{"id":1797,"date":"2026-06-17T11:48:18","date_gmt":"2026-06-17T15:48:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/site.extension.uga.edu\/dairy\/?p=1797"},"modified":"2026-06-17T11:55:46","modified_gmt":"2026-06-17T15:55:46","slug":"youth-on-the-moove","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/site.extension.uga.edu\/dairy\/2026\/06\/youth-on-the-moove\/","title":{"rendered":"Youth on the ‘Moove’"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Jillian Bohlen, PhD, Associate Professor | 706-542-9108 | jfain@uga.edu<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The state of Georgia offers a variety of programs and experiences that introduce young people to agriculture and the dairy industry. The wide range of opportunities available is intentional because there is no single way to engage youth. Young people come from different backgrounds, have different interests, and gain confidence in different ways. By offering a variety of experiences, we create more opportunities for youth to find a place where they feel connected and inspired. These programs not only help young people develop knowledge and skills in agriculture but also play an important role in attracting and preparing the next generation of food producers and industry leaders.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Commercial Dairy Heifer Project<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Each year, the Commercial Dairy Heifer Project brings together a diverse group of young people with a common interest – the dairy heifer.  During their time in the project, these youth grow, develop, and learn not just about their heifer but also about the industry and themselves.  This project would not be possible without incredible producers, teachers, agents and parents throughout the state that support and mentor these young people. Below is a summary of the two largest shows in the state to support these youth. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

2026 UGA Dairy Science Club Commercial Dairy Heifer Show<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

As the trailers pull into Athens, the students in the University of Georgia Dairy Science Club set forth on a task that has been months in the making \u2013 The UGA Dairy Science Club Commercial Dairy Heifer Show. From seeking sponsorships, ribbons, creating the perfect t-shirt, locating worthy judges, these students take pride in every step of the process and in their ability to help serve the young people of Georgia through their show.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"large<\/a>
2026 UGA Dairy Science Club Commercial Dairy Heifer Show Committee<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

On Friday, February 6th<\/sup>, the club welcomed 102 young people and their 122 heifers. It was another great year with quality heifers and young people crossing the scales and checking in. As weigh in ended, the barn was a bustle with friends catching up and heifers getting cleaned up!   <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Following weigh in, over 40 youth made their way to the arena for a practice Dairy Judging Contest that consisted of four heifer classes.  Many thanks to Alyssa Rauton for selecting classes and officiating the contest. With the judging contest complete, the barn was welcomed to the Exhibitor\u2019s Dinner.  Sponsored in part by the Georgia Dairy Youth Foundation and offering brisket from the UGA Meat Lab, this dinner is a time for youth, parents, teachers, and agents to fellowship.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bright and early the next morning, Saturday, February 7th<\/sup>, Showmanship began using two rings.  Ring one hosted grades 4th<\/sup> \u2013 8th<\/sup> with judge Mary Creek. Ring 2 welcomed grades 9th<\/sup>-12th<\/sup> with judge Mike Creek. Mary Creek is an owner of Palmyra Farm in Hagerstown, MD. Palmyra is known for its Ayrshires, many of whom have earned All-American titles and made significant contributions to the breed. Mike Creek, son of Mary, is the Senior Director of Operations, United States, for Trans Ova Genetics. Together, Mary and Mike have judged hundreds of shows in multiple countries, and both have judged at World Dairy Expo. The club was thrilled to have these high caliber judges for our youth to show under and learn from.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

First Place Showmanship Winners<\/h4>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t
Grade<\/th>Showmanship Winner<\/th>County<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
4th<\/td>Stella Crump<\/td>Habersham Co. 4-H<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
5th<\/td>Kori London<\/td>White Co. 4-H<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
6th<\/td>Layne Glover<\/td>White Co. FFA<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
7th<\/td>Yovani Mills<\/td>Elbert Co. FFA<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
8th<\/td>Brooke Padgett<\/td>Hall Co. FFA<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
9th<\/td>Josie Ross<\/td>North Oconee FFA<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
10th<\/td>Caroline Riley<\/td>North Hall FFA<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
11th<\/td>Bristol Harris<\/td>Putnam Co. FFA<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
12th<\/td>Ansley Ard<\/td>Jones Co. 4-H<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\n\n\n

The Junior Showmanship Champion (grades 4th<\/sup>-8th<\/sup>) was Brooke Padgett while the Senior Showmanship Champion (grades 9th<\/sup>-12th<\/sup>) was Ansley Ard.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n
\n
\"2<\/a>
Brooke Padgett, Junior Showmanship Champion, with judge Mary Creek<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n
\"2<\/a>
Ansley Ard, Senior Showmanship Champion, with judge Mike Creek<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

The show rolled right into weight classes with the conclusion of showmanship.  Mary Creek judged the lightweight classes (250-462 pounds) while Mike Creek judged the heavyweight classes (466-828 pounds). <\/p>\n\n\n\n

First Place Weight Class Winners<\/h4>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t
Class<\/th>Weight<\/th>Heifer #<\/th>Showman<\/th>County<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
1<\/td>274<\/td>1575<\/td>Kyndle Ratledge<\/td>Chatooga Co. FFA<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
2<\/td>306<\/td>1408<\/td>Charlee Fleming<\/td>Madison Co. 4-H<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
3<\/td>343<\/td>0328<\/td>Yovani Mills<\/td>Elbert Co. FFA<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
4<\/td>363<\/td>9321<\/td>Camden Huff<\/td>Oglethorpe Co. 4-H<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
5<\/td>388<\/td>9095<\/td>Ragan Curtis<\/td>Jones Co. 4-H<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
6<\/td>418<\/td>9962<\/td>Abigail Ullom<\/td>Coweta Co. 4-H<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
7<\/td>446<\/td>9963<\/td>Jacob Roberson<\/td>Coweta Co. 4-H<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
8<\/td>494<\/td>9703<\/td>Melanie Padgett<\/td>North Hall FFA<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
9<\/td>514<\/td>1796<\/td>Madi London<\/td>White Co. FFA<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
10<\/td>538<\/td>1681<\/td>Bailee Fair<\/td>North Hall FFA<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
11<\/td>562<\/td>9110<\/td>Stella Crump<\/td>Habersham Co. 4-H<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
12<\/td>580<\/td>8969<\/td>Kahle Adams<\/td>Habersham Co. FFA<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
13<\/td>610<\/td>1683<\/td>Caroline Riley<\/td>North Hall FFA<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
14<\/td>802<\/td>1961<\/td>Leah Higginbotham<\/td>Elbert Co. FFA<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\n\n\n

In the lightweight ring, Grand Champion was awarded to heifer 9962 exhibited by Abigail Ullom while the Reserve Grand Champion was awarded to heifer 9321 exhibited by Camden Huff. While in the heavyweight ring, heifer 1796 exhibited by Madi London was named Grand Champion while heifer 1961 exhibited by Leah Higginbotham was named Reserve Grand Champion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n
\n
\"two<\/a>
Abigail Ullom with Lightweight Grand Champion heifer and judge Mary Creek
 <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n
\"two<\/a>
Madi London with Heavyweight Grand Champion heifer and judge Mike Creek<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

The UGA Dairy Science Club would like to thank all our financial supporters that contributed to another great year and made this show possible for these young people.  Platinum sponsors of the show ($500) were Southern Swiss Dairy, LLC, The Dairy Alliance, Georgia Dairy Youth Foundation, Georgia Milk Producers, Premier Select Sires, Dogwood Genetics, White County Farmers Exchange and the Hargett Family. Gold sponsors ($250) this year included Twisted S Farms, Atlanta Custom Wraps, W&R Farms and Killer Crust Pizza Co. THANK YOU as this show would not be possible without you!  Please visit the UGA Dairy Science Club Facebook page or click the button below to view and download show photos.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n
2026 UGA Commercial Dairy Heifer Show Photos<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

2026 State Commercial Dairy Heifer Show<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Heifers for the State Commercial Dairy Heifer Show in Perry, GA weighed in on February 19th<\/sup> with 200 heifers crossing the scales and 174 young people proudly at the halter.  Showmanship was a daylong event that began bright and early on February 20th<\/sup>.  Serving as judge for both showmanship and weight classes was Dr. Katharine Knowlton. Dr. Knowlton, a faculty member at Virginia Tech, is known throughout the show community for her work with youth and her ability to train exceptional dairy judging teams.  Dr. Knowlton has judged numerous shows and dedicates a tremendous amount of time to helping youth learn while in the ring. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

First Place Showmanship Winners<\/h4>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t
Grade<\/th>Showmanship Winner<\/th>County<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
4th<\/td>Mattie Kate Clark<\/td>Madison Co. 4-H<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
5th<\/td>Kori London<\/td>White Co. 4-H<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
6th<\/td>Cambry Mullins<\/td>Houston Co. 4-H<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
7th<\/td>Madi London<\/td>White Co. Middle FFA<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
8th<\/td>Brooke Padgett<\/td>North Hall Middle FFA<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
9th<\/td>Daisy Newberry<\/td>Rutland High FFA<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
10th<\/td>Addy Parker<\/td>Rutland High FFA<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
11th<\/td>Maura Carmichael<\/td>Putnam Co. FFA<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
12th<\/td>James Ezzard<\/td>Putnam Co. FFA<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\n\n\n

Taking the top placing 4-H members in 6th<\/sup>-12th<\/sup> grades, the judge named the Master 4-H Showman as McKenzie Folendore (12th<\/sup> grade) from Jones Co. 4-H.  Following this the judge then evaluated the top placing FFA member from 6th<\/sup>-12th<\/sup> grades to name James Ezzard (12th<\/sup> grade) from Putnam Co. as Supreme FFA Showman.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Weight Classes were up the next day with heifers weighing 253-826 pounds. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Commercial Division Placings (Registered was Division 1)<\/h4>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t
Division<\/th><\/td>Weight<\/th>Heifer Number<\/th>Showman<\/th>County<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
2 (253-392 lbs.)<\/td>Champion<\/td>392<\/td>9473<\/td>Addison Faul<\/td>Houston Co. FFA<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Reserve<\/td>354<\/td>1705<\/td>Sonni Ralston<\/td>Gilmer Co. FFA<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
3 (396-485 lbs.)<\/td>Champion<\/td>401<\/td>9153<\/td>Luke Huff<\/td>Oglethorpe Co. FFA<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Reserve<\/td>406<\/td>8978<\/td>Kahle Adams<\/td>Habersham Central FFA<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
4 (488-558 lbs.)<\/td>Champion<\/td>516<\/td>1796<\/td>Madi London<\/td>White Co. Middle FFA<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Reserve<\/td>489<\/td>1706<\/td>Landon Benitez<\/td>Gilmer Co. FFA<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
5 (560-826 lbs.)<\/td>Champion<\/td>660<\/td>1686<\/td>Brooke Padgett<\/td>North Hall Mid FFA<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Reserve<\/td>620<\/td>1683<\/td>Caroline Riley<\/td>North Hall FFA<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\n\n\n

Overall Top Five for the Show<\/h4>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t
<\/td>Weight<\/th>Heifer Number<\/th>Showman<\/th>County<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
Champion<\/td>660<\/td>1686<\/td>Brooke Padgett<\/td>North Hall Mid FFA<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Reserve<\/td>620<\/td>1683<\/td>Caroline Riley<\/td>North Hall FFA<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
3rd<\/td>516<\/td>1796<\/td>Madi London<\/td>White Co. Middle FFA<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
4th<\/td>401<\/td>9153<\/td>Luke Huff<\/td>Oglethorpe Co. FFA<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
5th<\/td>392<\/td>9473<\/td>Addison Faul<\/td>Houston Co. FFA<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\n\n\n

Overall Top Five County Groups<\/h4>\n\n\n\n