CME Group Scholarships Support Young Illinois Farmers and Ranchers

Competition ran high at this year’s Illinois State Fair, where a new generation of livestock exhibitors gathered to demonstrate the skill and dedication that define Illinois agriculture. The event not only showcased the talents of young farmers and ranchers but also highlighted the support of CME Group, the world’s leading derivatives marketplace, in nurturing future agricultural professionals.

CME Group awarded $5,000 scholarships to each Grand Champion livestock exhibitor, recognizing their outstanding achievements. Additionally, the company presented $1,000 scholarships to each Illinois 4-H Skillathon champion. These scholarships are part of CME Group’s ongoing commitment to invest in the next generation of market participants, helping them learn to manage agribusiness risk throughout their careers.

Over the past decade, CME Group, which offers benchmark agriculture markets across grains, oilseeds and livestock, has contributed more than $500,000 to advance the education of young Illinois farmers and ranchers. This substantial investment underscores the company’s dedication to the agricultural community and its future leaders.

“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 were: 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 were: 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).

By supporting these young individuals, CME Group is not only rewarding their hard work but also ensuring a bright future for the agricultural industry. The scholarships provide essential financial assistance for their education, enabling them to continue developing the expertise needed to thrive in the ever-evolving world of agriculture. This initiative reflects CME Group’s broader mission to foster innovation and sustainability in the markets it serves, including the vital agricultural sector.