Thousands attend 2025 Georgia National Rodeo for record-breaking event

The Georgia Junior Livestock Show also took place during the rodeo, with 1,200 FFA and 4-H students from across the state exhibiting pigs, sheep, goats, dairy, and beef cattle they have raised.

HOUSTON COUNTY, Georgia – The 2025 Georgia National Rodeo was a huge success, with one sold-out night on Saturday, February 22, drawing 14,661 rodeo fans.

The event featured bucking bulls, fast times in barrel racing, entertainment from Jessica Fowlkes, and laughs with rodeo clown Ronald Burton.

The Georgia Junior Livestock Show also took place during the rodeo, with 1,200 FFA and 4-H students from across the state exhibiting pigs, sheep, goats, dairy, and beef cattle they have raised.

Highlights of the rodeo included the recognition of 4-H and FFA Livestock Spotlight students on Thursday, Feb. 20. The Student Spotlight program honors young people who epitomize the character and work ethic that defines the junior livestock program.

Dairy: Bella Grier (North Hall FFA)
Multi-Species: Colby Kinchen (East Laurens FFA)
Pigs: Jada Dent (Wayne County 4-H & FFA)
Sheep: Leyton Morris (Morgan County 4-H & FFA)
Goats: Colter Steinkamp (North Oconee FFA)
Beef Cattle: John Haven Stalvey (Berrien County FFA)

On Saturday night, the GNFA inducted the 2025-2026 Georgia National Livestock Ambassadors. The livestock ambassadors are a group of 10 students from Georgia who show livestock and serve as advocates for the fairgrounds, helping to showcase youth achievements and talents.

Clay Lawrence – Emanuel County
Maggie Moon – Madison County
Ryan Kelly – Crisp County
Kacee Cochran – Gordon County
Ben Darwin – Madison County
Jose Gomez – Ware County
Kallie Reynolds – Cherokee County
Ava Lynn Cravey – Dodge County
Zoie Kelly – Banks County
Bailey Barnes – Houston County