Beef Expo real-life learning for students of all ages

Mar 09, 2023

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — For Ty Kenney, his first visit to the Illinois Beef Expo was successful on all levels.

The Illinois Central College student fulfilled all the requirements for his Livestock Production class project. And, his confidence in choosing a good bull was confirmed. For his assignment, after doing research, he chose the bull which sold for the most at the Illinois Performance Tested Bull Sale event at the state fairgrounds in Springfield on Feb. 23.

“I was able to find what I wanted,” said Kenney of Brimfield, in Peoria County, near the college in East Peoria.

He and three other students participated in the project designed by their teacher, Grant Grebner, to give them real-life experience at a bull sale.

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Video: Shearing Delay Leads To Kingston 4H Sheep Show!

What started as a disappointment turned into a day full of surprises, fun, and celebration as we leave Ewetopia Farms behind and head out to the Kingston Fair to watch the 4H sheep show

Today’s vlog was supposed to be another sheep shearing day here at Ewetopia Farms, but when our shearer had to cancel, we suddenly found ourselves with an unexpected free day. Lucky for us, the Kingston Fair was happening — and some of our own sheep (and friends) were competing!

We brought along our shearing helper and headed to the fairgrounds to cheer on the 4H kids and see how our sheep did in the show. From last-minute preparations and sheep showmanship to market lamb competitions and ewe classes, we take you behind the scenes of what it’s really like at a country fair.

We couldn’t be prouder — our girls walked away with wins in both showmanship and breeding ewe classes! Afterwards, we toured the fair, met a beekeeper with fascinating insights, admired other livestock shows, and wrapped up the evening with motocross stunts and a demolition derby!

Sometimes farm life throws curveballs — but today, it gave us the chance to celebrate community, our sheep, and the next generation of shepherds.