URBANA, Ill. — Illinois 4-H members demonstrated their livestock evaluation skills during the 2026 State Livestock Judging Contest held April 27 on the University of Illinois campus. A total of 250 youth participated in the event, representing a 38% increase in participation over last year.
Due to severe weather during the contest and additional storms forecasted for the evening, the in-person awards presentation was postponed. Participants were invited to attend a virtual awards ceremony the following evening, with results distributed the next day. Banners will be mailed to local Extension offices.
“This contest is about so much more than placing classes,” said Shelby Carlson, University of Illinois Extension 4-H youth development educator. “Youth are building confidence, communication skills, and the ability to make thoughtful decisions — all skills that prepare them for success well beyond the judging arena.”
In the junior team division, top honors went to Knox County Team Purple, followed by Champaign County Team Orange, and Livingston/McLean/Woodford County Team Green.
Overall junior individual champion was Rowan Main of Knox County Team Purple, followed by Milo Bacon of Menard County and Payton May of Christian County Team 1. Additional top 10 finishers included Isaac Setterdahl (Knox County Team Blue), Kaden McKee (Fulton County), Ava Faber (Livingston/McLean/Woodford County Team Green), Eli Faber (Livingston/McLean/Woodford County Team Green), and a tie for Sloan Reedy (Champaign County Team Orange), and Kolton Knauth (Champaign County Team White).
Overall senior team champions were Christian County Team Green followed by Champaign County, and Christian County Team White.
The senior overall individual champion was Alexa Turner of Champaign County, followed by Deacon Shanks of Christian County Team Green and Ryker Beckmier of Christian County. Rounding out the top 10 were Hunter Shike (Champaign County), Lucas Loschen (Champaign County), Ella Bane (Livingston/McLean Woodford County White), Levi Paulek (Christian County Team Green), Callie Turner (Champaign County Team 3), Morgan Huls (Champaign County Team 6), and Lane Beyers (Champaign County Team 4).
“We’re incredibly proud of the growth we’re seeing in this program,” Carlson said. “That kind of increase doesn’t happen without strong local support from volunteers, families, and educators who are committed to helping young people succeed.”
Members of the Illinois 4-H livestock judging program continue to build critical life skills through hands-on learning experiences and may advance to national competition later this year.
Source: Shelby Carlson, 4-H Youth Development Educator
Photo credit: Nora Beeler, Youth Influencer
Writer: Carissa Nelson, Media Communications Manager, 4-H State Office, 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 500 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 five program areas — 4-H youth development, agriculture and agribusiness, community and economic development, health and community wellness, and natural resources, environment, and energy.