Media release from Floyd County, GA 4-H:
Floyd County 4-H youth gain valuable agricultural skills and real-world experience through participating in the Georgia National Fair. The Georgia National Fair, held annually in Perry, Georgia, provides an important opportunity for young agricultural exhibitors to showcase their hard work. The fair features junior livestock competitions across multiple species, including beef cattle, goats, rabbits, sheep, swine, and dairy cattle, along with livestock judging contests, educational agricultural exhibits and craft exhibits. Fairgoers can learn about Georgia agriculture through demonstrations and displays highlighting everything from wool processing and dairy production to honeybees and the state’s agricultural heritage.
Exhibitors spend months preparing for competitions through daily feeding, training, grooming, and animal care. While audiences may see only the polished animals and exhibitors in the show ring, the dedication behind each appearance begins long before show day.
Preparing for a livestock show requires careful attention to animal health, nutrition, and appearance. Before entering the ring, exhibitors bathe, dry, and clip their animals to highlight their best qualities. During competition, judges evaluate both the animals and the exhibitors’ abilities to present and handle them. Youth may answer detailed questions about animal anatomy, gestation, health, and management, demonstrating the knowledge they have gained through hands-on experience. Even after the show concludes, the work continues at home as families return to daily farm chores and the care of their other animals.
In addition to livestock competitions, Floyd County 4-H members also represented the county through participation in a variety of fair contests and exhibits. Youth showcased their creativity, talents, and agricultural knowledge through mini booth displays, craft exhibits, and other 4-H contests held during the fair.
For many Floyd County 4-H families, the Georgia National Fair is about much more than competition. It provides an opportunity for families to spend time together, celebrate shared accomplishments, and pass agricultural knowledge and 4-H traditions from one generation to the next. This year, Mrs. Merita Humphrey, a Master 4-H member, had the privilege of supporting her grandchildren, Emma and Easton Selman, as they designed mini booths, dish gardens and more as third-generation 4-H members for the Georgia National Fair 4-H Contest. Their mother, Cherilyn Selman, a now Floyd County 4-H Volunteer, is also a Master 4-H member, making their involvement a powerful example of the lasting impact of the 4-H program across generations. Stories like theirs highlight how 4-H continues to build lifelong connections while developing youth leaders who carry forward traditions of service, learning, and agriculture.
This year, twelve Floyd County 4-H youth participated in the Georgia National Fair. Floyd County 4-H is proud of all its exhibitors and grateful to the parents, volunteers, and community members who make these opportunities possible. Whether youth pursue agricultural careers or apply their skills elsewhere, they leave the fair with more than ribbons they gain confidence, responsibility, and lifelong lessons that will benefit them for years to come.
GNF 4-H Project Entries
Easton Selman-Mini Booth 3rd Place; Dish Garden 1st Place
Emma Selman-Terrarium 3rd Place, Recycled Glass 8th place, Ag Product Snowmen 8th Place
Livestock
Lambs
Tucker Grisham
- 5th Place, 9th/10th Grade Showmanship
- Breeding Ewe (“Mustang Sally”)
- 1st Place, Class 9
- Market Ewe (“Toodles”)
- 3rd Place, Division 4 Naturals, Class 20
- Market Wether (“2Stroke”)
- 7th Place, Division 2 Black Face, Class 12
Emma Ratliff
- Third Overall Market Wether
- Fourth Overall Breeding Ewe
- 1st Place, Class 11 Market Wether
- 1st Place, Class 10 Breeding Ewe
- 2nd Place, Class 10 Market Wether
- 2nd Place, Class 7 Breeding Ewe
Aubree Ray
- 2nd Place, First-Year Exhibitor
- 5th Place, Showmanship
- 2nd Place, Weight Class with Cinderella
Jodi Ray
- 11th Place, Weight Class with Penny
- 7th Place, Weight Class with Mo
Beef Cattle
Maggie Holbert
- 1st Place, Born and Bred Heifer Class
- Reserve Champion Born and Bred Maine Heifer
- 4th Place, Maine Heifer
Ella Claire Holbert
- 2nd Place, Born and Bred Shorthorn Plus Heifer
- 3rd Place, Shorthorn Plus Heifer
Allie Woody
- 2nd Place, Commercial Heifer Class
Duncan Woody
- 6th Place, Commercial Heifer Class
Rabbits
Briella Renzi
Youth Show A
- Puppy (New Zealand Broken Junior Doe) – Best of Breed, Best of Variety
- Velociraptor (Tan Lilac Senior Buck) – Best of Variety
- Spicy Beaver’s Dam (Tan Black Junior Doe) – Best Opposite Sex of Breed, Best Opposite Sex of Variety
- Tan Factory Mischief (Tan Black Junior Buck) – Best of Breed, Best of Variety
Youth Show B
- Puppy (New Zealand Broken Junior Doe) – Best of Breed, Best of Variety
- Velociraptor (Tan Lilac Senior Buck) – Best of Variety
- Spicy Beaver’s Dam (Tan Black Junior Doe) – Best Opposite Sex of Breed, Best Opposite Sex of Variety
- Tan Factory Mischief (Tan Black Junior Buck) – Best of Breed, Best of Variety
Mara Salmon
Youth Show A
- Havana Breed – Best Display
- 0001 (Black Senior Buck) – Best of Breed, Best of Variety
- Nox (Broken Junior Buck) – Best Opposite Sex of Variety
- Ant (Broken Junior Doe) – Best Opposite Sex of Breed, Best of Variety
- Yzma (Mini Rex Broken Junior Buck) – Best of Group, Best of Variety
Youth Show B
- Havana Breed – Best Display
- 0001 (Black Senior Buck) – Reserve In Show, Best of Breed, Best of Variety
- Nox (Broken Junior Buck) – Best of Variety
- Ant (Broken Junior Doe) – Best Opposite Sex, Best Opposite Sex of Variety
- Yzma (Mini Rex Broken Junior Buck) – 2nd Place
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