RICHMOND COUNTY — Some folks may be surprised that there is a long history of 4-H and youth livestock shows here in Richmond County. For decades, youth who have come through the program have raised and exhibited chickens, goats and cattle. This year we still have more opportunities for youth who are involved in raising livestock or are just curious to learn more!
2026 4-H AgSouth Farm Credit Circuit
Currently, 4-H youth in our region are busy participating in the 2026 4-H AgSouth Farm Credit Showmanship Circuit season. They have been caring and training their animals for past several months, and will begin traveling hours each weekend to show their livestock with hopes to take home the belt buckle that the winning participants receive at the conclusion of the Circuit. Youth ages 5-19 have the opportunity to compete against other youth from across the region at each of the 10 county shows between August and the State Fair in October. Youth can show goats, heifers or lambs as part of the Show Circuit. The season wraps up with the Showmanship Circuit Banquet where the winners are recognized for their months of hard work and dedication. Although winning the belt buckle and trophies look good on display, the greatest prizes youth take home are the skills gained and learned which will help them develop into responsible adults. They learn leadership skills, responsibility, how to handle constructive criticism, and build their self-esteem.
Our local Goat and Heifer show here in Richmond County, part of the Show Circuit, will take place on Saturday, September 12th. Our show is made possible through the generous donations from our local businesses like Richmond County Farm Bureau, AgSouth Farm Credit, Tedder Trash, EE Vuncannon, Richmond County Cattlemen’s Association, Tractor Supply of Rockingham and the American Legion Post 147 of Rockingham. Although our location of the Livestock show has jumped around a bit, for the last three years we have been fortunate to host the show at Millstone 4-H Camp in Ellerbe. Historically, Richmond County has traditionally held only a goat show but in the last two years we added a cattle show, specifically a heifer show. This additional species has given youth an opportunity to learn how to raise and show cattle. Any youth interested in learning about livestock exhibition is invited to come out and watch the show on September 12th!
Egg-Cellent Egg Contest
If smaller animals are more suitable for your family, there is also an opportunity for youth who raise or own backyard chickens! The statewide 4-H Egg-Cellent Egg Contest registration is now open! This contest kicks off in August 2026. The Egg-Cellent Egg Contest is a comprehensive program which lasts through September 2026. This program is for 4-H members in participating counties with a flock of chickens that are currently laying eggs. Participants may submit up to 2 sets of half dozen (6) eggs, which will be judged for uniformity, exterior and interior quality.
Training and participation are done virtually via Zoom, and supplemental activities will be required to successfully complete the program. 4-Hers will learn about egg production, the
components of the egg, and compete against other members in the participating region based on their eggs and their supplemental activity submissions. All participants that successfully complete the project will receive a t-shirt and ribbon (either participation or placing ribbon).
Parents can register their youth or find out more information about the Egg-Cellent Egg Contest here: go.ncsu.edu/2026eggcontestregistration. Before you can register your youth for the contest, please make sure they are enrolled as a member of 4-H which can be done at v2.4honline.com
The youth and their families that raise livestock make a lot of sacrifices, both financially and of their time. Livestock families seldom take a vacation to the beach in the summer. Live animals, especially livestock, take an incredible amount of commitment and responsibility but the life lessons that learned along the way are invaluable.
If you have questions about the Livestock Show, or the Egg-Cellent Egg Contest, please call the Richmond County Extension office at 910-997-8255. Visit our website at Richmond.ces.ncsu.edu and follow us on Facebook!