Lawrence exhibits grand champion Hereford heifer at state livestock show

February 20-24, eight Emanuel County 4-H and FFA members exhibited their beef, sheep, and swine projects at the Georgia Junior National Livestock Show in Perry. 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.

The Emanuel County Show team boasted many ribbons and placings at this year’s state show. Three out of seven animals competing for Grand Champion Hereford Beef Heifer were raised and exhibited by Emanuel County youth. Listed below is each exhibitor and their respective placings, by species.

Beef Cattle Participants: Nataleigh Belcher, 11th Grade, ECI FFA – 3rd in Hereford steer class; Lexa Jukes, 8th Grade 4-H Member at DEA – 9th overall in 8th grade showmanship, 3rd in angus heifer class, and 1st place in Hereford heifer class where she then competed for Grand and Reserve Champion Hereford Heifer; Clay Lawrence, 9th Grade, ECI FFA – 4th overall in 9th grade showmanship, 1st in Hereford class, and Grand Champion Hereford Heifer; Emma Lawrence, 11th Grade, ECI FFA – 5th in 11th grade showmanship, 1st in class with one of her Hereford heifers where she then competed for Grand and Reserve Champion Hereford heifer, and 2nd in class with her other Hereford heifer; Hoyt Lawrence, 5th Grade 4-H Member at TCE – 6th overall in 5th grade showmanship and 4th in angus heifer class.

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Breeding Ewe Participants: Pearl Meadows, 6th Grade ECI FFA – 9th overall in 6th grade showmanship and 13th with her breeding ewe; Amelia Meadows, 8th Grade ECI FFA – 6th overall in 8th grade showmanship and 9th with her breeding ewe.

Market Swine Participants: Clay Smith, 6th Grade ECI FFA – 4th and 5th in class with his market barrows.

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.