Emanuel 4-H’ers compete in area Cotton Boll & Consumer Judging contest

4-H’ers in Emanuel County tested their knowledge in consumer trends in the Southeast District 4-H Cotton Boll & Consumer Jamboree. The annual competition was held in Lyons on November 6.

Cotton Boll and Consumer Judging is a competitive judging contest where 4-H’ers learn about cotton as an agriculture commodity in our state and promote cotton through commercials or advertisements. Through consumer judging, 4-H’ers gain skills in making rational decisions when purchasing goods and services while maximizing resources.

The contest is made up of two competition areas: judging classes and advertisements/commercials. 4-H’ers are required to judge four classes of consumer items or services. Each class contains four similar items and has an accompanying situation statement. This statement describes a consumer and gives the needs to be considered when he/she makes the decision to purchase the item. Factors influencing these needs may include the person’s age, gender, available money, lifestyles, school or job status, preferences or other requirements that depend on the item given and the individual in the situation.

The Junior (4th-8th Grade) team made up of Benton Harry, Nathaniel Harry, Sam Lawrence, Rayleigh Hutcheson, Lyndon Singletary, and Gracie Blount. Sam Lawrence was recognized for placing third overall in the junior division. Nataleigh Belcher, Lauren Sapp, and Sam Williams were the members of the Senior (9th-12th Grade) team. The teams were coached by 4-H Agent Jakyn Tyson and 4-H Volunteer T’Neil Williams.

“The 4-H’ers are taught how to make knowledgeable, rational decisions when purchasing goods and services,” stated Jakyn Tyson, Emanuel County 4-H Agent. “They also learned the importance of cotton as a commodity. As a result, 4-H’ers understand how to get the most for their dollar while acting as responsible consumers,” Tyson said.

The 4-H Cotton Boll & Consumer Jamboree is sponsored by the Georgia Cotton Commission and the University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Science’s Cooperative Extension Service. For more information about 4-H and how you can get involved, contact Emanuel County Extension at (478) 237-1226 or visit our office located at 129 N. Anderson Drive in Swainsboro.