Page 31 - Summer 2021

In the serenity of rural Oconee County, the Stewart home bursts with energy and a spirit for 4-H that imbues every aspect of the family’s life. Lawton and Beth Stewart met in summer 1997 when lifeguarding at the Rock Eagle 4-H Center. They immediately became great friends, a relationship that continued in college at the University of Georgia and for the next two summers when they returned to their camp counselor jobs.
Tifton native Lawton Stewart was raised in the livestock industry. His father served with UGA Extension for many years. In fact, Lawton now occupies the same office as his father. Growing up showing and judging livestock, it seemed natural for him to pursue a degree in animal science. After graduating from UGA in 2001, he ventured to the University of Florida to obtain his master’s degree, went on to earn a Ph.D. at Virginia Tech and completed a post doc at the University of Kentucky. As a beef cattle specialist, he made his way back to UGA in 2008 as a professor of animal and dairy science.
A native of Jackson, Beth participated in many community service activities that ranged from planning carnivals to a cotton bowl. A self-employed speech pathologist, Beth also graduated from UGA in 2001 and stayed in Athens to earn her master’s degree.
The couple married in 2003 and are raising four children: Thomas,15; Blakely,14; Clark,12; and Haley Ann, 7. Involvement in 4-H is a family affair, and they are quick to point out that there are many 4-H legacy families in Oconee County. They describe 4-H connections like “underground kudzu,” noting the intricate web of relationships tied to the organization.
Thomas attended his first lamb showing at six weeks old, albeit in his mother’s arms. By the time he was 2, Thomas began showing his own lambs as part of Pee Wee classes. He’s learned a lot from his Aunt Sally, Lawton’s younger sister, who he watched when she was in the Junior Livestock Program.
On left, from left, Blakely, Haley Ann, Clark and Thomas prepare their lambs for the 2020 Clarke-Oconee Cattlemen’s Livestock Show at Heritage Park.
Top right, in addition to showing livestock, freshman Blakely will join the junior varsity sideline cheer and varsity competition cheerleading squads.
Bottom right, Thomas wrangles a lamb that was born in March 2021.
SUMMER 2021 | OcONEE ThE MAgAzINE | PAgE 29