At this year's Illinois State Fair, the competitive spirit was palpable as young livestock exhibitors showcased their skills, but for several of them, the fair yielded more than just ribbons—it brought scholarships from CME Group, the world's leading derivatives marketplace. The company awarded $5,000 scholarships to each Grand Champion livestock exhibitor and $1,000 scholarships to each Illinois 4-H Skillathon champion, continuing its decade-long investment in agricultural education.
Over the past ten years, CME Group, which offers benchmark agriculture markets across grains, oilseeds, and livestock, has contributed more than $500,000 to support young farmers and ranchers in Illinois. This funding helps students develop the skills necessary to manage agribusiness risk throughout their careers, a critical competency in an industry facing increasing volatility and global challenges.
“The rising generation of agricultural producers represents the future of the industry, and it is a privilege to support these students as they build their skills and knowledge,” said John Ricci, Global Head of Agricultural Products at CME Group. “Agriculture is at the heart of what we do at CME Group, and we are committed to investing in those who will feed our communities for years to come.”
The 2026 Grand Champion scholarship recipients include Austin Ater (Champaign County), Brenna Dryer (Woodford County), Kashen Ellerbrock (Henry County), McKlay Gensini (County), Ike Heckman (Putnam County), Eva Lansaw (Morgan County), Payton McKittrick (Pike County), Ashley Wiegan (Woodford County), and Wyatt Zehr (Livingston County). These individuals demonstrated exceptional skill and dedication in livestock exhibition, earning recognition for their hard work.
Similarly, the 2026 Skillathon scholarship winners include Macie Bartlow (McDonough County), Evan Beal (Clinton County), Will Deters (Cumberland County), Addison Duis (Menard County), Emersyn Harms (Woodford County), Claire Kuipers (McLean County), Caiden Littiken (Clinton County), Calum Shanks (Christian County), and Reagan Shike (Mercer County). Their knowledge in agricultural science and animal husbandry was tested in the Skillathon competition, and their success highlights the depth of talent among Illinois youth.
These scholarships not only reward individual achievement but also strengthen the agricultural workforce by encouraging young people to pursue careers in farming and ranching. As the industry faces an aging farmer population and the need for innovation, such investments are vital. By supporting education, CME Group is helping to ensure that the next generation is equipped to handle the complexities of modern agriculture, from market fluctuations to sustainable practices.
For more information about CME Group's agricultural initiatives, visit CME Group.
