LA SALLE COUNTY - Applications are now being accepted for the 2020 LaSalle County Stockman’s Association Essay Contest. The Stockman’s “Win-A-Show Animal” contest is open to any LaSalle County 4-H member, a resident exhibiting at the 2020 LaSalle County Junior Fair, or a member of a LaSalle County FFA Chapter.

To apply, an applicant must write no longer than a 350-word, typed essay on the theme “Why I Want to Win-A-Show-Animal.” Applicants must be specific to the species they are writing about and choose from one of the following four: Beef, Swine, Sheep or Goat.

Each applicant must apply specifically to win one of the four species (beef, swine, sheep or goat) and the contest winner will have their choice of either a market animal or breeding stock from that species to be determined by the winner and individual sponsor.

The winner of each breed is required to show their animal at either the 2021 LaSalle County Junior Fair or the 2021 Section 7 FFA Fair. No more than one species will be awarded to an individual in a year, therefore applicants must submit only one essay application. Individuals may only win a species one time.

The following breeders have donated animals for the 2020 essay contest:

• Steer/Heifer - Lukach Family, Streator
• Wether/Ewe - Jacob Black, Streator
• Barrow/Gilt - Lance Moritz, Streator
• Goat Wether/Doe - Woodside Farm/Robson Family Marseilles

Applicants need to submit a copy of their essay, along with parent/guardian approval and a complete essay application form. In order to be judged, the entries need to be postmarked no later than, Thursday, Oct. 15. Please submit applications to: LaSalle County Stockman’s Association, P. O. Box 853, Streator, IL 61364.

Winners of the essay contest will be announced at the 2020 LaSalle County Stockman’s Harvest Rewards Banquet in November. Please note, winners will be notified and must be present at the banquet to win. For more information, please visit the Stockman Facebook page or contact any Stockman member.