Representing McDonough County at the 2025 Master Showmanship Competition at the Illinois State Fair is Nolan Hoge, showing swine, sheep, and cattle.
“I’ve always shown these three species, which really gave me an advantage,” says Hoge. “I’ve always really worked hard. I mean, I show all the time, and I really didn’t prepare, like a lot, but that sounds bad, but I mean, I just do what I was doing and just show.”
This is the second year Hoge has qualified for the Master Showmanship competition; however, this will be his first year competing in the show.
“I’m just going to be working in the yard, and, you know, have my dad out there with me, and he’ll tell me if I’m doing it right or wrong, and go from there.”
Nolan is a nine-year 4-H member and is a member of the Scotland Clever Clovers 4-H Club. The Illinois State Fair Master Showmanship Contest will take place on Friday, August 8th, at 5 pm.
