(HUTCHINSON) – Winning exhibitors at the 89th Kansas Junior Livestock Show (KJLS) earned premiums, while others were presented scholarships for excelling academically, in community service and in 4-H/FFA.
The largest youth livestock show in Kansas showcased 1,648 head of livestock, including 158 market steers, 280 breeding heifers, 217 market hogs, 221 breeding gilts, 285 market lambs, 214 breeding ewes, 150 market goats and 123 commercial doe kids. The statewide event was Oct. 1-3 at the Kansas State Fairgrounds in Hutchinson.
Pre-determined cash premiums were awarded to the top five animals in both the market and breeding shows for all four species. Cale Shorter of Cowley County led the grand champion market steer, a crossbred entry. The steer show was sponsored by Merck Animal Health. Shorter received a $4,000 premium for his steer. The reserve champion steer came from the Charolais division and also was owned by Shorter, who received a $2,000 premium.
Third overall, worth $1,000, went to the reserve crossbred steer, owned by Dax Seibert of Pawnee County. Placing fourth overall and earning a $750 premium was the champion Maine-Anjou, exhibited by Gracie Karst from Russell County. Fifth went to the champion AOB, owned by Liam Abercrombie from Mitchell County, who earned $500. The reserve Charolais was shown by Gracie Karst from Russell County. In the Maine-Anjou division, Rilee McGraw from Finney County showed the reserve. The reserve AOB steer was led by Ava Jane Combs of Reno County. The champion Angus steer was shown by Aubree McCurry of Reno County. The reserve steer was led by Maddie Robben of Ellis County. The champion Hereford steer was exhibited by Brayson Mayo of Scott County. Tava Gustafson from Geary County showed the reserve. In the Shorthorn division, Raine Garten of Dickinson County exhibited the champion steer. Taylor Nulik from Stevens County exhibited the reserve. In the Shorthorn Plus division, Dax Seibert of Pawnee County exhibited the champion. Bella Kratzer from Grant County owned the reserve. Ashley Kennedy from Haskell County showed the champion Chianina steer. Hayden Englert of Washington County showed the reserve.
Lauren Aust of Linn County owned the supreme champion in the breeding heifer show, sponsored by Merck Animal Health. Aust was awarded a $1,000 premium for her Charolais entry. Reserve supreme went to a Simmental heifer, earning $750, shown by Jackie Sleichter of Dickinson County. Third overall, which earned $500, went to the champion commercial heifer, led by Abby Wood of Leavenworth County. Dustin Denton of Marshall County exhibited the champion Angus heifer, which received fourth overall and $400. The fifth overall heifer, earning $300, was the reserve Charolais, led by Weston Schrader of Ottawa County. The reserve Simmental was exhibited by Wyatt Lange of Washington County. Kelsey Theis of Leavenworth County showed the reserve Angus heifer. The reserve commercial heifer was owned by Gracie Karst of Russell County. The champion Hereford heifer was led by Josie Beltz of McPherson County. The reserve was Brayson Mayo of Scott County. Earning champion Red Angus heifer honors was an entry from Calley Stubbs of Wallace County. The reserve was owned by Addison Green Russell of Smith County. The champion Shorthorn heifer was led by Peyton Baalman of Gove County. Jansen Gerstner of Marshall County showed the reserve. The champion Shorthorn Plus heifer was led by Rilee McGraw of Finney County. Earning reserve honors was an entry from Braylee Kraisinger of Stevens County. The champion Limousin heifer was led by Tyra Meyer of Lincoln County. The reserve was shown by Maddix Small of Montgomery County. The champion Charolais Composite heifer was owned by Wyatt Fechter of Elk County. The reserve Charolais Composite was led by Finley Rieke of Leavenworth County. In the Percentage Simmental division, an entry from Emma Aufdemberge of Leavenworth County claimed the champion title. Reserve honors went to a heifer owned by Lauren Aust of Linn County. The champion Gelbvieh heifer was shown by Cody Brown of Geary County. Kaycee Brown of Geary County owned the reserve. The selection for the champion Maine-Anjou heifer was owned by Ashley Kennedy of Haskell County. The reserve was led by Demi Schippers of Sheridan County. The champion Maintainer heifer was shown by Desiree Littlechild of Trego County. Ben Burling of Johnson County owned the reserve. The champion Chianina heifer was led by Jackie Sleichter of Dickinson County. An entry from Avery Mullen of Grant County captured the reserve title. Emma Karst of Russell County exhibited the champion AOB heifer. Claire Norris of Douglas County led the reserve.
In the senior beef showmanship division, Kaden Camerlink of Riley County was champion showman. Reserve went to Lauren Frederick of Reno County. Completing the top five, in order of finish, were Jody Mead, McPherson County; Weston Schrader, Ottawa County; and Cady Pieper, Rooks County. In the intermediate division, James Hoffman of Atchison County was named champion showman. Jace Beltz of McPherson was reserve. Completing the top five, in order of finish, were Shaylee Baalman, Gove County; Peyton Baalman, Gove County; and Molly Hill, Douglas County. The champion showman in the junior division was Josie Beltz of McPherson County. Reserve was awarded to Ruby Hill of Douglas County. Finishing the top five, in placing order, were Bella Kratzer, Grant County; Aubree McCurry, Reno County; and Cooper Jantz, Kiowa County.
Ryan Mongeau of Rooks County guided his dark AOB to the grand champion market hog title, which earned him $2,000. The show was sponsored by Seaboard Foods. A dark crossbred owned by Kasen Stramel of Wallace County was the reserve grand champion hog. Stramel’s entry garnered a $1,500 premium. Third overall, worth $1,000, went to Lane Higbie of Franklin County with his Berkshire barrow. Travis Oliver of Finney County owned the reserve champion dark crossbred barrow, which placed fourth overall and earned $750. Fifth overall, earning a $500 premium, also went to Oliver with his reserve dark AOB barrow. The reserve Berkshire was exhibited by Calla Higbie of Franklin County. In the Duroc division, Abi Lillard of Dickinson County showed the champion barrow. McKenna Bueker of Miami County owned the reserve. The champion Hampshire was exhibited by Elizabeth Murrell of Finney County. Kyser Nemecek of Allen County showed the reserve. In the Yorkshire division, the champion was exhibited by Chanlynn Wrestler from Allen County. Brady Hurt of Wilson County showed the reserve. An entry from Gentry Ward of Miami County claimed the champion light AOB title. Grace Croucher of Osage County showed the reserve. From the light crossbred division, Kyanna Lankton of Coffey County owned the champion barrow. The reserve was awarded to an entry from Courtney Baetz of Osborne County.
An entry from the commercial division, owned by Jacob DeRouchey of Pottawatomie County, was named supreme champion in the gilt show, also sponsored by Seaboard Foods. DeRouchey received a $750 premium for the gilt. Ashley Ward of Miami County exhibited the reserve supreme, a commercial gilt worth $600. Third overall and earning $500 was the champion Yorkshire shown by Gage Kilgore of Osage County. In fourth was the champion Duroc, which garnered $350 and was exhibited by Gentry Ward of Miami County. Kelltyn Grasser of Rice County exhibited the fifth overall gilt, which was the champion dark AOB. The gilt earned a $250 premium. The reserve champion Yorkshire was shown by Calla Higbie of Franklin County. In the Duroc division, Abi Lillard of Dickinson County showed the reserve. James DeRouchey from Pottawatomie County drove the reserve champion dark AOB. The champion Berkshire was exhibited by Gavin Smith of Grant County. Anah Higbie of Franklin County owned the reserve. From the Hampshire division, Jenna DeRouchey of Pottawatomie County drove the champion. Kasen Stramel of Wallace County owned the reserve. Tucker Leck of Wilson County owned the champion light AOB. Reserve was awarded to an entry from Tayle Black of Morris County.
Lane Higbie of Franklin County was given the honor of being named champion senior swine showman. Ashley Ward of Miami County was named reserve. Claiming the third spot was Courtney Baetz of Osborne County. In fourth place was Kyanna Lankton of Coffey County. Kynna Crawford of Stevens County rounded out the high individuals, in fifth place. Tayle Black of Morris County was named champion intermediate swine showman. Reserve went to Kasen Stramel of Wallace County. Rounding out the top five, in order of finish, were Anah Higbie of Franklin County, Aubree Vering of Marshall County, and Gentry Ward of Miami County. In the junior division of swine showmanship, Reed Moore of Douglas County was named champion showman. Reserve junior showman went to Corbin Fink of Pottawatomie County. Finishing the top five, in order of completion, were Elim Higbie of Franklin County, Annelise Schuetz of Leavenworth County; and Korah Wendland of Riley County.
Carter Watson of Douglas County exhibited the grand champion market lamb, an entry from the blackface division that earned a $2,000 premium. The market lamb show was sponsored by Cargill. The reserve grand champion market lamb, also from the blackface division,was shown by Lakyn Rookstool of Pottawatomie County. The lamb earned $1,000. Third overall, also from the blackface division, was owned by Hannah Whetstone of Elk County and earned $900. A blackface lamb exhibited by Carter Watson of Douglas County was chosen as fourth overall and earned $600. Hannah Whetstone of Elk County exhibited the fifth overall market lamb, a blackface earning $300. The grand champion Dorset was exhibited by Braxton Young of Lyon County. Esmeralda Franklin of Linn County exhibited the reserve. In the Southdown division, Brecken Nelson of Greeley County led the grand champion. The reserve was awarded to an entry owned by Cody Coen of Morton County. Jillian Keller of Allen County owned the grand champion speckled face lamb. Jaden Jones of Scott County led the reserve.
The supreme registered breeding ewe, garnering a $500 premium, was the champion Hampshire ewe shown by Brynn Boggs of Reno County. The reserve supreme champion ewe was the reserve Hampshire, led by Rachel Hendricks of Elk County, who received a $300 premium. Third overall, worth $200, was the champion Dorset ewe, owned by Rachel Sebesta of Ellsworth County. The champion Southdown and fourth overall registered breeding ewe, earning $100, was shown by Cody Coen of Morton County. Emery Yoho of Woodson County showed the reserve Dorset, which finished fifth overall and received a $50 premium. Reserve Southdown was shown by Jerilyn Nelson of Jackson County. The champion Suffolk ewe was shown by Faith Marcy of Wichita County. The reserve was shown by Kaylee King of Johnson County. Lakin Nash of Labette County showed the champion AOB. Kaylee Lukert from Wabaunsee County claimed the reserve title. The champion Shropshire was exhibited by Kashen Nelson of Greeley County. Brecken Nelson of Greeley County led the reserve.
A ewe led by Brynn Boggs of Reno County took supreme champion honors in the commercial breeding ewe show. Boggs’ ewe earned a $500 premium. Owning the reserve supreme, worth $400, was Cedar Caruso of Linn County. The third overall commercial ewe, earning $300, was exhibited by Clay Brillhart of Bourbon County. Earning $200 for the fourth overall commercial ewe was Raine Garten of Dickinson County. Fifth overall was a commercial ewe exhibited by Rachel Hendricks of Elk County, who received a $100 premium. Cargill sponsored both breeding ewe shows.
Hannah Whetstone of Elk County was awarded senior sheep showmanship honors, with Rachel Hendricks of Elk County in reserve. Following the top two, in order of finish, was Clay Brillhart, Bourbon County; Cody Coen, Morton County; and Raine Garten, Dickinson County. Top showman in the intermediate division was Carter Watson of Douglas County. Mason Rookstool, Pottawatomie County, followed in reserve. Following the top two, in order of finish, were Brynn Boggs, Reno County; Lakyn Rookstool, Pottawatomie County; and Marisa O’Brien, Neosho County. In junior showmanship, Mya Neher, Ellis County, was champion showman. Reserve honors went to Collins Dickson, Stanton County. Following the top two, in order of finish, were Tenlee Higgins, Morton County; Cooper Schwartz, Clay County; and Avery Franklin, Reno County.
Jaci Falkenstein of Labette County showed the grand champion market goat, which earned a $2,000 premium. The reserve champion market goat was exhibited by Jack Gilliam of Washington County. Gilliam earned a $1,000 premium. The market goat show was sponsored by Cargill. The third overall market goat, worth $750, was led by Shea Robertson of Morton County. Mason Rookstool of Pottawatomie County showed the fourth overall market goat, which earned $500. Placing fifth overall and earning $400 was another entry from Lakyn Rookstool of Pottawatomie County.
Jaci Falkenstein of Labette County showed the supreme champion commercial doe kid, for which she earned a $750 premium. Aidan Yoho of Woodson County exhibited the reserve supreme champion doe, worth $500. Third overall went to an entry from Kodi McComb of Pratt County, which was worth $400. Chosen for fourth was a commercial doe owned by Adelle Higbie of Franklin County that earned $300. Fifth overall, worth $200, also was shown by Adelle Higbie. Cargill also sponsored the commercial doe kid show.
In senior goat showmanship, champion showman went to Karli Neher, Ellis County, and Brooke Strine, Scott County, claimed reserve. Finishing out the top five, from third to fifth, were Aaron Morales, Finney County; Kenna Cooley, Franklin County: and Shea Robertson, Morton County. Jaci Falkenstein, Labette County, won the intermediate showmanship division, with Crayton Deters, Pottawatomie County, coming in second. Rounding out the top five, in order of finish, were Kodi McComb, Pratt County; Mason Rookstool, Pottawatomie County; and Emeri Deters, Pottawatomie County. In the junior showmanship division, Andrew Morales of Finney County took champion showman honors, with Adley O’Shea, Pottawatomie County, earning reserve. Following grand and reserve, in order of finish, were Maddie Robben, Ellis County; Mya Neher, Ellis County; and Kealie Bryant, Finney County.
KJLS presented $20,100 in scholarships to 11 exhibitors. Six students received $2,000 scholarships, including Lauren Aust, LaCygne; James DeRouchey, Wamego; Erin Johnson, Towanda; Jackie Sleichter, Abilene; Hannah Whetstone, Howard; and Aidan Yoho, Yates Center. Receiving $1,800 scholarships were Lauren Gatz, Fairview and Calley Stubbs, Wallace. Three students were awarded $1,500 scholarships, including Shadryon Blanka, St. Francis; Rilee McGraw, Garden City; and Landon Roberts, Hillsboro. Since the inception of the KJLS scholarship program in 1993, a total of 359 exhibitors have been awarded $510,600.
The LEAD Challenge allowed exhibitors to learn about current industry issues and apply that information in a competitive environment. All those entered in the challenge participated in the LEAD Listen & Learn, showmanship, skills stations and interviews. Exhibitors placing first through fifth (in order of finish) in the senior division were Rachel Sebesta, Ellsworth County; Noah Goss, Ellsworth County; Lane Higbie, Franklin County; Kaylee Lukert, Wabaunsee County; and Hannah Whetstone, Elk County. First through fifth in the intermediate division were, in order of finish, Calla Higbie, Franklin County; Anah Higbie, Franklin County; Tucker Goss, Ellsworth County; Grayson Maxwell, Pawnee County; and Kate Bormann, Riley County. In the junior division, first through fifth, in order of finish, were Aubree McCurry, Reno County; Elim Higbie, Franklin County; Kealie Bryant, Finney County; Britta Goss, Ellsworth County; and Quinn Breiner, Pratt County.
A team from Kansas State University won first place in the senior college competition at the Mid-America Classic Judging Contest, held in conjunction with KJLS. A team from Oklahoma State University took second. Butler Community College won the sophomore division in the junior college contest, with Blinn Community College finishing second. A team from Northern Oklahoma College won the freshman division, while a team from Blinn Community College placed second.
KLA and Kansas State University are major sponsors of the show, along with Cargill, Merck Animal Health, Seaboard Foods, American AgCredit, Kansas Farm Bureau, Evergy, the Kansas Department of Agriculture and Friends of KJLS.