MURFREESBORO — After months of raising their animals, 34 local 4-H’ers finally saw their hard work pay off.

On Wednesday, the exhibitors, ranging in age from 5 to 18, got the chance to demonstrate their hard work at the Hertford-Northampton 4-H Livestock Show and Sale.

The 4-H’ers, hailing from Bertie, Hertford and Northampton counties, showed their farm animals (species include lambs, hogs, goats, steers and heifers) competing in market class and showmanship. The show has been a tradition in the Roanoke-Chowan area for 29 years.

“We had a good turnout, everybody seemed to enjoy themselves and we hope the kids learned something from their experience,” said Northampton County Cooperative Extension Livestock Agent Lee Tyre.

Hertford County Cooperative Extension Director Crystal Smith, who served as the mistress of ceremonies, agreed the event was a success.

“It was a feel good day for all counties involved,” she said.

Smith said the three counties are fortunate to have a livestock barn to host the show each year. A local citizen allows the use of the property each year, as long as it’s used to keep the tradition going.  She added logistics keeps the title of the livestock show from including Bertie in its name.

Each of the livestock exhibitors works with, cares for and studies their animal for weeks before the show. Tyre said for hogs, lambs and goats the 4-H’ers must have them for a minimum of two months while the steers and heifers must be kept for a minimum of three months.

“A lot of the families keep them longer than that,” he said.

Tyre said the experience of raising the livestock animals touches on both agriculture and business. The 4-H’ers are not only responsible for the animals well being (making sure it’s fed and has water), but going out to solicit sponsors and buyers for the event as well as maintaining financial records.

Smith said raising the animal also helps the 4-H’ers gain self respect and build self esteem. Based on he latter attribute, Smith saw one typically reserved young man gain this year.

“We saw a different person when he entered the show ring,” she said.

During the market (or breeding) class the animals are judged on muscular development, finish, structure, size and carcass quality. A grand and reserved champion is named for each species.

Meanwhile in showmanship, the exhibitor is judged on how well they show their animal. Eye contact with the judge and a thorough knowledge of their animals are just two attributes that the participants are judged on. The exhibitors are placed in divisions based on their age and experience.

This year’s judge was Andy Burlingham, Livestock Extension agent for Pitt County. A graduate of Kansas State University, he grew up showing in youth shows, and as an active member of the Pitt County 4-H Judging Team, he competed on the 4-H Judging Team at the national level.

Later in the evening the animals are sold during an auction and 100 percent of the proceeds from each animal going to the respective 4-H exhibitor.

This year, Hertford County’s John Thomas Taylor saw success with his Grand Champion hog which was purchased later by Producers Gin, Jesse E. Vaughan Farms and Murfreesboro Farms.

Meanwhile, Shannon Harris of Northampton County captured Reserve Champion with her animal, which was auctioned to Gay Implement, Southern Bank and Northampton County Farm Bureau.

Both Harris and Taylor also did well in the hog Showmanship competition with Harris taking first in the Junior category (ages 9-13) along with her brother, Gregory Harris, who placed second. Brittany Vandiford and Justin Jones were also recognized for their participation in Junior Showmanship.

Senior Hog Showmanship (ages 14-18) saw Thomas Chamblee (Hertford County) place first while Taylor came in second. Ryan Daughtry (Northampton) and Bridgette Vandiford (Northampton) were also recognized for participating.

Junior Achievers Hog Showmanship (ages 5-8) participants included Emalee Jones and Josiah Harris, both of Northampton.

In the Steer Market Class, Charles Harden of Bertie County earned Grand Champion with his animal, which was auctioned to Bertie County Farm Bureau and Harden Farms (Ronnie and Deborah Harden).

Chamblee took Reserve Champion with his steer, which was purchased by Hertford County Farm Bureau. He also took Grand Champion in the Heifer Market Class. His animal was purchased by Phil Coggins Insurance, Jesse E. Vaughan Farms and Metal Tech.

Chamblee continued his success by capturing first place in Steer Senior Showmanship. Meanwhile, Harden earned second place and Caleb Johnson (Bertie) was also a participant.

Gregory Harris (Northampton) was also honored for Junior Steer Showmanship.

To round out his day, Chamblee was also honored later in the evening with the Bill Bridgers 4-H Scholarship.

In the Goat Market Class, senior participant Jesse Cobb of Bertie County saw success earning Grand Champion with her goat. Cobb’s animal was purchased by Bertie County Farm Bureau.

Meanwhile, Junior participant Bailey Vann of Northampton placed with her Reserve Champion goat that was later purchased by Coastal Chemical, Tommy Flythe and George McGee.

Senior Goat Showmanship saw Dana Vann (Northampton) place first and Jake Bryant (Northampton) in second. Matt Ellison, Bethany Martin, Hannah Roye, all of Northampton, and Jesse Cobb and Sierra Jernigan, both of Bertie County, also participated.

Bailey Vann also saw success in Junior Goat Showmanship, placing first with Thomas Ellison in second. Delenn Cahoon and Moriah Martin, both of Northampton, also participated.

Marlon Kunstler (Hertford) was also honored for his Junior Achiever Goat Showmanship participation.

Lamb Grand Champion went to Senior participant Bridgette Vandiford of Northampton and her animal, which was purchased by Rich and Rich Auction and Steve and Laurie Burgess.

Junior participant Gabrielle Harris of Northampton claimed Reserve Champion with her lamb, purchased by Murfreesboro Farms and Metal Tech.

Vandiford also saw success in Senior Lamb Showmanship with a first place win followed by Elizabeth Vann (Northampton) who placed second. Lindsay Bryant (Northampton) was also recognized for her participation.

Brittany Vandiford finished first in the Junior Lamb Showmanship while Gabrielle Harris placed second. Brooke Vann (Northampton) was also recognized for her participation.

Junior Achievers recognized for Lamb Showmanship were Anasha Harris, Hunter Martin, Jadon Simmons, Kiersten Flythe, Nashia Harris, Omoni Harris and Savannah Martin, all of Northampton.