The 2015 Master Showmanship Contest was held on Aug. 14 at the Illinois State Fairgrounds. Fifty-four 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 quizzed by the judges on their knowledge of animal husbandry and livestock production. One winner was named for each species. Scores for all three species were tallied to determine the overall winner. Over $8,000 worth of prizes donated by sponsors were given away this year to the winners and all participants.

This year’s contest winners are:

Master Showman: Kagney Collins from Flanagan representing Livingston County. She is the daughter of Brian and Tiffney Collins.

Second Place Overall: Riley Donelson from Clinton representing McLean County.  She is the daughter of Phil and Tanya Donelson.

Third Place Overall: Adrian Austin from Mt. Vernon representing Marion County. She is the daughter of Steve and Holly Austin.

Beef Division: Kagney Collins from Flanagan representing Livingston County.

Sheep Division: Thomas Crome from Marshall representing Clark County. He is the son of Aaron and Mary Ann Crome.

Swine Division: Adrian Austin from Mt. Vernon representing Marion County.

This year marked the 16th Master Showmanship Contest held at the Illinois State Fair and was coordinated by the Illinois Farm Bureau and RFD Radio Network. Illinois Farm Bureau President, Richard Guebert presented the awards.

— Youth earn honors in Master Showmanship Contest at state fair —