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University of Illinois Extension serving Henry, Mercer, Rock Island and Stark Counties

Main Office (Rock Island County)
321 W 2nd Avenue
Milan, IL 61264
Phone: 309-756-9978
FAX: 309-756-9987
Email:uie-hmrs@illinois.edu
Hours: Monday-Friday 8:00am to 4:30pm

Branch Office (Henry-Stark County)
26234 Black Hawk Road
Galva, IL 61434
Phone: 309-853-1533
FAX: 309-853-1634
Hours: Monday, Wednesday, Friday 8am to 4:30pm (Closed from 12 - 1 pm)

Branch Office (Mercer County)
2106 SE Third Street
Aledo, IL 61231
Phone: 309-582-5106
FAX: 309-582-7338
Hours: Tuesday & Thursday 8am to 4:30pm (Closed from 12 - 1 pm)

News Release

Accent photo

GRAND CHAMPION STEER SELECTED

August 13, 2012

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Hard work paid off for Mercer County teen A.J. Line at Saturday's Junior Steer Show when Line's crossbred steer was chosen as the grand champion of the 2012 Illinois State Fair.

"It was a dream come true and everything I had been working hard for," Line, 16, said.

When Line's steer was chosen grand champion, the show ring erupted with cheers.

"I was nervous," Line said as he awaited the judge's decision. "I was hoping he was the one they would pick."

Line is from Seaton, Ill. and a member of the Kimel 4-H Club and Mercer County FFA Chapter. He has been showing livestock for eleven years. Line is the son of Todd and Joyce Line.

Line's steer will be sold Tuesday in the Sale of Champions, an auction of the fair's grand champion junior livestock. He said he already has plans for his money.

"It'll go straight to college and next year's steer," Line said. Last year's steer raised more than $51,000.

The Governor's Sale of Champions will begin at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday evening in the Livestock Center. Preceding the sale will an auction of prize-winning commodities.

Local Contact: Cheryl Geitner, Extension Educator, 4-H Youth Development, cgeitner@illinois.edu