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Master Showmanship Contest held at Ogle County 4-H Fair
By Jodi Baumgartner
SUBMITTED PHOTO Tempo
Cooper Alderks, of Carefree 4-H Club, showing his steer at the Master Showmanship Contest on Aug. 3 during the Ogle County Fair. Alderks went on to win the Senior Division. He represented Ogle County at the Illinois State Fair on Aug. 9.
The Ogle County 4-H Senior Master Showman winner for 2024 was Cooper Alderks from Carefree 4-H Club. The runner-up for this year was Gwen Hall of Ogle Jolly 4-H Club. Other senior participants ages 14-18 included Ayden Alderks, Ogle Jolly 4-H Club; Boone Alderks, Carefree 4-H Club; Max Thurow, Ogle Jolly 4-H Club; Levi Eden, Carefree 4-H Club; Blakelynn Swanson, Ogle Jolly 4-H Club; and Robbie Thurow, Ogle Jolly 4-H Club.
The Ogle County 4-H Junior Master Showman winner for 2024 was Grady Poliska of Ogle Jolly 4-H Club. The runner-up was Addison Yordy, Leaf River Busy Beavers. Other junior participants ages 8-13 included Eralynn Wiltfang, Leaf River Busy Beavers 4-H Club; Emree Wiltfang, Leaf River Busy Beavers 4-H Club; Blake Frisbie, Ogle Jolly 4-H Club; Jaxon Alderks, Ogle Jolly 4-H Club; Lucas Thurow, Ogle Jolly 4-H Club; Katelynn Adams, Ogle Jolly 4-H Club; and Joey Thurow, Ogle Jolly 4-H Club.
Each participant had to show a pig, steer, and sheep to earn the title. Showmanship is based on the knowledge of the species; how the participant shows the animal, following directions, moving the animal, setting up, stopping, control and safety of the animal, and the attention given to the judge and animal; and the appearance of the club member, clean and neat, prompt, alert, confident, and courteous.
Congratulations to each of these individuals. The winner of the Senior Master Showmanship winner won a belt buckle, a $100 cash award, and the opportunity to attend the Master Showmanship contest at the Illinois State Fair. The senior runner-up won a $50 cash award. The Junior Master Showmanship winner won a belt buckle and a $50 cash award. The junior runner-up won a $25 cash award.
Hackbarth Farms sponsored cash awards. Maplehurst Farms, Inc. sponsored belt buckles.
4-H is an informal youth education program conducted by University of Illinois Extension. U of I Extension provides equal opportunities in programs and employment. If a reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in 4-H, contact the Ogle County Extension staff at 815-732-2191.
