SPARTA, Ill. – Local youth were excited to gather in the show barn at the Perry County Fairgrounds earlier this week to exhibit beef, swine, sheep, and goats during the annual 4-H Livestock Show. 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 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.
Breeding Beef
Isac Smith (Chester) - Grand Champion and Reserve Grand Champion
Market Beef
Nickole Weber (Coulterville) - Grand Champion
Isac Smith (Chester) - Reserve Grand Champion
Breeding Swine
Nickole Weber (Coulterville) - Grand Champion
Isac Smith (Chester) - Reserve Grand Champion
Market Swine
Nickole Weber (Coulterville) - Grand Champion
Lawson Kurtz (Sparta) - Reserve Grand Champion
Breeding Dairy Goat
Breanna Autry (Evansville) - Grand Champion
Breeding Meat Goat
Logan Lehde (Sparta) - Grand Champion
Lily Lehde (Sparta) - Reserve Grand Champion
Market Goat
Logan Lehde (Sparta) - Grand Champion
Jada Nelson (Sparta) - Reserve Grand Champion
Breeding Sheep
Isac Smith (Chester) - Grand Champion
Logan Lehde (Sparta) - Reserve Grand Champion
Market Sheep
Logan Lehde (Sparta) - Grand Champion
Isac Smith (Chester) - Reserve Grand Champion
Cat
Alaina Smith (Ruma) – Best in Show
Dog
Loughlyn Kurtz (Sparta) – Best in Show
Small Pet
Alaina Smith (Ruma)- Best in Show
Poultry
Isac Smith (Chester) - Grand Champion
Isac Smith (Chester) - Reserve Grand Champion
Poultry Meat Pen
Nickole Weber (Coulterville)- Grand Champion
Isac Smith (Chester)- Reserve Champion
Poultry (Egg Production)
Breanna Autry (Evansville) - Best in Show
Meat Pen Rabbits
Alaina Smith (Ruma)- Grand Champion
Chase Smith (Ruma) - Reserve Grand Champion
Rabbits
Alaina Smith (Ruma) - Grand Champion
Isac Smith (Chester) - Reserve Grand Champion
WRITER: Heather Willis, marketing and communications coordinator, hdwillis@illinois.edu, (618) 357-2126
SOURCE: Michaela Castens, 4-H program coordinator, mes379@illinois.edu, (618) 443-4364
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.