Governor Brian Kemp and First Lady Marty Kemp received the Green Jacket Award for their service to Georgia 4-H. Pictured left to right: Dennis Chastain, CEO of Georgia EMC; Arch Smith, Retired State Leader of Georgia 4-H; Brian Kemp, Georgia Governor; Marty Kemp, Georgia First Lady; Laura Perry Johnson, Associate Dean of UGA Cooperative Extension.

Georgia Governor Brian Kemp and First Lady Marty Kemp received the Green Jacket Award from Georgia 4-H at the 2022 Georgia 4-H State Congress. This prestigious award is presented to individuals who have shown outstanding, significant, and ongoing statewide support to 4-H.

The Kemps have been proponents of Georgia 4-H for two decades. During his time in public office, Governor Kemp has passed and upheld legislation that provides funding for Georgia 4-H programming throughout the state.

Governor Kemp has attended and supported local and state-level 4-H events since he began serving Georgia as a senator in 2003. He recently delivered the keynote address to 4-H’ers and other stakeholders at the 2022 Georgia 4-H Day at the Capitol.

“Throughout his years of service, Governor Kemp has continued to show up for Georgia 4-H’ers,” said Arch Smith, retired Georgia 4-H State Leader. “I can recall numerous occasions where he would take extra time to meet and listen to our state officers. He is a champion for Georgia 4-H,” Smith added.

First Lady Kemp has invested in the Georgia 4-H program by involving 4-H’ers in the activities of the Governors’ Mansion, including tours, pet adoption days, and other specialty events for youth. She also facilitated the First Flock project, in which Warren County 4-H’ers and FFA members helped design and install a chicken coop for the mansion grounds.

The Green Jacket Award was first announced during 4-H State Congress on July 21 in Atlanta. “We are honored to be chosen as the recipients of this year’s Green Jacket Award,” Governor Kemp said in a video address to the 4-H State Congress delegation. “We know how important Georgia 4-H is to young people in every corner of our state. Because of [4-H], young people have the skills and drive they need to succeed,” said First Lady Kemp.

The Kemps received their green jackets and a commemorative plaque during a presentation at the Capital on August 9. Dennis Chastain, CEO of Georgia Electric Membership Corporation (EMC), made the presentation along with Smith and Laura Perry Johnson, Associate Dean for Extension at the University of Georgia.

Partnership with Georgia EMC is vital to the continuation of positive youth development efforts of Georgia 4-H. Georgia 4-H has awarded the Green Jacket Award with support from Georgia EMC every year since 2008. For a complete list of winners, visit www.georgia4h.org/awards.

Georgia 4-H celebrated excellence during the 79^th Annual 4-H State Congress with competitions and recognition as top 4-H’ers from around the state gathered in Atlanta. State Congress, which took place from July 19-22, includes the state-level Project Achievement and Leadership in Action contests and acknowledges youth development professionals, supporters, and public officials for their contributions to the success of 4-H in Georgia.

Georgia 4-H empowers youth to become true leaders by developing necessary life skills, positive relationships, and community awareness. As the largest youth leadership organization in the state, 4-H reaches more than 225,000 people annually through UGA Extension offices and 4-H facilities.

For more information about Georgia 4-H, contact your local University of Georgia County Extension Office or visit www.georgia4h.org.

-Josie Smith

Madelynn Murphy, a fourth-grade 4-H’er from Appling County, earned a sweet victory in the 2022 Georgia 4-H Watermelon Growing Contest with a girthy melon weighing in at 109.5 pounds. The conclusion of the contest was held on National Watermelon Day, August 3.

The contest, which offers students the opportunity to learn and use their knowledge of agricultural and environmental sciences to produce prize-winning fruit, cultivates an appreciation for proper fruit and vegetable growing techniques. In addition to the basics of caring for watermelons, contestants incorporate mathematical knowledge of space, depth and irrigation needs for their plants. They also develop problem-solving skills for common agricultural challenges such as insect control.

With entries from 49 4-H’ers from around Georgia, weights for winning watermelons were verified by University of Georgia Cooperative Extension agents at county offices to ensure accuracy.

Second place went to Aiden Connell from Appling County with a 92.5-pound watermelon. Third place went to Chloe Boatwright, also from Appling, with a 73.5-pound watermelon.

First, second and third place winners received cash prizes and ribbons to recognize their enormous entries.

Appling County enjoyed great success in the contest this year. “Growing watermelons teaches basic plant science in a hands-on and fun way. Pretty much every kid thinks it’s neat to have a 100-pound watermelon in the backyard,” said Shane Curry, Appling County Agriculture and Natural Resources agent. “We’ve been fortunate over the past few years to have a lot of kids that are really good at it, and they keep getting better.”

The Georgia Watermelon Association and Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association sponsor the fun and educational contest.

Georgia’s warm summers provide the ideal climate for growing successful watermelons, and most 4-H’ers grow the ‘Carolina Cross’ watermelon variety for their contest entries. ‘Carolina Cross’ is generally considered the largest watermelon variety and the seeds are readily available for purchase from local retailers and online.

Georgia 4-H empowers youth to become true leaders by developing necessary life skills, positive relationships and community awareness. As the largest youth leadership organization in the state, 4-H reaches more than 225,000 people annually through UGA Extension offices and 4-H facilities.

For more information about Georgia 4-H and the watermelon growing contest, contact your local UGA Extension office or visit georgia4h.org.

-Josie Smith

Last month, top 4-H’ers from around the state gathered in Atlanta to celebrate the 79^th annual 4-H State Congress, an event packed with competition and recognition.

State Congress, which took place from July 19-22, includes the state-level Project Achievement and Leadership in Action contests and acknowledges youth development professionals, supporters and public officials for their contributions to the success of 4-H in Georgia.

Students who place first at state-level competitions in Georgia 4-H earn the title of “Master 4-H’er.” During State Congress, 204 delegates competed in 50 Project Achievement areas and seven delegates competed in the Leadership in Action contest; one individual from each project area and two Leadership in Action competitors received Master 4-H’er status.

Project Achievement

More than 48,000 youth participated in Project Achievement this year through 4-H programs at the county level. This essential Georgia 4-H program element empowers young people with leadership, creativity, public speaking and record-keeping skills that will last a lifetime. At the high school level, students choose a project of interest from a list of areas that include agriculture, human development, performing arts, communication, engineering and workforce. They subsequently research the topic, create a detailed presentation, and participate in related community service and civic engagement activities. The State Congress competition also includes individual interviews with qualified professionals who engage with 4-H’ers about their project work.

To view a complete list of Project Achievement participants, visit georgia4h.org.

Leadership in Action

The Leadership in Action competition calls for 4-H’ers to identify a community need and work to meet that need by planning and implementing original projects and initiatives. Competitors then prepare an application packet and participate in interviews at the district level. Seven finalists were chosen to be recognized and compete at State Congress. The 2022 Leadership in Action winners are Chanthony Andrews Jr. from Glynn County and Evelyn Day from Houston County.

Andrews hosted a “Sock-tober” drive to collect socks and other necessities for hundreds of people experiencing homelessness in Glynn County. Day partnered with FEMA and the Department of Homeland Security to educate pet owners nationwide about best practices for their pets during national disasters. Other finalists were Jaylee Kilgo from Bartow County, Lilly Ann Smith from Oconee County, Lilly Kate Farrar from Habersham County, Lydia Belfower from Bleckley County, and Rachel Wood from Morgan County.

Georgia 4-H awards

Georgia 4-H recognizes stakeholders who provide guidance and support to Georgia 4-H throughout the year at State Congress.

Courtney Brown, Extension specialist for 4-H healthy living programs, received the 2022 Ryles Rising Star Award. This award recognizes an outstanding 4-H staff member in the first five years of their employment for their contributions to the success of 4-H. Brown coordinates all the healthy living initiatives within Georgia 4-H and has improved effectiveness and efficiency in all the programs she oversees, including Cotton Boll and Consumer Judging and a myriad of food projects. She is dedicated to improving the lives of Georgia’s youth and their families.

The Georgia Association of Educational Leaders (GAEL) received the 2022 Friend of 4-H Award. This award is presented annually to organizations or individuals that demonstrate outstanding support of Georgia 4-H with exemplary contributions towards the mission and vision of the program by the Georgia Association of Extension 4-H Youth Development Professionals (GAE4HYDP). GAEL supports Georgia 4-H through long-standing partnerships with educators that allow for in-school 4-H programming to continue as the cornerstone of the organization. Collaboration between GAEL and 4-H makes positive youth development possible for hundreds of thousands of Georgia 4-H’ers.

Sheila Marchant, Jeff Davis County Extension coordinator (CEC) and 4-H agent, received the 2022 William H. Booth Award. This award is presented by Georgia EMC and recognizes 4-H agents who have outstanding career achievements and who have a strong commitment to community support. Marchant is dedicated to creating a safe and caring environment for youth to achieve their goals in Jeff Davis County. The other district finalists were Brittani K. Lee, Cobb County interim CEC and 4-H agent; Wanda McLocklin, Barrow County CEC and 4-H agent; and Crystal Perry, Sumter County 4-H agent. Each of these individuals provide admirable support and leadership to their county programs.

Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp and First Lady Marty Kemp received the 2022 Georgia 4-H Green Jacket Award. This prestigious award is presented to individuals who have shown outstanding, significant and ongoing statewide support to the program. The Kemps have been proponents of Georgia 4-H for decades, through legislative funding and hands-on programs such as the First Flock, tours, pet adoption days and activities for youth at the Governor’s Mansion. Governor Kemp served as the keynote speaker for the 2022 Georgia 4-H Day at the Capitol.

Leaders in the camping program and 4-H center leadership also received recognition during State Congress. Additionally, the 2022-23 Georgia 4-H Board of Directors were inducted into their positions of leadership. The 2021-22 Board of Directors were honored for their year of service. Georgia 4-H also recognized special event winners from the 2021-22 program year.

State Congress is made possible by generous contributions from organizations that support positive youth development in Georgia. Major sponsors include Georgia EMC, Harley Langdale Jr. Foundation, Inc., Premium Peanut, Georgia Power, Georgia 4-H Foundation, and Georgia Master 4-H Club.

Georgia 4-H empowers youth to become true leaders by developing necessary life skills, positive relationships, and community awareness. As the largest youth leadership organization in the state, 4-H reaches more than 225,000 people annually through University of Georgia Cooperative Extension offices and 4-H facilities.

For more information about Georgia 4-H, contact your local UGA Extension office or visit georgia4h.org.

-Josie Smith

Georgia 4-H’er Receives Tom Knapp Memorial Scholarships from Federal Ammunition and Champion Targets

– William Elrod from Georgia was chosen as a 2022 scholarship recipient.

ANOKA, Minnesota – July 13, 2022 –At the recent National 4-H Shooting Sports Invitational held in Grand Island, Nebraska, two National 4-H Shooting Sports Ambassadors were awarded the 9th annual Tom Knapp Memorial Scholarships. The national event brought together nearly 700 competitors from 39 states to participate in a multitude of shooting sports disciplines. Their shooting skills shined throughout the week and their enthusiasm spilled over to the community.

Applicants for the scholarship are required to have attended the National 4-H Shooting Sports Ambassador training, maintain at least a 3.0 GPA, and be enrolled or planning to attend an accredited college or university. Faith Newton from North Carolina and William Elrod from Georgia were chosen as the 2022 scholarship recipients.

Although all the applicants were outstanding these two ambassadors stood out in the applications with their numerous volunteer efforts not only in their local communities but throughout their states and regions. All the 4-H Shooting Sports Ambassadors are true leaders in their communities and within the shooting sports industry.

“The Knapp Family would be proud of all the National 4-H Ambassador’s and their shooting accomplishments. These annual scholarships have changed the lives of dozens of kids over the years and this group does a tremendous job at sharing the positive effects that the 4-H Shooting Sports Program has had on their lives and communities across the country,” said Brian Kelvington from Federal Ammunition. Kelvington assisted the Knapp Family with putting together this scholarship program which started in 2014.

2022 marks the 7th year of scholarships awarded to 4-H Ambassadors with 14 youth in total receiving scholarships from this program since 2016. Federal Ammunition continues to be the longest tenured sponsor for the National 4-H Shooting Sports Program who reaches over 500,000 youth from across the country. The program promotes firearm safety, youth development through structured shooting sports programs across all shooting disciplines.

Press Release Contact: JJ Reich
Senior Manager – Press Relations

Georgia 4-H has named Ambassadors to represent the organization in the program areas of Healthy Living, STEM, Tech, Wildlife, and Pollinators. Sixty-two Ambassadors, representing 42 Georgia counties, were selected through a competitive application process and attended a comprehensive training weekend June 4-5 at Rock Eagle 4-H Center.

Ambassadors are given opportunities to learn and lead within their chosen discipline. Subsequent to their intensive subject training, these high school students will spend the 2022-2023 academic year planning activities to share their knowledge with peers, younger children, and adults. They will make a difference in their communities and represent Georgia 4-H as ambassadors in the field.

Healthy Living ambassadors will learn and share about food and nutrition, food access and security, preparing budget-friendly meals and snacks, and general health and well-being. Pollinator Ambassadors teach about the importance of pollinators and easy conversation efforts, with learning and sharing activities focusing on building awareness about pollinators and taking action to help preserve pollinator habitats. Tech Ambassadors work within their communities to empower others to increase their digital literacy and grow their digital skills.

STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) Ambassadors provide other youth with opportunities to engage in hands-on STEM projects in their home counties and surrounding areas. Wildlife Ambassadors become certified Project WILD Educators as part a national environmental education program coordinated by the Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies. Their goal is to teach people in their communities about the importance of wildlife conservation throughout Georgia.

The Georgia 4-H Ambassador Program has a rich history of success and impact. The inaugural program launched in 2005 and featured more than 30 youth working in their communities “to make the best better,” in keeping with the 4-H pledge. Each key area is coordinated by specialists on the Georgia 4-H state staff and 4-H personnel from County Extension offices. These adults invest in youth and provide them with applicable and relevant subject knowledge, empowering them to educate others.

“The Georgia 4-H Ambassador Program is unique in that youth get to learn specialized content through an in-depth training experience,” said Kasey Bozeman, Extension 4-H Specialist for Georgia 4-H Science Programs and Ambassador Program Coordinator. “Under the direction of their local 4-H leader, they get to continue to learn through interviews, tours, and research, but they also get to teach others through exhibits, articles, and workshops. I’m always amazed to see their creativity and passion shine,” Bozeman went on to say.

The Healthy Living Ambassadors include Shannon Schlegel from Burke County; Dayleigh Beard, Brailyn Boyd, Khanijah Mitchell, and Markaliyah Mitchell from Calhoun County; Isaiah Farrow from Cobb County; Anna Cook from Cook County; Jacob Bennett from Grady County; Lily Earle from Madison County; Maci Dawson from Mitchell County; Molly Hooker and Ryan Johnson from Pickens County; Carter Hewitt from Stephens County; Megan Miller from Tattnall County; Bethany Samuel from Tift County; Brittney Bryant and Grace Holt from Toombs; Olivia Walker from Union County; Christopher Kuhbander from Ware County; and Lori Bell from Wayne County.

The STEM Ambassadors include Hannah Hunt and Erica McLocklin from Barrow County; Lucy Evans from Bartow County; Lee Jay from Ben Hill County; Madison Hudgins from Bryan County; James Schlegel from Burke County; Aarsheya Gunjal and Venya Gunjal from Cobb County;Kyra Burmeister from Liberty County;  Rae McBride from Oglethorpe County;Micah Newton from Pickens County; Hailey Perez from Pulaski County; Carolyn Thomas from Putnam County; Leila D. Rimes from Tift County; and Bailey Hutchins from Toombs County.

The Tech Ambassadors include Quinn Stoy from Bulloch County; Chanthony Andrews, Jr. from Glynn County; Hannah Jones from Gordon County; Jeremiah Florence from Mitchell County; Kingston Ryals from Toombs County; Mary Laura Tippett from Toombs County; and Tami Gonzalez from Toombs.

The Wildlife Ambassadors include Katy Stinson and Kiwi Waller from Barrow County; Grant Shuman from Bryan County; Catherine Puchala from Bulloch County; Emmaline Cunningham from Burke County; Tony Gray from Burke County; Presley Douglas  from Candler County; Landon Fay from Cherokee County; Connor Watson from Oconee County; Reese Davis from Pickens County; and Addy Winchester from Pulaski County.

The Pollinator Ambassadors include Aubrianna Stewart from Bryan County, Agatha Grimes from Candler County, Lesley Nichols from Fayette County, Zoey Parks from Jasper County, Makayla Nash from Liberty County, Mia Burnett from Mitchell County, Sophia Scott from Pickens County, Esteban Contreras Jr. from Pulaski Couny, Nortrayvious Brown from Terrell County, Emma Barber from Ware County, Landon McDonald from Toombs County.

Georgia 4-H empowers youth to become true leaders by developing necessary life skills, positive relationships and community awareness. As the largest youth leadership organization in the state, 4-H reaches more than 225,000 people annually through UGA Extension offices and 4-H facilities.

For more information about the Ambassador Program and Georgia 4-H, contact your local University of Georgia County Extension Office or visit www.georgia4h.org.

Written by Josie Smith, Georgia 4-H

Georgia 4-H recognized the historical significance of the Dublin 4-H Center on May 14 with a program at the Emery Thomas Auditorium, which was recently named to the National Register of Historic Places by the National Park Service.

The Dublin 4-H Center opened in 1957 and became the first state center for Black 4-H Club members in the United States. Thanks to the dedication of Percy Hunter Stone and other Black Cooperative Extension agents, the center served Black 4-H’ers and their families until it closed in 1968.

The event honored the contributions of Stone and other leaders who worked towards representation and equality for Black 4-H’ers during segregation. Stone was born in Franklin County, Virginia, in 1893 and later received his college degree at Hampton Institute in Virginia. He began his career as a county Extension agent in Clarke County, Georgia, in 1919 and then moved to Savannah in 1923 to become Georgia’s first Negro State 4-H Club leader.

In 1939, Stone assisted with the acquisition of property in Laurens County to begin construction of the Dublin 4-H Center. World War II slowed the construction of the new facility for Black 4-H members, but Stone continued his efforts, and by 1954 there were 50,000 Black 4-H members in Georgia.

Stone retired from Extension in 1956 and moved to Washington, D.C., to serve in the Federal Extension Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. He returned to Georgia in 1957 for the dedication of the Dublin 4-H Center. In April, Stone was announced as an inductee to the National 4-H Hall of Fame.

The Emery Thomas Auditorium is the only building that remains at the Dublin 4-H Center. Emery Thomas served as the Laurens County Extension agent and was the first Black alderman to serve on Dublin’s city council. His granddaughter, Tonya Thomas Berry, attended the May 14 event. “I was so thrilled to be a part of this special recognition,” Berry said following the program.

Dorothy Graves, retired University of Georgia Cooperative Extension agent, reflected on her experiences at the Dublin 4-H Center.

“As a young 4-H’er growing up in Georgia, coming here to camp was truly the highlight of my summer,” Graves said during her remarks. “Not only did the 4-H motto instill in me the (idea) ‘to make the best better,’ it also extended the rights to help me live out that motto,” she added. Graves commented that 4-H helps young people become citizens who contribute to their communities, just as Stone did during his tenure as a 4-H leader.

Fred Harrison, retired director of Extension and Dean Emeritus for Fort Valley State University (FVSU), discussed the importance of including the history of Dublin 4-H Center in the story of Georgia 4-H. “It was only 65 years ago that this camp was dedicated,” Harrison recalled. “The 4-H program in Georgia was segregated, we had two separate camps … The reason we can confidently say today that the Extension programs in Georgia are combined is because people like Percy Hunter Stone worked hard and did not quit.”

Harrison also acknowledged the progress that has been made since. “There is much work to be done, but Georgia has led the way, and Georgia has a story to tell,” he said in his closing comments.

The history of Dublin 4-H Center will be commemorated with permanent signage installed at the entrance to the Emery Thomas Auditorium. Replicas of the displays have been installed in Sutton Hall at Rock Eagle 4-H Center in Eatonton, Georgia. “We are committed to making sure this history is remembered,” said Arch Smith, Georgia 4-H state leader and director. “The 4-H’ers of tomorrow will have the opportunity to learn about the work that was done by those who came before them.”

The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the nation’s historic places deemed worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.

Georgia 4-H empowers youth to become true leaders by developing necessary life skills, positive relationships and community awareness. As the largest youth leadership organization in the state, 4-H reaches more than 225,000 people annually through UGA Extension offices and 4-H facilities.

For more information about Georgia 4-H, contact your local UGA Extension office or visit www.georgia4h.org.

By Josie Smith, Georgia 4-H

The senior team from Burke County won first place at the Georgia 4-H State Dairy Quiz Bowl contest on May 20 at the UGA Animal Dairy Science Complex. Team members Emmaline Cunningham, Tony Gray, Abby Joyner, Susanna Murray, and Holt Sapp were coached by Burke County 4-H Agent Meridith Meckel.

Dairy Quiz Bowl is a fast-paced competition that utilizes buzzers as contestants accurately answer questions related to the dairy industry. The quiz bowl content covers all topics related to dairy production and dairy foods, as well as dairy industry statistics, breed information, and dairy organizations. Confidence, independence, and compassion are life skills that result from participating in 4-H Dairy Quiz Bowl.

According to Georgia’s Department of Agriculture, animal agriculture is the largest sector of the agriculture industry and contributes over $5.8 billion to the state economy. University of Georgia Animal Science faculty and industry experts contribute to the curriculum used to train 4-H’ers and help connect youth with pertinent applications of the skills they learn.

Heather Shultz, Georgia 4-H Extension Specialist for Livestock Programs, is grateful for the partnership with UGA. “We would like to extend sincere thanks to Dr. Jillian Bohlen, University of Georgia-Dairy Specialist, and the numerous UGA Animal Dairy Science staff and volunteers that helped facilitate the contest,” Shultz said. “In addition to the fun they have at Dairy Quiz Bowl, students gain critical thinking skills and knowledge of how agriculture in Georgia impacts their lives.”

Burke County 4-H will represent Georgia in November at the North American Invitational 4-H Dairy Quiz Bowl Contest in Louisville, Kentucky.

Three junior teams and three senior teams participated in the state contest. Junior teams are made up of youth from 4^th grade to 8^th grade and senior teams are 9^th through 12^th grade 4-H’ers. The first-place junior team from Oconee County included Sawyer Mathis, Tyson Mathis, Molly Ann McLean, and Bryson Woodruff.

Additional winners in the contest include second place senior team from Coweta County and third place senior team from Monroe County. The second place junior team was Burke County Team A and the third place junior team was Burke County Team B.

Georgia 4-H empowers youth to become true leaders by developing necessary life skills, positive relationships and community awareness. As the largest youth leadership organization in the state, 4-H reaches more than 225,000 people annually through UGA Extension offices and 4-H facilities.

For more information about how to get involved with Dairy Quiz Bowl and Georgia 4-H, contact your local University of Georgia County Extension Office or visit www.georgia4h.org.

By Josie Smith

Oconee County 4-H captured first place at the Georgia 4-H State Poultry Judging contest held May 6 at the Oglethorpe County Livestock Facility. Team members Blakely Steward, Lexi Pritchard, Connor Watson and Thomas Stewart earned 3,979 of an overall 4,200 points and became the newest Master 4-H’ers in Georgia.

Poultry judging is the largest judging event in the Georgia 4-H program, with 560 students participating across the state this year. Fifty-three 4-H’ers qualified to compete in the state contest, advancing from five area-level contests.

Participants judge both live chickens and market poultry during the event, identifying parts of birds already prepared for market and evaluating eggs for quality and readiness for sale. Following the evaluation of a live production class, participants must justify their placing decisions through oral reasoning.

To prepare for poultry judging contests, students learn standards used in poultry and egg production and marketing and apply those standards in decision-making situations that call for critical evaluation. Beyond the contest, 4-H’ers apply the skills they learn as poultry consumers in grocery stores and restaurants.

Oconee County will represent Georgia at the 2022 National 4-H Poultry and Egg Conference in Louisville, Kentucky, November 16-17. The students will continue to expand their knowledge of the poultry industry and what it means for Georgia consumers throughout the year.   

Georgia 4-H partners with specialists at the University of Georgia for all its livestock programs. The UGA Department of Poultry Science has a vital and long-standing relationship with 4-H, with poultry science faculty preparing the area-level and state contests, taking care to provide consistent and accurate classes for every 4-H’er.

“Poultry judging reinforces the importance of agriculture to hundreds of students every year,” said Heather Shultz, Georgia 4-H Extension specialist for livestock programs. “Every 4-H’er who participates in poultry judging through their county UGA Cooperative Extension office gains an appreciation for how our poultry supply is produced and how safety and quality are maintained. We appreciate the UGA poultry science department for supporting this important initiative for youth.”

Winning teams in the contest include the second-place team from Ben Hill County with team members Lauren Wixson, Allie Braddy, Amelia Lee and Jay Lee; and the third-place team from Gordon County with team members Breana Manning, Joshua Carr, Sophia Westbrook and Rebekah McElrath. Additional winners include first place high individual Lexi Pritchard from Oconee County, second high individual Lauren Wixson from Ben Hill County, and third high individual Avery Pruett from Coweta County.

Georgia 4-H empowers youth to become true leaders by developing necessary life skills, positive relationships and community awareness. As the largest youth leadership organization in the state, 4-H reaches more than 225,000 people annually through UGA Extension offices and 4-H facilities.

For more information about how to get involved with Poultry Judging and Georgia 4-H, contact your local UGA Extension office or visit georgia4h.org.

Article and Photo by Josie Smith

The senior team from Jackson County earned top honors at the Georgia 4-H State Livestock Judging contest on March 19 at the Georgia FFA-FCCLA Center in Covington. Team members Morgan McDaniel, Bella Chandler, and Jesse Chronic were coached by Dr. Joshua Whitworth and Dr. Jacob Segers.

Livestock Judging equips participants with critical thinking skills as they select the best animals from classes of beef cattle, hogs, and sheep. Contestants prepare by learning the industry standards for each breed and they gain knowledge through research, training sessions, group activities, and hands-on experiences. Problem solving, decision making, and public speaking are other key elements of livestock judging.

The state event incorporates both individual and team competition with opportunities to win in both levels. Seven junior teams and three senior teams participated in the contest . Junior teams are made up of youth from 4^th grade to 8^th grade and senior teams are 9^th through 12^th grade 4-H’ers; the winners of senior-level state competitions become Master 4-H’ers.

Jackson County 4-H will represent Georgia at the National 4-H Livestock Judging Contest in Louisville, Kentucky this fall.

The first-place junior team from Madison County included Mallory Lee, Maggie Moon, and Olivia Lee.

According to Georgia’s Department of Agriculture, animal agriculture is the largest sector of the agriculture industry and contributes over $5.8 billion to the “farm gate value” of the state. UGA Faculty and industry experts contribute to the curriculum used to train 4-H livestock judgers and help connect youth with pertinent applications of the skills they learn.

Dr. Dylan Davis, Extension Youth Livestock Specialist, recognizes the long-term benefits of this program. “Livestock judging is a great way for students to learn how to confidently make quick decisions and defend them with facts,” Davis said. “Just like any other sport, Livestock Judging opens up a world of opportunities for college funding and career goals if students are passionate and work hard.”

Other winners in the contest include second place senior team from Gordon County with team members Rebekah McElrath, Hunter Petty, Roberto Romero and Kyle Hurd; third place senior team from Madison County with team members Emily Strickland, Audrey Brown, and Matthew Highfill; second place junior team from Franklin County with team members Clifton Certain, Jentsie Cabe, Deacon Cabe, and Hadley Floyd; and third place junior team from Gordon County with team members Lowry Duggin, Matthew Worley, William Parish, and Henry Duggin.  Additional winners include first place high individual senior Morgan McDaniel from Jackson County; second high individual senior Bella Chandler from Jackson County, and third high individual senior Emily Strickland from Madison County. The top junior individual was Mallory Lee from Madison County; second high junior individual went to Maggie Moon from Madison County, and third high junior individual went to Lowry Duggin from Gordon County.

Georgia 4-H empowers youth to become true leaders by developing necessary life skills, positive relationships and community awareness. As the largest youth leadership organization in the state, 4-H reaches more than 225,000 people annually through UGA Extension offices and 4-H facilities.

For more information about how to get involved with Livestock Judging and Georgia 4-H, contact your local University of Georgia County Extension Office or visit www.georgia4h.org.

Catoosa County 4-H’er Jenna Dekich has been selected to serve as a National Tech Changemakers spokesperson on behalf of Georgia 4-H. She will serve as one of nine youth leaders chosen from across the country to further the mission of the Tech Changemakers program. Dekich is a twelfth-grade student at Ringgold High School.

The 4-H Tech Changemakers program places youth at the forefront of increasing digital inclusion in their communities. Involved students act as technology liaisons through collaboration with corporate partners, local elected officials, nonprofits, educators, and businesses.

Young leaders, known as Tech Changemakers, learn about the impact of the digital divide between generations and work to provide adults in underserved populations with practical skills to master relevant technology. The initiative focuses on providing tools to broaden employment opportunities for these adults through expanded access to digital skills training.

Katie Bowker, Georgia 4-H Program Coordinator for Tech Changemakers, works with county programs across the state to facilitate their community efforts. “Dekich’s work as a national spokesperson will shed light on the efforts of our Georgia counties,” Bowker says.

As a face for the program, Dekich will provide leadership and media opportunities throughout the year. She will participate in speaking engagements, social media campaigns, regional storytelling, and act as a liaison with donors. She was recently selected to participate in an interview with RFD-TV and Local News 3 to share her story and promote 4-H Tech Changemakers.

Dekich cites her upbringing in rural Georgia as a major influence on her passion for the Tech Changemaker’s mission. Reflecting on growing up in Catoosa County, Dekich says, “Living in rural Georgia, internet access comes few and far between. I wanted to be a part of a program that helps aid in this problem… which is exactly [the issue] the Tech Changemakers program aims to solve. ”

Her work with the Catoosa County Senior Center was lauded by Catoosa County 4-H agent Caleb Millican. “Our participants constantly rave about Jenna’s kindness, passion, and teaching ability,” Millican says. Dekich was instrumental in the establishment of the senior center’s internet literacy program. The program allows seniors to access the internet and learn how to use programs and services that can aid them in their everyday lives. “Jenna has been instrumental in helping us to transition from one grant to the next by using her previous Tech Changemaker experience to help train our newest members,” Millican goes on to say. Her selection as a National Tech Changemaker spokesperson is a testament to the time and effort she is continuing to put forth to help both the local population and her community at large.

Georgia 4-H empowers youth to become true leaders by developing necessary life skills, positive relationships, and community awareness. As the largest youth leadership organization in the state, 4-H reaches more than 225,000 people annually through UGA Extension offices and 4-H facilities.

For more information about how to get involved as a volunteer with Georgia 4-H, contact your local University of Georgia County Extension Office or visit www.georgia4h.org.