A passion for agriculture and livestock developed Blake Hennenfent as a young 4-H member to a leader and has named him a 2023 Illinois 4-H Young Alumni Award winner.
Blake is a 4th generation 4-H alumnus, whose family totals over 335 years of membership in Knox County 4-H. As a 10 year 4-H member, Blake started his 4-H career in the Union 4-H Club, led by his mom for close to 20 years. Blake found a passion for livestock and helped to found the Knox County 4-H Livestock Judging team as a 4-H youth. Through this experience, he gained livestock judging skills evaluating hogs, cattle, goats, and sheep, which led to his team to competing for the first time at the National Western Stock Show Livestock judging contest. Blake has continued his passion for livestock judging, advancing to the collegiate level at Black Hawk East and Western Illinois University and still made it a priority to coach the Knox County 4-H Livestock Judging team since 2016. He is instrumental in coaching the basics of livestock judging to first year members as well as giving reasons with the older youth.
Blake graduated from Western Illinois University with his bachelors in Ag Business and returned to the family farm, Twin Hills Farm. Blake is continuously growing his knowledge and experience and has developed the artificial insemination and embryo program within the 125 head beef cow herd and growing his own corn and soybean production by renting nearly 300 acres.
While a young farmer, Blake has gained respect for his leadership and community engagement. He is also a member of the Knox County Farm Bureau Young Farmers and serves as the Vice President of the Knox County Cattleman’s Association. He supports agricultural education to youth through programs like the Farm Safety Camp, Tractor and Lawn Mower Safety School, Hunters Safety Course, FFA development events, and the Harvest for All Food Drive.
Blake is creating lasting impacts on youth as they develop their leadership and communication skills.
Congratulations Blake!