The Lafayette Future Farmers of America competed in the Northwest Mississippi District Livestock show in Batesville earlier this month and came away with some top prizes and qualified for the Dixie National Junior Round Up in Jackson beginning Saturday and running through Feb. 7.

“Showing livestock gives students the opportunity to travel, make friends and create lifelong memories all while sharing their passion for agriculture and animals,” FFA advisor and agricultural teacher Meredith McCurdy Rhodes said.

John Brady Sharp exhibited his beef cattle project and won first place Simmental Bull, fourth in the 16-18-year old beef showmanship division, second place in English Cross Commercial Heifer and reserve champion for Hereford Heifer.

“From showing cattle, I have learned that hard work pays off,” Sharp said.

Kayleigh Avent exhibited her meat goat project and won first place in 11-14-year old showmanship, reserve champion for Commercial Meat Goat and reserve champion for Market Goat. Mason Avent exhibited his meat goat project and won first place in the 8-10-year old goat showmanship. Ally Avent also exhibited a meat goat project and won second place in 8-10-year old goat showmanship.