In July, nine Knox County 4-H members stepped into the showring to showcase their skills and compete for a coveted spot in the Knox County Master Showmanship Competition.
“I’m Carly Powell. I’m a part of the Dekong Livestock 4-H, and I’ve been exhibiting cattle most of my life, and then recently, within the past four years, I decided to start with sheep.”
After demonstrating her abilities in showing cattle, sheep, and pigs, Powell was named the 2025 Knox County Master Showman and will represent her county at the Illinois State Fair.
“I wanted to do it, mostly because I exhibit two out of the three species,” says Powell. “This was my first time ever. I considered [doing] it, but it was never really my thing. I was always nervous about it. Then I was like, I know how to do it. And when I look back in five years, I don’t want to ever say I didn’t try.”
Powell is a graduate of Abingdon-Avon High School. This fall, Powell shares she will attend Black Hawk East.
“I’m studying Ag Business and Production at Black Hawk East. I might transfer to WIU after, but it’s still tossed up in the air.”
The Illinois State Fair Master Showmanship Contest will take place on Friday, August 8th, at 5 pm.
