Ohio State Fair Archive

Ohio’s Country Journal & Ohio Ag Net Podcast | Ep. 215 | Ohio State Fair Recap

Dale, Dusty and Kolt recap the Ohio State Fair. Dusty talks to Abecka Ruggles of Huron County who exhibited the Reserve Champion pen of meat chickens at the fair. Matt sends back a report with Hainsley Hatfield of Muskingum County talking about her experience in the Grand Drive event. All of that and more thanks to Agrigold!

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2021 Outstanding Market Exhibitors from the Ohio State Fair

Photos by Linde’s Livestock Photography
Zane Ortman, 17, from Perry County was the first place Outstanding Market Poultry Exhibitor. The other Poultry Outstanding Market Exhibitors were: Alia Hester, Clinton Co., 9; Ty Woodward, Coshocton Co., 10; Alivia Kinney, Logan Co., 11; Alivia Addis, Darke Co., 12; Alexandria Kinney, Logan Co., 13; Isabel Henderson, Logan Co., 14; Johnathan Woodward, Coshocton Co., 15; Allison Kinney, Logan Co., 16; and Aiden Hester, Clinton Co., 18.
Paige Gehret, 13, from Darke County was the first place Outstanding Market Lamb Exhibitor. The other Lamb Outstanding Market Exhibitors were: Brock Shearer, Wayne Co., 9; Brynn Huntsman, Mercer Co., 10; Ephraim Fowler, Guernsey Co., 11; Delaney Dudte, Wayne Co., 12; Olivia Seaburn, Madison Co., 14; Morgan Evans, Union Co., 15; Griffin Johnson, Union Co., 16; Hanna DeLong, Champaign Co., 17; and Hainsley Hatfield, Muskingum Co., 18.
Kelsey Pettit, from Fayette Co., 16, was the first place Outstanding Market Goat Exhibitor.
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2021 Sale of Champions!

The Grand Champion Swiss Cheese, produced by Pearl Valley Cheese County, representing the seven dairy champions and supreme dairy showmen The exhibitors were Grand Champion Ayrshire: Logan Topp, Auglaize County; Grand Champion Brown Swiss: Madicyn Rupp, Wayne County; Grand Champion Guernsey: Aubree Topp, Shelby County; Grand Champion Holstein: Kayla Cring, Huron County; Grand Champion Jersey: Blake Greiwe, Shelby County; Grand Champion Red and White: Lily Elsass, Auglaize County; Grand Champion Milking Shorthorn: Aubree Topp, Shelby County; Supreme Showman, Week 1 – Exhibited by: Tim Gunkleman, Wayne County; and Supreme Showman, Week 2 – Exhibited by: Madelyn Topp, Auglaize County. The cheese was purchased by AG Boogher and Son and S&S Volvo for a record-setting bid of $33,000.
The Grand Champion Market Turkey was exhibited by Johnathan Woodward of Coshocton County and purchased by Cooper Farms, OKI, Tim and Glenda Huffman, Event Marketing Strategies, and Concessions by Cox for a record-setting bid of $20,000.
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Grand Drive Junior Market Beef results

Champion: Carson Shafer, Eaton (Crossbred Division III Champion)
Reserve Champion: Delaney Jones, Harrod (Champion Chianina)
Third: Frani Levan, Woodstock (Reserve Champion Chianina)
Fourth: Caden Jones, Harrod (Crossbred Division III Reserve Champion)
Fifth: Essie McGuire, Urbana (Crossbred Division II Champion)

Champion: Carson Shafer, Eaton (Crossbred Division III Champion)
Reserve Champion: Delaney Jones, Harrod (Champion Chianina)
Third: Frani Levan, Woodstock (Reserve Champion Chianina)
Fourth: Caden Jones, Harrod (Crossbred Division III Reserve Champion)
Fifth: Essie McGuire, Urbana (Crossbred Division II Champion)
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Grand Drive Junior Market Hog results

Champion: Aiden Knecht, Fayette Co. (Champion Dark Cross)
Reserve Champion: Cade Peterson, Ottawa Co. (Reserve Champion Dark Cross)
Third: Reagan Gross (Champion Yorkshire)
Fourth: Maya McCoy, Fayette Co. (Champion Light Cross)
Fifth: Madelyn Fearon, Darke Co. (Reserve Champion Light Cross)

Champion: Aiden Knecht, Fayette Co. (Champion Dark Cross)
Reserve Champion: Cade Peterson, Ottawa Co. (Reserve Champion Dark Cross)
Third: Reagan Gross (Champion Yorkshire)
Fourth: Maya McCoy, Fayette Co. (Champion Light Cross)

Fifth: Madelyn Fearon, Darke Co. (Reserve Champion Light Cross)

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Grand Drive Junior Market Lamb results

Champion: Bailee Amstutz, Union Co. (Champion Grade)
Reserve Champion: Kaitlyn Zeedyk, Defiance Co. (Reserve Champion Grade)
Third: Elizabeth Shatto, Shelby Co. (Champion Natural Color)
Fourth: Addilyn Bryant, Ashland Co. (Reserve Champion Natural Color)
Fifth: Nevah Powers, Fulton Co. (Champion Hampshire)

Champion: Bailee Amstutz, Union Co.
Reserve Champion: Kaitlyn Zeedyk, Defiance Co.
Third: Elizabeth Shatto, Shelby Co.
Fourth: Addilyn Bryant, Ashland Co.
Fifth: Nevah Powers, Fulton Co.
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Grand Drive Junior Market Goat results

Champion: Paige Pence, Clark Co.
Res. Champion: Jada Shroyer, Logan Co.
Third: Briley Ashcraft, Athens Co.
Fourth: Coby Frey, Wyandot Co.
Fifth: Anara Shroyer, Logan Co.
Sixth: Adrionna Phillips, Highland Co.

Champion: Paige Pence, Clark Co.
Res. Champion: Jada Shroyer, Logan Co.
Third: Briley Ashcraft, Athens Co.
Fourth: Coby Frey, Wyandot Co.
Fifth: Anara Shroyer, Logan Co.
Sixth: Adrionna Phillips, Highland Co.

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Grand Drive Junior Market Poultry results

Junior Market Chickens

Champion: Zane Ortman, Perry Co.
Reserve Champion: Abecka Ruggles, Huron Co.
Third: Natalie Fitzgerald, Cuyahoga Co.
Fourth: Marshall Jackson, Logan Co.
Fifth: Carmen Corcoran, Ross Co.

Reserve Champion Chickens: Abecka Ruggles, Huron Co.
Chickens Third: Natalie Fitzgerald, Cuyahoga Co.
Chickens Fourth: Marshall Jackson, Logan Co.
Chickens Fifth: Carmen Corcoran, Ross Co.

Junior Market Turkeys

Champion: Johnathan Woodward, Coshocton Co.
Reserve Champion: Jozie Jones, Clinton Co.
Third: Alex Kinney, Logan Co.

Champion Turkey: Johnathan Woodward, Coshocton Co.
Reserve Champion Turkey: Jozie Jones, Clinton Co.
Turkey Third: Alex Kinney, Logan Co.
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2021 Ohio State Fair Junior Market Beef results

August 7, 2021

Judges: Amanda Schnoor, Chowchilla, Calif.

Photos by Linde’s Livestock Photos

Angus

Grand Champion – Ellie Kidwell, Walhonding
Reserve Champion – Griffin Gahler, Gragtown

Chianina

Grand Champion – Delaney Jones, Harrod
Reserve Champion – Frani Levan, Woodstock

Hereford

Grand Champion – Jacob Wiechart, Fort Jennings
Reserve Champion – Mason Love, Baltimore

Maine-Anjou

Grand Champion – Harrison Blay, Mogadore
Reserve Champion – Fox Morgan, Mount Perry

Shorthorn

Grand Champion – Wyatt Osborn, Lynchburg
Reserve Champion – Alyssa Carter, Oregonia

Shorthorn Plus

Grand Champion – Tyler Neill, Bellevue
Reserve Champion – Hayden Smith, Millersburg

Simmental

Grand Champion – Mackenzie Koverman, Minford
Reserve Champion – Karli Gaddis, Centerburg

All Other Breeds (AOB)

Grand Champion – Hunter Shumaker, Wilmington
Reserve Champion – Paige Pence, New Carisle

Market Heifer

Grand Champion – Jayla Ricer, Piketon
Reserve Champion – Luke Fulton, Troy

Crossbred

Division I Champion – Dawson Osborn, Lynchburg
Division I Reserve Champion – Kya Csapo, Creston
Division II Champion – Essie McGuire, Urbana
Division II Reserve Champion – Riley Wendt, Dublin
Division III Champion –  Carson Shafer, Eaton
Division III Reserve Champion –  Caden Jones, Harrod
Division IV Champion – Avery McGuire, Urbana
Division IV Reserve Champion – Holden Levan, Woodstock

Photos by Linde’s Livestock Photos

Ryleigh Egbert, Auglaize Co.
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2021 Ohio State Fair Junior Barrow Show Results

Photos by Linde’s Livestock Photos, LLC

Photos by Linde’s Livestock Photos, LLC

Aug. 6, 2021

Judges: Ryan Sykes, Kewanee, Ill. and Andy Rash, Granite, Okla.

Berkshire

Grand Champion: Oksana Gossard

Reserve Champion: Reagan Gross

Chester White

Grand Champion: Luke Johnson

Reserve Champion: John Smock

Duroc

Grand Champion: Seth Fearon

Reserve Champion: Megan Smith-McCarley

Hereford

Grand Champion: Wyatt King

Reserve Champion: Lindsey Dore

Hampshire

Grand Champion: Mallory Liles

Reserve Champion: Caydence Scale

Landrace

Grand Champion: Maggie Skillman

Reserve Champion: Colton Bartoe

Poland China

Grand Champion: Megan Smith-McCarley

Reserve Champion: Oksana Gossard

Spotted

Grand Champion: Lillian Gearhardt

Reserve Champion: Emily Hemphill

Tamworth

Grand Champion: Victoria Gossard

Reserve Champion: Jessica McHenry

Yorkshire

Grand Champion: Reagan Gross

Reserve Champion: Maya McCoy

Light Cross 

Champion: Maya McCoy, Fayette County

Res. Champion: Madelyn Fearon, Darke County 

Dark Cross

Champion: Aiden Knecht, Fayette County

Res. Champion: Cade Peterson, Ottawa County

Reagan Gross, Madison Co., eyed the judge while showing her Berkshire hog.
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2021 Ohio State Fair Junior Market Goat results

Aug. 6, 2021

Judge: Barrett Carlisle

Photos by Linde’s Livestock Photos.

Lightweight Division

Champion Lightweight: Anara Shroyer, Logan Co. (Class 4 winner)

Anara Shroyer, Logan Co., works hard as she shows her goat in the Lightweight Division Championship.

Reserve Champion Lightweight: Adrionna Phillips, Highland Co. (Class 2 winner)

Adrionna Phillips, Highland Co., shows his goat in the Lightweight Division Championship.

Middleweight Division

Champion Middleweight Division: Paige Pence, Clark Co. (Class 8 winner)

Paige Pence, Clark Co., watches the judge as he evaluates the middleweight class winners.

Reserve Champion Middleweight Division: Coby Frey, Wyandot Co. (Class 9 winner)

Coby Frey, Wyandot Co., sets up his wether for the judge during the Middleweight Championship.

Heavyweight Division

Champion Heavyweight Division: Jada Shroyer, Logan Co. (Class 15 winner)

Jada Shroyer, Logan Co., watches the judge during the Heavyweight Championship.

Reserve Champion Heavyweight Division: Res. Champion: Briley Ashcraft, Athens Co. (Class 14 winner)

Briley Ashcraft, Athens Co.,
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2021 Ohio State Fair Junior Market Lamb Show

Aug. 6, 2021

Judge: Craig Beckmier, Illinois

Hampshire

Champ: Nevah Powers, Fulton County

Res. Champ: Chloe Gump, Miami County 

Shropshire

Champ: Adam Bensman, Miami County

Res. Champ: Ethan Davies, Wood County

Southdown

Champion: Anara Shroyer, Logan County

Res. Champion: Mya Carrick, Seneca County

Suffolk

Champion: Adeline Kendle, Tuscarawas County 

Res. Champion: Cara Schwartz, Allen County

Dorset

Champion: Anara Shroyer, Logan County

Res. Champion: Hainsley Hatfield, Muskingum County

Oxford

Champion: Paige Gehret, Darke County

Res. Champion: Elizabeth Shatto, Shelby County

AOB

Champion: Harper Horning, Crawford County

Res. Champion: Mason Reynolds, Knox County

White face cross

Champion: Brynn Shearer, Wayne County

Res. Champion: Brynn Huntsman, Gallia County

Natural Colored

Champion: Elizabeth Shatto, Shelby County

Res. Champion: Addilyn Bryant, Ashland County

Grade

Champ: Bailee Amstutz, Union (Champion black-face cross)

Res. Champ: Kaitlyn Zeedyk, Defiance County

Judge Craig Beckmier looks over the AOB class.
Anara Shroyer, Logan County, had the Champion Dorset.
Lauren Sattler from Henry County set up her Oxford for the judge.
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Grand Drive shines spotlight on breeding exhibitors

By Matt Reese

The Ohio State Fair was very different this year. One radical 2021 departure from years past was the creation of two Grand Drive events, showcasing all the grand drives for each species in the same event. 

Taking a cue from other national caliber livestock shows, the events are designed to showcase the youth with a bit more pomp and circumstance while drawing a larger crowd and some extra bells and whistles. The State Fair featured a Grand Drive for the junior breeding livestock exhibitors on July 31 and a second Grand Drive for junior market exhibitors is coming up this weekend on Aug. 7. The events took a huge amount of planning and extensive coordinated effort from the barn staffs of the different species.   

It was a tremendous amount of work, but in the end the Breeding Grand Drive event accomplished its lofty goals. There was plenty of positive feedback from Ohio State Fair barn staff and exhibitors alike.… Continue reading

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OSIA scholarships

The Ohio Sheep Improvement Association announced several scholarships winners at the 2021 Ohio State Fair. OSIA Lead Scholarships were awarded to Emma Peters, Ian Johnson, and Linsey Eddy. The Dr. Jack Judy Memorial Scholarship went to Brandon Zuercher. Not pictured are: High family Scholarship winner Chelsea Graham and Ralph H. Grimshaw Memorial Scholarship winner Jimmy Stickley. … Continue reading

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2021 Ohio State Fair Junior Market Poultry results

Junior Market Chickens

Top 5 exhibitors: Cassidy Kennedy, Stark County; Zane Ortman, Perry County; Carmen Corcoran, Ross County; Marshall Jackson, Logan County;  Abecka Ruggles, Huron County

Class 1

  1. Abecka Ruggles, Huron County
  2. Aiden Hester, Clinton County

Class 2

  1. Zane Ortman, Perry County
  2. Marshall Jackson, Logan County

Class 3:

  1. Natalie Fitzgerald, Cuyahoga County
  2. Ava Hester, Clinton County
  3. Delaney Johnson, Jefferson County
Cassidy Kennedy, left, from Stark County watched for the judge to inspect her birds.
Exhibitors had some answers for Judge Mike Stichler’s questions.
Lilly Conrad from Hancock County, left, held her bird for the judge.

Annaka Ruggles, 9, from Huron County had a great showing her first time exhibiting chickens at the Ohio State Fair.

Allison Kinney, center, from Logan County, had some help from her sisters with the chickens.

Junior Market Turkeys

Top 3: Jozie Jones, Clinton County; Johnathan Woodward, Coshocton; Alex Kinney, Logan County

Fourth overall: Ty Woodward, Coshocton County 

Fifth overall: Allison Kinney, Logan County

Class 1

  1. Jozie Jones, Clinton
  2. Johnathan Woodward, Coshocton 
  3. Zane Ortman, Perry

Class 2

  1. Allison Kinney, Logan County
  2. Isabel Henderson, Logan County

Class 3

  1. Alex Kinney, Logan County
  2. Ty Woodward, Coshocton County 
  3. Paige Pence, Clark County

Market turkey exhibitors waited for the judge’s decision.
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The last queen…

By Matt Reese

In 2019, the long-standing Ohio Lamb and Wool Queen program transitioned to the Ohio Lamb and Wool Ambassador Program. The position now includes a scholarship and helps a young person develop their leadership skills as a spokesperson for the state’s sheep industry. 

Jane Lausche, the wife the Governor, crowned Elaine Leightey the 1955 Ohio Wool Queen.

The first ever Ohio Wool Queen, Elaine Leightey, was crowned in 1955 at the Ohio State Fair by Jane Lausche, the wife of the Governor. She then was off on a whirlwind of events, duties and appearances. She sold pelts in the Wool Room at the Ohio State Fair, did media interviews and appeared in daily parades. Though she did not hand out awards like her more modern counterparts, the fame of Leightey’s new role did allow her to rub elbows with celebrities including Neil Armstrong, two Ohio governors and even Phil Donahue.… Continue reading

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2021 Ohio State Fair Junior Dairy results

Brown Swiss

YRP Junior Champion: Lauren Lamoreaux, Stark County

YRP Res. Junior Champion: Maria Saltzman, Seneca County

YRP Senior Champion: Madicyn Rupp, Wayne County

YRP Senior Res. Champion: Madelyn Topp, Auglaize County

YRP Grand Champion: Madicyn Rupp, Wayne County

YRP Res. Grand Champion: Madelyn Topp, Auglaize County 

Red and White Junior Show

Intermediate Grand Champion: Lilly Elsass, Auglaize County

Intermediate Res. Grand Champion: Allison Francis, Darke County

Senior Champion: Madelyn Topp, Auglaize County

Res. Senior Champion: Wyatt Schlauch, Holmes County

Grand Champion Red and White: Lilly Elsass, Auglaize County

Res. Grand Champion Red and White: Madelyn Topp, Auglaize County

Champion: Lilly Elsass, Auglaize County

Res. Champion: Lilly Elsass, Auglaize County

Milking Shorthorn Junior Show

Junior Grand Champion: Madison Hessler, Adams County

Junior Grand Res. Champion: Mackenzie Topp, Auglaize County

Senior Champion: Aubree Topp, Shelby County

Senior Res. Champion: Katie Weiss, Darke County

Grand Champion: Aubree Topp, Shelby County

Res. Grand Champion: Katie Weiss, Darke County 

Guernsey Junior Show

Senior Champion: Aubree Topp, Shelby County

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State Fair has a different atmosphere in 2021

By Matt Reese

Things are definitely different at the Ohio State Fair this year. With county fairs around the state running pretty much business as usual, the Ohio State Fair is open to exhibitors only — no general public. The 2021 Ohio State Fair also has far fewer food vendors, no midway rides or games and is free admission, with visitors only paying to park.

“It is definitely different around here, but everybody is so happy to be back. The parents the judges — everybody is so excited to be here. They are excited to see live cows, they don’t have to watch live streams and they can be here,” said Dyllan Knoll, a 17-year-old dairy exhibitor from Huron County. “It is different without actual spectators. Of course we don’t have the Dairy Center with the Butter Cow open. As a little kid it was so fun for me to go and see those sculptures.… Continue reading

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Breeding Grand Drive results

Grand Champion Percentage Doe: Paige Pence, Clark County
Res. Champ Percentage Doe: Bailey Brumfield, Ross County
Grand Champion Fullblood Doe: Makayla Morris, Preble County
Res. Champion Fullblood Doe: Matthew Westfall, Champaign County
Grand Champion Fullblood Buck: Matthew Westfall, Champaign County
Res. Grand Champion Fullblood Buck: Boston Stapleton, Preble County
Supreme Champion Ewe: Emma Peters, Darke County, Corriedale
Res. Supreme Champion Ewe: Emily Stevens, Huron County, Shropshire
Supreme Champion Ram: Brody Schoen, Ashland County, Southdown
Res. Supreme Champion Ram: Laurie Baughman, Muskingum County, Lincoln
Grand champion Breeding Gilt: Addie Foor, Licking County, Duroc
Res. Champion Breeding Gilt: Lindsay Dore, Delaware County, Spot
Grand Champion Breeding Heifer: Mackenzie Neal, Preble County, Limousine
Res. Grand Champion Breeding Heifer: Montana Hulsmeyer, Allen County, Crossbred

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