Despite a brisk chill in the air, the Chattooga County Agricultural Center buzzed with activity on Monday, November 10th, as the Chattooga County Young Farmers hosted their Annual Pig Project Show and Auction. A strong turnout from community members demonstrated unwavering support for local students and their agricultural endeavors.

The event provides an invaluable hands-on learning experience for young participants. “The pig project provides an outstanding opportunity for students to gain hands-on experience in raising and showing animals at the local level,” said Lauren Jarrett, Chattooga County Young Farmer Advisor. “We were very pleased with the prices the pigs brought per pound and the great turnout we had, even with the cold weather. The generous support from sponsors and buyers truly reflects our community’s strong commitment to youth involved in FFA and 4-H programs.”

This year’s dedicated exhibitors included Benson Turner, Brantley Cargle, Harper Cargle, Bentley Dover, Jonas Hardy, Jessi Hunter, Rett Hurley, Callen Kerce, Warren Vaughn, and Wylder Vaughn.

Competition was fierce in the showmanship classes, with custom belt buckles — generously sponsored by the Chattooga County Agricultural Fair — awarded to the winners. This year’s top showmen were Rett Hurley, Callen Kerce, Jessi Hunter, and Jonas Hardy.

Jessi Hunter had a remarkable showing, exhibiting both the Grand Champion Barrow and Grand Champion Gilt. Bentley Dover earned the Reserve Champion Barrow title, while Jonas Hardy secured the Reserve Champion Gilt. Hunter’s dedication also earned her the distinction of Record Book Winner for this year’s project.

Following the show, the excitement continued with the auction, where nine pigs were put up for bid. The auction proved successful, with pigs averaging $2.34 per pound, and the proceeds going directly to the hard-working students. Brooks Brewer of Lyerly, serving as the auctioneer, kept the crowd engaged and contributed to the evening’s success. “He kept the crowd engaged, and helped make the evening both fun and successful for everyone involved,” Jarrett commented. The auctioned pigs were promptly delivered to processors for the buyers.

The success of the event was made possible by the incredible support from numerous community sponsors, including Chattooga County Young Farmers, Chattooga County Agricultural Fair, J. Cargle Farms, Farm Bureau, Dog Trot Farm, Carter and Lamar Turner, Diamond K Cattle, Evan’s Welding, Coulter Creek Farms, Willingham Construction, D&E Hardware, Massey Farms, Chamlee Electric, T&R Septic, Double GH Farms, Cherokee Milling, and Tri-State Demolition. Furthermore, the Summerville Veterinary Clinic generously donated their services for the project, highlighting the comprehensive community effort behind the program.