DECATUR, Ill. — Nine 4-H members from DeWitt, Macon, and Piatt counties showcased their livestock knowledge at the 2025 State Livestock 4-H Skillathon Contest on Nov. 8 at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Stock Pavilion. Three participants finished in the top ten in their respective age divisions.
The Livestock Skillathon tests youth through a series of written quizzes, identification challenges, and evaluation exercises, while a lunchtime workshop further strengthened their applied livestock science skills.
“The Skillathon gives young people the chance to deepen their knowledge while building confidence in real-world livestock skills,” said Shelby Carlson, 4-H youth development educator. “Events like this show just how hard these youth work all year long.”
Delaney Crouch finished in the top ten in the junior division. Delaney is a member of Macon County’s Maroa Livestock 4-H Club.
Preston Howell and Lexi Merriman finished in the top 10 for the Senior Division. Howell is a member of DeWitt County’s Salt Creek Clovers, and Merriman, also from DeWitt County, is a member of Rebel Riders 4-H Club.
“Each year, I am impressed by the dedication these youth bring to the contest,” added Myla Munro, 4-H youth development educator. “Whether they’re brand new or experienced participants, the Skillathon helps them grow as problem-solvers and deepens their animal science knowledge.”
This event is hosted by the State 4-H Livestock Ambassador Team, in partnership with the University of Illinois Department of Animal Sciences, and is designed to help youth build the knowledge and skills needed for the Superior Young Producers Skillathon, held annually at the Illinois State Fair.
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 700 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 six program areas — 4-H youth development, agriculture and agribusiness, community and economic development, family and consumer science, integrated health disparities, and natural resources, environment, and energy.