MADISON, WIS. – The Dane County Fair is happy to announce that Brigid Howard of Brooklyn topped the youth showmanship contest being named Master Showman on Sunday, July 21. Featuring the top senior showmen in seven species – beef, dairy, dairy goats, sheep, swine, poultry, and rabbits. The seven participants were evaluated on their performance and knowledge of each animal.
Howard earned her new title after being named the champion senior showman of the swine show. She is the daughter of James and Mary Howard and is a member of the Brooklyn Mighty Mites 4-H Club. Receiving Reserve Champion Master Showman honors was Emma Haag of Oregon, the top senior sheep showman and member of the Oregon FFA Chapter, daughter of Lee and Angela Haag.
Other participants included Makenzie Milestone top senior poultry showman member of the Oregon FFA from Oregon, Cheyenne Johnson top senior rabbit showman of the Oregon FFA Chapter from Oregon, Philly Ruth top senior dairy goat showman of the Brooklyn Mighty Mites from Brooklyn, Lauryn Weisensel overall champion dairy showman of the Oak Park 4-H Club from Deerfield, and Lindsey Kramer champion senior beef showman of the Oregon FFA from Brooklyn. Each participant received a cash award.
First developed in 2011 by Kate Griswold, a long-time Dane County Fair exhibitor, the Master Showman contest at the Dane County Fair challenges the senior showmanship winners to learn about other livestock species and become well-rounded showmen. The program received its first funding through a J.C. Penney scholarship and has since become an annual tradition supported by the local community.
In the heart of Madison, the Dane County Fair is home to free concerts, stunt shows, animals, a carnival, and all the best fair foods. With over a 170-year history, the Dane County Fair was once again held at the Alliant Energy Center, July 18–21, 2024. The Dane County Fair thanks its Supreme Grand Champion Miller & Sons Supermarket, and the Grand Champion Sponsors Blain’s Farm & Fleet, Compeer Financial, La Movida, and Life 102.5. For more information, visit www.danecountyfair.com or our Facebook and Instagram pages. The Dane County Fair will be back at Alliant Energy Center July 17-20, 2025.
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