40th Annual Wheeler County 4-H & FFA Market Hog Show

Courtesy of Wheeler County Schools

On Saturday, February 15, 2025, the Wheeler County Show Team hosted their local show. There were 13 students and 28 pigs at the show.

These students get their show pig projects in October or November and raise them through the show season at the end of February. During this time, students learn about record keeping, hard work, and responsibility while raising their show pig projects. They complete record books that include immunization records, a narrative about their show pig projects, feeding records, pictures, and a written response explaining what medicine withdrawal times are and why they’re important.

These record books were judged and the placings were as follows: 1st place – Anna Beth Ethredge, 2nd place – Jaxson Derriso, 3rd place – Kaitlyn Morgan, 4th place – Keaton Pickle, 5th place – Martin Wynn, 6th place – Zoey Vann, and 7th place – Layla Vann.

The show began at 10 a.m. with Senior Recognition. This year they only had one senior. Jaxson Derriso has been a part of the Wheeler County Show team for the past 9 years. During this time Jaxson Derriso has participated in more than 60 different shows. Jack began showing in 4th grade and has invested many hours and lots of hard work in his pig project. He plans to attend Middle GA College after graduation and then possibly ABAC, where he hopes to pursue a degree in Agriculture. Jaxson will be missed, and the Wheeler County Family wishes him the best. They appreciate him being a dedicated member of the Wheeler County Show Team for the past 9 years.

In the Novice Showmanship class, Remi Bateson was the champion showman. Clay Ryals won the Junior Showmanship class. In the Intermediate class, Kaitlyn Morgan placed first. Anna Beth Ethredge won the Senior Showmanship class.

The weight classes followed showmanship beginning with the purebred pigs. In class 1, Zoey Vann placed first with her 282 lb Duroc barrow. Zoey also won class 2 with her 250 lb Duroc gilt. In class 3 purebred gilts, Anna Beth Ethredge placed first with her 267 lb Duroc. Layla Vann and her 222 lb barrow won class 4 of crossbred barrows. In class 5, Clay Ryals took first place with his 230 lb barrow. Class 6 started the crossbred gilt show with Cassie Selph and her 180 lb pig taking the win. Clay Ryals and his 228 lb gilt won class 7. Anna Beth Ethredge won class 8 with her gilt weighing 283 lbs.

In the championship drive, Anna Beth Ethredge won Grand and Reserve Champion with her first and second place gilts from class 8. 3rd Overall was Zoey Vann with her gilt from class 1. Clay Ryals took home 3rd and 4th Overall with his barrow from class 5 and gilt from class 7.

This year, there were over 90 sponsors who supported the students and their show pig projects. The Boss Hog Award is given to the student that raises the most money for the show. Jaxson Derriso won with the Vann Family coming in second place.

The Wheeler County Show Team also receives support from the Wheeler County FFA and 4-H. Thank you to Bryant Oliver, Les Bateson, Hannah Snively, Nicole Thornton, and Darby Connell for all you do for the students. Phil Page of Jefferson, GA, was the judge. He is the coowner and operator of PG genetics, which is a 50 sow show pig operation where they sale show pigs in the southeast and Mid-western United states. He is a member and officer for the GA JR Livestock Foundation, and his family is very active in showing multiple species of livestock.

Senior and Boss Hog Winner: Jaxson Derriso.

Showmanship Winners: Remi Bateson, Kaitlyn Morgan Clay Ryals, and Anna Beth Ethredge.

Grand Champion Anna Beth Ethredge sponsored by Wheeler County State Bank- Alamo.

4th Overall Clay Ryals sponsored by Company Supply.

Reserve Champion Anna Beth Ethredge sponsored by South GA Tools.

5th Overall Clay Ryals sponsored by Tripple H Land Clearing & Locke Logging.

3rd Overall Zoey Vann sponsored by Premier Heating & Air.