Individual winners included Brycen Potts, who walked away with Supreme Grand Champion Georgia Born and Bred Ewe, Reserve Supreme Grand Champion Georgia Born and Bred Ewe and a couple of first places in other classes. Timothy Hubbard took Supreme Grand Champion Breeding Ewe, Reserve Supreme Grand Champion Breeding Ewe, and Champion 9th:10th Grade Showmanship.
“A livestock project takes lots of time but can be one of the most rewarding activities that high school students can participate in. It teaches responsibility, commitment and leadership skills,” said Melissa Hubbard, director of Gordon Central’s FFA program.
She said the students have been preparing for this show since November, made even more difficult by the rough weather.
Placing in the top ten in a class or winning the state show is very difficult. Exhibiting livestock starts with the selection process. Selecting a quality animal takes a trained eye. All of these kids have participated on a livestock judging team. Livestock judging teaches how to select the best animals based on things like structure, conformation and quality breed characteristics. These are the same traits needed for animals to be successful in the show ring. Animals also have to be fed and fitted properly to be competitive.
“Last but certainly not least, it takes a good showman to be able to exhibit an animal to its full potential. Good showmanship skills take lots of practice at home before getting to the show,” said Hubbard.
The Georgia Jr. Nationals includes over 2000 animals in three species; cattle, sheep and hogs and hundreds of FFA and 4-Hstudents from across the state. The show starts on Thursday and finishes on Sunday. People from across the country and state come to watch the show and assist with the animals. Families, Students, FFA Advisors and 4-HAgents have lots of time invested in these livestock projects. It is truly a team effort. Exhibiting livestock is also a great family activity.
Hubbard said that the economy has made showing more difficult. In addition to the price of the animal, there is feed, travel, hotel and food costs, she said.
“We are always looking for ways to raise money to help these kids with their projects and that has become more difficult with our sluggish economy. We have sponsorship opportunities available,” said Hubbard.
For more information on sponsoring or contributing to the program, contact Melissa Hubbard at 770:548:7677, Agriculture Teacher at Gordon Central High School, 335 Warrior Path.
For more information on showing and upcoming March and April livestock sales, contact the Gordon County Extension office at 706-629-8685.
Gordon Central FFA and 4-Hwinners
Gordon Central FFA:
State Breeding Ewe Show:
Timothy Hubbard: Supreme Grand Champion Breeding Ewe
Timothy Hubbard: Reserve Supreme Grand Champion Breeding Ewe
Timothy Hubbard: Champion 9th:10th Grade Showmanship
Drew Thornton: 2nd Place 11th:12 Grade Showmanship
Drew Thornton: 2nd and 3rd Place in Breeding Ewe Classes
Taylor Langford: 2nd Place in Breeding Ewe Class
Chris Roberson: 9th Place in Breeding Ewe Class
Gordon Central FFA: 2nd Place, County Group of Three Sheep
State Market Hog Show:
Timothy Hubbard: 9th Place in 9th Grade Showmanship (126 Participants)
Timothy Hubbard: 3rd Place Market Gilt Class; 4th Place Market Barrow Class
Drew Thornton: 5th Place Market Barrow Class; 7th Place Market Barrow Class
Only the top 10 from each class of about 30 pigs/class are pulled to compete for the class winners.
Gordon County 4-H:
State Breeding Ewe Show:
Brycen Potts: Supreme Grand Champion Georgia Born and Bred Ewe
Brycen Potts: Reserve Supreme Grand Champion Georgia Born and Bred Ewe
Brycen Potts: Two 1st and Two 2nd Place Breeding Ewe Class Winners
Brycen Potts: 5th Place in 9th:10th Grade Showmanship
Mikalah Potts: 3rd and 4th Place Breeding Ewe Class Winners
Mikalah Potts: 3rd Place in 9th:10th Grade Showmanship
Gordon County 4-H: 1st Place, County Group of Three Sheep
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