Chambana Sun

Illinois 4-H members participated in the 2024 State Livestock Judging Contest at the University of Illinois campus on June 17. Instead of leading animals, these young members served as judges, evaluating cattle, hogs, and sheep based on breed characteristics, physical conformation and structure, and gain efficiency.

While livestock is the focus of the program, participants also develop various skills throughout their involvement. Team coaches provide technical judging instruction and emphasize positive youth development during year-round preparation.

Members of the State 4-H livestock team will advance to national competition at the North American International Livestock Expo in November. Additional tryouts this summer will determine team members.

The results of the 2024 Illinois 4-H Livestock Judging Contest are as follows:

High Teams Overall Senior Division: Christian County secured first place, followed by Champaign County in second place. Livingston/McLean/Woodford County #1 took third place, Coles County came in fourth place, and Livingston/McLean/Woodford County #2 finished fifth.

High Individuals Overall Senior Division: Olivia Shike from Champaign County achieved first place. Hannah Miller from Livingston County earned second place, Waylon Paulek from Christian County placed third, Kashen Ellerbrock from Henry County was fourth, Ryker Beckmier from Christian County was fifth. Emma Pistorius from Christian County came sixth; Jace Judson from Coles County seventh; Chloee Grant from Christian County eighth; Hunter Shike from Champaign County ninth; and Conley Schick from Champaign County tenth.

High Teams Overall Junior Division: Champaign County #2 claimed first place. Knox County took second place; Christian County secured third; Champaign County #1 was fourth; Jersey County rounded out the top five.

High Individuals Overall Junior Division: Kinley Beyers from Champaign County won first place. Alexis Main from Knox County earned second place; Landon Loschen from Champaign placed third; Maci Brooks from Warren came fourth; Calum Shanks from Christian was fifth. Makenna Glander from Boone was sixth; Addison Young from Livingston seventh; Lucas Loschen eighth; Lucy Boes ninth; Levi Paulek tenth.

The Illinois 4-H Foundation and Illinois Farm Bureau support livestock judging teams participating in national competitions.

Source: Dan Jennings, 4-H Youth Development Extension Educator

Writer: Carissa Nelson, Media Communications Manager

About Illinois 4-H:

Illinois 4-H is a youth development program administered through the University of Illinois Extension's College of Agriculture, Consumer, and Environmental Sciences. The program aims to empower youth for life today and prepare them for future careers through hands-on learning experiences that promote community contribution, healthy choices, civic activity, and STEM participation.