Chambana Sun

Illinois 4-H members took part in the 2025 State 4-H Livestock Skillathon Contest at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Stock Pavilion on November 8. The event brought together youth ages 8 to 18 from across Illinois, who competed in junior, intermediate, and senior divisions.

Participants faced a range of challenges, including written quizzes, identification exercises, and evaluation tasks. A workshop held during lunch allowed attendees to further develop 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.”

The top ten finishers were recognized in each division. In the Junior Division, Joel Crider (McLean County), Delaney Crouch (Macon County), Adelyn Earing (McLean County), Harper Shike (Champaign County), Clara Chappell (Kankakee County), Layla Bowyer (Madison County), Raylon Schreiner (Logan County), Eli Earing (McLean County), Scarlett Schleich (Knox County), and Maeve Tolley (Knox County) received honors.

Intermediate Division top finishers included Charles Thurman (Knox County), Annabelle Sutter (McLean County), Mackenzie Hornbostel (Washington County), Ava Faber (Livingston County), Sydney Williams (Edwards County), Ainsley Pollard (Boone County), Anna Bremer (Johnson County), Carter Mettler (Madison County), Cara Brinkmeier (Stephenson County) and Lora Setterdahl (Knox County).

In the Senior Division, Abigail Wamsley of Christian County led the group along with Preston Howell of DeWitt County, Will Deters of Cumberland County, Kalen Setterdahl of Knox County, Addison Duis of Menard County, Carter Joiner of Macoupin County, Lexi Merriman of DeWitt County, Paige Martin of McLean County, DeLana Robinson of Macoupin County and Grace Kaisner of Livingston county.

“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.”

The contest is organized by the State 4-H Livestock Ambassador Team alongside the University’s Department of Animal Sciences. It aims to prepare participants for further competitions such as the Superior Young Producers Skillathon at the Illinois State Fair.

Illinois 4-H operates under University of Illinois Extension within the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences. The program provides hands-on experiences intended to help young people gain skills for higher education and future careers across various fields. Research indicates that those involved with 4-H are more likely than peers to pursue higher education or technical training and serve in military roles.

For additional information about this event or Illinois 4-H programming contact Myla Munro or Shelby Carlson at their university email addresses.