The 2019-2020 youth livestock show season begins in early summer and continues through spring of the following year. While many young people are enjoying the slower pace during summer vacation, livestock show team 4-H’ers spend a large portion of their days caring for their animal projects and preparing them for the show season.

The repetitive practices, exercises and daily care begin in the early morning hours, continue throughout the day and often stretch into the late night hours. Although livestock exhibition is a huge undertaking, the hard work, sweat and conscientious care are evident when the animals enter the show ring. This was clearly proven recently by two Decatur County 4-H’ers.

The brother sister duo of Rachel and Scott Ross Hayes exhibited lambs at the 2019 Summer Heat Showdown Market Lamb Show in Perry, Georgia.  Rachel, a 9th grade 4-H’er at Bainbridge High School, placed first in 9th grade showmanship.  Rachel won class 22 and class 23 with black-face entries and placed 4th in class 24.  She was named Division VI Grand Champion and exhibited the Grand Champion Market Lamb. 

Scott Ross Hayes, a 3rd grade 4-H’er at Jones Wheat Elementary, placed first in 3rd grade showmanship.  He exhibited a 4th place lamb in class 6 natural division and 1st place in class 14 black-face.  Scott Ross was named Division IV Reserve Champion.  He exhibited the 5th Overall Market Lamb.

Connor Newsom judged the 2019 Summer Heat Showdown Market Lamb Show.  Newsom serves as the livestock judging coach for South Plains College in Lubbock, Texas. 

Rachel and Scott Ross are the daughter and son of Brian and Lindsey Hayes of Bainbridge, Georgia.   

The mission of the Georgia 4-H and FFA youth livestock program is to provide opportunities to develop like skills and enhance knowledge in an ethical manner for our youth.  Students work diligently to prepare for upcoming shows and being named champion is a great accomplishment.