SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — The 2021 Illinois State Fair Master Showmanship Contest was held on August 13, 2021, at the Illinois State Fairgrounds. Fifty-one exhibitors, who were the winners of their respective 4-H county contests, competed for the title of “Overall Master Showman.”
This prestigious competition invites 4-H members ages 14 to 18 years to display their showmanship skills across three species – beef, sheep and swine. The 4-Hers were judged on their ability to handle each animal, knowledge of the species and animal husbandry, as well as overall showmanship skills.
One winner was named for each species and scores for all three species were tallied to determine the top three winners overall.
This year’s contest winners are:
Overall Master Showman – Lizzie Schafer from Owaneco, representing Christian County. She is the daughter of Aaron and Sue Schafer.
Second Place Overall – Paige Van Dyke from Louisville, representing Clay County. She is the daughter of Jon and Katrina Van Dyke.
Third Place Overall – Carter Hoge from Good Hope, representing McDonough County. He is the son of Mark and Katie Hoge.
Beef Division – Lizzie Schafer from Owaneco, representing Christian County. She is the daughter of Aaron and Sue Schafer.
Sheep Division – Paige Van Dyke from Louisville, representing Clay County. She is the daughter of Jon and Katrina Van Dyke.
Swine Division – Kylee Zoran from Ottawa, representing LaSalle County. She is the daughter of Paul and Lisa Zoran.
More than $8,000 worth of prizes donated by sponsors were awarded this year. First, second, and third place overall winners received $500, $300, and $200 cash (respectively), a new show box and other various prizes. Each species division winner received a $100 gift card and an embroidered zero gravity chair. Each contest participant received a t-shirt, bucket, and $25 gift card.
This year marked the 21st Annual Master Showmanship Contest held at the Illinois State Fair. This year’s contest was hosted by Illinois Farm Bureau and the RFD Radio Network. Illinois Farm Bureau President Richard Guebert, Jr. presented the awards. Congratulations to these outstanding young livestock exhibitors!
— Illinois Farm Bureau
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