A candid snap from the stand at the 2025 Greater Midwest Hereford-Influenced Feeder Calf Sale at Carthage Livestock.
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PRESIDENTIAL PERSPECTIVE
What a year it has been. We started the year off with plenty of moisture, almost too much. Then summer hit and the rain stopped. We are in one of the driest times in recent history for our area. The pastures are dormant, and more cattle have been moved to stalks for the winter to relieve the stress on the grass. Many of us have seen great prices on calves that have been sold this fall, but if you are still sitting on some or are looking to buy more, there is opportunity.
December 13th and January 3rd are two important days to be at Carthage Livestock. In December the IHA is hosting the Annual Illinois Hereford Association Winter Classic Sale, featuring bred heifers and Fall pairs. Be sure to look through these consignments. These are some of the best genetics that are offered in the Midwest, if not the country. In January, be sure to see that the demand for Hereford calves is extremely high as always and send your calves to the Greater Midwest Hereford Influenced Feeder Calf Sale. This should be a great opportunity for both buyers and sellers.
I would also like to take the time to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. It has been a year to remember and one that will not be forgotten.
-Craig Crutcher
CATCHING UP WITH CORBIN
Greetings everyone,
All is well on the home front in Kansas City. Our staff recently wrapped up the World Hereford Conference, AHA Annual Meeting, and the American Royal National Hereford Show; the event was filled with incredible camaraderie and relationship building from both domestic and foreign Hereford enthusiasts. Thank you to everyone who joined us in Kansas City to help make this event one to remember. The state of Illinois was well represented with cattle and membership alike.
If you are still searching for Hereford genetics to purchase this year, please refer to the sale calendar on the AHA website to view upcoming opportunities in our region and beyond. Namely, the IHA Winter Classic Sale will be held December 13th in Carthage, IL. Breeders are once again putting their best foot forward to bring a top notch set of cattle to the sale. We invite you to join us in person or online for the day’s events. To request a catalog, please contact Noah Benedict. We look forward to seeing you there!
Before long, we will turn the page to a new year. 2026 starts with the Hereford-influenced feeder calf sale at Carthage Livestock on January 3rd. Following this, we head to Oklahoma City for the National Hereford Show as well as the National Sale held in conjunction with Cattlemen’s Congress. Time slows down for no one, and we are optimistic about the momentum of our breed heading into the new year. If I can assist with anything, from marketing options to cattle acquisition to basic operational questions, please do not hesitate to reach out.
All the best,
-Corbin Cowles
Craig Crutcher, Illinois Hereford Association President
Corbin Cowles, American Hereford Association Territory 5 Field Staff
SALE RESULTS
HEREFORD PRODUCERS HOST SUCCESSFUL FALL SALES
Purple Reign Cattle - 10/5/25
19 Lots
Gross - $307,750
Average - $16,198
Perks Ranch Fall Celebration Sale10/11/25
38 Lots
Gross - $416,750
Average - $10,967
Lowderman Cattle Company Illini Top Cut Sale - 10/12/25
