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GFB 5th & 7th Districts go hog wild

Posted on February 14, 2022 12:00 AM

By Jennifer Whittaker

As the popularity of showing hogs has grown, Georgia Farm Bureau 5th and 7th District leaders held shows to encourage 4-H and FFA youth in their livestock projects. The events gave the students a chance to earn prize money to finance raising their hogs and to gain show experience before the state show in late February.

Both shows were held Feb. 5. The Upson-Lee Agriculture Center hosted the 3rd Annual GFB 5th District Market Hog Show. Portal High School FFA hosted the inaugural GFB 7th District Market Hog Show.

The 5th District show attracted 75 exhibitors showing 103 hogs in 14 weight classes. The 7^th District show drew 24 exhibitors showing 31 hogs divided into five weight classes.

In addition to students at each show competing to see who had raised the best hog in their weight class, exhibitors at both shows, ranging from pre-K to high school seniors, competed for showmanship honors for their age division: novice (3rd grade & under); junior (4th-6th grade); intermediate (7th – 9th grade); or senior (10th – 12th grade).

Showmanship competitors were judged on their ability to maintain control of their hog as they walked it around the show ring and their ability to walk their hog in a way that best showcases the animal’s muscles, legs & overall structure.

7^th District Showmanship winners were: Novice, Tatem Pittman, Toombs Co.; Junior, Nathan Newman, Bulloch Co; Intermediate, Kate Anna Newman, Bulloch Co.; & Senior, Taylor Lucas, Effingham  Co.

Both shows awarded prize money to the 2nd – 4th place winners of each showmanship and weight class division based on the total prize jackpot each show had to divide.