10th Master Showmanship Contest

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 24, 2009

The 2009 Master Showmanship Contest was held on August 12 at the Illinois State Fairgrounds. Forty-one exhibitors, winners of their respective county contests, competed for the title of "Illinois Master Showman".

Exhibitors were judged on their handling of each of three species of animals; beef, sheep and swine. They were then quizzed by the judges on their knowledge of animal husbandry and livestock production. One winner was named for each species and scores for all three species were tallied to determine the overall winner.

The 2009 contest winners were:

• Beef Division Emily Moore, Jerseyville, Jersey County
• Sheep Division Emily Johnson, Sandwich, Kendall County
• Swine Division A.J. DeOrnellas, Murrayville, Morgan County

3rd Place Overall Dillon Garver, Paris, Edgar County

2nd Place Overall Samantha Arnold, Media, Henderson County

1st Place Overall

Master Showman Tyler Loschen, Kempton, Kankakee County

This year marked the 10th Master Showmanship Contest held at the Illinois State Fair. The contest was started by farm broadcasters in Illinois as a way to recognize outstanding youth and provide a state forum for competition.

University of Illinois Extension provides equal opportunities in programs and employment. If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate in this program, please contact the Unit Office at least two weeks prior to the event. University of Illinois Extension offers practical, research-based programs that help people improve their lives and address critical community issues involving youth, families, economics, health and natural resources.