By Andi Anderson
The 2024 4-H Beef Show of Champions took place on Tuesday night at the Hancock County Fairgrounds, showcasing the best cattle from various classes.
Throughout the day, cows competed in multiple categories, with champions and reserve champions moving on to the evening's main event to vie for Supreme Heifer and Grand Champion Steer titles.
Class champion heifers were presented by Jacob Mauer, Aidan Morris, Carter Wickard (in two categories), Milania Durham, Delainey Reeves, DeLaney Truebenbach (in two categories), Benson Matlock, Lane Simmons, Camryn Blue, and Brigham Edwards.
Judge Luke Lemenager noted that Carter’s Chianina and Benson’s Limousine stood out. After careful consideration, Lemenager awarded the Supreme Heifer title to Carter, a senior in his final year of the program, placing Benson in second.
Brigham took home the Supreme Heifer title for cattle born and raised in Hancock County. Carter remarked, “Got in there and got her done, it was a good day.” He plans to compete with the same heifer at the Indiana State Fair in Indianapolis.
The champion steers entered the ring next. Champions were shown by Jacob Wickard, Lanee Swindell, Carlyn Blue, Sydney Springman, Lanee Swindell, Gracie Shores, Maggie Shoufler, and RaeLynn Hardy.
Lemenager quickly chose RaeLynn’s steer as the grand champion, a significant win for the eight-year-old in her first year of 4-H competition.
RaeLynn said, “It felt good, but surprised me. [The cow] acted up a little bit, but I think he did good for what he is. His name’s Maverick.” Carlyn's steer won Reserve Grand Champion, while Gracie claimed the Born and Raised Grand Champion title.
The showmanship competition followed, with participants competing in various age brackets. Brigham Edwards won the first-year division, Brogan Edwards took the junior division, and DeLaney Truebenbach secured the intermediate division.
The senior division saw intense competition, with Lemenager advancing seven competitors to the finals. Ultimately, Camryn Blue, in her first year in the senior division, was named Champion Senior Showman.
Reflecting on her win, Blue said, “I’ve always been intense. It felt good to win. This heifer wasn’t very friendly when we first brought her in the barn. Me and her have become best friends.”
Lemenager praised all the competitors and the 4-H program, saying, “I expected no less when I crossed that state line.” The showmanship champions advanced to the supreme showmanship championship on Thursday night, continuing the celebration of exceptional cattle and skilled handlers at the Hancock County Fair.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-jessicahyde
Categories: Indiana, Livestock