Andrew Arkema and Ellie, the 2025 Iowa State Fair Reserve Grand Champion 4-H Market Heifer, are surrounded by their support crew and family after receiving the prestigious title on Aug. 13: From left, Evan Arkema, Beth, Tyler, and Chad Conover, Darin and Anna Arkema, Oklahoma livestock judge Dave Duello, Jan and Wes Conover, Maverick Brown, Brooke Conover, Kate Arkema, and Ervin and Linda Arkema (behind Kate).
Character qualities strengthened in the livestock show ring often parallel important life lessons, and that is exactly what happened for 15-year-old Andrew Arkema, son of Darin and Anna Arkema of Sully, on his journey to exhibiting the Reserve Grand Champion 4-H Market Heifer at the Iowa State Fair on Wednesday, Aug. 13.
The win added a sought-after banner to the young showman’s stash, but the banner represents so much more than victory – it is a testament of sportsmanship, accomplishment, teamwork, and perseverance after months of hard work in the barn at all hours of the day. For Arkema, the road to the elite title of Reserve Grand Champion 4-H Market Heifer status is one filled with numerous teaching moments, growing pains, and attempts to tame a little bit of Ellie’s wild streak. The 1,369-pound heifer has made life interesting, including the experience at this year’s Beef Expo where she made a run for it eight different times!
Arkema’s mother, Anna, reflects on the teamwork their support crew provided throughout the whole journey. “They say the good ones are a little crazy, and Ellie lived up to that. We are so thankful for those in our corner who helped us see it through, and the banner deserves to be on their wall, too,” said Anna.
The title sent Arkema and Ellie, his award-winning heifer, to the 2025 Sale of Champions on Saturday, Aug. 16. Arkema was one of 16 4-H and FFA exhibitors to sell their champion livestock to hometown and national supporters. Each Grand and Reserve Grand Champions in their respective species made up the prestigious sale, which is one of the largest livestock shows in the world. Arkema’s heifer, Ellie, fetched $44,000 by supportive buyers. The Sale of Champions is managed by the Iowa Foundation for Agricultural Advancement (IFAA), a non-profit organization comprised of agricultural enthusiasts dedicated to encouraging 4-H and FFA livestock, poultry, and agriculture project managers to pursue ag-related careers.
