Coweta County’s Animal Science Mastery

Coweta County 4-H teams have secured seven first-place wins at Animal Science contests since 2023.

 

Merriam-Webster defines “mastery” as a possession or display of great skill or technique. This is exactly what a group of 4-H’ers from Coweta County have shown in the Animal Science Competitions. Across five disciplines, these youth have dominated and shown complete mastery of these competitions. The success of Coweta County’s Animal Science teams is even more notable due to the members’ unique backgrounds. Youth from suburban areas are finding enthusiasm for livestock and animal science through hands-on 4-H programs and the mentorship of dedicated volunteers.

Since 2023, Coweta County teams have earned an unmatched reputation of mastery in 4-H Animal Science judging and quiz bowl competitions. With seven first-place wins, their success in these events can be attributed to the 4-H’ers dedication and to the support of a committed group of coaches and volunteers.

Reflecting on this year’s accomplishments, Bill Hammond, Coweta County 4-H Agent, shared his pride in the youth and volunteers who make the program exceptional. “These young people exemplify what 4-H is all about — curiosity, commitment, and growth,” he said. “They’ve developed a mastery of animal science and the confidence to apply that knowledge in real-world settings.”
Under the leadership of coaches Vickie Lummus and Julie Pruett, Coweta’s Horse Judging, Horse Quiz Bowl and Hippology Teams have displayed exceptional skill and proficiency. Vickie, a 14-year 4-H volunteer, attributes the program’s success to mentorship and inclusion. “What makes our program so successful is the mentorship and skill-sharing of adult leaders,” she said. “You don’t have to own a horse to be successful in our program — we encourage all to learn and drive themselves to succeed. My favorite thing is watching youth develop their passion and confidence, realizing that every member has
something important to contribute.”

Success Across Disciplines

Josie Roberson and Josiah Benjamin offered peer-to-peer mentorship to the 2025 Dairy Judging team, bringing their own experience and success to help bring home a victory. The team was supervised by long-time volunteers Chris Ritts and Kirk Butcher, along with Stephanie Butcher, Coweta County’s Agricultural and Natural Resources Agent. Team member Lesley Nichols reflected, “Through Dairy Judging, I gained skills like critical thinking and confidence in communication — and a new love for cows that will last a
lifetime.”

The Poultry Judging Team, coached by volunteers Bryan Massengale and Marinda Halstead, continued Coweta’s trajectory of animal science success. Bryan, a Coweta 4-H alumnus who has coached for 19 years, competed in Poultry Judging himself as a 4-H’er. “I love seeing kids achieve their goals with a passion for poultry,” he shared. Marinda, a 2019 Coweta 4-H graduate and former Poultry Judging competitor, gives back by helping coach the next generation, building on a legacy of leadership and learning that began during her own 4-H experience.

One of the most impressive aspects of Coweta County’s command of these contests is the number of youth who have found success across multiple teams. They have honed their skills in numerous Animal Science disciplines.
Team member Avery Pruett, now a freshman at University of Georgia (UGA) majoring in animal bioscience, shared how her 4-H experience came full circle. “As a member of the Horse Quiz Bowl and Poultry Judging teams, I learned to
think quickly and communicate effectively — skills I’ll use in college and beyond,” she said. “As a former winner in Horse Judging, I was able to coach the current team to achieve master status. It was rewarding to share what I’ve learned and encourage others to succeed.”
For recent graduate Josie Roberson, who is now studying agricultural education at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College, 4-H became more than a set of contests: it was a turning point. “If you had told me when I first started
in Coweta County 4-H that I’d one day be County Council President, I would have laughed,” she said. “But that’s the beauty of this program — it doesn’t give up on people. Even when you don’t believe in yourself yet, someone in 4-H does.”

Participating in 4-H judging teams offers many benefits. Competitors learn teamwork, self-confidence, effective communication skills and decision making. Josiah Benjamin recognized how judging teams shaped his mindset. “The contests helped me evaluate and process information under pressure — real-life skills that I’ll need in my future,” he said. His brother, Justice Benjamin who is now studying accounting and supply chain management at UGA, credits 4-H with building focus and discipline skills that continues to serve him as he enters college.