By Miles Layton

SWAN QUARTER — Fifty-eight young exhibitors brought their animals — and their dedication — to the ring at the 35th annual Hyde County Livestock Show and Sale, earning praise from organizers and bidders alike.

The Grand Champion and Reserve Champion lists are published below — there are a lot of familiar names on that list of students who attend Mattamuskeet School – Congrats!  

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Why should the local newspaper report on the annual livestock auction?

Answer – the 4-H kids spend A LOT of time raising their animals and getting them ready for the auction – an experience that teaches valuable lessons and lifelong skills. 

Auction offers the community a chance to show its support. 

Lee Brimmage, Extension Agent for 4-H Youth Development, said the event showcased something beyond ribbons and results.

“To our 58 exhibitors: we see the passion you have for your animals,” Brimmage posted to social media. “Seeing that hard work come to life in the ring was nothing short of inspiring. Whether you took home a ribbon or a wealth of new experience, completing this project is a huge accomplishment.”

Brimmage reserved particular praise for the show’s top performers.

“Congrats to our award winners — your stellar performance in the ring showed that persistence really does pay off,” he said.

Behind the success of the annual event stood a broad network of volunteers, donors, sponsors and community supporters, along with the 4-H Livestock Committee, meal and concessions crews, and Hyde County Cooperative Extension and County of Hyde staff.

Several professionals drew special recognition. Judge Andy Burlingham was credited not only for evaluating the animals but also for taking time to teach and encourage young participants. Auctioneer Jason Aycock kept the sale moving and the crowd entertained throughout the evening. Stephen Pearce and the pen crew managed livestock from start to finish, and photographer Jaila Williams of 720 Photography documented the day’s memories.

Thirty-five years — the Hyde County Livestock Show and Sale continues to serve as a cornerstone event for the county’s agricultural youth — one built as much on community as on competition.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

One last thing — Sale brings back memories of the time I bought a $500 chicken at a county fair. Let’s back up for a moment.

During county fairs near and far, livestock is sold to provide scholarships and such to kids who raise the animals.

To be candid, raising cattle, hogs, rabbits and chickens is not an easy enterprise but one that demands a lot of hard work and dedication. Kids who may become future farmers learn valuable life lessons.

While working as an editor of a daily paper in a rural stretch of Ohio, I had to cover my first county fair many, many years ago. 

Anyway, auction time comes, and there is a pageant queen. I think she was the county’s fair queen, but she may have been a festival queen — I don’t remember — but she raised a chicken or two for auction.

While I didn’t think I’d be able to afford a champion hog or cow, I figured bidding on chickens was a pretty safe bet.

Bidding started out slowly. A few hands here and there. I kept upgrading because, as an editor, I thought it was important to win my first bidding contest.

Things began to take a slight turn for the worse when the owner of the local KFC entered the bidding. I didn’t know at the time who he was or how determined he was to outbid me for that chicken.

I don’t like to lose, but I should’ve kept my hand down as the bid quickly approached the amount of my mortgage payment.

In the end, there can only be only one winner and it happened to be me. Had fun at the auction and did a good deed.

Even now, with inflation, especially when it comes to meat prices, that was the most expensive chicken I ever bought. Tasted pretty good.

Moral to the story – Much thanks to the folks who bid on this livestock to support these kids.

Check out the full photo library here: https://720photography.shootproof.com/gallery/eeed19c7-333b-4870-9673-5ce4c94900b2/

𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲 𝗔𝗪𝗔𝗥𝗗 𝗪𝗜𝗡𝗡𝗘𝗥𝗦

*Grand Champion Showman Senior Goat: Diego Beltran

*Grand Champion Market Goat & Reserve Champion Showman Senior Goat: Gatlin Mooney

*Grand Champion Showman Junior Goat: Jaxon Hodges

*Reserve Champion Showman Junior Goat: Izzy Cutrell

*Reserve Champion Market Goat: Nathan Cutrell

*Grand Champion Market Lamb & Grand Champion Showman Senior Lamb: Olivia Simmons

*Reserve Champion Market Lamb & Reserve Champion Showman Senior Lamb: Henley Gibbs

*Grand Champion Showman Junior Lamb: Madelynn Clarke

*Grand Champion Showman Senior Hog: Carsyn Marshall

*Reserve Champion Showman Senior Hog: Daniel Gibbs

*Grand Champion Showman Junior Hog: Walker Harris

*Grand Champion Market Hog & Reserve Champion Showman Junior Hog: Vivian Marshall

*Reserve Champion Market Hog: Evelyn Marshall

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