For Ret Turner of Moultrie, Georgia, showing livestock has never been just a hobby; it’s been a way of life.
Named our Best of the Barns Pig Showman, Ret’s journey began long before he ever stepped into the ring. With a family deeply rooted in the livestock industry, showing animals was simply part of growing up. While his mother’s family raised and exhibited lambs and cattle, Ret and his sister got their start with pigs while they were still too young to handle steers. What began as a childhood introduction quickly became a passion.
Now, after 15 years of showing pigs and a recent venture into the cattle industry, Ret has built a reputation as a dedicated competitor, hardworking showman, and respected leader among his peers. A recent graduate of Colquitt County High School, he plans to continue pursuing his goals this fall at Ole Miss, where he will major in business.
When asked about his favorite livestock show, Ret doesn’t point to banners or championships. Instead, he talks about memories. For him, the Georgia National Livestock Show holds a special place in his heart. The famous green carpet represents far more than success in the show ring. “We’ve laughed there, we’ve cried there, and we’ve learned hard lessons that made us better people,” Ret says.
Like many livestock families, the Turners have experienced both the highs and lows that come with competition. Whether celebrating a victory or regrouping after a disappointing day, the Georgia National has served as the backdrop for countless family memories that have shaped who he is today.
Among those memories, one stands above the rest. In 2025, during his final state fair as a junior exhibitor, Ret captured the Market Gilt Championship with a gilt named “Bugatti.” From the moment he and his sister first saw a video of her in the chip barn, they knew she was different. Over the years, Ret and his family had experienced every emotion the livestock industry can offer. Through challenges and setbacks, Bugatti gave them something to look forward to each day and a reason to keep pushing forward. “She was a dawg from the beginning and she was memorable until the end,” Ret recalls.
Ret’s motivation goes much deeper than winning. He views himself as his own biggest competition. Each new set of pigs brings new goals, new challenges, and new opportunities for growth. Whether that means spending extra hours in the barn, asking for advice, or simply proving to himself that he can improve, Ret continually strives to become a better version of himself. That mindset has helped him find success, but it has also helped him appreciate what matters most about the livestock industry: family.
Some of his favorite memories have nothing to do with the show ring. Instead, they come from late nights in the barn with his sister, long conversations with mentors, and road trips across the country chasing livestock shows. Growing up in the Southeast meant many of the major events required long hours on the road, but those trips became memories he’ll cherish forever. “Vibes were always high in those moments,” he says.
As Ret reflects on his years as a junior exhibitor, his advice for younger showmen is simple but powerful: be yourself. In an industry where it’s easy to follow the crowd, Ret encourages young exhibitors to stay true to who they are, surround themselves with supportive people, and never be afraid to learn from others. He believes some of the greatest lessons in livestock come not only from parents but also from fellow exhibitors and industry leaders who are willing to invest in the next generation.
The livestock industry has helped shape Ret Turner into the person he is today, teaching resilience, work ethic, humility, and the value of strong relationships. While his junior show career may be coming to a close, the lessons, friendships, and memories built along the way will continue to impact him for years to come. And for Ret, that’s what showing livestock has always been about.