OREGON, Ill. - The 2024 Ogle County 4-H Senior Master Showman winner was Cooper Alderks from Carefree 4-H Club! The runner-up was Gwen Hall of Ogle Jolly 4-H Club. Other senior participants ages 14 – 18 included Ayden Alderks, Ogle Jolly 4-H Club; Boone Alderks, Carefree 4-H Club; Max Thurow, Ogle Jolly 4-H Club; Levi Eden, Carefree 4-H Club; Blakelynn Swanson, Ogle Jolly 4-H Club; and Robbie Thurow, Ogle Jolly 4-H Club.
The 2024 Ogle County 4-H Junior Master Showman winner was Grady Poliska of Ogle Jolly 4-H Club! The runner-up was Addison Yordy, Leaf River Busy Beavers. Other junior participants ages 8 – 13 included Eralynn Wiltfang, Leaf River Busy Beavers 4-H Club; Emree Wiltfang, Leaf River Busy Beavers 4-H Club; Blake Frisbie, Ogle Jolly 4-H Club; Jaxon Alderks, Ogle Jolly 4-H Club; Lucas Thurow, Ogle Jolly 4-H Club; Katelynn Adams, Ogle Jolly 4-H Club; and Joey Thurow, Ogle Jolly 4-H Club.
Each participant had to show a pig, steer, and sheep to earn the title. 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, a $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.
Hackbarth Farms sponsored cash awards. Maplehurst Farms, Inc. sponsored belt buckles.
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.
PHOTO: Cooper Alderks, Carefree 4-H Club showing his steer at the Master Showmanship Contest on Saturday, August 3rd during the Ogle County Fair. Cooper went on to win the Senior Division! He represented Ogle County at the Illinois State Fair on Friday, August 9th.
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