By Andi Anderson
The annual Governor’s Sale of Champions at the Illinois State Fair celebrated the state’s top youth livestock exhibitors, recognizing the hard work, dedication, and skill needed to achieve the title of Grand Champion.
For the sixth consecutive year, Governor JB Pritzker and First Lady MK Pritzker purchased the Grand Champion Steer. Their $105,000 bid will benefit the exhibitor and also help families in need, as the animal will be donated to Feeding Illinois for distribution to food banks statewide.
Illinois Department of Agriculture Director Jerry Costello II praised the effort behind these achievements, noting that reaching Grand Champion status reflects “countless hours of hard work and sacrifice.” Funds from the sale help exhibitors pursue college education or reinvest in future projects.
CME Group purchased the Grand Champion Barrow for $25,000 and contributed an additional $50,000 to the event, supporting $5,000 scholarships for young agricultural leaders.
The event also featured a Commodity Auction showcasing award-winning Illinois products. Champion items ranged from cheese, chocolate milk, and ice cream to bacon, ham, and honey, purchased by supporters including McDonald’s, the Illinois Manufacturers Association, and local farms.
Animal sales included:
- Grand Champion Rabbit Market Pen: $5,500
- Grand Champion Poultry Meat Pen: $8,500
- Land of Lincoln Supreme Champion Dairy Cow: $18,000
- Land of Lincoln Grand Champion Meat Goat: $6,800
- Grand Champion Market Lamb: $8,500
- Land of Lincoln Grand Champion Barrow: $20,000
- Grand Champion Barrow: $25,000
- Land of Lincoln Grand Champion Steer: $70,000
- Grand Champion Steer: $105,000
The Governor’s Sale of Champions not only rewards outstanding exhibitors but also invests in the future of agriculture, providing both recognition and resources to help the next generation succeed.
Photo Credit: illinois-state-fair
Categories: Illinois, Education, Rural Lifestyle