The 2023 Ogle County 4-H Senior Master Showman winner was Gwendolyn Hall of Monroe Center! The runner up was Cooper Alderks, Chana. Other senior participants ages 14 – 18 included Boone Alderks, Chana; Ayden Alderks, Monroe Center; Max Thurow, Stillman Valley; Robbie Thurow, Stillman Valley; and Bruce Gehrke, Byron.

The 2023 Ogle County 4-H Junior Master Showman winner was Grady Poliska of Davis Junction! The runner up was Addison Yordy of Leaf River. Other junior participants ages 8 – 13 included Blake Frisbie, Esmond; Kaitlyn Adams, Stillman Valley; Lucas Thurow, Stillman Valley; Joseph Thurow, Stillman Valley; and Jaxon Alderks, Monroe Center

To earn the title, each participant had to show a pig, steer, and sheep. Showmanship is based on the knowledge of the species; how the participant shows the animal, following directions, moving the animal, setting up, stopping, control and safety of the animal, and the attention given to the judge and animal; and the appearance of the club member, clean and neat, prompt, alert, confident, and courteous.

Congratulations to each of these individuals. The winner of the Senior Master Showmanship winner won a belt buckle, $100 cash award and the opportunity to attend the Master Showmanship contest at the Illinois State Fair. The senior runner up won a $50 cash award. The Junior Master Showmanship winner won a belt buckle and a $50 cash award. The junior runner up won a $25 cash award.

Cash Awards were sponsored by Hackbarth Farms. Belt buckles were sponsored by Maplehurst Farms, Inc.

4-H is an informal youth education program conducted by University of Illinois Extension.  U of I Extension provides equal opportunities in programs and employment.  If you need reasonable accommodations to participate in 4-H, contact the Ogle County Extension staff at 815-732-2191.