Madisyn Henderson shows grand champion animal
By Jason Arndt
Editor
Madisyn Henderson experienced a whirlwind day on July 26 at the Racine County Fair.
Henderson, a 2023 Union Grove High School graduate, didn’t only exhibit a 1,322-pound grand champion crossbred steer she calls “Purdy” inspired by former Iowa State University and current San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy.
She also captured the showmanship award hours later in the same show ring.
Henderson, 19, daughter of Craig and Sue, and sister of Kelsey – who had shown a grand champion steer three years earlier, called the two victories a team effort thanks to her dedication and help from family members.
“It feels great and I am very thankful that I am just here showing,” Madisyn said. “But, overall I am really proud of all my hard work and what my family put into this.”
Other key winners of the Racine County Fair beef show consisted of Taylor Himebauch, reserve grand champion for a 1,421-crossbred; Bennett Wilks, champion Simmental; Clara Henderson, champion Angus; Karson Kastenson, fifth overall, crossbred; Sawyer Kastenson, grand champion carcass; Clara Henderson, reserve champion carcass steer; James Bratz, dairy steer; Sawyer Wilson, champion dairy/beef cross; Kallie Whitely, champion Charolais; Riley Runkel, champion Chianina; Sophia Matuszek, champion Hereford; Himebauch, champion Maine Anjou; Jacob Kruescher, champion shorthorn; and Mason Hegeman, champion shorthorn plus.
Sue Henderson, Madisyn’s mother, said her daughter’s work ethic and sportsmanship shone brightly during the beef show.
“It takes a strong girl to go through many opportunities throughout the day. She has powered through and kept her composure. I also loved that Madisyn cheered everyone else and wished everybody good luck on the way in,” Sue said.
Cyclone influence
Madisyn, who is a member of Union Grove FFA, served as the 2022-2023 Racine County Agriculture Ambassador.
While attending Iowa State University, where she studies agricultural business and remains involved in multiple clubs, Henderson learned more about Purdy’s legacy at the school.
Purdy, selected as Mr. Irrelevant by being the last pick in the NFL Draft, went on to become the 49ers starting quarterback.
“Brock Purdy is kind of a big deal there,” she said.
Additionally, she has another steer, called “Brock” that she plans on showing at the Wisconsin State Fair, which began Aug. 1 in West Allis.
Raising a steer primarily takes a one-year commitment to show at area fairs.
When Madisyn was at Iowa State University, her family members, including Kelsey, stepped up to offer assistance in raising both Brock and Purdy.
“We definitely did this together and it has always been a family thing. It’s totally a family thing,” Madisyn said.
Sue agreed, describing the work with animals a “family affair.”
Sue went on to say showing a steer, or any other animal at a fair, also enhances attributes needed to succeed outside of the show ring.
“I love that this teaches them hard work, working as a team, and building relationships with others,” Sue said.
Although Madisyn took home some hardware, she also recognized that the Racine County Fair brings people together.
“The most fun part about the fair is definitely getting to hang out with my family and friends,” she said. “I also love showing the public my animals, educating them, and showing them what it is all about.”
Large animal winners
Lambs
Champion Market Lamb – Ramona Holden
Reserve Champion Market Lamb – Ramona Holden
Champion Pen – John Spaight
Champion AOB – Bayley Schaal
Champion Dorset – Alivia Meinholz
Champion Katahdin – Kellyn Henningfeld
Champion Oxford – Lilli-Ann Steffenson
Champion Shropshire – Emily Stoffel
Grand Champion Carcass – Bayley Schaal
Reserve Champion Carcass – Brody Stratton
Goats
Grand Champion Wether – Carson Harris
Reserve Champion Wether – Amelia Westplate
Swine
Grand Champion – Hudson Halter
Reserve Grand Champion – Maya Weinkauf
Champion Duroc – Cameron Borre
Champion Light Cross – Ashley Gunderson
Fifth overall – Kendra Baumeister
Champion Berkshire – Emmit Thoennes
Champion Chester White – Raelyn Keyes
Championship Hampshire – Beau Weinkauf
Champion Hereford – Wyatt Guentzel
Champion Landrace – Connor Harris
Champion Poland China – Alaina Bird
Champion Spot – Dane Loppnow
Champion Tamworth – Gavin Schamber
Champion Yorkshire – Leah Johnsen
Grand Champion Carcass – Jameson Bailey
Reserve Champion Carcass – Dan Baker
Supreme Champion Showman – Dane Loppnow.
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