Published on July 31, 2025 6:57 am
Last Updated on July 31, 2025 6:58 am
Lance Apke accepts his award for the Effingham County 4-H Master Showmanship Contest from Mackenzie Hirschauer.
EFFINGHAM, IL — Effingham County 4-H is proud to announce that Lance Apke has earned top honors at the 2025 Effingham County 4-H Master Showmanship Contest and will represent the county at the 2025 Illinois State Fair Master Showmanship Contest in Springfield!
The state competition, hosted by the Illinois Farm Bureau and the RFD Radio Network, will take place Friday, August 8 at 5 p.m. (or 30 minutes following the conclusion of all junior livestock shows) at the Illinois State Fairgrounds. Contestants will showcase their skills in beef, swine, and sheep showmanship simultaneously across three rings in the Junior Livestock Barn and Open Swine Barn.
Lance earned the opportunity by rising above his peers in Effingham County’s rigorous local contest, demonstrating not only strong technical handling skills but also dedication, hard work, and a true passion for livestock. The Master Showmanship Contest is open to 4-H members aged 14–18 and is designed to recognize outstanding youth who excel across multiple species.
Participants at the state level must supply their own animals (one steer or heifer, one market or breeding lamb, and one market hog or breeding gilt) and will be judged on overall showmanship abilities in each ring. Lance will compete against top showmen from counties across Illinois, each selected through their local Extension-based 4-H programs.
The entire Effingham County 4-H community extends our best wishes to Lance as he takes the next step in this exciting journey. We’re cheering you on, Lance! Best of luck in Springfield!
