Governor's Sale Of Champions Raises Cash To Support FFA And 4H Programs

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. - The Governor's Sale of Champions, the annual auction of prize-winning Illinois State Fair livestock, raised more than $100,000 Tuesday night. Proceeds from the event will be split between the junior producers who raised the animals and the state's FFA and 4H youth education programs.

Ogden teen Brandon Wyatt's grand champion steer, Roscoe, a 1,321 pound AOB Key, sold for the most money, $35,000.  The winning bid was placed by a Springfield physician, Dr. Margaret MacGregor.  Dr. MacGregor and her husband own and operate Holders Hill Farm near Auburn, Ill.  Together they raise various livestock, including Trakehner horses, a breed well-suited for competition.

"Medicine is my profession, but horses are my passion," MacGregor said.  "I am blessed to live in a community that allows me to do what I love each and everyday.  Good luck to all the members of FFA and 4H.  Keep up the good work!"

Dr. MacGregor also is a supporter of the Youth Charity Horse Show held each fall on the Illinois State Fairgrounds.

Two other grand champions sold for more than $10,000.  Brandt Consolidated and Friends of Land of Lincoln Breeders purchased the Land of Lincoln Grand Champion Steer exhibited by Kyle Walsh of Jerseyville for $18,500.  And, DEKALB, Asgrow and Monsanto combined to buy the Grand Champion Barrow for $18,000.  The barrow was shown by Dylan Decker of Atkinson.

The junior producers who raised the champion animals receive 80 percent of the sales price.  The remaining 20 percent is divided equally between FFA and 4H. 

A list of the animals sold at the auction as well as their owners, the purchasers, and the amount that each animal sold for follows:

SEVERAL INDIVIDUALS AND GROUPS RECOGNIZED AT AG DAY LUNCHEON

During Agriculture Day festivities on the Director's Lawn today, awards were presented to outstanding farm families, groups and individuals.  A list of the award winners follows: