CATTLE CONCEPTS
LEGISLATIVE UPDATES
by Josh St. Peters
Producer Events
Illinois Beef Association represents the industry on policy and regulatory matters in Springfield, advocating for our members to defend freedom to operate for the Illinois’ cattle farms. During the legislative session that is currently underway at the State Capitol there are several policy proposals that could impact family beef operations if they were to become law. Some measures threaten the ability of IBA members to continue raising cattle and producing beef, while a few bills introduce revisions or eliminate regulations that could bring benefits to our industry.
First – the good news. We have several members who serve in the General Assembly, and it’s a rare opportunity to have cattlemen directly advocating for our industry from the floor of the legislative body. IBA members currently serving in Springfield include, in no order, Representative Charlie Meier from Okawville, Representative Jason Bunting from Dwight, Representative Chris Miller from Oakland, Representative Dan Swanson from Woodhull, and Representative Brad Halbrook from Shelbyville. These producers give a significant amount of time away from their farms to be present at the Capitol during the lengthy legislative sessions, and each of them is outspoken about the needs of our cattle industry. We also have two beef producers serving as state agency leaders, in Agriculture Director Jerry Costello and Natural Resources Director Natalie Phelps Finnie.
Opportunities to help our membership through current legislative proposals exist in tax reform discussions, specifically recommendations to
eliminate or reduce death tax obligations for family farms in Illinois. IBA has been working alongside Illinois Farm Bureau, IL Corn, IL Pork and other organizations to advocate for the Family Farm Preservation Act which has been re-introduced in both Chambers this session. These bills would amend the Illinois Estate Tax code, reducing harmful financial burdens that farm families face when the death of a farm owner results in the transfer of assets to future generations.
Meanwhile, we are battling some troublesome proposals that have surfaced in the anti-livestock camp. Specifically, there are three Senate bills that aim to amend the state’s existing Livestock Management Facilities Act (SB2331, SB2332, SB2333) which could dramatically harm commercial beef production. For example, these bills would put limits on where you can raise livestock – banning construction of barns within 2 miles of a neighbor, while also placing undue burdens on family farms with water testing requirements and other environmental provisions that are not practical or beneficial to farms nor the public. We also have a House bill under scrutiny that would change regulations on how we can transport cattle manure (HB3610) to and from fields.
The legislative session continues thru the end of May this spring, so there are many weeks of work ahead of us. But I encourage our producers to keep tabs on legislation through our association’s magazine and e-mail updates. Also, reach out to your elected officials and make sure they know the importance of beef production in your community!
Adams County Beef Producers
The Adams County Beef Producers will host their Beef Bonanza March 2 at The Ambiance
When: March 22, 2025 | Doors open at 5:30
Where: The Ambiance, Quincy Tickets can be purchased for $50 from any of the Adams County Cattle Association Members
Henry County Cattlemen’s
The Henry County Cattlemen’s will host their Annual Banquet on March 22 at Lavender Crest Winery.
When: March 22, 2025 | Social Hour at 5
Where: Lavender Crest Winery, Colona Tickets are available.
IBA members elite access to discounts and gifts, including Merck Animal Health, Logan Ag and Purina!
Illinois Beef Association Membership Award Nominations
The IBA is accepting nominations for our 2025 Member Awards. Your nominations for the IBA member awards are critical to recognize those individuals who “give their all” to make our industry the best it can be. This is an opportunity to recognize them both personally and professionally. All award nominations are due March 28, 2025. Nomination forms can be found at https://www.illinoisbeef.com/membership/awards
Illinois Junior Beef Tour Applications Now Open
The Illinois Junior Beef Association is hosting the Illinois Junior Beef Tour May 28-29, visiting a variety of stops to highlight differentcareer paths in the beef industry. Applications and more information can be found at https://www.illinoisbeef.com/ijba/programs-events/illinois-junior-beef-tour Applications close April 15.
Save the Date - IBA Annual Meeting & Awards Ceremony Tuesday, June 3rd, 2025 Illinois State Fairgrounds - Expo Building Springfield, Illinois More information on speakers, sessions and highlight topics coming soon.