Bulldog Winter Classic Holds Largest Show In New Facility

By Hannah Henry Snively Wheeler County Future Farmers of America (FFA) Adviser

On Saturday, January 31, Wheeler County FFA hosted the 2026 Bulldog Winter Classic. This was the largest show we have held in our new agriculture facility so far.

There were 32 exhibitors and 64 animals in the building along with community members and countless spectators. The show began at 10 a.m. with Pee Wee Showmanship where Emersyn Garnerkindergarten won. Reagan Parker-5th grade placed first in the Novice Showmanship class. In the Junior class, Layla Vann- 6th grade won first place. 10th grader, Kayleigh Montford, landed first place in the Intermediate Showmanship class. Winding up showmanship with the Senior class, Anna Beth Ethredge-12th grade was the champion showman.

There were twelve weight classes beginning with Class 1-Purebred Barrows. Tanner Posey won that class with his 263 lb Duroc barrow. Class 2-Duroc Gilts was won by Zoey Vann with her pig weighing in at 226 lbs. MaKalyn Claxton and her 269 lb Duroc won Class 3- Purebred Gilts. Hattie Claire Sconyer’s 209 lb Berkshire gilt won class 4. Finishing off the purebred classes was Bryston Claxton and his 192 lb Hampshire gilt winning Class 5.

In the crossbred division, barrows and gilts showed separately. Kayleigh Montford won Class 6 with her 190 lb crossbred barrow. John Braddy’s 225 lb barrow took first place in Class 7. In Class 8, Caleb Braddy won with his 235 lb barrow. Class 9 was swept by MaKalyn Claxton and her 168 lb gilt. In Class 10, Reagan Parker took first place with her 182 lb gilt, and Luke Burns won Class 11 with his 207 lb gilt. Wrapping up the weight classes, Bryston Claxton won Class 12 with his 234 lb gilt.

Following the last class, we brought back all first-place pigs for the Grand Champion drive. Second place pigs were on standby. Luke Burns won Grand Champion with his pig from Class 11. Bryston Claxton was Reserve Champion followed by Zoey Vann for 3rd Overall. Reagan Parker took 4th Overall and 5th Overall was claimed by John Braddy.

We had a great show! Thank you to Mr. Jack Wall from Bleckley County for judging. Thank you to the community for showing up to support our students. Good luck to the showman as they prepare for the State Show in a few weeks.

THIRD OVERALL – Zoey Vann had a strong showing at the Bulldog Winter Classic, as she came home with third place out of over thirty competitors. L to R: Hog Show Judge Jack Wall, Zoey Vann, and Bryant Oliver.

RESERVE CHAMPION – Reserve Champion Bryston Claxton came home from the Bulldog Winter Classic with the second highest award of the day. L to R: Johnson County Agriculture Teacher Chapman Phillips, Hog Show Judge Jack Wall, Bryston Claxton, and Bryant Oliver.

GRAND CHAMPION – Grand Champion Luke Burns poses with his champion hog. L to R: Luke Burns, Hog Show Judge Jack Wall, and Bryant Oliver.

FOURTH OVERALL – Reagan Parker placed fourth overall at the Bulldog Winter Classic. L to R: Reagan Parker, Hog Show Judge Jack Wall.

FIFTH OVERALL – John Braddy was among the top competitors at the Bulldog Winter Classic, placing fifth overall. L to R: John Braddy, Hog Show Judge Jack Wall, and Bryant Oliver.