4-H livestock show team members competed at the Georgia National Fair in Perry, GA held October 4-14, 2018.  Exhibitors represented Decatur County well as they competed in their respective showmanship and classes for lambs, cattle, and swine.

Lamb exhibitors excelled as they participated in showmanship and market lamb classes.  Scott Ross Hayes, Jones Wheat Elementary student, was champion 2nd grade showman.  He exhibited 3rd and 4th place lambs in class.  Bainbridge Middle School 4-H’er, Rachel Hayes, placed 6th in 8th grade showmanship.  She exhibited a 2nd place natural lamb, a 2nd place black-face lamb, and a 3rd place black face lamb.   

Cattle exhibitors competed in showmanship and the steer show at the Georgia National Fair.  Hutto Middle School student, Bowen Smith, placed 2nd in weight class with his Charlois steer.  Jake Barber, John Johnson Elementary student, placed 4th in 4th grade showmanship, 1st in weight class with his Chi-Influence steer, and was named Reserve Champion Chi-Influence steer. 

Swine exhibitors enjoyed a weekend in Perry as they competed respectfully in the breeding gilt, commercial gilt, and/or market hog show along with the showmanship competition.  Decatur County exhibitors represented exceptionally with numerous top ten class placings.  Bainbridge High School senior, Taylor Barber, was named champion senior showman.  Taylor also placed 1st and 3rd in market barrow classes. She also exhibited a 5th place purebred Duroc gilt and 10th place commercial breeding gilt.  Brannon Parker, Bainbridge Middle School student, placed 4th in breeding gilt class, 5th in breeding gilt class, and 7th place in breeding gilt class.  Preston Lynn, John Johnson Elementary student, placed 11th in 3rd & 4th grade showmanship, and exhibited two 4th place market hogs.  Placing 3rd in 3rd & 4th grade showmanship was Jake Barber.  He also exhibited a 1st place market barrow and 2nd place purebred Yorkshire gilt.  

These 4-H and FFA livestock exhibitors represent Decatur County as part of the Bainbridge Show Team as they take part in livestock shows over the south.  As a result of their participation, these youth gain character traits including responsibility, caring and fairness among others, and certainly the reward of hard-work and dedication.  In addition, they practice numerous life skills including teamwork, self motivation, self esteem, critical thinking, decision making, goal setting, cooperation, and communication.  Congratulations to each student for their accomplishment.