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Decatur County 4-H members exhibited cattle, sheep and swine at the Georgia Junior National Livestock Show in Perry, Georgia on February 23-27, 2022. A total of 2,056 exhibitors from across the state showed over 3,950 animals at the Georgia National Fairgrounds in Perry, Georgia.

Maggie Miller, Grace Christian Academy 4-H’er, exhibited the 4th Overall Market Beef/Steer and was named Reserve Champion Crossbred Market Beef. Maggie exhibited two first place class steers. Additionally, Maggie participated in the First Year Exhibitor Steer Show where she brought home Reserve Champion honors. Maggie is the daughter of Joey and Jessica Miller. Don Shike from Urbana, Illinois judged the 2022 Georgia Junior National Market Beef Show. Rachel Hayes, Bainbridge High School 4-H’er, exhibited the 4th Overall Champion Breeding Ewe. Rachel was named Reserve Champion Division III Commercial Breeding Ewe and exhibited two first place class lambs. Additionally, Rachel was the champion 11th grade showman. Rachel is the daughter of Brian and Lindsey Hayes. Scott Ross Hayes, Grace Christian Academy 4-H’er, was named Champion 5th grade showman. Scott Ross also exhibited the 4th Overall Division II Commercial Breeding Ewe. Heidi Griffin, Jones Wheat Primary 4-H’er, was named Champion 1st grade showman. Kirksey Hayes exhibited the 1st place lamb for class 4 and was named 5th overall for Division II Commercial Breeding Ewe. Additionally, Charlie Griffin placed 4th in 2nd grade showmanship. Miles Gibbs from Del Rio, Texas judged the 2022 Georgia Junior National Breeding Ewe Show and evaluated the sheep in classes and the exhibitors in showmanship.

Brannon Parker, Bailee Brock, Jake Barber, Preston Lynn, Scott Ross Hayes, Elizabeth Hughes, and Gavin Hughes exhibited market hogs at the Georgia Junior National Livestock Show at the Georgia National Fairgrounds. We are proud to announce that all Decatur County 4-H swine exhibitors placed in the top ten of their corresponding classes and Jake Barber placed 1st in class with his Yorkshire Market Gilt. Over 2,000 market hogs from across the state were exhibited during this culminating show of the season. These livestock exhibitors represent Decatur County and their respective schools as they take participate in livestock shows all over the south. As a result of their participation, 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.