INDIANAPOLIS — The Indiana Beef Cattle Association (IBCA) raised $12,000 for Riley Hospital for Children at its Ringside for Riley adult showmanship fundraiser held Dec. 6 at the Hoosier Beef Congress.

The fundraiser featured an adult showmanship competition, where participants showcased their skills in the show ring while raising funds for the hospital that provides life-saving care to children across Indiana. Proceeds from the event directly benefited Riley Hospital, a leader in pediatric healthcare. Participants competed in two categories: Top Overall Showman and Most Entertaining Showman. In total, there were over 50 participants registered to show. 

Ringside for Riley was the dream of 11-year-old Cadley Boocher, a life-long patient at Riley Hospital. She decided to combine her love for showing cattle with her desire to give back to Riley, to support other kids facing challenges like her. She was born with a very rare, one in a million, heart defect and has had multiple surgeries. Cadley says, “This event was a dream come true! Without the help of the doctors at Riley, I wouldn’t be here today. I love showing cattle and I wanted to give back to the hospital that helps kids like me get better so they have the chance to do things that they love, too!”

Brian Shuter, Executive Vice-President of the IBCA, echoed Boocher’s sentiment: “This year’s fundraiser was a true testament to the spirit of community and the generosity of Indiana’s beef producers. We are grateful for everyone who participated, donated, and supported Riley Hospital for Children. It’s truly inspiring to see the IBCA come together for a cause that impacts so many children and families in Indiana. Ringside for Riley is one of the most meaningful events we host, and raising $12,000 this year is a great accomplishment.”

The Hoosier Beef Congress is one of the largest cattle events in the Midwest, bringing together thousands of participants and spectators each year. 

The Hoosier Beef Congress was held Dec. 6-8 at the Indiana State Fairgrounds. The 821 total exhibitors included 574 Showmanship, 662 Heifers and 394 Steer entries. 

2024 Hoosier Beef Congress Winners

Steers

Grand Champion Steer – Harlee Henney, Angola

Reserve Grand Champion Steer – Cortney Hockemeyer, Columbia City

Third Overall Steer – Cohen Kober, Liberty Center

Fourth Overall Steer – Bryce Hofing, Coatesville

Fifth Overall Steer – Piper Unger, Carlisle

Heifers

Grand Champion Heifer – Braylen Schaeffer, Hagerstown

Reserve Grand Champion Heifer – Reid Utterback, Elwood

Third Overall Heifer – Mercedes Ferree, Sullivan

Fourth Overall Heifer – Chase Harker, Hope

Fifth Overall Heifer – Mercedes Ferree, Sullivan

Showmanship

Overall Champion: Gabrielle Tebo, Idaville

Senior: 

Champion - Gabrielle Tebo, Idaville

Reserve Champion - Carlee Musser, Otterbein

3rd - Harlee Henney, Angola

4th - Hadley Hendrickson, Farmland

5th - Lauren Peddycord, Trafalgar

Intermediate:

Champion - Grant Rumple, Decatur

Reserve - Glennys McGurk, Kingman

3rd - Jacob Stofer, Warsaw

4th - Mercedes Ferree, Sullivan

5th - Alexa Lowe, Macy

Junior:

Champion - Catelynn Hockemeyer, Columbia City

Reserve - Landree Warnock, Urbana

3rd - Cohen Berry, Rockville

4th - DeLaney Truebenbach, Knightstown

5th - Kylee Pettigrew, Columbia CIty

Novice:

Champion - Piper Unger, Carlisle

Reserve - Cortney Hockemeyer, Columbia City

3rd - Piper Cates, Modoc

4th - Elsie Rudolf, Aurora

5th - Macyn Miller, Frankfort

For more information on the Indiana Beef Cattle Association, visit indianabeef.org