Representing FFA and 4-H clubs from Banks, Franklin, Hall, Jackson, Lumpkin, Madison and Oglethorpe counties, 51 young people competed for awards, ribbons and cash prizes in the August 2021 show. Together, the students entered 77 cattle in the competition held at the Jackson County Agriculture Facility in Jefferson on August 7. Dallas Locke served as the 2021 judge, evaluating heifers and steers, as well as showmanship, during the event. 

A High Percent Simmental heifer, shown by Morgan McDaniel, Jackson-Empower FFA, won the Supreme Champion Heifer honors at the 2021 Quality Beef Show, sponsored by Jackson EMC.  McDaniel, owner and handler of the champion heifer, is a senior at Jackson County Comprehensive High School.

A Charolais Steer, shown by Bella Chandler, Jackson-Empower FFA, won the Supreme Champion Steer honor at the 2021 Quality Beef Show, sponsored by Jackson EMC. Chandler, owner and handler of the champion steer, is a senior at East Jackson Comprehensive High School.

Young people competing in the Quality Beef Show use the experience and judge’s feedback to prepare for the statewide competition in Perry. Each year since 1969, Jackson EMC has sponsored the Quality Beef Show to honor the contribution the agriculture industry makes to Northeast Georgia’s economy. FFA and 4-H club students spend countless hours preparing the cattle to look their best. This includes shampooing, moussing and hair drying; polishing hooves; trimming hair and combing tails.

Exhibitors may enter up to two heifers or steers per class and up to four head in the entire show. Heifers are shown by breed. The top two heifers in each breed class compete for Breed and Reserve Breed Champion of their respective breeds. All the Breed Champions then compete for Supreme Champion and Reserve Supreme Champion. Steers are shown by weight, and the top two steers from each class compete for Grand Champion and Reserve Champion Steer of the Show.