Twenty-one Illinois 4-H members have accepted the challenge to advocate on behalf of 4-H and the livestock industry as the members of the state's first State 4-H Livestock Ambassador Team.

"These young people are passionate and knowledgeable about livestock production and management," said Dan Jennings, University of Illinois Extension animal science educator.

The following young people are the first group of Illinois 4-H livestock ambassadors. They include Olivia Claire, Iroquois County; Rhiannon Branch, Marion County; Hannah Miller, Alexander County; Wade Hutchens, Franklin County; Justene Jennings, DeKalb County; Parker Van Dyke, Clay County; Alissa Smith, Clay County; Kelsey Littrell, Marion County; Tyler Perkins, Kendall County; Ryan Reeverts, Ogle County; Mary Francque, Carroll County; Bailey Hunt, DeKalb County; Rob Janssen, Fulton County; Jessica Arnold, Iroquois County; Sierra Day, Macon County; Ray Hildebrandt, Boone County; Adrian Austin, Marion County; Gabrielle Torrance, McDonough County; Mary Kate Harrod, DeKalb County; Grant Kiefer, Livingston County; and Courtney Wiedenmann, Mercer County.

A financial gift to the Illinois 4-H Foundation from the 1st Farm Credit Services Donor Advised Fund through the IAA Foundation will initially help begin the efforts of the State 4-H Livestock Ambassador Team.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Judy Mae Bingman, University of Illinois Extension Marketing and Communications Manager

Judy uses powerful words and photography to tell the Extension story. She is a skilled communication strategist and storyteller with demonstrated success in building teams and creating strong organizational brand identities that deepen Extension’s impact among key audiences, build brand loyalty, strengthen employee talent, and expand public engagement. She is a frequent conference presenter at the National Association of Extension 4-H Agents Conference and helps Extension staff across the nation tell compelling stories.