URBANA, Ill. – Nine 4-H members each received a $1,000 college scholarship for their excellence in livestock management as winners of the Illinois 4-H Superior Young Producer Award program held Sept. 19 in Springfield. The contest was held in conjunction with the Illinois Department of Agriculture Junior Livestock Expo.
In its 24th year, more than $500,000 has been awarded to youth who have extended their knowledge in animal breeding, health and disease management, animal nutrition, food safety, and herd management. The scholarships are provided by the Illinois 4-H Foundation through support by the CME Group of Chicago.
Winners include Delaney Hemann, Madison County; Skye Schumaker, McLean County; Drew Mickey, Christian County; Emily Friese, Livingston County; Katelyn Engel, Knox County; Ty Drach, Livingston County; Sara Smallwood, Clark County; Ty Knodle, Montgomery County; and Garrett Rhode, McLean County.
The contest involves three separate divisions: livestock management, skill-a-thon, and livestock marketing. Winners in each division include: Ty Drach, Sara Smallwood, and Drew Mickey in livestock management; Katelyn Engel, Emily Friesel, and Ty Knodle in the skill-a-thon; and Emily Friese, Lilie Perry, and Drew Mickey in marketing.
Dan Jennings, University of Illinois Extension state 4-H animal science specialist, says, “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.”
The contest promotes youth development, career development, and personal growth through increased knowledge of the livestock industry.
SOURCE: Dan Jennings, 4-H Animal Science Specialist, Illinois Extension
WRITER: Judy Mae Bingman, Communications and Marketing Manager, Illinois Extension
ABOUT EXTENSION: 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.