SPARTA, 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 Randolph County livestock and animal shows are:
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 Dairy Cattle
Harris Ehlers (Campbell Hill)- Grand Champion and 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
Isac Smith (Chester) - Grand Champion
Breanna Autry (Evansville) - Reserve Grand Champion
Breeding Meat Goat
Loughlyn Kurtz (Sparta) - Grand Champion
Lily Lehde (Sparta) - Reserve Grand Champion
Market Goat
Lawson Kurtz (Sparta) - Grand Champion
Lily Lehde (Sparta) - Reserve Grand Champion
Breeding Sheep
Jada Nelson (Ellis Grove) - Grand Champion
Isac Smith (Chester) - Reserve Grand Champion
Market Sheep
Lily Lehde (Sparta) - Grand Champion
Logan Lehde (Sparta) - Reserve Grand Champion
Cat
Alaina Smith (Ruma) - Champion
Lily Lehde (Sparta) - Reserve Champion
Dog
Logan Lehde (Sparta) - Champion
Nickole Weber (Coulterville) - Reserve Champion
Poultry
Isac Smith (Chester) - Grand Champion
Breanna Autry (Evansville) - Reserve Grand Champion
Poultry Meat Pen
Nickole Weber (Coulterville)- Grand Champion
Riley Smith (Ruma)- Reserve Champion
Poultry (Egg Production)
Riley Smith (Ruma) - Best in Show
Meat Pen Rabbits
Riley Smith (Ruma)- Grand Champion
Isac Smith (Chester) - Reserve Grand Champion
Rabbits
Riley Smith (Ruma) - Grand Champion
Alaina Smith (Ruma) - 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.