FEBRUARY 18, 2026
devin@illinoisbeef.com
I LLI NOI S B E E F
#47
CAT TLE CONCEPTS
MONTHLY N E WS
E- N E W S L E T T E R
| ILLINOIS BEEF ASSOCIATION | SPRINGFIELD, ILLINOIS | WWW.ILLINOISBEEF.COM |
Seedstock Report
Market Report
Upcoming Sales Illinois Beef Expo Illinois Performance Tested Bull Sale Springfield | 2.19.26
Greenville Livestock Auction February 14, 2026 Total: 236 Replacement: 236 (100.0%) Notes: Active trade, good demand Fairview Sale Barn February 13, 2026 Total: 1,615 Feeder: 1,615 (100.0%) Trade: Active trade, very demand
Illinois Beef Expo The Collection Genetics Sale Springfield | 2.19.26 Illinois Beef Expo Multi-Breed Female Sale Springfield | 2.20.26
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Tree Lane Farms Online Bull Sale SC Online | 3.2.26
United Producers February 10, 2026 Total: 187 Feeder: 23 (12.3%) Slaughter: 164 (87.7%) Breeding: 0 (0.0%) Notes: Sale Report Sourced from UPI
Southern Illinois University Performance Tested Bull Sale Macomb | 3.6.26 Hobbs & Eathington Angus Angus Sale Fairview | 3.7.26 Stone Creek Angus 4th Annual Production Sale Freeport | 3.7.26
Illinois Weekly Summary February 9, 2026 Total: 1,039 Feeder: 0 (0.0%) Slaughter: 883 (85.0%) Replacement: 156 (15.0%)
Kramer Farms Angus Sale Farina | 3.12.26 SEND SALES REPORTS AND UPCOMING SALE INFORMATION TO DEVIN@ILLINOISBEEF.COM
SALES REPORTS SOURCED FROM USDA AGRICULTURAL MARKETING SERVICES
ILLINOIS PRODUCERS TAKE NASHVILLE FOR 2026 CATTLECON by Devin Bollman
The Country Music Capital hosted more the 9,400 cattle producers and industry stakeholders earlier this month for the 2026 Cattlemen’s Convention and NCBA Tradeshow. Amongst the record breaking number of attendees were many Illinoisians, including IBA leaders and members, several of which were first-time attendees. NCBA Past President, Buck Wehrbein, shares the excitement of the attendance record, “It is exciting to see thousands of producers gather together with the common goal of moving our business forward. This record attendance demonstrates the dedication our producers have to driving beef demand and creating policy that secures a bright future for the next generation of producers.” The week kicked off with a Region III get-together hosted by Iowa Cattlemen’s, comprised of staff and producers from Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, Missouri, and of course Illinois. Conversation and comradery flourished amongst the group, discussing individual operations, beef council and association topics, and of course the everyday gate-side chats. Illinois leaders and staff attended a variety of policy and checkoff meeting, ensuring that our state and industry are remaining involved in the forward progression of both sides of beef- consumer and producer. NCBA’s 2026 policy priorities were announced, and the new NCBA President reminded us that “NCBA focused on practical, workable solutions that produced meaningful policy wins in 2025.” “Now is the time to continue reforming federal
LOOKING FORWARD
regulations that have hindered conservation efforts for decades, strengthen protections against the northward spread of New World Screwworm, expand foreign market access for U.S. beef, and advance science-based policies that keep beef at the center of the plate.” Copenhaver said. NCBA’s 2026 policy priorities: Continue to press the administration to roll back harmful regulations to keep working lands working. Enhance and strengthen U.S. mitigation measures against the incursion of New World Screwworm. Protect the U.S. cattle herd from foreign animal diseases and pests through heightened awareness and preparedness actions. Expand market access for U.S. beef exports and hold trade partners accountable to ensure equivalent animal health and food safety standards for imported beef. Promote scienced-based nutrition policies and sound, fact-based information for consumers. Push for further hours-of-service flexibility, increased truck weights, and continue delaying ELD requirements for livestock haulers. Safeguard the U.S cattle and beef supply chain by working with the administration to ensure there is a strong workforce to limit processing disruptions for producers. Returning to Nashville in 2027, CattleCon will be yet another event highlight for the beef industry, so save the dates and get your cowboy hats dusted off for next February 2-4, 2027.
Producer Events Illinois Angus Association 3rd Annual Banquet & Conference When: February 20, 2026 Where: Illinois Building, Illinois State Fairgrounds, Springfield Illinois Simmental Association Banquet & Annual Meeting When: February 20, 2026 Where: Illinois State Fairgrounds, Springfield Illinois Shorthorn Association Banquet & Annual Meeting When: February 20, 2026 Where: Building 30, Illinois State Fairgrounds, Springfield Illinois Hereford Association Annual Meeting & Banquet When: February 21, 2026 Where: Springfield
Illinois Beef Association Membership It’s time to renew! Don’t forget to renew your IBA membership for 2026. Renew early for elite access to membership gifts and benefits! Renew or become a member online at https://www.illinoisbeef.com/membership
Membership Award Nominations Your nominations for the Illinois Beef Association member awards are critical to recognize those individuals who “give their all” to make our industry the best it can be. Nominations can be made for your operation or on behalf of another producer. The winners will be recognized at the IBA Annual Meeting. We are very proud of the contributions made by the producers in our industry. This is an opportunity to recognize them both personally and professionally. Nominations close Friday, March 27, 2026 https://www.illinoisbeef.com/membership/awards