WAYNE COUNTY, N.C. — The 2026 Junior Livestock Show and Sale kicked off with tradition and pride as Wade Robertson opened the event by reciting the 4-H pledge:
“I pledge my head to clearer thinking, my heart to greater loyalty, my hands to larger service and my health to better living. For my club, my community, my country, and my world.”
The Junior Livestock Show is an educational, community-focused event where youth showcase projects involving cattle, sheep, swine, and goats while developing agricultural knowledge, leadership skills, and responsibility. Participants compete in showmanship, judging, and livestock exhibitions, gaining practical skills and confidence through hands-on experience. These events are designed to help youth build responsibility, discipline, and agricultural knowledge through real-world animal care and competition.
Young Competitor Sweeps Multiple Honors
Eight-year-old Tessa Sanderson delivered one of the standout performances of the event, sweeping multiple top awards. Sanderson earned:
- Grand Champion Showmanship — 8-11 Years Old Junior Hog Division
- Grand Champion Market Hog
- Reserve Champion Market Hog
- Reserve Champion Market Steer
Charlotte Lane was named Reserve Champion Showmanship in the Junior Hogs category.
Goat Competition Winners
In the goat competitions:
- Danielle Franklin earned Grand Champion Showmanship in the 15-18 year-old Senior Goat category and Reserve Champion Market Goat
- J.W. Thornton was named Grand Champion Market Goat
Goat Showmanship Grand Champions included:
- 5-7 Years Old — J.W. Thornton
- 8-11 Years Old — Jared Talton
- 12-14 Years Old — Lila Britt
Cattle Competition Results
In the cattle division:
- Bryleigh Sauls — Grand Champion Market Steer
- Bless Hobbs — Grand Champion Heifer
- Wade Robertson — Reserve Champion Heifer
Cattle Showmanship Grand Champions:
- 5-7 Years Old — Brynn Hobbs
- 8-11 Years Old — Bless Hobbs
- 12-14 Years Old — Bryleigh Sauls
Hog Showmanship Winners
Hog Showmanship Grand Champions included:
- 5-7 Years Old — John Rex Roberson
- 12-14 Years Old — Spate Sanderson
- 15-18 Years Old — Parker Herring
The event highlighted the dedication and hard work of local youth who have spent months preparing their livestock projects. Organizers say the Junior Livestock Show continues to play an important role in teaching responsibility, leadership, and agricultural education while strengthening community ties.
