GEORGETOWN, Ill. – Aspiring young livestock exhibitors can gain a competitive edge with the 4-H Showmanship Clinic held directly before the Swine and Beef Showdown in Georgetown. The clinic offers separate sessions for swine on May 18th and beef on May 19th, from 8 - 9:15 a.m. at the Georgetown Fairgrounds, 413 N Seminary St., Georgetown, IL 61846.

With show season right around the corner, this informative clinic will teach participants the fundamentals of showcasing their animals at upcoming jackpots, county fairs, and national shows. The clinic will cover a range of topics, from proper handling and grooming techniques to confident presentation in the show ring. It aims to provide valuable knowledge to help young exhibitors shine in their respective shows. It's worth noting that youth are not required to bring their animals or participate in the Showdown open show to attend the clinic.

“The 4-H Showmanship Clinic empowers youth to confidently present their animals and make a positive impression on judges,” says 4-H Youth Development Educator Mynda Tracy.  “These skills are essential for success in the show ring and build valuable life lessons in communication, responsibility, and self-confidence.”

The swine presenter is Adam Gradert. Originally from Geneseo, Illinois, Adam owns Gradert Show Pigs and runs 35 sows for Crossbreds, Chesters, and Yorks. He attended Black Hawk College East and Western Illinois University, where he was on two highly competitive livestock judging teams. At WIU, he was named High Individual at the National Barrow Show and on the champion team at the Barrow Show and National Western Stock Show.

The beef presenter is Paige Lemenager. Originally from Hudson, Illinois, she and her family own a purebred Angus & Hereford cow/calf operation focused on producing elite show cattle. Paige was named Champion Showman at the National Junior Angus Show in 2022 and considers showmanship a skill driven by passion and hard work.  She will continue her Animal Science studies and livestock judging career at Texas Tech University this fall.   Paige spent her youth as a member, leader, and officer in the 4-H organization on the local and state levels.  She firmly believes that 4-H is the foundation for youth in agriculture to build a strong future, and she thoroughly enjoys working with young showmen.

Space at the clinic is limited, so early registration is encouraged. Register at go.illinois.edu/ShowmanshipClinic. To learn more about 4-H in Vermilion County, visit go.illinois.edu/CFIV4H, contact Mynda Tracy at mynda@illinois.edu, or call 217-442-8615.

About Illinois 4-H: Illinois 4-H is the flagship youth development program of University of Illinois Extension and is administered through the College of Agriculture, Consumer, and Environmental Sciences. 4-H grows true leaders, youth who are empowered for life today and prepared for a career tomorrow. The hands-on approach in 4-H gives young people guidance, tools, and encouragement and puts them in the driver’s seat to make great things happen. Independent research confirms the unparalleled impact of the 4-H experience, demonstrating that young people are four times more likely to contribute to their communities, two times more likely to make healthier choices, two times more likely to be civically active, and two times more likely to participate in STEM programs.

Source: Mynda Tracy, 4-H Youth Development Educator, mynda@illinois.edu  

Writer: Jake Keister, Marketing and Communications Coordinator, jkeiste2@illinois.edu