It was a hot Beef Show at the Henry County Fair today with highs in the 90s and real-feel temps in the hundreds, but the exhibitors and their cattle were troopers. If you took a walk through the livestock barns or watched from the stands around the show ring, you saw what dedication really looks like.
Despite the heat, these young people, with the help of family and friends, continued caring for their animals first—making sure they stayed cool, had fresh water, shade, and plenty of attention. They also took care of themselves by drinking lots of water and looking out for one another.
Here are the official results. Kudos to all of our 4-H and FFA exhibitors and their families, and congratulations to this year’s Henry County Fair Beef Show champions and reserve champions. Best of luck at your upcoming shows!
(Please NOTE: Results are in show order of appearance.)
HEAVY FEEDERS
1ST Place – Kassidy Nichting
MARKET HEIFERS
Champion – Abigail Loyd
Reserve Champion – Grant Beschorner
PUREBRED MARKET BEEF
Champion – Kylie Loyd
Reserve Champion – Zenlynn Lee
LIGHT WEIGHT MARKET STEERS
Champion – Justin Knipfer
Reserve Champion – Maison Nelson
MEDIUM WEIGHT MARKET STEERS
Champion – Morgan Meyer
Reserve Champion – Libby Myers
HEAVY WEIGHT MARKET STEERS
Champion – Grant Anderson
Reserve Champion – Levi Graber
OVERALL MARKET BEEF
Grand Champion – Morgan Meyer
Reserve Grand Champion – Grant Anderson
3rd Place – Libby Myers
4th Place – Levi Graber
5th Place – Justin Knipfer
COUNTY RAISED MARKET BEEF
Champion – Justin Knipfer
RETURN BUCKET CALF
Champion – Brecklyn Fitzpatrick
RATE OF GAIN
Champion – Alexa Lair
Reserve Champion – Brylor Lair
CARCASS BEEF
Champion – Alexa Lair
Reserve Champion – Brylor Lair
BREEDING BEEF
AOB HEIFER
Champion – Grant Anderson
Reserve Champion – Tate Beard
CHAROLAIS HEIFER
Champion – Tate Beard
Reserve Champion – Andrew Shepherd
SHORTHORN/SHORTHORN PLUS HEIFER
Champion – Kylie Loyd
Reserve Champion – Abigail Loyd
SIMMENTAL/FOUNDATION SIMMENTAL HEIFER
Champion – Aubrey Loyd
Reserve Champion – Levi Graber
CROSSBRED HEIFERS
Champion – Zenlynn Lee
Reserve Champion – Katie Miller
OVERALL BREEDING HEIFER
Grand Champion – Zenlynn Lee
Reserve Grand Champion – Katie Miller
3rd Place – Grant Anderson
4th Place – Aubrey Loyd
5th Place – Levi Graber
COUNTY RAISED BREEDING HEIFER
Champion – Katie Miller
SHOWMANSHIP AWARD
Junior – Aubrey Loyd
Intermediate – Levi Graber
Senior – Grant Anderson
For our 4-H and FFA exhibitors, it’s been days, weeks, months—even years—of hard work leading up to this moment. Many started showing their animals nine years ago while they were still in elementary school. Early mornings, late nights, blood, sweat, and yes, sometimes tears. That’s especially true for graduating seniors showing their final Henry County Fair before closing this chapter of their 4-H or FFA careers.
Behind every exhibitor is a team of support. Parents helping wrangle animals from barn or tent to show ring and back; siblings carrying brushes, halters and ribbons; grandparents pitching in with younger sisters and brothers; aunts and uncles taking photos or cheering from the stands; and friends lending a helping hand. It truly takes a village.
While the ribbons are exciting, the greatest rewards go far beyond the show ring. Through 4-H and FFA, these young people develop leadership, responsibility, communication, problem-solving, sportsmanship, and public presentation skills that will benefit them for a lifetime.
The banners, buckles, and ribbons recognize outstanding performance, but every exhibitor who walked into the ring accomplished something important. The dedication, perseverance, and positive attitudes displayed throughout the fair are something our entire community can be proud of. They’re all winners in our book!
KILJ would like to recognize all the people behind the scenes who made the 2026 Henry County Fair Beef Show a success, from volunteers working the ring to the 2026 Henry County Fair royalty handing out ribbons and awards. A shoutout to ISU Extension & Outreach – Henry County Youth Program Director, Emily Holtkamp; Show Announcer of seven years, Dave Rogers; and Show Judge, Kenton Lain. Your efforts are greatly appreciated.
We’re also grateful to our sponsors who helped us bring you our KILJ Henry County Fair 2026 coverage—CB Welding & Service, Chem Gro, DMC Regional Waste Commission, Five Star Community Credit Union, and Gamrath Doyle Vans Insurance. Thank you.