‘Wild West’ theme for Junior Livestock Conference Jan. 25-26 in Springfield

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — “Wild West” is the theme of the 2025 Junior Livestock Conference, set for Jan. 25-26 at the Crowne Plaza Springfield, 3000 S. Dirksen Pkwy., Springfield.

The conference, held every other year, provides hands-on programs built around the science and disciplines of livestock production and exhibition. The event is open to 4-H members in seventh through ninth grades. Participants do not have to own livestock to attend.

Saturday’s schedule begins at 10 a.m. with registration, ice breakers, photos and T-shirt distribution, followed by lunch at 11 a.m., and hands-on workshops and sessions from noon to 4:30 p.m. After-dinner events will include the lariat roping station and team-building exercises.

Sunday’s schedule includes breakfast at 8 a.m., followed by team events and activities at 9 a.m., and the closing keynote at 10:30 a.m.

Cost is $170, and includes lodging, T-shirt, meals, conference supplies and activities. Register by Jan. 2 by visiting https://tinyurl.com/2w8ytdm5.

The Illinois 4-H State Livestock Ambassador Team plans and leads this conference. The conference is supported with funds from the Illinois 4-H Foundation, Farm Credit and Illinois Pork Producers Association.

For questions, contact Dan Jennings, State 4-H livestock specialist and conference director, at djjennin@illinois.edu.