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Decatur County 4-H members recently exhibited swine and cattle during the 2^nd weekend of the Georgia National Fair held in Perry, Georgia.

Maci Lynn, Grace Christian Academy 4-H’er, exhibited swine at Georgia National Fair breeding gilt and market hog shows on October 12-15, 2023. Maci placed 5^th in 4^th grade swine showmanship.  Additionally, Maci placed 1^st in class with her market gilt.  Maci and her gilt advanced to be named Champion of Division I Market Gilts for the Georgia National Fair Market Gilt Show.  Mr. Austin Thompson and Mrs. Breanna Thompson from Indiana served as the judges for the 2023 Georgia National Fair Swine Shows.  Judges evaluated the swine in the breeding gilt and market hog classes and the exhibitors in showmanship.

The Georgia National Fair Invitational Cattle Show was also held October 12-15, 2023.  The Invitational Cattle Show is open to exhibitors across Georgia as well as surrounding states.  Maggie Miller, Scott Ross Hayes, and Kirksey Bell Hayes exhibited cattle during the Georgia National Fair Invitational Cattle Show.  Maggie Miller was named Reserve Champion 6^th grade showman.  Maggie also placed 2^nd in class with her Charolais steer and 1^st in class with her Charolais heifer entry.  Scott Ross placed 1^st in class with his Charolais heifer and 6^th in showmanship.  Kirksey Bell, GCA 4-H’er, was named champion 4^th grade beef cattle showman.  Kirksey also placed 1^st in class with her Charolais Heifer.  Kirksey and her heifer advanced to be named Grand Champion All Other Breeds (AOB) Heifer.  Mr. Chisum Grund from Kansas served as the judge for the exhibitors in showmanship and cattle in classes.

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 south.  As a result of their involvement, 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, building self esteem, critical thinking, decision making, goal setting, cooperation, and communication.