The 2026 Governor’s Sale of Champions at the Illinois State Fair was another resounding success for the state’s top youth livestock exhibitors.
Jerry Costello, Director of the Illinois Department of Agriculture, says the results of the sale are a reward for the hard work and dedication displayed by ag’s next generation.
“We were at $296,000, I think, total last year.” He says, “I believe we’re going to be just over that, so a record-setting year. Everything we can invest back into our youth in agriculture pays 20-fold in the future for this industry.”
For the seventh year in a row, the Governor purchased the Grand Champion Steer, which will be donated to Feeding Illinois and distributed to a food bank to support families in need. McKlay Gensini, of Putnam County and owner of the Grand Champion steer, says her portion of the $105,000 contribution is life changing. “I’m probably going to either use it to buy my first car or I’m going to use it definitely for college.” She says, “I think I am going to take over my family business that my parents have, an excavating business.”
Costello says several exhibitors also walked away with $5,000 scholarships.
“CME Group does a great job of making those donations that go to those scholarships,” he says.
EDITOR’S TAKE:
It is always heartwarming to see all the hard work and dedication of young exhibitors being rewarded with record-setting prices for their animals. Illinois is simply one example of the generosity we see across this great country from businesses and donors who compete to be the high bidder for these championship animals. It does inspire more youth to work hard and try to earn top honors next year. Congratulations to all the winners across the U.S.!
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