It might come as a surprise to K. Johns’ friends and neighbors that he won grand champion heifer at the Georgia National Fair. Johns is proud of his achievements, but has a humble nature and has not spread the news, Wayne Barrett said.

Southern States member and FFA alumnus Wayne Barrett is Johns' employer and mentor. He is an amazing young man, Wayne said, and has a real gift for knowing about and working with cattle.

He is currently a high school senior in Lumpkin County, Ga., who has been showing cattle since his ninth grade year. “He has really put his whole heart into it and is consistently in the top five for showmanship,” Wayne said.

Wayne and Johns not only work together on the farm, but also in FFA activities. Both earned recognition for their dedication to the recently completed Lumpkin County FFA livestock barn and show ring.  FFA has been a real positive in Keith’s life and he continues to succeed because of it, Wayne said.

After winning at the Georgia National Fair, Johns asked judges for suggestions in working with his heifer before the next show. The judge reported that, “you should keep feeding that heifer the same feed. It is really working for you.” Wayne and Johns buy Southern States feed and receive support from the Gainesville, Ga. store. “They are big supporters of us and we appreciate it,” Wayne said.

Wayne reports that Johns has become more focused on the show circuit this year and won his class and division at an earlier show this summer in Perry, Ga. Showing cattle has been a great confidence builder for him, Wayne said, and he only envisions his improving and increasing his knowledge and skill level.

“It couldn’t have happened to a better kid,” Wayne said.