Celebrity Beef Showmanship Brings Youth And Leaders Together
SPRINGFIELD, ILL.
A few of Illinois’ most well-known faces went from spectators to showmen during the Celebrity Beef Showmanship Contest at the Illinois State Fairgrounds in Springfield. This event was a joint collaboration with the Illinois Junior Beef Association and Illinois State Fair to celebrate the state’s beef industry and the culmination of the show season for many Illinois cattle families.
Celebrity contestants were paired up with expert junior livestock exhibitors to learn the tricks of the trade when it comes to caring for and showing cattle. After a brief coaching session, the celebrities led their animals into the showring and were evaluated on their cattle handling and showmanship skills by judges Joni Bucher, IBA president and Buzz Iliff, IBA vice president.
After much deliberation the judges selected Rep. C. D. Davidsmeyer of Jacksonville. He was assisted by IJBA member Abby Tomhave of Jacksonville. All contestants went home with a trophy and official photo to commemorate the event.
Other competitors included Rep. Sara Wojicki Jimenez, Rep. Brad Halbrook, Rep. Tim Butler, WICS meteorologist Joe Crain, Fox 55/27 reporter Esther Kwon, Neuhoff Media reporter Steve Bridge, RFD Radio anchor DeLoss Jahnke, Springfield city treasurer Misty Buscher, and Illinois Department of Agriculture Chief of Staff Grant Hammer.
“The goal of this fun competition was to expose the general assembly members and media professionals to the hard working farm families that attend the state fair and have them take part in the experience of showing cattle,” Bucher said. “It allows thought leaders to see first-hand what these kids do year round developing life skills and learning how vital agriculture is to the state of Illinois.” ∆