Students, principal show out at Market Hog Show

Pike County youth recently wrapped up their 2025-26 market hog season with impressive results at both the Mid-GA Market Hog Show in Upson County and the Georgia National Junior Livestock Show held Feb. 19-21 in Perry, Georgia. Students representing both Pike County FFA and Pike County 4-H competed against strong competition while showcasing months of dedication, hard work, and livestock management skills.

The Mid-GA Market Hog Show, held Feb. 13, served as a strong conclusion to Pike County’s FFA Week and provided exhibitors with a final opportunity to prepare for the upcoming state competition. Students earned numerous awards in both market and showmanship classes.

One of the standout exhibitors of the evening was Senior Pike County 4-H member Miley Dysart, who earned first place in Senior Showmanship and exhibited both the Grand Champion Market Hog and the third Overall Market Hog, highlighting the strength of her livestock project and preparation. She was followed by Pike County eleventh grade 4-H showman Kaden Mitchell, who placed third in Senior Division Showmanship and exhibited the fifth Overall Market Hog.

Additional Pike County showmanship results included 4-H member Will Matthews, who placed second in the Novice Division. In the Junior Division, FFA members Kali Garner earned first place; Allie Lawrence placed second, Amy Pohle placed fourth and Denver Brunelle placed fifth. In the Intermediate Division, FFA members Anslee McLendon placed third, Bella Martin placed fifth. Annikah Self placed fifth in the Senior Division.

“A highlight of the evening was the first-ever “Admin Showdown,” where school administrators competed in showmanship,” said FFA Advisor Shannon Bartlett. “Our very own Pike County High School principal, Mr. Chad Kollert was named Champion, adding an entertaining and memorable moment to the event.”

Following the local show, students traveled to Perry to compete in the Georgia Junior National Livestock Show held Feb. 18-22. Competing against exhibitors from across the state, Pike County students demonstrated strong work ethic, preparation, and sportsmanship throughout the week.

One of the top accomplishments came from FFA member Kali Garner, who placed fourth Overall Showman in the Eighth Grade Division out of 120 exhibitors. 4-H members Miley Dysart and Kaden Mitchell, along with FFA member Anslee McLendon, also earned first place in their market classes with their hogs. Dysart and McLendon went on to place third overall for their respective divisions, Dysart with both of her market gilts and McLendon with her market barrow.

Several students also found success in market classes. Pike County 4-H member Kaden Mitchell placed first in class with both his barrow and his gilt. Pike County FFA member Kali Garner placed sixth with her gilt and eighth with her barrow, while Pike County FFA member Ty Garner placed sixth and seventh with his barrows. Pike County FFA member Anslee McLendon earned seventh place gilt.

Additional results included Pike County FFA member Allie Lawrence, who placed eighth with her barrow and ninth with her gilt, and Pike County FFA member Amy Pohle, who placed seventh with her gilt and ninth with her barrow. Pike County FFA members Georgianah Barrow and Annikah Self each earned ninth place finishes with their gilts, while Pike County 4-H member Will Matthews placed seventh with his gilt. Pike County FFA member Bristol Brooks placed eighth with her gilt and also exhibited breeding ewes, earning fourth and seventh place honors.

In addition to individual show ring success, Pike County FFA competed in the State Herdsman Contest, earning fourth overall with their educational stall display. The Herdsman Contest evaluates cleanliness, organization, educational value, and overall presentation of each chapter’s exhibit area, highlighting teamwork and agricultural advocacy.

“Livestock projects are far more than competition,” said Pike County 4-H Youth Development Extension Agent Brandi Baade. “Through daily feeding, health checks, grooming, and training, students develop responsibility, time management, and financial literacy, while the show ring builds confidence, public speaking ability, and professionalism that carry far beyond the barn. Here in our community, programs like 4-H and FFA play a vital role in helping guide students through these valuable growth experiences.”

Georgia 4-H, delivered through the University of Georgia Cooperative Extension, provides hands-on learning opportunities in agriculture, STEM, leadership, and healthy living for youth in grades K-12. In Pike County, both homeschool and public-school students can participate in 4-H through livestock projects, judging teams, shooting sports, summer camp, and leadership activities. Families interested in getting involved can contact the Pike County Extension Office at 770-567-2010 for more information.
The National FFA Organization is a student-led organization that prepares members for leadership and careers in agriculture. Pike County FFA chapters are available to students enrolled in agricultural education classes at Pike County Middle School and Pike County High School. Members participate in livestock projects, career development events, leadership conferences, community service, and agricultural advocacy. Students interested in joining FFA can enroll in an agricultural education course at their school and speak with their agriculture teacher about becoming a member.

After a successful season, Pike’s livestock exhibitors concluded their winter shows with strong results and valuable learning experiences. The accomplishments reflect the dedication of the students and the continued support of coaches, families, sponsors and the Pike community who help make these opportunities possible.