We Caught up with Mr. Ike Heckman exhibitor of the 5th Overall Crossbred Gilt at the 2024 Exposition. Learn more about Ike below…

Age: 9

Grade: 4th

Hometown: Hennepin, IL

What was the most special part about your win?
I never thought I would be in the Crossbred Champion drive so I was really surprised!

What is your favorite thing about your animal?
She’s sooooo hairy it’s crazy and she has really big legs

Does your animal have any quirks?
I swear she knows her name. When I yell “good morning Teriyaki Chicken!” she knows it’s me!  

What is one thing you hope to accomplish by the end of your show career?
Winning the Illinois State Fair.

Who is your biggest role model?
My cousin Kade Gensini because he shows good cattle, hunts and fishes.  

Favorite hobbies outside of showing livestock?
I like to play basketball and hunt deer but I really love any kind of bird hunting especially duck, goose and dove.

What is your pre-show routine?
I have a little figurine of Jesus and he has to be in my pocket before I go into the ring

What are some of your showbox essentials?
Black paint, HD shine, spray bottle and my special whip. 

Gilts or Barrows?
Gilts because my Dad won’t let me show barrows yet. 

Tennis Shoes or Boots?
Tennis shoes if I have to otherwise it’s Crocs all day every day. 

Cats or Dogs?
Both. Dog’s name is Jemma and she’s a coonhound that sleeps with me every night.  Cat’s name is Becky Hecky and she’s a lean, mean ground squirrel killing machine.  

Summer shows or winter shows?
Summer only because I haven’t been to any winter ones….yet.

Favorite Breed?
Dark Crosses and Berkshires