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By: Kennin Smith
at the North American International Livestock Exposition in Louisville, Kentucky. He has served as superintendent of the contest since 2000 and still enjoys the contest and comradery with numerous friends during his time at the North American. Larry spends from Labor Day to Thanksgiving, 82 days on average, ‘putting the contest together’ (getting officials and teams and sponsors and numerous other details aligned) or ‘putting it to bed’ (sending thank you notes, re-connecting with sponsors and the North American, and finalizing results). As time is also required at other times of the year, one cannot truly estimate the vast numbers of hours Larry has spent over the
years in preparation and conclusion of this contest. However, and whatever it is, it is a large number of unpaid and underappreciated, selfless and caring hours. In serving in 47 contests, and averaging 120 students per contest, Larry has used his skills and passion to assist over 5,000 young people participate in one of the truly excellent and unique judging contests anyplace in the world. If you combine this number with the 45 years and hundreds of participants and families each year at the Illinois State Fair, plus the crowds in attendance at these shows or those watching online at home, Larry has helped spread a positive message for agriculture as well as
helping tens of thousands of people during his lifetime of service, and still counting. This summer, Dr. Wilson will step down from the Illinois State Fair positions he has held so long and so well. In addition to his time at the Illinois State Fair and the North American, Larry Wilson has also served the Illinois Shorthorn and Junior Shorthorn Associations for over 20 years. He has also volunteered for the USA Olympic Committ and other international sporting event organizations during that same span of time. Larry does nothing half-heartedly, but will full gusto for life and others. ●
Dr. Larry Wilson may have put in as many hours or more for youth development events as anyone in the nation since 1979; many of them volunteer hours, and most livestock and leadership oriented. There are few that can rival the tenure and longevity Dr. Wilson has given to innumerable individuals over the past 45 years. This level of dedication alone is worthy of recognition, but this is not all Larry has done to the benefit of agricultural youth. 2025 will mark the 49th year Dr. Wilson has assisted with the Junior Collegiate Judging Contest held
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