URBANA, Ill. — Illinois 4-H youth demonstrated their livestock knowledge during the 2025 State 4-H Livestock Skillathon Contest, held Saturday, Nov. 8, at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Stock Pavilion.
Youth ages 8–18 competed in junior, intermediate, and senior divisions, completing a series of written quizzes, identification challenges, and evaluation exercises. The event also included a lunchtime workshop that expanded participants’ applied livestock science skills.
“The Skillathon gives young people the chance to deepen their knowledge while building confidence in real-world livestock skills,” said Shelby Carlson, 4-H youth development educator. “Events like this show just how hard these youth work all year long.”
In the Junior Division, the top 10 participants were Joel Crider of McLean County, Delaney Crouch of Macon County, Adelyn Earing of McLean County, Harper Shike of Champaign County, Clara Chappell of Kankakee County, Layla Bowyer of Madison County, Raylon Schreiner of Logan County, Eli Earing of McLean County, Scarlett Schleich of Knox County, and Maeve Tolley of Knox County.
In the Intermediate Division, the top 10 finishers included Charles Thurman of Knox County, Annabelle Sutter of McLean County, Mackenzie Hornbostel of Washington County, Ava Faber of Livingston County, Sydney Williams of Edwards County, Ainsley Pollard of Boone County, Anna Bremer of Johnson County, Carter Mettler of Madison County, Cara Brinkmeier of Stephenson County, and Lora Setterdahl of Knox County.
In the Senior Division, the top 10 were Abigail Wamsley of Christian County, Preston Howell of DeWitt County, Will Deters of Cumberland County, Kalen Setterdahl of Knox County, Addison Duis of Menard County, Carter Joiner of Macoupin County, Lexi Merriman of DeWitt County, Paige Martin of McLean County, DeLana Robinson of Macoupin County, and Grace Kaisner of Livingston County.
“Each year, I am impressed by the dedication these youth bring to the contest,” added Myla Munro, 4-H youth development educator. “Whether they’re brand new or experienced participants, the Skillathon helps them grow as problem-solvers and deepens their animal science knowledge.”
This event is hosted by the State 4-H Livestock Ambassador Team, in partnership with the University of Illinois Department of Animal Sciences and is designed to help youth build the knowledge and skills needed for the Superior Young Producers Skillathon, held annually at the Illinois State Fair.
About Illinois 4-H:
Illinois 4-H is the flagship youth development program of University of Illinois Extension, administered through the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences. Through hands-on learning and life-changing experiences, Illinois 4-H prepares youth to be Beyond Ready — ready for college, career, military service, entrepreneurship, and more. Young people build confidence, leadership, and resilience as they explore interests from agriculture to computer science. Independent research and national surveys confirm the powerful outcomes of 4-H: participants are 40% more likely to pursue a college degree, twice as likely to obtain technical training, and two times more likely to serve in the military. With a legacy of cultivating leaders, Illinois 4-H continues to grow the next generation who are equipped to thrive in life and work today and beyond.
For Further Information, Contact:
Source: Myla Munro, 4-H Youth Development Educator, mgmunro@illinois.edu and Shelby Carlson, 4-H Youth Development Educator, srcarls2@illinois.edu
Writer: Carissa Nelson, Illinois 4-H Media Communications Manager, carissa7@illinois.edu
University of Illinois Extension develops educational programs, extends knowledge, and builds partnerships to support people, communities, and their environments as part of the state's land-grant institution. Extension serves as the leading public outreach effort for University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences in all 102 Illinois counties through a network of 27 multi-county units and over 700 staff statewide. Extension’s mission is responsive to eight strategic priorities — community, economy, environment, food and agriculture, health, partnerships, technology and discovery, and workforce excellence — that are served through six program areas — 4-H youth development, agriculture and agribusiness, community and economic development, family and consumer science, integrated health disparities, and natural resources, environment, and energy.