The spirit of 4-H and family tradition runs strong in the Jungmann household, and no one knows that better than Krystal Jungmann, who stopped by WRMJ’s booth at the 2025 Mercer County Fair to share updates on her kids—and their deep ties to agriculture and the fair.
Krystal is the proud mother of Jack and Luke Jungmann, both former recipients of the Brownfield Youth Leader Award belt buckle. Today, Jack is a junior studying Agricultural Communications, and Luke is a sophomore in Agronomy—both at the University of Illinois. Their journey started early. “From about four and five years old, they’ve been here showing livestock,” Krystal said. “It’s truly in their blood and in their heart.”
The culmination of that hard work and dedication is celebrated at the 4-H Youth Livestock Auction, held Friday night at 6 p.m. Krystal calls it “the big show,” full of energy, excitement, and just a bit of pre-show nerves. “It’s a great way to support these kids who’ve spent months tending to their livestock and their projects,” she said.
Local support is key to the event’s success. Krystal noted how businesses from Mercer County, Warren-Henderson, and even Rock Island County come out in force—filling the stands and raising their paddles to bid on animals raised by area youth.
And the legacy isn’t slowing down anytime soon. Krystal’s youngest, Kate Jungmann, will be entering her junior year at United and is showing a lamb in this year’s auction.
For the Jungmanns, the Mercer County Fair isn’t just a summer tradition—it’s a celebration of hard work, agricultural passion, and the promise of future leaders.