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Illinois Master Showmanship winners announced

The “Grand Champion Overall Master Showman” of the 2025 Illinois State Fair has been announced.

Hunter Shrike, of Champaign County, son of Dan and Jennifer Shrike, won the title, out-showing sixty-four other young livestock exhibitors in the 25th annual Master Showmanship Contest.

Cole Kinsella, of Stark County, son of Jim & Joni Kinsella, was named Reserve Grand Champion Overall Master Showman.

Laikyn Parchert, from Rock Island County, daughter of Tom and Carol Parchert, took home third place overall.

The exhibitors, who were winners of their respective 4-H county contests, showcased their skills and knowledge of animal husbandry across three species – beef, sheep, and swine. The 4-Hers were judged on their ability to handle each animal, knowledge of the species and animal husbandry, as well as overall showmanship skills.

Nearly $8,000 worth of prizes donated by sponsors were awarded this year. First, second, and third place overall winners received $500, $400, and $300 cash (respectively), a new show box, and other various prizes.

Grand Champion Overall Master Showman — Hunter Shike, from Sadorus, representing Champaign County. He is the son of Dan and Jennifer Shike. 

Reserve Grand Champion Overall Master Showman — Cole Kinsella, from Wyoming, Ill., representing Stark County. He is the son of Jim & Joni Kinsella.

Third Place Overall — Laikyn Parchert, from Illinois City, representing Rock Island County. She is the daughter of Tom and Carol Parchert.

Fourth Place Overall — Nolan Hoge, from Good Hope, representing McDonough County. He is the son of Mark and Katie Hoge.

Fifth Place Overall — Carly Powell, from Saint Augustine, representing Knox County. She is the daughter of Justin and Amanda Powell.

Champion Beef Division — Ellie Drach, from Pontiac, representing Livingston County. She is the daughter of Tony and Joy Drach.

Reserve Champion Beef Division — Nolan Hoge, from Good Hope, representing McDonough County. He is the son of Mark and Katie Hoge.

Third Place Beef Division — Carly Powell, from Saint Augustine, representing Knox County. She is the daughter of Justin and Amanda Powell.

Champion Swine Division — Hunter Shike, from Sadorus, representing Champaign County. He is the son of Dan and Jennifer Shike. 

Reserve Champion Swine Division — Alaina Diel, from Noble, representing Richland County. She is the daughter of Craig & Christina Diel.

Third Place Swine Division — Aubrey Killey, from Berwick, representing Warren County. She is the daughter of Kevin and DeNeene Killey.

Champion Sheep Division — Kashen Ellerbrock, from Atkinson, representing Henry County. He is the son of Jeff & Kelly Ellerbrock.

Reserve Champion Sheep Division — Kade Beckmier, from Morrisonville, representing Christian County. He is the son of Craig and Michelle Beckmier.

Third Place Sheep Division — Hunter Shike, from Sadorus, representing Champaign County. He is the son of Dan and Jennifer Shike.