TCJLA Show awards best in the ring

Published 12:59 pm Tuesday, March 7, 2023

THOMASVILLE- Approximately 45 Thomas County Junior Livestock exhibitors showed their market beef and pig project on Saturday afternoon at the Thomas County Livestock Show. 

The event allowed the pre-club, 4-H and FFA exhibitors to showcase the work they’d put into their livestock projects for the past several months. 

Four classes of pig showmen and one class of beef showmen presented their animals to the judge to highlight their skills in the showing of animals. 

Jaleigh Hurst, who just returned from being named FFA Master Champion, was named the Overall Champion for Beef. Her sister, Charleigh Hurst, was named the Pig, Pre-Club winner for 2nd grade. 

Pig, Junior Winner was third grader Wesley Peeples, while Pig, Intermediate winner was 8th grader Drake McLeod. 

Sophomore Dakota Johnson was the Pig, Senior winner. 

Following their respective showmanship classes, the exhibitors returned to the ring to showcase the quality of their animals. 

In the heifer show, Kylee McMullen was named Grand Champion, while Jaleigh took home the title of Reserve Grand Champion. 

McMullen was also named third overall. Karlee Williford placed fourth overall. 

Jaleigh jumped right back into the ring for the steer show, winning Grand Champion. 

Ally Moore was named Reserve Grand Champion, while Gavin Williford placed third overall. 

The pig show’s Grand Champion was Kyler Sumner.

J.C. Young was named the Reserve Grand Champion. 

Hoping to follow in her sister’s footsteps, Charleigh won third overall and John David Young was named fourth overall. 

Devin Clairborne took home the final ribbon of the night, placing fifth overall. 

These exhibitors, along with other TCJLA members, said goodbye to their animals for the final time after the livestock show, as they prepared to sell their market animals at the TCJLA supper and sale that took place on Monday night. 

For many of the exhibitors, especially beef showmen, the work for their project has been ongoing for nearly a year. The project involves many hours of work, training the animal to follow commands, working their hair to encourage growth and highlight important features and feeding the animal constantly. 

Donations that were collected during Monday night’s dinner help these exhibitors offset costs for the year, plan their animal for the following year or save for college. 

To support TCJLA and the exhibitors who participated in Saturday’s show, visit TCJLA’s Facebook page or contact any members of the association for