By Marlee Moore
(334) 613-4219

The Alabama Farmers Federation is strengthening the state’s premier livestock show presence by adding another species to the weeklong competition held during the Southeastern Livestock Exposition.

This March, the inaugural Junior Swine Expo (JSE) will join the Junior Beef Expo (JBE) in Montgomery. The state hog show is an exciting addition to an already-impressive contest, said Federation President Jimmy Parnell.

“It’s our pleasure to invest in some of Alabama’s best and brightest students,” Parnell said. “I’ve often said, ‘If we had more young people like those who participate in livestock shows, we’d have a lot fewer problems in the world.’”

Exhibitors will showcase hard work, dedication and sportsmanship during the showmanship contest, in addition to the breeding and market animal shows, at the Garrett Coliseum complex.

Students earn prize money to help kickstart their agricultural enterprises and college educations through the contest. The slate of generous sponsors includes the Alabama Farmers Agriculture Foundation, local county Farmers Federations, the Alabama 4-H Foundation and Alabama FFA Foundation. Registration details will be available later this fall.