Several bulls will be calving ease. - All of the bulls will be 50K tested.
28 Beef Quality Assurance
Illinois Beef staff spent the first half of December traveling across Illinois for Beef Quality Assurance trainings to certify Illinois producers. Turn here to see where we went.
Behind the Curtins
From raising kids to selling bulls Illinois Performance Tested Bull Sale consigner, T.J. Curtin, is dedicated to quality work and successful outcomes.
35 Illinois Beef Expo
It is that time of year again. Want to sell an animal or are you a junior and have one to showcase? This event is for you. Turn here for deadlines, a full schedule, rules and more.
45 Winter Warm Up
University of Illinois’ Hoof ‘N’ Horn Club and Lake Land Community College hosted another successful December event.
Photo shot by Peri Andras in January in Manchester, Illinois.
Dave Duzan, Lexington President
IBA Board of Governors
Email: duzanagy@mtco.com
Policy Division Checkoff Division
Directors
Chair: Justin Rahn
Vice Chair: Ted Prehn
Secretary/Treasurer: Scott Wetzell
District 1
Justin Rahn, Mt. Carroll, justinrahn@hotmail.com
1st term expires: 2025 | 2nd term expires: 2028 District 2
Jake Perino, Deer Grove, twinrailsoverp@gmail.com
1st term expires: 2022 | 2nd term expires: 2025
District 3
Doug Hanson, Danforth, dough@proharvestseeds.com
1st term expires: 2026 | 2nd term expires: 2029
District 4
Cody Lowderman, Macomb, codylowderman@yahoo.com
1st term expires: 2024 | 2nd term expires: 2027
District 5
Joan Harrison, Minier, joan.harrison16@yahoo.com
1st term expires: 2027 | 2nd term expires: 20230
District 6
Matt Witte, Heyworth, matthewcwitte@gmail.com
1st term expires: 2022 | 2nd term expires: 2025 District 7
With the commencement of a new year, comes more opportunities for the Illinois beef industry. While you are in the thick of winter calving, our board of governors and staff here at IBA are hard at work preparing a new set of beef campaigns to educate and enthuse consumers to put beef on their dinner table, as well as support producers politically in the spring session, as well as at events and in other tangible ways.
Member Awards
One opportunity I would like to share is our upcoming 2025 IBA Member Awards. This is a hugely important program we do at IBA, because recognizing success makes for a more supportive industry overall. We are asking for nominations for six separate awards. They can be a relation, business partner, etc., but it must be a high-quality producer who stands out in our industry.
We need outstanding family candidates for our Farm Family of the Year and a leader who gives great support to our Association to award the Member of the Year award. Then, we will also award producers from different segments and focuses in our industry, commercial and seedstock producers, as well as a sustainably-focused production for the environmental award. Plus, we cannot forget about our juniors, one of which will be chosen for the “Outstanding Junior of the Year” award.
Please recognize how important this program is to our Association and submit outstanding producers to be awarded to the link on the following page.
Upcoming Events
I look forward to running into you all during these final six months of my IBA presidency. If you see me at CattleCon2025, Illinois Beef Expo, affiliate meetings, Agriculture Legislative Day or, of course, IBA Annual Meeting and Awards Ceremony, please stop and chat. I would love to hear from you about our how we are doing, and chat about current IBA successes.
We better find you at our events this spring and summer – each one is curated especially for you as the producer and involvement in our industry is paramount for its success. Thanks to all of you who consistently show your support, our Association continues to grow and flourish. If you have yet to renew your membership, renew online through the emails we have sent, mail a check into the office, or call our office and we will help you out. We look forward to another year of your support, because every membership is important to our success.
New Year
Alas, you have made it to the beginning of another year, another administration, and a new set of opportunities are on the horizon. This Illinois beef industry is not slowing down, so buckle in and let’s get to building our industry of the highest-quality protein on earth!
SAVE THE DATE!
Member Awards
Member Awards
NOW ACCEPTING NOMINATIONS
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 28, 2025. 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
As a member of the Illinois Beef Association, you are aware that we are a “two hat” organization – grassroots in our structure and split with one division that supports membership and policy work, alongside a distinctly separate division that promotes marketing and research for beef and beef producers.
That first division is the policy work we do in Springfield, and it is paid for with your membership dollars, grant monies and additional funds we raise throughout the year to help offset related expenses.
The second division is the Checkoff programs – both the federal Checkoff program we administer as Illinois’ Qualified State Beef Council, as well as our state Beef Checkoff program. That amounts to $1.50 on every head of cattle marketed in Illinois – with $1 staying here for IBA to put to work on behalf of producers, while the remaining fifty cents is sent to the Cattlemen’s Beef Board to support the national Beef Checkoff campaigns and research programs.
I would like to explore this work of the Beef Checkoff a little deeper today and share some facts on why it is critically important to our industry as a producer-funded marketing and research organization.
Every five years, the national Checkoff programs are required to have a third-party evaluation to study effectiveness. Essentially, it is a two-pronged evaluation that takes a deeper dive into the question of how they are using producer dollars, and what is return on investment for each of the dollars spent.
Last year the most recent such study was published on the Beef Checkoff program, authored by a renowned economist at Cornell University. Harry Kaiser is his name, and he has spent his career looking at the connections between U.S. consumers, and the price they are willing to pay for commodity goods. He has written books, spoken around the world, and is viewed by the economist community as a verified expert in what an agricultural commodity is worth at any given time – along with the reasons why its value is so priced.
Sounds like a good guy to study the value of a Checkoff program. Kaiser dove into the five year period from 20192023, and he looked at three specific objectives: 1) measure if the Beef Checkoff created demand that would not have existed in the marketplace, absent its marketing efforts, 2) measure if the benefits garnered from demand creation activities of the Beef Checkoff yielded in excess of their costs, and 3) evaluate any indirect benefits of Checkoff demand creation activities to the broader macroeconomy.
Abridged version: does the Checkoff create value for producers, does it generate financial gain more than its cost to producers, and does it bring outside benefits to the economy beyond a return to producers?
The answers were all yes, yes, and yes.
In a published report issued late last year, Kaiser’s research found that for every dollar the beef industry invested into National Checkoff programs during the years reviewed,
the ROI was $13.41. He also found that the Beef Checkoff not only increased demand for beef products, both domestically and internationally, but also that it increased the average price of a steer by 7.8% through the work done to add value in the marketplace for beef.
The direct effects of the Checkoff in 2023, for example, penciled out to be approximately $3.3 billion in incremental value added to the beef industry. He also identified several significant indirect benefits of this added demand for beef, too, such as employment of more than 46,000 people through the expanded beef industry and increases in our country’s gross domestic product (GDP) of nearly $9.5 billion in added production.
You can go online to see more of Dr. Kaiser’s report, by doing a search for “economic analysis of national Beef Checkoff” along with his name or Cornell University.
I share this here, along with the tear out card you see next to this page, as a friendly reminder that it takes your investment to fund this critical marketing and research work. Many of you contribute to the Checkoff when you sell cattle through a sale barn, or if you are shipping loads to a
packer. But some of you may be selling cattle in the “private treaty” sector – either off the farm, or as freezer beef, via a local locker plant. If that is the case, you may not have thought about sending in your $1.50 per head contribution, commonly called your “remittance.”
This card is our request that you tabulate your private treaty sales and submit those Checkoff dollars. I promise they are being put to good use, under the direction and guidance of our grassroots board of directors here in Illinois.
If you have any questions or need more information about submitting your Checkoff payments on cattle you sold, feel free to call the office or drop me an e-mail, or talk with any director from the Board of Governors. We will be glad to help you get caught up in your Checkoff remittance and keep you compliant with the industry’s national and state research and marketing programs.
Extension Update
Travis Meteer, University of Illinois Extension Beef Specialist
What will a good bull cost me?
A popular question this time of year is “What will a good bull cost me?.” My go-to answer is usually… “How much revenue loss would you have from a pasture full of open cows?” After all, we often de-value the role of the bull. We forget that he is a crucial part of the equation to making our product.
Now, the question is a good one to ask. Especially after watching calf prices climb seemingly all of 2024 and the prices paid for bred heifers at year-end, it is only logical to wonder what a good bull will cost this spring.
Old rules of thumb are good to reflect on. For instance, “2 times the value of a fat steer” or “4 to 5 times the value of a feeder calf” are both common measures used by old timers to determine the value of a bull. So, I tested these figures with historical prices from the Illinois Performance Tested Bull Sale and prices paid for feeders and fats from National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS). As it turns out, using values from 2004 to 2024 (last 21 years) the average bull price was 4.2 times the value of a feeder calf and 2.2 times the value of a fat steer. Looks like those old rules of thumb work pretty well.
Using these multipliers, we can speculate to the average price of bulls this coming sale season. Looking at recent market reports, 5 weight feeder calves are bringing $3.25 or more. Thus, value of a 5-weight feeder calf is conservatively $1,625. History tells us 4.2 times that value will get us close to the average. Thus 4.2 x $1,625 = $6,825 for an average bull price.
At the time of writing this article, a current price for fat steers weighing 1450 lb. is $1.92. Therefore, the math tells us a fat steer values out at nearly $2,784. The previously stated multiplier of 2.2 times the value of a fat steer would yield an average bull price of just over $6,125. Thus, we have a calculated range of $6,125 to $6,825 for the average bull price.
That said, there will be many bulls that bring in excess of those figures. So, what factors contribute to bulls bringing more than the average? Are they worth the extra money?
For simplicity, let’s say a bull breeds 25 cows per year for 4 years resulting in 100 calves over his lifespan. With these conservative assumptions, even a small improvement in a valuable trait can greatly increase a bull’s value.
For instance, Calving Ease (CE) EPD is defined as the difference in percentage of unassisted births. So, let’s say you purchase a bull that is 5 points better in his CE than the breed average for current sires. For both Angus and Simmental that would mean purchasing a bull in the top 10 % of the breed for that trait… not an unrealistic buy. The 5 point improvement should translate to 5% more unassisted births. In the real world, it’s fair to say half of assisted births don’t make it. Thus, a 5% improvement in CED could easily translate to 2.5% more calves. Out of 100 calves sired over a lifetime, that’s 2.5 more calves. The added value from improved CE would be just over $4,000 (2.5 more calves x 500 lbs. x $3.25/lb.).
The most common example for added value of a bull is improved EPDs for weaning weight (WW). Let’s say you purchase a bull with a WW EPD of 74 (breed average for Angus is 64). That’s 10 additional pounds at weaning per calf. If the bull sires 100 calves in a lifetime and a pound is worth $3.25, then the result is $3,250 more income over his lifetime
when compared to the average of current sires.
Don’t only look at output traits. If you plan to retain daughters as replacements, maternal traits need to be considered. Traits such as heifer pregnancy, calving ease maternal, sustainability or sustained cow fertility, cow energy requirements, and others can add long-term value to the cowherd.
When selecting your next herd sire, identify the traits that can add dollars to your operation. Don’t sacrifice functionality, structural soundness, docility, and other traits that can affect longevity. View purchasing a bull as an investment and treat it as such. Investing in a good bull that can improve profitable traits in your herd can allow your farm to be more competitive no matter the market dynamic.
Bottom line, bulls are a significant contributor to profit or loss in your cattle herd. The have an impact now and for years to come if you are retaining replacement females. Look for traits that hold value in your market. Find a bull that can inject those traits. The “expense” of a bull can be a great investment in the future of your cattle herd.
Gate Cuts
Paul Walker, Professor Emeritus, DI Walker Consulting
Making a Positive Difference
As a member of the Cattlemen’s Beef Board, I represent the Illinois cattle industry from cow-calf producers to feedlot operators and I am able to see first-hand how our Checkoff dollars are spent educating consumers, promoting beef and funding research initiatives. As co-chairperson of the Nutrition and Health Committee, I am able to interact directly with Beef Checkoff Contractors reviewing progress reports of funded projects and programs related to the nutritional value of and promotion of beef and have input providing recommendations to the Beef Promotion Operating Committee (of which Al Lyman is a current member) who ultimately makes the final funding decisions for new proposals.
It is important to realize that the Beef Checkoff has been funding research studies evaluating the nutritional benefits of beef for over 30 years. Beginning in the late 1980s, prior to establishment of the CBB and the National Pork Producers Council, the National Livestock and Meat Board administered grant monies provided by the State Beef Councils. Since those early days these research studies have been administered through the CBB and the NPPC. Numerous studies evaluating the nutritional benefits of beef have been funded, the data published in peer reviewed journals, and the results reported in the popular press promoting beef in balanced diets. For example, since 2000 Checkoff monies have funded 39 projects evaluating or promoting the “Beef in the Early Years” campaign, the focuses on nutrition for infants to those six months of age. In addition, numerous studies have been funded, evaluating and promoting beef in the diets of pre-and post-adolescents. As scientists learn more regarding the digestion, absorption, and utilization of nutrients, it is important to continue to fund research studies evaluating beef’s contribution to balanced diets and fund education programs directed toward doctors, health care professionals and dietitians about the health benefits of beef in the human diet. Research funded by Checkoff dollars has found that in young adult women (19 to 24 years of age) zinc and iron balance/bioavailability/ utilization is higher when beef is included in the diet compared to a vegetarian diet and that three ounces of beef consumption per day is as efficacious as consuming six or nine ounces of beef per day (J. Am Diet. Assoc 1992, 92:1474). Another study funded by the Checkoff observed that diets containing four ounces of ground beef are more effective in building muscle than diets containing one, or two, four-ounce patties of a soy-based product and that beef could achieve the selected goal with only 279 calories compared to 462 calories for the soy-based patties (J. Am. Diet. Assoc. 2024,120:1085). Several research studies (J. Am Diet. Assoc. 1991, 54:1036; 1994, 60:986; 1993, 57:875, etc.) also have found that stearic acid (the primary saturated fatty acid (SFA) in beef tallow, making up 42.1% of the SFA, is neutral in its effects on blood cholesterol concentrations and does not raise LDL cholesterol (the bad cholesterol) levels.
This makes lean beef similar to corn/soy oil regarding effects on serum cholesterol levels, countering reports that beef consumption raises cholesterol levels.
It is important to continue to fund these types of research projects as the science evolves and more is learned regarding the nutrient density of beef and its beneficial effects on human well-being. One reasons why is to counter challenges against consuming beef such as the recent Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee proposal to replace nutrient dense proteins like beef with peas, beans, and lentils within the food pyramid. Accordingly, the NCBA is vigorously opposing this suggestion.
“The preview meeting of the Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee stands out as one of the most out-of-touch, impractical, and elitist conversations in the history of this process,” said NCBA Vice President of Government Affairs Ethan Lane in a recent press release. “After 22 months of public discussion and lip service to transparency, we are disappointed by the number of chaotic new directions that were proposed at the literal last minute. We would laugh at the suggestion that beans, peas, and lentils are going to replace lean red meat and fill the nutrition gaps Americans are facing if it weren’t such a dangerous and deceptive idea.”
“We’ve had more than four decades of Dietary Guidelines advice, and during that time red meat consumption [per capita] has declined, yet obesity and chronic disease is on the rise. Seventy percent of calories in the U.S. diet are plant based. Now, the committee wants to reduce red meat intake even further, marginalizing the 80% of the population who identify themselves as meat eaters,” said NCBA Executive Director of Nutrition Science and Registered Dietitian Dr. Shalene McNeill. “These recommendations put some of the most vulnerable at risk for nutrient gaps, especially older Americans, adolescent girls and women of child-bearing age. Beef contributes only 5% of the calories in the American diet, but more than 5% of essential nutrients like potassium, phosphorous, iron, B6, niacin, protein, zinc, choline, and B12. It’s baffling that we are trying to get Americans to cut out red meat when the evidence indicates nutrient deficiencies and chronic diseases are increasing as red meat consumption declines”.
Most of us agree that our Checkoff dollars are well spent countering such challenges to beef consumption. Each dollar invested in the National Checkoff Program creates a financial benefit of $13.41 for producers and importers according to a recent Cornell University study. We all have heard the saying “it takes money to make money.” The same can be said regarding our National Checkoff. Our Checkoff dollars do not buy as much today as they did in 1985 when the Checkoff was enacted. A 1985 dollar buys 35 cents worth of value today. Couple the decreased buying power of the dollar with
Source: Drovers
declining cowherd numbers and decreasing total Checkoff revenue, it is amazing how the Checkoff program has learned to get more for less. In 1990 when the total beef industry revenue was 49.5 billion dollars; Checkoff revenue was 45.5 million dollars. Today Checkoff revenue has decreased to 43 million dollars while total beef industry revenue has increased to 185.4 billion dollars [See accompanying chart taken from Nevil Speer’s October, 2024 Drovers article]. Perhaps Dr. Speer said it best, “the beef industry’s turnaround story is nothing short of remarkable (increasing total industry revenue while decreasing cattle numbers and improving efficiency of production). The Checkoff program has been instrumental in helping to facilitate that occurrence. But even more impressive, when it comes to the business analysis, the Beef Checkoff has proven to be incredibly efficient and productive – year after year managing to help grow business while operating on a fixed budget – doing more with less.”
This brings me to my final point. Perhaps now is the time to increase the National Checkoff from $1.00 to $2.00. I do not believe we will substantially increase cow herd numbers though we may continue to increase productivity through increased efficiency. Historically, the peak of each increase in cow herd numbers following the proceeding decrease of the previous cycle has been a lower number of cows resulting in a continually declining cowherd since 1975 and a declining Checkoff revenue over time.
The National Checkoff has proven to be a valuable program and has proven to be efficiently managed. However, a declining or stagnant Checkoff revenue will not be able
to sustain the positive outcome the Checkoff program has realized to date. Think of all the positive outcomes that could be achieved with a Checkoff increase! Elaine Froese once said “procrastination and conflict avoidance are killing agriculture.” Well… maybe, maybe not, but taking a proactive stance to increase the National Checkoff can be only beneficial.
Give it some thought. Doc.
October -March | 3rd Tuesday of the Month 11:00 AM 607 W. North Street, Walnut, IL 815-379-2737
9:30 AM
Special Native Feeder Cattle and Bred Cow Sale
Ron Bend: 815-739-5079 Paula Bend: 815-762-2124 walnutauctionsales@gmail.com www.walnutauctionsales.com
NEW YEAR, NEW OPPORTUNITIES
LET US HELP YOU GROW!
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NCBA Connections
Colin Woodall, NCBA CEO
Put the Shotgun Down
Did you know there are cattle producers in this country who use birdshot to move cattle? I can’t believe we have to have this discussion, but it is critical that we do. More importantly, it must stop. Peppering the backside of an ornery bull or cow in hopes of flushing them out of the brush is unacceptable, and it violates everything we stand for in caring for our cattle. I expect many of you reading this are surprised to learn that some producers are pulling the trigger and blasting away. However, we have feedback and data showing it is a significant industry problem.
As a contractor to the national Beef Checkoff, NCBA conducts the National Beef Quality Audit. The 2022 audit results determined that foreign objects found in beef are making it through the beef supply chain and, ultimately, being found by some customers. Imagine the joy of a beautiful cut of beef only to have that excitement dashed when you find birdshot pellets. All packing plants that participated in the audit reported finding foreign objects during the harvest and fabrication of market cows and bulls. A majority of the plants reported that their customers found foreign objects in the beef products they received. We have also had foreign customers complain about foreign objects being found in the beef we have exported to them. This kind of feedback tells us this is not a random problem. In fact, it has been an issue reported
in previous National Beef Quality Audits. Unlike other beef quality issues identified in the audits, this one has yet to get better.
Foreign objects include more than just birdshot. Other foreign objects discovered include buckshot, bullets, wire, needles, darts and other objects. Every packing plant reported finding birdshot, though. Every single one. For comparison, only 18% of the packing plants reported finding needles. One might think hunters are responsible for the birdshot. Knowing a few hunters myself, I do believe that could be a small part of our problem. However, there is no way hunters with poor aim or a lack of respect for livestock account for every cow and bull processing plant finding birdshot in the carcasses they process.
There is a state Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) coordinator who I love to watch give presentations about this issue. She is firm with the audience and not afraid to tackle this issue head on. After calling out the problem, she explains why peppering cattle with birdshot is unacceptable and publicly challenges them to stop. I usually watch the crowd when she gets to that part of her presentation because the reactions are priceless. Most of those in the audience are appalled, but you always see a few who start to look down at their boots. This is not a hunter issue, this is our issue.
We have spent so much time and effort on beef quality over the years. Just look at the increasing percentage of beef grading Choice or Prime. It is amazing to see what we have done, and our consumers are responding by keeping demand high for our product. The Checkoff-funded research team works on beef product quality projects every day. The product quality research program is one of the foundational research programs funded by the Checkoff and includes the study of beef quality, muscle traits and characterization, carcass traits, muscle tenderness and yield, flavor and palatability, and new technologies. The product quality research program utilized Checkoff funding to help discover and fabricate the now popular and ubiquitous Flat Iron Steak.
The research team utilizes the results of the National Beef Quality Audit to determine the next challenges they need to tackle. A few pages further into this edition of National Cattlemen you will find the first of three articles that detail work the research team is leading on yield grading. This is exciting research that probes improving the yield grading equation which hasn’t been updated since the original work was done in the 1950s and ‘60s. This team never stops in their quest to improve beef products and improve producers’ opportunities to reap the rewards, but we must help them. If you use a shotgun loaded with birdshot shells to move cattle, then I am asking you to stop. If you know somebody who is doing this, please speak up and ask them to stop. We have more than enough challenges coming our way these days. Let’s not do things that make it even harder on ourselves. I’ll end where the title started… put the shotgun down.
NCBA Policy op-ed
Kim Brackett, Policy Division Chair, NCBA
Protecting the Herd from New World Screwworm
Every cattle producer knows that pests are a challenge to our operation, but some pests are far more dangerous than others. One of the new threats to our herd comes from the New World screwworm, which is currently advancing through Central America into southern Mexico and could soon be at our border.
The New World screwworm (NWS) is a fly that has a particularly gory way of harming our cattle. Female NWS flies lay their eggs in open wounds or body orifices and when the larvae hatch, they burrow deep into the skin like a screw driving into wood. These maggots feed on cattle’s tissue, causing larger wounds as they go.
NWS flies and their burrowing larvae cause extensive damage to cattle and infestations can spread rapidly. In 1966, we eradicated screwworms in the United States through sterile insect technique. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) bred sterile male NWS flies that mated with wild female screwworms and failed to produce offspring. Eventually, these flies died out in the U.S. and now they only exist in a handful of South American countries.
Unfortunately, these flesh eating flies are now on the march north.
Since 2022, USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has confirmed the presence of New World screwworms in Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Honduras, and Guatemala. Just last month, screwworms were discovered in southern Mexico, which raised red flags for us at the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA).
Once in Mexico, it is easy for screwworms to travel north and appear on our southern border. These flies can hitch a ride on people, livestock, or wild animals, not to mention the thousands of vehicles and cargo containers traveling through Mexico to the United States.
We know how devastating it would be if New World screwworm returned to the United States, which is why
NCBA is raising the alarm now. First, we are communicating with Mexico’s cattle industry leaders so they can begin the process of screening for these flies and push for eradication efforts in their country. We are also supporting USDA-APHIS to bolster the use of sterile flies. Recently, we have been concerned that our existing sterile flies might not be getting the job done, and NCBA is pushing for more flies and better flies that will help us beat back these pests.
Although we haven’t confirmed any New World screwworms in the United States, we need you to be on high alert. New World screwworms have orange eyes, a metallic blue or green body, and three dark stripes across their backs. If you see any suspicious flies, please alert your local veterinarian, extension agent, or contact USDA-APHIS Veterinary Services.
Please also pay close attention to your cattle and watch for any open wounds or sores. If cattle exhibit irritated behavior, head shaking, you notice the smell of decaying flesh, or spot maggots in a wound, seek treatment from a veterinarian immediately. Proper wound treatment and prevention is the best way to protect your farm or ranch from a screwworm infestation. NCBA is also sharing the latest updates through our website. I encourage you to visit www.ncba.org/NWS for all the latest information on how to protect your operation.
NCBA is always on the clock to protect the U.S. cattle industry from threats like New World screwworm. Through your vigilance and NCBA’s advocacy, we can protect the United States cattle herd.
Support our efforts to protect the cattle industry by becoming a member of NCBA. Join today at www.ncba.org or by calling 1-866-BEEF-USA (1-866-233-3872).
Photo Credit: U.S. Department of Agriculture
New World Screwworm Resources
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Tri-County Cattlemen’s Association will host its annual banquet on February 8 at Fairview Acres in Biggsville. It will feature Shark Farmer and the 90s tribute country band the Stone Cold Cowboys. The event will raise scholarship and beef promotion funds for Henderson, McDonough, and Warren Counties. Visit tricountycattlemen.com for more information.
DeKalb-Kane Cattlemen’s Association hosted their annual banquet on November 13 in Shabbona. Dr. Jeff Waite and Dr. Chelsey Ramirez from Milledgeville Vet where featured speakers and IBA President Dave Duzan and Executive Vice President Josh St. Peters were in attendance (see photo with DeKalb-Kane board).
Kendall-Grundy Beef Association will host their banquet on Saturday, March 1, at Jennifer’s Garden in Morris. There will be a social hour at 5:00 p.m. and dinner and entertainment to follow.
Adams County Beef Producers will host their banquet on March 22.
Submitting Affiliate News
Do you have Affiliate News? Submit information to Annie Schoetmer at annie@illinoisbeef.com or call 217-787-4280. Please notify Annie with changes to affiliate officer teams.
Better by Association
For 60 years, we’ve looked beyond the rows to help you grow more opportunities from every acre. Funded by farmers and focused on the future, we invest in promotion, advocacy, research and education to create profit opportunities and drive preference for soy from Illinois. Because together, we’re better by association.
MCDONNELL FAMILY OTTAWA, IL
In the Know
Track cattle records with 2025 NCBA Redbook
For more than 30 years, the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association has offered the annual Redbook to help cattle producers effectively and efficiently record their daily production efforts. The pocket-sized booklet simplifies record keeping, which can enhance profitability and reduce stress levels. The 2025 edition of the Redbook is now available.
In addition to Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) practices and proper injection technique information, the 2025 Redbook includes current information about the judicious use of antibiotics in cattle, fitness for transport, and how to build a biosecurity plan. There are more than 100 pages to record calving activity, herd health, pasture use, cattle inventory, body condition, cattle treatment, AI breeding records and more. It also contains a calendar and notes section.
Redbooks can be purchased online at https://store.ncba.org/ for $8.00 each, plus shipping. Customization, including adding a company logo on the cover, is available in quantities of 100 books or more. For more information on custom orders, contact Grace Webb at gwebb@beef.org or (303) 850-3443.
UAMS Researchers Find Ground Beef Packs Bigger Muscle-Building Punch than Soy-Based Alternative
When it comes to building muscle, not all proteins are created equal.
New research from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) reveals that 100% ground beef packs a bigger punch for muscle protein synthesis than a soy-based counterpart. In fact, the study suggests that a person would need double the amount of soy-based protein to achieve the same results.
Published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, the study examined the anabolic response — how the body builds muscle — after consuming a 4-ounce beef patty versus one or two 4-ounce patties of a soy-based product. The results? Just one serving of beef did the job, while two servings of the soy-based alternative were necessary to see the same muscle-building benefits.
For those counting calories, the difference is striking: Beef delivered these results with fewer calories — 279 compared to 462.
“While both beef and soy are considered ‘complete’ proteins, the amino acids in beef are simply more available for the muscle to use efficiently,” said Robert Wolfe, Ph.D., a UAMS professor of geriatrics and the study’s principal investigator. “This efficiency can be important since the body is in a constant state of protein turnover to rebuild and repair proteins for functional health, especially when combined with physical activity and as part of healthy development and aging.”
The study is part of a growing body of evidence highlighting the importance of quality protein for muscle health, especially as we age. Muscle mass plays a key role in maintaining strength, balance and the ability to age independently. For older adults, optimizing muscle health through diet and exercise can make a big difference in quality of life.
“Protein quality matters as much as quantity,” Wolfe said. “This research underscores the fact that foods like nutrient-rich ground beef can offer more muscle-building benefits, and that’s critical as people make dietary choices, especially when balancing calorie intake.”
The UAMS study was conducted on 24 healthy adults between the ages of 18 and 40, who were randomly assigned to consume one of the three test meals — one 4-ounce 100% ground beef patty (80% lean, 20% fat); one 4-ounce Impossible™ patty; or two 4-ounce Impossible™ patties.
Other researchers on the study included UAMS researchers David Church, Ph.D.; Shiloah Kviatkovsky, Ph.D.; Arny Ferrando, Ph.D.; Gohar Azhar, M.D.; and UAMS postdoctoral research fellow Joseph J Matthews and Katie Hirsch, Ph.D., from the Department of Exercise Science, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina.
The research, funded by the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, a contractor to the Beef Checkoff, was designed to better understand how animal- and plant-based proteins compare in promoting muscle protein synthesis, the process of repairing and rebuilding muscle fibers. The association had no role in the design, execution, interpretation or writing of the study.
UAMS is the state’s only health sciences university, with colleges of Medicine, Nursing, Pharmacy, Health Professions and Public Health; a graduate school; a hospital; a main campus in Little Rock; a Northwest Arkansas regional campus in Fayetteville; a statewide network of regional campuses; and eight institutes: the Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute, Jackson T. Stephens Spine & Neurosciences Institute, Harvey & Bernice Jones Eye Institute, Psychiatric Research Institute, Donald W. Reynolds Institute on Aging, Translational Research Institute, Institute for Digital Health & Innovation and the Institute for Community Health Innovation. UAMS includes UAMS Health, a statewide health system that encompasses all of
UAMS’ clinical enterprise. UAMS is the only adult Level 1 trauma center in the state. UAMS has 3,485 students, 915 medical residents and fellows, and seven dental residents. It is the state’s largest public employer with more than 11,000 employees, including 1,200 physicians who provide care to patients at UAMS, its regional campuses, Arkansas Children’s, the VA Medical Center and Baptist Health. Visit www.uams.edu or uamshealth.com. Find us on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), YouTube or Instagram.
A new Beef Leadership Academy class welcomed in with first excursion
Participants kicked off Pillar I of Beef Leadership Academy, which focuses on personal leadership development, with a stop at ADM North American Headquarters in Decatur. The group participated in a leadership development training session and later toured the ADM complex. The experience was supplemented with a trip to Head Bros. Land & Cattle in Blue Mound. Participants received a farm tour and learned about their lucrative recipient cow business model. Things wrapped up with sage advice from Malcolm and Susan Head on the importance of being involved and taking on leadership roles.
BLA participants work together to build a tower in the ADM leadership training session.
Each team had a different building technique.
Ultimately, BLA participant, Bailey Rogers, won the trophy with her IBA staff teammates.
ADM’s Greg Webb joins the tour.
Jake Hlas, Cody Hadden, Greg Webb, Rebecca Walker, Bailey Rogers, Andres Olalde, Blake Webel, Ben Tryger and Blake Rinkenberger.
Rollin gives the crew a tour of Head Brothers Land & Cattle.
The group poses with the Head family.
Here Rollin, Malcolm and Susan, talked more about their on-farm processes.
Cattle Producers Congratulate President-Elect Trump for his Decisive Victory
On November 6, the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) congratulated President-Elect Donald Trump on his decisive victory in the 2024 presidential election and reiterated its enthusiasm for working with him once again.
“Congratulations to President-Elect Trump for his historic victory last night and for running such a hard-fought campaign. NCBA is excited to work with the President-Elect to undo the harm which cattle producers have endured under four years of “Bidenomics” and restore the free-market principles which have made U.S. cattle and beef the finest and safest in the world.” said NCBA Vice President of Government Affairs Ethan Lane. “Despite cattle prices soaring to record highs over the previous years, producers have been squeezed by exceptionally high input costs, record inflation, and the Biden Administration’s socalled competition agenda. This is the perfect opportunity to execute a hard reset on all of these failed policies.”
NCBA Endorsed Disaster Tax Relief Bill Passes Senate Bill Previously Passed House and Goes to President for Signature
On December 6, the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) thanked the U.S. Senate for passing the Federal Disaster Tax Relief Act (H.R. 5863). In addition to providing much needed relief to victims of hurricanes, this legislation would provide tax relief for cattle producers who received payments due to wildfires. Previously, these payments counted as taxable income, meaning producers who already suffered from disasters were hurt again by having their relief payments taxed.
“It is heart breaking to see your farm or ranch destroyed by a disaster and it only adds to the pain when the payments meant to help you recover come with a tax bill,” said NCBA President and Wyoming rancher Mark Eisele. “With the devastating hurricanes and wildfires the cattle industry has suffered over the past several years, helping producers recover and stay in business is a top priority for NCBA. The Federal Disaster Tax Relief Act will prevent recovery payments from being taxed and be another tool for producers rebuilding their livelihood.”
The Federal Disaster Tax Relief Act addresses limitations in casualty losses and allows producers to take greater deductions for disaster related losses. Additionally, the bill excludes any payments received due to a “qualified wildfire disaster” from being counted as income for federal tax purposes. The bill also retroactively applies to any wildfire payments received in tax years 2020 through 2025. Producers will have the opportunity to file with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) for relief payments received in these previous years.
“NCBA has fought to exempt disaster relief payments from being taxed and we are thankful that the House of Representatives and Senate both passed the Federal Disaster Tax Relief Act to protect these payments from taxation,” said NCBA Executive Director of Government Affairs Kent Bacus. “We also thank Congressman Greg Steube (R-FL) for leading the effort to get this bill passed. Now, NCBA urges President Biden to swiftly sign this bill into law.”
NCBA Responds to Dietary Guidelines Report and Reiterates Role of Beef in a Healthy Diet
On December 10, the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) reiterated the important role of beef in a healthy diet and responded to the questionable advice published in the Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee’s Scientific Report. Despite a wealth of high quality scientific evidence that beef has an important role to play in a healthy diet, the committee is advising the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) that federal nutrition guidelines include a reduction in red meat consumption.
“Most Americans today already eat beef within the Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA) recommended levels for a healthy diet. This reduction is a solution in search of a problem,” said NCBA President and Wyoming rancher Mark Eisele. “Public health advice should be based on the totality of scientific evidence. The Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee ignored robust and rigorous scientific evidence about beef’s essential nutrients and the foundational, positive role it plays in health as a preferred protein food in a variety of healthy diets for all Americans.”
Obesity and chronic disease are critical health issues in our nation and eating beef is a solution. With a single, 3-ounce serving of lean beef, Americans receive half of their daily protein needs, as well as 10 essential nutrients like iron and B vitamins—all in less than 170 calories. NCBA will continue working hard to ensure the wealth of evidence in support of beef’s positive role in health is available to the future secretaries and considered in the final guidelines over the coming months.
“Cutting back on beef isn’t going to Make America Healthy Again. There’s irrefutable evidence about the valuable role of beef and its nutrients in promoting health,” said NCBA Executive Director of Nutrition Science and Registered Dietitian Dr. Shalene McNeill. “We’ve had 40 years of Dietary Guidelines, and during that time, beef consumption has decreased, yet Americans suffer more from obesity and chronic disease than ever before. Advising Americans to cut back on beef takes us even further in the wrong direction, putting our most vulnerable populations like women, children, teens and the aging at risk. This advice detracts from the real and most basic challenges we face with eating healthfully. Nutrition guidance should encourage Americans to have the flexibility to choose nutrient dense foods and dietary patterns they enjoy within calorie goals.”
Background
Every five years, the federal government formulates the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, a foundational document on nutrition that helps inform federal nutrition policies and programs like school lunches.
Now that the Advisory Committee has completed its report, the agencies will evaluate the committee’s recommendations and translate that information into the final guidelines. The report is expected to post to the Federal Register tomorrow, and will be open for a 60-day comment period.
Lean beef is a proven healthy choice in a balanced diet. Beef provides essential nutrients and protein with fewer calories than non-meat alternatives. Additionally, research shows that beef is more effective in promoting muscle health than soy-based options. Beef is compatible with heart health, plays an important role in managing weight, and supports the nutritional needs of at-risk populations including adolescents, pregnant women, and older adults.
NCBA Warns Cattle Producers That Corporate Transparency Act Reporting Requirements Will Return Due to Court Ruling
On December 24, the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) warned cattle producers that Corporate Transparency Act filing requirements are back in effect following a court decision that reverses the injunction that previously halted this mandate.
“The Corporate Transparency Act requires millions of family farmers and ranchers to file complex paperwork and disclose beneficial ownership information with the federal government under penalty of severe fines and jail time,” said NCBA Executive Director of Government Affairs Kent Bacus. “FinCEN should do the right thing and provide a realistic delay to the Corporate Transparency Act until Congress has an opportunity to provide a permanent fix that protects family farmers and ranchers.”
On Monday, the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals lifted a nationwide preliminary injunction on the enforcement of the Corporate Transparency Act, holding that the government is likely to prevail in a constitutional challenge. This decision places many small businesses in jeopardy that have not yet filed Beneficial Ownership Information with the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN), a division of the U.S. Department of the Treasury.
In light of the Fifth Circuit’s decision, FinCEN announced it will delay enforcement of the Corporate Transparency Act until January 13, 2025—just three weeks from now. This delay does not allow enough time for millions of small businesses to comply with the law, and it is deeply concerning that FinCEN will proceed with enforcing this law when it has failed to give adequate notice and instructions to law abiding family business owners.
NCBA will continue fighting for a permanent solution that protects cattle farmers and ranchers from this overreaching mandate. In the meantime, cattle producers are advised to consult their attorney and/or tax professional regarding this new development.
NCBA Congratulates Speaker Johnson on Securing Reelection
In the first week of January 2025, the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association congratulated Speaker Mike Johnson (LA) for his successful reelection campaign as Speaker of the House for the 119th Congress:
“Congratulations to Speaker Johnson on successfully navigating a narrow margin and being elected as Speaker of the House by his peers once again. Speaker Johnson has always been a strong supporter of U.S. cattle producers, and we look forward to continuing to work with him in the new Congress,” said NCBA Vice President of Government Affairs Ethan Lane. “There is a lot of work that needs to get done this year, including extending the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, passing a long-term Farm Bill, and providing regulatory relief to producers that have been squeezed by government overreach over the past four years. We are confident Speaker Johnson is the leader to get these policy priorities across the finish line.”
2025 Membership
SERVING OUR MEMBERS AND PROMOTING THE VIABILITY OF THE BEEF INDUSTRY
YOUR MEMBER BENEFITS
Being an IBA member has its perks. IBA partners with several companies to offer its members cost savings and this year, we have added more!
• Yearly subscription to IBA’s bi-monthly magazine, Illinois Beef
• Producer members receive preferred pricing on magazine advertising
• Discounted Air Evac membership fee for affinity pricing
• Partial funding of consultation services with Funktioneering ($100 value)
• Assistance with applying for EQIP dollars, building permits, and siting new or expanded projects
• Access to Performance Livestock Analytics Cattle Krush program
• $150 off Frank & West Environmental Engineering Services
• Preferred rates to subscribe to a smart phone app based cattle market information service
• Option to be listed in the IBA member-only Local Beef Directory
• Discounts on Equipment at Bush Hog ($250) and Buchheit IL (10%)
• NEW! - Extended rates at the Ramada Springfield North and Northfield Inn & Suites
• NEW! - Special discounts and promotions with feed companies
Junior Member Benefits
• Two seasonal issues of Illinois Beef
• Opportunity to participate in educational and leadership events
• Participation in IJBA Points Show program
• Scholarship eligibility given by Illinois Beef Foundation
• Opportunity to vote for or serve on the IJBA Board of Directors
Collegiate Student Member Benefits
• Dual IBA/NCBA Membership
• Full access to IBA Producer member benefits
• Internship opportunities with IBA and NCBA
• Scholarship opportunities from IBA and NCBA
• IJBA eligibility (students 21 or under)
TOP RECRUITER PROGRAM
A 2025 RENEWAL AND RECRUITMENT INCENTIVE PROGRAM FOR IBA MEMBERSHIP IN PARTNERSHIP WITH:
HOW TO BE ELIGIBLE:
• Must be a recognized affiliate by the Illinois Beef Association
• Must reach 75% of renewed or recruited IBA members within their respective county(ies) by March 1 of 2025 to be entered into drawing
• For every five new paid members, the affiliate will earn a bonus entry into the drawing
WHAT YOU WIN:
Out of all the affiliates that reach 75% renewed or recruited IBA members based on the 2024 membership roster, one will be drawn at random to win an all-expenses-paid trip to the Purina Animal Nutrition Center in Gray Summit, Missouri, for ten of their IBA producer members.
The winning affiliate will be allowed to select their event date from the list of Purina Research Farm event dates for their attendees.
August Range Cattle VIP 8/19/25-8/21/25
November Range Cattle VIP 11/11/25-11/13/25
Plus a variety of Regional VIP events that are yet to be scheduled!
Purina has partnered with IBA to offer this unique opportunity to IBA’s producer members to see what Purina Animal Nutrition is all about by seeing their 1,200-acre working research farm in Gray Summit, Missouri! While at the farm, producers will learn about topics including cow/calf nutrition, emerging technologies, matching forage resources, and so much more!
For questions about the Top Recruiter Program or IBA Membership, please contact: Devin Bollman, IBA Communications & Membership Manager 217.787.4280 | devin@illinoisbeef.com
Beef Quality Assurance Trainings & Certifications
Illinois Cattlemen get BQA certified.
One to two times a year IBA staff and others spend two weeks traveling around the state to host Beef Quality Assurance meetings where cattlemen are trained and certified through the BQA program.
This December, IBA staff and University of Illinois Beef Extension Specialist Travis Meteer collectively traveled to 11 different locations from December 2-13 doing these lessons and feeding attendees a delicious dinner. Towns that hosted staff include Greenville, Pinckneyville, Freeport, Fairview, Cambridge, Congerville, Ottawa, Teutopolis, Springfield, Carthage, and finally, Elizabeth.
Look through this photo gallery to see the fun and educational time had by all. If you were not able to attend one of the meetings but need to renew your BQA certificate, call our office to see how you can become trained online - (217) 787-4280.
From raising kids to selling bulls T.J. Curtin is
dedicated to quality work
and successful outcomes.
By Olivia Hoots
After a long, wet, winter, the ice begins to melt, the skies open and the blades of grass in the pasture begin to smell like spring. You look out in awe, thankful for the good Lord that your cows have survived another Illinois winter, cold nights of calving and all. As you check on your cows and their calves you notice the one born in late February on the coldest night of the year. She’s walking strong – getting up at 2 a.m. is always worth it to see that sight. As she runs alongside her mother your face forms a proud smile, you aren’t sure how it got there, it was almost involuntary.
Across the pasture, there is your pride and joy, a bull calf you hope to sell in a Performance Tested Bull Sale someday, next to its mother. You remember choosing the sire – that also makes you grin. T.J. Curtin of Blue Mound has felt these types of emotions in his own pastures, anticipating one of his most favorite parts of selling bulls, the day they sell. As a consigner to the Illinois Performance Tested Bull sale, T.J. knows what it means to prize quality and thoroughly tested bulls, ones that will be worth something to other cattlemen. Here is a little insight into T.J., his family, and of course, his Angus cattle.
Family Business
T.J. And his wife Megan live between Blue Mound and Taylorville on their farm with their four children, Audrey, Will, Patrick, and Nora. Megan teaches junior high P.E. and also helps run the social media account for their freezer beef sales. The pair met in college through friends but still grew up not too far apart, with Megan’s parents in Decatur and T.J.’s parents in Stonington.
The Curtin’s oldest daughter, Audrey, 18, goes to college
in El Dorado, Kansas, where she is on the livestock judging team, which helps her dad choose their best bulls for sales. She also has a custom jewelry business. “It has turned into quite the business, T.J. says.
“I really love business and being an entrepreneur,” Audrey says.
T.J. recalls a story from when their oldest son, Will, was about five and a UPS man rang their doorbell “You’ve got a bunch of cows out here,” he told Megan, who answered the door.
“Okay, alright,” she responds.
“What color are their tags,” Will pipes up.
“Yellow.”
“Okay I know where they go.” And little Will wrangled them all back in.
At just 16, he is the farmer of the four kids, always wanting to be on the farm taking care of the calves, mowing pastures, etc. He says he loves being outside, and is a workforce on the farm according to his dad. “I could not do what I do without him.” He has also been noticed by surrounding farmers who would like to hire a Will to help with their own operations.
“Boy I sure did like meeting your son,” said one farmer. Their next son, Patrick, is 15 and known for his passion on the basketball court, and in the baseball diamond, at Taylorville High School. Though he is not as involved with the cattle, he has his own jobs around the farm and the Curtin’s ultimately want all their kids to chase what they are most passionate about. “I encourage my kids to follow what they want to do,” T.J. says.
Nora, the Curtin’s youngest daughter, is in 7th grade, and loves showing cattle, playing volleyball and dancing.
T.J., Nora, Will, Audrey, Megan and Patrick.
Angus Business
The Curtin’s raise over 50 head of cattle on their operation and do have some farm ground for raising corn and soybeans too, which means they need to manage calving season around harvest and planting like many farmers.
Typically, they calve half their cows in early spring, and half in early fall, and while aiming for early-born bulls.
The Curtin family overall has spent over 80 years in the cattle business. T.J. remembers growing up in the Illinois Junior Angus Association program, doing preview shows and doing junior nationals in the 90s. He did a judging team just like his daughter while in high school and brought some his own ideas home from his own college experiences. Ultimately, T.J. is passionate about selling bulls and females that produce performance cattle, ones that help other producers improve their herds.
In terms of genetics, T.J. believes in seeking out highlyproven bulls from reputable Angus operations throughout the country that they can implement into their own cowcalf operation. This contributes to their goal to produce registered Angus bulls.
A Performance Tested Business
Years ago, T.J. was involved with the Illinois Performance Tested Bull sale except for from 2009 to 2019 when they had their own production sale at farm. Since then, they have made appearances at each IPT Bull Sale and will again sell bulls there in 2025.
The Curtins appreciate the standards the sale represents, and that each bull has to go through a rigorous set of standards
“As a buyer, you can look at all the rigorous tests these bulls had to go through, you can have assurance that you have a quality bull bought that should not give you trouble down the road,” T.J. says.
This year, they have three bulls out of the same cow to market. She is a donor cow purchased in fall 2020, Deer Valley Rita 8154. Audrey and Will went in search of a foundation female. She is a member of the first cow crop of the Deer Valley Growth Fund. T.J. is grateful for the job the cow has done for them so far, with strong calving ease EPDs, a great utter, and a strong phenotype, and she still provides flexibility on sire choice.
“We’re pretty pleased to have the buyers come put their appraisal on them,” T.J. says about the three bulls they are
about to market.
“Throughout my career here, over 20 years of raising Angus cattle, we have bred these cattle that have a heck of an engine under the hood. That is what I want to say about the Performance Tested Bull Sale,” T.J. stresses. “These cattle, they have to be tested, and there is a difference in the type of Angus cattle that you breed as far as performance goes,” for these types of sales.
For his small feedlot for their freezer beef business, that performance that’s documented and tested for selling breeding bulls carries over into the quality of beef they produce for their beef sales. “The difference to those cattle as far as performance and predictability is another reason why I value to buy bulls at performance tested sales,” T.J. says.
At the IPT bull sale he always appreciates the camaraderie and work ethic of the other consigners. His brother, Joe Curtin, consigned some of the prized bulls in the past few years. Also to T.J., the Kramer family is highly respectable, and enjoys the friendly competition amongst another Angus breeder. “They always have good bulls,” T.J. says. He also enjoys talking to Simmental consigner Curt Rincker and admiring his “excellent” consignment of cattle and has also looked up to Bud Hobbs and admired his quality of cattle.
“There is just something about cattle people. When I am with others who raise cattle, there is a brotherhood there, a fraternity. We have all had bad days, we have all had good days,” T.J. explains.
Heart Business
Behind the curtain of this operation is a true delight in
raising cattle. The springtime pasture is “like a drug” to T.J., and a good bull sale his high.
The entire process of cattle raising is something he will never undervalue. “I have thought about which bulls to AI my cows to, I have bred them, they get bred then eventually have a live calf. Then they raise the calf, I manage him correctly and that day he sells is a thrill to me,” T.J. says.
Megan, T.J., and Audrey.
Will working cattle.
Photography Contest
SponsoredbyIllinoisBeefMagazine
The Illinois Junior Beef Association is hosting a photography contest in conjunction with the Illinois Beef Expo. The purpose of this contest is to give IJBA members an opportunity to increase their photography skills through creativity behind the lens.
Two Categories Cattle
Photographs that highlight cattle on the farm, ranch, or livestock event. Cattle should remain the dominant focus of the picture.
Cattlemen
Photographs that show people involved in activities on a farm, ranch, or cattle focused livestock event.
Three Age Divisions
Junior Ages 8-13
Intermediate Ages 14-17
Senior Ages 18-21
Entries
Cost
FREE to all IJBA Members Deadline February 15th
How to Enter
Scan the QR code below or visit IllinoisBeef.com and go to the Junior page Questions?
Illinois Beef Expo Illinois Beef Expo
FEBRUARY 20-23, 2025
Beef Expo
February 19-23, 2025
Illinois State Fairgrounds- Springfield, IL
Pre-Show Deadlines
January 6, 2025- Stalling Request Form opens at 7:00am for Junior Show cattle on Illinois Beef Expo website
January 17, 2025- Stalling Request Form deadline (11:59pm) for Junior Show cattle (No stalling requests will be accepted after this date! If you do not completed a reserved stalling request, first-come, first-serve stalling will be available beginning Wednesday, February 19th at 4:00pm
January 24, 2025- Stalling Assignments will be emailed with invoices
February 3, 2025- Invoices for reserved stalls must be paid. After this date, any unpaid stalls will be released for first-come, first-serve stalling once the 2025 Illinois Beef Expo begins
February 3, 2025- Online Entry Form for Junior Show opens on Illinois Beef Expo website ($55/hd/ring until Feb 18. $75/hd/ring after that through check-in)
Wednesday, February 19, 2025
12:00pm............... Trade Show Set-Up begins Livestock Center, Lower Level
8:00am................. IPT Bull Sale check-in Barns 13-14
4:00pm................ Junior Show cattle & tack allowed on grounds
Illinois State Fairgrounds (No unloading will be allowed on Central Ave. until 3:00pm Thursday to accommodate IPT Bull Sale)
5:00pm IPT Bull Sale meeting Artisan's Building
Thursday, February 20, 2025
9:00am-5:00pm... Trade Show Open Livestock Center, Lower Level 11:00am................. Illinois Performance Tested Bull Sale Artisan's Building
3:00pm-5:00pm... Tradeshow Social & Reception Livestock Center, Lower Level
4:00pm-7:00pm... Junior Show Check-In begins- All steers, market heifers, and Barn 26 commercial heifers must be present to weigh Breed heifer exhibitors will just need to verify information, pay fees (if applicable), and pick-up exhibitor cards.
All market animals showing on Friday (Shorthorn, Charolais/Composite, Shorthorn Plus, Hereford, Angus, Chi, Maine Steers and Market Heifers) must check-in at this time.
Friday, February 21, 2025
Beef Expo
February 19-23, 2025
Illinois State Fairgrounds- Springfield, IL
9:00am-5:00pm.... Trade Show open Livestock Center, Lower Level
8:00am-11:00am Junior Show Check-in continues- All steers, market heifers, and Barn 26 commercial heifers must be present to weigh. Breed heifer exhibitors will just need to verify information, pay fees (if applicable), and pick-up exhibitor cards.
8:30am................. Livestock Judging Contest registration Livestock Center, Upper Level
9:00am Livestock Judging Contest Livestock Center, Upper Level
11:00am................. IJBA Annual Meeting Livestock Center, Upper Level
12:00pm................ Multi-Breed Female Sale Artisan’s Building
2:00pm................. Junior Market Show begins Livestock Center, Upper Level Ring A will begin at 2:00pm Ring B will begin following the conclusion of Shorthorn steers in Ring A and will follow the same show order.
6:00pm................. Illinois Simmental Association banquet Artisan's Building
6:00pm................. Illinois Shorthorn Association banquet IBA Office/Building 30
Saturday, February 22, 2025
9:00am-5:00pm.... Trade Show Open Livestock Center, Lower Level
8:00am Junior Show resumes with Market Animal show Livestock Center, Upper Level Ring A will begin at 8:00am. Ring B will begin following the conclusion of Simmental steers in Ring A and will follow the same show order.
-Saturday Market Animal Show order-Simmental, Crossbred, AOB steers, Top Five Market Animal selection in Ring A and then Ring B -Breeding Heifer show will begin in Ring A 30 minutes after the Top Five Market Animal selection in Ring B Breeding Heifer Show in Ring B will begin following the conclusion of Horned Hereford heifers in Ring A
-Saturday Breeding Heifer Show order- Horned Hereford, Chi, Polled Hereford, Limousin, Angus, Charolais, Red Angus
6:00pm................. Illinois Hereford Association banquet IBA Office/Building 30
7:00pm The Collection Genetics Sale Artisan’s Building
Sunday, February 23, 2025
9:00am-2:00pm Trade Show Open Livestock Center, Lower Level
8:00am................. Junior Show resumes with Breeding Heifer show Livestock Center, Upper Level Ring A will begin at 8:00am. Ring B will begin following the conclusion of Shorthorn heifers in Ring A. -Sunday Breeding Heifer Show order- Shorthorn, Simmental, Shorthorn Plus, %Simmental, Maine, MaineTainer, Maine-Angus, Commercial, AOB Heifers, Top Five Breeding Animal selection in Ring A and then Ring B
FEBRUARY 21 2025 12:00 p.m.
Selling HIGH QUALITY Fall open heifers, Spring yearlings, Bred heifers, Young Pairs and Donors of ALL BREEDS! Contact Ryan for more information! Bid Online!
Junior Show
RULES
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 https://membership.illinoisbeef.com/producerform
Exhibitors must be at least 8 years of age and under 22 years of age as of January 1, 2025.
Entries & Check-In
All exhibitors MUST pre-enter virtually for the 2025 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 3, 2025 at 8:00am until Tuesday, February 18, 2025 at 11:59pm. Early virtual entries are $55/head per ring.
• Late virtual entry forms will be accepted for an increased fee until Thursday, February 20, 2025 at 7:00pm for all breed steers showing on Friday (Shorthorn, Charolais/Composite, Shorthorn Plus, Hereford, Angus, Chi, Maine and Market Heifers), and Friday, February 21, 2025 at 11:00am for Simmental steers, crossbred steers, and all breeding heifers.
• All market animals showing on Friday (Shorthorn, Charolais/ Composite, Shorthorn Plus, Hereford, Angus, Chi, Maine, Market Heifers) MUST be virtually entered and checked-in by 7:00pm on Thursday, February 20, 2025.
• All Simmental steers, crossbreed steers, and breeding heifers MUST be virtually entered and checked-in by 11:00am on Friday, February 21.
All animal and owner information will be checked on registrations upon entry submission. Original registration papers will not be required to be present at the 2025 Illinois Beef Expo, as long as all entry information matches what is registered online with each breed association. 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 begins on Friday, February 21, 2025.
• For any calf purchased during a sale at the 2025 Illinois Beef Expo by a junior exhibitor. The junior exhibitor must provide the bill of sale at check-in, 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 (ie: all siblings listed on registration certificate), the exhibitor must be designated at time of check-in.
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 20, 2025 from 4:00pm – 7:00pm and Friday, February 21, 2025 from 8:00am –11:00am. All market animals showing on Friday (Shorthorn, Charolais/ Composite, Shorthorn Plus, Hereford, Angus, Chi, Maine, and Market Heifers) must check-in and weigh before 7:00pm on Thursday, February 20, 2025.
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.
Commercial heifer exhibitors will need to bring their animal to inperson check-in on either Thursday, February 22, 2024 from 4:00pm7:00pm or Friday, February 23, 2024 from 8:00am-11:00am to weigh.
Heifer classes will be offered for any breed that has at least ten
FEBRUARY 22, 2025
UNDER THE LIGHTS IN THE ARTISANS BUILDING 7:00 P.M.
(10) head, including but not limited to Angus, Charolais, Chianina, Commercial, Hereford, Limousin/Lim-Flex, Maine-Anjou, Mainetainer, Polled Hereford, Red Angus, Shorthorn, Shorthorn Plus, Purebred Simmental, Percentage Simmental (Simmental that are less than ½ will show as AOB). Registered females 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.
Purebred Simmental heifers must be 7/8 or above Simmental, Percentage Simmental Heifers must be 50%-75% Simmental, and Simmental heifers with registration papers that are lower than 50% will show as AOB unless there are at least 10 head present.
All Chianina Heifers will show in the Chianina breed, regardless of percentage.
Each animal will need to complete a virtual entry form prior to arriving at the show. All commercial heifers will need to be present for inperson check-in on either Thursday, February 20, 2025 from 4:00pm7:00pm or Friday, February 21, 2025 from 8:00am-11:00am to weigh. Breed heifers are not required in-person for the check-in process, but their exhibitor will still need to check them in during this time frame.
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 10 head, including but not limited to: Angus, Charolais/Composite, Chianina, Hereford/Polled Hereford, Limousin, Maine Anjou/Mainetainer, Shorthorn, Shorthorn Plus, Simmental (50% or higher). Registered steers with less than 10 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. When competing in the supreme steer drive, exhibitors of the champion and reserve Angus steers can use coloring agents.
Due to the size of the make-up area, only the exhibitor and one other person shall accompany each breeding female into the make-up area. Hereford steers are required to have a verified DNA profile on file with the American Hereford Association (AHA). 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.
Each animal will need to complete a virtual entry form prior to arriving at the show. All market animals will need to be present for in-person check-in on either Thursday, February 20, 2025 from 4:00pm-7:00pm or Friday, February 21, 2025 from 8:00am-11:00am to weigh. All market animals showing on Friday are required to check-in and weigh by 7:00pm on Thursday, February 20, 2025.
Please refer to www.illinoisbeefexpo.com for the complete set of rules. It is important to read them all before attending.
Musgrave Jumbo
Blackbird 2051
Bred heifer by Musgrave Jumbo due February 2025.
Junior Show
JUDGES
Brady Jensen
Brady Jensen resides in Courtland, Kansas, with his wife, Allie, and two daughters, Kelly and Kirbe. He currently serves as a Beef Regional Manager with ST Genetics and represents Kansas, Nebraska, Colorado, Wyoming and Montana. Previously he was on faculty at South Dakota State University from 2017 to 2022, as a lecturer and the livestock judging team coach. Brady completed a master’s degree at Kansas State University in Animal Science, focusing on the genetic component of feet and leg structure in Red Angus cattle. Before graduate school, Brady attended and judged competitively at Butler Community College and Kansas State University where he was awarded All-American status at both levels. In his collegiate coaching career he has been on the coaching staff for three high individuals at the national contest in Louisville and coached the 2021 Reserve National Champion Team. Currently, Brady and Allie assist the family seedstock operation, Jensen Brothers Herefords.
Tyler Norvell
Tyler Norvell grew up in rural Oklahoma on his family’s farming and ranching operation. He attended Butler Community College and then Oklahoma State University where he was a member of the National Champion Livestock Judging Team. After graduation, he went to work for the Oklahoma Farm Bureau as Vice President of Public Policy. In 2012, Tyler left to become the Executive Director of the Oklahoma Youth Expo, and to start Norvell Consulting, a lobbying and consulting firm. Tyler now serves as the president of the OYE, Cattlemen’s Congress and the ONWARD Endowment. Tyler was voted as the 2020 Best of the Barns “Industry Leader of the Year.” Tyler and his wife, Beth, live in Tuttle, Oklahoma, with their two daughters, Madilyn and Saylor. His daughters show cattle, hogs and goats and they have a small herd of registered Simmental and Hereford cattle.
Livestock Judging & Skill-A-Thon
LIVESTOCK CENTER UPPER ARENA
JUDGING CONTEST - 9:00 a.m.
The contest will be open to both 4-H and FFA teams, consisting 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 division, but not both.
Divisions: 4-H Juniors 8th grade and under OR Seniors grades 9-13, FFA Registration is at 8:30 a.m., an entry fee of $10 should be paid then.
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. BRING A PENCIL AS THIS IS A SCANTRON CONTEST.
Organized by Blake Bloomberg and the Black Hawk East Livestock Judging Team. Please call 309-854-1835 with questions.
- Friday, February 21
SKILL-A-THON - 12:00 p.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.
LOCATION: TBA
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
Winter Warm-Up Brings the Heat
Springfield, Ill. | Dec. 14-15
Judges: Dan & Mark Hoge, Ill., and Spencer Scotten, Okla.
Photos by: Cindy’s Livestock Photos
Grand Champion Female Ring A, Reserve Ring B
Champion Simmental Owned by Avery Seys
Grand Champion Female Ring B, 4th Overall Ring A Champion Lim-Flex Ring B Owned by Claire Sennett
Reserve Champion Heifer Ring A
Champion Chianina Owned by Izabella Stanfield
3rd Overall Ring A
Champion Lim-Flex Owned by Brody Barnard
4th Overall Ring B
Champion % Simmental Owned by Claire Dorsey
3rd Overall Ring B
Reserve Champion Lim-Flex Owned by Aliana Hankes
5th Overall Ring A
Champion % Simmental
3rd Overall Ring A
5th Overall Ring B
5th Overall Ring A
Grand Champion Steer Ring A, 4th Overall Ring B
Champion Simmental
Owned by Piper Unger
Grand Champion Steer Ring B, 4th Overall Ring A
Champion Chianina
Owned by Emily Atten
Reserve Grand Champion Ring A, 3rd Overall Ring B
Champion Crossbred
Owned by Sam Nightingale
Reserve Champion Ring B
Champion Maine
Owned by Tanner Foose
Crossbred
Owned by Adam Miller
Reserve Champion Crossbred Owned by Kashen Ellerbrock
Owned by Hayden Demaree
Champion Chianina
Owned by Avery Seys
5th Overall Ring B Reserve Champion Crossbred
Owned by McKlay Gensini
Skill-a-thon Results Top 5 Juniors:
Top 5 Intermediates:
Top 5 Seniors:
Landon Loschen
Lucas Loschen
Scarlett Schleich
Clara Chappell
Cailyn Martin
Preston Howell
Claire Kuipers
Isabelle Morrow
Carson Beckman
Reagan Shike
Lily Baker
Ben Wiggins
Ella Douglas
Jayce Meier
University of Illinois Hoof ‘n’ Horn Club & Lake Land Community College
An Ode to the Farm Kid
Three Stories of Amazing Young People in Illinois Beef Families
By Sara McClendon
Maybe it is the hard work and responsibility required to live on a farm or perhaps it is just an innate passion passed down through the generations, but if you ask around the beef industry, there is a good chance you will find a multitude of stories of farm kids doing incredible things. They take on extra work, build interpersonal skills, and gain equal parts humility and pride in their work. Growing up on a farm fundamentally shapes the character of a person. The following stories of three Illinois families in the beef industry are a celebration of the ingenuity of all the farm kids that we know and love.
The Spirit of Entrepreneurship Endures with the Hebert Family
The Hebert family raises beef, pork, and row crops. David and Kristy Hebert also sell their meat at the local farmer’s market. Their sons, Noah, who is 13 and, Evan, who is 11, are the sixth generation on the family homestead in Owaneco.
In addition to selling cuts of beef and pork locally, Kristy sells handmade soaps and lotions. In June of 2023, Noah decided to share in his parent’s entrepreneurial spirit and began selling his own products at the farmer’s market. He hand makes soy candles, which he has named Cowboy Candles. Scents include apple bourbon, which is Noah’s favorite, and vanilla pear, along with seasonal scents.
The candles were fairly popular at the farmer’s market, but Kristy says they really took off when Cowboy Candles became available in retail shops the West End Market in Shelbyville and the Dandy Lion in Taylorville.
“I think I’m going to stick with what I’m doing for a couple more years,” Noah says of his business. “And maybe make a few more types of candles.”
It is likely he will have buyers as he expands his business. The family recalls a member of their church who purchased a couple of candles from Noah, and only a couple weeks later placed an order for more candles because she liked them so much.
Working on his business comes in between band, choir, and showing goats in 4-H. Noah notes that he always makes time to participate in the goat costume contest. This year, he will also show beef cattle. Noah encourages young people to start their own businesses, pointing out that there is usually a lot of support for young entrepreneurs like himself.
“We’ve noticed that people love supporting kids,” Kristy agrees. Noah is not the only young business creator in the family. His younger brother Evan also sells his creations, which began with his statechampionship winning jigs. “I started tying
crappie jigs with a lot of feathers and tinsel,” Evan explains. “That’s how I got started with entrepreneurship. I kind of got out of the lure business, and stopped selling for a little bit. Then I got into welding after we got horses.”
Evan creates designs by welding together horseshoes and rebar. He sells the designs at the West End Market. The functional pieces he creates include horseshoe coat hangers, boot racks and paper towel holders. One of his favorite projects was a wine glass holder he made for Kristy’s birthday. He is currently exploring expanding his business to include wooden lures in the future.
Evan also encourages young people to find their creative outlet. “I just think that if you have a dream, you should follow it,” he says.
In addition to his business endeavors, Evan also shows goats, where he has won a championship, and shows horses. This year he will add cattle to his showing resume like his older brother.
“This has really helped them come out of their shells,” Kristy says of the boys’ businesses. “They socialize with people and talk about their products. It’s instant feedback. They are seeing their hard work go out the door and receiving payment for it.”
However, for David and Kristy, it is more than just the skills they have gained from their businesses. Growing up on a farm has given their children tools they will take with them for life.
“It’s developed that sense of responsibility for them,” Kristy says. “They’ve gained skills, like Evan learning to weld. Working with livestock in general as well, doing chores, and keeping everything fed has given them a sense of ownership too.”
Evan says growing up on a farm gives you something to do, like going outside and being with the animals.
“I enjoy just getting to be outside,” Noah agrees, sharing what he loves about growing up on a farm. “I like having a huge yard, and not being cooped up inside all day.”
Bringing the Family Farm to the Classroom
When most people think about a classroom adopting an animal they might picture hamsters, lizards, or fish. However, Aubrey Veeder’s fourth grade class got an education in the beef industry when they adopted Duke, a calf from her family’s farm last school year.
“We have a lot of cows,” Aubrey says of Gallagher Farms. Aubrey’s mother Kayla Gallagher expands on that description of their small-to-medium size feedlot, explaining that they sell 100 percent direct to consumer, selling locally and shipping product out, which is unique to a farm of their size. The majority of their local business is from consumers coming directly to their farm to pick up product. The family also produces row crops, using cover crops, and hay. Additionally, the family has a small cow/calf herd.
The passion the Gallagher family has for their operation was spread beyond just their business when Aubrey’s fourth-grade class decided to adopt a calf last year.
“We had one baby, and my class wanted to adopt a calf,” Aubrey explains. “I gave them updates every time it got vaccinations, got weaned, or got castrated. They got to know about cows and how they grow and what you have to do.”
This was the first time that Danielle Hanshew, Aubrey’s fourth grade teacher at LeRoy Elementary, had taken on a project like this, but she recognized the opportunity to engage her classroom once she learned about Aubrey’s love of the farm.
“The idea originated from my awareness of Aubrey’s strong passion for the animals on her family farm,” Danielle says. “It is essential to me to connect with my students in meaningful and diverse ways, and I saw this as an opportunity to explore an area outside my own expertise. I recognized this as a valuable learning experience, not only for my students but also for myself.”
Aubrey shared pictures, and there was even a poster outside of the classroom with facts about Duke, which the class voted to name the calf. The poster was updated all year for the rest of the school to see. Aubrey said the class would ask her questions about raising cattle in general, and she was able to share her knowledge with peers. She enjoyed getting to teach her class about the things she knew, sharing her knowledge and experience with her peers.
For Kayla, the benefits of her daughter’s class adopting Duke the calf reached far beyond just the experience of Aubrey sharing with her peers.
“Her school is in a relatively rural area, but I could just tell from the things that she said when she came home that very few kids in her class have really any exposure to agriculture at all,” Kayla says. “So, she got to teach them a lot about the beef industry but I also think they learned about our way of life at the same time.”
It was not just the class that benefited from Aubrey’s updates, but the impact spread to the rest of the school.
“Engagement extended beyond my classroom, with students from various grade levels showing curiosity and involvement,” Danielle says. “We displayed a sign outside our classroom featuring monthly updates on Duke’s progress. This sparked regular interest from students of all ages, who would stop by to observe Duke’s growth. This created a sense of shared connection and excitement across the school.”
Aubrey also has experience showing cattle. Despite a tough first year when she was stepped on by a heifer, she went on to show a second year at county fairs and the Illinois State Fair, and even snagged a few awards for her heifer in the process. It is clear that no matter her future in showing, Aubrey’s passion for cattle and her family’s operation will shine through.
“I like just being on the farm,” Aubrey says.
Cultivating Passion: A 5-Year-Old’s Love for His Family’s Farm
Ask any 5-year-old what they want to be when they grow up and you are sure to get a variety of answers. However, 5-yearold Reese Jakobs of Sterling has one clear answer: He wants to be a farmer. It would be easy to guess that he comes from a farm family based on his answer, and that is true. However, it is more than that for Reese. His answer is rooted in a deep love of his family’s commercial cattle operation. It is his favorite place to be.
“The tractors,” is Reese’s answer for his favorite part of the farm. However, his father Alex explains that Reese’s answer about what he likes best changes daily between the equipment and the cattle, but he ultimately just loves spending time at the farm. In fact, every day on the way to preschool, the Jakobs family passes by the farm and Reese asks his mom if they can stop there after school. Usually, he is at the farm with his father at least two or three times a week after preschool, but if Reese had his way, he would be there every day.
“We pet them,” Reese explains his time at Jakobs Brothers Farms. “We work the cattle.”
At just 5-years-old, Reese has taken a huge interest in the ins and outs of the operation. He walks the pens with his father,
and loves working cattle so much that at home he uses a magnetic construction kit called Magna Tiles to build pens and structures to mimic what he does on the farm. His favorite TV show is The Incredible Dr. Pol, a series that follows a largeanimal veterinarian. In his free time, he draws pictures depicting him walking with his father on the farm, checking on the animals. He is passionate about all things cattle and his family’s farm.
“He knows all the guys’ names,” Alex says of Reese’s familiarity with the farm’s employees. “He wants to ride with the guys in the grain carts. When we are working cattle, we let him run the side of the chute, so he can learn the right way to move cattle.”
Getting the younger generation as excited as Reese is about the family business is the dream of most parents involved in the beef industry. For the Jakobs family, it is an intentional, yet balanced, step to encourage the next generation to be passionate about farming while also allowing them the freedom to choose their own path.
“When my brother and I sat down and did a five-to-10-year plan, one of the things we considered is why we would want to grow our business and grow the legacy if we don’t take time to get our kids loving it at the farm,” Alex says. “We took the time to really focus on our kids coming to the farm to see it and learn it. It has paid off because Reese has just been obsessed with the farm.”
Alex and his brothers are the third generation on the family farm. They continue the success of the commercial operation which has grown from when their grandfather first purchased a small, 40-acre pasture in 1957.
“My grandfather always said if you’re not moving forward, you’re going backwards, so we strive to be the best farm in the world,” Alex explains. “We want to have the best attitude and the fire for it. We want to raise the best cattle and try to improve their performance as much as we can.”
Alex, like his son Reese, always knew he wanted to be involved in the farm. It was a passion he had from a young age. However, Alex explains that his father David was adamant each of his sons followed their own interests and passions, and never pushed them into the family business.
“As kids, my dad really wanted us to explore our own interests,” Alex explains. “We ended up having our own cattle when we were in high school. He would buy our first one, and then it was up to us purchase feed for it, take care of it, and buy more cattle if we wanted more. That was his way of teaching us how to work.”
It is a strategy that Alex is continuing with his children too. He is thrilled that Reese has taken such an interest in the farm at a young age and knows he will benefit from lessons on respecting animals and the responsibility it takes to raise cattle. At the end of the day though, the most important thing to Alex is Reese’s happiness.
“As a parent, whatever makes Reese happy gives me the greatest pleasure,” Alex says. “I would absolutely love for him to take over the farm and be that guy, but only if he wants it. Life is too short to not love what you do.”
Reese is adamant that he wants to be a farmer in the future and he seems to have his path forward figured out.
“School first,” Reese says. “Farming comes second.”
No matter where the future takes Reese, his experiences on the farm will help shape his future, just like any kid growing up in the beef industry. The hard work, responsibility, and community support in agriculture has a major impact on the person they will become, no matter which path they take.
Alex sums it up best: “There’s just something about the ag world that produces the best kids with the most creative minds.”
Checking in with the Checkoff .
Leveraging Beef’s Role in High-Protein Diet Trends
This is a golden opportunity for retailers and restaurants to highlight beef as an excellent protein source. Beef is packed with high-quality protein, iron, and other essential nutrients, making it a great choice for health-conscious consumers.
High-protein diets are all the rage these days, especially among younger folks who are all about building muscle, managing their weight, and overall well-being. Gen Z is leading this trend thanks to the influence of social media and fitness culture. A survey by the International Food Information Council (IFIC) found that 53% of Gen Z prioritized protein in their diets in 2023. ¹ Additionally, consumers consistently rank beef above other proteins when considering which “is a great source of protein.”
²
This is a golden opportunity for retailers and restaurants to highlight beef as an excellent protein source. Beef is packed with high-quality protein, iron, and other essential nutrients, making it a great choice for health-conscious consumers.
The Popularity of High-Protein Diets
Fitness enthusiasts, influencers, and dietitians have been singing the praises of high-protein diets for helping muscle
Consumer Beef Tracker, 2019 – June 2024. Q11: For the statement shown, please rate each protein based on your experiences. You can rate each protein anywhere from Agree Completely to Disagree Completely... The scale is set up so that no two proteins can have exactly the same rating, so you will need to place them in the order that you intend them to be.
building, aiding in weight loss, and keeping energy levels up. Platforms like TikTok and Instagram are buzzing with high-protein meal ideas, and many Gen Zers turn to these platforms for inspiration. With the growing focus on fitness and healthy living, high-protein foods have become a staple in many young people’s diets.
Per the USDA, a 3-ounce serving of cooked beef provides approximately 25 grams of high-quality protein, which is about half of the recommended daily intake for an average adult. In addition, beef also delivers other essential nutrients such as vitamin B12, selenium, zinc, niacin, vitamin B6, phosphorus, choline, iron, and riboflavin. ³
Beef is a perfect fit for this high-protein trend, offering a complete source of protein with all the essential amino acids needed for muscle repair and growth. A recent survey found that protein is a top priority when choosing meals with beef in 2024,followed by muscle growth, energy, vitamin & mineral content. Comparatively, most consumers are less concerned about managing specific health conditions when choosing a meal with beef. ⁴ Retailers and restaurants that highlight beef’s role in high-protein diets can attract healthconscious consumers looking for quality protein.
Retail Strategies for High-Protein Beef
Retailers can make beef a star player in high-protein diets by offering lean cuts like sirloin and tenderloin which are high in protein but lower in fat. Packaging that highlights the protein content and other nutritional benefits like iron and vitamin B12 can draw in health-focused shoppers.
Another smart move is to create high-protein meal kits featuring beef. These kits can be tailored for fitness enthusiasts or anyone looking for convenient ways to get their daily protein. A study by NielsenIQ found that sales of high-protein meal kits jumped by 18% in 2023, showing strong consumer demand for easy, protein-rich options.
⁵ Retailers could also team up with fitness influencers to promote these products, offering recipes and meal-prep ideas that include beef.
Point-of-sale marketing can also be effective. Displays and labels that shout “high-protein” or “lean and nutritious” can catch the eye of shoppers looking to improve their diets. QR codes linking to recipes or nutritional info can educate consumers on the benefits of beef in a high-protein diet.
Consumer Beef Tracker January – June 2024. BB!4r1: How often do you think about each of the following when choosing a meal with beef?
(Select one response for each row.) Analysis: National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, contractor to the Beef Checkoff
Restaurant Menu Innovation
For restaurants, the high-protein diet trend is a chance to get creative with their menus by showcasing beef as a healthy and tasty protein option. They can create dedicated high-protein sections or introduce dishes aimed at fitnessconscious diners. Offering lean beef in dishes like grilled steak salads, beef bowls with veggies, or high-protein wraps can attract customers looking to meet their dietary goals while enjoying a delicious meal.
Data from Technomic’s 2023 Protein Consumer Trend Report shows that 61% of consumers are more likely to choose a restaurant if it offers high-protein options. ⁶ Restaurants can also offer customization, letting diners add extra beef to their meals for a protein boost. This flexibility is especially appealing to those tracking their macronutrient intake.
Marketing beef-based dishes as part of a balanced, highprotein meal is another great strategy. Featuring dishes with beef paired with vegetables, whole grains, and other nutrientdense ingredients can appeal to health-conscious diners. Highlighting the protein content on menus or promotional materials can help communicate the nutritional value of these offerings.
The Role of Social Media and Influencers
Social media is a big driver of dietary trends, especially for Gen Z. Fitness influencers, nutritionists, and health coaches often share content about the benefits of high-protein diets and meal ideas featuring beef. Restaurants and retailers can tap into this trend by partnering with influencers to promote their high-protein beef offerings.
Collaborations with influencers can create engaging content that shows how beef can be part of a healthy, proteinrich lifestyle. Recipes, cooking demos, and “what I eat in a day” videos featuring beef can be particularly effective in reaching younger audiences. Working with fitness influencers who already promote high-protein diets can also add credibility and build trust with potential consumers.
Addressing Health Concerns
While promoting beef as a high-protein option, it’s important to address any health concerns consumers might have about red meat. Highlighting the benefits of lean cuts and promoting recommended consumption amounts can help ease worries about fat and cholesterol. Providing information on the essential nutrients in beef, like iron, zinc, and vitamin B12, can help consumers see the broader health benefits of including beef in their diet.
Transparency is key for health-conscious consumers. Providing detailed nutritional information and sourcing details can reassure those concerned about their health and the environment. Restaurants and retailers that emphasize responsible sourcing and nutrition can effectively position beef as part of a balanced, health-focused diet.
Conclusion
The high-protein diet trend offers a great opportunity for retailers and restaurants to promote beef as a nutritious and valuable protein source. By highlighting lean cuts, offering high-protein meal options, and leveraging social media, businesses can connect with health-conscious consumers, especially Gen Z, who are keen on maintaining a fit and active lifestyle.
To appeal to this demographic, transparency, creativity, and alignment with health and wellness values are crucial. By embracing these strategies, retailers and restaurants can position beef as an essential part of a high-protein diet, meeting the needs of modern consumers while supporting overall health and well-being.
Sources:
¹ International Food Information Council (IFIC). (2023). Gen Z and Protein Consumption Trends.
² Consumer Beef Tracker, 2019 – June 2024. Q11: For the statement shown, please rate each protein based on your experiences. You can rate each protein anywhere from Agree Completely to Disagree Completely... The scale is set up so that no two proteins can have exactly the same rating, so you will need to place them in the order that you intend them to be.
³ U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Nutrient Data Laboratory. USDA National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference, Release 28 (Slightly revised). Version Current: May 2016.
⁴ Consumer Beef Tracker January – June 2024. BB!4r1: How often do you think about each of the following when choosing a meal with beef? (Select one response for each row.) Analysis: National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, contractor to the Beef Checkoff
⁶ Technomic. (2023). Protein Consumer Trend Report.
Sizing the Meat Protein Marketplace -
Is Beef Driving Retail Gains?
1. How have inflation and higher retail beef prices impacted domestic consumer demand this year?
NCBA’s market research team, a contractor of The Beef Checkoff, reviewed 2024 year-to-date primary and secondary marketplace data showing consumer demand remains strong across the primary animal proteins and even more so for beef, in spite of economic headwinds.
While the rate of inflation continues to slow, prices remain higher than pre-pandemic levels, tempering consumer spending. As a result, consumers often look for cost-saving measures in their food purchases and dine out less frequently. Year-to-date beef prices through October 6th, 2024, averaged $6.64/lb. at retail, up 5.3% from a year ago. Over the same time period, chicken prices increased 0.4% and pork prices increased 3.0%, providing those proteins a price advantage. Nonetheless, consumption and demand for beef remains robust, as indicated by consumer-reported consumption and strong retail sales data. As shown in the chart below, a large majority of consumers eat beef (72%) and chicken (84%) at least once per week, with those numbers up slightly compared with previous years. While consumers continuously perceive beef to be second to chicken in terms of value for the money, beef leads in taste, eating experience, and versatility, driving its demand and affecting consumption and preference.
Further, the total value of fresh beef sales year-to-date at retail is up 9.3%, due in part to inflationary pressure as well as declines in beef availability, while total pounds of beef sold is showing gains of 3.8%--another indication that beef demand is holding incredibly strong. The market is also seeing moderate gains in chicken sales (both in dollars and pounds) while pork is up 3.7% in dollars and up just 0.6% in volume. Meat alternatives continue to see double-digit declines in both value and volume.
2. Has the marketplace for beef changed since USDA’s initial guidance of lower per capita consumption in February of 2024?
Trends have reversed since the February 2024 data were released, with demand actually very strong. Total pounds of beef sold have improved with total dollar sales increasing at an even faster rate (as discussed above). Additionally, as fresh protein sales have increased across the board so far in 2024, beef maintains more than 50% of the total sales value (56% actually).
3. With many consumers cutting back expenditures on food and other items, were reductions in beef purchases expected?
In the second half of 2023 and heading into 2024, some reductions in consumption were expected due, in part, to tighter beef supplies resulting from drought-induced liquidation and contraction of the cattle herd. However, the situation with the beef supply has changed with supplies increasing since early 2024 and now actually projected to exceed 2023 numbers. Although there are still fewer head of cattle in the pipeline available for domestic supply (rebuilding of the herd is not taking place rapidly), the current increase in beef availability can be attributed, in part, to an increase in beef imports, heavier cattle weights/yields, domestic cattle staying on feed longer, and, added to the mix, an increase in beef on dairy. Projections for 2025 are also stronger than previously estimated but will remain the softest since 2016 and below the current supply. This is due primarily to the slow pace of rebuilding the herd and weaker anticipated imports.
4. Which beef cuts have been impacted the most by higher retail prices?
Ground beef sales have been one of the bigger growth areas. Ground beef value has risen by 9.8% while pounds sold are up 3.5%. Steak value has increased by 9.0% while pounds sold are up 4.1% compared to last year’s levels. Additionally, other cuts
including roasts, briskets and value-added products are all showing gains in total value and pounds sold compared to year-ago levels. Fresh ground beef makes up almost half of beef sales in volume at the retail meat case (48%) and 36% of dollar sales. Steaks also account for more than one-third of dollar sales (37%) but nearly one-quarter of beef volume (24%).
Consumers have also been moving to chicken, as discussed above, with both dollar sales and pounds up in 2024. Based on the research, consumers say they plan to purchase more chicken and ground beef, and less of the more expensive steak cuts.
5. What else are consumers doing to find value and some relief from higher food prices?
More than a quarter of consumers say they will be:
• Looking for deals and using coupons more often (37%)
• Dining out less (36%)
• Finding more ways to use leftovers (28%)
ο Which caters to that value and versatility demand driver component; and our focus on recipe development at beefitswhatsfordinner.com and what you can do with leftovers
• Stocking up/freezing items more often (27%)
Other tactics some consumers are considering include moving to store/private label brands, shopping at different stores than they normally would (mass merchandisers - Walmart in particular - have been successful moving market share), searching for new recipes for both beef & chicken, and buying different cuts of beef to prepare at home (again, an area of focus at beefitswhatsfordinner.com for recipe inspiration).
6. How have Beef Checkoff dollars helped prevent reductions in beef demand?
Various promotions and consumer engagement activities including Back to School focus on beef as a healthy meal:
• Various promotions and consumer engagement activities including Back to School focus on beef as a healthy meal.
• Boosting Beef. It’s What’s for Dinner. Awareness and new brand anthem campaign.
• Influencer engagement.
• New partnership with Little League World Series
• Channel marketing activities/promotions with grocery stores, retailers, and food service.
• Recipe development/inspiration on beefitswhatsfordinner.com to showcase how to prepare alternative/less expensive cuts of beef and how to do more with leftovers (convenience and versatility emphasis).
• Highlighting beef nutritional value as a highquality protein with 10 essential nutrients; early years campaign, adolescent benefits, and work with physicians
• Raised & Grown activities and highlighting the trust consumers have in beef farmers and ranchers (as opposed to other protein farmers)
7. Are there additional comments on how Beef Checkoff dollars continue to help boost overall consumer demand?
Despite the challenges both consumers and producers have experienced in recent years, retail beef sales remain strong to this point in 2024. This is a solid indicator that beef demand has remained very robust. The question is will that hold as we head into 2025 with more pronounced tighter supplies expected.
Beef Packs Protein Punch
Driving beef demand begins with research, and recent results from a study conducted by the University of Arkansas for Medical Services (UAMS) confirm that not all proteins are created equal. The research, funded by the Beef Checkoff through its contractor, the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, was designed to better understand how animal- and plant-based proteins compare in promoting muscle protein synthesis.
Muscle protein synthesis is the natural metabolic process in which older, less functional muscle protein fibers are replaced with newer, more functional fibers to support the maintenance or production of muscle mass. Measurements of muscle protein synthesis are an indicator of muscle health and research continues to support the role of healthy muscle tissue in the prevention of numerous diseases.
The research reveals that ounce for ounce, beef outperforms a soy-based meat alternative (SBMA) patty in stimulating muscle protein synthesis. While soy and beef are both high-quality proteins, it takes twice the amount of the SBMA with 66% more calories to elicit the same impact on
muscle health.
“While both beef and soy are considered ‘complete’ proteins, the amino acids in beef are simply more available for the muscle to use efficiently,” said Robert Wolfe, Ph.D., a UAMS professor of geriatrics and the study’s principal investigator. “This efficiency can be important since the body is in a constant state of protein turnover to rebuild and repair proteins for functional health, especially when combined with physical activity and as part of healthy development and
Sources:
aging.”
Muscle health declines with age, which is associated with increased chronic disease risk and decreased functional health. Research has demonstrated dietary protein and strength training can help maintain and rebuild muscle at any age, especially beneficial in older adults.1-⁴ As the market for plant-based meat alternatives grows, it is important to understand how the consumption of these ultra-processed, manufactured food products differs in their impact on muscle protein turnover and overall muscle health compared to animal-source protein foods, particularly as they are marketed as equivalent replacements for meat.
All animal protein foods, such as meat, poultry, dairy, and eggs and some plant proteins, such as soy, are complete proteins, which contain all nine essential amino acids (EAAs). Consumption of adequate amounts of EAAs is necessary to stimulate muscle protein synthesis. Previous research has shown that soy protein does not stimulate muscle protein synthesis to the same extent as animal proteins, including beef.⁵,⁶
“Protein quality matters as much as quantity,” Wolfe said. “This research underscores the fact that foods like nutrientrich ground beef can offer more muscle-building benefits, and that’s critical as people make dietary choices, especially when balancing calorie intake.”
Key Findings
• Consumption of a single 4-ounce, 100% beef patty stimulated muscle protein synthesis significantly more than consumption of a 4-ounce, soy-based meat alternative patty, which failed to stimulate muscle protein synthesis at all.
• Consumption of two, 4-ounce soy-based patties (8 ounces total) which provided 66% additional calories, elicited a similar muscle protein synthesis response as a single, 4-ounce beef patty.
• Despite the double serving of SBMA patties (8 ounces) having 13.6 grams more protein and about 5 grams more essential amino acids compared to the single 100% beef burger patty, the protein synthesis rates were similar, suggesting that the beef protein was more efficient to stimulate protein synthesis.
• Amino acids, including essential amino acids, were released at a faster rate following consumption of the 100% beef burger patty compared to the SBMA patties, making amino acids more available to stimulate muscle protein synthesis.
1 He, W., Connolly, E. D., Cross, H. R., & Wu, G. (2024). Dietary protein and amino acid intakes for mitigating sarcopenia in humans. Critical reviews in food science and nutrition, 1–24. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1080/10408398.2024.2348549
2 Wayne W Campbell, Nicolaas E P Deutz, Elena Volpi, Caroline M Apovian, Nutritional Interventions: Dietary Protein Needs and Influences on Skeletal Muscle of Older Adults, The Journals of Gerontology: Series A, Volume 78, Issue Supplement_1, June 2023, Pages 67–72, https://doi.org/10.1093/gerona/ glad038
3 Campbell, W. W., & Leidy, H. J. (2007). Dietary protein and resistance training effects on muscle and body composition in older persons. Journal of the American College of Nutrition, 26(6), 696S–703S. https://doi.org/10.1080/07315724.2007.10719650
4 Baum JI, Wolfe RR. The Link between Dietary Protein Intake, Skeletal Muscle Function and Health in Older Adults. Healthcare (Basel). 2015 Jul 9;3(3):529-43. doi: 10.3390/healthcare3030529. PMID: 27417778; PMCID: PMC4939566.
5 Park S, et al. Metabolic Evaluation of the Dietary Guidelines’ Ounce Equivalents of Protein Food Sources in Young Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial. J Nutr 2021;151(5):1190-6. doi: 10.1093/jn/nxaa401.
6 Pinckaers PJ, et al. Higher Muscle Protein Synthesis Rates Following Ingestion of an Omnivorous Meal Compared with an Isocaloric and Isonitrogenous Vegan Meal in Healthy, Older Adults. J Nutr 2024;154(7):2120-32. doi: 10.1016/j.tjnut.2023.11.004.
Junior Corner Junior Corner
Fun activities to equip kiddos to educate their friends about the cattle their family raises.
Sustainability on the Ranch Word Search
Beef farmers and ranchers have been committed to caring for the planet for many years. Carefully read the sustainability story below and search for the BOLDED and CAPITALIZED words in the word search to learn more about their important role!
Beef farmers and ranchers are dedicated to SUSTAINABILITY, which means caring for animals, the PLANET and people.1 Cattle have a unique superpower: they eat GRASS and plants that humans can’t and turn them into nutritious BEEF we can eat.2 They also live on land that isn’t suitable for growing other foods, making them essential for preserving valuable LAND 3,4
Their grazing helps PROTECT the HOMES of other animals like deer, rabbits and birds5, while their HOOVES put CARBON back into the soil, contributing to the fight against climate change.6 Together, beef producers and cattle provide high-quality beef that is a key part of HEALTHY, sustainable MEALS, all while protecting our planet.7
Illinois Beef Association
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.
Today’s Date ID Number (if known)________________________
Seller’s Name
Seller’s Signature
Buyer ’s Name
Buyer ’s Signature
Both the seller & the buyer are responsible for making sure that the $1.50 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 Checko = Total Checko Payment for Federal and State
$0.50 per Head State Checko =
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- 4280or email olivia@illinoisbeef.com
The Illinois Beef Association (IBA) collects the Illinois Beef Checko in accordance with the Illinois Beef Market Development Act. IBA also collects the national beef checko ful lling its role as the Quali ed State Beef Council for Illinois as designated by the Cattlemen’s Beef Board.
IN THIS ISSUE:
January/February 2025
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
President: Carla Jurgenson
Vice President: David Mool
Secretary: Clay Sellmeyer
Business Manager: Doug Turner
Past President: David Jenkins
Bureau County: Vaughn Kiner
Central Illinois: Luke Lemenager
Logan County : Carla Jurgenson
Northern Illinois: Jarad Carroll
South Central: Richard Hurst
Wabash Valley: Shaye Harre
Directors at Large:
Sam Brumleve
Brent Hinkle
T.J. Curtin
Brian Hutchins
Kyle Buetke
Jeff Dameron
Chris Cassady
Clay Sellmeyer
Dan Naughton
Eric McClure
David Mool
Bodee Schlipf
Brad Evans
Tracey Rawlings
ADVERTISERS INDEX
CONTACT
To place advertisements or your latest Angus news contact: Olivia Hoots Illinois Beef Editor Illinois Beef Association 217-787-4280
olivia@illinoisbeef.com www.illinoisbeef.com
ON THE COVER
by Devin Bollman of a catalog at the 2024 Multi Breed Female Sale at Illinois Beef Expo.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Photo
Message from your President
Happy New Year Angus enthusiasts! This is the time when New Year’s Resolutions and reflections are made to see what can be done to have a better 2025. There is no better way to start a year than with new life! Midwinter/spring calving has begun for a large portion of our Angus family, what a more wonderful way to begin a year than with newborn calves. My favorite season is calving season! I’m anxious to see what our sire choices have created, how the embryos calves turn out, and whether my wagers with my son on calf gender get rewarded. There’s nothing better than to watch a mother cow do her job and get that newborn calf cleaned up and nursing. We are not always that lucky with bred heifers but once they get the idea, often with assistance, all is good. I pray everyone keeps safe from exhausting calf watch schedules and your calving season presents very few unexpected challenges.
Our inaugural Fall Female Sale was held December 14 at Fairview Sale Barn in Fairview. The weather was not the best, a bit rainy and icy, however, bidders still ventured out and the online bidding was very active. The sale was successful and there will be another sale next year. A big thank you to our consignors who entered a quality set of breeding stock and to our IAA Show/Sale Committee for organizing this event.
IAA membership forms will be sent out soon. These are for new members and renewals. If you are an Angus breeder and have not joined the state organization, we would like to invite you to give us an opportunity to serve you. We are offering our annual banquet and conference on March 8 at Northfield Inn in Springfield; you are more than welcome to attend (information included in this issue). Another membership option would be one of our local associations near you that offer show opportunities for your children and sale opportunities for your cattle. Juniors are one of our main focuses. They are our breed’s future.
Hoping you are all off to a good year and hope to see you at upcoming shows, sales and our annual banquet.
Carla Jurgenson, Illinois Angus Association President
March 8 • Northfield Inn, Suites & Conference Center
2025 ANNUAL BANQUET & CONFERENCE
2025 ANNUAL BANQUET & CONFERENCE
We are excited to host the second annual banquet for the Illinois Angus Association on March 8, 2025, at the Northfield Inn, Suites & Conference Center in Springfield, Illinois. This year will feature junior and adult tracks for the afternoon with programs focused on marketing strategies for today’s Angus producer.
FEATURES OF THE DAY’S PROGRAM INCLUDE:
Illinois Junior Angus Activities:
• Lunch at a Certified Angus Beef restaurant and tour of the HyVee Meat Counter and discussion of branded beef in retail
• Speakers including: Representatives from SCOnline, Certified Angus Beef, and Angus Media staff
• The Annual Meeting of the IJAA, Elections, Celebration of Accomplishments
Illinois Angus Association:
• Speaker rotation focused on marketing: featuring speakers from SCOnline, Certified Angus Beef, and Angus Media Staff
• Illinois Angus Association Annual Meeting
• Joint Illinois Angus and Illinois Junior Angus Banquet:
• Social hour, dinner and auction to raise support for Junior Angus activities
Sponsorship Levels:
• Premier Sponsor ($1000 and Up): trade show booth, signage at event and in advertising leading up to event
• Gold Sponsor ($500 and Up): signage at event and in advertising leading up to event, Option to provide information on tables at event and dinner
• Mention Sponsor ($250 and Up): mention of name in program at Annual Meeting and on tables at banquet Registration will open up after January 15.
For more information or to support the conference as a sponsor please contact Tracey Rawlings at 217-737-6607 or Theresa Miller at 217-649-1990.
Illinois Junior Angus Association Update
We are excited to welcome our new advisor Ashlynn Mool to the Illinois Junior Angus Association. As a recent junior member Ashlynn is a familiar face to many and brings valuable experience to the role. Feel free to reach out to her anytime!
Second Annual IJAA Banquet
• Northfield Inn and Suites in Springfield
• March 8, 2025
Mark your calendars! Join us at our upcoming banquet for a fun day featuring junior and adult programs and lunch .
Officer and Director Applications
Please refer to our website, www.illinoisangus.com, if you would be interested in running for an officer or director for this upcoming year! You can find the application under the “Junior Association” tab on our website. All applications are due by March 1.
Miss American Angus, Lauren Wolter, presents awards at the 2024 Angus Convention Awards Dinner
Miss American Angus, Lauren Wolter, Illinois Junior Beef and Illinois Junior Angus Association member, presented recognition and awards at the 2024 American Angus Association Convention and Awards Dinner in Fort Worth, Texas, in early November.
This includes the Roll of Victory winners (photo example).
Thank You to Our Supporters
We are so thankful for everyone who has supported us this year, without you we would not be able to do the things we do. Thank you for being with us and believing in our mission.
Adam Stuckemeyer Earns Junior Silver Award
Adam Stuckemeyer, Altamont, has earned the National Junior Angus Association’s (NJAA) Silver award, according to Caitlyn Brandt, events and junior activities director of the American Angus Association® in Saint Joseph, Mo.
Stuckemeyer is the 18-year-old son of Daron and Crystal Stuckemeyer and attends Beecher City High School. He is a member of the NJAA, and the Illinois Junior Angus Association.
He has participated in local and national shows. At the National Junior Angus Show (NJAS), Stuckemeyer participated in the Skill-A-Thon contest.
He has submitted DNA samples for Genomic Profile Testing through Angus Genetics Inc. (AGI) and has consigned cattle.
The Silver award is the second 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.
Show Results
2024 American Royal Junior Angus Show
Kansas City, MO | October 25
Judge: Jeff Dameron, Ill.
Owned Reserve Senior Heifer Calf Champion
SCC Phyllis 3110
Owned by Ella Brooks
2024 American Royal Super Point Roll of Victory Angus Show
Kansas City, MO | October 26
Judge: Chad Holtkamp IA Photos by Next Level Images
SCC SFC Phyllis 324 Owned by Brenna Bartlow
Grand Champion Bull BNWZ Paisley 2143
Owned by Jeff Fruhling, Ill., and Austin Nowatzke, Ind.
2024 North American International Livestock Exposition Super Point Roll of Victory Angus Show
Louisville, KY | November 17
Judge: Barry Nowatzke Ind.
Louisville, KY | November 18
2024 North American International Livestock Exposition Junior Angus Show
Judge: Barry Nowatzke, Ind.
Photo by Linde’s Livestock Photos
Reserve Junior Heifer Calf ChampionDivision 2
FCF JAF Proven Queen 421 Owned by Macie Bartlow
Photos by Linde’s Livestock Photos
Junior Champion - Division 2
PVF SFA Blackbird 3303
Senior Heifer Calf Champion - Division 1
Seldom Rest Pin Up Gal 3223 Owned by Cody Robert York,
Grand Champion Cow-calf Pair
TLF Northern Miss Owned by Holly Marsh
Saturday February 15, 2025 – 12:30 PM (CT)
ANGUS BULLS SELL SIRED BY
Square B True North 8052, E&B Plus One, Basin Payweight 1682 Basin Rainmaker 4404, Schiefelbein Endgame 99, KG Justified 3023
Morgan Richardson showing at the North American Livestock Exposition in Louisville, Kentucky. Photo by Linde’s Livestock Photos.
PRESIDENTIAL PERSPECTIVE
This time of year allows us a chance to give thanks and appreciate the many blessings we have in our daily lives. We should all take time on a daily basis to step back and appreciate them all and share them with friends and family. The incredible Fall weather was one of those blessings for many of us, as it enabled a swift and safe harvest. Even though we were well off a record setting yield in our area it was still a good crop and it is always satisfying to harvest the crops while the weather is nice. Grass has been plentiful for our area with ample supply of hay for the winter.
The cattle market continues to be strong in all aspects of our business whether you are selling feeders, fats, commercial cattle or purebred cattle. The Fall sale season has been outstanding as it continues the pace that was set in the Spring. It is a great time to be in the Hereford business as demand for our cattle continues to be about as good as it gets. Hopefully, everyone has had the opportunity to either attend in person, online or support some of the great sales that the Illinois breeders have had this Fall.
The national show and sale season is upon us and I would like to wish everyone participating all the best in the months ahead.
As we near the Holiday Season let us not forget that faith, family, friends and Hereford cattle are what motivates us everyday to be better, do better and provide more for everyone.
Until next time - stay warm and safe travels!
-Kevin Babbs
CATCHING UP WITH CORBIN
Greetings,
I trust you all had a safe and enjoyable holiday season with time well spent surrounded by friends and family. In the spirit of true cattlemen, I have heard many reports where the traditional ham or turkey entrees were replaced with prime rib, brisket and other beef dishes… proud of each of you who elected for red meat protein!
We wrapped up 2024 in impressive fashion all over Territory 5. Record sales, feeder cattle demand extremely high, and significant optimism going into 2025. In the same vein, the Greater Midwest feeder calf sale is shaping up to be a tremendous offering of Herefordinfluenced calves. For more information regarding the sale or how to be involved for the 2026 event, please contact Brent Lowderman at Carthage Livestock or myself.
Two cornerstone events on the AHA calendar every year are right around the corner. We look forward to seeing everyone in Oklahoma City for the 2025 Cattlemen’s Congress that will take place January 8-11. Featured throughout the week will be the Hereford Eve in OKC genetics sale on Thursday, January 9 th , the AHA National Sale – Hereford Night in OKC – on Friday, January 10 th , and the National Hereford Show on Saturday, January 11 th . Following our week in Oklahoma City, we head to Denver for another installment of the National Western Stock Show. Hereford enthusiasts will gather January 15-18 to celebrate our long and storied tradition involved with the NWSS. Make plans to join us for the Pen/Carload Show on Thursday, January 16 th , the National Western Hereford Sale on Friday, January 17 th , the National Hereford Show on Saturday, January 18 th , and much more!
Finally, we enter a new year with changes to HPI. As many of you know, Joe Rickabaugh is retiring from his role of Director of Field Services after 25+ years of dedication to the Hereford breed. Joe has displayed tremendous leadership for our team in his time on the job, and I can personally attest that he has been a tremendous mentor in my tenure under his guidance and direction. Join me in wishing Joe a happy retirement as he transitions out of his duties with our association.
As always, my phone and email are open to anyone who needs assistance, information about advertising and marketing options, or would simply like to visit. Please reach out to me at 270-991-2534 or ccowles@hereford.org.
All the best,
-Corbin Cowles
Kevin Babbs, Illinois Hereford Association President
Corbin Cowles, American Hereford Association Territory 5 Field Staff
AMERICAN ROYAL
NATIONAL AND REGIONAL SHOW AWARD WINNERS RECOGNIZED
Hereford exhibitors were honored for exhibiting their breeding programs at national and regional shows prior to the Ladies of the Royal Sale hosted at the American Royal in Kansas City, Mo., Oct 26. Awards were presented to national and regional Hereford show bull and female of the year, and premier exhibitors.
To earn the coveted bronze cattle, exhibitors garner points throughout the year by showing at national and regional events. Points were calculated throughout the 2023-24 show season, which ran from May 2023 through April 2024.
NATIONAL AWARDS
Horned National Show Female of the Year and Northeast Horned Premier Exhibitor - KJ TWJ 907E
Martini 936K ET, owned by Paige Lemenager, Hudson
NORTHEAST REGION AWARDS
Horned Show Bull of the Year - PRCC
Strikeforce 248K, owned by Prairie Rose Cattle Co., Sherman
VANIER FAMILY SCHOLARSHIPS AWARDED TO TEN DESERVING HEREFORD JUNIORS
Ten National Junior Hereford Association members received a $10,000 Vanier Family Scholarship, totaling $100,000 of financial support, during the 2024 American Hereford Association Annual Meeting and Conference in Kansas City, Missouri, on October 25. During the award ceremony, the Hereford Youth Foundation of America and its donors awarded $165,500 in scholarships to 27 National Junior Hereford Association members to help support their higher-education goals.
“HYFA is proud to continue carrying on Jack and Donna’s legacy by awarding 10 scholarships in the Vanier family’s name each fall,” said Cowan, AHA director of youth activities and foundation. “Thanks to the Vanier family’s philanthropy over the years, nearly $1 million has been awarded to over 80 NJHA members in the Vanier name.”
The Vanier family believes the work ethic NJHA members learn growing up in the Hereford breed sets them apart in today’s workforce. “To be able to support young people in their aspirations and their education has always been really important,” said Mary Vanier, daughter of Jack and Donna Vanier.
Out of Illinois, one of the 2024 Vanier Scholarships was awarded to Paige Lemenager (pictured right) of Hudson who is a junior at Texas Tech University studying animal science. Her long-term career goals are to pursue a doctorate degree, take the Law School Admission Test and pass the bar in Illinois. She hopes to work with farmers and ranchers during financial challenges or tax implications as an agricultural attorney. She credits the Hereford breed for building the foundation for her future goals and wants to give back to the organization in the future. “Upon completing my junior career, I hope to become a junior advisor,” Lemenager said. “My commitment to the breed, my affection for the people involved and my belief in the NJHA’s mission drive this aspiration.”
BAR ONE RANCH SCHOLARSHIP AWARDED TO RICHARDSON
Morgan Richardson, Capron, was awarded the Bar One Ranch Scholarship during the 2024 American Hereford Association Annual Meeting and Conference in Kansas City, Missouri, on October 25. During the award ceremony, the Hereford Youth Foundation of America and its donors awarded $165,500 in scholarships to 27 National Junior Hereford Association members to help support their higher-education goals.
Richardson is a junior at Western Illinois University enrolled in the pre-veterinary medicine program. She hopes to become a large animal veterinarian, specializing in chiropractic and pulsed electromagnetic field therapy. Previously a student at Black Hawk College, Richardson is an active member of both the NJHA and the Illinois Junior Hereford Association.
“The passion to pursue this career was sparked by the great livestock organizations and great people in agriculture that I have grown up with. I have wanted nothing more than to pursue a career in the industry that I love,” Richardson said.
The Bar One Ranch Scholarship, sponsored by HYFA, is a $5,000 scholarship offered by George and Karen Sprague of Bar One Ranch in Oregon. The scholarship is in memory of their late friend, Ken Tracy, who was a friend to the entire Hereford breed.
The selection committee continues to be impressed by the high caliber of applicants. “It’s a true pleasure to review the HYFA scholarship applications. So many of the applicants have stellar records and have interesting and creative career ambitions that reviewers can’t help but be certain the future of the industry is in good hands,” said George Sprague, HYFA scholarship committee member.
The scholarship fund serves as the bedrock of HYFA, and countless youth benefit from its mission. Since its inception, HYFA has awarded scholarships fueling educational opportunities. For years, these scholarships have been lighting the way for youth in the Hereford breed. Recently, the foundation celebrated awarding more than $2 million in scholarships to assist Hereford youth further their education, since its founding in 2000.
SHOW RESULTS
PERKS RANCH SCHOLARSHIP
This year’s Perks Ranch Scholarship was awarded to Lauren Jones of Darlington, Wisconsin (pictured right).
Open Show Reserve Champion
Senior Heifer Calf
HAWK PARKER 2302 ET
Owned by Emily Brooks
Open & Junior Show Champion Senior Yearling
KJTWJ 907E MARTINI 936K ET
Owned by Paige Lemenager
NAILE
HEREFORDS ON THE GREEN CHIPS
Grand champion Hereford cattle were selected on the green chips in Louisville, Ky., at the 2024 North American International Livestock Exposition on November 19.
Judge Will Coor, Greenfield, Ohio, sorted through 152 head of Hereford cattle to find his champions.
“This has been absolutely incredible,” Coor said before selecting the grand champion female. “I hope you guys have enjoyed it as much as I have, because this is an opportunity and some cattle that I will forever remember.”
Riley Rhodes, Carlinville, captured reserve grand champion female honors with his Champion Spring Heifer Calf RGR Purple Lilibet 34M ET. The champion spring heifer calf is a March 4, 2024, daughter of FTZS Dignified 104J (pictured top right).
Purple Proud Boy 50M ET, shown by Purple Reign Cattle Co., Toulon, was named the grand champion bull. Sired by FTZS Dignified 104J and born March 17, 2024, the winning entry was also selected champion spring bull calf (pictured center right).
At the conclusion of the show, Purple Reign Cattle Co. was named premier exhibitor and breeder (pictured bottom right).
In the junior show, Morgan Richardson received Reserve Champion Junior Yearling Female for her SPIN High Spin 102L female (pictured bottom left).
For full results from the NAILE national Hereford show, visit Hereford.org.
by Linde’s Livestock Photography.
Photos
WESTERN STATES HEREFORD SHOW
DECEMBER
2-7 | RENO, NEVADA
Open & Junior Show Division 3 Champion & Reserve Overall
KJ 746D Coco Carmel 321L ET Owned by Paige Lemenager
UPCOMING EVENTS
DEADLINES & EVENTS
1/8/2025 Cattlemen’s Congress- Junior Female Show
1/9/2025 Cattlemen’s Congress- National Pen Show
1/10/2025 Cattlemen’s Congress- National Bull Show
1/11/2025 Cattlemen’s Congress- Open Female Show
1/15/2025 AHA Youth Activities & Foundation Intern/Ambassador Program Application
1/15/2025 State Leadership & Education Grant Application
1/16/2025 National Western Stock Show- Junior Female Show
1/18/2025 National Western Stock Show- Open Female & Bull Show
2/1/2025 BOLD Leadership Conference Application
HEREFORD NEWS
WORLD HEREFORD EXPO TO BE HOSTED IN MISSOURI IN 2025
Registration is open for the 2025 World Hereford Conference, held in conjunction with the AHA Annual Membership Meeting. An exciting global event that brings together both international and domestic guests, the conference will feature engaging pre- and post-tours, offering exclusive access to leading Hereford operations. The Young Breeders Competition will showcase the next generation of Hereford leaders from around the world. Register now to secure your spot to connect with breeders and industry experts from across the globe! Visit www.worldherefordconference.com for more information and to register.
IHA WINTER CLASSIC SALE RESULTS
35 total lots; Average $4,450
25 Bred Heifers
- $4,144
1 Spring Pair Choice Lot - $12,000
6 Fall Pairs
JUNE 13-15, 2025
BELVIDERE, IL
ENTRIES WILL BE OPEN MAY 1, 2025 THROUGH JUNE 1, 2025
REMINDER: 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
HOTE L INFORMATIO N ILLINOIS
Holiday Inn
7550 E State St, Rockford, IL
1-815-398-2200
Block is under IL Junior Hereford Preview Show. Reservations must be made by May 22, 2025, to receive $119/night rate.
D-Mar-Mac Charolais, Warsaw Sam Zumwalt- 217-256-4619
Tom Engel, Flanagan815-674-5140
Grusy Bros., Gridley
Frank Grusy- 309-747-2696
K&D Cattle, Elizabeth Kelley- 815-275-8904 Devin- 815-858-2318
Nord Farms, Bloomington Ron Nord - 309-275-0409
Barnard Farms, Foosland Matt Barnard217-417-7699
Michael Potthast, New Douglas217-456-1266
Joseph Potthast, Sorento - 217-456-1266
Christine Potthast, New Douglas217-456-1266
Roger Elliot, Greenview - 217-416-8981
Marla Todd, Foosland - 217-840-5949
Steve Hoag, Illinois City - 563-506-0544
Link Livestock, Rio 309-297-0293
CHAROLAIS NEWS
AICA Launches Profit Driver Feed Out Program to Advance Charolais Genetics
The American-International Charolais Association (AICA) is proud to announce the launch of its Profit Driver feed out program, a new initiative designed to deliver real-world, third-party data collection for Charolais breeders and their bull buyers. Set to begin in January at Hy-Plains Feed Yard in Montezuma, Kansas, this program aims to provide actionable insights in regards to feed efficiency, feedlot health, environmental impact and other key industry data trends.
Driving Profit Through Data
Charolais cattle have long been recognized for their proven ability to drive profit for seedstock, commercial and feedlot producers. Backed by decades of data ensuring performance repeatability, the Profit Driver program brings a new dimension to genetic evaluation and breeding programs. According to AICA Executive Vice President Brett Spader, the program offers a comprehensive analysis of feed efficiency, carcass traits, and real-world performance validation.
“Profit Driver will allow us to get a full picture of industry-relevant data for Charolais genetics,” says Spader. “Through this program, we can tie the value of performance and real-world application of genetics back to our Charolais breeding programs.”
Program Highlights
• Eligibility and Enrollment: Open to AICA members and Charolais bull buyers, the program invites participants to enroll cattle for data collection. If animals are part of properly formed contemporary groups, the program will also enhance the Expected Progeny Differences (EPD) accuracy for sires and dams.
• Key Metrics Evaluated: Enrolled cattle will be evaluated on carcass data, feed efficiency measurements, heart scores, and overall performance.
• Accessibility for All Producers: Profit Driver accommodates breeders of all sizes. Co-mingled pens will be built in groups of approximately 70 head, and participants will cover feed costs. AICA will sponsor genomic testing and the use of the Vytelle GrowSafe system for the first 200 head enrolled.
Junior Division and Educational Opportunities
In addition to engaging established breeders, Profit Driver will include a special junior division aimed at educating and inspiring the next generation of cattle producers. Participants will gain hands-on experience in cattle evaluation and performance analysis, fostering their commitment to improving Charolais genetics from pasture to plate.
Education remains a cornerstone of AICA’s mission. At the conclusion of the Profit Driver challenge, AICA will host an educational event to share program results, insights into cattle feeding, and the value Charolais cattle bring to the beef value chain. This event will also serve as an awards ceremony, with cash prizes for top-performing cattle in categories such as yield grade, feed conversion, quality grade, and overall profitability.
“We are more successful as an association when we back our data with educational resources for real-world application,” says Spader. “This program represents an unparalleled opportunity for individual herd advancement and overall breed improvement.”
For media inquiries, please contact:
Hadley Schotte
AICA Program Coordinator
Email: hschotte@charolaisusa.com
Phone: 785-562-6632
About AICA:
The American-International Charolais Association (AICA) is dedicated to advancing the Charolais breed through performance-driven data, education, and innovative programs that enhance profitability and sustainability for producers.
American-International Junior Charolais Association Unveils Inaugural Phenotype and Genotype Show
The American-International Junior Charolais Association (AIJCA), has recently released the debut of the Phenotype and Genotype (P&G) Show to be held at the 2025 AIJCA Junior National Show. This new competition integrates traditional cattle evaluation with modern genomic selection technology, offering junior members an unparalleled opportunity to expand their knowledge and skills in cattle breeding and selection.
The P&G Show will be held in conjunction with “The Greatest Show,” the 2025 AIJCA Junior National Show & Leadership Conference, scheduled for June 16-21, 2025, in Springfield, Missouri.
“The P&G Show will reward real-world, structurally correct, industry-relevant cattle developed by our junior membership,” said Brett Spader, AICA Executive Vice President. “This new opportunity empowers junior members to identify and develop females that can advance their breeding programs and contribute to the industry with functionality, longevity, and genetic improvement.”
How the P&G Show Works
The P&G Show will feature a composite scoring system, with 50% weight on genotype and 50% on phenotype, ensuring a comprehensive evaluation of each animal. Here’s how it will work:
• Genotype Evaluation: Prior to the show, judges will receive cards detailing each entry’s birth date, genomically enhanced Expected Progeny Differences (GE-EPDs), and breed percentile rankings. These metrics will form the basis of the genotype score.
• Phenotype Evaluation: During the Junior National event, the same judges will assess the animals’ physical attributes, including structural correctness and industry relevance, to determine the phenotype score.
• Final Rankings: The combined scores from the genotype and phenotype evaluations will determine class placings. In the event of a tie, preference will be given to the phenotype score.
Classes will be divided into divisions based on age and class size, as determined by the show classification committee.
Entry and Eligibility Requirements
To participate in the inaugural 2025 P&G Show, entries must meet the following criteria:
• Purebred Heifers Only: Eligible animals must be purebred Charolais heifers.
• DNA on File: DNA sample results must be submitted and on file with AICA by March 1, 2025.
• GE-EPDs Published: Genomically enhanced EPDs must be published in the April 2025 National Cattle Evaluation.
• Age Requirement: Eligible heifers must have been born on or after September 1, 2023
• Ownership Deadline: Juniors must have full interest and possession of the cattle by May 10, 2025
• Non-Fit Competition: The P&G Show will follow a non-fit format.
Premiums and Awards
The P&G Show will offer significant cash awards, including Grand Champion and Reserve Grand Champion prizes. Additionally, 70% of entry fees will be distributed as class premiums, proportional to the number of entries per class.
Educational Impact
“The Phenotype and Genotype Show represents an exciting new direction for our junior members,” said Kaitlyn Chism, AICA Director of Youth Activities and Foundation. “By combining visual evaluation with genomic data, we’re equipping our youth with the tools they need to succeed in the evolving cattle industry. This show encourages critical thinking about both the physical and genetic attributes of their animals, fostering a deeper understanding of cattle breeding.”
In addition to the competition, the AIJCA will host an educational event during the Junior National to provide insights into cattle evaluation, share show results, and celebrate the contributions of Charolais genetics to the beef value chain.
Learn More
For more information about the 2025 Phenotype and Genotype Show and entry details, contact Kaitlyn Chism at kchism@ charolaisusa.com.
About AIJCA
The American-International Junior Charolais Association (AIJCA) is dedicated to fostering the development of youth in the Charolais breed through educational, leadership, and competitive opportunities. As a progressive and innovative organization, AIJCA aims to inspire the next generation of leaders in the cattle industry.
Webel’s Wanderings Webel’s Wanderings
By the time you read this, the Holidays will be behind us and we will be knee-deep in all that the new year brings. Here’s wishing you a Happy 2025 with much success ahead for you and yours!
Recently, your Illinois Simmental Association Board of Directors met at the Illinois Beef Association for our December meeting. All board members participated and were able to roll up their sleeves and get to work on your behalf. I will tell you that there are some changes coming we think will make your membership even more valuable, and your voices heard. We will be reaching out to members and non-members alike to ask for your opinions and feedback. What activities add the most value? When should they be held? What should we be doing that we aren’t? And what are we doing that we shouldn’t? As a board, we know we are in place, not to enact what we think needs to happen, but to represent all of the membership and their interests.
We hope you will join us for the Annual ISA Banquet which will be held during the Illinois Beef Expo on Friday February 21 at 6 p.m. sharp. It will once again be held in the Artisans Building. Changes are on the way to condense the length of the banquet, including moving the fundraiser auction to an online format outside of the banquet, and starting the food line early so the banquet can start and be complete at a reasonable time. We value your attendance and want to value your time. As mentioned, we will also be conducting a survey to get the pulse of the group on such things as: Is Expo still the best time and place to hold our awards banquet? Should we look at hosting another Regional Classic in the near future? How can we best support our membership in their efforts to market their genetics? If you are interested in your voice being heard, please come join us and complete a survey! It will also be available electronically for those who are not able to attend.
I want to thank my fellow board members for their efforts and recognize them here. I know they would agree that they would love to represent your interests and would welcome any feedback or insight you would like to share with them-
Vice President: Carly Riley
Treasurer: Tony Drach
Secretary: Gary Gilbert
Directors: Shannon Welsh, John Sandidge, Doug Boitnott, Jackson Lashmett, Tyler Alwardt
Once again, best wishes for a successful 2025, and we look forward to continuing to advance the Simmental breed in Illinois!
Thanks,
- Joe
Joe Webel, ISA President (217) 621-7362 | joe.webel@gmail.com
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.
