SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Being in the Governor’s Sale of Champions is something all livestock exhibitors dream about.
Each year, the marquee event showcases the hard work and dedication of the youth in the agriculture industry at the Illinois State Fair.
In years past, when the Grand Champion Steer was presented, Gov. JB Pritzker and First Lady MK Pritzker would get into a bidding war, with Mrs. Pritzker always coming out on top. This year, the Pritkzers donated $105,000 towards the purchase of the champion.
“Every year, I stand in awe of our talented youth exhibitors, each of whom have dedicated their lives to raising the finest livestock all in the Land of Lincoln. Few exemplify that more than the person who raised this year’s Grand Champion Steer, Kashen Ellerbrock,” Gov. Pritzker said.
Ellerbrock is from Atkinson, Illinois, in Henry County.
The public was also asked if they wanted to make donations, with the proceeds to be split among all the Grand Champion winners.
The exhibitors use the funds towards their college education or invest it back into projects for next year.
