ATLANTA – State Representative Bonnie Rich (R-Suwanee) recently won the Livestock Legislative Showdown. The competition took place on Saturday, October 5, 2019 at the Georgia National Fair in Perry, Ga.
“This year’s Livestock Showdown provided a unique and exciting experience that allowed me learn from my FFA student coach, her parents and her agriculture teacher about the importance of livestock and agriculture to many families in our state. FFA and 4-H programs provide our students with tools, education and mentorship that will assist students in whatever career or vocation they choose, whether it be in agriculture or otherwise. In addition, I learned what makes a good beef cattle and all the hard work that goes into showing livestock, most of which takes place on a daily basis for many months before the actual show,” said Rep. Rich. “I want to give a special thank you to my FFA student coach, Colleen Barber, who prepared me for this competition. Not only did the House beat the Senate in the overall challenge, but I was also named the Legislator Champion thanks to my terrific student coach.”
The Legislative Livestock Showdown is a highly competitive event between senators and representatives to determine which chamber of the Georgia General Assembly can best handle livestock in a showmanship ring of a livestock competition. The legislators were partnered with experienced 4-H or Future Farmers of America students who coached them on proper animal handling, showmanship and ring etiquette. Competitors were scored by professional livestock judges. The Showdown was co-sponsored the Georgia Department of Agriculture and the Georgia National Fair.
*Editor’s note: a photo of Rep. Rich, student coach, Colleen Barber, and Rep. Tom McCall (R-Elberton) from the Livestock Legislative Showdown is attached.
Representative Bonnie Rich represents the citizens of District 97, which includes portions of Gwinnett County. She was elected to the House of Representatives in 2018 and currently serves on the Judiciary, Retirement and Ways & Means committees.
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