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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 22-25, 2023.

2,320 exhibitors from across the state showed over 4,000 animals at the Georgia National Fairgrounds in Perry, Georgia.

Maggie Miller, Grace Christian Academy 4-H’er, exhibited the 3 rd Overall Market Beef/Steer and was named Grand Champion Crossbred Market Beef. Maggie is the daughter of Joey and Jessica Miller. Mr. Kevin Jensen from Kansas judged the 2023 Georgia Junior National Market Beef Show.

Scott Ross Hayes exhibited the Grand Champion Simmental Market Beef/Steer.

Scott Ross is the son of Brian and Lindsey Hayes and a 6 th grade 4-H’er at Grace Christian Academy.

Rachel Hayes and Maggie Miller exhibited registered breeding heifers during the 2023 Georgia Junior National Livestock Show. Rachel placed 2 nd with her Charolais entry and Maggie Miller placed 3 rd respectively with a Charolais heifer entry. Mr. Brigham Stewart from Kansas evaluated the heifer classes.

Exhibiting breeding ewes were Heidi Griffin and Charlie Griffin. Heidi Griffin, Jones Wheat Primary 4-H’er, was named Champion 2nd grade showman. Charlie Griffin placed 4 th in commercial black-face class and Heidi Griffin placed 8th in commercial black-faced class. Mr. Clay Weber from Oregon evaluated the sheep in classes and the exhibitors in showmanship. Additionally, Rachel Hayes was selected as the 2023 Student Spotlight for the Georgia Junior National Livestock Show representing the sheep species.

Brannon Parker, Bailee Brock, Preston Lynn, Scott Ross Hayes, Gavin Hughes, Maci Lynn, Kirksey Bell Hayes, and Charlie Griffin exhibited market hogs at the Georgia Junior National Livestock Show at the Georgia National Fairgrounds.

Proudly, all Decatur County 4-H swine exhibitors placed in the top ten of their corresponding classes, as well as, many in showmanship. Congratulations to Maci Lynn for placing 3rd in 3rd grade showmanship. Maci also placed 4 th with her Yorkshire barrow entry and 4th with a crossbred barrow. Charlie Griffin placed 2nd and 7th with his crossbred barrow. Preston Lynn placed 4 th in his Duroc gilt class and 4th with his crossbred gilt. Scott Ross Hayes placed 1 st in class with his crossbred barrow. Mr. Jason Corya from Indiana evaluated over 2,000 market hogs from across the state that were exhibited during this culminating show of the season. These livestock exhibitors represent Decatur County and their respective schools as they participate in livestock shows across 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.