This year, 1,225 4-H and FFA members across Mississippi participated in the Dixie National Junior Round-Up Livestock Shows, showing 2,084 head of livestock. These students competed for the opportunity to participate in the 55th annual Sale of Junior Champions.

“As the state’s number one economic driver as well as our largest industry and largest employer, agriculture is key to solving Mississippi’s workforce development challenges and getting more young people involved in work opportunities. I strongly believe our ag and youth livestock programs through 4-H and FFA are key. These programs are the best youth and workforce development programs in the state,” said Commissioner of Agriculture and Commerce Andy Gipson. “The Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce recognizes the hard work and dedication of these young people. They are our future leaders. Thousands participated in the Dixie National Junior Round-Up Livestock shows, and at the Sale of Junior Champions, we celebrated the best of the best. I am proud of all the students from across our great state who worked hard all year to raise these animals and show at Dixie National. Congratulations to our 2024 winners and scholarship recipients.”

The final 2024 Sale of Junior Champions featured a record 53 champion market animals. The preliminary sale total was $484,010. The Sale of Champions Promotion Committee raised $61,500 in scholarships, totaling almost $1.2 million in scholarship money since 1993. This year, scholarships were awarded to 39 student participants of the Dixie National Junior Round-Up Livestock Shows.

In addition, state Senator Andy Berry joined Ella Lowe, student member of the Lawrence County 4-H and Lawrence FFA, for the 2024 Dixie National Legislative Livestock Showdown. This unique show is an annual competition of skill and showmanship between Mississippi legislators, who partner with 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, Berry was the winner of the Senate Showdown, and he and Lowe were named overall champions of the 2024 Legislative Livestock Showdown. Representative Vince Mangold was the winner of the House of Representatives Showdown.