The 2019 Illinois State Fair is rolling through its 11-day run in Springfield, where fairgoers have gathered to show livestock, celebrate agriculture and see old friends.
Director John Sullivan and the Illinois Department of Agriculture hosted the annual Ag Day breakfast on Aug. 13 in the Orr Building, where centennial and bicentennial farms were recognized from across Illinois.
For the first time in many years, the annual Sale of Champions was again held in the newly renovated Coliseum of Champions. Champions for a variety of species and products were auctioned off, and exhibitors received a portion of their sales, plus scholarships from the CME Group, which donated $50,000 in scholarships; each of the 10 grand champion exhibitors receives a $5,000 scholarship. In addition, each reserve grand champion winner receives a $1,000 scholarship.
Sale results:
Champion rabbit market pen shown by Owen Pree, sold for $4,000 to George Obernagel and Agrivest Farm Management
Champion poultry market pen shown by Faith Foster, sold for $5,000 to McDonald’s Group: Dave and Julie Embry, Paul and Mary Breznay, McGraw Enterprises, Davis Family
Champion meat goat wether shown by Tara Hummel, sold for $5,500 to RD Lawrence, Selvaggio Steel, Felmley Dickerson Co. and AgriGold
Champion wether lamb shown by Carter Hoge, sold for $8,500 to North American Midway Entertainment
Champion barrow shown by Claire Bobell, sold for $25,000 to CME Group
Champion steer shown by Cole Caldwell, sold for $75,000 to MK Pritzker
IDOA changed the distribution of monies from the Sale of Champions two years ago and used the same formula this year. Here’s how auction dollars are shared:
50% of the auction funds go to the grand champion junior exhibitor
15% goes to the reserve champion junior exhibitor
15% is divided evenly among the exhibitors of other breed champions
10% goes to the Illinois 4-H Foundation
10% goes to the Illinois FFA Foundation
Check out the slideshow for a look at kids, livestock and more at the 2019 Illinois State Fair.
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