EATON – Trent Broermann credits the previous years’ experience competing in the Grand Showman of Showmen for helping him secure the ultimate prize for 4-H and FFA members at the Preble County Fair this year – Showman of Showmen.
Broermann, of Eaton, topped the field of nine contestants to win the coveted title on Thursday, Aug. 4.
“I’ve put a lot of hard work into this. I’ve worked hard and it’s finally starting to pay off. I’m just really happy and blessed to be here,” Broermann, who was the beef species Showman, said moments after winning.
“I’ve definitely put a lot of hard work in with that,” he said of his project. “I’ve spent lots of hours in the barn every day, every night. It’s late nights and early mornings.”
This was Broermann’s second trip to the Showman of Showmen. He also competed in the event last year.
“It was a lot better the second time, a little less nerve-racking. It was a lot more smooth and calm. I knew what to expect this time.”
Broermann, who is member of All-Star Livestock Club, has been active in 4-H for eight years.
He said one of the challenges of competing in the event is taking time away from being with his friends.
“Finding the time and the dedication to go work with some species you know nothing about and you really don’t want to go work with. All of them are equally hard, some more than others,” he said.
Broermann is the second person in his family to earn the title of Grand Showman of Showmen. His older sister Taylor won the award five years ago.
Trent is the son of Mike and Lisa Broermann.
The best showmen in their breeds who also competed included:
Leslie Burger, dairy showman. A member of Somers Super Beef Club, she has been in 4-H for six years. She is the daughter of Rodney and Gail Burger.
Alyssa Orr, swine showman. A member of Dixon Township Swine 4-H Club, she has been in 4-H for 10 years. She is the daughter of Steve and Dawn Orr.
Sheep showman Alisha Rader is a member of All-Star Livestock and Eaton FFA. She has been in 4-H eight years and is the daughter of Kenny and Rebecca Rader.
Rabbit showman Harlie Turpin, a member of Spic N Span Pots N Pans 4-H Club has been in 4-H for six years. She is the daughter of Rob and Candi Turpin and Wendy and Brent Buckley.
Adrianna Via, poultry showman, is a member of Poultry Pride & Livestock and Preble Shawnee FFA. She has participated in 4-H for nine years, and is the daughter of Amy and Jeff Bunger.
Stephen Garrett, goat showman, is a member of Preble County Dairy Goat Club. He has been in 4-H 14 years, and is the son of Ed and Stephanie Garrett.
Horse showman Kayla Stiver is a member of Horses R Us. She has been in 4-H for 10 years and is the daughter of Julie and Kelly Stiver.
Dog showman Grace Seals is a member of Bow Wow Bunch. She has been in 4-H for nine years and is the daughter of Bill and Michelle Seals.
