PETERSBURG, Ill. – 4-H members earned awards during the local 2023 4-H Shows by demonstrating knowledge and skills they gained this year.  Menard County 4-H members showed 76 live animal exhibits at the Menard County Fair and 37 general project exhibits during a show held at the Sangamon County Fairgrounds in New Berlin on June 24-25.

Every year 4-H members select projects that interest them in the categories of Animal Science, Creative Arts, Environmental Sciences, Civic Engagement, Food Systems, Healthy Living, Career Leadership, and Science/Technology/Engineering/Math.  After choosing a project, members learn about that topic on their own and then demonstrate what they have learned by exhibiting their work in the county 4-H shows.

“As many county fairs are dying, the Menard County Fair Board and their many volunteers and supporters are doing something really special by growing” said Greg Schafer, 4-H Swine Show Superintendent.  “Thank you to the 4-H members, their families, and their teams for putting in the extra effort to stay involved and bringing high quality exhibits.  Special thanks to all the award sponsors for continuing their support of our local programs.”

Menard County 4-H Results:

• 2023 Menard 4-H Beef Show
  • Wesley Sampson – Grand Champion Steer
  • Addison Duis – Grand Champion Breeding Female
  • Wesley Sampson – Best Rate of Gain
  • Addison Duis – Beef Showmanship
  • BLUE AWARDS – Addison Duis (2), Brynlie Sampson (2), Wesley Sampson (7)

• 2023 Menard 4-H Goat Show
  • Henry Schirding – Champion Dairy Goat, Goat Showmanship
  • BLUE AWARDS – Henry Schirding (2)

• 2023 Menard 4-H Rabbit Show
  • Ethan Satorius – Champion Buck, Champion Rabbit Showmanship
  • BLUE AWARDS – Ethan Satorius (2)

• 2023 Menard 4-H Sheep Show
  • Kirby Jo Bacon – Grand Champion Market Lamb
  • Emma Wankel – Grand Champion Ewe
  • Milo Bacon – Grand Champion Ram
  • Kirby Jo Bacon – Sheep Showmanship
  • Colton Wankel – Reserve Sheep Showmanship
  • BLUE AWARDS – Kirby Jo Bacon (8), Milo Bacon (5), Elise Ruppel (2), Colton Wankel (3), Emma Wankel (3), Maggie Wankel (4)

• 2023 Menard 4-H Swine Show
  • Alanna Sparks – Grand Champion Barrow
  • Alanna Sparks – Reserve Grand Champion Barrow
  • Macie Willis – Grand Champion Gilt
  • Mollie Willis – Reserve Grand Champion Gilt
  • Jackson Taylor – Grand Champion Market Gilt
  • Avery Breedlove – Reserve Grand Champion Market Gilt
  • Mollie Willis – Junior Swine Showmanship
  • Macie Willis – Senior Swine Showmanship
  • BLUE AWARDS – Avery Breedlove (3), Carly Breedlove (4), Journee Cornell (3), Aiden Grosboll (2), Corajoy Koke (2), Eli Koke (2), Gauge LeMaster (1), Ryder LeMaster (1), Ethan Satorius (2), Alanna Sparks (2), Jackson Taylor (2), Macie Willis (5), Mollie Willis (4)

• 2023 Menard 4-H General Projects Show
  • West Menarders Cloverbuds – Club Exhibit
  • Allison O’Neill – Best Intercultural Exhibit, State Fair Delegate
  • Samantha O’Neill – Best Veterinary Science Exhibit, State Fair Delegate
  • Mollie Willis – Visual Arts State Fair Delegate
  • BLUE AWARDS – Kirby Jo Bacon (3), Milo Bacon (2), Grace Grosboll (1), Allison O’Neill (2), Samantha O’Neill (2) Emily Patton (2), Claire Schirding (1), Stella Smith (2), Maggie Whitehurst (3), Macie Willis (6), Mollie Willis (5), Ava Wood (1), Caroline Wood (1), Maggie Wood (1)
  • GREEN AWARDS – Cloverbud Division – Brahm Grosboll, Charlotte Lane, Henry Ray, Jolene Schirding, Violet Whitehurst

Three 4-H members from Menard County will exhibit their general project work at the Illinois State Fair in the Orr Building on Friday August 11. The public is welcome to view these exhibits throughout the day alongside the very best exhibits from other counties across the state. Local 4-H members will also be participating in the Junior Livestock shows during the Illinois State Fair.

To learn more about the opportunities available to local youth through the 4-H program, visit extension.illinois.edu/lms/4-h-youth-development.

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 then 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.