Montgomery, AL – Calhoun County’s youth showcased their talent and dedication at the Alabama National Fair, held on October 13 in Montgomery, with several standout performances in the Youth Swine Show. The event highlighted the hard work and commitment of young exhibitors from across the state, particularly those representing Calhoun County.
In the Senior Showmanship category, Madelyne Tallent of Calhoun County clinched the champion title, demonstrating exceptional skill and poise. Dalton Fink also from Calhoun County, placed fifth in this competitive age group, which includes exhibitors aged 16-19. Their success reflects the quality of agricultural education and support available to youth in the region.
The Intermediate Showmanship category featured Addisyn Hammonds of Calhoun County, who tied for fourth place among exhibitors aged 13-15. Hammonds, who also exhibited the Reserve Champion Duroc Gilt, was recognized for her impressive performance in the livestock show, further underscoring Calhoun County’s strong presence at the fair.
In the Junior Showmanship division, Aidan Hammonds and Brooklyn Cobb both represented Calhoun County well, finishing fourth and fifth, respectively, among participants aged 9-12. Their involvement in the event showcases the continued interest and participation of local youth in agricultural activities.
Additionally, Calhoun County youth excelled in the Premier Exhibitor categories. In the Senior Premier Exhibitor competition, Madelyne Tallent again stood out as the grand champion, while Abigail Cone earned the reserve champion title in the Junior Premier Exhibitor category. These competitions evaluated participants on showmanship, livestock evaluation, and a written test, further highlighting the comprehensive skill set of Calhoun County exhibitors.
The Alabama Farmers Federation and Alfa Insurance sponsored the youth livestock events, emphasizing the importance of supporting young agriculturalists. Federation Executive Director Paul Pinyan acknowledged the dedication of all participants, stating, “These young exhibitors represent the future of Alabama agriculture, and their hard work deserves recognition.”
The livestock shows at the Alabama National Fair provided a platform for young people to showcase their livestock and demonstrate their agricultural knowledge and skills. The fair featured a range of categories, with Beef and Goat shows hosted during the first weekend, Dairy shows throughout the week, and Sheep and Swine shows concluding the event.
With their impressive performances and awards, the youth from Calhoun County have not only made their community proud but also laid a strong foundation for future participation in agricultural programs and competitions. The skills and experiences gained through events like the Alabama National Fair will undoubtedly benefit them in their future endeavors.