The Pearl River County Jr. Livestock Show and Sale took place at the Pearl River County Fairgrounds in Poplarville on Jan. 6.

According to a press release by the Mississippi State University extension office, Zoey Pierce, Olivia Shaw, Gavin Lee and Hailey Bond won first place in their age division in the Goat Showmanship category. Meanwhile, Kash Fitzpatrick and Abigail Smith finished second and Dustin Bond won third place. Lee was selected as the overall champion in the Goat Showmanship category.

In the Dairy Showmanship category, Renee Harris and Gracie Smith won first place in their age division, Hanna Spiers and Brittney West came in second and Candi Spiers was third. Gracie Smith was named the overall champion in the Dairy Showman category.

Also, Stella Jenkins displayed her market lamb, which was named the Champion Lamb Showman.

Kaci Ladner, Cody Lane Amacker, Emma Malley, Asa Lee and Jorden Thornton won first place in their age division in the Beef Showmanship category. Fitzpatrick, Kaitlyn Schonewitz and Olivia Branum finished second in the Beef Showmanship category. After the age division winners were announced, Asa Lee was named the overall winner in the Beef Showmanship category.

Pearl River County Extension Agent Alex Shook said the children raise the animals from the moment they’re born until they’re sold at the auction. The children ensure the animals are healthy by feeding them and caring for the animal’s hair, skin and many other details.

The sale portion of the event began with Scrub Creek Farms purchasing Asa Lee’s Grand Champion steer and M&K Property Maintenance buying Jenkins’ lamb and Hailey Bond’s goat.

The event continued with Richard and Gylde Fitzpatrick entering bids during the auction to purchase Kash Fitzpatrick and Gavin Lee’s goats. Senyah Land & Cattle bought Pierce’s goat and Two Rivers Construction won the bid for Abigail Smith’s goat.

“The sale provides a platform for the kids to sell those animals for the intent of either collecting funds to purchase more animals or save up in order to pay for their education in the future,” Shook said.