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Decatur County 4-H members recently exhibited lambs and cattle during the first weekend of the Georgia National Fair in Perry, Georgia.

Charlie Griffin, Heidi Griffin, Levi Peralta, Fatima Peralta, Kirksey Bell Hayes, and Scott Ross Hayes exhibited lambs at the Georgia National Fair.  Exhibitors competed in showmanship, market lamb classes, and breeding ewe classes.

Scott Ross Hayes, 7th^th grade 4-H’er at Grace Christian Academy was named champion 7^th grade showman for the Market Lamb Show and Reserve 7^th and 8^th grade showman for the breeding ewe show.  Scott Ross earned the opportunity to compete against showmanship winners from 6^th through 12^th grade to compete for the title of Master 4-H Showman.  Kirksey Bell Hayes 4^th grade GCA 4-H’er, was named Champion 4^th grade showman for the market lamb show and champion 3^rd and 4^th grade showman for the breeding ewe show.  Levi Peralta and Fatima Peralta exhibited ewes that respectively placed in the top 10 of the breeding ewe and market lamb classes.  Charlie Griffin placed in the top 5 for breeding ewe and market lamb classes.  Heidi Griffin, 3^rd grade 4-H’er at Hutto Elementary School, placed 2^nd in the market lamb class and later earned the title of Reserve Champion for the Georgia Born and Bred Division.

Mr. Marvin Ensor from Texas served as the judge for the market lamb show and evaluated the exhibitors in showmanship for the 2023 Georgia Junior National Market Lamb Show.

Exhibiting cattle during the Georgia National Fair Market Beef and Breeding Heifer Show were Maggie Miller, Scott Ross Hayes, and Kirksey Bell Hayes.  Maggie Miller, a 6^th grade student at Grace Christian Academy, placed 5^th in 6^th grade showmanship, placed 2^nd with her Charolais heifer, and placed 2^nd in class with her Charolais steer.  Scott Ross Hayes placed 1^st with his Charolais heifer and was named Reserve Champion Charolais Heifer.  Additionally, Kirksey Bell Hayes was named Reserve Champion 4^th grade showman for beef cattle and placed 1^st in class with her Charolais heifer entry.

Mrs. Barb Ohlrichs and Mr. Wayne Ohlrichs from Nebraska evaluated the heifers in classes and the exhibitors in showmanship.  Mr. Brian Fox served as the judge for the Market Beef Show.

These 4-H livestock exhibitors represent their schools and community as part of the Decatur County Show Team as they participate in livestock shows all over the southeastern United States.  As a result of their involvement, youth gain character traits including responsibility, caring, and fairness. They certainly deserve the reward of hard-work and dedication.  In addition, they practice numerous life skills including teamwork, self-motivation, building self-esteem, critical thinking, decision making, goal setting, cooperation, and communication.