June 10, 2026
www.gfb.org
Vol. 8 No. 11
GEORGIA FARM BUREAU HONORS GA JR. NATIONAL LIVESTOCK CHAMPIONS For the 15th year, Georgia Farm Bureau (GFB) rewarded the 4-H and FFA livestock exhibitors who showed the top animals at the Georgia Junior National Livestock Show (GJNLS) for the long hours they spent in hot and cold weather preparing their animals for the show ring. GFB celebrated the latest group of GJNLS grand champion exhibitors during its Evening of Champions dinner, June 5. GFB welcomed the students, their families, FFA advisors and 4-H agents to its state office in Macon. The event included inspirational speeches from GFB President Tom McCall and Georgia Agricultural Commissioner Tyler Harper, followed by the two ag leaders presenting each grand champion with a scholarship and gold belt buckle courtesy of GFB. “We’re here tonight to recognize some of the hardest-working young people in agriculture. It’s about more than pictures, belt buckles and awards. We’re interested in celebrating your character and the unwavering commitment to your animal that got you here,” said McCall. “We are grateful for the continued impact of Georgia FFA and Georgia 4-H, organizations that provide young people with opportunities to grow in leadership, service, citizenship and agricultural knowledge. These programs help prepare students not only for success in agriculture but for success in life.” McCall encouraged the students to remember they are setting an example for other young people to follow in their footsteps. “You stood on other’s shoulders to get here tonight. Don’t forget to reach back and pull others forward. Don’t ever forget to say thank you to your families and 4-H agents and FFA advisors. Having your family beside you is invaluable,” McCall said. Harper praised the youth for their work ethic. “I grew up showing livestock like you, but unlike you, I never got to wear a state grand champion belt buckle, but I understand the work you did when no one else was watching,” Harper said. “You don’t get crowned a champion. You become a champion through discipline and hard work that you do outside the show ring.” The GJNL show is open to all Georgia 4-H and FFA members. The show is the culmination of the two youth programs’ livestock projects, which give students a chance to learn how to care for beef cattle, dairy heifers, hogs, goats and lambs for months, train them to be shown, and then compete for state honors as having the best animal in the various species categories.