Beef Quality Assurance is designed to address emerging consumer demands through producer education and training. Learn why IBA Programs and Services Manager, Annie Schoetmer, believes it is an imperative for the industry.
28 Building on the VeterinarianClient-Patient Relationship
Julia Herman, DVM, MS, a Beef Cattle Specialist Veterinarian at NCBA, a contractor to the Beef Checkoff, talks about opportunities for improving cattle health and welfare.
32 Load ‘Em Up
Illinois Performance Tested Bull Sale consignors, the Tarr family, have values that start with a cow and come together in the pasture, providing the strong foundation of legacy, cattle and hope.
37 Illinois Beef Expo
The official Illinois Beef Expo schedule, junior show/contest information and sale ads can be found here.
48 Maddox, More than a Winner
Last year was a remarkable one for Maddox Reedy of Tuscola. He celebrated several big wins at the state fair, including grand champion Land of Lincoln with a steer named Maverick. Turn here to learn more about this IJBA member’s accomplishments.
52 Winter Warm-Up Results
The annual Winter Warm-Up hosted by University of Illinois’ Hoof ‘n’ Horn members and Lake Land College once again brought the heat. Turn here for results.
62 Expansion in the Industry
These four Illinois cattlemen are proving the vitality of beef production and consumption in our state.
Located at Don Cagwin’s Farm in Virginia. Photo by Devin Bollman.
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Contact FCI livestock insurance agent Jon Strohl 217-500-0886 jon.strohl@ farmcreditIL.com
Association Focus
Dave Duzan, Illinois Beef Association President
I recently had the chance to host a group of IBA’s Beef Leadership participants for a tour of our operation, during one of their weekend workshops in central Illinois. This is the second class of participants in the year-long program for young cattlemen, and this current group includes a diverse group of beef producers in their 20s and 30s.
We spent part of Saturday touring the farm and talking in the shop, discussing cattle industry topics, and learning more about each other’s beef operations and backgrounds. This is a group of young people with great questions and perspectives. They spent time discussing feeding programs, and marketing resources, but also tackled some broader topics, like how their industry will deal with supply shortages and the lack of veterinary resources in the future. These are bright kids, with a good handle on how the industry is going to grow and change during the next several decades.
When the board and staff put together this program, through generous support from Illinois Corn and Illinois Soybean, the goal was to offer a leadership training opportunity for the next generation of producers. We saw success with this kind of leadership academy opportunity in other state beef organizations and felt it could bring together a beneficial group of young cattlemen here in Illinois, too. I have to say, these young folks are exceptional. Some of them are from multi-generational cattle farms here in our state and have grown up in a household with IBA membership. Others grew up in the beef industry but are from other states, with careers or life events that brought them to Illinois.
I reflected on the time I spent with these next generation producers and decided that there is a lot to be optimistic about in the future of Illinois’ beef industry, if these are the kinds of people we are bringing up “through the ranks.” Some of them are small producers, and others are from commercial-sized operations; they have different interests, in cow-calf, or finishing cattle – purebreds or commercial stock. They reflect a good cross section of what our business looks like across the state, honestly, and I think they show how we can keep building closer networks within the Illinois beef
industry, through our work as an Association.
As producers, we do invest a lot in the concept of “the next generation”. And in IBA, that is reflected in several places. Our Beef Leadership Academy is a great example, but there is also our significant Illinois Junior Beef Association, and our investment in 4-H and FFA support, along with our annual participation in the Illinois Livestock Leadership Institute for young people. We are heavily invested in programs that bring up the next generation of producers and members.
We also encourage young people through our support of NCBA’s Young Cattlemen Conference every summer. You can look within our board representation, too, and see how we are working to include and encourage the participation of younger leaders. Compared with most state farm organizations, I think IBA is doing better than average at attracting and retaining producers under 40 to be part of our leadership. Their thinking and perspective is incredibly valuable, and they represent a longer-term view of what is happening in our industry, and what needs to happen to pave a stronger future. For those of us in the “grandparenting” phase of life, it is also a joy to see their updates getting married, or welcoming new babies, or growing their farms with new barns or acreage. They are just getting started in so many ways, and it is a great reminder of the things that matter most in life.
In a few weeks we will be hosting the Illinois Beef Expo in Springfield, where “next generation” thinking is seen first-hand. We see it in our cattle, with the featured sales on Thursday and Friday; the Illinois Performance Tested Bull Sale and the all-breed heifer sale showcase the investments of breeders to produce their absolute best cattle and offer lucky bidders the chance to make better cattle in the future with their purchases.
Our competitions and shows at Expo also showcase the strong future of our industry, and really all rural America, in my opinion, in the caliber of young people that show up to participate in the junior events. These kids put in a lot of work to get to participate in such events, through the support and investment of their parents and friends. You can witness a lot of hard work accomplished at these junior activities. Between the heifer and steer shows, the skill-a-thon and the livestock judging contest, hundreds of young people will be featured as true winners – a promising future for our association.
I hope you take the chance to reflect on how you are investing in the future of our industry through your participation in the Illinois Beef Association. Your membership and support of this organization is an important resource for our work in this space.
Member Awards
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 awards nominations are due by March 29, 2024 Nomination forms can be found at www.illinoisbeef.com/membership/awards
Farm Family of the Year
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.
Member of the Year
A member of IBA who continually goes above and beyond to support the efforts of the association, and demonstrates a commitment to the Illinois cattle industry, and its people.
Commercial Producer of the Year
A beef producer in Illinois who exemplifies integrity, leadership and success in the production and promotion of the commercial cattle industry
Seedstock Producer of the Year
A beef producer in Illinois who exemplifies integrity, leadership and success in the production and promotion of the purebred cattle industry.
Environmental Producer of the Year
A beef producer in Illinois whose natural resource stewardship practices protect the environment and contribute to productivity and profitability
Outstanding Junior of the Year
A member of the Illinois Junior Beef Association who exemplifies integrity, leadership and commitment to being active in Illinois' beef cattle industry
Executive Edge
Josh St. Peters, Illinois Beef Association Executive Vice President
In the three years since I came to Illinois Beef Association, I have developed a true excitement for the March deadline of our annual Awards Program. This chance to highlight the best-of-the-best gives me a chance to get to know members better, often spending time with their families on their operations. The awards themselves celebrate unique greatness found within each of the categories – be it our junior member of the year, or our environmental stewardship winner, or the seedstock winner, or commercial producer of the year. All the awards are different in their requirements but reflect a piece of what makes IBA great in my opinion.
It is that time of year again when we have opened the nominations for 2024 IBA Member Awards. You can call or e-mail us at the office, or better yet, go online to IllinoisBeef. com and submit your nomination. It doesn’t have to be a cumbersome process to recommend someone for one of these awards. We need to know who they are, a little bit about their operation/background, and how you think they are qualified to be a recipient of a specific award category.
As a refresher, here are the seven categories that we recognize annually:
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.
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.
Seedstock Producers 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.
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.
Junior Member 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.
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.
Valued Industry Partner: To recognize an affiliated industry stakeholder for their career investment in the Illinois Beef Association and the statewide cattle industry. This award is given to an individual whose leadership and contributions have significantly benefited the Association and/or the beef industry through their professional contributions and volunteerism.
To receive an award, the recipient must be a member of the Illinois Beef Association, but we can check that for you here at the office, so if you aren’t certain, please nominate anyway.
A panel of IBA board members and past leaders work together to review the nominations and select our winners, and then we notify the recipients and work with them to plan promotional materials celebrating their achievements. We unveil the winners at our IBA Annual Meeting in June during a dinner that is hosted to recognize these VIPs and their families.
Highlighting these recipients also gives us a tremendous opportunity to showcase great work in the Illinois beef industry. We can put a spotlight on our industry through the publicity that these award announcements attract, and often it opens doors for us to talk with the media and non-farm audiences about our industry through these award-winning spokespeople. One example of this promotion in action is our chance to showcase the IBA Farm Family of Year during the Agriculture Breakfast during Illinois State Fair each August.
Several of these award categories trace their origin back to the 1970s, so we have a lengthy tradition and history of recognizing our members for their exceptional contributions to IBA and the beef industry. Over the years, IBA has recognized around 150 outstanding award winners through these programs. You can review the archive of past award recipients on the Illinois Beef Association website, by clicking on the “Membership” page and then selecting the “Awards” tab.
Please take a moment to think about who might be a good fit for each of the award categories, and consider reaching out to us with your nominations. Give me or Annie Schoetmer a call if we can be of any assistance with your nominations, or to help answer any questions you might have. The deadline for nominations is coming up in March, so please do this sooner rather than later.
Thank you for all you do for the association and our industry!
Farm Family of the Year in 2023, the Andras family.
Extension Update
Travis Meteer, University of Illinois Extension Beef Specialist
The 2023 growing season was very tough on cool season pastures. Reduced pasture yields led to overgrazing. As a result, pasture renovation is likely necessary to avoid another year of diminishing yields and poor forage production.
Below you will find helpful information that I have revised from a previous article written by Ed Ballard, retired University of Illinois Extension.
STEPS TO SUCCESSFUL PASTURE RENOVATION
To establish and maintain a good legume stand, the following steps are suggested:
1. Overgrazing. Livestock should be allowed to overgraze the pasture in the fall so that tillage or herbicide is more effective at tearing or reducing the sod. Even if tillage is not done, the grass should be overgrazed so the mulch will not interfere with legume establishment.
2. Soil Testing. The soil should be tested and limed and fertilized, using soil test as a guide. Soil pH should be between 6.5 and 7.0. Desirable test levels of phosphorus and potassium vary with soil type; phosphorus should be in the range of 40 to 50 pounds per acre, and potassium in the range of 260 to 300 pounds per acre.
3. Disturbing or suppressing the sod. If erosion is not a hazard, disk or field-cultivate to disturb the grass sod. (Renovation is more successful if tillage can be done in the fall.) To minimize soil loss, do not overwork the seedbed. The sod should be disturbed 50-70 percent if seeding clovers and 80-90 percent if seeding alfalfa and birdsfoot trefoil. It is not necessary to reseed the grass, since the undisturbed tillers will begin to grow the following spring.
On sloping land with highly erosive soils where tillage is
not practical, the grass stand can be “knocked back” with Roundup or simply disturbed with overgrazing and more hoof traffic.
4. Seeding the legume. Frost-seeding inoculated legumes in the late winter has provided good results in tillage-disturbed and trampled or tracked-up sod. Seeding is best accomplished after herbicide treatment with a no-till drill because it places the seed in direct contact with the soil at the proper seeding depth (1/4 -3/8-inch). Overseeding herbicide-treated sod is not effective because there is no frost action to provide seed-soil contact that late in the season.
Seeding rates will vary depending on the condition of the established stand and seeding method. Frost seeding rates will be higher than drilled rates. Frost seeding 5 to 8 pounds of red clover per acre is a good rate if you have not frost seeded before. Reduce those rates by 20% if you are seeding annually. When seeding legume species, alone or in mixture, consult your local seed supplier for proper seeding rates. Alfalfa should not be used on soils that heave severely. Birdsfoot trefoil complements bluegrass pastures very well. Always select “improved” varieties.
5. Grazing newly legume-seeded pasture. In the spring, once grass is growing and the ground has dried out enough to support livestock, graze the pasture until the animals start to defoliate the legume seedlings. Then remove the livestock and rest the pasture for 24 to 30 days to allow the legume to establish. Use rotational grazing. Rotational grazing requires a maximum of 5 to 7 grazing days, 28 to 32 resting days, and 5 to 6 pastures.
6. Grazing established grass-legume pastures. Rotationally graze from spring to fall. This favors all forage species, especially legumes. To rotate, use several fields or divide into paddocks with polywire electric fence. Adjust stocking rate per field or paddock to defoliate grass-legumes within a 7 to 10 day period. Do not overgraze. Plan on providing necessary recover time, usually 24-32 days depending on the time of the season and rate of regrowth.
7. Improve or maintain fertility. Fertilize the pasture annually based on estimated crop removal. Each ton of dry matter from a pasture contains about 12 pounds of phosphate (P2O5), 50 to 60 pounds of potash (K2O). It is not necessary to use nitrogen on established pastures where the sward is at least 30 percent alfalfa, red clover, or both. Because a large portion of the nutrients grazed may be returned to the pasture in the form of urine and manure, rates for pastures will be less than hay production.
This is a good protocol for renovating slightly abused pastures. If you have areas that are more abused you may need to complete a total renovation using tillage and a new seeding. Nevertheless, investing in good pasture production will be worthwhile.
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Gate Cuts
Paul Walker, Professor Emeritus, DI Walker Consulting
Strategies That Can Reduce the Cost of Grain
There are numerous strategies that can be utilized to reduce the cost of gain in feedlot cattle. This article will explore some of the ways to improve feed efficiency.
The first decision to be made in feeding a given drove of cattle is related to the genetic capability of the cattle purchased and/or the desired target endpoint. If the cattle are purchased first, then the feeder must match the feeding strategies to fit the cattle’s genetic potential. On the other hand, if the feeder has a particular market or a predetermined marketing grid to meet; then the feeder must purchase the cattle type that can meet the desired endpoint. Not every group of cattle purchased can be fed the same way if economic efficiency/maximized profit is the goal. Feeding strategies should match cattle type (genetic capability) for a specific target endpoint, and endpoints should fit cattle type. For example, if the market for the cattle is a commercial packer, then smaller frame, earlier maturing cattle may require backgrounding on higher fiber, lower energy diets to grow some frame in order to reach larger market weights with an appropriate yield grade. On the other hand, if the market is local beef sales where harvest occurs at a local locker plant then smaller frame earlier, maturing cattle can be fed a higher energy diet for a shorter period of time to reach a lighter weight with an appropriate yield grade endpoint. Larger frame, later maturing calves or backgrounded yearlings should probably be fed a high energy diet (85% concentrate or higher) as soon as feasible after entering the feedlot to reach an optimum harvest weight and quality grade with an appropriate yield grade.
Efficiency conversion of feed into weight gain directly reduces feed cost per unit of gain i.e., improves feed efficiency. Cost per pound of gain is directly affected by feedstuff selection. Feedstuff selection is affected by what feeds are economically available. Locally available feedstuffs are most often less expensive, primarily due to trucking costs. Trucking high moisture (greater than 20% moisture) feeds such as modified wet distiller grains (MWDGS) greater than 50 miles one way oftentimes makes MWDGS too expensive to feed. Local basis for shelled corn can affect the relative price of shelled corn in a diet. Pricing shelled corn at $4.93 per wet bushel (82% moisture, 9.0% crude protein and 1.50 mcal of metabolizable energy per pound of dry matter), wheat at any price less than $6.07 per wet bushel
(12% moisture, 14.3% crude protein and 1.45 mcal of metabolizable energy per pound of dry matter) is more economical to feed than shelled corn and soybean meal ($440/ton wet weight). As I write this article in early November, 2023, wheat is a more economically priced feedstuff than shelled corn, as wheat is $5.60 per bushel and shelled corn is just under $5 per bushel. Good feeders can replace up to 50% of the shelled corn in a finishing diet with wheat. Average feeders can replace up to 30% of the shelled corn in a finishing diet with wheat. High inclusion rates of wheat can result in lactic acidosis and ground wheat is too fine for cattle to consume without it becoming pasty in the mouth.
Minimizing feed wastage and proper feed bunk management can reduce feed cost per pound of gain. Properly designed feed bunks can reduce feed waste. Do your cattle push feed over the back of the bunk? Do your cattle root feed out of the bunk? If so, feed bunk alterations may be warranted. Are you just depositing too much feed in the bunk at each feeding resulting in spoiled feed that must be tossed? Are you properly processing each ration? Are the cattle sorting coarser particles? Are some of the feedstuffs too fine and fines are building up in the bunk? Sometimes feed processing can be of benefit. Grinding, dry rolling or cracking some grains such as shelled corn can improve feed efficiency, but all grains are not the same. Barley should be dry rolled twice (rolled through a double or triple stack roller mill, or rolled twice through a single stack roller) because it is hard to seed coat. Milo has the greatest feed efficiency if fed as high moisture grain because of its hard seed coat. High moisture shelled corn has greatest efficiency if stored and fed as whole grain. Normal handling of the grain will result in enough kernel breakage to improve digestion. Wheat should be steam flaked or fed whole but never ground then fed to cattle.
Proper housing is a must if least-cost of gain is realized. Cattle can withstand cold environments quite well if they are dry and out of direct wind. If not housed on slatted floors, cattle must have a dry place to lay. Wet cattle are stressed cattle; muddy cattle are stressed cattle, and stressed cattle require more energy (a larger portion of their feed consumption) to maintain body energy and consequently do not gain weight well. Similarly in hot environments cattle require adequate shade and air movement to maintain homeostasis. In Illinois, these variations in environmental conditions are one of the reasons cattle perform so well in mono-slope facilities on a year-round basis.
There are several other factors that affect feed efficiency of feedlot cattle, such as health management, balanced diets, implant regimens, cattle handling procedures and cattle grouping strategies. I can address these topics in another article. Have a great day. Doc
Affiliate News
Dekalb-Kane County Cattlemen hosted their annual banquet in Elburn on Saturday, December 2. IBA President Dave Duzan was in attendance. The evening included a prime rib dinner, entertainment, and the everpopular benefit auction. Morgan Fidler was granted the 2023 Bernie Roberston Memorial Scholarship, and Allie Peterson and Georgia Harvell were named the 2023 Beef Efficiency winners.
Jo Daviess County Beef Association hosted their annual banquet and auction at the Chestnut Mountain Resort in Galena on December 17. Over fifty cattlemen and women gathered to discuss the association’s work in 2023, the challenge of recruiting new members, and current fencing laws within the county. IBA EVP Josh St. Peters, was able to attend and discuss the current happenings at the IBA. Twelve education scholarships, plus one first-time entrepreneur scholarship were awarded, and nearly 500 pounds of hamburger were donated.
Adams County Cattlemen is hosting their annual meeting on January 27 in Liberty.
Tri-County Cattlemen’s Association is hosting their annual banquet on February 10. Events include keynote speaker Amanda Radke, Lacy’s Ditch, a fundraising auction and scholarship recognition, all accompanied by a steak dinner. Tickets are $75; visit www.tricountycattlemen.com/banquet.
Knox County Cattlemen’s will host their annual banquet on February 10 in Galesburg.
Adams County Beef Producers will hold their third annual Beef Bonanza on March 23 at 5:30 p.m. at the Ambiance in Quincy. Contact an Adam’s county affiliate board member for more information and to buy tickets.
TIME TO RENEW !
YOUR 2024 IBA MEMBERSHIP
“Being a member and a past board member of the Illinois Beef Association has given my family and me confidence that the association is working on the best interest of cattle producers in Illinois. The leadership at IBA puts countless hours into protecting the beef industry not just in Illinois but also across the country. From the cow-calf producer to the packer, and from the seedstock farm to the showring, the IBA is deploying its resources to be actively involved. The staff along with the governing bodies are aware the organization is membership based and the heart of the organization is the grass-roots membership. They are always willing to listen and respond to the needs of the members to the best of their abilities. All producers, along with supporting industries to the beef industry, should invest in an Illinois Beef Association membership.”
-Dr. Jay Miller
YOUR BENEFITS
• Illinois Beef subscription and preferred advertising rates
• Discounts on farm equipment and service memberships
• Elite access to various industry programs and services
• Opportunity to participate in IBA hosted events
In the Know
ACES dedicates Stock Pavilion Arena in honor of industry leader, professor Doug Parrett
On March 8, 2024, the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences at the University of Illinois UrbanaChampaign will dedicate the “Dr. Doug Parrett Memorial Arena” in the historic Stock Pavilion, honoring the 49-year career of the beef production professor and livestock judging icon Doug Parrett.
“Doug taught, coached, and inspired generations of students who would go on to become industry leaders in this very arena,” said Rodney Johnson, head of the Department of Animal Sciences. “It is incredibly fitting for it to bear his name and stand as a lasting tribute to the boundless impact he made as an educator, livestock judging coach, Extension specialist, research collaborator, and interim department head.”
The dedication ceremony and reception will take place from 4:30 - 6:00 p.m. on March 8 at the Stock Pavilion, located at 1402 W Pennsylvania Ave in Urbana. The annual livestock judging team reunion will follow at the I Hotel and Illinois Conference Center.
“We look forward to coming together to remember an incredible mentor, teacher, and friend who made a lasting impact on the careers and lives of so many in our industry,” said Dan Shike, who followed in Parrett’s footsteps to lead the livestock judging team. “Doug Parrett made everyone he met feel special and valued, giving them whatever knowledge, encouragement, or advice he had to offer. He has been, and always will be, greatly missed by all who knew him.”
A bronze plaque will be unveiled during the ceremony, which reads: “This arena honors Doug Parrett, emeritus professor of Animal Sciences in the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences, who made it his mission to empower cattle producers and improve beef quality globally through innovative genetics research and hands-on educational opportunities. Parrett was considered a teaching icon and legendary livestock judging coach. Over his 49-year career, he inspired, mentored, and trained countless students, many of whom went on to be industry leaders. He demonstrated exceptional livestock evaluation skills and served as a world-renowned judge of purebred and commercial beef cattle. His contributions to the field of animal sciences will live on in this arena.”
Family, friends, and colleagues have established the Dr. Doug Parrett Memorial Scholarship Fund to support members of the livestock judging team. Contributions can be sent to the University of Illinois Foundation, Harker Hall, 1305 W. Green Street, Urbana, IL 61801, or made online at giving.illinois.edu (include the fund name in the “Other” field). Reach out to Allison Winter, director of development, at awinter@illinois.edu or 217-244-8307 with any questions.
For more information or special requests related to this event, contact event organizer Jamie Evans at jrevans@illinois.edu or 217-244-1681.
IJBA President Lauren Wolter crowned 2024 Miss American Angus
The American Angus Association annual Angus Convention was held on November 3-6 in Orlando, Florida. It included industry update sessions, education opportunities and giveaways. The third evening of the event included the AAA Awards Dinner and Reception. According to the AAA, “the evening concluded with the highly anticipated crowning of the 2024 Miss American Angus. Lauren Wolter, Aviston, will spend her term serving and supporting the association at shows and events across the country.” IBA staff and board of governors would like to wish Lauren a great year.
A view of the newly-named Dr. Doug Parrett Memorial Arena in the Stock Pavilion.
Professor Doug Parrett discusses feed rations with animal science graduate students.
Kent Quality Beef hosts cow-calf forum at IBA office
Cattle producers from across Illinois gathered on November 8 at the IBA office to attend the Kent Quality Beef Cow-calf Forum. The program was hosted by KQB staff, Dave Wilcox, Tyler Schleich, Mareah Rauch, Cole Whisman, Renee Lloyd and Rob Echele.
IBA EVP Josh St. Peters opened the forum with a brief introduction showing support for the event and the possibility of its recurrence. Dr. Derrell Peel, livestock marketing specialist at Oklahoma State University, led the first session, a market cattle outlook. Then, Barney Gehl of Zoetis and Wes Keller, DVM, of Keller Veterinary Services, presented the importance of animal health protocols for reproductive strategies. Following their presentation, a catered lunch of beef noodles, sides and a dessert, satisfied attendees as they settled in for the afternoon’s sessions.
Attendees had high complements for the speaker that followed, Dr. Chris Ashworth, DVM, Zinpro, who explained all-things vitamins and minerals during his session titled “The Importance of Trace Minerals for Reproductive Success. ”Dr. Nathan Pyatt, PhD, Elanco, followed with a session on Rumensin and its impact on cow reproductive performance. Later, Kent Nutrition Group’s own Dr. Brandon Koch engaged attendees about new technologies and nutrition in the cow-calf world. Finally, the day wrapped up with a panal discussion moderated by Tyler Schleich. IBA members, Thaddeus Tharp of Land O’ Lakes Lending, Fairview Sale Barn’s Jake Fidler and Dean Bacon & Beef’s Derek Dean discussed a variety of industry related issues in the areas of markets, Livestock Risk Protection and best nutrition practices.
Kent Feeds Territory Sales Manager Dave Wilcox chats with State Representative Chris Miller.
Attendees started their morning with complementary coffee in a take-home IBA mug.
Session one speaker, Dr. Derrell Peel.
Chris Ashworth, DVM, answers producer questions regarding the most important aspects of an animal’s diet.
Elanco representative, Dr. Nathan Pyatt, shares the possible benefits of Rumensin.
Dr. Wes Keller details reproductive health.
A great group of involved cattlemen and women listen intently to the afternoon sessions.
Cow-calf panal seated left to right: Thaddeus Tharp, Jake Fidler and Derek Dean.
Brandon Koch, DVM, engages producers.
Illinois Beef Checkoff sponsors prorodeo
Cord McCoy’s PRCA Prorodeo Extreme Bull Bash hosted at Springfield’s Bank of Springfield Center was fun had by all. The Illinois Beef Checkoff sponsored the beef served in the VIP booth and a banner in the corral (see photo below). Bull riding was followed by entertainment from A Thousand Horses and Larry Fleet.
IBA hosts Beef Quality Assurance trainings in six Illinois communities
Illinois Beef Association traveled far and wide this past fall, bringing cattlemen and women together for meals and BQA lessons. Beef Extension Specialist, Travis Meteer (speaker below), led the six lessons which were each followed by a test for producers to receive their BQA certifications. Turn to page 22 to learn about BQA in greater detail from the organizer herself, IBA Programs and Services Manager, Annie Schoetmer.
Kicking off the Cattlemen Connect Education Series in Champaign county
Central Illinois cattlemen gathered at the Champaign County Farm Bureau on November 29 for a cow-calf focused regional education meeting. The meeting is part of IBA’s second year of Cattlemen Connect Education Series meetings. First to speak was Dr. Jason Walker from the University of Illinois to give a calving basics presentation. Dr. Tessa Marshall (below), also from University of Illinois, lectured on cow and calf vaccinations, a timely subject for producers.
Cattlemen Connect Education Series draws a crowd in Northern Illinois
IBA hosted nearly fifty cattle producers at Blackridge in Cambridge on December 5 for an evening of risk management presentations. Kicking off the evening with information on a variety of financial risk tactics, Ross Bronson, of Redd Summit Advisors in Southeast Idaho, chatted about five different areas of risk for producers and strategies to mitigate those risks. University of Illinois Beef Extension Educator, Travis Meteer, followed with ways to prepare and manage cattle during harsh winter conditions, including rations and practices. A dinner of roast beef was served following the meeting.
IBA Programs and Services Manager, Annie Schoetmer gives welcoming remarks.
IBA EVP, Josh St. Peters gives audience introduction to the association and speakers.
MultiMin was a sponsor of CCES.
IBA President, Dave Duzan, expresses importance of IBA membership to attendees.
Illinois cattlemen listen intently to beef leaders and experts. IBA Board Member, Jake Perino, enjoys the meeting.
Beef Leadership Academy participants enjoy a December weekend in Central Illinois
In early December, Beef Leadership Academy participants gathered in Bloomington for their second immersive experience. The second pillar of the Beef Leadership Academy focused on Advocating for Agriculture Through Effective Storytelling. The weekend kicked off with a session facilitated by Blaze Currie who brought a wealth of experience in advocacy and personal messaging. Blaze dove deep into the mechanics of hooking an audience, utilizing a personal story to connect, delivering a powerful point, and implementing a call to action. Participants discussed the following topics: nutritional benefits of beef, environmental sustainability, animal welfare, labor needs, and the economic viability of the beef industry. After group discussion, each participant was challenged to develop their own advocacy story that could be utilized to discuss one of the previously mentioned topics.
Day two kicked off at the Illinois Soybean Association for an exciting tour and panel discussion facilitated by Olivia Key. The panel was led by ISA Domestic Markets Manager, Tim Rendall, and panelists included the ISA Director of Agronomy, Abigail Peterson, ISA Public Policy Manager, Corey Lacey, and ISA Board Members Ron Kindred and Jeff O’Connor. Panel members discussed the structure of ISA, the importance of advocacy within ISA, research and development, plus policy and the role storytelling has in government. BLA participants then traveled to visit Illinois Beef Association President, Dave Duzan’s, in Lexington. Beef chili was enjoyed by all with a conversation on the importance of leadership, and entrepreneurship. The immersive experience concluded with a tour of Dave’s cattle backgrounding operation, and a discussion on the important role backgrounders play in the Illinois cattle industry.
BLA participants stop for a group photo at the Illinois Soybean Association. Pictured left to right: Jackson Matthews, Logan Sarginson, Dustin Holton and Dan and Betty Haynes.
Blaze Currie discusses how to tell effective stories to audiences.
Tim Rendall introduces ISA panelists.
After their soup lunch, IBA president Dave Duzan encourages participants to be leaders.
Ross Bronson of Idaho details the five areas of risk: legal, human, market, production and financial.
Travis Meteer says to increase an animal’s grain intake by 2.5% for a 20% increase in energy.
Selling 18 month old and yearling Purebred Angus Bulls out of these proven herd sires.
Rudow’s Administrator 333
GCC Juanada Style 670 F
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Rudow’s Capital Gain 74
Several bulls will be calving ease.
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Beef Quality
Annie Schoetmer, Illinois Beef Association Programs and Services Manager
What comes to mind when you hear the phrase “beef quality”? Maybe your first thought is grades of meat, like Prime, Choice, or Select. Maybe your first thought is a wellbuilt, good-looking show animal. Or maybe, just maybe, your first thought is the Beef Quality Assurance program, otherwise known as BQA. Beef Quality Assurance is a nationally coordinated, state-facilitated program designed to address emerging consumer demands through producer education and training.
It is no secret that the percentage of people directly involved in agriculture has been on a downward trend for decades, meaning fewer people have first-hand experience with food animal production. Yet, studies continue to show that an increasing number of consumers want to know where their food came from, and how their food was raised. So, the question surfaces, if the average consumer is three generations removed from agriculture, how do they obtain information on how their beef was raised? How do we, as responsible beef producers, do our part to assure consumers that the beef they purchase was raised safely and responsibly? Obtaining and maintaining a BQA certification is our industry’s flagship program to do just that.
Here in Illinois, producers can receive BQA certification anytime online at bqa.org, or by attending one of the inperson BQA meetings we host throughout the state each year. In partnership with the University of Illinois Extension, the Illinois Beef Association just wrapped up a series of in-person BQA trainings across the state. I had the opportunity to hit the road for several weeks in November and December to attend each of our in-person meetings, which are taught by my fellow State BQA Coordinator, Travis Meteer, who is also a University of Illinois Extension Beef Specialist.
as well. Then we were off to Stephenson County on December 7 for another BQA training, and finally, the BQA run concluded on December 11, at Fairview Sale Barn.
Six meetings, at six locations across the state, and yet there is one common denominator: cattlemen and women committed to doing their part to ensure the future of the beef industry. While the previous sentence may seem like an overexaggeration, after tucking our second in-person BQA run under my belt, I believe it to my core. Beef Quality Assurance training is our first mode of building consumer confidence. Our willingness, as producers, to participate in a voluntary program dedicated to executing every aspect of cattle production the right way sends a very clear message. A message that we care, a message that we are committed to cattle management, and a message that we are stepping up to ensure a wholesome and safe beef supply.
The meeting marathon kicked off with a BQA workshop in Effingham County on November 28. Producer members and animal science students from the University of Illinois gathered in Champaign County the next night, on November 29, for a special cow-calf educational session as part of our Cattlemen Connect Education Series. This meeting featured presentations by university veterinary medicine faculty members, Dr. Jason Walker, and Dr. Tessa Marshall, and concluded with a BQA certification. The first week of our in-person BQA meetings wrapped up at Carthage Livestock on November 30.
Another impressive group of cattlemen and women gathered in Cambridge on December 5, for another Cattlemen Connect Education Series workshop covering risk management and winter management of cattle, and many producers stuck around for the BQA certification that night
For producers, BQA is built on the premise that we can couple commonsense husbandry practices with scientific knowledge, to raise cattle under the most optimal conditions. Favorable environmental conditions combined with good animal husbandry improves the overall carcass quality and value. Oftentimes the BQA program is just one big reminder of the things that we do on our farm 365 days a year. If you attended an in-person training, you may have even heard Travis say “I am going to serve as a professional reminder-er tonight”. However, the BQA program goes beyond you and your farm; the overarching message of the BQA program is being leveraged to reinstate consumer trust. Key BQA principles are being incorporated into consumer-facing resources, to help bridge the gap between farmers and the average consumer. High-priority BQA messaging includes the thoughtful use of antibiotics in cattle production, low-stress animal handling, and environmental sustainability. Matters that as responsible producers, we take seriously on the farm every day, and fortunately for us, we can assure consumers of our commitment simply by obtaining and maintaining a BQA certification.
BQA certificates are valid for three years, and while certification can be completed anytime online, the food and fellowship at in-person meetings are truly a treat. Reflecting on the six in-person trainings, I am grateful for the hundreds of passionate and committed producers I was able to interact with. I am thankful for the opportunity to gather with likeminded cattle enthusiasts and to participate in important
conversations. I am appreciative of the men and women who are doing their part to ensure the future of the beef industry by certifying with the BQA program! Finally, I would be remiss to leave out the generous sponsors who believe in BQA and producer education as much as I do. A huge ‘thank you’ goes out to Axiota, BA Precast, Earlybird, Elanco, Fairview Sale Barn, Farm Credit Illinois, Hopedale Agri Center, Illinois Farm Bureau, Kent, Land O’ Lakes Financial, Longhorn Cattle & Swine Confinements, Maurer-Stutz, Merck, Nemo Feed, Pike Feeds, Pro Harvest Seeds, Purina, River Valley Cooperative, United Producers, and Zoetis. Each of the above-mentioned entities believes strongly in the beef industry and they have stepped up to support producer education and outreach. Certifying at bqa.org is free to all, but it is because of generous industry support that in-person BQA training is always free to Illinois Beef Association members.
To sum it all up, building consumer trust to ensure the viability of the beef industry is no small feat, but collectively producers across Illinois are stepping up to do their part by getting certified. With our winter run of in-person BQA trainings complete, I look forward to a set of in-person BQA meetings in the summer of 2024. In the meantime, I am always happy to answer questions and offer support to those obtaining certification online. I hope next time you hear “beef quality” the Beef Quality Assurance program quickly comes to mind as our industry’s flagship program to address consumer concerns. I hope that you are current on your certification, and I hope that you are living out the BQA message every day on your farm!
OCimeron Frost 1947-2024
n the day that this issue of Illinois Beef magazine was to go to press, we received the kind of news that stops you in your tracks, that our beloved friend, colleague and former leader, Cimeron Frost, had passed away. Our next issue of the magazine will feature a comprehensive tribute to the man who spent much of his career serving Illinois Beef Association and our membership. But we felt it important to share the news of his passing, with a message prepared by his wife and children, which is provided here.
Cimeron is an incredible figurehead in the history of our organization. He spent more than twenty years on the staff here, primarily as the Vice President of Member Services, and for a time, stepping into the Executive Vice President role, following the passing of Maralee Johnson. He built Ribeye Corral into a well-oiled machine, as a promotion venue and public outreach tool, as well as a profitable fundraising endeavor. Many members share fond memories of time spent grilling alongside Cimeron at the fair. Even before joining the staff, he volunteered time to get Illinois Beef Expo started back in 1988, and over the years worked tirelessly (often non-stop behind the scenes) to make sure the Expo’s shows and sales went off without a hitch.
His impact was enormous for this association, and we will greatly miss his presence. For those who knew him well, Cim was a quiet figure. But he would call me at the office from time to time and had stopped in several times in the last three years, often to share encouragement or pass along feedback that he was hearing in the countryside. He always had a tip on a membership we could go sell, a volunteer with talents we could tap into, and a potential issue we could be working on to help Illinois’ beef families. He continued to offer his time and his knowledge to help make IBA stronger. Even in his retirement, Cimeron’s passion for the IBA missions was undeterred.
-IBA Executive Vice President, Josh St. Peters
A
message from Rachel Frost, wife of the late Cimeron Frost, announcing his passing:
A huge hole in our hearts and a void in our lives has been left with the passing of our much-loved husband, father, and “Popo”. Cimeron Frost went away from us on January 12, 2024. He was known to many in the beef and agriculture industries and touched lives in many different ways.
Cimeron was born June 28, 1947, in Evanston, IL, to Eldon and Eleanor Frost. His early years were spent in Glenview, but the family soon moved to a small acreage with a big farmhouse west of Mundelein where chickens, geese, dogs, and cats thrived. By the time he was ten years old, Cimeron found his way across the road to a purebred Yorkshire farm owned by Arnie Wertz (Chicago Blackhawks owner) where his strong work ethic was appreciated. In a few years he left the pig barns and followed the path to Ray Lake Farms, a purebred Angus operation. At age 14, he loaded on a railcar with a full show string of cattle and headed to the National Western in Denver. His life’s calling was found in the cattle barns. Following high school graduation in 1965, he was drafted into the Army. His quiet but strong leadership served him well as he earned the rank of Staff Sargeant. He guided a troop of soldiers of different cultural backgrounds in the DMZ of Korea. Cimeron was always proud of his military service and was especially honored when his grandson Tait presented him with a Quilt of Valor.
Following his military service, Cimeron returned to Lake County where he worked for Picket Fence Farms for a short period of time. He then headed south to Oklahoma to UT Farms. Here he established himself as a top cattle fitter and left a strong legacy of his abilities. With a very talented crew of Cimeron, Pat, Kevin, Melvin, and Dotson, UT Farms earned state and national championships for many years as well as hosting successful sales. His wife Rachel joined the crew when introduced by a mutual friend, Paul Clapp, at the Illinois State Fair. When UT Farms dispersed in 1973, Cimeron and Rachel returned to her family farm in Tallula, Illinois, where Cimeron learned crop farming as well as running the cattle operation. Here he worked with his father-in-law John Janssen. Cimeron also became a highly sought-after show and sale cattle fitter, working for farms and ranches across the nation with his good friend Paul Vancil. He often took along some young blood in the beef industry and taught them hard work ethic.
In 1994, the crop operation ended and Cimeron began a new phase of his life with the Illinois Beef Association where he dedicated his life for over 20 years. One of his greatest contributions to the beef industry was the establishment of the Illinois Beef Expo in 1988 prior to his full-time employment at IBA. He conceptualized an event where multiple purebred breeds could hold sales and shows all together in one place. With the addition of the junior show, the Expo became a nationally recognized, elite event in the purebred industry. True to his humble nature, he never wanted to claim credit for its success; he always gave credit to his crew of friends over the years.
During his tenure at IBA, Cimeron established the Ribeye Corral as a standard of excellence at the Illinois State Fair. He worked countless long hours for its success, employing many young people and instilling a strong work ethic in them; they came back year after year to work for him. His own children were not spared child labor as they flipped ribeyes, painted the barn, filled drinks, and cleaned before and after the Fair, all while the family showed three species of livestock at the Fair. Cimeron rarely missed them in the show ring and would then zoom back to the Ribeye Corral on the golf-cart-with-the-cowbell to serve the public.
Following his time at IBA, Cimeron retired to come back to the cattle operation at home and work alongside his sons, giving advice and labor as needed (or sometimes when not needed!). He was still “on staff” at IBA as he gave thoughts, ideas, and suggestions, and mentored with his invaluable knowledge and wisdom. All of his accomplishments in the beef industry were not as important to him as his family. His face would light up with pride if asked about his kids or grandkids. He was a “dad” to many outside our biological family. Cimeron was strong and quiet and a man of few words, but when he spoke, everyone listened. He raised his family with a firm but fair hand, letting his children figure out what needed to be done. Following an overly-fun night, his children might find themselves (and maybe a friend or two) cleaning the barn at 6:00 AM, giving them time to think on their next move.
Cimeron carried his talents to his community. He was responsible for cooking thousands of ribeyes in support of FFA and the PORTA Sports Boosters and any other event that needed his expert hand. He served many years as the Menard County Fair Beef Superintendent.
Cimeron was predeceased by his parents, Eldon and Eleanor Frost, and parents-in-law, John and Wilma Janssen. Mourning our loss are his wife of fifty-plus years, Rachel Janssen Frost, and children Erin (Matt) McCaskill of Timewell, Tony (Brittainy) Frost of Tallula, Chelsea (Robbie) Duis of Petersburg, Nathan (Darian) Frost of Tallula, and Gretchen (Garrett) Lampe of Petersburg; and grandchildren Tait and Paige McCaskill, Addison Duis, Weston, Grayson, and Braylon Lampe, Wyatt Frost, and Paityn Frost, as well as his sisters Adry (Bill) Brudwick of Colorado and Tricia (Dave) Hagen of Mundelein, and his extended family of in-laws Barbara (Bill) Miller of Dahlonega, Georgia, Carolyn Janssen of St. Simons Island, Georgia, and Alan (Denise) Janssen of Bloomfield, Iowa, nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers and food, memorial contributions can be made to Illinois Beef Association Foundation, 2501 N. 8th St., Springfield, IL 62702, for the Cimeron Frost Supreme Champion Heifer Award and Scholarship, to be awarded at Illinois Beef Expo.
Relationship Building on the Veterinarian-Client-Patient
Opportunities for Improving Cattle Health and Welfare
By Julia Herman, DVM, MS; Beef Cattle Specialist Veterinarian, NCBA, a contractor to
the Beef Checkoff
Communication and relationship building are key components of a successful cattle operation. Both require intentional work and active updating throughout the year, depending on what the focus is. Active communication should be the foundation of the partnership between many parties affecting the cattle operation, including:
• Between a client and their herd veterinarian, developing a Veterinarian-Client-Patient Relationship (VCPR)
• Between management and cattle caretakers through everyday activities, onboarding and annual training
• Between cattle caretakers and their cattle through improved stockmanship and understanding cattle behavior
Having open conversations with the herd veterinarian throughout the year about cattle care is a valuable way to plan. Cattle care encompasses several overlapping areas including animal husbandry, welfare, nutrition, low-stress handling, and even employee training. Within the Beef Checkoff-funded Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) program, there are guidelines that touch on these areas to improve welfare through husbandry practices and BQA encourages producers to strive for continuous improvement in all aspects of the operation. This continuous learning and exchange of information are essential for staying up to date with the everevolving cattle industry. Cattle producers can make informed decisions and adapt to new challenges and opportunities in the market. All of these are opportunities created with a VCPR.
Rosslyn Biggs, veterinarian and beef cattle extension specialist with Oklahoma State University, works constantly with cattle producers and veterinary practitioners to understand how this relationship can be even more impactful.
“The importance of a veterinary team member is now more important than ever as many areas, particularly rural communities, experience difficulty in recruiting and retaining veterinarians,” she explained. “Additionally, increased oversight such as the VeterinaryFeed-Directive and judicious antibiotic usage make the VCPR even more critical.”
The VCPR facilitates responsible antibiotic use in cattle production. With growing concerns over antimicrobial resistance, it is vital to have a herd veterinarian overseeing and prescribing antibiotics when necessary. After the Food and Drug Administration’s
Guidance for Industry #263 went in to affect this summer, medically important antimicrobial drugs that were previously available over-the-counter were transitioned to requiring a veterinary prescription. It is important to remember that a VCPR is required before a veterinarian can legally write a prescription.
Veterinarians can ensure that antibiotics are used judiciously, only when needed, and in the most effective manner. This approach not only preserves the efficacy of these drugs but upholds public health by minimizing the risk of antibiotic residues in cattle products.
Biggs added, “Veterinarians can also guide producers on accurately meeting antimicrobial label requirements, including appropriate use and withdrawal. Additionally, treatment protocols and record keeping measures can be developed if not already present in an operation.”
BQA supports the judicious use of antimicrobials and has 14 education points for review in the Antibiotic Stewardship for Beef Producers document found on www.bqa.org.
A VCPR also plays a vital role in ensuring food safety and quality. With the increasing emphasis on food safety regulations, having a veterinarian involved in the cattle operation is critical. They can help develop and oversee proper animal health and management practices, which in turn, contributes to the safety and quality of cattle products, such as meat and dairy. Veterinarians can help producers with record keeping, tracking animal treatments, and ensuring labeled withdrawal times are followed with animal health products, including vaccines, antibiotics, feed additives or dewormers. This helps in meeting regulatory requirements and maintaining consumer confidence in the products. When cattle producers have a strong relationship with a veterinarian and can maximize that communication, cattle producers can optimize their production processes, reduce losses, and improve the overall performance of the herd. This can lead to increased economic viability and sustainability in the cattle industry.
Biggs brought another important aspect to consider when building a relationship with a veterinarian, “Finding a veterinary practice that fits the needs of your operation is key. Take the time to develop a long-lasting, effective relationship well before crisis strikes. Like cattlemen, veterinarians continue to be faced with multiple challenges. Investing in a solid VCPR creates a strategic alliance that proves mutually beneficial to both producers and veterinarians.”
The VCPR remains one of the important relationships in a cattle operation. This management tool connects veterinarians, cattle producers, and the animals while contributing to disease prevention, herd health, food safety, education, responsible antibiotic use, disaster preparedness, efficiency, profitability and ethical production. A strong VCPR is a cornerstone of a successful and sustainable cattle industry, ensuring the well-being of both the animals and the people involved in the process. The BQA program, including its certification courses and accompanying resources, highlights this relationship and provides educational opportunities for cattle producers to advance their operations. Visit www.bqa.org to find these resources and check your BQA certification status.
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Load ‘em Up
Illinois Performance Tested Bull Sale consignors, the Tarr family, have values that start with a cow and come together in the pasture, providing the strong foundation of legacy, cattle and hope.
By Olivia Hoots
Can you smell the old red brick and wood chips, or picture smiles on familiar faces? Does the atmosphere makes you feel nostalgic, or you are there to see if you can top the sale? Whatever it may be, the Illinois Performance Tested Bull Sale is a long-held tradition among producers in our state. If there is one event at the Illinois Beef Expo seen in the eyes of many cattle producers as one they must not miss, it is the one that has spanned over 30 years. Some families have joined the sale in the last few years, yet others, such as the Tarr brothers of Newton, have stood the test of time. The Tarr family has been a constant to the sale – whether with their consignments or their dedication to the sale’s vitality, they have been there to support it, displaying their virtues founded in family, cattle and hope.
Fox Creek Cattle, the Tarr’s Simmental and SimAngus operation, spans over 70 years since Kendall Tarr first inherited 20 Hereford cows. The operation has grown and changed since then, but the purpose of it never will. Today they have on average 55 head of predominantly Simmental or SimGenetic cattle, with about 1,000 acres of row crop ground.
Kendall and his wife, Zana, raised four sons in the business. Their oldest son Brad works for the Jasper County
Soil and Water Conservation District and focuses on the row crop side and usually does morning chores, while the second oldest, Stan, used to do much of the record keeping and breeding decisions. Stan passed away in late 2022, but his wife and kids still have cattle in the
Fox Creek Cattle
program; Travis willingly took over his tasks to keep the operation going. The two youngest sons, Travis and Brock, are agriculture teachers and FFA advisors at Newton High School, with Travis celebrating his 25th year of teaching this year. They each have their own roles on the farm from summer baling to winter calving. The “patriarch,” Kendall, is 85 and still gets out to let his sons know if he sees anything going awry. Yet, still everyone gathers to move cattle or on vaccination days.
With off-farm jobs, the family claims their cattle as an “overgrown 4-H project.” It was about 1981 when Brad and Stan went with their dad to pick up their first Simmental bulls in Tennessee. That’s about the same time the youngest son, Brock, was born. He says the breed is what he has known all his life. “I remember going up when I was little and just being freezing cold,” Brock says, remembering winter trips to the farm.
Everyday care of the cattle is divided among many, even the nine grandchildren. Brad and his wife, Amy, have two sons: Nick, who often helps with cattle, and Mitchell, who is an ag teacher in Beecher City. Stan and his wife Jennifer’s daughter, Emerson, just started college at Kansas State University and their son, Jasper, is a senior in high school. Travis and his wife, Amy, have two boys; Meyer, who is in high school, and Marshall, who is just out of high school, plus their daughter, Marlee, who is in eighth grade. Brock and his wife Amanda’s son, Turner, is a sophomore in high school and their daughter Riley is in seventh grade.
“When I say we all work on it, we all do,” Travis says. Sometimes evening chores are as simple as getting the two junior-high aged cousins together to do them. “We all have off-farm jobs so there has to be a lot of moving pieces to make the whole thing work,” Travis says. Yet nothing could stop the Tarr operation; each of the kids pitch in their time to keep the whole thing going.
Brock believes in the principle that sometimes you pick up the slack for someone else knowing they will turn around and pick up the slack for you at another time. “I don’t think my dad thought years ago when he bought these cattle that it would lead to what it has for us as a family,” he says.
Performance Tested
The Tarr family has been in the IPT Bull Sale for over 25 years. Brad says they first started selling them because it was an outlet that would work in a time when it was difficult to sell bulls east of the Mississippi. They pride themselves on having a few select bulls that complement their cows to fit the mold of other high-end genetic packages in the industry.
“We have been doing this a long time,” Travis says. “We
have tried to stay the course and not follow a lot of trends, and just tried to have cattle that would fit in the show ring.”
They also sell heifers in Curt Rincker’s Illini Elite sale, which occurs in Shelbyville in September. Here they sell some open show heifers with the hope some juniors will have success at the county, state and national show levels. For Brock, the show industry seems too competitive, but they “strive to make good, consistent, cattle that can go in the show ring but then can also go home and make good cows and bulls for the people that purchase them.”
“The Tarr family have been long-time participants in the IPT sale and have always seen the value of providing their customers with economically important traits including calving ease, weaning and yearling weights and, of course, carcass traits,” says Rincker. “What has made their cattle also look enticing to buyers is their personal emphasis on quality traits including structural soundness, shape, and balance. It provides the complete package to buyers. They are a great family and are passionate about quality!”
Yet, Travis explains their goal with performance cattle is to make animals to sell in the IPT Bull Sale that can “seedstock” for buyers, yet perform, grow and are functional overall.
“To do that we are not always chasing the trendy show winners, but we are also not blindly looking at EPDs,” Travis says. “We are trying to have a phenotype that is good and acceptable to our customers, then also getting some genetic values that people can utilize and cattle that can perform at a real-world kind of commercial level.”
The family usually enters two to three bulls, taking pride in their usual repeat customers who know that their Tarr bulls “go to work for them.” Brock believes in making functional, stout, sound and “just good” stock.
According to Travis, they breed cows with intent to make bulls that have genetic value to hit the mark for the bull sale, but also have the phenotype to go with it.
Last year’s bull stands out to Travis, it was a “sweet spot” of a bull. “He was in the top end of the bull sale in genetic value,” he says. “That is the kind of critter we are trying to make. We know customers here in Illinois and the Midwest do not just follow the EPDs, they want a bull that looks the part.”
A Bull Sale Memorial
The people who live their lives to make others stand out are often the most admired in an industry like this one. Much like the second oldest brother, Stan Tarr. “Stan’s impact was pretty broad-reaching, whether it be the bull sale or Simmental cattle in general, his community, his career –people just knew and respected him,” Travis says.
“We do not get to pick our time, but mom and dad were blown away by his services and the amount of people, they did not realize how big his circle was,” Brock says.
Those within the IPT Bull Sale were no-less appreciative of the life of Stan Tarr. Travis says he encouraged the family to chase elite genetics, find bulls that would fit well in the IPT sale, while also displaying his leadership. Their whole family has been a constant throughout the history of the sale, making Stan and his brothers a source of guidance when questions or changes arose.
Stan’s impact at the IPT Sale left a lasting impression, leading sale manager, Travis Meteer, to gift the family with a memorial at the February 2023 sale.
“I think the memorial showed his impact on the beef industry, in how we have been there through a lot of the changes and growth in the beef industry in Illinois,” Travis Tarr says.
Brock agrees. “It has been pretty special the number of awards and memorials that Stan has received in the last year, whether it was Simmental, IPT, or at Louisville at the national judging contest,” he says.
The family will continue Stan’s legacy to the sale this year with two consignments. The first one is a moderate, nicely built bull, according to Travis. They will also consign a January bull, this one being the one Travis is most excited about. “He is double bred for some big-time genetics,” he says. “That bull has got a little more growth, a little more stretch – he is super sound.”
The Purpose of the Cattle
Some may wonder why the Tarr family stays in the cattle business. They all have off-farm jobs after all. The truth is cattle are their family project, a reason to get together often.
The term “Tarrnation” may be the best example of the family’s dedication to one another. Travis was the lone leader
of the Tarr grandkid pack at a show years ago when Doug Parks coined the phrase. It is a phrase that stuck around for a while and always reminded them of their purpose in having cattle.
Travis is passionate about putting family, especially all the Tarr kids, above the cattle. For him, cattle are the thing that has always brought everyone to the farm and shows and has kept everyone together.
Brock recalls running around with his brother when they were teenagers to the various county fairs; they did it for their summer income. “That was invaluable,” Brock says, recalling the 28 head they took to a county fair at the ages of 14 and 18 when their dad would turn them loose at the fair. Their experiences made them want to give similar ones to their own kids.
Now those kids are growing up. “We are now getting ready for the second generation of people in our family who are hitting their twenties,” Travis says. They each have hope the cattle operation will continue.
Brock says it is not about making money, but rather about a sense of accomplishment. The legacy of working hard on the farm and the virtue of hope from day-to-day will be passed on to Tarr generations to come through long winter days and, of course, enjoying another IPT sale. This family is always there to show support for their family, their communities, and the Illinois cattle industry.
“I do not know if there would be anything that could completely bust it up. If we ever felt like we were bickering over cattle so much that it was causing problems, load ‘em up,” Brock says, a testament to how the Tarr family chooses family every time, but they also know cattle are what ultimately bring them together time and time again. “Family is more important than a cow, but I think a cow is what has made our family so tight and been the glue.”
If the cattle are ever what divides any of us, I hope we could say “load ‘em up” with as much ease as Brock Tarr. May it never be.
The Illinois Performance Tested Bull sale will be held on February 22 at 11:00 a.m. in the Artisans building on the Illinois State Fairgrounds.
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FEBRUARY 22-25, 2024
Beef Expo
February 22-25, 2024
Illinois State Fairgrounds- Springfield, IL
Wednesday, February 21, 2024
4:00pm................ Junior Show cattle & tack allowed on grounds Illinois State Fairgrounds 11:59pm................. Early Online Entry Form closes for Junior Show www.illinoisbeefexpo.com
(Any cattle entered after this deadline will pay an increased fee)
Thursday, February 22, 2024
8:00am-4:30pm Trade Show Open Livestock Center, Lower Level
11:00am................. Illinois Performance Tested Bull Sale
Artisan's Building
4:00pm-7:00pm... Junior Show Check-In begins Barn 26
All breed steers showing on Friday (Shorthorn, Charolais/Composite, Shorthorn Plus, Hereford, Angus, Chi, Maine) must be entered and check-in at this time.
Friday, February 23, 2024
8:00am-4:30pm.... Trade Show open Livestock Center, Lower Level
8:00am-11:00am... Junior Show Check-in continues Barn 26
9:00am Livestock Judging Contest
Center, Upper Level 11:00am IJBA Meeting
11:00am................ Junior Beef Skill-A-Thon TBA 11:00am................. Late Online Entry Form for Saturday & Sunday shows closes www.illinoisbeefexpo.com
12:00pm................ Illinois Multi-Breed Female Sale
1:30pm “The Collection” Genetics Sale
Artisan's Building
Artisan’s Building
2:00pm Junior Market Show begins Livestock Center, Upper Level
8:00am-2:00pm... Trade Show Open Livestock Center, Lower Level
8:00am................. Junior Show resumes with Breeding Heifer show Livestock Center, Upper Level
-Sunday Breeding Heifer Show order-Maine, MaineTainer, Maine-Angus, Red Angus, Shorthorn, Simmental, Shorthorn Plus, %Simmental, Commercial, AOB Heifers, Top Five Breeding Animal selection
Junior Show
General Rules
Illinois Beef Expo will have two rings. Ring A will be open to all Illinois and out-of-state exhibitors. Ring B will be open to Illinois exhibitors only. All exhibitors in Ring B must be Illinois residents, currently enrolled or a graduate of an Illinois K-12 school, and their cattle must be maintained in Illinois.
All exhibitors in both rings must be Illinois Beef Association junior members. Annual dues are $25 per member. Exhibitor’s membership will be verified at check-in and dues can be paid when picking up exhibitor numbers or online at membership.illinoisbeef.com/producerform
Exhibitors must be at least 8 years of age and under 22 years of age as of January 1, 2024.
Entries & Check-In
All exhibitors MUST pre-enter virtually for the 2024 Illinois Beef Expo. A link to the virtual entry form will be posted on the Illinois Beef Expo web site and Illinois Beef Expo Facebook page. If internet access is a problem for you, please feel free to call Cori Malone, Junior Show Coordinator, for assistance with entry forms during the set time frame.
• Early virtual entry forms will be open from Monday, February 5, at 8:00 a.m. until Wednesday, February 21, at 11:59 p.m. Early virtual entries are $55/head per ring.
• Late virtual entry forms will be accepted for an increased fee until Thursday, February 22, at 7:00 p.m. for all breed steers showing on Friday (Shorthorn, Charolais/Composite, Shorthorn Plus, Hereford, Angus, Chi, Maine), and Friday, February 23, at 11:00 a.m. for Simmental steers, crossbred steers, market heifers and all breeding heifers.
• All breed steers showing on Friday (Shorthorn, Charolais/Composite, Shorthorn Plus, Hereford, Angus, Chi, Maine) MUST be virtually entered and checked-in by 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 22.
• All Simmental steers, crossbreed steers, market heifers and breeding heifers MUST be virtually entered and checked-in by 11:00 a.m. on Friday, February 23.
A digital copy of registration papers for all breed animals must be uploaded with your entry. All animal and owner information will be checked upon entry submission. Original registration papers will not be required to be present at the 2024 Illinois Beef Expo, as long as each animal has a digital copy on file with their entry. Show management and the Illinois Beef Expo committee reserve the right to verify tattoos on any and all entries.
All entries MUST be registered in the name of the exhibitor. The only exceptions are:
• A sibling can show an animal in the event of an approved conflict with written permission from the junior show coordinator before the show.
• For any calf purchased during the 2024 Illinois Beef Expo by a junior exhibitor, the junior exhibitor must provide the bill of sale at checkin, listing the junior as the sole owner of that calf. The new owner must show the calf. These sale cattle must be checked in within one hour after the completion of the multi-breed sale in which they were purchased. For breeds that allow multiple-owned heifers (i.e.: all siblings listed on registration certificate), the exhibitor must be designated at time of check-in.
RULES
All animals must be shown by the exhibitor in whose name they are checked in. The only exceptions are for those exhibitors with a doctor’s note excusing them from showing due to a medical issue, which must be presented at the time the animal is checked in, or if they have another animal in the opposite show ring at the same time. The animal must then be exhibited by another junior member.
All heifers must have health papers from a veterinarian. Steers are not required to have health papers.
In-person check-in will occur on Thursday, February 22 from 4:00 p.m. –7:00 p.m. and Friday, February 23, from 8:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. All breed steers showing on Friday (Shorthorn, Charolais/Composite, Shorthorn Plus, Hereford, Angus, Chi, Maine) must check-in and weigh before 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 22.
• All steers, market heifers and commercial heifers must be present to weigh. Breed heifer exhibitors do not need to bring their breed heifers to the check-in process.
• Exhibitor Number cards will be given out at check-in, and IBA dues and any remaining stalling fees will need to be paid (if applicable) at this time.
Breeding Females
Registered heifers will be shown by age – youngest to oldest. All commercial breeding heifers will be shown by weight, lightest to heaviest. Heifer classes will be offered for any breed that has at least ten head. Registered heifers with less than 10 head per breed will show in the All Other Breeds division.
Exhibitors of Angus heifers must not use any coloring materials of any kind during their breed show. When competing in the supreme heifer drive, exhibitors of the champion and reserve Angus heifers can use coloring agents.
Market Animals
All market animals will be shown by weight, including market heifers, lightest to heaviest.
Steer classes will be offered for any breed that has at least ten head. Registered steers with less than ten head per breed will show in the All Other Breeds division. Steers without registration papers will show as crossbreds.
Exhibitors of Angus steers must not use any coloring materials of any kind during their breed show. When competing in the supreme heifer drive, exhibitors of the champion and reserve Angus steers can use coloring agents.
Hereford steers are required to have a verified DNA profile on file with the American Hereford Association. Hereford steer exhibitors are required to present the letter from the AHA stating their steer’s DNA profile is on file with the AHA along with their steer’s registration paper at check-in. Please refer to www.illinoisbeefexpo.com for the complete set of rules. It is important to read them all before attending.
Illinois Performance Tested Bull Sale Consignments 2024
Market Show Ring A will begin at 2:00 p.m.. Ring B will begin following the conclusion of Shorthorn steers in Ring A. Show order for both rings (breeds must have at least 10 head or will show as AOB on Saturday):
• Shorthorn steers, Charolais/Composite steers, Shorthorn Plus steers, Hereford steers, Angus steers, Chianina steers, Maine steers
Saturday, February 24 - 8:00 a.m.
Market Show Ring A will continue at 8:00 a.m. Ring B will begin following the conclusion of Simmental steers in Ring A. Show order for both rings:
• Simmental steers, AOB steers (any breed with less than 10 head), Crossbred steers
• Market heifers
• Ring A Top 5 Market Animals
• Ring B Top 5 Market Animals
Breeding Heifer Show Ring A will start 30 min after the conclusion of Ring B Top 5 Market Animals. Ring B will begin following the conclusion of Division 1 in the Angus heifer show. Show order for both rings (breeds must have at least 10 head, or will show as AOB on Sunday):
Breeding Heifer Show Ring A will start at 8:00 a.m. Ring B will begin following the conclusion of the Maine heifer show. Show order for both rings (breeds must have at least 10 head, or will show as AOB):
• Maine heifers, MaineTainer heifers, Maine-Angus heifers, Red Angus heifers, Shorthorn heifers, Simmental heifers, Shorthorn Plus heifers, % Simmental heifers, Commercial heifers, AOB heifers
• Ring A Top 5 Breeding Animals
• Ring B Top 5 Breeding Animals
Junior Show
JUDGES
Chad Holtkamp
Chad Holtkamp is owner/operator of Holtkamp Cattle Co, West Point, Iowa. Chad and wife Kim began Holtkamp Cattle Co. as a first-generation operation in 1988. With a start of four cows, HCC now consists of a full-time cattle operation. Champions have originated from HCC at the National and State levels. Cattle are marketed through multiple sales throughout the year. Emphasis on purebred cattle as well as club calf production. Chad has judged numerous livestock shows throughout including events such as the North American, American Royal, Fort Worth Stock Show, National Western, Cattleman’s Congress and the owned heifers at the National Jr Angus show. Chad earned his Animal Science degree from Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Oklahoma, and his associates degree from Black Hawk East College, Kewanee, Illinois. Recently Chad was inducted into Black Hawk Easts Livestock Judging Hall of Fame. He was a member of the national champion livestock judging teams for both Black Hawk East and Oklahoma State University. Chad and his wife Kim have two sons, Skyler and Dacota.
Nick Fitzsimmons
Nick Fitzsimmons grew up on a Simmental seedstock operation in Western Iowa. Growing up exhibiting cattle across the country and livestock judging sparked a passion that eventually led him to Black Hawk East College and then onto Texas Tech University where he was on highly successful livestock judging teams. After serving as the assistant livestock judging coach at Texas Tech, Nick took a position with Sunglo Feeds. Nick currently serves as a regional show feed specialist in the Oklahoma and Texas markets. Nick, along with his wife Ashley son Lander, and daughter Layne own and operate Fitz Genetics, a multi-faceted cattle operation, in Perry, Oklahoma. Their operation strives to raise and sell high quality, functional cattle across multiple breeds. Nick has judged numerous state and national shows across the country.
Livestock Judging & Skill-A-Thon
LIVESTOCK CENTER UPPER ARENA - Friday, February 23
JUDGING CONTEST - 9:00 a.m.
The contest will be open to both 4-H and FFA teams. Teams will consist of no more than four members, with the top three scores representing the total team score. All team members will be eligible for individual competition.
A contestant must be a 4-H or FFA member to be eligible. A team or individual may be entered in either the 4-H or FFA division, but not both. Entry fee must be paid at registration at 11:00 a.m. on Friday.
Contest Format:
There will be three to four placings classes. Heifers and steers of any age from as many breeds as possible will be used for the classes. Each class will be 10-12 minutes in length. There will be 10 questions asked on each of two to three classes.
The officials will be a committee of three, to be announced at the contest. Organized by Blake Bloomberg and the Black Hawk East Livestock Judging Team. Please call 309-854-1835 with questions.
SKILL-A-THON - 11:00 a.m.
The purpose of this event is to create an educational activity at the Illinois Beef Expo, which promotes youth development and personal growth through increased knowledge of the beef industry.
Age Groups:
Juniors: 10 and under Intermediate: 10 to 14
Seniors: 15 and over
Junior Contest Format:
Breed ID, Feedstuff ID, Quality Assurance, Beef Anatomy, Equipment ID
Senior and Intermediate Contest Format:
Breed ID, Feedstuff ID, Quality Assurance, Beef Anatomy, General Beef Knowledge Written Test
T.J.CURTIN FARMS LLC
Curtin Thedford 304
Curtin Home Town 308
Curtin Enforcer 227
Curtin Enforcer 231
More than a winnerMaddox
By Sara McClendon
In several ways, 2023 was a remarkable year for Maddox Reedy of Tuscola. He celebrated several big wins at the state fair, including grand champion Land of Lincoln with a steer named Maverick. He also won reserve champion shorthorn heifer in the junior show and champion shorthorn heifer in the open show. On top of those wins, Maddox was named Premiere Herdsman. Any showman would be proud of these accomplishments, but when you consider the fact that Maddox is just 11-years-old, his success is even more impressive.
Maddox’s parents, Kyle and Sarah Reedy, both showed cattle growing up. However, they did not push Maddox into following in their footsteps. He naturally showed an interest from a young age. In fact, Sarah recalls that when Maddox was little, he had a stuffed cow toy that he would lead around their living room every night. That developed into a true interest in the art of showing, with Maddox competing in his first show on his sixth birthday.
“Back in 2017 we bought a heifer we were just going to use as a cow,” Kyle explains. “Maddox got to messing with her and they just became best buds. We really had no intentions of him showing that year but they just became the perfect partnership.” At that first show, Maddox was nervously fidgeting with the lead and accidentally unhooked it from his heifer. However, Maddox stayed calm. He stood steady in the middle of the ring, petting the heifer who stood dutifully by his side. It was a memorable first show and Maddox immediately fell in love with showing. “I just got hooked,” Maddox says. “I just love being
around show cattle. It was just very fun.”
A Sense of Purpose In and Out of the Show Ring
Maddox’s first year at the Junior Nationals competition was in 2020. The family had to decide whether to go through with the show.
“I remember we were sitting at the dinner table as the world was starting to shut down,” Sarah says. “His world at the time was crashing down. Baseball was getting canceled. School was out. He looked at Kyle and I, and I’ll never forget, asked why we were even doing this if the world is going to shut down. We were on the fence if we were going to go to Texas to show or not. And Kyle said, we are going. We made the haul, and it was a great week. That was a turning point in our child’s life.”
Maddox’s hard work has paid off with several showmanship awards in the few years he has been showing.
“He’s been kind of natural,” Kyle says. “He’s very observant. I don’t have to show him things very often a second time. He always catches right on. He’s been showing five years, and he’s probably won more showmanship awards than Sarah and I combined. He pays attention to so many details.”
Other recent wins include the Beef Expo, where Maddox picked up champion Shorthorn heifer and reserve champion Shorthorn heifer in Ring A, and champion
Shorthorn heifer in Ring B.
The Junior Beef Association through Illinois Beef Association is yet another important endeavor for Maddox. This year, he was in the top 10 in points in steers and heifers.
“Your membership gives you something to work at,” he explains. “And you get to meet older juniors that you can learn from.”
The Secret to Success
Maddox attributes his success in showing to practice, keeping good company and a lot of hard work.
“You have to practice a lot,” Maddox explains. “And surround yourself with good people. You have to work hard every single day during the summer. You can’t have any bad days in the show barn. If you don’t fix that one bad day, you’re basically leading up to Junior Nationals or State Fair with a bad day.”
Tyler Cates, owner of Cates Farms, is part of the good company Maddox keeps. Tyler sells show cattle to juniors, so he has seen plenty of young people involved in showing. However, Maddox’s drive, determination and maturity stand out to him.
When it was time to purchase Maddox’s first show heifer, the family turned to Tyler. Kyle and Sarah kept it a secret from Maddox at first. They took a video as they unloaded the heifer and sent it to Tyler. In the video, Maddox asks where they got the heifer from, and when his parents replied asking him where he always wanted one from, Maddox immediately said “Tyler!” with tears in his eyes.
“I still have the video,” Tyler says. “What I do is time consuming and stressful. But it’s things like that and kids like him that remind you why you do this.”
Garrett Lampe with Earlybird Feeds works with the Reedy family to make nutrition recommendations, something Maddox has taken an interest in. Maddox even says that he would want to be like Garrett one day, working as a nutritionist.
Sarah, Maddox and Kyle Reedy.
“Maddox was pretty attentive and had a lot of questions,” says Lampe. “He’s one of the kids who you can tell is showing for the right reason. I think he’s extremely mature beyond his age. With that, probably one of the happiest kids that you’ll meet. He’s a jokester and just a real privilege to be around.”
The maturity and hard work Maddox shows has also been noticed by Karl Miller, advisor for the Illinois Junior Shorthorn Association.
“Maddox possess a winning mindset,” Miller says. “The success he has had within and outside of the showring gives hope. A lot of kids can look up to him as someone that works hard and is determined.”
The network of supporters has continued to grow with the Reedy family, which is
something they deeply appreciate.
“After our accomplishments at the 2023 State Fair, we’ve had so many people reach out to us and congratulate us,” Sarah says. “It just makes us so happy that we are raising Maddox in this environment. There are so many good people, and people that we didn’t even know were in our corner are in our corner congratulating us. It’s just reassuring that we’re doing the right thing.”
A Love of Beef Cattle Brings Benefits Beyond Awards
For Maddox, working with beef cattle has benefits beyond just winning awards and being recognized.
“Beef cattle teaches you a lot of good work ethic,” says Maddox. “There’s a lot of interesting people to meet and you get to travel to new places. It teaches you life lessons.”
Plus, his bond with his show cattle keeps the whole family inspired. Maverick, the grand champion steer from this year’s state fair, is more than just a winner. Maddox has had a connection with him since the beginning. One day, the Reedy family got a call that they had a cow calving. Turns out, it was a nearby relative’s cow. Maddox and Sarah went to check and ended up assisting with the birth. That calf was Maverick.
, ,, ,,
Follow your dreams and don t ever back down.
- Maddox Reedy
“It’s a full circle story,” Sarah says. “He was involved with breeding Maverick, raising him up, and showing him.”
Kyle and Sarah have off the farm jobs, so Maddox is hard at work caring for their cattle. He works all summer feeding, washing and spending time with the cattle. Kyle says the family is always encouraged by seeing his hard work each day when they get back home after work.
Cates attributes Maddox’s worth ethic and willingness to learn to his parents. As Maddox continues to grow, it is clear to him that Maddox is someone others can look up to.
“I have a nine-year-old,” Cates says. “It’s nice to have kids like Maddox that I can tell my daughter ‘watch him show and try to implement his style.’ However, more importantly, she can emulate the kind of kid that he is. How he interacts with people. How he carries himself. How he behaves. I think he can be a role model for my daughter. You need that as parent.”
A Bright Future Ahead
“He’s wise beyond his years,” Sarah says. “He can hold a conversation with anyone he comes in contact with. That skill alone will take him places. If he chooses a career in animal agriculture, that’s great. If he chooses a different route, that’s okay too. I think we’ve given him an avenue to be successful in whatever he chooses to do.”
Maddox also has found a passion for learning all he can about livestock, impressing the adults around him.
“He can tell you pedigrees of livestock like an older gentleman would,” Sarah says. “He’s been studying it his whole life. The books that get read in our home are not ones he can take a test on in school. But he can read a cattle magazine or farm magazine and look up pedigrees and think about how he wants to breed them.”
Lampe says the dedication to learning and attention to detail is a trait Maddox comes by honestly.
“They are a hard-working family,” Lampe says. “They pay a lot of attention to detail. They are always willing to learn, and take suggestions, even with the success that they have had. They are still looking for answers and knowledge.”
Miller points out that showing helps kids develop real-world skills that will benefit them in the future, no matter where their path takes them. Hard work, determination and improved communication skills, are benefits any child can gain from getting involved in showing cattle, something the Reedy family highly recommends.
In the words of Maddox, “Follow your dreams and don’t ever back down.”
Winter Warm-Up Brings the Heat
Springfield, Ill. | Dec. 9-10
Judges: Craig Steck, Brady Jensen
Photos by: Cindy’s Livestock Photos
Grand Champion Heifer Ring A, Reserve
Grand Champion Heifer Ring B
Champion % Simmental - Kinnick Paulsen
3rd Overall Heifer Rings A & B
Champion Maintainer - Nalaney Guyer
5th Overall Ring A
Champion AOB - Braden Bartlow
Grand Champion Heifer Ring B & Reserve
Grand Champion Heifer Ring A
Champion Maine - McKlay Gensini
4th Overall Heifer Rings A & B
Champion Angus - Brenna Bartlow
5th Overall Ring B
Champion Simmental - Conner Unger
Grand Champion Steer Rings A & B
Champion Crossbred - Nalaney Guyer
Reserve Grand Champion Steer Ring A
Reserve Champion Crossbred - Kade Gensini
Reserve Grand Champion Ring B
Reserve Grand Champion Crossbred - Cole Caldwell
3rd Overall Ring A & Fourth Overall Ring B
Champion Simmental - Jared Bressner
3rd Overall Ring B
Champion Charolais - Charlee Jones
4th Overall Ring A
Champion Chianinia - Myah Little
5th Overall Steer Ring B
Champion Shorthorn - Houston Holdgrafer
5th Overall Ring A
Champion Maine - Addysen Link
Skill-a-thon Division Winners
University of Illinois Hoof ‘N Horn Club Lake Land College
CHECKING IN WITH THE CHECKOFF
Program Funding
CHECKOFF 2024 PROGRAM FUNDING
TRANSPARENCY AND FOCUS: THE ALLOCATION OF BEEF CHECKOFF DOLLARS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2024
The Beef Promotion and Research Act and Order authorizes Beef Checkoff funds to only be spent in the following program areas: beef promotion, research, consumer and industry information, foreign-market development and producer communications. Each September, beef industry organizations present proposals – referred to as Authorization Requests, or “ARs” – to the Beef Promotion Operating Committee, comprised of members of the Cattlemen’s Beef Board and the Federation of State Beef Councils, to request funding for year-long marketing, education and research projects in these program areas. Those organizations approved for Checkoff-funded work are referred to as Beef Checkoff contractors.
For FY24, the Beef Checkoff has approximately $42 million. The contractors and their programs and projects are approved within each of the program areas for the fiscal year 2024 (October 2023 to September 2024.)
INDUSTRY INFORMATION
Strives for an accurate understanding of the beef industry and helps maintain a positive cattle-marketing climate.
NAMI
Administers the Veal Quality Assurance (VQA) program and fosters public awareness regarding VQA’s positive impact on animal well-being.
2024 Funding: $55,000
NIAA
Promotes responsible antibiotic use and combats antimicrobial resistance by maintaining consistent scientific collaboration between the animal agriculture and human health sectors.
2024 Funding: $60,000
NCBA
Conveys the message that beef offers unparalleled taste and nutrition while dispelling myths about beef to consumer audiences.
2024 Funding: $2,704,450
CONSUMER INFORMATION
Strengthens beef's image by proactively sharing nutritional data and positive messages with influential stakeholders, including media, food editors, dietitians, physicians and other key figures who shape consumers' food knowledge.
MICA/NEBPI*
Builds beef consumption in highly populated northeastern U.S. cities by working with restaurants and grocery store chains, marketing to specific consumer groups and garnering support from regional nutrition influencers.
2024 Funding: $900,000
AFBFA
Provides science teachers with high-quality immersive experiences and materials to teach science through the lens of beef production.
2024 Funding: $800,000
NCBA
Increases consumer awareness of the Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner. brand campaign and positions beef as the number one protein with restaurants, culinary leaders, grocery stores and other markets.
2024 Funding: $5,900,550
PROMOTION
Includes advertising, merchandising and new product development as well as training and promotional partnerships with restaurants and supermarkets that stimulate sales of beef and veal products.
NAMI/ NYBC*
Empowers consumers with innovative approaches to access and purchase veal, elevating their veal-eating experiences through creative meal solutions that maximize taste, value and versatility.
2024 Funding: $275,000
NCBA
Connects directly with consumers to promote beef through the iconic Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner. campaign. Through beef marketing and merchandising, Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner. educates and inspires consumers to purchase, prepare and enjoy beef.
2024 Funding: $9,000,000
RESEARCH
Provides the foundation for virtually all Checkoff-funded information and promotion by providing science related to beef nutrition, beef safety and pathogen resistance.
FMPRE
Conducts post-harvest beef safety and science-based research on processed beef’s nutritional and health benefits.
2024 Funding: $500,000
NCBA
Works alongside universities and institutions to conduct high-quality scientific research on beef’s nutritional benefits, providing a sound factual basis to promote beef’s role in a healthy diet.
2024 Funding: $7,800,000
PRODUCER COMMUNICATIONS
Informs producers and importers about how their Checkoff dollars are invested through a variety of efforts and initiatives.
CBB
Communicates to producers where their Checkoff dollars are spent through The Drive newsletter (printed and electronic versions), media relations, thought leadership, social media and other tactics.
2024 Funding: $1,800,000
FOREIGN MARKETING
Develops international markets for U.S. beef through programs aimed at expanding market penetration, gaining new market access, improving global consumer perceptions and building trust in U.S. beef.
USMEF
Maximizes market access for U.S. beef around the globe, develops demand among new and existing buyers overseas and increases the value of the entire carcass through export support.
2024 Funding: $8,150,000
CONTRACTOR KEY
AFBFA
American Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture
CBB
Cattlemen’s Beef Promotion and Research Board
FMPRE Foundation for Meat and Poultry Research and Education
MICA Meat Import Council of America
NCBA
National Cattlemen’s Beef Association
NIAA National Institute for Animal Agriculture
NAMI North American Meat Institute
NEBPI* Northeast Beef Promotion Initiative
NYBC*
New York Beef Council
USMEF United States Meat Export Federation
*=Subcontractor
AT WORK
- Joe DeFrates Memorial Chili Cookoff - Local Beef
Partnership - Family Recipes Feature for May Beef
- Earth
Beef Billboard
Bonanza - Illinois Wine
Sustainability - Summer Grilling
Partnership - Summer Grilling Local Radio Feature - Father’s Day Chicago Media Feature - Windy City Smokeout - Illinois Ag In The Classroom - Jo Daviess Oktoberfest - IFF Influencer Farm Fest - Farm Prog-
ress Show - Illinois State Fair Culinary Contests - Local Beef Feature at GSI Grain Bin - Ribeye Corral - Illinois
State Fair Chili Cookoff - Taylorville Chillifest - Partnerships In Action Conference - Beef It’s What’s For Dinner
Recipes Joe DeFrates Memorial Chili Cookoff - Local Beef Directory - Adams County Beef Bonanza - Illinois Wine
Pairings Partnership - Family Recipes Feature for May Beef Month - Earth Day Sustainability - Summer Grilling Influencer Partnership - Summer Grilling Local Radio Feature - Father’s Day Chicago Media Feature - Windy
We Are the 96 Campaign - New Year’s Health - Illinois Farm Families - Heart Health Month - Winter Freeze Chili Cookoff - Beef Quality Assurance Trainings - Galentines Influencer Partnership - May Beef Month - Beef Billboard Run - Joe DeFrates Memorial Chili Cookoff - Local Beef Directory - Adams County Beef Bonanza - Illinois Wine Pairings Partnership - Family Recipes Feature for May Beef Month - Earth Day Sustainability - Summer Grilling Influencer Partnership - Summer Grilling Local Radio Feature - Father’s Day Chicago Media Feature - Windy City Smokeout - Illinois Ag In The Classroom - Jo Daviess Oktoberfest - IFF Influencer Farm Fest - Farm Progress Show - Illinois State Fair Culinary Contests - Local Beef Feature at GSI Grain Bin - Ribeye Corral - Illinois State Fair Chili Cookoff - Taylorville Chillifest - Partnerships In Action Conference - Beef It’s What’s For Dinner Recipes Family Recipes Feature for May Beef Month - Earth Day Sustainability - Summer Grilling Influencer Partnership - Summer Grilling Local Radio Feature - Father’s Day Chicago Media Feature - Windy City Smokeout - Illinois Ag In The Classroom - Jo Daviess Oktoberfest - IFF Influencer Farm Fest We Are the 96 CampaignNew Year’s Health - Illinois Farm Families - Heart Health Month - Winter Freeze Chili Cookoff - Beef Quality Assurance Trainings - Galentines Influencer Partnership - May Beef Month - Beef Billboard Run - Joe DeFrates
2023
We Are the 96 Campaign - New Year’s Health - Illinois Farm Families - Heart Health Month - Winter Freeze Chili Cookoff - Beef Quality Assurance Trainings - Galentines Influencer Partnership - May Beef Month - Beef Billboard Run - Joe DeFrates Memorial Chili Cookoff - Local Beef Directory - Adams County Beef Bonanza - Illinois Wine Pairings Partnership - Family Recipes Feature for May Beef Month - Earth Day Sustainability - Summer Grilling Influencer Partnership - Summer Grilling Local Radio Feature - Father’s Day Chicago Media FeatureWindy City Smokeout - Illinois Ag In The Classroom - Jo Daviess Oktoberfest - IFF Influencer Farm Fest - Farm Progress Show - Illinois State Fair Culinary Contests - Local Beef Feature at GSI Grain Bin - Ribeye Corral - Illinois State Fair Chili Cookoff - Taylorville Chillifest - Partnerships In Action Conference - Beef It’s What’s For Dinner Recipes Joe DeFrates Memorial Chili Cookoff - Local Beef Directory - Adams County Beef Bonanza - Illinois Wine
We Are the 96 Campaign - New Year’s Health - Illinois Farm Families - Heart Health Month - Winter Freeze Chili Cookoff - Beef Quality Assurance Trainings - Galentines Influencer Partnership - May Beef Month - Beef Billboard Run - Joe DeFrates Memorial Chili Cookoff - Local Beef DirectoryAdams County Beef Bonanza - Illinois Wine Pairings Partnership - Family Recipes Feature for May Beef Month - Earth Day Sustainability - Summer Grilling Influencer Partnership - Summer Grilling Local Radio Feature - Father’s Day Chicago Media Feature - Windy City Smokeout - Illinois Ag In The Classroom - Jo Daviess Oktoberfest - IFF Influencer Farm Fest - Farm Progress Show - Illinois State Fair Culinary Contests - Local Beef Feature at GSI Grain Bin - Ribeye Corral - Illinois State Fair Chili Cookoff - Taylorville Chillifest - Partnerships In Action Conference - Beef It’s What’s For Dinner Recipes
Month - Earth Day Sustainability - Summer Grilling Influencer Partnership - Summer Grilling Local Radio Feature - Father’s Day Chicago Media Feature - Windy City Smokeout - Illinois Ag In The Classroom - Jo Daviess Oktoberfest - IFF Influencer Farm Fest - Farm Progress Show - Illinois State Fair Culinary Contests - Local Beef Feature at GSI Grain Bin - Ribeye Corral - Illinois State Fair Chili Cookoff - Taylorville Chillifest - Partnerships In Action Conference - Beef It’s What’s For Dinner Recipes Joe DeFrates
Illinois Beef Association
Today’s Date
Seller’s Name
PRIVATE TREATY SALES CHECKOFF INVESTMENT FORM
State and National Beef Promotion and Research Programs
Information is required by 7 CRF 1260.201 Failure to report can result in a fine. Information is held confidential per 7 CRF 1260.203.
ID Number (if known)________________________
Buyer’s Name
Address Address
Seller’s Signature
Buyer’s Signature
Both the seller & the buyer are responsible for making sure that the $1 per head assessment is collected and remitted to the Illinois Beef Association
Date of Sale
Total Number of Cattle Sold: X
*State of Origin
$1.00 per Head Federal Checkoff = Total Checkoff Payment for Federal and State
$0.50 per Head State Checkoff =
Person remitting form : Seller Buyer Phone Number:
*If the cattle purchased came from another state within the last 30 days, indicate from which state the cattle were purchased
Send Report and Remittance to:
For additional information: call 217-787-4280 or email
olivia@illinoisbeef.com
The Illinois Beef Association (IBA) collects the Illinois Beef Checkoff in accordance with the Illinois Beef Market Development Act. IBA also collects the national beef checkoff fulfilling its role as the Qualified State Beef Council for Illinois as designated by the Cattlemen’s Beef Board.
MEAT COUNTER BE H I N D T HE
How four Illinois cattlemen are proving the vitality of beef production and consumption in our state.
By Olivia Hoots
It may seem obscure to some, but butchers and local beef retailers in Illinois are not decreasing in number, they are multiplying. The drive of beef producers to maximize the value of their product combined with the increased consumer demand of local product has resulted in a thriving market for smaller processors and meat markets. Four Illinois cattlemen are proving the beef industry is alive and well from the pasture to the plate as they grow their retail locations in an effort to steward the industry. What connects each meat shop is the ability for shoppers to stare right at the farmer when purchasing their next meal.
Fritz Meat and Processing
Born and raised in the community of Jerseyville, at only 30, Adam Fritz has established a name for himself by taking problems he sees and turning a profit on opportunity. Before the year 2020 even happened, he saw a great need for a processor in the area after Hansen’s packing shut down processing in 2018. Plans came to a halt and yet eventually morphed into an offer from Ryan Hansen of Hansen’s Packing and Good Buddy’s Meat Market, for producers Adam Fritz and Ted Prehn to purchase the facility and restart the operation to include a kill floor and custom processing once again.
Bill Hansen founded Hansen’s Packing in 1952, then they built the original building in 1962. He was known to call everyone “good buddy.” His son, Dave Hansen and his wife, Paula, eventually took over the business and after 54 years Dave is still working there to this day.
Over time the business expanded both their facilities and product offerings – including the famous Hansen and Burns hams. Good Buddy’s Meat Market opened in 2007 as the company’s first retail store and by 2013 Dave’s son, Ryan, felt it was his turn to take over the whole operation.
Meanwhile, Ted Prehn, who retired from 35 years in real estate and began raising cattle in Jersey county 14 years ago, and Adam Fritz, who grew up raising cattle in Illinois and has a Masters in Beef Cattle Nutrition from the University of Illinois, had plans of their own.
Twenty-twenty opened their eyes to the need for a processor to return to Jersey county. That is when Adam got serious about opening a processing facility across from the packing company. “Overnight I went from being able to schedule an appointment for 30 days out to 13 months out,” Ted expressed.
But in 2023, Ryan approached Adam with one question: “We are ready to sell, why don’t you buy us,” Ryan offered. On October 12, the papers were signed and Adam and Ted were off to the races. On October 13 they started processing deer, and by mid-December had processed 677 of them, even those of travelers from all over the country.
“Adam has learned real quick to be a proficient deer skinner,” Ted says.
Their next goal is to start custom processing livestock again, and though there is a lot to do to prepare the facility, Ted hopes to be processing within the first quarter of this year, 2024. There are things that need to be modernized and prepared, but the facility is there and can do the job once updates are finished.
This is the main need Adam and Ted intend to capitalize
on. Though they plan to keep the legacy of the company through the store and packaging, the processing will bring great value to the Jersey county community and beef producers therein.
“That’s our goal in taking what Hansen’s started fifty years ago and enhancing it with additional custom processing, deer processing and slowly adding our own flavors and brands,” Ted says. Since this is a retirement endeavor for Ted, he hopes to inspire Adam to continue growing and building upon the ideas he is developing, focused on both expansion and modernization.
“In five years I am hoping Adam is well on his way and business is going and we’re killing 20 cows a week and 40 hogs,” Ted says. “Our goal at this stage is to get up and running and then we’ll have a better idea of what our needs are once we get things going and determine what the demand is in the market in the community and go from there.” They have heard livestock producers are “clamoring” to get their product processed by them.
Ted also hopes they will be able to add much more locally raised beef and pork to their retail store. Currently, the largest part of the business is wholesale, which provides products to grocery stores in rural communities.
That has always been the core of Hansen’s, and will continue to be as it transitions to Fritz’s Meat and Processing.
This is one of the ways Adam hopes to be a steward of the industry both as a producer and a consumer. “Being open and honest with people, and doing it on a community level is very important,” Adam says.
Ted has learned a bit about the consumer during his past 14 years in the business, as well as from the time he spent with his grandfather visiting processors in central Illinois.
“The consumer wants to know where their food is grown and raised,” Ted says. “I think that is one of the things we as a small processor and small producers are able to offer to the consumer is that smaller, locally raised, locally owned, locally grown, locally processed products.”
He believes in 2020 consumers began to ask themselves what would happen if something happened to large processors. “This helps our community be sustainable, be able to feed its local community with good, locally raised product and also give our farmers a better profit margin by selling direct.”
“It has got to make an impact on the community,” Adam says regarding people that come into town to have their animals processed. “The entire vibrancy of a local, rural, community is being able to provide all these services, both the service for the farmer and a service for the consumer.”
That is Ted’s favorite part of it all. “I have got that personality of being a pioneer,” Ted says. “I like to go in and
Adam with the new gift cards complete with the new Fritz Meat and Processing logo.
Ted and Adam in the Jerseyville processing facility where the custom processing will be.
New labels will complete the owner transition.
get things rolling and then back out and let someone else come in and run it and take over.” You can tell he enjoys watching Adam run the day to day operations and developing new ideas. “I always told my mom I was either going to be a vet or a butcher,” Adam says. “And here I am.”
Ted’s wife looked at him one day and said “How do you know how to do all of this?” For Ted, it is simply God-given. “Animal husbandry is not something that everybody can do. It takes the right personality and the ability to know what an animal needs and wants to make them happy.”
“That is one of the things both of us have is the ability to know how to love and take care of our animals so they have a good life right down to your plate,” Ted says. This is the kind of producer consumers need to hear from, the one who knows every inch of the business.
Adam also likes the information part of his jobs in the livestock industry – chatting with consumers about how things are done. “We can say from every step of the way like birthing baby pigs or calves, we know everything about them until they show up here, and then we know how it is handled here and out the door. From day one to on your plate,” he says.
“We came to it from a producer’s point of view, from a standpoint of need – knowing we needed it, knowing our community needed it,” Ted says. He wanted consumers to know it really is a “cool” process from beginning to end. “I was building a portfolio of real estate bricks and sticks and over the years recognized ‘Do I really want my legacy to be a bunch of buildings in town or is there something richer and deeper?’ and realized I want my grandkids to understand the wholesomeness of small-town rural communities and how the community props each other up and supports each other. That is really my reason for my doing this new career,” Ted says. “My real goal is to have my hand in the whole process from beginning to the end.”
Adam believes there has been a trend in local foods for a while now, but the 2020 year made local foods desired even more so. Adam did a study through SIU which showed many consumers believe local is better, that they would drive further to get local, etc. He believes producers should consider how to market the “local” idea. “I think it comes back to being open and having those conversations. People want to hear from actual producers, that is why Ted and I have been successful in marketing local animals, because we are knowledgeable and willing to talk and educate people about how we raise them and why we do it,” he says. “I love to raise animals and I like meat, so it is a great combination.”
Ted hopes their expansion of the existing business will give back to the community that has given both of them so much, and serve consumers the best quality meat along the way.
Sage City Market
Moving onto land with acres in Central Illinois meant an opportunity to buy cattle and sell beef for IBA Board Member Wes Hornback. Though he originally moved to Monticello to be a livestock consultant, he soon discovered a need for connecting with consumers, and Sunset Acres was born.
Wes and his wife, Sara, were selling quarters and halves from their cattle when their customers started to want individual cut options, which led them to sell at farmer’s
Wes prepares specialty meats such as Korean BBQ and pulled pork.
Sage City Market storefront in Monticello.
A variety of cuts and specialty items are available from producers around Illinois.
markets. Once there, they were able to have conversations with consumers about how they raise their cattle, including topics like vaccines, feeding and sustainability. From the same conversations they were able to discern what consumers were really looking for when grocery shopping. He was able to understand that they have a desire to know where their food comes from and have confidence it is top quality and of the utmost safety standards, while also supporting a family in their own community.
All of this made Wes passionate about local food and producers who stand right behind the meat counter, and beginning in November 2023 he was the guy behind the counter. Sage City Market opened just before Thanksgiving last year, and provides a variety of Illinois meats. They source beef from their own farm and ES Meats out of Maroa, pork from Lorenzen farms in Chrisman and poultry from MKS Livestock in Lincoln. They offer a variety of cuts and some specialty items such as pork carnitas, Italian beef and beef jerky, as well as hot meals on Mondays.
Soon Wes hopes to expand his selection of local products. “My idea is to be able to provide one location where you can get pretty much everything as local as possible, from meat to eggs to cheese to lettuce to rice, noodles, seasonings, and sauces,” he says.
The idea of local is important to Wes because of sustainability. “It is fresher that way, the quality tends to be better, and it does not have to be super expensive to be able to buy local and the money is all in one community,” Wes says. “If a local producer takes their animals to a local processor, then they can either sell to someone like me or the end user, and everything stays close to the local community.” Local food stores make it easier for consumers to understand the farming processes and connect a farmer to their food. He also enjoys supporting the other beef producers who sell their product in his store.
Wes believes Sage City Market is a great opportunity to break the consumer stigma, because while producers often believe it is of no use to engage topics such as implants and antibiotics with consumers out of fear they will not understand, he sees it as the best opportunity for explaining
it. “People that come in are excited to see all the things Illinois can provide,” he says.
Processing of beef has been in the spotlight since 2020, but Wes keeps a positive outlook. Demand for livestock processors has gone up in the past two years and Wes believes it is because more producers are selling directly off the farm after finding they can capture more value that way. Wes hopes as this becomes more popular, there will be more consistency of both costs to produce livestock and price at the market.
The Butcher Shop
Dale Pfundstein opened The Butcher Shop in November of 2017, getting his start by selling his own beef but his now high-level of demand requires much more meat. Not only that, but the shop now sells everything from fish, seafood, turkey breasts, to their popular stuffed chicken breasts brought in from Wisconsin.
In 2023 the two existing small shops outgrew themselves and the new shop along the highway bring in many passersby. “We’re in the busiest stretch of the highway in Sterling and Rock Falls now,” Dale says.
The new shop allows for an even more diversified selection of products such as pies, lamb chops, soup, and even a salad bar.
Dale believes local food and the freshness of it is what drives people to support local retailers like himself. The personal interaction experienced at small retailers is valued by certain consumers when compared to a grocery store chain experience. Dale especially likes that he can offer his customers special slices, cuts and weights, whatever is needed.
He believes he was lucky to be open before the events of 2020. The Butcher Shop supplied meat grocery stores could not, often rationing out how much each customer could bye to make sure each community member could get meat.
Facebook is what Dale attributes to the popularity of small retailers like himself. For many, social media is the best way to get the general consumer interested in local foods.
Dale values what his customers and the general consumer
The Butcer Shop’s new highway location located at 3606 E Lincolnway in Sterling.
perceive about his meat shop. “We put a window in the cutting room so people can actually see that their back there cutting meat,” he says. If someone requests something out of the ordinary, the person on the other side of the wall prepares it for them. “Then they are going to be happy as the Dickens because they got what they wanted,” Dale expressed. This allows each customer to feel valued and grows consumer trust in producers and processors.
Providing the consumer a high-quality product every time is something Dale values, as well as every producer mentioned previously. “When you are cutting up your own beef and seeing it on the table, you sure can tell the difference between one animal and the next,” he says. That is the beef producer side of him talking.
It is becoming increasingly common for our very own next-door beef producers to also be the ones standing behind the meat counter. This is a great way to take false information about beef production and transform it into a business that spreads truth about the industry directly to the consumer. These producers are doing it, so what can you do to educate your next door neighbor about beef? These Illinois cattlemen are giving their communities a taste of the beef industry they are a part of, proving beef retail is alive and well from the pasture to the plate. Tell your neighbor to ask for the producer the next time they have a question at their nearest beef retailer.
Pictured right : IBA EVP Josh St. Peters, The Butcher Shop owner Dale Pfundstein and IBA Board Member Scott Wetzell.
IN THIS ISSUE:
January/February 2024
BOARD OF DIRECTORS ADVERTISERS
President: Carla Jurgenson
Vice President: David Mool
Secretary: Clay Sellmeyer
Business Manager: Doug Turner
Past President: David Jenkins
Bureau County: John DeRycke
Central Illinois: Luke Lemenager
Illinois Valley: Open
Lamoine Valley: Tracy Rawlings
Logan County : Carla Jurgenson
Northern Illinois: Jarad Carroll
South Central: Richard Hurst
Wabash Valley: Shaye Harre
Directors at Large:
Grant Bedel
TJ Curtin
Jim Marsh
Bradley Wolter
Kyle Buetke
Jeff Dameron
Chris Cassady
Clay Sellmeyer
Dan Naughton
Greg McClure
David Mool
Bodee Schlipf
Brad Evans
CONTACT
To
olivia@illinoisbeef.com www.illinoisbeef.com
ON THE COVER
UPCOMING EVENTS
American Angus Association® concludes a strong fiscal year
Signals in 2023 show strong demand for Angus cattle, beef product.
The American Angus Association® concluded a successful fiscal year, filled with industry-leading advances, reflection on the breed’s U.S. history and camaraderie among its membership. As a whole, 2023 marked the ninth-consecutive year of more than 300,000 registrations, with an additional 138,377 transfers. Regular and junior memberships totaled 21,981.
“This year is a milestone year for the breed, being the 150th anniversary of Angus cattle arriving in America,” said Mark McCully, chief executive officer of the Association. “All those years later, Angus cattle and cattlemen are thriving, and we are encouraged by our strong year.”
With the 150th anniversary of Angus cattle in the United States also comes the 140th anniversary of the Association. Its subsidiaries, Angus Genetics Inc., Angus MediaSM, Certified Angus Beef and the Angus Foundation, also celebrated the kickoff or completion of major projects.
AGI® continued to put themselves at the forefront of their field, helping breeders achieve their goals and serving as a trusted industry source for advanced genetics solutions. In October, the Functional Longevity research EPD was released in an ongoing effort to improve the long-term success and profitability of herds. Also that month, AGI® was recognized on an international scale for its work on the World Angus Evaluation and its successful release. In another effort for continued improvement, AGI® processed an increased number of more than 200,000 genomic samples on behalf of the membership and saw a 4.7% increase in profile tests. With 206,956 additional genomic profiles now available for genetic evaluation, AGI® plans to continue the momentum in the new fiscal year.
Angus MediaSM recently welcomed Clay Zwilling as its new president. In the early months of his leadership, the Angus Journal ® ended the year with 13,000 subscriptions and the Angus Beef Bulletin ® has 65,000 readers. Throughout the year, they also developed 509 sale books and 201 brochures. The Angus MediaSM team continues to develop and enhance their products and publications – both for print and the digital landscape – while remaining at the top of their field.
Celebrating a 45-year anniversary, Certified Angus Beef sold 1.227 billion pounds of its branded beef with 18,000 licensed partners worldwide in more than 50 countries. Overcoming tight cattle supplies and record high prices, McCully said the brand continues to deliver on a promise of premium quality to consumers around the world.
During the fiscal year, the Angus family continued to pour their support into the Angus Foundation’s mission of education, youth and research. This year, 138 scholarships, totaling $350,625, were awarded to youth across the nation. Campaign initiatives including “A Legacy Built” and “Fund the Future” contributed to a total of $1.279 million in donations from more than 700 donors – 227 of which were new donors. The impact of these dollars will be felt for generations.
As the value of Angus cattle continues to rise, The Association has continued its Powered by AngusSM advertising campaign. Combatting “black-hided confusion,” the campaign illustrates the confidence cattlemen can put in the power of EPD data, documented pedigrees, and marketing programs with the purchase of registered Angus. Another nod to the power of verified genetics came as AngusLinkSM value-added programs experienced tremendous growth. After beginning its partnership with IMI Global, year-end enrollments reached 165,428 head of cattle with $17.8 million in premiums paid to producers this fiscal year.
To view the 2023 Angus Annual Report and to view the Association’s complete financial report, visit https://bit.ly/AngusAR23
– Written by Katelyn Engel, Angus Communications
Lauren Wolter crowned 2023-2024
Miss American Angus Illinois junior selected to serve Angus breed for the upcoming year.
In a notebook holding dreams penned by a younger version of herself, 18-year-old Lauren Wolter, Aviston, now makes a check mark next to an important goal after being named the 2023-2024 Miss American Angus. Wolter was crowned during the annual American Angus Association Awards Dinner and Reception Sunday, November 5.
While Wolter has had hopes of wearing the red coat since she met former queens like Keegan Cassady and Maddie Butler-Mosiman, serving as Miss American Angus means so much more than just an item crossed off her lofty to do list.
“Ten-year-old Lauren is very happy — she’s definitely beaming,” the newly crowned queen said. “But for me Miss American Angus has always just been somebody that inspires. This title is being a role model.”
Wolter’s parents, Bradley and Kimberly, are first generation Angus breeders, and the entire family is thankful for the many people who’ve offered both help and support during those initial years in the beef industry.
It was friends in the Illinois Junior Angus Association that first gave Wolter the inspiration to lend a helping hand to her younger peers. She said she has hopes of empowering “little girls from coast to coast” during her term.
Wolter’s seen first-hand how confidence and hard work can pay dividends for those involved in the breed. She has plans to remind young breeders of that truth during the next year.
“I’m just very thankful that the judges and the committee trusted me with this position,” Wolter said. Her hope is to carry out the Miss American Angus role to the fullest, being an advocate and setting the right example for young Angus enthusiasts. “I just hope that I’m someone that is like what Maddie Butler was to me.”
Wolter will balance her year of service with her studies at Kansas State University, where she is perusing a degree in animal science and industry with a focus in animal products. She has plans to continue her education and obtain a Ph.D. in meat science.
Look for Wolter in the crown, red coat and sash during her travels this year. For more information about the American Angus Auxiliary sponsored contest, visit www.angusauxiliary. com.
- Written by Megan Silveira, Angus Journal
Madaline Bergmann earns Junior Bronze Award
Madaline Bergmann, Vienna, has earned the National Junior Angus Association’s Bronze award, according to Caitlyn Brandt, events and junior activities director of the American Angus Association® in Saint Joseph, Missouri.
Bergmann is the 15-year-old daughter of Jenny and Jared Bergmann and attends Vienna Grade School. She is a member
Lauren Wolter, Aviston, was crowned Miss American Angus at the 2023 Angus Convention in Orlando, Florida.
of the NJAA and the Illinois Junior Angus Association, where she has served as royalty.
She has participated in state and national shows. At the National Junior Angus Show, Bergmann participated in the livestock judging and quiz bowl contests and the All-American Certified Angus Beef® Cook-Off. She also participated in the 2021 mentoring program.
The Bronze award is the first level of the NJAA Recognition Program that began in 1972. Junior Angus breeders must apply for the award, then meet point requirements in many areas of participation before receiving the honor. Applicants are evaluated in areas of junior Angus association activities and leadership, participation in showmanship, contests and shows, using performance testing to improve their herd and their progress in producing and merchandising Angus cattle.
The NJAA promotes the involvement of young people in raising Angus cattle, while also providing leadership and selfdevelopment opportunities for the nearly 4,500 active members nationwide.
— Written by Amber Wahlgren, Angus Communications
Angus Heritage Foundation inducts new honorees
Four inductees join the Angus Heritage Foundation at the 2023 Angus Convention.
To celebrate and honor the contributions of individuals who have gone above and beyond for the Angus Breed, the American Angus Association® created the Angus Heritage Foundation in 1983. At the 2023 Angus Convention in Orlando, Florida, three couples and one individual were inducted into the Heritage Foundation for their innovation, service and leadership. Over the past 130 years, The Business Breed has proven itself an industry leader. Inductees of the Heritage Foundation define the type of breeders who built this reputation with their drive, ambition and forward-thinking attitudes.
From the start of their operations, these individuals set out on a mission to improve the Angus breed and the cattle industry. Each remained resilient while navigating the ever-changing beef industry and its challenges.
The 2023 inductees include: Phil and Ruth Abrahamson, Lanesboro, Minnesota; Jerry and Sharon Connealy, Whitman, Nebraska; Ben and Darla Eggers, Mexico, Missouri; and the late Doug Parrett, Champaign.
Doug Parrett was technically retired from the University of Illinois, but the emeritus professor never stopped showing up for the agricultural college or the beef industry. He served in many roles during his time at the U of I, including educator, livestock judging coach, Extension specialist, research collaborator and interim department head. Parrett inspired countless undergraduates through his 49-year teaching career, and his teaching talents won him dozens of national and campus awards.
“He was often the first face and first person that our students met,” said Dan Shike, U of I Department of Animal Sciences professor and longtime mentee of Parrett. “Throughout that time, he taught over 8,000 students.”
Parrett’s appointment as a faculty Extension specialist put him on the front lines of the beef production industry, where he worked with producers to ensure optimal health and productivity of Illinois herds and the success of the people who care for them. As a longtime livestock judging coach, Parrett guided hundreds of students who went on to become leaders in the animal production industry.
Above all, Parrett was deeply devoted to his family. In 1979 he married his wife, Susie, with whom he raised two children, John and Annie. He was a proud grandfather to six grandchildren and a mentor to many. He passed away unexpectedly on August 26, 2022. Parrett is remembered as a committed educator, father, husband and friend, whose influence will remain deeply felt for years to come.
– Written by Peyton Schmitt, Angus Communications
Doug Parrett, Champaign, was inducted, posthumously, into the Angus Heritage Foundation at the 2023 Angus Convention in Orlando, Florida. Pictured from left are Kelsey Theis, 2023 Miss American Angus; Dan Shike, accepting the award; and Mark McCully, American Angus Association CEO.
March 16 • Holiday Inn Bloomington Airport
2024 BANQUET 2024 BANQUET
The Illinois Angus Association Annual banquet provides a platform for Angus enthusiasts to come together and engage in a multifaceted experience. Our banquet aims to promote educational growth through informative seminars, support and showcase the talents of our Illinois Junior Angus Association members, raise funds to further our mission, foster collaboration among Angus enthusiasts, and camaraderie within our Angus community. This event embodies our commitment to the betterment of the Angus breed and the advancement of our association’s goals.
$30/ plate RSVP Deadline: March 1
$45/plate tickets available at the door
Illinois Angus Auxiliary Membership Application
To become a member of the Illinois Angus Auxiliary, please send your $20 annual dues to: Kristen Ewing, 22821 Rock Lane, Rushville, IL 62681
Show Results
2023 World Beef Expo Roll of Victory Angus Show
Milwaukee, Wis. | September 29 | Judge: Josh Elder, Iowa
Photos by Next Level Images
Grand Champion Female
CK3 Barbara K48
Owned by: Macie Carroll
2023 American Royal Junior Angus Show
Kansas City, Mo. | September 29 | Judge: Dustin Hurlbut, S.D.
Photos by Next Level Images
Grand Champion Bred & Owned Female
Lemenager Proven Queen K24
Owned by: Paige Lemenager
2023 American Royal Super Point Roll of Victory Angus Show
Kansas City, Mo. | October 21 | Judge: Frank Jackson, S.D.
Photos by Next Level Images
Reserve Grand Champion Female
Lemenager Proven Queen K24
Owned by: Paige Lemenager
2023 NAILE Super Point Roll of Victory Angus Show
Louisville, Ky. | November 14 |
Judges: Jeff Gooden and Reed Gooden, Mo.
Photos by Linde’s Livestock Photos
Reserve Grand Champion Female
Seldom Rest Sandy 3012
Owned by: Anne Dameron
Intermediate Champion Heifer
Lemenager Proven Queen K24
Owned by: Paige Lemenager
Reserve Junior Champion Heifer
SCC Phyllis 249
Owned by: Brenna Bartlow
Reserve Intermediate Champion Bull
W G A Maverick 12K
Owned by: Holly Marsh
Reserve Cow-calf Pair of the Year
TLF Northern Miss
Owned by: Holly Marsh,
Presented by: American Angus Association
President Mark McCully
Photo by: Peyton Schmitt, AAA
2023 NAILE Junior Angus Show
Louisville, Ky. | November 12 | Judges: Andy Musgrave, Pittsfield, Ill.
by Linde’s Livestock Photos
Grand Champion Bred-and-Owned Female
Lemenager Proven Queen K24
Owned by: Paige Lemenager
Bred-and-Owned Junior Heifer Calf -
Division 2
PVF SFA Missie 3067
Owned by: Ashton Dillow
Bred-and-Owned
Owned
Owned Reserve Junior Champion
Owned by: Caden Crain
Owned Junior Heifer Calf ChampionDivision 2
Henning BCII Sandy 3012
Owned by: Brenna Bartlow
Photos
Senior Heifer Calf Champion
WHM FCF Phyllis 267
by: Lauren Wolter
Heifer
PVF Blackbird 2054
The ILLINOIS BULLETIN
January/February
PRESIDENT
Kent Burns
618-521-3199
TREASURER
Buddy Edenburn 217-649-0108
MEMBERSHIP SERVICES
Emily Bernard 815-992-8233
illinoishereford@gmail.com
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Cody Crum, 217-248-7282
Jodi McMillan, 815-751-2293
Chad Benedict, 217-246-5099
Matt Anderson, 309-267-1410
David Biggs, 815-441-4354
Kim Carney-Rhodes, 217-899-4104
Jimmy Bernard
Craig Crutcher
Andrew Spinazola
2023 American Royal Results
Junior Show
Class Winners
Class 1- 1244 RF 8036 VIENNA 14L – Emma, Daniel, Morgan Richardson
Class 2- PURPLE HB VIVIENNE 81L ET – Bred by Purple Reign Cattle Co, Owned by: Kylie Gillespie
Class 3- PURPLE HB VANNA 70L – Bred by Purple Reign Co., Owned by Cara and Crew Cummins
All steers will be required to be parent verified to both the sire and dam; therefore, a DNA profile of the steer, the sire and the dam must be completed through the official AHA lab by the entry deadline. To request a DNA kit for your animal, access your MyHerd or contact AHA customer service.
The IJHA follows all rules and guidelines put forth by the American Hereford Association unless otherwise stated
H O T E L I N F O R M A T I O N
Baymont Inn by Wyndham
360 Eastgate Drive, Danville, IL 61834
(217) 466-2111
$85/night with king and queen rooms Block is under ILHA with code 240613
Best Western Riverside Inn 57 S Gilbert St, Danville, IL 61832 800-568-8530
$85/night – with king and queen rooms Hotel block is under IJHA
T - S H I R T S P O N S O R S H I P A U C T I O N !
During the Annual Meeting on March 2, 2024, hosted by the Illinois Hereford Association, the IJHA will be auctioning off THREE t-shirt sponsorship spots. These shirts are worn by IJHA members at the IJHA Preview Show and Junior Nationals This is a great advertising opportunity for your operation!
Upcoming Events Upcoming Events
ANNUAL ISA BANQUET
Illinois Beef Expo | Friday, February 23 | 6:00 p.m. | Artisans Building
ILLINOIS
JUNIOR SIMMENTAL MEETING
Illinois Beef Expo | Time TBD
Purebred Breeders
Illinois Beef, printed bi-monthly, is the official publication of the IBA. It serves as the voice of Illinois’ 12,000 beef producers.
