BENTON, Ill. – Local youth were excited to gather in the Franklin County Fairgrounds to exhibit beef, swine, sheep, and goats, and more during the annual 4-H fair. All livestock events allowed youth to display sportsmanship and exude confidence as they showed the "best of the best" during the shows.
Due to the Illinois Department of Agriculture's (IDOA) ongoing ban on live poultry exhibits, 4-H members could still showcase their hard work on poultry items by displaying poster presentations and speaking directly to a judge to discuss their project. Youth who exhibited in the alternative will still be able to show at State Fair in August and receive any eligible 4-H awards.
4-H youth also had the opportunity to participate in the livestock auction. The auction is an opportunity for local businesses, families, and community members to purchase animals exhibited during the fair. The auction is a great way to support local youth as participants receive the full proceeds from the sale of their livestock.
Poultry
Grand Champion – Hayden Corn
Reserve Champion – Coltley Tepovich
Fryer Pen Chickens
Grand Champion – Alex Edwards
Reserve Champion – Emmy Kiesow
Small Pets
Grand Champion – Katelynn Bock
Rabbits (Doe)
Grand Champion – LaRaya Kelly
Reserve Champion – Eli Newbury
Rabbits (Buck)
Grand Champion – Beau Camden
Reserve Champion – Alex Edwards
Market Pen Rabbits
Grand Champion – Lucas Smith
Reserve Champion – Charli Fuller
Horse Show (Mare)
Grand Champion – Molly Goostree
Reserve Champion – Colton Payne
Horse Show (Gelding)
Grand Champion – Shaylen Rowland
Reserve Champion – Colton Payne
Dairy
Grand Champion – Tayler Karnes
Reserve Champion – Tayler Karnes
Sheep Show (Lamb Wether)
Grand Champion – Maylee Adams
Reserve Champion – Madalynn Adams
Sheep Show (Female)
Grand Champion – Madalynn Adams
Reserve Champion – Myla Adams
Dairy Goat (Female)
Grand Champion – Kayla Whitlow
Reserve Champion – Alexa Blades
Meat Goat (Female)
Grand Champion – Ava Isaacs
Reserve Champion – Seth Clark
Pygmy Goat (Female)
Grand Champion – Lane Whitlow
Reserve Champion – Brantley Hamilton
Goat Wether
Grand Champion – Tayler Karnes
Reserve Champion – Kayte Coffey
Third- Trevor Beaty
Cat Care
Grand Champion – Molly Goostree
Reserve Champion – Alex Edwards
Dog Care
Grand Champion – Seth Clark
Reserve Champion – Dennison Clark
Dog Obedience
Grand Champion – Dennison Clark
Reserve Champion – Rylee Franklin
Beef (Female)
Grand Champion – Brantley Hamilton
Reserve Champion – Jake Newbury
Beef (Steer)
Grand Champion – Jake Newbury
Reserve Champion – Tony Kistner
Third- Beau Camden
Swine (Gilt)
Grand Champion – Ryker Cross
Reserve Champion – Eli Newbury
Swine (Barrow)
Grand Champion – Trace Payne
Reserve Champion – Colton Payne
Third- Kayla Whitlow
WRITER: Heather Willis, marketing and communications coordinator, hdwillis@illinois.edu, (618) 357-2126
SOURCE: Cindy Bauman, 4-H program coordinator, bauman1@illinois.edu, (618) 439-3178
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.
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 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.