The Pierce County 4-H/FFA Market Hog Show was held at the newly renovated Jimmy Mock Livestock Arena located behind Pierce County High School in time for buyers to enjoy their purchases over the Thanksgiving holiday.
Eight Pierce County 4-H and FFA exhibitors participated in this year’s project-based learning experience, which helps teach the participants responsiblity, livestock care, and leadership skills byraising and showing market hogs.
Students competed in both showmanship and market classes, paying off their months of hard work and dedication. Younger exhibitors in 3rd grade and below participated in the Pee Wee Showmanship Division, where each young showman received a ribbon for their efforts.
This year’s judge, Clay Corbitt, provided expert evaluation in both showmanship and market classes. Colby Wright served as auctioneer for the annual market hog sale.
The 2026 Hog Show is set for October 19. Students and families interested in showing livestock should reach out to the local UGA extension office at 912-449-2034.
Showmanship winners for the Grades 4 6 Division were: First Place - Blakely Oliver, Second Place - Lily Kate Walker and Third Place - Mia Boyette.
Showmanship winners for the Grades 9 12 Division were: First Place - Reese Walker, Second Place - Valerie Barrera, Third Place Reegan Smith, Fourth Place - Joselyn Barrera and Fifth Place - Hanna Jordan.
The Pat Bennett Showmanship Champion was Blakely Oliver.
Market Hog Division results were: Class One – Gilts
First Place - Lily Kate Walker, Second Place - Hanna Jordan, Third Place - Valerie Barrera, Fourth Place: Joselyn Barrera and Fifth Place - Reegan Smith.
The Grand Champion Gilt was Lily Kate Walker. Reserve Champion Gilt was Hanna Jordan.
Class Two – Barrows
First Place - Mia Boyette, 2nd Place Blakely Oliver, and Third Place - Reese Walker The Grand Champion Barrow was Mia Boyette and Reserve Champion Barrow was Blakely Oliver.
Overall Grand Champion was Mia Boyette and Overall Reserve Champion was Blakely Oliver.
Record Book Winners
First Place - Reese Walker, Second Place Lily Kate Walker and Third Place - Joselyn Barrera.
Following the competition, community members and business owners gathered to support students by bidding on their animals. Highest bid takes home the pig and the exhibitor of that animal receives a portion of the funds to pay for the animal they have raised. The following purchases are listed by student exhibitor, weight of the hog and the buyer: Mia Boyette, 273 lbs, Diversified Fabricators & Erectors. Blakely Oliver, 296 lbs, Mossy Pond. Lily Kate Walker, 235 lbs, Strayer Electric. Hanna Jordan, 268 lbs, T & M. Reese Walker, 249 lbs, Strayer Electric. Valerie Barrera, 271 lbs, Woody Folsom. Joselyn Barrera, 285 lbs, Pierce Timber Company. Reegan Smith, 276 lbs, Twin Lake Land Company.
Pierce County 4-H and FFA thanked all the 2025 sponsors, including PrimeSouth Bank, Dixon Service Center , Satilla REMC, Pierce County Farm Bureau, Southeastern Gin & Peanut, Bennett, Bennett & Johnson Insurance Agency, Five Points Lawn Center, Inc., Griffin’s Warehouse and AgSouth Farm Credit.
The 4-H program also extended a special thanks to a host of community partners, including the Pierce County Board of Education and Board of Commissioners, the school system principals and teachers, all Pierce County 4-H and FFA parents, the Pierce County FFA Alumni Association, event sponsors and buyers.
Hanna Jordan was the Reserve Champion Gilt.
Reese Walker took First Place in the Grade 9-12 Division Showmanship.
Overall Grand Champion Mia Boyette (left) with event judge Clay Corbit.
4-H Member Joselyn Barrera – shows off her Gilt at takes Fourth Place in Grade 9-12 Showmanship
