Youth stock show exhibitors say there are a lot of things they love about showing livestock, but one of the answers heard time and time again is that they love the opportunity it provides to spend time with family and friends.
“In sports, your family’s all split up,” says Trevor Rhoads, exhibitor of the Grand Champion Barrow at the 2025 Illinois State Fair. “But with livestock shows, you’re always with your family. They’re always there and always helping you. It’s just good to be together as a family at these shows.”
Kastin Campbell, exhibitor of the Reserve Grand Champion Land of Lincoln Market Lamb, agrees. He thinks it’s also fun to try to win.
“You don’t just show up on show day and show your animal,” Rhoads adds. “It takes a lot of hard work and effort at home. The banners, ribbons and checks are a result of that. What you put into it is what you get out of it.”
For Lily Grobosky, exhibitor of the Reserve Grand Champion Land of Lincoln Market Goat, that’s her favorite part. She enjoys working with them at home and getting them ready to go into the ring.
Exhibitors from the 2025 Illinois State Fair share reflections and perspectives on their summer showing livestock.
What do you think is the most important lesson that you’ve learned at the State Fair this year?
“Hard work will pay off.” – Cash Kinsella, exhibitor of the Reserve Grand Champion Market Hog
“I’ve learned to be patient and kind to people when they ask questions, but also to take your time and talk to people and not be rushed in your responses.” – Kaolin Lewis, exhibitor of the Reserve Grand Champion Land of Lincoln Market Steer
“Keep grinding at what you do. Regardless of what you’ve achieved or what you haven’t achieved, keep trying and keep trying for more. I like building a connection with an animal, having that responsibility of taking care of them day-in and day-out, and learning from others along the way.” – Hunter Shike, exhibitor of the Reserve Grand Champion Land of Lincoln Market Barrow
“To be humble and be kind.” – Kastin Campbell, exhibitor of the Reserve Grand Champion Land of Lincoln Market Lamb
What do you wish people knew about showing livestock?
“All the hours that are spent in the barns during the week – whether it’s after practice, after school or all day in the summer. It’s a building process – you don’t just show up and win.” – Maddox Horner, exhibitor of the Grand Champion Market Goat
“It’s a lot of hard work. We put in countless hours waking up really early to walk in the morning, then you’re out there all day, tanning, skin care, and then out late at night. There’s a lot of work that goes into it, which can sometimes go unnoticed if you’re not in the livestock industry.” – Ashley Wiegand, exhibitor of the Grand Champion Land of Lincoln Market Barrow
“Sometimes it’s difficult to get them to do what you want so it takes a lot of long hours.” – Kaolin Lewis, exhibitor of the Reserve Grand Champion Land of Lincoln Market Steer
“Every single day you’ve got to work with them make sure they’re right.” – Kastin Campbell, exhibitor of Reserve Grand Champion Land of Lincoln Market Lamb
“I wish people knew just how much time and effort and how often we think about our animals. It’s not like we just go out to the barn for a couple hours a day and then forget about them. When we’re inside, out at our practices, or gone for something else, we’re still always thinking about our livestock projects and how they are doing.” – Hunter Shike, exhibitor of the Reserve Grand Champion Land of Lincoln Market Barrow
