For Mississippi 4-H members engaged in the livestock project, the first two weeks of October can be compared to the state playoffs in other sporting events.
These youth work every day for anywhere from 6 weeks with poultry projects to two years for breeding cattle to train and condition these animals to compete against other youth and their projects from all 82 counties in Mississippi. Each year, more than 800 youth exhibiting more than 1,000 animals gather in Jackson to compete for top honors.
At the 2025 Mississippi State Fair, Marion County 4-H members proved that hard work pays off and that they can compete with the best and win.
Caitlynn Robbins won Grand Champion Breeding Hair Sheep and was the Champion 8-9-Year-old Hair Sheep Showman.
Kaci Ladner exhibited the Grand Champion Market Hog, Champion Lightweight Market Hog and was the Champion 15-year-old Swine Showman. Ethan Shook exhibited the Champion Middleweight Market Hog.
Abby Tolar exhibited the Champion Simbrah Bull and Reserve Champion Simbrah Heifer.
Maddy Tolar was the Champion 12-13-year-old Hair Sheep Showman and won Reserve Overall Best of Show Junior Dairy Doe.
Emmy Tolar had a fantastic 3rd place finish with her poultry exhibit.
Kayl Tassin finished her 4-H show career with Champion Beefmaster Heifer, Champion Simbrah Heifer, Reserve Champion Simbrah Bull, Supreme Brahman Influence Heifer and Reserve Supreme Beef Breeding Heifer.
The livestock project is only one of many programs offered through the Mississippi 4-H program. 4-H clubs exist in all 82 counties in Mississippi and are free to join. It offers educational programs to youth between the ages of 5-18.
Please contact the Marion County Extension office at (601)736-8251 if you would like more information about the 4-H program.
