At this year's Illinois State Fair, a new generation of livestock exhibitors showcased their skills, and CME Group, the world's leading derivatives marketplace, stepped in to support their educational journeys. The company awarded $5,000 scholarships to each Grand Champion livestock exhibitor and $1,000 scholarships to each Illinois 4-H Skillathon champion, continuing a decade-long tradition of investing in young farmers and ranchers.
Over the past ten years, CME Group has contributed more than $500,000 to advance the education of young agriculturalists in Illinois. The company's benchmark agriculture markets span grains, oilseeds, and livestock, and this investment underscores its dedication to fostering the next generation of market participants who will manage agribusiness risk throughout their careers.
“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 are 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).
The 2026 Skillathon scholarship winners are 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).
These scholarships not only recognize exceptional talent but also highlight the importance of agricultural education in ensuring a stable food supply. By supporting these young individuals, CME Group is helping to secure the future of farming and ranching, which are vital to the economy and food security. The company's ongoing investment in education demonstrates a long-term commitment to the agricultural sector, preparing tomorrow's leaders to navigate the complexities of global markets.
For more information about CME Group's agricultural initiatives, visit CME Group.
