smith, 5th Grade 4-H Member at TCE placed 3rd in Showmanship, Reserve Champion All Other Breeds, 4th Overall Georgia Bred Commercial Gilt, and 4th in barrow class.
Youth livestock projects have played an active role in the success of local students for several years. The purpose of organizations like 4-H and FFA are to develop leadership, life skills and citizenship for its members. Students who exhibit youth livestock projects also practice and acquire new knowledge in the fields of animal science, business, time management and leadership.
For more information on youth livestock opportunities, contact Emanuel County Extension and 4-H by calling (478) 237-1226 or visit the office located at 129 North Anderson Drive in Swainsboro.
Clay Smith, his parents Adam and Jessica Smith, and his Berkshire Gilt
Emma Lawrence, pictured with her brothers, Hoyt and Clay, and her Hereford heifer