It was a nail-biting showdown in the shavings-filled swine ring at the Stephenson County Fair on Saturday, July 31 as ten 4-H youth battled for the title of Stephenson County Master Showman. This highly competitive contest is organized by the Stephenson County Farm Bureau Young Leaders and University of Illinois Extension-Stephenson County 4-H.

4-H Youth ages 14-18 demonstrated their showmanship skills with three different livestock species: beef, sheep and swine. Participants either showed their own animal or borrowed one from another member. Youth were judged on their ability to show each of the different animals and present the animals in their most eye-appealing form per species standards to the judge in the ring. Participants included: Ben Bremmer, Daemyn Heslop, Sage Huneke, Brynn Lamm, Brea Musser, Jase Sheffey, Levi Sheffey, Cole Weber, Dalia Weber and Faith Weber.

“It was nice to see families and 4-H clubs come together and support the youth who participated,” states Brenda Heimann, Stephenson County 4-H and Youth Development Program Coordinator. “I loved seeing 4-Hers work with each other and teach each other how to handle the different species.”

Winning the contest was Sage Huneke, a member of the Pearl City Hornets. Sage was awarded with a feed scoop, bucket and a $200 cash prize. Jase Sheffey was the Reserve Champion and is a member of the Pearl Valley Rangers. Jase was awarded with a feed scoop, bucket and $100 cash prize. Prizes were donated by the Stephenson County Farm Bureau. The winner of the competition represented Stephenson County at the Illinois State Fair on August 13.

For more information about 4-H in Stephenson County or volunteering, contact Brenda Heimann, Stephenson County 4-H and Youth Development Program Coordinator at the University of Illinois Extension office by phone: 815-235-4125, email: bheimann@illinois.edu or by visiting go.illinois.edu/jsw.