A Salem Community High School sophomore ended the State Fair Livestock Competition with the overall Land of Lincoln Reserve steer.
Kaolin Lewis earlier won reserve overall for the Simmental breed and was grand champion in the Land of Lincoln Simmental competition. Lewis also showed a Charolais Heifer that was also a grand champion. Lewis is in her fifth year showing at the state fair and is a seven-year member of the Marion County Pioneers 4-H club.
Kaolin Lewis of Salem in the Hall of Champions at the State Fair.
Blake Hanke of Centralia won 4th place overall for his steer.
Behrmann Meat and Processing in Albers had the champion cooked bratwurst. It was sold at the Sale of Champions to Brian Engelmann of Weeke Sales and Service for $1,800.
State Agriculture Director Jerry Costello says earning the title of Grand Champion is the pinnacle of excellence in livestock exhibition. Reaching this level means countless hours of hard work and sacrifice. Costello says to see our youth in agriculture recognized for the effort that they put into these animals is beyond gratifying.
