“The Greatest Show on Dirt”—that’s what they call the 4-H Grand Drive at the Indiana State Fair. Presented by Farm Credit Mid-America for the tenth time, the show included fire and fireworks and produced Grand Champions. For these three, it was the final time they would step foot on the dirt as competitors.
Hadley Hendrickson, an 8-time champion over her 10 year 4-H career from Randolph County, recounts the moments leading up to her final time on the dirt.
“I was about to actually enter the gate when leading my steer into the Grand Champion Drive tonight, and it was really surreal. Like, this is the last time I’m entering this Coliseum and entering the dirt, and it was truly just like an amazing moment. Because, of course, I’m sad, but just to see that all I’ve accomplished with my friends and family—it’s just such a moment just to be proud. And I was already crying before I entered the Grand Drive, because just to even be here, no matter what happens, was truly incredible for me.”
Hendrickson is headed to Purdue University and wants to pursue a career in veterinary medicine so she can give back to this livestock industry that she is so passionate about.
Tipton County’s Dylan Achenbach says 4-H has been huge for him. He recommends students give it a try because there is something for everyone, and you’ll find your people.
“There’s so many great people out here in this industry, and it took me forever to finally get out here and find the people who I’m friends with, the people that I get along with, and that are there to support me.”
Johnson County’s Colton Kephart took home the Grand Champion banner for the 6th time in his 10 year 4-H career Sunday night. As he looks back on his 4-H tenure, he says it’s meant “everything”.
“I think it’s opened every single door for me in this life so far. I think it’s helped me get into the college I want to go to, it will help me get the career I want, it’s helped me have a bunch of leadership positions in high school. It’s really just transformed my life and made me into who I am today.”
Kephart plans to pursue an engineering degree at Purdue.
Other Grand Champions from Sunday night include:
- LaGrange County’s Ryder Lambright and his market barrow.
- Caroline Sullivan and her market lamb from Hancock County.
- Wayne County’s Brantley Wampler and his meat goat wether dam.
- And Cohen Kober exhibited the Grand Champion beef heifer from Wells County.
Check out the video of champions below or on our Facebook page, @hoosieragtoday.
