URBANA, Ill. — A Boone County 4-H member recently claimed the top award for his work in the veterinary science project area. Austin Brockman was presented a $200 cash prize during a ceremony held Saturday, Oct. 7 in Champaign.
Brockmann is an 11-year member of the County Clover 4-H Club where he also serves as a 4-H Science Ambassador. He was also honored Saturday with the Illinois Farm Bureau Leadership, Citizenship, and Professionalism Award and the Emerald 4-H Project Learning Experience Award.
Brockmann had previously won the 4-H Key Award and was a state scholarship winner.
The 18-year-old from Garden Prairie is president of the county sheep producer organization. He has been involved in sheep judging and showing, as well as teaching workshops for other members.
The Auxiliary to the Illinois State Veterinary Medical Association sponsors the award.
About Our Winner:
Austin Brockmann: Austin’s desire to take better care of his sheep led to his interest in animal science and the veterinary science project. He has focused his research in animal genetics in order to match desirable traits in rams with solid traits in ewes while watching for genetically-based diseases or less desirable traits. He has been involved in sheep judging and showing, as well as teaching workshops for other members. On the state level, he worked with the state lamb weigh-ins which are required for state fair exhibition. Austin also serves as a Science Ambassador, attending training and then teaching the National 4-H Youth Science Day experiment. He serves as president of the county sheep producers organization and donates frozen lamb meat to 4-H silent auctions to help raise funds. Austin is a previous State 4-H Key Award and State 4-H Award Scholarship winner.
— Judy Mae Bingman, University of Illinois Extension Media Communications Specialist
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