A unique component of traveling to shows and exhibiting livestock is the showmanship portion. Showmanship is an art form that consists of the exhibitor’s ability to most effectively show their hog, while also maintaining eye contact, intensity, and fluidity. Making showmanship more special is the significance of the exhibitor and the hard work put in at home. With factors ranging from skin and hide, hogs attitude, technique, and professionalism, all while competitively maintaining control of the hog. Showmanship isn’t merely a display of skill; it’s a testament to the relentless hard work, time investment, and unwavering dedication, all virtues exemplified by Jada Dent both within and beyond the confines of the show ring. We would like to applaud the 2023 Best of the Barns Best Hog Showman – Jada Dent.
Jada Dent of Jesup, Georgia, has been showing since she was in the 5th grade. Her first steps into the livestock industry were mentored by a family friend, assisting her in showing goats for 2 years. Jada soon transitioned to the hog ring and has made her mark ever since. Currently entering her senior year of high school, she keeps herself busy not only showing livestock across the country but also being an academic scholar and a leader in and beyond the classroom. Through her FFA Chapter, Jada currently serves as the FFA President for Wayne County, Georgia. For the past 2 years, Jada has served as an officer through her FFA Chapter, traveling to numerous leadership events, growing as an individual, and inspiring those around her. Outside of showing and school, Jada also serves as the 2024 GNFA Junior Livestock Ambassador, participating in leadership training every month and managing events throughout the year. Jada’s hard work, passion, and dedication shine bright in everything she does. Her sheer talent, skillset, and love for this industry only amplify her technique in the ring, and her strength as a leader.
In 2023, Jada had a phenomenal year of success in the ring. Striving to new levels and conquering every goal along the way. Some highlights of Jada’s 2023 year in the ring include: Reserve Champion Breeding Gilt NAILE, Champion Showman NAILE, Champion Market Hog GSB Throwdown, and Champion Intermediate Showman GSB Throwdown. The level of time and work put in at home to achieve this success in the ring is astronomical, and Jada has proven herself above and beyond. From maintaining hide and hair, ensuring efficient feed management, training and exercising her hogs, and anything in between. The dedication, discipline, and passion are second to none.
The livestock industry has taught Jada the value of hard work and dedication. Anything worth having doesn’t come easy, and Jada displayed that through this journey. Jada claims her favorite part about showing is meeting new people, making new friends, and having those connections for a lifetime. In the barns, it’s easy to find like-minded people who Jada can relate to, and push each other to be the best version of themselves, in and out of the ring. The greatest impact Jada has made is spreading positivity. On a good day or bad, supporting her fellow competitors and staying humble is always essential. The people you meet in the barn aren’t just friends, but they become family. That’s what makes showmanship special, is the sportsmanship, compassion, and integrity that is required, that’s what makes Jada stand apart.
Here are just a few examples of Jada’s success in the ring:
