UPDATE: Karly Spear, a 15-year-old from Newton, has just been crowned Champion Showman at the highly competitive Brice Leonard Supreme Showmanship Contest during the Jasper County Fair. This year’s victory comes after a remarkable performance where she achieved top-two finishes in five of the six species shows.
Spear’s journey back to the pavilion was marked by renewed confidence. Last year, she approached the contest with nerves, but this time, she sought advice from fellow 4-H’ers to enhance her livestock presentation skills. The strategic preparation paid off, as Spear secured first place in both the beef and sheep categories and tied for first place in goat with Claire Kucera. She narrowly missed a top-two finish in the swine show, being edged out by this year’s Reserve Champion Showman, Grace Guy, 17, also from Newton.
Reflecting on her experience, Spear emphasized the importance of composure when handling animals that may not cooperate. “In the past two years, I’ve had some animals that maybe weren’t perfectly behaved, so it’s just learning to keep my composure and work hard at it,” she stated, highlighting the challenges of managing animals like pigs during the competition.
Guy, who faced her own challenges in past contests, echoed Spear’s sentiments. “Last time, I came in dead last,” she admitted, describing her previous experience as humbling. This year, she showcased substantial improvement with top-two placements in swine, beef, and sheep. “I had a little bit more experience under my belt,” Guy noted, expressing pride in her progress.
The contest brought both champions together, united in their belief that hard work leads to success. “My dad always says, ‘You get what you put into it.’ And I think this year I really took that to heart,” Guy shared. Both competitors recognized the dedication required to excel in such a demanding event, and their achievements reflect their commitment to the craft.
As they celebrate their respective victories, the excitement surrounding this year’s contest at the Jasper County Fair serves as a reminder of the hard work and determination that goes into these competitions. With the event now concluded, the focus shifts to how these young showmen will leverage their experiences for future competitions and the skills they will continue to develop.
Stay tuned for more updates as these talented youths prepare for their next challenges in the world of livestock showing.
