A Salute to 4-H Grand Champions

Indiana’s 4-H members are a defining factor in the Indiana State Fair’s commitment to youth and agriculture.  For 4-Hers, the State Fair is the finale to a year-round commitment to their projects. The fair’s 4-H livestock shows come to an end with the Grand Champion Drive, a very special night for 4-Hers.

For those of you not familiar with the 4-H world, the Grand Champion Drive is a livestock show for the best of the best. During the fair, judges choose a champion animal from each breed. These champions then move on to compete against the other breed winners in their species in the Grand Champion Drive.  During the drive, a judge selects one animal to be the Grand Champion. 

The Grand Champion, the Reserve Grand Champion and the other qualifying animals will participate in the Sale of Champions this Saturday, August 11.

Congratulations to all Grand Champions in the 2012 Grand Champion Drive!

 

Barrows: Crossbred

Evan Gilliland, LaGrange County

Gilts: Duroc

Alida Jackson, Hendricks County

Heifers: Simmental

Claire Trennepohl, Henry County

Steers: Chianina

Cole Wilcox, Lawrence County

Market Goats: Middle Weight

Bradyn Ford, Benton County

Market Lambs: Black Face Market

Justin Wiloughby, Hamilton County

Ten year 4-H member and Westfield High School graduate Justin Willoughby can’t imagine his last year of 4-H having a better ending.

“He’s one of the best we’ve ever shown but when I was waiting for the judge to make his decision, I was so nervous,” Willoughby said. “I just kept hoping the judge would walk toward me and when he did it felt pretty awesome.” 

Willoughby also won the Grand Champion title in 2007.