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show progress through increased participation. Specifically, we moved away from hip height to weight classifications, added more steer and heifer breeds and classes, installed professional backdrops by Showtimes, Inc., engaged the professional livestock photography services of Cindy Cagwin- Johnston, and relocated championship drives to the Livestock Center and Coliseum to spotlight our Junior Exhibitors. At the end of summer 2010, I retired from University of Illinois Extension and General Livestock Superintendent Dr. Brian Sager invited me to join the Junior Dairy Show Staff and additionally assume responsibilities as Assistant General Livestock Superintendent. In 2016, the State Fair Manager invited Brian and myself to extend these roles to the DuQuoin State Fair. We have continued to serve in these roles at both state fairs for the past ten years. My 46 years with the State Fairs in Illinois have been some of the most rewarding and educational experiences of my life. While they have required tireless
pon graduation from the University of Illinois in May 1979, I accepted the position of Assistant Agriculture Extension Adviser with the U of I Cooperative Extension Service in Coles County. That began my ‘career’ and involvement with the Illinois Department of Agriculture and Illinois State Fair. The Open Swine Superintendent in the late 70’s was Harold ‘PORK’ Lanman of Coles County and he recruited me as Assistant Swine Superintendent of the Open Swine Show. I served in that position for three years and was then invited to serve as Assistant Junior Beef Superintendent. In 2005, I started my next assignment as Superintendent of the Junior Beef Show. I am proud of the many accomplishments we have made in departmental policies, show expansion and efficiencies, greater opportunities for Junior Exhibitors, and
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