A Good Work Ethic. Dedication. Responsibility. Care. Passion. Confidence. Love for Animals.
After years of showing livestock at the DeKalb County 4-H Fair, these experienced young people share what they learned in and out of the show ring. They are nearing the end of their 4-H show days. Farm Bureau salutes these 4-H members for their dedication to animal agriculture.
Austin Arndt
Age: 18
Hometown: Malta
4-H Club: Malta Mustangs
Number of Years Showing: 10 years
Animals Shown: Pigs
My Experiences: “Showing livestock has taught me RESPONSIBILITY and going to the fair has given me the opportunity to meet new people that I wouldn’t have met otherwise. It has been an experience that will never go away because of the great people I have gotten to work with and gotten to know in 4-H.”
Jacob Beauchem
Age: 19
Hometown: Lee
4-H Club: Shabbona Pioneers
Number of Years Showing: 11 years
Animals Shown: Beef cattle & pigs
My Experiences: “I’ve learned a lot over the years showing cattle. I still remember working with my first steer over a decade ago. He was my best friend, and then every year I was able to make a new best friend, sometimes even multiple animal friends. The point being: showing cattle has taught me to care for something, and what it means to have a RESPONSIBILITY and a purpose.”
Matthew Drake
Age: 18
Hometown: Clare
4-H Club: Parke Victory
Number of Years Showing: 10 years
Animals Shown: Beef cattle & pigs
My Experiences: “Through my years of showing livestock I have learned a lot. Caring for animals has taught me RESPONSIBILITY and DEDICATION. I have developed a strong WORK ETHIC and furthered my passion for agriculture.”
Tomi Harrod
Age: 18
Hometown: Hinckley
4-H Club: Hinckley Harvestors
Number of Years Showing: 10 years
Animals Shown: Boer goats
My Experiences: “It’s impossible to explain the RESPONSIBILITY, DEDICATION, grit, and determination I have gained from raising a breeding herd of Boer goats. I have put genuine blood, sweat, and tears into this project for the last 10 years, and although it has proven to be difficult more often than not, I wouldn’t change any of my experiences for the world.”
Amber Pigott
Age: 19
Hometown: Esmond
4-H Club: Shabbona Pioneers
Number of Years Showing: 11 years
Animals Shown: Beef, sheep, pigs, goats, rabbits & chickens
My Experiences: “4-H has changed my life in so many ways and has shaped me into the person I am today. It has helped me develop a LOVE FOR ANIMALS and be able to become an advocate for agriculture. I am truly grateful for all the experiences and friendships 4-H has provided for me. I would not be the same person I am today without them.”
Logan Roach
Age: 18
Hometown: DeKalb
4-H Club: Malta Mustangs
Number of Years Showing: 5 years
Animals Shown: Sheep & pigs
My Experiences: “Steve Jobs once said, ‘The only way to do great work is to love what you do.’ This quote describes my experiences in 4-H because I have been able to find PASSION in showing sheep and pigs. With this, I have been able to be successful through hard work. I have spent numerous late nights at the barn to be able to do great work.”
Katie Schilling
Age: 19
Hometown: Earlville
4-H Club: Shabbona Pioneers
Number of Years Showing: 10 years
Animals Shown: Poultry & goats
My Experiences: “4-H gave me the foundation to build and watch myself grow into a more CONFIDENT and knowledgeable individual.”
McKenna Sell
Age: 19
Hometown: Sycamore
4-H Club: Malta Mustangs
Number of Years Showing: 8 years
Animals Shown: Horses & beef cattle
My Experiences: “Showing livestock animals in 4-H has taught me many life skills such keeping good records, providing good details in records, staying organized, etc. I feel these are very important SKILLS and I continue to apply them at my work in a livestock industry (horses specifically) and in my personal life. I want to thank my parents for being such a good, strong influence in my 4-H career and for the many leaders that have helped me throughout 4-H.”
Austin Suddeth
Age: 19
Hometown: Steward
4-H Club: Shabbona Pioneers
Number of Years Showing: 11 years
Animals Shown: Pigs
My Experiences: “4-H has given me many learning opportunities over the years, all of which will last a lifetime. The most important lesson is making sure that the animal is healthy and WELL CARED for. Showing at the fairs has been a great experience and I have always looked forward to the next.”
Trevor Yaeger
Age: 18
Hometown: DeKalb
4-H Club: Green Meadows
Number of Years Showing: 10 years
Animals Shown: Chickens, goats, pigs & cattle
My Experiences: “Throughout my years of showing and raising livestock, I’ve learned a lot about and from my animals. The most prominent things I’ve learned from my animals is RESPONSIBILITY, and DEDICATION. From getting up early to feed, to getting the animals ready for the show ring, there’s no other way I would have wanted to spend my years growing up in 4-H.”