Ava Cravey, Is 17 years old, from Rhine, Georgia. Ava started in the industry at just two years old. From the beginning the industry has shaped her into who she is today. Ava has had some incredible wins but has found that the best part of showing is in the hardship along the way.

“Hi! My name is Ava Lynn Cravey. I’m 17 years old from Rhine, Georgia and a Junior at Dodge County High School.”

Outside of the show ring and the farrowing house Ava is a well-rounded student and leader. She plays varsity tennis, serves as an FFA Vice President, and competes in numerous FFA CDEs.

“When I’m not at school or in the barn, I love going to the beach, riding horses, and hanging out with my friends. My faith, family, and work ethic are what keep me grounded. Agriculture has shaped so much of who I am today.”

While Ava loves the show ring, she’s found showing goes far beyond the banners.

“Those things are what truly define me.”

Ava’s show journey began at age two. Her family was deeply involved in Agriculture making Ava start right away with her show career. From an early age Ava has had to learn the hard lessons of winning and losing. 

“Growing up in a family deeply passionate about equine and livestock, showing wasn’t just an activity it was a lifestyle. From an early age, I learned how to handle both criticism and patience, as well as how to win with humility and lose with grace.”

 “Success doesn’t happen overnight, it isn’t given freely, but earned through time, consistency, and a willingness to keep improving.”

The early losses and wins have shaped Ava into the person she is. When Ava was seven her dad became co-owner of Bar M Showpigs. Which made her learn more about responsibility.

“Those early experiences shaped me into someone who is determined, disciplined, and resilient, and they have built a deep passion for livestock that continues to drive me today. When my dad became co-owner of Barm M Showpigs it broadened my horizons within the industry. I took on more responsibility, caring for not only my own stock but also helping with daily farm chores.”

Ava’s parents are her biggest supporters. They have taught her the important things in life – from work ethnic to learning how to respect the livestock we care for everyday. 

“My parents have shaped how I show and handle livestock today. They’ve taught me the importance of discipline, attention to detail, and doing things the right way, even when no one is watching. They’ve instilled in me a strong work ethic and a respect for the stock we care for every day. Because of them, I’ve learned that success isn’t just about winning, it’s about character, consistency, and how you carry yourself both in and out of the ring.”

Since the beginning, showing has become a part of Ava. She never saw showing livestock as her hobby but as the way she lives. As she grew older the expectations grew and she quickly learned just how high of a level of commitment, discipline, and sacrifice she needed to give.

“Since I started showing livestock at such a young age, it’s always been a part of my life. I don’t think I ever saw it as just a hobby. Even on the hard days, I never wanted to quit, that’s when I realized I was built for it. It became more than just showing; it became a passion and a responsibility that I take pride in every day.”

For Ava the thing that pulls her back to the barn each day is knowing all that she has been able to accomplish through consistency and pushing through, even when it’s hard. 

“All those emotions, the heartbreak, frustration, and exhaustion, are a reflection of how deeply I care. The barn is like therapy for me; it’s where I reset and refocus. If I go a day without it, I find myself wanting to be back even more. Honestly, those moments in the barn mean more to me than any banner or check.”

“The industry has a way of teaching you more about life than it does about livestock.” Ava has had so many lessons in the industry. The one lesson that stayed with her is that everything happens for a reason.

“Even when it’s hard to understand at the moment. Life isn’t always fair, animals don’t turn out, the best ones can fall apart, and sometimes you put in the work and it still doesn’t go your way. But through it all, I know that God has a greater plan. Knowing that alone is what keeps me grounded and pushes me forward, no matter what I face.”

Ava had an early start in the industry so to say she has grown up with it would be an understatement. It has shaped her into a disciplined, responsible, ambitious,and resilient person.

“Showing has shaped me into a more disciplined, responsible, and resilient person. It’s taught me how to handle both success and failure, and how to carry myself with humility and respect. Looking back, I’ve not only grown as a showman, but as a person, and that’s what means the most to me.”

For Ava she has had several hard sacrifices that have come with showing. On the outside all people see is the banner and the check. But in the barn the mental effort and setbacks always are there. 

“I have been extremely fortunate to have accomplished some pretty cool things in my career, but that success comes with a price that often gets overlooked. There’s a lot of physical and mental effort that goes on behind the scenes. From the outside, people see the wins, but they don’t see the hard days, the setbacks, the losses, or the moments when things don’t go as planned. There are days when it’s exhausting, but you still have to show up and give your best.”

As Ava leaves the ring she hopes she can be someone other showmen look up to. Ava wants to be a positive role model for young showmen.

“I want my name to represent someone others can look up to,not just for success, but for honesty, integrity, and humility in both wins and losses. I want to be known for doing things the right way and carrying myself with respect. I hope younger showmen can look up to me and see a positive role model. That’s the kind of legacy I want to leave behind.”

In five years, Ava sees herself “ established in the livestock industry.”  She hopefully wants to be judged at Jr College and Sr College Levels.  She plans to have graduated pursuing a career in agricultural marketing or livestock nutrition. “I’m committed to continuing to grow and make an impact in this industry. Most importantly, I want to give back to something that has given me so much. No matter where I go, this will always be a part of who I am.”

“Make the best of what you have and never stop working hard, even when things don’t go your way. Focus on the small details, stay consistent, and always be willing to learn and take criticism. Appreciate the people who help you along the way, because you don’t get there alone. Enjoy every moment, the good and the bad, because those are what shape you the most. Most importantly, trust the process and remember that success comes in God’s timing, not your own. Find joy in the journey, while trusting the process.”