2023-2024 Graduating Class
Ben & Sara Trygar
Wilsonville, IL
Rebecca Walker
Altamont, IL
Blake Rinkenberger
Minier, IL
Bailey Rogers
Armington, IL
Andres Olalde
Sterling, IL
Maddie & Joe Buckley
Gilman, IL
Cody Hadden
Jacksonville, IL
Jason Bedwell
Medora, IL
Jake Hlas
Blandinsville, IL
Blake Webel
Champaign, IL
The Illinois Beef Foundation recognized the scholarship recipients for the 2025 year. The Foundation awarded scholarships to the following individuals:
Ben Sellmeyer Maroa, IL
Conley Schick
Clinton, IL
Kade Boatman
Rockford, IL
Kendall Boatman Rockford, IL
Audrey Curtin
Blue Mound, IL
Abagayle Britton Olmsted, IL
Drew Mickey Taylorville, IL
Emma Whitaker Carthage, IL
IBA “Valued Industry Partner” Sara Benson, Merck Animal Health
Outstanding Junior of the Year
by Devin Bollman
Including three general and six breakout sessions, with nearly two hundred cattlemen and women, and one fantastic day, IBA hosted its 2025 Annual Meeting and Awards Ceremony in Springfield.
Every year the Association gears up for its Annual Meeting & Awards Ceremony, aiming to bring the best opportunities forward for our members when it comes to educational sessions, panelists, and speakers. The 2025 event, hosted in the Exposition building on the Illinois State Fairgrounds, did just that, plus recognized producer members who dedicate themselves to our industry and association.
Bright and early Tuesday morning, we kicked off the event with a biosecurityfocused session from Sara Chaplin, DVM. Other general sessions included a panel moderated by IBA EVP, Josh St. Peters, with legislators and IBA lobbyists. Discussion centered on a Spring session recap and upcoming topics producers should look out for. Olivia Willrett then presented a beef economy update for the third general session. Breakout sessions were sprinkled throughout the day’s general sessions in the upstairs lofts of the building. In the east loft producers could find direct to consumer marketing and risk management presentations, plus a meat cutting demonstration by Dr. Bailey Harsh of University of Illinois. In the west loft profitability was discussed by Thaddeus Tharp, Land O’ Lakes, and an expanded harvest panel included Dave Duzan, Dr. Paul Walker, Josh St. Peters and Dan Haynes. Finally, Merck’s Jake Hlas, Performanve Livestock Analytics’, Eli Slouha, and FerAppease’s, Joe Meggison, represented new technologies for the industry.
Dave Duzan retired from his position completing his two-year term, with Shannon Welsh of Blandinsville elected as the 2025-26 IBA President. Larisa Willrett of Malta was elected to serve as Vice President. Duzan reflected on his service sharing pride in the Association’s accomplishments and dedication to providing for the beef industry and its members. IBA’s Executive Vice President, Josh St. Peters provided an in depth look at how IBA has served since last year’s meeting. Six new members were elected to serve on the IBA board. IBA also inducted two legendary Illinois cattlemen into the new Hall of Fame, naming Bill Frankenreider and Larry Martin as this year’s honorees.
The day concluded with the 2025 IBA Awards Ceremony, where the Association recognized dozens of valued members and their achievements. The third class of Beef Leadership Academy participants graduated from the program (see above for class participants). Illinois Beef Foundation named the 2025 Foundation scholarship recipients and hosted a silent auction and raffle to raise funds for the scholarship program. IBA recognized a “Valued Industry Partner” or “VIP,” awarded to recognize industry professionals and business partners who go above and beyond, putting their time and talents to work in support of the Association and its missions. This year the VIP Recognition award was presented to Sara Benson of Merck Animal Health. Read more about the VIP Recognition and all IBA Award winners, below.
Merck Animal Health - Cartridges for Cash
Sara Benson and Jake Hlas of Merck Animal Health presented the Illinois Beef Foundation with a check for $10,00 as part of the Cartridges for Cash program. For every empty Ralgro or Revelavor cartridge turned in to Merck, they donated $0.25 back to the Illinois Beef Foundation. This year the donation program reached the maximum program donation.
Illinois Beef Foundation Silent Auction
The 2025 Illinois Beef Foundation Silent Auction and raffle raised nearly $5,000 for their scholarship fund. The Illinois Beef Foundation is a non-profit corporation and operates exclusively for educational and charitable purposes, most notably annual youth scholarships that help passionate juniors continue their education. This years Foundation Board included Joan Harrison, Anna Flikkema, Carol Lock, Jamie Martz, Paul Walker, Buzz Iliff and Sheryl Hopkins.
Special Guests in Attendance
Jerry Costello Director of the Illinois Department of Agriculture
Special Guest with remarks
Kristi Jones
Deputy Director, Illinois Department of Agriculture
Jeremy Flynn Chief of Staff, Illinois Department of Agriculture
Liz Brown-Reeves, IBA Lobbyist
Special Guest with remarks
Kristin Rubbelke, IBA Lobbyist
Sidney Stiers IL FFA State Reporter
Special Guest, Dinner Invocation
Johnna Fulcher Miss Illinois County Fair Queen
To recognize a member of the Illinois Junior Beef Association who exemplifies integrity, leadership and commitment to being active in Illinois’ beef cattle industry.
Emma Taylor - Murrayville View her award winner video here.
IBA Member of the Year
To recognize a member of the Illinois Beef Association that continually goes above and beyond to support the efforts of the Association, and demonstrates a commitment to the Illinois cattle industry, and its people.
Joan Harrison - Minier View his award winner video here.
Environmental Steward of the Year
To recognize a beef producer in Illinois whose natural resource stewardship practices protect the environment and contribute to productivity and profitability.
Hanson Land & Cattle, Doug Hanson - Danforth View their award winner video here.
Commercial Producer of the Year
To recognize a beef producer in Illinois who exemplifies integrity, leadership and success in the production and promotion of the commercial cattle industry.
Lidy Family Farms - Mulberry Grove View their award winner video here.
Seedstock Producer of the Year
To recognize a beef producer in Illinois who exemplifies integrity, leadership and success in the production and promotion of the purebred cattle industry.
Horsley Brothers - Galva
View their award winner video here.
Farm Family of the Year
To recognize a beef producer family in Illinois who has done an outstanding job in the production and promotion of beef and exemplified leadership skills on the county and state level.
The Hugh Moore, Jr. Family of Moore Shorthorns - Jerseyville View their award winner video here.