2019 Logan County Fair

2019 Logan County Fair LINCOLN DAILY NEWS July 28-August 4, 2019 Page 161 F or 4-H youth showing cattle, the coveted honor is to be the one and only who owns and shows that Grand Champion Steer. At local competitions, winning the prize is a matter of pride and prestige, with a picture in the local papers, plaques from local sponsors and support from the local beef association. That winning title is also sought after for bigger reasons, the opportunity to show at the state fair. And, at the Illinois State Fair the goal is to be in that best of the best category once again, because that qualifies the animal for the Governor’s Sale of Champions. When a kid and his or her animal is good enough to get to that very high honor, it also means getting to the big bucks in showing livestock. At that auction, a 1,000 to 1,200 pound steer has been known to bring in more than $100,000… sometimes much more. That money goes back to the young person who raised the animal and makes for a very nice return on investment that can cover costs of raising the animal and add something to the college fund, or to the nest egg that will someday help that young person become a farm or ranch owner in their own right. But, it all has to start at the local fair. The animal has to compete against others, kids go head-to-head with their peers in raising the animal, working in practice show rings, grooming, and more; then go through the nerve wracking experience of being judged by someone who is considered to be an expert in the field. But it is all worth the effort when the name is called and dreams of the state fair become a reality. This year in Logan County the one chasing his dream to Springfield next week will be Rex Brooks with his Grand Champion Steer. The 4-H Steer Show at the Logan County Fair ran on Thursday morning with Rex showing his animal in the Hereford class and winning Champion Hereford. From there he and the steer waited to the end of all the breed classes, then he went up against the champion of each breed, and again came out in that first place position. The show this year was leaner than it has been in past years, but the quality of animals in the show ring was very high. In the Angus breed Wade Davis had two entries, one in the light weight and one in the medium weight class. He took away the breed champion and reserve champion in his category. Logan County 4-H Steer Show best of the best headed for the Illinois State Fair THURSDAY, AUGUST 1, 2019 CONTINUE