Young livestock exhibitors took center stage during the 2026 Henry County Fair as they competed in the annual 4-H Bucket Calf and Bottle Lamb & Goat Show Thursday evening, along with the Bucket and Bottle Animal Show sponsored by the Henry County Farm Bureau. The event gave youth the opportunity to demonstrate the care, handling, and knowledge they’ve developed while raising their animals. The 2026 Henry County Fair continues this weekend with more livestock shows, exhibits, entertainment, and family activities at the fairgrounds.
In the Bucket Calf Show, Daxtyn Parker of the Jefferson Juniors 4-H Club was named Class 1 Champion with a calf born February 20, 2026. The class also included:
- Boden Schrader – Scott Sobusters
- Taben Denning – New London Pioneers
- Anastasia Parker – New London Lassies & Lads
- Linn Brumwell – New London Pioneers
- Lynnix McMullin – New London Lassies & Lads
In Class 2, Madelynn Nelson of the New London Lassies & Lads earned Class Champion with her March 25, 2026-born calf. Courtney Smith of Triple C also competed in the class.
Courtney, daughter of Adam (and Brooke) Smith who represents the Henry County Cattlemen in a regular segment on KILJ, was showing her calf, Lilly in the show. Lilly, the calf, was a guest star on the radio and interviewed in studio when she was just 2 weeks old in April. Here is more from Courtney and KILJ’s special guest star Lilly:
Several Clover Kids participated in the non-competitive Bucket Calf division, including Andrew Keck, Kayden Keck, Levi Schinstock, John Scott, Markie Rich, Ty Denning, and Violet Smith.
KILJ caught up with Violet Smith and Levi Schinstock before they stepped into the showring, and they shared a bit about their animals and experience getting ready for the fair:
The Bottle Lamb & Goat Show featured one competitive exhibitor, with Chase Conrad of the Salem Stars 4-H Club earning the top place. Benton Brown of the Winfield Clover Kids participated in the non-competitive division.
While Boden Schrader, showed a bucket calf as a member of the Scott Sodbusters 4H club, he also had a strong showing earlier in the day with a reserve champion placing for his speckled face market lamb:
The Farm Bureau Bucket/Bottle Animal Show continues to be a favorite event at the Henry County Fair, introducing young exhibitors to livestock care, responsibility, and showmanship while helping build confidence in the show ring. KILJ caught up with a few of the Farm Bureau Bucket/Bottle Animal participants. Listen below!
Here’s Lucy with her goat:
And Maxlynn with her calf:
And Bristol with her lamb:
Proud to support KILJ’s coverage of the Henry County Fair are Cornerstone Building Brands, Fraise Auction and Realty, Graber Services, H&R Block, and the Henry County Iowa State University Extension & Outreach Office.