(NAPSI)—During fair season, many young people raising livestock gain quite an education as they feed, groom and raise them for competition and sale. It's hard work, but they learn leadership, character, business fundamentals and showmanship. Ten livestock grand champions at the Governor's Sale of Champions on Aug. 18 were also surprised with a $5,000 scholarship from CME Group.

CME, the most diverse derivatives marketplace, awarded the one-time scholarships to further the education of each grand champion livestock exhibitor. That will come in handy for these students as college costs continue to rise and the demand on producers to feed the world continues to grow.

"We've been part of the Governor's auction for several years and have been struck by the talent and determination of the students competing here at the State Fair," said CME Group Executive Chairman and President Terry Duffy. "The scholarships we awarded are another way to show our support for the next generation of farmers and ranchers in Illinois, who are so critical to the state and national economy."

CME Group has partnered for the past three years with the National 4-H Council, the country's largest youth development organization, to bring the popular, award-winning Commodity Carnival experience to 120 state and county fairs each year, reaching over 100,000 youths to date. This year, the interactive and educational game teaches young fairgoers how to manage the costs and risks associated with bringing a hog to market, and students can also download the Risk Ranch app to play the game all year long.

Recipients of the CME Group scholarships were Morgan Wilderman, Greenville, Ill.; Jacob Hinshaw, Secor, Ill.; Carlee Critchelow, Chandlerville, Ill.; Skylynn Flemming, Paxton, Ill.; Cole Ellerbrock, Atkinson, Ill.; Trace Titus, Alexis, Ill.; Grant Kiefer, Gridley, Ill.; Dylan McCafferty, Sherman, Ill.; Taylor Donelson, Clinton, Ill.; and A.J. Line, Seaton, Ill.

On the Net:North American Precis Syndicate, Inc.(NAPSI)