MURPHYSBORO, Ill. – Hard work, quality care, and dedication paid off as our 4-H members showcased their animals at this year's Perry County Fair. Following the 2020 summer of virtual livestock exhibits, participants were anxious for the return of in-person shows. The events provided an opportunity for youth to display sportsmanship and exude confidence as they showed the "best of the best" during the annual livestock and animal shows.

4-H youth who raise beef, swine, sheep, goats, rabbits, and poultry for their annual projects had the opportunity to participate in the livestock auction. Participants receive the full proceeds from the sale of their livestock, and this was a record-breaking year. Local businesses, families, and other individuals made this year's auction a success, with over $50,000 going directly to local youth.

The results of the Jackson County livestock and animal shows are:

Beef
Isabella Huseman – Grand Champion and Senior Showmanship

Dairy Cattle
Ryleigh Richelman – Grand Champion
Blayke Richelman – Reserve Grand Champion and Senior Showmanship

Market Hog
Dillon Swisher – Grand Champion
Shealee Swisher – Reserve Grand Champion

Gilt
Ryleigh Richelman – Grand Champion
Blayke Richelman – Reserve Grand Champion

Swine
Blayke Richelman – Junior Showmanship
Ryleigh Richelman- Senior Showmanship

Dairy Goat
Shealee Swisher – Grand Champion
Levi Lowery – Reserve Grand Champion

Meat Goat
Shealee Swisher – Grand Champion

Market Goat
Braydon Swisher – Grand Champion

Goat
Braydon Swisher – Junior Showmanship

Cat
Brianna Carnes - Champion

Dog
Braydon Swisher – Champion
Lance Lowery – Junior Showmanship

Poultry
Carter Swisher – Grand Champion
Chace Hall – Reserve Grand Champion
Braydon Swisher – Junior Showmanship
Shealee Swisher – Senior Showmanship

Meat Pen Rabbits
Lance Lowery – Grand Champion
Levi Lowery – Reserve Grand Champion

Rabbits
Carter Swisher- Grand Champion
Levi Lowery – Reserve Grand Champion and Junior Showmanship
Shealee Swisher – Senior Showmanship

Horse
Amariah Lipe – Grand Champion
Amber Gass – Reserve Grand Champion
Rachael Dosch – Reserve Grand Champion
Lola Pierson – Junior Showmanship
Isabella Huseman – Senior Showmanship

WRITER: Heather Willis, marketing and communications coordinator, hdwillis@illinois.edu, (618) 357-2126

SOURCE: Becky Needham, 4-H program coordinator, bneedham@illinois.edu, (618) 687-1727

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.