Last Updated on August 8, 2016 by cassnetwork
INDIANAPOLIS- Six exhibitors finished as Grand Champions in the 2016 Indiana State Fair Grand Drive Presented by Farm Credit Mid-America. The top livestock of various species, weights, and classes and their exhibitors from across the Hoosier state battled it out in the Indiana Farmer’s Coliseum Sunday evening for the title that they have worked towards for the past year. The categories included Dairy Steer, Meat Goat Wether, Market Lamb, Rabbit Meat Pen, Market Barrow, and Beef Steer.
4-H member Travis Wallen, 15, of Johnson County has poured his heart into his Grand Champion Market Barrow since it was just five weeks old. He says his barrow won due to his ‘wow’ factor.
“Even as a baby he was different- massive,” said Wallen. “He was the biggest out there but it’s also about being functional and good at it.”
Wallen has three more years of eligibility to show in 4-H and doesn’t know how he will make it to this level again without his prized pig, but is ready to take on the challenge.
The Grand Champions are as follows:
Grand Champion Dairy Steer: Courtney Lotter, Adams
Grand Champion Meat Goat Wether: Brad Berlet, Cass
Grand Champion Market Lamb: Austin Bernicky, Elkhart
Grand Champion Rabbit Meat Pen: Jade Michael, Wabash
Grand Champion Market Barrow: Travis Wallen, Johnson
Grand Champion Beef Steer: Cayde Selke, Clinton
Second place was awarded to the following:
Reserve Grand Champion Dairy Steer: Elise Cormany, Whitley
Reserve Grand Champion Meat Goat Wether: Ryan O’Farrell, Carroll
Reserve Grand Champion Market Lamb: Logan Tressler, Rush
Reserve Grand Champion Market Barrow: Daniel Young, Hamilton
Reserve Grand Champion Beef Steer: Warner Ott, Noble
Over $100,000 is raised by the Indiana State Fair Foundation to provide the monetary awards for these individuals. The top placing 4-H members will be recognized for all of their hard work once again at the Celebration of Champions on August 21st.
For more information on the results of this year’s Indiana State Fair 4-H Grand Drive presented by Farm Credit Mid-America, visit the website and Flickr account.
SOURCE: News release from Indiana State Fair
Editor’s note: An earlier version of this press release incorrectly identified the Grand Champion Beef Steer.