Each year, county 4-H programs across Illinois choose one representative to compete in the Master Showman competition at the Illinois State Fair. Throughout this competition, showmen’s skills are put to the test as they show three species of livestock; swine, sheep, and cattle. For the last four years, Aubrey Killey has represented Warren County in the competition. Over the years, Killey ranked 17th, 8th, 2nd, and this year, 3rd.
“This year, I knew it was going to be extremely difficult because, obviously, the only thing better than second is first. But, I knew there were going to be a lot of extremely good showmen out there who have also put a lot of time and dedication into not only their own projects but the other livestock projects that they are showing. Although I didn’t come home with the outcome of winning, I know that I came home with third place, which is an extremely achievable goal of mine that I was super happy with, with the success I’ve had, knowing that I’m the only person that’s been in the top three multiple years, back to back to back, and I have next year to come again and give it my all and just kind of show them like, what is what I can do, and why Warren County has had me go”
Killey was one of sixty showmen participating in the 2024 Master Showman Ship Contest.
