LEWISTOWN, Ill. - Braydon DeCounter of the Smithfield Up and Coming 4-H Club was selected as the Fulton County representative for the Master Showmanship Contest at the Illinois State Fair.  This is the 21st year for this event at the Illinois State Fair Junior Show. 

Braydon was selected as the winner of the Fulton County 4-H Master Showmanship Contest, held on July 27th during the Fulton County Fair.  Kelsey Patterson placed second.  Other competitors were Cooper Nelson and Abbie Stevenson.

Participants in Master Showmanship demonstrate their ability to show three species of animals – Beef, Sheep, and Swine.  For many of the exhibitors, they are experienced in one or two of the species, but seldom all three.  If they do not own all three, they must borrow from a friend for the competition.  As part of showmanship judging, the participants have to answer questions about basic care and specie information from the judge.

At the county contest, cash prizes and ribbons were awarded.  At the State contest, winners receive cash awards and other prizes.   

Kyle and Ashley Beutke served as judges at the county competition, and gave many helpful comments to the youth as they were judging them. 

For more information on the University of Illinois Extension 4-H program, call 309-547-3711.

SOURCE - Janis Blout, Fulton 4-H program coordinator

ABOUT EXTENSION: Illinois Extension leads University of Illinois public outreach by translating research into action plans that allow Illinois families, businesses, and community leaders to solve problems, make informed decisions, and adapt to changes and opportunities.