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Indiana Farm Bureau continues to support ag youth at the state fair

Indiana Farm Bureau remains committed to the next generation of the agricultural leaders.

Becca Bonnell, INFB youth engagement coordinator, says the organization is proud to support 4-H youth livestock competitions again at this year’s Indiana State Fair.

“Exhibitors are day in and day out putting the work in to their animals and their different projects, and they ultimately are the next generation of leaders for not only farm bureau but the ag industry,” she says. “So, what better way than to continue to help promote and be part of their experience in agriculture so they can grow and be part of the industry and make sure they know that INFB is always going to be a resource for them as they continue their career in agriculture through college and whatever they may do post-graduation.”

INFB is the presenting sponsor of the Exhibitor Experience for livestock exhibitors, and all showmanship contests, awarding prizes for swine, sheep, beef cattle, dairy cattle, and Supreme Showmanship.

“Awards and prizes for showmanship range from INFB tumblers, luggage bags, director’s chairs, and more,” she says. “It’s really giving the kids a new experience and different giveaway items that they may not normally get.”  

And on Sunday evening, INFB sponsored the 4-H Supreme Drive.

The Supreme Drive features all female breeding animals, including gilts, ewes, heifers, and cows, recognizing the best breeding stock Indiana has to offer.

Supreme Champions are:

• Supreme Champion Gilt: Hadley Hendrickson, Crossbred, Randolph County
• Supreme Champion Ewe: Jackson Ritter, Hampshire, Hamilton County
• Supreme Champion Junior Heifer: Caylee Bachelor, Jersey, Steuben County
• Supreme Champion Senior Cow: Bryce Kuehnert, Holstein, Whitley County

Reserve Supreme Champions are:

• Reserve Supreme Champion Gilt: Shelby Martin, Berkshire, Monroe County
• Reserve Supreme Champion Ewe: Alexis Koch, Texel, Franklin County
• Reserve Supreme Champion Junior Heifer: Ashlynn Oliger, Brown Swiss, Wayne County
• Reserve Supreme Champion Senior Cow: Dillon Freeman, Ayrshire, St. Joseph County

Top placing 4-H members from the Supreme Drive will be recognized at the 2021 Indiana State Fair Celebration of Champions event at 6 p.m. on August 22 in the Indiana Farmers Coliseum.

Click here for more information about Indiana Farm Bureau and click here for information about the Indiana State Fair.