Competing at the Gwinnett County Fair and the Georgia National Fair were Wilkes County 4-H Dairy Show Team members Morgen Swann, William Thomas, and Lauren Chafin. Lauren Chafin, Morgen Swann, and William Thomas, members of the Wilkes County 4-H Dairy Show Team, participated in the Gwinnett County Fair where they competed against tough showmen.

In weight class, Lauren placed sixth; William placed 11th; and Morgen placed 12th. Placings in showmanship were top notch with William winning first place in his class; Lauren placing fourth in her class; and Morgen, 13th with his dairy heifer.

The three show team members ended their season by participating in Perry at the 2008 Georgia National Fair. They worked very hard to compete against 130 other contestants from all across Georgia. The team started in showmanship.

In the weight classes, Lauren placed ninth in her class; Morgan, tenth with his heifer; and William placed 12th. These students went against tough competition as they worked hard to present these animals to the judge. Each one has worked hard this year to make their heifers show quality. They have competed in many shows across the state to improve 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 which recognizes counties with the cleanest, most attractive, and most informational area at the show. The Wilkes County 4-H area was just that. The students worked hard at keeping the area clean and tidy. They also made informative posters to hang over the calves.

For their hard work and efforts, Wilkes County 4-H received first place in the Herdsman Award contest which includes a plaque and $300 in prize money.

Wilkes County 4-H provides many opportunities for the young people in this community. Showing livestock through the 4-H program teaches students responsibility, sportsmanship, team work, and critical leadership development for their future careers. These students work continuously to perfect their showmanship skills and prepare their animals for the shows.

To learn more about the opportunities offered by the Wilkes County 4-H Club, call the Extension Office at 706-678-2332.