EUREKA, Ill. — The intense livestock contest known as Master Showmanship typically goes late into the night and concludes in front of a large crowd in the junior beef arena at the Illinois State Fair. The suspense was long, intensity thick, and competition fierce as everyone awaits the results.
This is usually how the Master Showmanship Contest at the Illinois State Fair is pictured from year-to-year but this year was a little different for Woodford County 4-H member, Keaton Stoller, as his name was called as the Overall Winner for the 2018 Master Showmanship Contest.
Fifty-four exhibitors, winners of their respective county contests, competed for the title of “Illinois Master Showman.” Exhibitors were judged on their ability to show three species of animals; beef, sheep, and swine. Not only were they judged on the show ring presentation of each species, but also quizzed on their knowledge of each.
One winner was announced for each species then scores are tallied to determine the overall winner. Stoller rose above as the high individual in Swine, his strong species and stayed consistently high in beef and sheep which compelled him to win overall honors by 8 points. Paige VanDyke of Clay County was second and Levi Meurer of Lee County was third.
Why was this year different for Keaton? Well, this was Keaton’s second year competing in this competition, last year he placed fifth. He was able to build off of last year’s shortfall and focus on what he had to do to win this year. Swine is naturally his strong species, as he has been showing pigs at the local, state and national level since he was 5 years old.
Keaton attributes his success to the friends, family, and livestock industry that continues to support him.
“When you win something like this it’s a group effort,” mentioned Stoller. To compete at the State Fair, he borrowed friend’s livestock and had many friends and family helping with the logistics, supplies, and prep to have the animals staged and all ready to go when his round was up.
“Without their help, advice, and encouragement I couldn’t have pulled this off, as showing livestock is a passion, one that has taught me a lot of life lessons, said Stoller. “Nash and Trig are my younger brothers, and we work together as a team.”
The Stoller’s also exhibited the Grand Champion Barrow in the 2018 Illinois State Fair Open Show.
“I’m thankful that my parents have given us the opportunity to travel the country showing livestock and allowing us to connect with a network of livestock people and mentors. We have a bond that not many people outside of the show ring understand,” remarks Stoller.”
Keaton represented Woodford County’s El Paso Champions 4-H Club and is the son of Brian and Hayley Stoller. Keaton is currently a sophomore at Lakeland College, Mattoon, IL studying Ag Production and a member of the Collegiate Livestock Judging Team with plans to transfer to Western Illinois University next fall.
“Becoming a good showman takes experience, responding to constructive criticism, and the will to learn through coachable moments in a competitive arena. I have a lot of respect for the people in this industry, many who have invested in making me better and to be named 2018 Illinois Master Showman…that’s quite an honor!” said Stoller.
This year’s contest was coordinated by the Illinois Farm Bureau and RFD Radio Network, Illinois Farm Bureau President, Richard Guebert presented over $8000 in awards to the exhibitors.
— University of Illinois Extension
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