On April 29, the Buckingham County 4-H Livestock Club attended the Piedmont Area Junior Livestock Show.

According to a press release the club currently has fifteen members: Dallas Davis, Andrew Dorrier, Jordan Dorrier, Lena Dragovich, Charlotte Espinoza, Christopher Espinoza, DaShaun Forbes, Barrie Hughes, Amelie Morse, Grace Moss, Kinsley Smith, Collin Snoddy, Jacob Tompkins, Noah Tubbs, Jeff Wise and Tanner Wise. The club is led by adult volunteers, Kelly Snoddy, David Wise and Diane McLain, and agents Jennifer Ligon, Ruth Wallace and Amber Anderson.

“The Piedmont Area Junior Livestock Show was held at the Southside Livestock Market in Blackstone,” officials said in a press release. “It allows 4-H and FFA youth (ages 9-19) to exhibit in competition, beef, swine, goat and sheep projects.”

The release cited eight club members showed market lambs, market hogs, a commercial heifer, a registered heifer, a feeder steer and market goats.

“There are two categories that are judged: Showmanship and Market,” officials said in the release. “In Showmanship, the youth are judged on their appearance and conduct in the show ring.”

According to the release, in Market, the animals are judged on their conformation. Youth are divided into groups based on their age/experience: senior, intermediate, junior and novice. Animals are separated into various weight and age classes.

“The Buckingham 4-H Livestock Club is very proud of their members that competed in the Piedmont Area Junior Livestock Show (who included) Jordan Dorrier, Charlotte Espinoza, Christopher Espinoza, DaShaun Forbes, Grace Moss, Noah Tubbs, Jeff Wise and Tanner Wise,” officials said in the release. “All members placed well throughout their various classes.”

Members that were awarded above their individual class placings were: Jeff Wise, having the Grand Champion Market Hog Pair; Jordan Dorrier, receiving the Reserve Champion Novice Goat Showmanship Award; and Tanner Wise, having the Grand Champion Market Lamb Pair.

“Jeff Wise, a graduating Senior from Buckingham County High School, was also awarded one of the College Scholarships offered to showmen from the Piedmont Area Junior Livestock Show,” officials said in the release. “The Buckingham 4-H Club wishes Jeff luck with his future endeavors.”

The release cited during the months leading up to the show, the Livestock Club members strive to raise animals that develop into a well-balanced market animal and work with them in proper show ring behavior.

“The show provides an opportunity for youth to learn responsibility, awareness of the importance of the agricultural industry in our area, healthy competition and cooperation with their peers,” officials said in the release. “Sponsorship is a main component of the Show. The Piedmont Area Junior Livestock Show is a volunteer organization composed of extension agents and community and business volunteers.”

According to the release, there are certain expenses required to run the show such as ribbons, trophies, premiums for show classes, insurance and show judge and exhibitor picnic expenses. The entry fees submitted by each member for their show animals cover these costs.

The release cited the Buckingham 4-H Livestock Club was sponsored by Buckingham Cattlemen’s Association, Buckingham Farm Bureau, Colonial Farm Credit, Kathleen B. Jones, C.H. Morris and Sons, LLC, James A. Myers, Berk-Mar Farm, Whetstone Farm, H.E. Wise and Son Farm, Rocky Hill Farm, DavidWise.com Insurance, LLC, Poplar View Farm, LLC, Heaven’s Edge Farm, Seay Milling and Machinery Company, Moss Motor, Company, C&C Motors, Inc., The Spa, New Images Hair Designs, Thunder Road Auto Sales, LLC, Gilliam Motors, Inc., Calvin and Theresa Wallace, Herbert E. Maxey, Jr., Attorney-At-Law, Agrarian Veterinary Services, LLC, Buckingham Branch Railroad Company, Nancy’s Unique Gifts, Slate River Veterinary Clinic, Buckingham Family Dentistry, Shawn and Diane McLain, Mildred Gilliland, Frida’s Mexican Restaurant, Pearson Construction, Lar-Lynn Farms, LLC, Circle B Cattle Company, and Goin Family Farm, LLC.

“The Buckingham 4-H Livestock Club would like to say thank you to the businesses and individuals that supported the members and their show animals for the 2017 show,” officials said in the release, “and thank you to the parents of the members who are crucial to the success as a club.”

New club members are always welcome. Those interested are directed to contact the Buckingham Extension Office at (434) 969-4261.

“The club is taking a summer break now, but will begin again in October,” officials said in the release. “Youth must be 9 years of age to show an animal, but may join the club earlier to participate in the educational activities.”