2025 -2026 Graduating Class
Jessie Ahrens Strasburg, IL
Ryder Flener Elizabethtown, IL
Ty Halpin Gardner, IL
Kaylie Huizenga Mendota, IL
Elise Main Altamont, IL
Ryan & Cori Malone Mackinaw, IL
Logan McKeon Bloomington, IL
Mikayla Peters
Urbana, IL
Megan Pierson
Louisville, IL
Wyatt & Ashley Stierwalt
Atlanta, IL
Megan Torrance Tuscola, IL
About two hundred cattle producers made their way to Springfield for one fantastic day of educational breakout and general sessions at the 2026 Illinois Beef Association Annual Meeting and Awards Ceremony.
The IBA Annual Meeting & Awards Ceremony aims to bring the best educational opportunities for its members throughout the day with superior industry panelists and speakers. The 2026 event did just that, plus recognized members who dedicate themselves to our industry and association.
The day kicked off with a general session on various risk management strategies, such as LRP, presented by Iowa State Field Extension Specialist, Joseph Lensing. Other general sessions included a special visit from National Cattlemen’s Beef Association CEO, Colin Woodall, who gave an overview of the state of the industry and NCBA. Plus, the final General Session of the day brought the topic of New World Screw Worm back on the table with University of Illinois veterinarian Dr. Jim Lowe giving an informative overview of the industry threat.
Breakout sessions were sprinkled throughout the day’s general sessions. On the East side of the building producers could learn more about bull management from Extension Specialist, Travis Meteer, management of high-risk cattle from a panel that included Dave Duzan, Katie Wernimont and Dr. Logan Douglas, and supplementing trace minerals, also brought to producers by Katie Wernimont of Akralos. On the west side, Doug
Hanson presented on selecting forages, Dr. Dan Shike shared about calving distribution and its impact on the bottom line, and Laura Fidler helped producers know how to cattle market in a world of AI technology. Shannon Welsh of Blandinsville was approved to carry on his IBA Presidency for the 2026-27 year alongside IBA Vice President, Larisa Willrett, of Malta. IBA’s Executive Vice President, Josh St. Peters provided an in depth look at how IBA has served since last year’s meeting, during the luncheon and annual meeting midday.
The day concluded with the 2026 IBA Awards Ceremony, where the Association recognized dozens of valued members and their achievements. The fourth class of Beef Leadership Academy participants graduated from the program (see above for class participants). Illinois Beef Foundation named the 2026 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 Joe Meggison of FeraDiagnostics. Read more about the VIP Recognition and all IBA Award winners, below.
Merck Animal Health - Cartridges for Cash Jake Hlas of Merck Animal Health presented the Illinois Beef Foundation with a check for $7,392 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.
Beef Foundation Silent Auction The 2026 Illinois Beef Foundation Silent Auction and raffle raised nearly $4500 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, Carol Lock, Jamie Martz, Paul Walker, Buzz Iliff, James Toohill, Jake Hlas and Sheryl Hopkins.
by Devin Bollman
Special Guests in Attendance
Colin Woodall Chief Executive Officer
National Cattlemen’s Beef Association
Session Speaker
A Word from NCBA CEO
Amy Radunz
Region III Vice President Federation of State Beef Councils
Special Guest with Remarks Bill Graff
State Executive Director Farm Service Agency
Special Guest with Remarks
Paige Sierens IL FFA State Sentinel
Special Guest, Dinner Invocation
Krista Phillips
Miss Illinois County Fair Queen
The Illinois Beef Foundation recognized the scholarship recipients for the 2026 year. The Foundation awarded scholarships to the following individuals:
Macie Carroll Mt. Carroll, IL
Ella Eathington Avon, IL
Aidan Knobloch Buckingham, IL
Lane Perry Paris, IL
Kendall Boatman Rockford, IL
Ellie Drach Pontiac, IL
Grace Lemenager Fairbury, IL
Conley Schick Clinton, IL
BA “Valued Industry Partner”
Joe Meggison, Fera Diagnostics & Biologicals
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.
Rebecca Walker - Altamont
View her 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.
Greg Thoren, Thoren Farm - Stockton
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.
Schutz Livestock LLC - Roodhouse
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.
York Farms - Palestine
View their award winner video here.
Outstanding Junior of the Year
To recognize a member of the Illinois Junior
Beef Association who exemplifies integrity, leadership and commitment to being active in Illinois’ beef cattle industry.
Cody York - Palestine
View his 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 Spangler Family of Spangler FarmsMarietta
View their award winner video here.