The Wilkes County 4-H Dairy Show Team members who competed in Perry last week were (l-r) Morgen Swann, Lauren Chafin,William Thomas, Marlyse Sifre, Megan Thackston, and Marisa Sifre. The Wilkes County 4-H Dairy show team came away with some high finishes after competing the 2008 Georgia Junior National Livestock Show held in Perry. The team finished third in showmanship and took third place for the Herdsman Award. Also, Moegen Swann took second place for his record book.

"The students worked very hard to compete against 250 contestants from all across Georgia," reported Wilkes County 4-H advisor Audra Chapman. "This was the last show for this season and these 4-H'ers went out with a bang!"

The show team started in the showmanship competition with William Thomas winning third place in his class, Megan Thackston and Marlyse Sifre winning fourth their classes, Marisa Sifre placing fifth in her class, Lauren Chafin placing seventh in her class, and Morgen Swann receiving honorable mention in his showmanship class.

These 4-H'ers went on to compete in weight classes and placing at the top to lead the team was Marisa Sifre with her second place winning heifer. William Thomas placed fifth, Lauren Chafin placed seventh, Morgen Swann placed ninth and 10th with both his heifers, and Marlyse Sifre and Megan Thackston placed 11th in their weight classes.

"These students went against tough competition as they worked hard to present these animals to the judge," Chapman said. "They have competed in many shows across the state to better their show skills and understand what it takes to have a prize winning heifer."

While competing in the show ring, the Dairy Show team also competed for the Herdsman Award. This award recognizes counties with the cleanest, attractive and most informational area at the show. The Wilkes County 4-H area was just that and the team also made informative posters to hang over the calves. For their effort, Wilkes County 4-H received third place in the Herdsman Award contest.

During the Friday night Annual Awards Banquet, Morgen Swann was awarded second place for his State Record Book. To enter the record book contest the 4-H'er must keep accurate records of feed, supplies, all other expenses, have much knowledge of showing and caring for dairy cattle. He must also write an essay of the past year's experience in owning a dairy calf. Morgen competed against many students across the state.

"As we end this show season, there is much gratitude and appreciation towards many people that help make this team possible," Chapman said. "We would like to sincerely thank our parents; volunteer leaders Frank and Carol Jackson, and Larry and Stephanie Chapman. Finally we thank the following supporters whose contributions made this year's 4-H Dairy Show Team a success: Wilkes County Cattlemen's Association, Optimist Club of Washington, McDonald's, Tyler's Machine Shop, O. A. Denard, Jr., Washington Auto Sales, Palmer's Equipment Company, Wilkes County Veterinary Services, Washington Wood Products, A&J Dairy, Billy McAvoy Dairy, Ray Moore, Jr. Dairy, and Ellis Thornton, These 4-H'ers had a great season this year and are sure to have a successful season next year!"