by Devin Bollman of Peyton Gernhart exhibiting his
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PRESIDENTIAL PERSPECTIVE
As I sit down to reflect on the past year of being the president of the Illinois Hereford Association I realize that I am blessed in so many ways. I will tell you the last thing I wanted, or needed was to be the president of our Association but as my time winds down and the election of a new president nears I could not be more satisfied that I had this opportunity. It is amazing to realize that I have friends, family and fellow breeders that share the same dreams and most have the same passion and vision that I have towards the livestock business and the Hereford breed.
Speaking of the Livestock business, we are in some uncharted territory in the prices of cattle. This surge in prices continues to push to levels we have never seen and some of us might not have a chance to ever see again. They say what goes up must come down and that is so true, but it looks like we could enjoy some good prices for a little while longer. I know the demand for Hereford genetics continues to be at an all time high. There will be several opportunities to support your fellow Hereford breeders this spring with in-person and online sales throughout Illinois.
I would like to congratulate all the consignors and the sale manager, Noah Benedict, on yet another great Illinois Winter Classic sale. This sale is definitely one we as breeders can support and be proud to call our own. Check in with the Illinois Hereford website or the Illinois Hereford Bulletin for the exciting details for next year’s sale.
In closing, I would like to thank the entire board of directors for your help in making 2024 a great and exciting year. I would like to thank Noah Benedict, the membership services manager, for the endless tasks that you have taken on in your new position. Last but not least, Buddy Edenburn you have been the one constant throughout both my tours of duties on the board and as Jr. Advisor. I can not thank you enough as the president or as a member for what you have done for our association over the years.
If you did not have a chance to attend the 2025 Annual Meeting/Banquet which was held during the Illinois Beef Expo at the IBA office in Springfield on February 22, 2025. I would encourage you to pay your dues and become a member of the Illinois Hereford Association so you can share the enthusiasm and momentum that we have created and to also be a part of the great things yet to come.
Never forget that faith, friends, family and Hereford Cattle are what motivates us everyday to be better, do better, and to provide more for everyone.
Thank you,
-Kevin Babbs
Kevin Babbs, Illinois Hereford Association President
CATCHING UP WITH CORBIN
Greetings,
I hope the start to the new year has been promising and the weather pleasant for each of you as we work through Q1 of 2025. After extended time spent in Oklahoma City and Fort Worth, we are off to the races in Territory 5 and are preparing for what looks to be a stellar spring sale season.
As you could imagine, I field a variety of questions in this role. Second to the question of “How long will this trend of prices last?”, one of the most frequent topics of conversation seems to be centered around the “What is a good bull worth these days?” While I won’t put a number on it, let me provide some context as we look towards the impending sale season. In Fiscal Year 2024, the AHA field staff reported 7,182.3 bulls sold for an average price of $6,751 nationwide. Taking this baseline, we add in the unprecedented demand for Hereford-influenced genetics in the commercial sector and a record low national cow herd that has resulted in a shortage of available cattle to feed. I’d suspect it’s safe to say each of you cashed the biggest check you have ever received for your commercial calves at the yards. All these factors are things to consider when selecting your next herd bull this spring.
Our field staff is here to assist you with anything you may have questions about. If there are cattle in sales that peak your interest anywhere in the country or Canada, please reach out to myself and my counterparts if we can put eyes on the cattle and provide an appraisal for you. Our contacts are all listed on the AHA website. Additionally, you can find a current list of all upcoming sales and events on our calendar on the AHA website as well.
Thank you all for a tremendous 2024. We are excited to press forward and elevate the enthusiasm for the Hereford breed into the new calendar year!
All the best,
-Corbin Cowles
Corbin Cowles, American Hereford Association
Territory 5 Field Staff
IHA ANNUAL BANQUET
SECRETARY’S MINUTES | SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2025, 7:45 PM
President Kevin Babbs called the meeting to order – 135 people were present, representing 42 memberships, constituting a quorum. The Secretary’s minutes from the 2024 meeting and the Treasurer’s Report for 2024 were circulated and opened for discussion. Luke Lemenager moved to approve the IHA’s minutes from the 2024 Annual Meeting. Kent Burns seconded. Motion passed unanimously. Corey Perry moved to accept the IHA’s Treasurer’s report. Chad Benedict seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
Tracie Sayre, President, gave the Illinois Hereford Women report. Introduced the IHW Board, Anette Crane Vice President, Melissa Bernard Secretary, and Lisa Edenburn Treasurer. The IHW had some silent auction items with all funds going to support the state queen and princess program along with other IJHA programs.
Kade Boatman, President of IJHA addressed the membership and updated on the recent activities of the Illinois Junior Hereford Association and National Junior Hereford Association. Preview Show 2024 is in Belvidere hosted by the Boatman and Richardson Families, JNHE is in Louisville, KY. Kade also discussed 3 Illinois members who are attending the Bold conference. Also, updated information on the Fed Steer shootout.
Buddy Edenburn, committee chair for the Junior Scholarship committee, recapped the Junior Scholarships and Awards programs. Award programs available in 2025 will include the Sam Taylor and Wayne Sage Scholarship, Junior Prospect Award, and the Faces of Leadership Scholarship.
Noah Benedict updated the membership on plans for the 2025 Illinois Hereford Tour and announced that it will be in northern Illinois. Stops will be Storey Show Cattle, Thousand Hills Herefords, Perks Ranch, Richardson Farms and Mud Creek Farms. The tour is on August 23rd and 24th. There is a hotel block at Holiday in Rockford under Perks Ranch.
Noah next discussed the new website hosted by Ranch House Designs is up and running. This is a new look and provider. More changes and additions are coming.
Finally, Noah discussed the highlights of the 2024 Winter Classic. A total of 35 lots were sold averaging $4,450. The sale went well despite an ice storm the morning of, which showed the strength of Hereford genetics. Anyone wishing to participate in the 2025 sale should contact Noah. The association is looking for high quality Hereford and Herford influenced commercial females.
Award Presentations:
• Yale Young honored Crane Herefords, LaSalle IL as the IHA Breeder of the Year.
• Scott Torrance honored Dave and Susan Anderon, IL as the IHA Hall of Fame Inductee.
• Craig Crutcher also recognized Kevin Babbs, Matt Anderson, David Biggs and Kim Carney-Rhodes as outgoing IHA board members and officers.
Craig Crutcher presented the Director Nominating Report and recommended the following individuals to serve a three-year term:
• Region 1 – Tammy Boatman, Rockford, IL
• Region 2 – Matt McCaskill, Timewell, IL
• Region 3 – Mark Stephens, Taylorville, IL
• At Large – Corey Perry, Tower Hill, IL
Randy Kline moved to accept the nominations. Luke Lemenager seconded, and the motion passed unanimously.
Seeing no further business, Kent Burns moved to adjourn the meeting and Jimmy Bernard seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
HALL OF FAME: DAVID AND SUSAN ANDERSON
Dave Anderson grew up on a dairy farm in Gibson City and became a Hereford enthusiast early in life, purchasing a Horned Hereford for a 4-H project from a local breeder. Out of high school, he went to work for Beau Brehm L Ranch in Belle Rive, Illinois, then began working breed sales. In 1967 Dave started working at Tjardes Farms part time, then full time around 1971. Loving his work, Dave was awarded Herdsman of the Year in 1975 at the National Polled Hereford Show in Kansas City. That year Tjardes Farms had the Grand Champion Female and Reserve Champion Bull.
In 1977 Dave judged the Showmanship contest at the Junior National in Oklahoma City, where he met his future wife Susan. They were married in 1979 and George and Harry gave Dave and Susan a heifer for their wedding gift. While at Tjardes Farms, interns were Scott Torrence, Tom Wall, Ron Springer and others, with Donny Golden and Ken Heaton a part of the “crew”. Dave remained a close friend of George and Harry until their passing and continues the friendship with Phil and Jeremy. Son Matthew was born in 1981. They then moved to Morton in 1982 and son Paul was born in 1983. Dave and Susan owned 6 cows when they moved to Morton to begin farming. In 1985 they hosted the Illinois Field Day and in 1986 they exhibited at the newly formed International Polled Hereford Futurity in Louisville and were awarded Grand Champion cow/ calf with a natural calf as well as Grand Champion cow/calf with an embryo calf. Dave also showed many champions over the years at national and state shows, primarily Illinois and lowa State Fairs. Dave was a founding member of the Illinois Beef Expo that started in 1988 and continues today as one of the premier Junior Shows in the country. Dave and Susan feel so blessed that Matthew and his wife Tammy and Paul and his wife Lara continue their love of cattle, particularly the Hereford breed, and are also so thankful for the love their grandchildren Allie, Lilly, Ty and Griffin have for showing Herefords. It has been a true gift to serve and show with so many wonderful friends. Congratulations to the newest members of the Illinois Hereford Association Hall of Fame!
BREEDER OF THE YEAR: CRANE HEREFORDS
Crane Herefords started raising dairy cattle and purchased their first Hereford in 1956. Soon after the herd began to grow as father and son shared a love for Hereford cattle. One year, a Hereford boy met a dairy girl and their family would grow and continue to show at county fairs all over the state. The third generation of breeders soon began exhibiting and in the late 1990’s showed either the grand champion or reserve champion Horned Heifer three consecutive years at the Illinois State Fair Junior Show. They decided it was time for something more and in 1998 they traveled to their first junior national
in Springfield, Illinois. The Crane family got last in class, a far cry from those county fair champion days. After a lot of hard work and a few learning curves, they exhibited their first class and division winner at JNHE in Tulsa in 2000. From then on Crane Herefords has raised cattle that have won at both the state and national level, including champion bred and owned and Horned Hereford at the 2004 Illinois Preview Show, raising the 2010 Reserve Champion Hereford female in Louisville exhibited by the Behrends family, all while serving many years as IJHA advisors. They also have continued to raise the fourth generation of exhibitors, as all seven grandchildren exhibit at the state and national levels. Crane’s have raised some dominant breed influencers that include CH Enuff Profit, a bull that they sold to the Hawk family and went on to sire multiple national champions, and Crane Style Points, the dam of multiple national champions for Buck Cattle and influential piece in the Hawk and Happ breeding programs. In 2021 they exhibited a reserve division bred and owned heifer with Crane Nevaeh, who soon proved to be influential in their program. In 2024 Crane Herefords had a memorable Illinois Preview Show as they exhibited champion junior showman, champion Bull with Crane The Boss 233, champion bred and owned heifer with Crane Nirvana 2317, and bred the reserve champion steer. They also exhibited the champion horned bull at Illinois State Fair and had the champion Hereford Bull and 3rd overall bull at World Beef Expo. To end 2024, Crane Herefords topped the Illinois Hereford Association Winter Classic Sale with another Nevaeh daughter. As this family closes in on 60 years of raising Herefords there is a bright future continuing on the tradition. Congratulations to Crane Herefords on being named the 2024 Illinois Hereford Association Breeder of the Year!
