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
- $7,500
1 Spring Pair Choice Lot - $12,000 Thank
6 Fall Pairs
3 Bulls
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
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.
