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Smith County Youth Recognized at 2026 Dixie National Sale of Junior Champions
STATE FAIRGROUNDS, Miss. – This year, 1,152 4-H and FFA members from across Mississippi participated in the Dixie National Junior Round-Up Livestock Shows, exhibiting 1,759 head of livestock. These students competed for the opportunity to participate in the 57th annual Sale of Junior Champions. The Sale of Junior Champions, one of the highlight events of the Dixie National Livestock Show and Rodeo, is an auction where livestock exhibitors winning Champion and Reserve Champion in the Junior Round-Up Market Divisions sell their prizewinning animals and where scholarships are awarded.
“Our 4-H and FFA livestock shows continue to be one of the strongest leadership and workforce development programs in Mississippi,” said Commissioner of Agriculture and Commerce Andy Gipson. “You don’t have to look far to find the next generation of leaders in our state — just walk through the Livestock Barns and see them in action. These students understand commitment, perseverance and the value of seeing a job through. Each year, the Sale of Junior Champions is made possible through the outstanding partnership and hard work of Mississippi State University’s Extension Service, who works with our Fairgrounds staff to organize and manage these livestock shows during the annual Dixie National Livestock Show and Rodeo. We are grateful for their continued dedication and investment in Mississippi’s youth, and I congratulate all of this year’s participants in the Sale of Junior Champions.”
During the Sale of Junior Champions, seven student members of the Smith County 4-H and Mize FFA were recognized for their achievements. Elaina Hammons, Grand Champion of the Duroc Market Hog Show; Hadley Slocum, Grand Champion of the Division 4 Market Goat Show; Macie and Makynzee Harris, Reserve Grand Champions of the Mississippi Bred Lightweight European Market Steer Show; and Trenton Boone, Reserve Champion of the Duroc Market Hog Show, all participated in this year’s sale. In addition, Will and Luke Sullivan were both recognized as 2026 supreme exhibitors.
The 2026 Dixie National Sale of Junior Champions marked a significant milestone as the second highest grossing sale ever. Total sales over this unique event’s 57-year history surpassed $10.6 million this year. In addition, two records were broken at this year’s sale, including the highest price ever paid for a Market Lamb at $13,500 and the highest price ever paid for a Market Goat at $25,000.
The final Sale of Junior Champions featured 40 champion market animals, including pigs, sheep, cattle and goats. The 2026 sale total was $578,050, breaking last year’s record of $484,010. In addition, scholarships totaling $85,000 were awarded to 41 Mississippi 4-H and FFA youth participants of the Dixie National Junior Round-Up Livestock Shows.
Grand Champion/Champ Duroc Market Hog. Exhibited by Elaina Hammons, Smith 4-H.
Reserve Grand Champion/MS Bred Grand Champ/Champ Lightweight European/MS Bred Champ Lightweight European Market Steer. Exhibited by Macie & Makynzee Harris, Smith 4-H.
Reserve Champion Duroc Market Hog. Exhibited by Trenton Boone, Smith 4-H.
2026 Supreme Exhibitors L-R: Mason Williams, Hinds 4-H; Will Sullivan, Smith 4-H/Mize FFA; Luke Sullivan, Smith 4-H/Mize FFA; Abby Gipson, Simpson 4-H; Anaston Stevens, New Site FFA/Prentiss 4-H; Carl Taylor, New Site FFA/Prentiss 4-H; Wyitt Hughes, Yalobusha 4-H; Harlee Wilson, Scott 4-H; Eli Perry, Yazoo 4-H; Brooks Saucier, Forrest 4-H; and Lilla Quick, Rankin 4-H.
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Main Photo:
Grand Champion/Champ Division 4 Market Goat. Exhibited by Hadley Slocum, Smith 4-H.
