SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – A pair of new record were set at the 2018 Governor’s Sale of Champions Tuesday night at the Illinois State Fair. Each year, this marquee event of the Ag Day festivities showcases the hard work and dedication of youth in the agriculture industry.
In addition to being spotlighted before a full crowd at the Livestock Center on Tuesday night, these Grand Champion and Reserve Grand Champion exhibitors receive a portion of the proceeds from the sale of their animal. Many exhibitors use the money for their college education or invest it back into projects for next year.
“These youth exhibitors are the future of Illinois agriculture, which is our state’s number one industry,” said Raymond Poe, Director of the Illinois Department of Agriculture. “As agribusiness continues to grow and evolve, these kids will be educated and qualified to fill the industry needs. At the Department of Ag, we’re encouraging these young leaders to stay involved here in their home state to lead the ag industry.”
CME Group, Compeer Financial, and the Illinois 4-H Foundation also realize the importance of education, which is why they collectively donated $65,000 in scholarships to this year’s Sale of Champions. Thanks to these generous contributions, each of our Grand Champion exhibitors will go home with $6,000 in scholarships to further their careers in Illinois agriculture. Reserve Grand Champion exhibitors will also receive a portion of the proceeds from this evening’s sale.
Two new records were set at tonight’s Sale of Champions:
• The 2018 Grand Champion Honey sold for $2,600, breaking the previous record of $850. This year’s Grand Champion Honey was exhibited by Nancy Sweet, of Chatham. Nancy says she’s been a longtime gardener and is currently a master gardener intern. Nancy says she plans to donate all proceeds from tonight’s sale to Alzheimer’s Disease research.
• The sale of the 2018 Grand Champion and Grand Champion Land of Lincoln Meat Goat Wether set a new record at $11,300, breaking the previous record of $11,050. Chase Tomhave of Jacksonville exhibited the winning Meat Goat Wether. Chase will be a Freshman at Illinois College, majoring in ag business management. After college, he plans to return to the family farm to work with his dad and brother in farm real estate or crop insurance.
Please see attached for complete results of the 2018 Commodity Auction and the 2018 Governor’s Sale of Champions. It should be noted that the goats, sheep, barrows, and steers are being donated to the University of Illinois College of ACES.