Strong Showing at the 2025 Thomas County Fair Beef Show
By Derek White
July 24, 2025
2025 Thomas County Fair’s Beef Show took center stage Thursday, July 24 at the Show Arena, where 4-H exhibitors displayed their year-long efforts with outstanding showmanship and quality livestock. Youth from across Thomas County competed in a range of divisions including showmanship, market classes, breeding, and bucket calves.
The show opened with the Beef Showmanship competition, where poise, control, and presentation were on display across three age divisions.
In the Senior Showmanship, Lucille Fellhoelter of Brewster Prairie Gem claimed top honors as Grand Champion, with her younger sister Leigha Fellhoelter securing the Reserve Champion title. The family sweep highlighted a strong showing from the Brewster club.
The Intermediate division featured three heats, ending with Bryer Reid, also of Brewster Prairie Gem, named Grand Champion. Cort Stramel of the Solomon Valley 4-H Club was Reserve.
In Junior Showmanship, it was Brooklyn Reid of Brewster Prairie Gem who took home Grand Champion honors, with teammate Owen Baird earning Reserve. The junior division saw particularly strong performances from the Brewster 4-Hers, reinforcing the club’s dominance in this year’s beef show.
Following showmanship was the Market Beef Show, which featured eight weight classes. Notable class winners included:
• Class 1 (1,000–1,130 lbs): Brooklyn Reid with a 1,130 lb steer • Class 2 (1,165–1,267 lbs): Cort Stramel with a 1,258 lb steer • Class 3 (1,288–1,367 lbs): Brody Reid with a 1,311 lb steer • Class 4 (1,374–1,404 lbs): Briar Reed with a 1,404 lb steer • Class 5 (1,420–1,458 lbs): Leah Fellhoelter with a 1,451 lb steer • Class 6 (1,476–1,574 lbs): Codee Cranston with a 1,574 lb steer • Class 7 (1,606–1,705 lbs): Mason Mazanec with a 1,606 lb steer
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A special Yearling Bucket Calf Division wrapped up the market classes. These animals were shown as bucket calves in 2024 and returned as yearlings. The class was topped by Anthony Haag, whose 1,463 lb steer was the heaviest in the division.
The coveted title of Grand Champion Market Beef went to Cort Stramel for his Class 2-winning 1,258 lb steer. Reserve Champion Market Beef was awarded to Bryer Reid with his 1,404 lb entry from Class 4.
In the Rate of Gain competition, Kimber Carpenter earned top honors with her steer gaining an impressive 4.7 pounds per day.
The Breeding Beef Show featured a large class of Junior Yearling Heifers (born January to June 2024). Lucille Fellhoelter again rose to the top, claiming Grand Champion Breeding Heifer, while Emerson Sloan took Reserve.
The final portion of the event was the Bucket Calf Show, where young handlers introduced their animals in one of the most anticipated youth events. Reese Standage earned Grand Champion honors with a 300 lb calf, followed by his brother Hunter Standage with the Reserve Champion at 280 lbs.
The fair concluded with the Pee-Wee Bucket Calf Show, where all participants were recognized for their involvement, fostering early interest in livestock showmanship and care.
The 2025 Thomas County Beef Show highlighted not only the dedication of these young agriculturalists but also the continued support from families, clubs, and the broader community.