The 2026 Henry County Fair Sheep Show featured strong competition across the market lamb and commercial breeding ewe divisions, with Judge William Carbino evaluating the entries. Exhibitors also competed in showmanship and rate of gain awards during the annual showcase.
In the market lamb show, Tate Beard earned an outstanding day in the ring, claiming Grand Champion Market Lamb, Reserve Grand Champion Market Lamb, as well as Lightweight Champion, Mediumweight Champion, and Heavyweight Champion honors.
Additional division champions included:
- Lightweight Reserve Champion: Kreea Lee
- Mediumweight Reserve Champion: Coen Buffington
- Heavyweight Reserve Champion: Kynlee Buffington
- County Born Champion: Colin Anderson
- Home Born Champion: Tate Beard
Overall Market Lamb placings were:
- Grand Champion: Tate Beard
- Reserve Grand Champion: Tate Beard
- 3rd Place Overall: Tate Beard
- 4th Place Overall: Coen Buffington
- 5th Place Overall: Jeb Beard
In the Speckled/White Face Market Lamb division, Jeb Beard was named Champion, while Boden Schroeder earned Reserve Champion honors.
The Natural Lamb division saw Jeb Beard named Champion, with Ally Blow taking Reserve Champion.
The Rate of Gain Champion award went to Kassidy Nichting, recognizing the highest average daily gain among market lamb exhibitors.
In the Commercial Breeding Ewe Show, Tate Beard captured both Grand Champion Commercial Breeding Ewe and Reserve Grand Champion Commercial Breeding Ewe honors. Other top overall breeding ewe exhibitors included:
- 3rd Overall: Kynlee Buffington
- 4th Overall: Ally Blow
- 5th Overall: Kynlee Buffington
The Champion Yearling Ewe banner was awarded to Kreea Lee.
Showmanship winners were:
- Senior Showmanship: Kynlee Buffington
- Intermediate Showmanship: Kreea Lee
- Junior Showmanship: Jeb Beard
The Henry County Fair Sheep Show highlighted the hard work and dedication of local 4-H and FFA exhibitors, with strong showings across both market and breeding classes and several exhibitors taking home multiple championship banners.
Find the interview with Kassidy Nichting here:
Find the interview with Tate Beard here:
Bringing you Henry County Fair coverage is Agricenter of Henry County, B&B Propane, C&D Cleaning – Outside Power Washing, Danville State Savings Bank, and Edward Jones.