Chambana Sun

The 2024 Superior Young Dairy Producer Award (SYDPA) took place on August 18 during the Illinois State Fair. Eighteen 4-H dairy project members from across Illinois participated, aiming for one of three $1,000 scholarships.

The contest's goal is to provide an educational activity that fosters youth development and personal growth through enhanced knowledge of the dairy industry. This competition consists of three phases focusing on participants' understanding of the dairy sector.

This year's scholarships, sponsored by Prairie Farms Dairy, were awarded to Ethan Marcoot from Bond County, Kamber Kilgus from Livingston County, and Amanda Niemann from Montgomery County.

Plaques were given to the top three in each phase and overall winners. Sponsors included Land of Lincoln Purebred Livestock Breeders Association and Illinois State Fair.

The first phase involved a dairy management test covering nutrition, herd health, reproduction, milk marketing, and other topics. The top performers were Ethan Marcoot, Kamber Kilgus, and Amanda Niemann.

In the second phase, a skill-a-thon required contestants to identify feeds, records information, and equipment. Top contestants included Ethan Marcoot, Samantha Heinzmann from Clinton County, and Amanda Niemann.

The third phase was a judging contest involving animal selection by placing classes of dairy cows and heifers. Leading this phase were Ethan Marcoot, Kelly O’Connor from McLean County, and Kinzie Kestner from Livingston County.

Illinois Dairy Extension awarded top juniors in the judging contest: Ava Faber from Livingston County, Kyle Clanton from Fayette County, and Lauren Burkhart from McLean County.

Celebrating its 29th year, the program has provided $129,000 in scholarships since inception. Derek Nolan coordinates it as part of his role with the 4-H Extension Dairy Program.

The event also hosted the Illinois State 4-H Dairy Judging Contest to select representatives for national competitions. Representing Illinois at the National 4-H Dairy Judging Contest will be Kamber Kilgus, Samantha Heinzmann, Kelly O’Connor, and Alania Dinderman. They will also compete in Harrisburg at another national contest.

Illinois 4-H is managed by University of Illinois Extension under its College of Agriculture. It aims to empower youth with skills for life today and careers tomorrow through hands-on learning experiences.