Poultry contests at the 2025 Missouri State Fair concluded Monday, Aug. 11 with the annual rooster crowing contest, won by a 4-H member from Centralia.

Walker Dycus of the B&G Hustlers 4-H Club in Audrain County led his rooster Kevin to crow 53 times in 30 minutes to win this year’s contest. Dycus explains how he prepared Kevin to compete in the finals.

Dycus says Kevin’s smaller size was also an advantage, claiming a four-crow victory over the runner up named Ghost.

The win was also a meaningful moment for Dycus, as he prepares to wrap up his career as a 4-H exhibitor. Dycus reflected on the rooster crowing contest being renamed this year in memory of Tony Perryman, who had served as the state fair’s poultry superintendent until his death in April 2024.

With the poultry shows concluded, the barn on the south side of the fairgrounds will prepare for the arrival of the rabbits, including the 4-H and FFA meat rabbit contest set for Wednesday at 5:30 p.m.