Floyd County 4-H Livestock Exhibitors Shining Bright at the Georgia National Fair

Local 4-H Members compete and win big in livestock shows in Perry, GA. 

For Immediate Release:

Youth livestock shows are often associated with county and state fairs, but showing livestock for the youth of Floyd County is a year-round sport. Many who have witnessed livestock shows might only see a child leading an animal around the show ring, but for the youth exhibiting their animals, it takes months of hard work to make sure their animal is ready for the show ring.

Months before the show season begins animals must be purchased by the exhibitors. Many exhibitors may even raise their animals from birth. After an exhibitor acquires ownership, they then participate in the day-to-day care for their animals. This not only allows the exhibitors a chance to get to know their animals, but to also gain a sense of responsibility.

For many of our exhibitors, participating in livestock shows is an opportunity for families to spend quality time together, and to also pass down knowledge and experience of the “family business”.

Abbi Ratliff, a 4-H Certified Volunteer, 4-H Alumni, and 4-H parent stated, “Watching my daughter in the ring brings back every memory of early mornings and late nights in the barn and every moment I had showing lambs. I still remember the feel of the halter in my hands, and the pride of walking into the show ring with my lambs. Now, I get to watch my daughter do the same. Different boots but the same path; and my heart walks every step with her.”

Prior to each show, animals are bathed, dried, clipped using special shampoos, and other equipment to make sure the animals are presentable and their best qualities are highlighted. Once they enter the show ring not only are the animals judged, but also the exhibitors. Exhibitors are asked in-depth questions about their animal to gauge the level of knowledge about the animal’s anatomy, gestation period, and various other questions. Exhibitors are also judged on how well they represent their animal and maintain eye contact with the judge.

For many viewing the show, the work is done once the show has concluded but for the exhibitors and their families, awaiting at home are additional animals to be feed, clothes to be washed, and day-to-day chores of the farm. 

However, for many exhibitors livestock showing and life on the farm often are preparing them for future careers in agriculture. In fact, many local farmers have a 4-H background like Regina Detweiler, a 4-H Certified Volunteer and 4-H Alumni says, “The value of showing livestock is immeasurable, the skills learned can be applied in every area of life. The showman learns responsibility of the health and welfare of their animal. The competition teaches professionalism with public speaking, self-confidence with showing, and critical thinking skills in making decisions. Showing livestock helped define who I am today.”

Lexi Terry, a Floyd County 4-H Alumni, has received various agricultural opportunities through her participation in livestock showing, and has a bright future in agriculture. Having only shown cattle during high school and without prior experience in livestock judging, Lexi leveraged the connections made through showing to earn a place on a collegiate livestock judging team. Judging at the collegiate level challenged her to step outside her comfort zone and broaden her understanding of multiple species. Through her experience showing cattle, she learned that win or lose, your work ethic must remain consistent and give it your all.

Lexi currently is pursuing a degree in Agricultural Business at Oklahoma State University. Lexi plans to return home to continue growing the small livestock operation she and her brother began. These experiences have played a pivotal role in shaping her journey and have deepened her passion for the livestock industry, and the dedicated individuals who sustain it.

This year at the Georgia National Fair Floyd County 4-H had five youth participate in showing livestock. 

Lily George placed 5th in 4^th Grade Beef Showmanship, 7th in Market Lamb Showmanship, and earned 2nd in Georgia Born and Bred, along with 3rd and 6th in class placements.

Tucker Grisham represented Floyd County 4-H in 8^th Grade Market Lamb Showmanship and placed 9^th in two separate classes.

Ella Holbert earned 3rd place in Bred and Owned Shorthorn Plus and a 6th place class finish.

Maggie Holbert earned Reserve Champion Maine Bred and Owned, along with a 4th place class finish.

Emma Ratliff earned Champion 3rd Grade Showman and Reserve Champion honors in the Georgia Born and Bred Division for both Market Ewe and Market Wether. Additional placements included 1st and 3rd in class for the ewe, and 2nd in class for the wether.