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

JEFFERSON COUNTY, Iowa –

The feathers were flying and ribbons proudly pinned as the Jefferson County Fair Poultry Show wrapped up with standout performances across a wide variety of classes, highlighting the hard work and dedication of local 4-H and FFA members.

Joseph Lanman of Packwood Trojans dominated the poultry competition with a stunning sweep across multiple categories. Lanman took home several blue ribbons, including Best Meat Pen of 3, Best of Show–Game Bird, Best of Show–Peafowl, and top honors in Duck Pair, Turkey Single Entry, and Egg Quality–White and Brown classes. His versatile entries demonstrated excellence across species, from chickens and ducks to geese, turkeys, and even peafowl.

Kagan Vannoy of Leading Hands also turned heads in the exotic breeds categories, earning Best of Show–Hen, Best of Show–Small Hobby, Best of Show–Large Hobby, and Best of Show–Rooster with his eye-catching pairs. Vannoy’s unique entries showcased not only beauty but quality breeding and care.

In showmanship divisions, Frances Miller took home the Senior Poultry Showmanship title, while Kate Miller earned the Intermediate Poultry Showmanship ribbon, both representing the Future Leaders club. KaliAnn Nupp, a name seen frequently across the competition, secured the Junior Showmanship title.

The Best Egg Entry was awarded to Abbie Hammes of the Future Leaders, whose brown eggs impressed the judges with outstanding quality and consistency.

Other class standouts included:

• Kyler Atwood (Ceniteers), with top honors in Return Production and Exotic Small Breeds.
• Jackson Stremsterfer (Future Leaders), who won Best Production Pen of 3.
• Brooklyn Harter (Walnut Ridge Workers), placing across multiple hobby and egg quality divisions.

From meat pens to heritage breeds, the Jefferson County Poultry Show proved once again to be a vibrant showcase of agricultural skill, youth development, and community spirit.

These young exhibitors have much to be proud of—and even more to aspire toward in next year’s barnyard battles.

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

JEFFERSON COUNTY, IOWA — Youth exhibitors from across Jefferson County demonstrated outstanding horsemanship, sportsmanship, and dedication at the recent 4-H Horse Show. Competing across multiple disciplines—from halter and showmanship to speed events—these 4-Hers represented their clubs with pride. Below are the top results from this year’s event:

 

Halter Division

Pony Mares (35-56 inches)

• 1st – Wayne Wiley (Future Leaders, Jefferson) – Blue
  • Reserve Champion Pony

Pony Gelding (35-56 inches)

• 1st – Canaan Freeman (Ceniteers, Jefferson) – Blue
  • Champion Pony

Horse, Mares 8 Years & Above (Quarter Horse or Stock Type)

• 1st – Brooklyn Headley (Des Moines Ramblers, Jefferson) – Blue
  • Champion Horse
• 2nd – Kate Miller (Future Leaders, Jefferson) – Red
  • Reserve Champion Horse
• 3rd – John Miller (Future Leaders, Jefferson) – Red

All Other Breeds (Not QH/Stock Type)

• 1st – Peyton Freeman (Ceniteers, Jefferson) – Blue
  • Champion Horse – Other Breed
• 2nd – Canaan Freeman (Ceniteers, Jefferson) – Blue
  • Reserve Champion Horse – Other Breed
• 3rd – Gabriella Diers (Walnut Ridge Workers, Jefferson) – Blue

 

Horse Showmanship Division

Senior Showmanship

• 1st – John Miller (Future Leaders, Jefferson) – Blue
  • Senior Horse Showmanship Champion
• 2nd – Peyton Freeman (Ceniteers, Jefferson) – White

Intermediate Showmanship

• 1st – Brooklyn Headley (Des Moines Ramblers, Jefferson) – Blue
  • Intermediate Horse Showmanship Champion
• 2nd – Wayne Wiley (Future Leaders, Jefferson) – White
• 3rd – Kate Miller (Future Leaders, Jefferson) – White

Junior Showmanship

• 1st – Gabriella Diers (Walnut Ridge Workers, Jefferson) – White
  • Junior Horse Showmanship Champion
• 2nd – Canaan Freeman (Ceniteers, Jefferson) – White

 

Performance Division

Driving – Pony Class

• 1st – Peyton Freeman (Ceniteers, Jefferson) – Blue

Trail – Senior Class

• 1st – John Miller (Future Leaders, Jefferson) – Red

Trail – Intermediate Class

• 1st – Peyton Freeman (Ceniteers, Jefferson) – Blue
• 2nd – Kate Miller (Future Leaders, Jefferson) – Blue
• 3rd – Brooklyn Headley (Des Moines Ramblers, Jefferson) – Red

Trail – Junior Class

• 1st – Gabriella Diers (Walnut Ridge Workers, Jefferson) – Red
• 2nd – Canaan Freeman (Ceniteers, Jefferson) – Red

 

Pleasure & Equitation Division

Walk-Trot Pony Class

• 1st – Peyton Freeman (Ceniteers, Jefferson) – Blue
• 2nd – Canaan Freeman (Ceniteers, Jefferson) – Blue

Walk-Trot Horse Class

• 1st – Kate Miller (Future Leaders, Jefferson) – Blue
• 2nd – John Miller (Future Leaders, Jefferson) – White
• 3rd – Brooklyn Headley (Des Moines Ramblers, Jefferson) – White
• 4th – Gabriella Diers (Walnut Ridge Workers, Jefferson) – White

Pony Pleasure (English or Western)

• 1st – Peyton Freeman (Ceniteers, Jefferson) – White
• 2nd – Canaan Freeman (Ceniteers, Jefferson) – White

Western Pleasure

• 1st – John Miller (Future Leaders, Jefferson) – White
• 2nd – Gabriella Diers (Walnut Ridge Workers, Jefferson) – White

Ranch Horse Western Pleasure

• 1st – Kate Miller (Future Leaders, Jefferson) – White

Ranch Riding

• 1st – Kate Miller (Future Leaders, Jefferson) – White

Horsemanship – Senior

• 1st – John Miller (Future Leaders, Jefferson) – Red

Horsemanship – Intermediate

• Peyton Freeman (Ceniteers, Jefferson) – Blue
• Kate Miller (Future Leaders, Jefferson) – Red
• Brooklyn Headley (Des Moines Ramblers, Jefferson) – Red

Horsemanship – Junior

• 1st – Gabriella Diers (Walnut Ridge Workers, Jefferson) – Red
• 2nd – Canaan Freeman (Ceniteers, Jefferson) – Red

 

Speed Division

Pole Bending (Trot)

• 1st – Gabriella Diers (Walnut Ridge Workers, Jefferson) – Blue
• 2nd – John Miller (Future Leaders, Jefferson) – Blue
• 3rd – Brooklyn Headley (Des Moines Ramblers, Jefferson) – Red

Pole Bending

• 1st – Kate Miller (Future Leaders, Jefferson) – Blue
• 2nd – Peyton Freeman (Ceniteers, Jefferson) – Blue
• 3rd – Canaan Freeman (Ceniteers, Jefferson) – Blue

Barrels (Trot)

• 1st – Gabriella Diers (Walnut Ridge Workers, Jefferson) – Blue
• 2nd – John Miller (Future Leaders, Jefferson) – Blue
• 3rd – Brooklyn Headley (Des Moines Ramblers, Jefferson) – Blue

Barrels

• 1st – Kate Miller (Future Leaders, Jefferson) – Blue
• 2nd – Peyton Freeman (Ceniteers, Jefferson) – Blue
• 3rd – Canaan Freeman (Ceniteers, Jefferson) – Blue

Plug Race

• 1st – Kate Miller (Future Leaders, Jefferson) – Blue
• 2nd – John Miller (Future Leaders, Jefferson) – Blue
• 3rd – Peyton Freeman (Ceniteers, Jefferson) – Blue
• 4th – Brooklyn Headley (Des Moines Ramblers, Jefferson) – Blue
• 5th – Gabriella Diers (Walnut Ridge Workers, Jefferson) – Blue
• 6th – Canaan Freeman (Ceniteers, Jefferson) – Blue

Flag Race

• 1st – Kate Miller (Future Leaders, Jefferson) – Blue
• 2nd – Peyton Freeman (Ceniteers, Jefferson) – Blue
• 3rd – John Miller (Future Leaders, Jefferson) – Blue
• 4th – Brooklyn Headley (Des Moines Ramblers, Jefferson) – Blue
• 5th (tie) – Gabriella Diers & Canaan Freeman – Red

 

Congratulations to all exhibitors for their hard work, preparation, and commitment. The 2025 Jefferson County 4-H Horse Show was a true celebration of youth development, horsemanship, and county pride. Special thanks to volunteers, parents, and judges who made this event possible. We can’t wait to see what these talented riders will accomplish next!

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

Jefferson County, IA – The barns were bustling and competition fierce as local youth showcased their livestock expertise during the Goats (Dairy and Meat) and Sheep events at this year’s Jefferson County Fair. With dozens of entries across breeding, market, carcass, showmanship, and bottle classes, a few standout individuals walked away with top honors.

Grand Champions & Reserve Champions

Breeding Goats

• Grand Champion Breeding Meat Goat: Blake Sobaski (Fairfield FFA), entry #1036 – Breeding Does Under 1 Year of Age
• Reserve Grand Champion Breeding Meat Goat: Scout Lock (Packwood Trojans), entry #542

Market Goats

• Grand Champion Market Meat Goat: Blake Sobaski (Fairfield FFA), entry #1035
• Reserve Grand Champion Market Meat Goat: Bryan Meixner (Ceniteers), entry #627

Carcass Goats

• Champion Carcass Goat: Clae Cass (Fairfield FFA), entry #216

 

Breeding Lambs

• Grand Champion Breeding Lamb: Scout Lock (Pekin FFA), commercial ewe lamb #541
• Reserve Grand Champion Breeding Lamb: Scout Lock (Pekin FFA), purebred ewe lamb #543

Market Lambs

• Grand Champion Market Lamb: Emily White (Fairfield FFA), entry #262
• Reserve Grand Champion Market Lamb: Madisyn Woodburn (Fairfield FFA), entry #1324

Carcass Lambs

• Champion Carcass Lamb: Ava McArtor (Des Moines Ramblers), entry #1019

Pen of Three Lambs

• Champion Pen of 3 Market Lambs: Gabe Conner (Leading Hands), pen #94
• Reserve Champion Pen of 3 Market Lambs: William Vanderhorst (Pekin FFA), pen #1139

 

Top Rate of Gain Awards

• Goat: Joseph Lanman (Packwood Trojans), entry #1449
• Sheep: Gabe Conner (Leading Hands), entry #91

 

Bottle Goats & Bottle Lambs

Junior Division (Grades 4–6)

Bucket-Bottle Goats

• Champion Junior Bucket-Bottle Goat: Layla Cline (Leading Hands), entry #538
• Reserve Champion Junior Bucket-Bottle Goat: Eli Carlson (Des Moines Ramblers), entry #1303
• Other Notable Placings:
  • Joseph Lanman (Packwood Trojans), entry #1455 – Blue, 4th
  • Finn Schafer (Leading Hands), entry #102 – Blue, 3rd

Bucket-Bottle Lambs

• Champion Junior Bucket-Bottle Lamb: Brenna Miller (Ceniteers), entry #373
• Reserve Champion Junior Bucket-Bottle Lamb: Blake Miller (Ceniteers), entry #374
• Other Notable Placings:
  • Scarlett McKee (Leading Hands), entry #737 – Red, 4th
  • Joseph Lanman (Packwood Trojans), entry #1456 – Blue, 3rd

 

Intermediate Division (Grades 7–9)

Bucket-Bottle Goats

• Champion Intermediate Bucket-Bottle Goat: Kagan Vannoy (Leading Hands), entry #703

Bucket-Bottle Lambs

• Champion Intermediate Bucket-Bottle Lamb: Carson Stagers (Packwood Trojans), entry #334
• Reserve Champion Intermediate Bucket-Bottle Lamb: Kagan Vannoy (Leading Hands), entry #702

 

Return Bottle Lambs

• Champion Return Bottle Lamb: Kagan Vannoy (Leading Hands), entry #701

 

 Showmanship Winners

Meat Goat Showmanship

• Senior Champion: Kale McBeth (Packwood Trojans)
• Intermediate Champion: Scout Lock (Packwood Trojans)

Dairy Goat Showmanship

• Junior Champion: KaliAnn Nupp (Leading Hands)
• Intermediate Champion: Joseph Lanman (Packwood Trojans)

 

Noteworthy Performances by Club

• Fairfield FFA dominated both goat and sheep categories, led by standout exhibitors Blake Sobaski and Emily White.
• Packwood Trojans excelled in showmanship and multiple market and breeding categories, including Scout Lock and Joseph Lanman.
• Pekin FFA had a strong presence in lamb classes with multiple wins by Scout Lock and William Vanderhorst.
• Leading Hands stood out in bottle and showmanship divisions, with strong performances from Layla Cline, Kagan Vannoy, Gabe Conner, and KaliAnn Nupp.

This year’s fair clearly showcased the hard work and dedication of Jefferson County youth. Congratulations to all participants for an outstanding exhibition!

 

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

Presenter information:

Mary Charlton, PhD

Professor, University of Iowa Department of Epidemiology

Director, Iowa Cancer Registry

 

Whitney Zahnd

Assistant Professor, University of Iowa Department of Health Management and Policy

Past-president of the Iowa Rural Health Association

 

About the Project: Iowa has the second highest rate of new cancer in the U.S. The Cancer in Iowa: 99 Counties Project is a public health initiative aimed at enhancing cancer education and community engagement across all of Iowa’s 99 counties. Representatives from the 99 Counties Project will share the latest cancer data related to Henry County and provide residents with an opportunity to voice concerns or suggestions.

Cancer in Henry County:

In looking at the cancer rates for Henry County, we noted the top 5 cancers are:

• #1 Female breast cancer. Age-adjusted breast cancer incidence rate for Henry County (117 per 100,000) is statistically similar to the state (136.9 per 100,000) and national (129.8 per 100,000) rates.
• #2 Prostate cancer. The age-adjusted prostate cancer incidence rate for Henry County (104.4 per 100,000) is statistically similar to the state (125.9 per 100,000) and national (113.2 per 100,000) rates.
• # 3 Lung cancer. The age-adjusted lung cancer incidence rate for Henry County (61.9 per 100,000) is statistically similar to the state (60.8 per 100,000) and national (53.1 per 100,000) rates.
• #4 Uterine (endometrial) Cancer. Age-adjusted uterine cancer incidence rate for Henry County (50.9 per 100,000) is statistically higher than the state (30.3 per 100,000) and national (27.8 per 100,000) rates.
• #5 Colorectal Cancer. The age-adjusted colorectal cancer incidence rate for Henry County (39.4 per 100,000) is statistically similar to the state (39.9 per 100,000) and national (36.4 per 100,000) rates.

Additional Support and Resources: To help understand and address cancer in Iowa communities, there are several resources available. A resource guide is available on our website: www.iowacancerregistry.org/99

The Iowa Cancer Plan has identified the following strategies to significantly reduce the burden of cancer in Iowa:

• Effective tobacco prevention policies (e.g., increasing the cigarette tax rate) and smoking cessation treatment
• Radon mitigation strategies
• Policies that increase opportunities for sun protection in outdoor settings, increase awareness about skin cancer prevention and screening, or decrease use of indoor tanning beds could reduce melanoma rates. As of Jan. 2024, 44 states have laws that restrict minor’s use of commercial tanning devices, 20 of which completely ban use of tanning beds for minors. Iowa has no laws restricting use of tanning beds by minors.
• Policies to decrease alcohol consumption and binge drinking
• Enhancing opportunities for Iowans to access nutritious food and be physically active

Questions: icr-99countiesproject@uiowa.edu

Slides to the presentation will be posted on our website after the conclusion of the meeting: www.iowacancerregisty.org/99

Hay Day at McNay! Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, Henry County invites you to the McNay Research Farm on July 8th for a Field Demonstration Day showcasing a variety of haying equipment in action! This is a great opportunity to connect with equipment representatives, ISU field agronomists, and beef specialists. Enjoy a full day of hands-on learning and networking. The McNay Research Farm is located at 45249 170^th Ave., Chariton, Iowa.

Click the link and register by July 3rd! https://crops.extension.iastate.edu/…/hay-day-mcnay…