Jefferson County, IA– The Jefferson County Fair swine show brought out the very best in area youth this week, with standout performances across breeding, market, and showmanship classes. Exhibitors from 4-H clubs and FFA chapters across the county showcased their hard work, dedication, and well-conditioned swine projects in a spirited and competitive event.
Breeding Gilt Champions Crowned
In the Purebred Breeding Gilt division, Cylee Johnson of the Future Leaders 4-H club captured first place with her gilt (entry #63). She was followed closely by Sydney Stremsterfer (2nd), Jackson Stremsterfer (3rd), and Konrad Hellweg (4th), all representing strong showings from Jefferson youth.
In the Commercial Breeding Gilt class, Braxton Headley of the Des Moines Ramblers dominated with a purple-ribbon gilt (entry #1082), earning him the title of Grand Champion Breeding Gilt. Cylee Johnson added to her successful showing by taking Reserve Grand Champion Breeding Gilt honors.
Market Hogs Show Exceptional Quality
The Market Swine competition was fierce, with exceptional hogs in all divisions. Rider Robertson emerged as the top exhibitor in the Crossbred Market Gilt class, earning Grand Champion Market Hog with entry #518 from the Des Moines Ramblers. Meanwhile, Ava McArtor secured the Reserve Grand Champion Market Hog title (entry #1021), rounding out an impressive performance by the Ramblers club.
In the Single Source Market Hog division, Jack Sobaski of Packwood Trojans took home Champion Single Source Hog, while Taylor Miller earned Reserve Champion for Fairfield FFA.
In the Market Pen of Three class, Adelyn McDowell from Future Leaders claimed the Champion Pen of Three Hogs, with Rider Robertson taking Reserve Champion Pen honors.
Carcass Class Highlights Market Excellence
Carcass results revealed strong meat quality among Jefferson exhibitors. Kylie Bohrn of Pekin FFA earned top honors as Champion Carcass Hog, with Taylor Miller again showing well, earning Lavender Ribbon 2nd Place.
Youth Excel in Showmanship Rings
Showmanship classes demonstrated the confidence and poise of young livestock handlers. Sydney Stremsterfer earned top honors in Senior Showmanship, while Hope Hellweg won Intermediate Showmanship and Adelyn McDowell took Junior Showmanship, all with purple ribbons. Their skill and professionalism were on full display in a competitive ring.
Clubs Make Their Mark
The Des Moines Ramblers, Future Leaders, Packwood Trojans, and Pekin FFA clubs dominated many of the top placings across all classes, reflecting the strength of Jefferson County’s youth agricultural programs.
As the dust settles on the swine arena, Jefferson County Fair organizers and community members praised the exhibitors for their months of preparation and sportsmanship. The event not only showcased prize-winning livestock but also the dedication and future promise of area youth in agriculture.
A huge thanks to our Jefferson County Fair sponsors for making this fair coverage possible:
- Graber Services
- H&R Block
- Hinshaw Trailers of Richland
- Keosauqua Lumber of Keosauqua and Fairfield
- Merschman Seed
- Mt. Pleasant Chevy, GMC, CDJR
- Sinclair Tractor
- Yotty’s Golf Cars