Being in the Governor's Sale of Champions is something all livestock exhibitors dream about. Each year, this marquee event showcases the hard work and dedication of the youth in the agriculture industry.

Governor JB Pritzker and First Lady MK Pritzker took home the Grand Champion Steer for the fourth year in row, donating $105,000 towards the purchase of the animal and tying the record Frist Lady MK Pritzker set in 2021. The Governor and First Lady also encouraged others at the Sale of Champions to make donations to go towards all of the champion exhibitors to further the advancement of youth in agriculture.

In addition to being spotlighted before the crowd on Wednesday night, these Grand Champion exhibitors, along with the Reserve Grand Champion exhibitors, will receive a portion of the proceeds from the sale of their animal. The exhibitors use the funds towards their college education or invest it back into projects for next year.

"These exhibitors are the future of agriculture in our state and represent the best of the best," said Jerry Costello II, Director, Illinois Department of Agriculture. "The Sale of Champions is the cherry on top of the Illinois State Fair. To see our youth in agriculture rewarded for the work that they put into these animals is my favorite aspect of the Illinois State Fair."

Source: illinois.gov

Photo Credit: gettyimage-jamesbrey