More than 1,100 McLean County 4-H Club members exhibited an array of projects at the 2009 McLean County 4-H Show. Members of the 4-H Press Team conducted interviews with some of those who took top honors in numerous categories during this year's Fair. The group of exhibitors includes both novice and experienced 4-H Show participants, and their comments and experiences offer good insight into why so many young people from all over McLean County find satisfaction in taking projects to the fair each summer.

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Poultry

Caleb Lindsey, of the Ellsworth Tip Toppers 4-H Club, was the winner of Grand Champion Bantam with his Cornish Rock hen at the 4-H Fair poultry show.

Caleb says his birds weigh about eight pounds each. Unlike some 4-Hers, he does not give his animals names. Caleb is 15 and is in his sixth year of 4-H. He is the son of John and Laura Lindsey of Ellsworth.

Goats

Caitlyn Wade was named Master Meat Goat Showman and one of her goats was named Champion Boer Doe. Caitlyn's goat, Peaches, won Champion Boer Doe. Her other goat, Butterscotch, helped her to win the Master Showman title. Her goats are bred and raised at her home in Lexington. As a 6-year member of the Lexington Leprechauns 4-H club, this is the third time that 14-year-old Caitlyn has won Championship honors with her goats.

While working with her goats, Caitlyn has learned both patience and responsibility. Both goats have encountered adventure during their time on the show circuit. Butterscotch has shorter ears than most because part of her ear was amputated after frostbite damage. Peaches' cage flew out of the truck on the middle of the Interstate in Texas on the way to a show. The cage was bottomless, so Peaches remained safely inside the bed of the moving truck. Caitlyn will take her goats to the Illinois State Fair, and plans to breed them when they return home.

Eric Stubblefield's goat, Velma, was named the Grand Champion Dairy Doe. Eric's four-year-old La Mancha dairy goat was originally a very difficult animal to work; in his words she was "grouchy." His hard work to prepare her for the fair paid off. Eric has been showing dairy goats for two years now, and this is his first championship title. He has learned a lot about goats, including how to milk them.

Andrew Navis, of the County Capri 4-H Club, received Master Showman honors during the Dairy Goat Showmanship contest. Andrew has been showing Toggenburg dairy goats for the past five years and has learned quite a few things as he as gained experience in showing. He urges younger competitors to always be "good sports" because attitude is everything.

Andrew says his favorite thing about the fair is show day, and this year's show will always be extra special.

Sheep

Ben Lawyer, of the Hudson Ag 4-H Club, exhibited the Grand Champion Pair of Lambs during the Breeding Sheep Show. Ben was also named Master Showman for his age division during the Market Lamb Show. The champion pair of Dorset lambs were born in February and weighed in at an average of 130 pounds.

Ben has been showing sheep for four years and has won Grand Champion Pair Market Lambs and many other breed titles. "You have to figure out what each animal needs and then adjust your showmanship style for each one," he says. "This allows you to show off your animal's best assets."

Austin Baer, of the Ardent Tillers 4-H Club, exhibited the Grand Champion Ram at the Breeding Sheep Show. The 170-pound Southdown ram was born in December, and Austin has worked diligently for the past few months to prepare him for show. Austin has been showing sheep for nine years, and he also exhibited the Reserve Grand Champion Pair of Lambs at this year's show.

He has previously exhibited Grand Champion Pair Lambs, and earned other breed champion titles. Austin really enjoys show day at the fair, but says he has learned many things that go beyond show day. The most important thing he has learned is responsibility, he says, adding, "If you cannot handle the job, get out of the ring."

Ketra Hoffman, of the Danvers Industrial Youth 4-H Club, exhibited the Grand Champion Pen of Two Lambs and the Grand Champion Market Lamb at the Market Lamb Show. Ketra's sheep were born in January and weighed in at an average of 130 pounds.

One of Ketra's ewes was named Supreme Champion Ewe in the Breeding Sheep Show last year, adding to a long list of other breed titles she has won. Ketra says she has learned many things during the years she has showed sheep, including animal nutrition and vital animal health concerns.

Beef Cattle

Delmar Hendren's Simmental steer was named Grand Champion Market Animal – Beef. The steer named Ace weighed 1,360 pounds and beat out all other steers to win the title. Delmar and his family raise cattle at their home in Lexington. He is a seven-year member of the Gridley Golden Banner 4-H Club, and also earned Grand Champion Cross-Bred Steer honors with his steer in another county.

While raising his steers and cattle, Delmar has found that, "the more you work with them, the nicer they are." After the McLean County Fair, Delmar will show Ace at fairs in Cullom and Fairbury, Ill.

Caleb Mohr was named McLean County Champion Herford Heifer at the McLean County Fair on Thursday, July 30, 2009. The Herford heifer, named Clover, beat out all other Herford heifers to win the title. Clover is owned by Caleb and his family at their home in Carlock, Illinois. As a 4-year member of the Ardent Tillers 4-H club, this is the second time that 11-year old Caleb has won Champion with his Herford breed, winning Champion Herford Heifer 2 years ago.

Dairy Cattle

Michelle Fluty's heifer, King's Mill Patriot Sadie, was named Grand Champion Supreme Udder and Grand Champion Supreme Overall Dairy Cow. The 4-year-old Brown Swiss beat out all other dairy cows to win the title. Michelle is a member of the Dry Grove 4-H club, and has won Grand Champion Brown Swiss before, but this is the first Supreme title she has won. Michelle also took honors as Grand Champion Supreme Junior Champion – Dairy.

Michelle bred and raised Sadie at her family farm. In the process, she has learned responsibility, time management, and how to work with animals, as well as how to milk her cows. Sadie has come a long way, Michelle explained. "She was fat and no one liked her." Sadie has produced three calves. Michelle plans to show Sadie at the State Fair and will continue to breed her champion cow.

Swine

Megan Jones' pig named Whitey was named the Grand Champion Crossbred Barrow at the Mclean County Fair. Whitey, along with her other pig, Bruce, also took honors as the Grand Champion Crossbred Pair. Both pigs were born in January and weighed around 280 pounds. Megan is 15 and has been showing pigs for almost 10 years as a member of the Blue Ribbon Kids 4-H Club.

Megan appreciates the friendly competition with the friends she has made while showing her pigs. She has also gained a lot of valuable showmanship knowledge. Megan says, "The more time you spend with your pigs, the better they'll do." This is sound advice coming from last years' Grand Champion Purebred and Crossbred Barrow exhibitor.

Paige Jones (Megan's younger sister) was also a big winner in the Swine Showcase. Paige exhibited the Grand Champion Purebred Barrow, and also won the 11-13 year old Showmanship class. Her pig named Weber was a 255-pound purebred Hampshire Barrow, also born in January.

Paige is 13 and enjoys showing her pigs, as well as the many new friends she has made through 4-H and her showing experiences. She encourages younger 4-H'ers to always be polite, and "show good sportsmanship whether you win or lose."

Ellie Jenkins barrows were named Champion Berkshire Barrow Pairs at the McLean County 4-H Fair on Friday, July 31, 2009. Ellie's barrows, weighing between 270 and 280 pounds beat all other Berkshire barrows to win the title. The barrows are owned by Ellie and her family at their home in Lexington, Ill. As a 6-year member of the Lexington Leprechauns 4-H club, this is the second time that 14-year old Ellie has won Champion with her swine.

Ellie's experience with her barrow pairs was interesting this summer when she arrived late to the barrow pair's show but was luckily allowed in even though she was not dressed in show clothes. After the show, Ellie momentarily lost one of her barrows because there were so many other pigs around, but luckily Ellie found the runaway barrow. After the McLean County Fair, Ellie will likely sell her barrows to the butcher. As a 4-H member, Ellie enjoys all the fun and the pets she has through her work on various projects.

Rabbits

Jazzmyn Whittier's rabbit, Chomp, was named Grand Champion New Zealand Rabbit, and Jazzmyn also took Grand Champion honors with her Rabbit Meat Pen, and earned recognition for Grand Champion Rabbit Overall. The 8.5-pound rabbit beat out all other meat pen and rabbit breeds to win the title. Jazzmyn raised Chomp and her other rabbits with the help of her grandparents at Lindsey's Hip-Hop Rabbitry in Downs, Ill.

As a member of the Ellsworth Tip-Toppers 4-H club, this is the first champion rabbit that 12-year old Jazzmyn has exhibited. She has learned how to how wait during judging, but her rabbit does not like to sit still during the shows. Jazzmyn plans to show Chomp at the State Fair and other rabbit shows.

Foods

Erica Navis received the Reserve Best of Show designation for her Cake Decorating Exhibit. Erica is a member of the County Capri 4-H Club, and has entered a cake decorating project for the past four years. This year she created a one-layer round cake featuring a barn and cow.

This year's cake was easier because of some things Erica has learned in past years. She advises younger 4-H members interested in cake decorating to bake the cake the day before and refrigerate it because this allows the cake to set properly. She also says it's important to keep practicing in order to create a basket weave or a beautiful rose on a cake.

Clothing

Meredith Martin, daughter of Fred and Laurie Martin, received the Reserve Best of Show Non-Clothing Exhibit. She spent weeks working on the beautifully crafted handbag she made to match a dress she also exhibited at this year's fair. Megan is 14.

As a six-year member of the Home Spun 4-H Club, Meredith has also exhibited other sewing projects including pants, jackets and dresses. She says pants are the most challenging to make, and dresses are her favorite. One of the most important lessons Meredith says she has learned came this year: always follow the directions. "Even if you think the directions are wrong, follow them. They'll make sense eventually."

Electricity

Shawna Trunnell, daughter of Tom and Lisa Trunnell, exhibited the Best of Show Electricity Project at the McLean County Fair. Shawna is 13 and has studied electricity for the past five years as a member of the Hot Shot leaders 4-H Club. This year she exhibited an outdoor utility lamp. She worked mostly nights and weekends for nearly a month to complete the project.

The most important lesson Shawna learned is to always pay attention to what she is doing. She says, "Be careful and make sure you do it right. That way you will not have to redo it." She learned that lesson the hard way, but her effort paid off. Now her family will have an excellent light source for the shop, an evening gathering, or a nighttime swim in the family pool.

This summer, a group of McLean County 4-H members had the opportunity to gain experience conducting interviews and writing press releases using the information they gathered during the Fair. This group was initiated as a way to encourage older 4-H'ers to share the McLean County 4-H story with others. Volunteer Susan Moore worked with the group, as did Theresa Chambers.

Members of the 2009 4-H Press Team

• Hailey Craig
• Dakota McDaniels
• Emma Meyer
• Paige Prehoda
• Kathryn Shallenberger

Nine young people will vie for the titles of McLean County 4-H Fair King and Queen during a contest that begins at 7:00pm on Wednesday, July 29 in the Cloverleaf Auditorium at the Interstate Center. Finalists Austin O'Neall, Daniel Otto, Brandon Bonner, Chad Elam, Savanah Jacobs, Taylor Dirks, Katie Otto, Amanda Erickson, and Gracie Weinzeirl were chosen during a preliminary contest July 14. Winners will reign over the fair, which will open Wednesday, July 29 and end Sunday, August 2. They will succeed King Chris Baker and Queen Ellen Mulch.

King

This year's finalists for king are:

O'Neall, 17, is the son of Nick and Jennifer O'Neall of Cooksville. He has spent five years in 4-H and is a member of Arrowsmith Over the Top. His projects this year include tractors, welding, and food preservation. He has earned the Key Club award for achievement. The senior at Tri-Valley High School plans to major in Agricultural Education.

Otto, 16, is the son of Brian and Cathy Otto of Downs. He has spent nine years in 4-H and is a member of the Downs Top Notchers and Vision Riders clubs. His projects this year include microwave cooking, beef, aerospace, and theatre arts. He holds county and state awards in animal sciences. The senior at Tri-Valley High School plans to major in aerospace engineering.

Bonner, 18, is the son of Cary and Kathleen Bonner of Normal. He has spent 3 years in 4-H and is a member of the Towanda Busy Bees. His projects this year include fruits and vegetables, candy making, cooking, outdoor adventures, food demonstration, and passport to the world. The freshman at Heartland Community College plans to major in arts.

Elam, 18, is the son of Reed and Janine Elam of Normal. He has spent two years in 4-H and is a member of Home Spun. His projects this year include models and photography. The freshman at Lincoln Christian College is undecided about his college major.

Queen

This year's finalists for queen are:

Jacobs, 18, is the daughter of David and June Jacobs of Normal. She has spent 11 years in 4-H and is a member of Home Spun. Her projects this year include photography and indoor gardening. She holds county and state awards in achievement, food, nutrition and health, community involvement and global awareness. She has won the I Dare you and Key Club awards. The sophomore at Heartland Community College plans to major in horticulture and plant sciences.

Dirks, 19, is the daughter of Brian and Linda Dirks of Ellsworth. She has spent 11 years in 4-H and is a member of the Ellsworth Tip Toppers. Her projects this year include swine, candy making, and pastry. She holds county and state awards in achievement and animal science. She has won the I Dare You, Key Club, and County Excellence awards. The sophomore at Lincoln College in Lincoln, IL plans to major in radiology.

Otto, 18, is the daughter of Brian and Cathy Otto of Downs. She has spent 10 years in 4-H and is a member of the Downs Top Notchers and Vision Riders clubs. Her projects this year include beef, international foods, and theatre arts. She holds county and state awards in food, nutrition, and health as well as county awards in animal sciences and achievement. She has won the Key Club award. The freshman at Augustana College in Rock Island, IL plans to major in Spanish education.

Erickson, 18, is the daughter of Keith and Nancy Erickson of Bloomington. She has spent 10 years in 4-H and is a member of Ellsworth Tip Toppers. Her projects this year include food preservation, visual arts, photography, flower arranging, and clothing decisions. She holds county and state awards in achievement and county awards in personal development. She won the I Dare You award. The freshman at Millikin University in Decatur, IL plans to major in nursing.

Weinzeirl, 17, is the daughter of Rodney and Kathy Weinzeirl of Stanford. She has spent nine years in 4-H and is a member of the Olympia Pacesetters. Her projects this year include sewing, foods, crops, visual arts, woodworking, bicycling, tractors, intercultural, plants & soils, consumer savvy, intergenerational, service learning, and horticulture. She holds county, state, and national awards in foods, nutrition, and health and county awards in engineering and technology and home and family. The senior at Olympia High School plans to major in agricultural education and crop sciences.

Two 4-H Cloverbuds will present the king and queen with their respective crown and hat. Zach Stolz, member of the Towanda 4-H Cloverbuds and Lauren Mohr, member of the Carlock Clever Cloverbuds.

Thanks to Sue Doyle, Royalty Superintendent for writing this article.

Get ready to meet some great 4-Hers! This blog will feature McLean County 4-Hers and some of the great things they are accomplishing in their 4-H project work, leadership activities and more.

Lots of articles to come soon during the McLean County 4-H Show & Fair July 29-August 2.