Illinois State Fairgrounds witnessed a display of remarkable talent on August 11th, as sixty young livestock exhibitors, winners of their respective 4-H county contests, competed for the coveted title of "Grand Champion Overall Master Showman" during the 2023 Illinois State Fair Master Showmanship Contest.
This distinguished competition, open to 4-H members aged 14-18, showcased their mastery across three species: beef, sheep, and swine. The participants' skills in animal handling, species knowledge, and overall showmanship were put to the test.
The victors were determined in three divisions, with the scores across all species amalgamated to decide the top five winners. This year's esteemed champions are:
• Grand Champion Overall Master Showman: Morgan Richardson, representing Boone County, daughter of Jamie and Cathy Richardson.
• Reserve Grand Champion Overall Master Showman: Aubrey Killey, representing Warren County, daughter of Kevin and DeNeene Killey.
• Third Place Overall: Preston Rhode, representing McLean County, son of Tyler and Melissa Rhode.
• Fourth Place Overall: Taylor Rhoads, representing DeKalb County, daughter of Matt and Jen Rhoads.
• Fifth Place Overall: Tait McCaskill, representing Brown County, son of Matt and Erin McCaskill.
The winners in specific divisions are as follows:
Champion Beef Division:
• Lauren Wolter, representing Clinton County, daughter of Bradley and Kimberly Wolter.
Champion Swine Division:
• Aubrey Killey, representing Warren County, daughter of Kevin and DeNeene Killey. Champion Sheep Division:
• Alivia Porter, representing Iroquois County, daughter of Erik Porter, Misha Porter, and Jared Finegan.
The event marked its 23rd Annual Master Showmanship Contest at the Illinois State Fair, organized by the Illinois Farm Bureau and the RFD Radio Network. Awards, including cash prizes and valuable gifts, were donated by sponsors, with nearly $8,000 in total rewards. The winners of each division received $100 gift cards and a zero-gravity chair, while all participants were acknowledged with t-shirts, buckets, and $25 gift cards.
The ceremony was graced by Illinois Farm Bureau President Richard Guebert Jr. and Associate Director of Commodities and Livestock Tasha Bunting, who presented the accolades. Heartfelt congratulations to these exceptional young livestock exhibitors, showcasing their dedication and expertise at the Illinois State Fair Master Showmanship Contest
Photo Credit: getty-images-brandytaylor
Categories: Illinois, Rural Lifestyle