MONTGOMERY, AL — The 2026 Junior Livestock Exposition (JLE), held March 16–18 in Montgomery, brought together youth exhibitors from across Alabama for a multi-day event showcasing agricultural skill, dedication, and tradition. Coordinated annually by the Alabama Farmers Federation and Alfa Insurance in conjunction with the Southeastern Livestock Exposition, the expo featured beef, swine, and dairy competitions in newly reintroduced and expanded venues.
Among the highlights of the swine show were the Senior and Intermediate Showmanship contests, recognizing top youth exhibitors for their skill in handling and presenting animals.
Senior Showmanship Contest winners included:
- Champion: Colton Simpson (DeKalb County)
- Reserve Champion: Katelynn Dummar (Calhoun County)
- Third Place: Addison Payne (Randolph County)
- Fourth Place: Philip Belcher (Lee County)
- Fifth Place: Ella Alldredge (Blount County)
Intermediate Showmanship Contest winners included:
- Champion: Hunter Smith (Calhoun County)
- Reserve Champion: Makenna Martin (Tallapoosa County)
- Third Place: Kendall Castleberry (St. Clair County)
- Fourth Place: Macie Simpson (DeKalb County)
- Fifth Place: Aubrey Pilgrim (Randolph County)
Winners were recognized during the March 16 event and pictured alongside Federation Executive Director Paul Pinyan.
This year’s expo marked a notable return to the historic Garrett Coliseum, where beef and dairy exhibitors showed animals for the first time in over a decade. Swine exhibitors competed in the Teague Arena, offering expanded space for participants and spectators.
Participants and families noted the significance of returning to the coliseum. Cullman County’s Caleb Elrod, whose son Easton competed in the junior beef shows, shared that the experience brought a sense of nostalgia and excitement. Easton added that the larger arena provided more room to work and an opportunity to learn from family members with prior show experience.
Family tradition remained a central theme throughout the event. Chambers County exhibitor Jessi Maples reflected on showing in the same venue as her parents, while her father, John Maples, described the experience as a continuation of a family legacy rooted in agriculture and livestock exhibition.
Jimmy Parnell, president of the Alabama Farmers Federation and Alfa Insurance, emphasized the broader impact of the event. He noted that beyond livestock skills, participants gain valuable life lessons in responsibility and care, with the venue itself adding to the educational experience.
With strong participation across multiple counties, the 2026 JLE highlighted both the competitive spirit and generational connections that continue to shape Alabama’s agricultural community.
