Sixty-five young livestock exhibitors vied for the title of “Grand Champion Overall Master Showman” on Aug. 8 during the 2025 Illinois State Fair Master Showmanship Contest. The exhibitors, who were the winners of their respective 4-H county contests, showcased their skills and knowledge of animal husbandry at the Illinois State Fairgrounds.
This prestigious competition invites 4-H members ages 14-18 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.
Two showmen representing west central Illinois counties were named a top five overall winner:
Fourth Place Overall — Nolan Hoge, from Good Hope, representing McDonough County. He is the son of Mark and Katie Hoge.
Fifth Place Overall — Carly Powell, from Saint Augustine, representing Knox County. She is the daughter of Justin and Amanda Powell.
Other honors presented at the Master Showmanship competition included:
Reserve Champion Beef Division — Nolan Hoge, from Good Hope, representing McDonough County. He is the son of Mark and Katie Hoge.
Third Place Beef Division — Carly Powell, from Saint Augustine, representing Knox County. She is the daughter of Justin and Amanda Powell.
Third Place Swine Division — Aubrey Killey, from Berwick, representing Warren County. She is the daughter of Kevin and DeNeene Killey.
This year marked the 25th Annual Master Showmanship Contest held at the Illinois State Fair. This year’s contest was hosted by Illinois Farm Bureau. Illinois Farm Bureau Vice President Evan Hultine presented the awards. Congratulations to these outstanding young livestock exhibitors!
**Story Courtesy of the Illinois Farm Bureau**
