Springfield, IL – The 2024 4-H Illinois Superior Young Livestock Producers Contest was held on Aug. 7 in conjunction with the Illinois State Fair. Forty-three 4-H members from across Illinois competed in this year’s contest. This is a three-phase competition challenging the young 4-H member’s knowledge of livestock production covering beef, swine, and sheep. $1,000 scholarships are presented each year to the nine highest scoring individuals overall. The contest is sponsored by the CME Group Inc. Chicago IL, and the Illinois 4-H Foundation.
The top nine 4-H youth receiving $1,000 scholarships include: Kadie Hummel, Ford County; Gwen Hall, Ogle County; Taylor Crouch, Macon County; Ryker Beckmier, Christian County; Hayden Miller, Livingston County; Kaylee Blackford, Vermilion County; Molly McCalla, Madison County; Blaine Homann, Coles County; and Morgan Crouch, Macon County
In the Livestock Management test phase, Kadie Hummel of Ford County, Ben Wamsley of Christian County, and Hunter Shike of Champaign County, sorted themselves to the top and received plaques for their achievements. In the Livestock Marketing and Hedging competition, Kadie Hummel of Ford County, Ben Wamsley of Christian County, and Kaylee Blackford of Vermilion County received plaques and took home the highest honors. In the Skillathon phase, Hunter Shike of Champaign County, Hayden Miller of LIvingston County, and Ben Wamsley of Christian County, made up the top three.
“This contest provides youth an opportunity to showcase their knowledge of the industry while competing for valuable scholarships to help them pursue their career goals,” says Dan Jennings, University of Illinois 4-H Livestock Specialist.
This year marked the 28th consecutive year for the Superior Young Livestock Producers Contest, which has provided participating youth the opportunity to compete for over $500,000 in college scholarships since its inception. The purpose of the contest is to create an educational activity that promotes youth development, career development, and personal growth through increased knowledge of the livestock industry.
The Illinois State 4-H program along with the University of Illinois, College of ACES would like to extend a special thank you to the CME Group for all their support in providing scholarships to this year’s winners.
About Illinois 4-H: Illinois 4-H is the flagship youth development program of University of Illinois Extension and administered through the College of Agriculture, Consumer, and Environmental Sciences. 4-H grows true leaders, youth who are empowered for life today and prepared for a career tomorrow. The hands-on approach in 4-H gives young people guidance, tools, and encouragement, and then puts them in the driver’s seat to make great things happen. Independent research confirms the unparalleled impact of the 4-H experience, demonstrating that young people are four times more likely to contribute to their communities; two times more likely to make healthier choices; two times more likely to be civically active; and two times more likely to participate in STEM programs.
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Source & Writer: Dan Jennings, Extension Educator, 4-H Youth Development - Animal Systems, djjennin@illinois.edu
Illinois Extension leads public outreach for University of Illinois by translating research into action plans that allow Illinois families, businesses, and community leaders to solve problems, make informed decisions, and adapt to changes and opportunities. Illinois Extension is part of the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences.