PINCKNEYVILLE, Ill. – Local youth were excited to gather in the show barn at the Perry County Fairgrounds to exhibit beef, swine, sheep, and goats during the annual 4-H Livestock Show during the Perry County Fair. A few days prior, many 4-H members also participated in a 4-H Small Pets Show, where they shared their knowledge of cats, dogs, lizards, rabbits, and other small pets, with local judges. Both 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.
Female Beef
Bailey Pearl – Grand Champion
Anna Kinney – Reserve Grand Champion
Market Beef
Bailey Pearl – Grand Champion
Jayden Clark – Reserve Grand Champion
Dairy
Mackenna Wesseln – Grand Champion
Luke Epplin – Reserve Grand Champion
Market Hog
Jenna Opp – Grand Champion
Bailey Pearl – Reserve Grand Champion
Gilt
James Epplin – Grand Champion
Tucker Dearmond – Reserve Grand Champion
Female Dairy Goat
Tate Logan – Grand Champion and Reserve Grand Champion
Market Goat
Erin Bender – Grand Champion
Bradley Bender – Reserve Grand Champion
Female Lamb
Maddy Choate – Grand Champion
Shelby Pearl - Reserve Grand Champion
Market Lamb
Harrison Still – Grand Champion
Bruce Still – Reserve Grand Champion
Horse
Tucker Dearmond – Grand Champion
Brody Schrader – Reserve Grand Champion
Cat
Maddy Choate – Champion
Avery Kellerman – Reserve Champion
Dog
Bruce Still – Champion
Claira Folden – Reserve Champion
Poultry
James Epplin – Grand Champion and Reserve Grand Champion
Rabbits
Jessie Pyatt – Grand Champion
Wyatt Robinson – Reserve Grand Champion
Small Pet
Hailey Grab – Champion
Avery Kellerman – Reserve Champion
Swine Premier
Tucker Dearmond – Grand Champion
Lyle Winter – Reserve Grand Champion
Tractor Driving Contest
Tucker Dearmond – Grand Champion
Jayden Clark – Reserve Grand Champion
WRITER: Heather Willis, marketing and communications coordinator, hdwillis@illinois.edu, (618) 357-2126
SOURCE: Rhonda Shubert, 4-H program coordinator, rkshuber@illinois.edu, (618) 357-2126
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.