This year, 1,257 Future Farmers of America and 4-H members across Mississippi participated in the Dixie National Junior Round-Up Livestock Shows, showing 2,153 head of livestock.

These students competed for the opportunity to participate in the 54^th annual Sale of Junior Champions. The Sale, one of the highlight events of the Dixie National Livestock Show and Rodeo, is a livestock auction where exhibitors winning Champion and Reserve Champion in the Junior Round-Up Market Divisions sells their animals and scholarships are awarded.

“One of the most coveted honors for Mississippi’s youth livestock exhibitors is participating in the Sale of Junior Champions. The hard work and dedication that it takes to compete surpasses that required for a number of other youth activities. These youth are our future leaders. The skills and lessons learned will not just impact their generation; it will impact future generations to come,” said Mississippi Commissioner of Agriculture and Commerce Andy Gipson. “I am so proud of all the students from across our great state who worked hard all year to raise these animals and participate in the 2023 Dixie National livestock shows. Congratulations to all of our winners and scholarship recipients.”

During the Sale of Junior Champions, several student members of the Lincoln County 4-H and Loyd Star FFA organizations were recognized for their achievements. Sutton Burns, Grand Champion of the Mississippi Bred Heavyweight European Steer Show and Champion of the Mississippi Bred American Steer Show, participated in the sale. In addition, Kylie Graves, Jaylynn Cloy and Grant Goree were all awarded scholarships.

The final Sale of Champions featured a record 48 champion market animals, including eight steers, 16 hogs, 12 goats, 10 lambs and for the first time, two hair sheep. The preliminary total sale was $456,285. The Sale of Champions Promotion Committee raised $61,500 in scholarships, including numerous $1,500 scholarships for high school senior exhibitors. This year, scholarships were awarded to 39 student participants of the Dixie National Junior Round-Up Livestock Shows.

In addition, state Senator Tyler McCaughn joined Kash Goldman, student member of the Lincoln County 4-H and Enterprise FFA, for the 2023 Dixie National Legislative Livestock Showdown. This unique show is an annual competition of skill and showmanship between Mississippi legislators, who team up with the junior livestock exhibitors from their respective districts. The legislators are divided into two groups between the representatives and senators, with a winner being determined for each group, as well as an overall champion. This year, Sen. McCaughn was the winner of the Senate Showdown. Representative Tom Miles was the winner of the House of Representatives Showdown and the overall winner of the 2023 Legislative Livestock Showdown.