Illinois Beef January/February 2023

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20 Policy Update and Outlook

The editor of Illinois Beef magazine sits down with IBA Executive Vice President Josh St. Peters to get a rundown of federal and state policy outlooks, as a reflection of the 2022 election results.

Let’s take a look at another side of sustainability in today’s world. What does it really mean to have economic sustainability on our farms?

32 Haven Hill Simmentals

Follow the story of Illinois Performance Tested Bull Sale consigner, Bob Fitzpartick, and his wife, Kathy. Learn what it took to pursue his goal of being a first-generation cattle farmer.

36

Illinois Beef Expo

Illinois Beef Expo exhibitors, buyers and visitors should flip through this section to discover everything important to know before attending this year’s Illinois Beef Expo. Here you’ll find the schedule, rules, contest information, judge announcements, maps and more.

47 Exceptionally Eathington Win together, lose together. The Eathington siblings embody what it means to be a team through the highs and the lows. Read their inspiring story of growth and companionship.

52 Winter Warm-Up

Every December, University of Illinois Hoof ‘n Horn and Lake Land College bring together juniors from accross the state to kick-off the show season. Turn here for results of the 2022 show.

Ring in the new year with 2023 Program Funding for State Beef Council checkoff programs and look back at the 2022 year. Plus, add the superbowl to your calendar so you won’t miss the Illinois Farm Families funded We Are the 96 Campaign.

Peri Andras during winter in West Central, Illinois.

Paul Walker, Danvers President

IBA Board of Governors

Email: pwalker@ilstu.edu

Policy Division Checkoff Division

Chair: Shannon Welsh, Blandinsville

Vice Chair: Wes Hornback, Monticello

Sec./Treas.: Betsy Pech, Lincoln Directors

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

Jim Sundberg, Mendota, jimsfarms@gmail.com

1st term expires: 2020 | 2nd term expires: 2023

District 4

Shannon Welsh, Blandinsville, cowdynasty@yahoo.com

1st term expires: 2023 | 2nd term expires: 2026

District 5

Betsy Pech, Lincoln, bpech55@gmail.com

1st term expires: 2021 | 2nd term expires: 2024

District 6

Matt Witte, Heyworth, matthewcwitte@gmail.com

1st term expires: 2022 | 2nd term expires: 2025

District 7

Kevin Rose, Salem, krr1998@hotmail.com

1st term expires: 2024 | 2nd term expires: 2027

At Large Directors

Cody Lowderman, Macomb, codylowderman@yahoo.com

1st term expires: 2024 | 2nd term expires: 2027

Jake Fidler, Fairview, salebarn@mymctc.net

1st term expires: 2022 | 2nd term expires: 2025

Wes Hornback, Monticello, wchornback@landolakes.com

1st term expires: 2024 | 2nd term expires: 2027

Andy Jones, Chapin, ajones@mix30.com

1st term expires: 2020 | 2nd term expires: 2023

Bruce Betzold, Nokomis, betzoldfarms@yahoo.com

1st term expires: 2022 | 2nd term expires: 2025

Larisa Willrett, Malta, lwillrett1313@gmail.com

1st term expires: 2022 | 2nd term expires: 2025

Rick Dean, Le Roy, deanfarm4@gmail.com

1st term expires: 2024 | 2nd term expires: 2027

IBA Staff

Executive Vice President

Financial Officer

Programs & Services Manager

Membership & Communications Manager

Publications & Business Operations Manager

Dave Duzan, Lexington Vice President

IBA Board of Governors

Email: duzanagy@mtco.com

Chair: Jamie Martz, Maple Park

Vice Chair: Scott Wetzell, Tampico

Sec./Treas.: Lou Lamoreux, Lanark

Directors

District 1

Anna Flikkema, Lanark, flikkema.anna@gmail.com

1st term expires: 2025 | 2nd term expires: 2028

Lou Lamoreux, Lanark, unclelou49@gmail.com

1st term expires: 2023 | 2nd term expires: 2026

District 2

Scott Wetzell, Tampico, sd_wetz@hotmail.com

1st term expires: 2020 | 2nd term expires: 2023

Bill Gebeck, Buda, wgebeck@aol.com

1st term expires: 2023 | 2nd term expires: 2026

District 3

Jamie Martz, Maple Park, jamiemartz85@gmail.com

1st term expires: 2024 | 2nd term expires: 2027

OPEN

District 4

Carol Lock, Avon, clock7857@gmail.com

1st term expires: 2025 | 2nd term expires: 2028

Thad Tharp, Monmouth, tthaddeus88@gmail.com

1st term expires: 2023 | 2nd term expires: 2026

District 5

Joan Harrison, Minier, joan.harrison16@yahoo.com

1st term expires: 2025 | 2nd term expires: 2028

Darrin Smith, Alexander, simmybreeder68@hotmail.com

1st term expires: 2023| 2nd term expires: 2026

District 6

Chase Brown, Warrensburg, cdbrown2@gmail.com

1st term expires: 2022 | 2nd term expires: 2025

Wendall Alwardt, Altamont, walwardt1@yahoo.com

1st term expires: 2023 | 2nd term expires: 2026

District 7

Garrett Mattox, Anna, bigmcattle@hotmail.com

1st term expires: 2025 | 2nd term expires: 2028

OPEN

Josh St. Peters, josh@illinoisbeef.com

Mary Faber, accounting@illinoisbeef.com

Annie Schoetmer, annie@illinoisbeef.com

Devin Bollman, devin@illinoisbeef.com

Olivia Hoots, olivia@illinoisbeef.com

Ex Officio Members

Dr. Buzz Iliff

Travis Meteer

Dr. Teresa Steckler

Dr. Jennifer Earing Al Lyman

Past President

U of I Extension

U of I Extension

Illinois State University

NCBA Operating Committee

Association Focus

In December, I had the opportunity to attend the first meeting of our new “Cattlemen Connect” education series in Sycamore at the DeKalb County Farm Bureau. The speakers for this event were excellent. Galen Erickson, cattle industry professor at University Nebraska-Lincoln, provided an excellent presentation. Dr. Erickson and his team have conducted a great amount of research determining the best methodologies for feeding by-products especially distiller’s grains. The panel discussion regarding livestock facility permitting provided beneficial insight into the process. The DeKalb County Farm Bureau complex is an excellent facility, and the elaborate carved wood mural alone is worth the visit. During the evening’s conversation Alan Adams, a past IBA President and valued member, provided a compliment regarding the Association that is worth repeating: he said, “it is good to be a member of an organization like IBA that is so active conducting so many beneficial activities”. Alan’s statement got me to thinking about how much IBA does, that is proactive for the Illinois beef industry. As a result, I shared the following commentary with the Board of Governors during our December meeting. I highlighted IBA’s activities during 2022 in six areas, including staff, member awards, financial sustainability, our office move, new and enhanced program offerings, and maintenance of existing programs:

Staff

In 2022, Josh completed his first full calendar year as Executive Vice President (his second year in service at IBA). We successfully filled four positions with four dynamic young women, including adding one new position on the staff roster.

Member Awards

The IBA Foundation was able to offer one additional junior scholarship in 2022, due to increased giving to the Foundation and the high caliber of applicants received from junior members. The Association recognized one additional award as well, presenting a “Member of the Year” recognition for the first time and bringing the total IBA industry awards to six.

Financial Sustainability

IBA staff have substantially increased funding sources from outside partners (over $400,000 in additional contributions will be received in 2023) to support IBA’s statewide efforts in education, promotion, and research. Again, as in previous years, IBA ended 2022 with a positive balance. The BoG voted to spend this money wisely, allotting a portion to strengthen our contingency balance, while providing added funding to new and existing programs, and utilizing a portion of the money to replace aging office furniture and equipment for the new office. I am pleased to report the BoG is frugal with how they spend IBA’s money

while being generous in supporting valuable programs.

Office Move

Josh spent many hours working with government colleagues to secure the IBA office space on the Illinois State Fairgrounds. The move has been completed, and staff are working to set up the new space. Our goal is to be “open-house” ready by Expo time. That said, the office is open, and everyone is encouraged to drop in for a visit when you are in Springfield. Our new location increases visibility and enhances IBA program offerings. Breed Associations are encouraged to utilize the IBA office complex for meetings and social gatherings. The IBA thanks Illinois agriculture director Jerry Costello and his staff at IDOA for creating the opportunity to make this move possible.

New and Enhanced Program Offerings

IBA staff have developed the Cattlemen Connect Education Series for 2022 and 2023, bringing more meetings and program local to producers. (https://www.illinoisbeef. com/programs-events/cattlemen-connect-education-series) Be sure to attend a meeting in your area– you will not be disappointed. For more information about holding a meeting in your region, you can contact Annie on the IBA staff at (217) 787-4280.

Always cognizant of the concept that a growing association needs an active program for the next generation, IBA now offers programs for two age groups: the under 21 group and the 21-40 age group. The Young Beef Leaders program works in conjunction with the NCBA Young Cattlemen’s Conference, and the Illinois Beef Leadership Academy is a new/revitalized program. If you are in the 2140 age group and have interest in being part of this program, information can be found on the IBA website (https://www. illinoisbeef.com/) and you may contact Annie.

The Illinois Junior Beef Association has continued to expand its footprint under the guidance of Devin. The IJBA has an enthusiastic group of Directors, and the Edge Conference continues to be well attended. The IJBA Points Show program continues to expand, also.

Continuation and Numerous Existing Programs

In addition, the IBA actively maintains many other programs that promote beef and support the Illinois cattle producer. This is a lengthy list but includes: Team Beef, BQA Workshops, Local Beef Directory, support of the Illinois Beef Expo, support of the many Illinois State Fair activities (refer to my column in the Sept/Oct issue of Illinois Beef), the hugely successful “May Is Beef Month” marketing initiative,

the IBA Annual Meeting and Summer Conference and a yearlong extensive social media campaign. Under Devin’s guidance IBA’s Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/IllinoisBeef) presence and Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/illinoisbeef/) followers have greatly increased. And, the Illinois Beef Magazine has continued to grow with Olivia as our new editor. Yes, Alan, when I think about what you said, IBA is the go-to organization for all things BEEF.

Did you read the cover story in the December issue of Prairie Farmer by Betty Haynes (previous Illinois Beef magazine editor) titled “Build a Better Barn” that features IBA members Derek Dean and Ken Dau? It is an article worth the read. It really is fun being President of an Association composed of so many great people doing so many great things. If you have not already paid your 2023 membership dues, hurry up and get on the train – it is worth the involvement! Doc

Member Awards

Member Awards

Your nominations for the IBA member awards are critical to recognize those individuals who "give their all" to make our industry the best it can be This is an opportunity to recognize them both personally and professionally

All awards nominations are due by March 15, 2023 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

In the fall of 1991, country music superstar Garth Brooks released his third album to much critical acclaim and secured his place on country music charts. The record was titled “Ropin’ the Wind”, and it featured some of his biggest hits to date, including songs like “Rodeo”, “Shameless” and “The River”. I grew up in this era of the 80s and 90s country evolution, and this album had to be one of the biggest gamechangers to hit the music scene.

That “Ropin’ the Wind” album has been in my mind a lot in recent weeks, specifically because of one prominent track on that legendary record. On side A of the tape, the very first song that would play over and over was a tune called “Against the Grain”. Maybe you recall it, too, opening with a big guitar riff and the sound of fiddles and steel guitar. It was big music in 1991, as the singer belted out his lyrics:

“Folks call me a maverick…Guess I ain’t too diplomatic, I just never been the kind to go along… Just avoidin’ confrontation for the sake of conformation.

And I’ll admit I tend to sing a different song, but sometimes you just can’t be afraid to wear a different hat… If Columbus had complied, this old world might still be flat.

Nothin’ ventured; nothin’ gained – Sometimes you’ve got to go against the grain...”

The song continues through more versus, but the hook is prominent – ending on a repeat of the lyrics, “nothing ventured, nothing gained…”

It is the season of policy wrangling back at the State Capitol, and our 103rd General Assembly has convened for the year. Someone made the comment to me recently that “we can’t be afraid to wear a different hat” when it comes to advocating in Springfield. And just like that, the song has been buzzing in my ear.

It has been said time and time again that elections have consequences, and the general elections of last year have yielded many newcomers to Springfield at the start of 2023. Agriculture and rural interests lost some good friends in the fallout of the last trip Illinois voters made to the ballot box. For an organization like ours, it means we have a lot of work to get after.

I want to be clear that it’s not often because people are against us. It’s unfortunately rooted in the fact that they don’t know us. They don’t know anything about beef production. They don’t know a farmer or cattle rancher. They have never seen livestock up close, and they have never had the chance to hear first-hand from the women and men who produce the food they enjoy.

It has become a common conversation at the Capitol, introducing myself and our cause to newcomers, as I explain who we are and the magnitude of our industry across the state. Frequently I get the response from a new legislator, “I

don’t know anything about cows, but I sure love your product!”

It is a great starting point – being able to lead with the savory recollection of ones love for a New York strip or a slow-smoked brisket, and I’ll play to that wherever we must. But in an environment where these decision-makers are regulating property rights, legislating taxes, opining on our inputs and all the various avenues where regulations overlap our freedoms to operate, we must take the conversation deeper. It is becoming one of the most critical areas of work for our organization – to deepen our relationships with elected officials in the General Assembly. It is an educational campaign that has critical consequences for livestock production in Illinois.

There are a few institutions out there who are against beef production – I know who they are. You know who they are. And we both know that if we’re not knocking on the office door of these legislative newcomers, to introduce ourselves and tell our story, some of these naysayer organizations might just try to do that for us.

We are blessed with a strong family of farm organizations across the state who work well together, from corn and soybean groups to Farm Bureau, pork, dairy and the feed and ag input retailer groups. We are a tight knit crew and do partner wherever we can to be a band of brothers for the rural causes.

But each of our groups needs to be able to contribute and shape our individual story with elected officials. And that takes resources from our membership.

It’s where I need your help, as the men and women in our industry. Please consider giving a little bit of your time and your money toward our political education cause this year. The Illinois Beef Political Action Committee is our advocacy outreach arm of the Policy Division and gives us the resources to open doors and have conversations in Springfield. Please send a check if you’re inclined to support the efforts. Or give me a call at the office and let me know if you are interested in being part of meetings and discussions with legislators.

I know it is a lot to ask of you, as producers who already have your plate full – and plenty of causes are reaching out asking for your time and your money. But this investment makes it possible to build relationships on behalf of your business, helping to ensure that more of these important legislators are learning the story behind their steak.

As the song says, it really is a scenario of nothing ventured, nothing gained. We must be present, engaging these folks to tell our story and keep vigilant in support of our cattle operations.

Kramer Farms

2023 Illinois Performance Tested Bull Sale

Registered Angus Cattle Sires Represented

Extension Update

Managing Your New Herdsire for Success

Bull sale season is here and many cattle producers are looking to fill gaps in their bull battery. While picking out the next herd sire is important, knowing how to adapt and manage a new herdsire is paramount to his success.

Selecting from the right source is the first step. I recommend selecting a bull from a program that has strict health requirements. The last thing you want to do is pay for a new disease. Ask for a vaccination history and have a conversation with the breeder about herd health protocols. When talking with your potential bull supplier, ask if bulls have been BVD-PI tested and if there has been a Johne’s test done on the bull’s dam. Not only will this help safeguard your herd against disease, but it will open the door for fluid communication with your bull supplier.

After you have procured the vaccination history and herd health info from your bull supplier, give your veterinarian a call. Your veterinarian can advise on follow-up vaccinations or tests that should be conducted on the bull before he is turned out with your herd.

One test that is essential prior to turnout is a Breeding Soundness Exam (BSE). Many bull sales will have bull’s already checked. If they aren’t, any reputable breeder would guarantee a bull to pass a BSE conducted by your veterinarian. I cannot stress enough the importance of having a yearly BSE done on all bulls you plan to use. Don’t wait until the last minute. Finding a replacement bull late in the sale season can be challenging.

When new bull purchases arrive on your farm, quarantine them for a minimum of two weeks. One month is a more ideal. This quarantine will allow time for potential pathogens to break without exposing your herd. Many times cattle coming from a sale have experienced elevated stress. It is important to keep them on good feed, in a clean pen, and allow the quarantine period to run its course.

During the quarantine period is a great time to start transitioning the bull nutritionally. Knowing what bulls were fed prior to arriving at your farm is useful. However, providing a fiber-based diet including free-choice long-stem grass hay and 6 to 8 pounds of an equal blend of cracked corn, corn gluten feed, and soybean hull pellets will work to transition them nutritionally. Also, make sure a good mineral is included at 4 oz. per head per day in the feed or offered free-choice. Continue to monitor the bulls when on pasture. Supplement may be needed while on pasture especially for yearling bulls that are still growing.

Keeping in mind the most profitable herds get cows and heifers to conceive early in the breeding season, a few more tips come to mind. Don’t short bulls on fly control. Many times poor fly control can lead to bulls wanting to stand in ponds, creeks or muddy areas to help cover surface area from flies. This can lead to foot problems later in the season. Prior to turnout and in off periods, make sure bulls are housed in clean areas with plenty of footing/traction to avoid foot problems or injuries.

Having the appropriate number of bulls is crucial to attaining a tight, short breeding season. Normally, a bull can service 20-30 cows. Younger bulls will be on the low end of that range and older bulls will be on the higher end. Bulls must be fertile and athletic to meet this bull to cow ratio.

Inevitably a bull will fail. At this time you must have another bull to step in. Although I am certain the baseball term “bullpen” doesn’t originate from this scenario, you need to have a relief pitcher in the bullpen. The relief bull can come in and finish the game if your starter can’t go nine innings. It is that simple.

An extra bull doesn’t have to be locked up. In fact, having plenty of bull power in the pasture at the beginning of the season may be the wisest decision. As long as bulls are grouped with similar age bulls prior to turnout, multiple bull pastures can increase bull libido and help service cows quickly. Many times after synchronization protocols for A.I., cows will recycle somewhat synched up. A good place for your relief pitcher may be in the pasture helping service this second wave of cows.

In summary, bull management is just as important to your breeding season as cowherd health and nutrition. Utilize your team to ensure success. Involve your bull supplier, veterinarian, and nutritionist. Attention to the details will result in good return on your bull investment.

RS Guardian 8692J - IPT Sale: Lot 51

Homo Black, Homo Polled ASA #4075516

November PB SIM by CLRS Guardian 317G

CE BW WW YW API TI

11 -1.1 90 142 169 99

RS Guardian 029K - IPT Sale: Lot 54

Homo Black, Homo Polled ASA #4130505

January 3/4 SIM by CLRS Guardian 317G

CE BW WW YW API TI

14 -1 101 145 154 98

RS Lover Boy 703J - IPT Sale: Lot 52

Black, Homo Polled ASA #4075514

November PB SIM by THSF Lover Boy B33

RS Guardian 9387K - IPT Sale: Lot 55

Homo Black, Homo Polled ASA #4130506

January 3/4 SIM by CLRS Guardian 317G

CE BW WW YW API TI

14 -2.9 80 117 172 95

Gate Cuts

Urea as a Feedstuff

The older I get, the more I appreciate the many personal and email comments I receive from past students thanking me for the influence I had on them during their college career. Simply stated, thank you. The most important part of these communications is learning/knowing how successful these young people have turned out. One of the great things about the Agriculture Industry is how great the people are. Not long ago I received just such an email from Doug Hanson (IBA member and ISU graduate, 1991). In this email Doug referenced a popular press article regarding cattle that had died from urea toxicity in the feed. It reminded him of a feed, balancing, diet problem I assigned his class that apparently was more challenging than I thought. One of Doug’s points was that those diet balancing problems were real-world based and mistakes by feed companies, as well as by producers, do occur. Long story short, two rules of thumb come to mind: one always collect a one pound feed sample in a plastic bag and freeze it until that feed is fed, in case a lab analysis is required; two, urea should never exceed 1% of the diet dry matter, ½ the supplemental protein value, nor more than 1/3 of the total dietary protein. Calculation and mixing errors can occur, and they can be deadly.

Urea is considered a non-protein nitrogen (NPN) feed source that contains 45% nitrogen with a protein equivalent value of 281%. There are several sources of NPN (urea, biuret, ammonium salts, anhydrous ammonia) that have been successfully utilized for more than 60 years to meet the crude protein requirements in ruminant diets, primarily as a lower cost, more economical source of protein equivalency. The nitrogen in urea is liberated by urease (an enzyme always present in the rumen) to form ammonia (NH3). The ammonia is then captured by rumen microorganisms and converted to microbial protein. The microbes then pass into the abomasum and small intestine where they are digested and absorbed as amino acids and peptides, thereby providing protein towards meeting the cattle’s protein requirements. This process is the reason why the source of protein to the ruminant really does not matter (unless it is by-pass protein or rumen protected protein). Most protein ingested by cattle is altered by the rumen bacteria/protozoa to form microbial protein. The only way to change the types or amount of specific amino acids reaching the small intestine for absorption is to feed by-pass or rumen protected protein. The dairy industry routinely follows this practice by feeding rumen protected lysine to increase milk protein production. In the beef cattle industry we can change the ratio of amino acids reaching the small intestine by feeding by-pass protein feeds such as distillers grans and blood meal. Back to urea, feed companies will add urea to protein

supplements to partially meet the stated protein content as a way of reducing the cost of the protein supplement. Feedlot nutritionists, also, can add urea to total mixed rations (TMR’s) to meet the cattle’s crude protein equivalency requirements more economically. Because urea is rapidly converted to ammonia within the rumen a calculation error or mixing error can result in too much urea producing more ammonia than the rumen microbes can utilize. The excess ammonia is absorbed by the blood stream resulting in ammonia toxicity (urea toxicity) and it can be fatal. If urea toxicity is suspected, immediately remove the feed source and quit using that feed. Treatment of symptomatic cattle is possible but generally not successful. Immediately upon observing urea toxicity, one can flush the rumen with cold water via rumen pump – the cold water decreases ammonia absorption. One, also, can pump citric acid into the rumen to try to neutralize the ammonia production. Because urease rapidly converts urea to ammonia these efforts usually are not practical nor are they successful.

In general, I do not recommend feeding a protein supplement containing urea to young cattle (in either a creep diet or in a receiving diet for feedlot cattle). The protein supplement for young cattle or cattle under stress should be composed of all natural protein sources (of vegetable or animal origin). The nitrogen in natural protein is composed of amino acid nitrogen. Amino acids contain carbon chains and nitrogen, both of which are readily available for rumen bacteria to form microbial protein. Young cattle and cattle under stress do not consume enough energy at one time to provide the carbon chains that are necessary for rumen microbes to combine with the ammonia from urea to produce sufficient microbial protein to meet the cattle’s protein requirement. Hence, sub optional performance in young or in stressed cattle is achieved when urea makes up part of the protein supplements’ crude protein composition. A protein supplement containing all natural protein is more expensive than a protein supplement that contains urea or other NPN as a portion of the crude protein equivalency value, but the performance of the all- natural protein supplement should be superior.

Looking back, teaching Animal Nutrition was a fun experience even though grading homework assignments was frustrating sometimes. Of course, learning the “concepts” in class is a much more pleasant experience than experiencing the “fact” in a real-world feedlot.

Affiliate News

Jo Daviess County Beef Association held their annual meeting on December 9 in Hanover, Illinois. With over 50 people in attendance they recapped their 2022 events including gifts for beef exhibitors, cooking ribeyes at their Farm Bureau picnic, the Shenandoah Rodeo, the Elizabeth Fair and the Jo Daviess County Fair, the Hanover 3rd of July Celebration and Warren Pumpkin Fest. At the meeting they awarded a whopping $23,500 in scholarships, donated over 500 pounds of ground beef to families in their county in need and made a $1,000 cash donation to the Jo Daviess County Fair. Other orders of business included adding an apprenticeship board member for a youth to stay up to date with 4-H and FFA activities, and they upgraded the equipment they take to events.

DeKalb-Kane County Cattlemen’s Association held their annual meeting on November 19 in Shabbona, Illinois. There were 40 people in attendance. Notable moments from the meeting include the recognizing of scholarship and award recipients, Affiliate Treaurer Crystal Dau introduced a new passport consumer program and IBA Vice President Dave Duzan and IBA Executive Vice President Josh St. Peters gave remarks. There was also an auction to raise funds for scholarships and awards.

Union County Cattlemen’s Association had their November meeting on the 20th of the month in Anna, Illinois. Twenty people were present to hear market insights from Dr. Teresa Steckler and an IBA membership and policy update from IBA Vice President Dave Duzan and Executive Vice President Josh St. Peters. A chili meal was served.

SAVE THE DATES

Knox County Cattlemen’s Association will hold their annual meeting on January 28 at Cedar Creek Hall in Galesburg, Illinois. For more information email michaelgoedeke4045@yahoo.com.

The Tri-County Cattlemen are hosting their annual banquet on February 18, 2023, at Western Illinois University Grand Ballroom. This year the banquet will feature a social hour, ribeye dinner, an auction to raise funds for scholarships and a keynote speaker. Tickets and sponsorships are available for purchase online at www.tricountycattlemen.com/banquet.

The social hour will begin at 5:00 p.m. The dinner will start at 6:00 p.m. with the program to follow. During the program, we will honor the 2022 scholarship winners, get an update on the Illinois Beef Outlook and Illinois Beef Association, and honor the 2023 Beef Backer Awardee. A live and silent auction will follow the dinner to raise funds for the scholarship fund. Following the auction, Kevin Ochsner will provide the keynote.

Kevin Ochsner spent more than two decades working for the Indianapolis-based consulting firm Agri Business Group/Adayana before founding his own consulting practice, Agcellerate, LLC. Over the past 24 years, he has had the privilege of providing strategic planning, marketing consulting, sales/management training and keynote speaking services to some of the country’s largest animal health, crop protection, seed, feed and farm machinery companies. Kevin’s keynote will focus on the general cattle outlook for the next 10 years and encouragement for beef and livestock producers.

Each year the Tri-County Cattlemen give out $6,000 in scholarships to students in the Henderson, Warren and McDonough Counties. In 2022, the Tri-County Cattlemen began administering the Casey Krieg $1,500 scholarship, supported by the Casey Krieg foundation. The support for the scholarship comes from the annual banquet and other events and cooking services that Tri-County Cattlemen organize throughout the year.

The Tri-County Cattlemen is an affiliate of the Illinois Beef Association. The organization’s mission is to promote the beef industry while also supporting high school in Warren, Henderson and McDonough counties who are pursuing a career in agriculture.

Any questions about the event can be emailed to tricountycattlemen@gmail.com or any of the board members.

Henry County Beef Association will hold their annual meeting at Lavender Crest Winery on March 25.

Prairie Beef Association will hold their 2nd Annual Prairie Beef Association Jackpot Show at the DeWitt County Fairgrounds on April 2.

• Illinois Beef subcription and preferred advertising rates

• Discounts on farm equipment and service memberships

• Elite access to various industry programs and services

• Eligibility to participate in educational IBA hosted events

“The Illinois Beef Association is an organization I trust to have my back as a cattle producer. Over the years there have been some trying times and IBA was there to jump in and help provide for producers across the state, whether it was providing programming support or aiding with access to state and federal relief dollars. I can rest easy at night knowing that if I were to have an issue or need assistance with anything on my operation or in my area, IBA is there for us year-round. I feel my membership dollars are being well spent, whether advocating and supporting our industry in Washington, DC, or down in Springfield, or providing educational and beneficial opportunities for me to use at my home farm."

In the Know

MAC Cattle Company Hosts Open House for New Backgrounding Barns

Illinois Beef Association members Tim and LeAnn Maiers, thier son Trevor, daughters Megan and Amanda, as well as Ken and Sandi Crim — also known as MAC Cattle Company — hosted an open house on Saturday, November 19, in Payson for their 468’ x 46’ bed pack monoslope barn and 243’ x 77’ deep pit gable barn. The barns were built by Longhorn Cattle & Swine Confinement and are currently being used to background calves by bringing 550 lb steers to sell when they reach around 800 lbs. The barns were dedicated in memory of Jim Waack, who had worked with the Maiers for 45 years and suddenly passed away in September.

Roughly 275 family members, cattle producers, sponsors and friends were in attendance, from seven different states. Ribeyes and hamburgers were served by Adams County Beef Producers. Visitors where able to tour the barns and talk with the owners to better understand the operation and build relationships among other beef producers.

Amanda Maiers cuts ribbon to mark the official opening date of the MAC Cattle Company backgrounding barns.
Visitors went on self-tours of the facilities.
All bundled up for the cold day.

Illinois Beef Foundation Seeking Scholarship Applicants

The Illinois Beef Foundation is offering four $1,000 scholarships in 2023. The Foundation recognizes the incredible talent of young, beef industry enthusiasts and helps them achieve their educational goals.

“I encourage every qualified junior to apply, said Dr. Paul Walker, Illinois Beef Foundation chair. “Often these scholarships are easy to attain because too many qualified juniors fail to apply.”

The Foundation offers four $1,000 general scholarships: two to high school seniors and two to current college students. To be eligible, applicants must be a full-time college student or high school senior and from a family that is an IBA member actively involved in beef production.

Scholarship applications are due February 15, 2023. Applications are available online at illinoisbeef.com.

IBA Hosts First Cattlemen Connect Meeting

The Illinois Beef Association kicked off its newest set of programs – the Cattlemen Connect Education Seriesn December 6 at DeKalb County Farm Bureau in Sycamore. The meeting included two sessions, the first titled “The Climate of the Cattle Industry” given by Dr. Galen Erickson, beef feedlot extension specialist and professor of animal science at the University of NebraskaLincoln. Session two was a panel moderated by IBA Programs and Services Manager, Annie Schoetmer. Illinois Farm Bureau Associate Director of Commodity and Livestock Programs, Tasha Bunting, and Illinois Farm Bureau Director of Environmental Policy, Lauren Lurkins, were the panelists for this discussion regarding EPA site inspection and what is most important for producers to know. The second Cattlemen Connect Education Series meeting is taking place on January 19 in Baylis.

Dr. Galen Erickson during his presentation surrounding the climate of the cattle industry.
Attendees to the education series received an IBA hat.
IBA Board Member, Justin Rahn, chats with Illinois Soybean Association’s Market Development Coordinator, Jenna Siegel. Illinois Soybean Association was the title sponsor for the event.

The PolicyOutlook

How the Decisions of 2022 Set the Course for 2023 in State and National Policy

The elections of 2022 are behind us, and in the wake of the general election last November we now have a slate of state and national leaders in place for policymaking in this new year. IBA’s Executive Vice President sat down to answer some questions and talk through a recap of the election results and what they mean for beef producers across the state.

Let’s start with national issues. What were the most significant outcomes of the November election for farmers and ranchers on the federal portion of the ballot?

JS: It depends if you are looking at the results for local and statewide races, or if you are looking at the results for federal level seats.

The national landscape obviously changed with the GOP winning back the House of Representatives. Republican control of Congress will swing some agriculture issues right of center this year, and it will be a critical year for work in the U.S. House Agriculture Committee. 2023 is a Farm Bill year, so we will see Congressmen and women get to work on that important piece of legislation right away. With republican control of Congress, we know that G.T. Thompson of Pennsylvania is the Chair of the House Ag Committee. IBA worked with NCBA and other state farm groups back in 2021 to host Thompson during a trip to Illinois; he has family in the Chicago suburbs, and we took the opportunity to bring him out to a DeKalb County farm and spend the afternoon with him talking farm issues. He’s kept in touch since that visit, and I have confidence that he’s going to lead the Farm Bill process in a way that will leave room for farmer input from Midwestern states. IBA is working with other farm groups in Illinois to make sure we are in lockstep on the priority needs in this bill. Cattle don’t have too many direct provisions in the Farm Bill, but there are a lot of titles in the bill that have trickle-down effects on our markets and our inputs. With so many of our members also being row crop farmers, we want to make sure Farm Bill changes or updates reflect positive outcomes for the Illinois farm economy.

Illinois did lose a seat in Congress this election cycle, and that directly correlates to less representation. Republicans Adam Kinzinger and Rodney Davis did not return to Washington this year. The same is true for Democrat Cheri Bustos. All three had worked with farm groups at some juncture on ag and rural issues. Bustos and Davis had seats on the Ag Committee. While we have fewer Congressional districts in Illinois now, we do have more districts with rural areas in them – so we must spend the time reaching out and educating our Congressional delegation about beef industry issues. There are new faces in that group for downstate, including Democrats Nikki Budzinski in east-central Illinois and Eric Sorenson in northwestern Illinois. Republican Mary Miller, a cattlewoman and IBA member, won re-election but her district has shifted to encompass

more than 20 counties through central and western Illinois. Miller is back serving on the agriculture committee, and being a farmer, she will bring a critically important voice in preserving programs and resources that empower our producers.

U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth was re-elected, and while she hasn’t served in an Ag Committee role directly legislating bills in our industry, she has been willing to sit down with our leadership and talk about cattle issues. She’s made it a priority to meet with us at the last two Illinois State Fairs, coming to sit down and Ribeye Corral for lunch meetings that cover a wide range of rural and farm topics, and her staff has always been responsive to our requests.

Let’s look at the state level. What are the implications of the election outcome in Illinois government?

JS: This is where we see a lot of change because of the ballot box. Republicans lost all the statewide races – from Governor all the way down the ticket, and Democrats also sealed control in both the State Senate and the House of Representatives. With supermajority control growing in Springfield, the democratic party holds all the leverage on the legislative agenda. It means that leaders of the republican party must fight to be part of the governing process and may not always have a seat at the table on the writing and legislating of bills.

The fallout of this circumstance has been a total shakeup of leaders in the minority party; republican legislators have ousted former leaders and selected a new Minority Leader for the Senate and the House. Senator John Curran is the new republican leader in that chamber. He’s an attorney by trade, from the western suburbs, and he’s worked with ag issues previously on appropriations committee. The new House Republican Minority Leader is well-known to IBA members in northwestern Illinois, and she’s making history in her new role. Representative Tony McCombie is from Carroll County, and she becomes the first women to be House Republican leader in Illinois. She has been a great friend of IBA and agriculture, showing up at our events and always making time for our members. Tony is very down-to-earth and gets things done at a pace that’s rare in state government. She’s a true mover and shaker, and I think we’ll see her be a strong advocate in her leadership role. She’s also noted for working well with most everyone in Springfield, regardless of party affiliation, and that’s important in this General Assembly.

We’re still awaiting committee assignments, but I think we will see good leadership for agriculture in both chambers. On the Senate side, ag committee will bring new leadership in both parties. In the House we don’t quite know yet, but I’m certain that Speaker Welch will make sure the committee has a good makeup. He knows the critical importance agriculture plays in our state’s economy, and in his first term as Speaker he was very receptive to our farmer concerns. While he’s a Chicago legislator, he has a long-standing relationship with Whiteside County farmers through Illinois Farm Bureau’s Adopt-ALegislator program, and IBA executive board member Scott Wetzell is one of those farmers who has had the chance to get to know the Representative. He even invited Wetzell to his inaugural ceremony and reception down in Springfield. I think Speaker Welch is a great example of an elected official who may not come from a background where he knew our issues firsthand, but he’s put in the time and energy to learn about agriculture and farming and keeps an open door for our outreach when we have input or questions about legislative matters in his chamber.

You have written about the number of new members that were elected in the last General Assembly, and it sounds like there are more new faces in 2023, correct? What does that mean for Illinois Beef Association members?

JS: Yes, indeed. Census data gets published every ten years, and that gets pulled into a political process of redrawing legislative districts across the state. This current General Assembly is the first group of legislators serving in the most recent “redrawn” districts. It meant that some people didn’t seek re-election last year, or in some cases, former members lost to new people. For staffers like me, it means getting to know the new officials. Few of them have any connection to agriculture and farming, so it becomes a significant task to start reaching out and talking about livestock issues – advocating that they, too, put in the time to learn about one of Illinois’ biggest and most critical industries. The new state representative from Dixon is a young farmer. And a couple of the new faces come from farming communities or rural counties where they have close ties to agriculture, but many of them are from Chicago and the suburban counties, and they have much less contact with farm issues.

What about the statewide races in Illinois, and the implications of those executive offices on Illinois agriculture?

JS: We saw several people re-elected in the Illinois executive branch, starting with Governor Pritzker and Lieutenant Governor Julianna Stratton. These folks work directly overseeing state agencies that regulate our industry, and I don’t think we will see many big changes here. Illinois Department of Agriculture continues to be led by Director Jerry Costello, and he has been a strong advocate for our organization. His leadership team continues in this re-elected administration, and they all fall under the guidance of Deputy Governor Andy Manar, who is a former Senator from Macoupin County. Being from a small farming community like Bunker Hill, Manar knows agriculture and rural issues very well and works closely with our farmer leaders.

We are seeing a change in leadership at Illinois Department of Natural Resources. Beef producer and former farm

broadcaster Colleen Callahan was the leader of that state department from most of the first Pritzker administration, but she retired before the inauguration in 2023. The new director announcement is pending, but I’m certain it will be another strong leader with great ties to agriculture and rural issues – so we will continue to have strong connections in that agency, too. Besides, we’re neighbors now. Since moving the IBA office to the state fairgrounds at the first of the year, we have IDOA on one end of our street and IDNR on the other end of the street. It’s easy to take a stroll down for a cup of coffee if we need to chat beef issues with one of the senior leaders at either department.

What are the hot topics or legislative priorities you are anticipating for 2023 in Springfield?

JS: At the state level, we’re always advocating to preserve and maintain our current statutes for how livestock production is regulated. The Livestock Management Facilities Act is good governance for us – it clearly spells out how you cite livestock operations, how they are managed and regulated, right down to the rights and responsibilities of the beef producer – and all of it is under the purview of the IDOA. My mantra is that it works well – so if it ain’t broke, please don’t try and fix it!

Beyond LMFA though, we are always monitoring for legislation that might impede the freedom to operate of our producers. In the past this has meant working to defeat legislation that changes property rights for example or changes our access to important inputs like water or antibiotics. We have seen bills come about in the past on labeling meat, or advocating for fake meat, and those issues can be complex, but we work to unwind them. Sometimes the most important work we do in Springfield is not generating policy, its working to prevent more of it.

I would like to see the General Assembly solve for added resources in support of our local meat processors. Our leadership is interested in seeing more training and development available to prepare meat cutters and skilled labor for locker plants and meat processing facilities.

How much attention will agriculture topics get in 2023?

JS: At the national and state level, we will no doubt see a lot of work ahead of us this year. Like I mentioned earlier, Congress must tackle this farm bill; that’s not optional and the work is already beginning. We will want to be engaged and our members need to be keeping tabs on what’s happening in those negotiations to make sure that Illinois’ representatives know what producers expect in the final bill. Beyond that issue, there will be several cattle-related measures likely to come back to the surface in the U.S. Senate and in the House of Representatives. We work closely with NCBA staff in Washington to stay on top of these issues, from environmental regulations to trade issues, cattle marketing legislation – a whole host of topics, really, that will matter for our producers. The national policy priorities are being reviewed now and will be set in motion after the upcoming meetings in New Orleans.

In Illinois, we will also see a lot of work on agriculture and rural legislation. For perspective on this topic, consider that within hours of the inauguration of this current General Assembly, members of the Illinois House of Representatives immediately began filing legislation. Within 24 hours, I believe it was over 1,100 bills that had been filed. That’s a lot of regulations to sift through, and it is only one chambers approach. The Senate still has their legislating to do, too. We saw a lot of social issues getting acted upon very quickly already this year – hot topics in the media and in our own communities. But there will be agriculture regulatory issues coming in the days and weeks ahead. Some of them will be positive proposals which can help our industry grow and be productive. But there are also those stinkers lurking out there – the bills we don’t want or need, and that’s where we’ll have to roll up our sleeves and do the work of navigating all these legislators to make our case for what is best for the family farms of IBA members.

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Economically Sustainable

Sustainability and marketing sustainability in products has been one of the most prominent trends in food and fiber the past few years. The word sustainable has been thrown around, but it encapsulates more than earth-friendly or “go green” efforts.

To producers and the livestock industry, the economic aspect of sustainability is typically the most important. This is because without an operation bringing in a profit and being economically viable, there is no farm or ranch.

However, producers do not have to choose what piece of sustainability they want to focus on. Typically, environmental, social and economic sustainability play into one another.

“If you don’t treat your land right then you’re not going to be able to graze on it, and you’re going to lose money,” said Dustin Pendell, Kansas State University professor of agricultural economics and Illinois native. “Don’t take care of your cows then they’re not going to be able to be re-bred.”

Viability Versus Sustainability

When you listen to popular agriculture radio shows or podcasts, you may hear the host and guests talk about what is sustainable or what is viable for an operation. Economic sustainability and economic viability may play into one another, but Pendell believes they are two different concepts.

“If you talk to three other economists, you would probably get four different definitions, but I believe economic sustainability is the practices an operation uses to create the longterm economic growth or economic profit while managing the environmental and the social aspects of the operation,” he said.

Economic sustainability is not something that happens overnight. It is being able to continue to maintain a profit year after year while still considering the environmental and social aspects of cattle production.

Pendell then defines economic viability as the costs and the benefits of different management practices and decisions. This goes back to the age-old question of “do the benefits outweigh the costs?”

Costs and benefits do not just have to be financial costs or benefits. There can also be economic costs and benefits, opportunity costs or other non-monetary benefits.

Advice for Success

Cattle producers are always at the mercy of the markets. Every year can be drastically different from the last. So, one of the first things producers must understand is how to reduce input costs while also maximizing potential benefits.

“If you can’t maintain profits, then you can’t be in business,” Pendell said.

There can be short cuts to this like over-grazing pastures when hay prices are too high, but there are other ways producers can maximize profits. Pendell suggests participating in branded programs, retaining ownership through the feedlot or even livestock insurance through the USDA.

However, those examples may not be the best for everyone. “No two operations are the same. Everybody’s unique and has their own constraints,” Pendell said.

For Curt Rincker, owner of Rincker Simmentals, using crop and ethanol production by-products is a way to use what may be considered waste into valuable feed. “We try to look at least costs rations that we think are economically sustainable for us,” he said.

A common theme to price risk management is planning. The best way to plan is by having a plan. A business plan and a contingency plan will be helpful guides when unforeseen circumstances arrive.

“Those plans can help drive those revenues,” he said.

Basic business practices like formulating and implementing a budget can ensure economic success of an operation down the road.

When executing a business plan, producers should collect different data points. These can be items such as feed costs, when calves are born or weaning weights. Collecting different data points can guide future choices like genetic selection which will help with overall operation efficiency and quality.

“Operations that don’t use off-farm income, typically what we see is they’re much larger. You don’t have to be large to be profitable and not have off-farm income,” Pendell said. “But these operations typically will keep records. They’re going to use that data when making decisions. They’re going to have business plans and contingency plans.”

Rincker believes that all good business starts with a business plan. Then a sustainable business is just good business.

The USDA reports that the average cattle herd in America is 44 head. With herds this size, off-farm incomes or supplementing cattle herds with grain farming is a normal occurrence. Off-farm incomes can be beneficial and a great tool to help support different cattle operations.

Value-added programs like direct marketing can also be great tools to help diversify a cattle operation. “Don’t be afraid to utilize as many resources as you can or capture every portion of that market you can,” Rincker said.

His advice for younger producers or producers just starting their operation is to try and keep a broad base to the operation. Specialization can narrow down potential business and can put producers into an unneeded tight space.

Together We Succeed

No matter if a producer is the fifth generation controlling the herd or they just bought their first head today, producers should surround themselves with experts in various fields.

“Make sure you have a good relationship with your veterinarian. I would say make sure you have a good relationship with your lender,” Pendell said. “Get to know and ask lots of questions to various leaders in the beef industry.”

County extension agents and staff are also important connections to retain for producers. They can provide information and expertise especially with new research and technology.

Rincker said the Illinois Beef Association staff and board members have important connections especially when he was not able to attend different functions or learning opportunities.

Outside experts and support are not the only people to maintain good communication and relationships with. With most Illinois cattle operations being familyowned, communication with family members is incredibly important, especially in terms of implementing an operation’s business plan or different production decisions.

Rincker believes family members should know as much of an operation’s business plan as possible.

Big Picture

Economic viability and sustainability are important to maintain individual operations. However, economic sustainability is important for rural communities. Pendell explained that when cattle operations fail, it can influence the local economy.

“You got producers that were making their livelihood through cattle and then spending their money locally. If producers aren’t able to reinvest that money, the local economy can suffer,” he said.

Land and pasture owners can also suffer greatly if cattle producers do not focus on economic sustainability. Most pastureland can only be used for livestock grazing and cannot support crop production.

Ruminant animals make unusable fibers and land into nutritious protein products. Grazing livestock are a large part of why the United States food system is as efficient as it is.

Most cattle producers’ goal is to have their children take over the operation and then gift it to their children. That means taking the necessary steps today and make a plan for tomorrow. Rincker said, “we don’t think we could have a fourth or fifth generation beef producer without trying to find sustainable ways to operate today.”

However, producers should keep in mind that not every year may be profitable. There may be years that markets, and prices limit the ability for producers to turn a profit. When that happens, producers should remember that if they have implemented different business and contingency plans, they should be able to survive.

Pendell said, “you could lose in the short run and still be you know, economically sustainable in the long run.”

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February

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2023 • Illinois State Fairgrounds • Springfield

Curtin Grenade 202 bull AAA #20367088 A maternal brother to Curtin Big City 105 who sold for $18,000 in the 2022 National Angus bull sale in Oklahoma City to Semex. His full sister is our entry in the 2023 Bases Loaded sale. His donor dam came to us as a high selling bred heifer from Deer Valley Farms Deer Valley Rita 9154 (below).

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HAVEN HILL SIMMENTALS

BHow Bob Fitzpatrick leveraged EPDs, the IPT Bull Sale and pure grit to live his dream

ob Fitzpatrick always wanted to raise cattle; genetics in particular were a fascination. Unlike many beef producers, it isn’t in his blood – he isn’t from a farm family – but it’s sure in his veins. This first-generation farmer not only built a herd, but also took the initiative to educate himself on AI and genetics. After a short two-day class at Black Hawk College East, he was ready to pursue his dream.

In 1990, Bob and Kathy bought 120 acres of bare ground near his hometown of Milan – no house, no sheds, nothing. A firefighter, he’d be gone for 24 hours and then home for two days. Hard work wasn’t unfamiliar, as he built a house and a couple outbuildings on the land when he wasn’t fighting

fires. During construction, he and his wife Kathy lived in a farmhouse rented from a producer with registered Simmental cattle, which also worked in his favor.

Slowly, Bob began acquiring and breeding cattle of his own, and Haven Hill Simmentals was born. “First we registered half-blood Simmentals; we kept some half-bloods, then three-quarter blood, then pure blood,” he explains. As he started researching how to market his animals and looking at how to measure their quality, two things became apparent: the Illinois Beef Expo was the place to market his cattle, and his strategy would be to focus on “the best stuff, but not the most popular stuff.”

To Bob, that meant EPDs (expected progeny differences)

were the best indicator for his cattle. Twenty years ago, when he started consigning in the Illinois Performance Tested Bull Sale at the Beef Expo, a “power score” was used to rank animals, but, ever the innovator, he began experimenting with different ways to market his animals, focusing on measurable traits. “You’ve got to go all out to make the most complete picture of your animal you can get,” he says.

Always modest, Bob explains that he had “a little luck breeding an outcross” and was able to grow from there. Soon he was “fortunate enough” to sell some cattle in North Dakota, which helped him develop an ongoing relationship with Chris Nicholson, owner of Lazy C Diamond Ranch. That lead to more business outside Illinois.

As he continued to grow the herd and his knowledge, Bob kept returning to the IPT bull sale, always attending the speaker programs offered in tangent with it. “The Expo has a lot of info the night before the Sale, with speakers on how we as producers can take better care of our cattle,” he says. “They’ve been very helpful in sponsoring a lot of activity that promotes the beef industry in Illinois.”

One tenet Bob took away was never being afraid to change for progress, and he applied that to his calving philosophy. For a lot of years, he calved in January and February. Several years ago, tired of working calves in the bitter northern Illinois cold, he switched to all fall calving and hasn’t looked back. “The calves are born in September and October. They’re hardy enough to go into winter, and those older bulls are an asset to buyers at the Beef Expo,” he says.

As the business grew, Bob added an embryo transplant

HHS bulls being consigned in IPT Bull Sale
ET Calf
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The cornerstone of the HHS breeding program

program, which he describes as “really taking off.” He collected semen from HHS Entourage 867B, and from that “nice bull,” the program grew. “Several places in North Dakota have used him and his sons, and one ranch sold a bull out of our bull for $75,000,” Bob says. “A different ranch in Alabama purchased a HHS Entourage 867B son, and semen sales were picked up by Genex.”

A while back, Bob had thoughts of slowing down and retiring – after all, he and Kathy will celebrate their 50th anniversary in March. “But when all this took off it got more interesting, and I’m getting bigger not smaller,” he laughs. “I’ve hooked up with some coop herds to put embryos in other people’s cows and buy back calves at weaning. I strive to achieve and make it interesting.”

Everyone is expanding, says Bob, and that keeps his interest piqued too. “The Illinois Beef Expo has a new video sale and broadcasts over the internet,” he explains. “Our target customer for the Sale was always Springfield and around there, but now we’re talking about how to expand the customer base. It’s exciting to open up bigger markets.”

That, says Bob, is the future of the industry: wider markets and younger talent. He has hired many different local kids over the years, enjoying watching them grow and develop responsibility. But his real reward came when his three grandkids began to help at the operation in recent years – they even plan to attend the Beef Expo with him in February, which pleases him to no end. Bob says Haven Hill’s experience mirrors what the beef industry needs to be doing to thrive: “We as an industry need to promote ourselves and find passionate people.”

Maybe what the industry really needs to do is find more people like Bob.

Kathy & Bob Fitzpatrick

everything you need to know to prepare for

Illinois State Fairgrounds

February 23-26, 2023

2023 SCHEDULE

J unior S how , S ale S & T rade S how | S pringfield , i llinoi S

Monday, February 6

8 a.m. Early virtual entry form opens for Junior Show ($55/head per ring) Visit www.illinoisbeefexpo.com for more information

*All cattle must complete a virtual entry form and in-person check-in

Wednesday, February 22

8 a.m. Trade Show set up begins Livestock Center, Lower Level

8 a.m. Ilinois Performance Tested Bull (IPT) check-in Barn 13-14

5 p.m. IPT Bull Sale meeting Artisans Building 11:59 p.m. Early online entry form cloeses for junior show *ANY CATTLE CHECKED-IN AFTER THIS DEADLINE WILL PAY AN INCREASED ENTRY FEE.

Thursday, February 23

8 a.m.- 4:30 p.m. Trade Show open Livestock Center, Lower Level

8 a.m.-11 a.m. IPT Bull’s on Display Barn 13-14

8 a.m. Junior Cattle & Tack allowed on grounds (no unloading will be allowed on Central Ave. between 8:00am and 3:00pm to accommodate IPT Bull Sale traffic)

10 a.m. - 11 a.m. Ameren Education Session Lower Sale RIng

11 a.m. IPT Bull Sale Artisans Building

2 p.m. - 3 p.m. Bull Conditioning: Setting Your Breeding Season Lower Sale Ring Up For Success with Purina Animal Nutrition

Friday, February 24

8 a.m. - 10 a.m. Brisket and Egg Burritos Livestock Center, Lower Level

8 a.m.- 4:30 p.m. Trade Show open Livestock Center, Lower Level

9 a.m. - 10 a.m. IFGC - Utilizing Cover Crops/Annual Forages for Lower Sale Ring Grazing and Stored Feeds

10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Junior Show Check-In Barn 26

*In-person registration paper check, weigh in, and exhibitor card pickup. All steers, market heifers, and commercial heifers must be present to weigh. Breed heifer exhibitors just need to bring papers to check.

11:30 a.m. Livestock Judging Contest Registration Livestock Center, Upper Level

12 p.m. Livestock Judging Contest Livestock Center, Upper Level

12 p.m. - 1 p.m. IFGC - Hay Sampling & Testing Strategies Lower Sale Ring for your Livestock Operation

2 p.m. Illinois Beef Expo Multi-breed Female Sale Artisans Building

3 p.m. Junior Beef Skillathon Livestock Center, Upper Level

4 p.m. Late Virtual Entry Form ends for Junior Show at an increased fee. *ALL CATTLE MUST COMPLETE THE VIRTUAL ENTRY FORM AND IN-PERSON CHECK-IN BY 4:00PM ON FRIDAY. No check-ins will be accepted after this!

4 p.m. IJBA Meeting Lower Sale Ring

6 p.m. Illinois Shorthorn Banquet Bldg 30, Upper Meeting Room

6 p.m. Illinois Simmental Association Banquet Artisans Building

6 p.m. Illinois Angus Futurity Banquet Northfield Inn & Suites

Saturday, February 25

8 a.m.- 4:30 p.m. Trade Show open Livestock Center, Lower Level

8 a.m. Junior Show Begins Livestock Center, Upper Level

6 p.m. Genetics Sale Social Hour Artisans Building

7 p.m. Genetics Sale Artisans Building

Sunday, February 26

8 a.m.- 2 p.m. Trade Show open Livestock Center, Lower Level

8 a.m Junior Heifer Show Resumes Livestock Center, Upper Level

Beef Expo

February 23-26, 2023

Site Map

Illinois State Fairgrounds- Springfield, IL

Stalling Important Dates

January 27, 2023- Stalling Request Form deadline for Junior Show cattle. No stalling requests will be accepted after this date! If you do not complete a reserved stalling request, first-come, first-served stalling will be available beginning Thursday, February 23 at 8:00 a.m.

February 3, 2023- Stalling Assignments will be emailed with invoices February 10, 2023- Invoices for reserved stalls must be paid. After this date, any unpaid stalls will be released for firstcome, first-served stalling once the 2023 Illinois Beef Expo begins.

Stalling Request Form

Can be found at https://illinoisbeefexpo.com/stallings/

Stalling Request Form

Box Stall Barns:

18A-E: $40/box stall

25C-K: $40/box stall

36E: $20/box stall

Tie Barns:

18G: $20/tie

Tie-Out Barns:

36F: $10/stall

25 L, M, O, P, Q: $12/tie 112: $10/stall

36A-D: $10/tie 113: $10/stall

110: $20/tie 118: $10/stall

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Illinois Beef Association Interglobe

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Longhorn Cattle and Swine Confinements

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PS Boutique

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Select Sires Mid America

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Livestock Center Lower Level — Trade Show Map

Youth Contests

Livestock Center Upper Arena

FRIDAY, February 24 at the Illinois State Fairgrounds

JUDGING CONTEST

1. The contest will be open to both 4-H and FFA teams. There will be both team and individual competition. Teams will consist of no more than four members, with the top three scores representing the total team score. All team members will be eligible for individual competition.

2. A team or individual may be entered in either the 4-H or FFA division, but not both.

3. A contestant must be a 4-H or FFA member to be eligible.

4. Entry fee must be paid at registration.

Contest Format:

1. 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.

2. There will be 10 questions asked on each of two to three classes.

3. Each class will be 10-12 minutes in length.

4. The officials will be a committee of three, to be announced at the contest.

Friday Schedule:

11:30 a.m. Registration - Livestock Center Upper Arena

12:00 p.m. Contest - Livestock Center Upper Arena

Organized by:

Blake Bloomberg and the Black Hawk East Livestock Judging Team. Please call 309-854-1835 with questions.

SKILLATHON

3 p.m. Friday - Livestock Center

The Illinois Beef Expo has a long standing tradition of emphasizing youth education. 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. The real goal of this competition is to encourage more young beef producers in agriculture, while improving their decision-making abilities.

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

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.

Original registration papers for all animals must be presented on Friday, February 25 from 10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. except for commercial breeding females, market heifers and crossbred steers. NO COPIES, FAXES or ELECTRONIC REGISTRATIONS will be accepted. NO EXCEPTIONS!

All exhibitors MUST pre-enter virtually for the 2023 Illinois Beef Expo and complete in-person check-in! Early virtual entry forms will be open from Monday, February 6, 2023 at 8:00 a.m. until Wednesday, February 22, 2023 at 11:59 p.m. Early virtual entries are $55/head per ring. Late virtual entry forms will continue until Friday, February 24, 2023 at 4:00 p.m. for an increased fee. All animals MUST be virtually entered and checked in by 4:00 p.m. on Friday, February 24, 2023. 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 the Junior Show Coordinators for assistance with entry forms during the set time frame. In-person check-in will occur on Friday, February 24, from 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. In-person check-in will include registration paper check, weigh in and exhibitor card pickup. All steers, market heifers and commercial heifers must be present to weigh. Breed heifers exhibitors just need to bring registration and health papers to check. Exhibitor number cards will be given out at check-in. At this time IBA dues and any remaining stalling fees will need to be paid (if applicable).

Entry fee is $55 per head if virtual entry form is completed prior to Wednesday, February 22 at 11:59 p.m. After this late virtual entry forms will be accepted until 4:00 p.m. on Friday, February 24 at the rate of $75/head per ring. Entry fees are non-refundable after entry slip is processed.

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 in-person check-in on Friday, February 24, from 10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. to weigh. Heifer classes will be offered for any breed that has at least eight head. 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 in-person check-in on Friday, February 24, from 10:00 a.m. - 4:00p.m. to weigh. All breed heifer exhibitors will need to bring original registration papers and health papers to be checked at in-person check-in, but their animals are not required for the process.

Market Animals

All market animals will be shown by weight, including market heifers, lightest to heaviest. This year, market animal exhibitors will need to bring

their animal to in-person check-in on Friday, February 24, from 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. to weigh their animal.

Steer classes will be offered for any breed that has at least eight head. 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 Friday, February 24, from 10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. to weigh. All breed steers will also need to bring original registration papers to be checked at in-person check-in.

Stalling

The stalling request form for the 2023 Illinois Beef Expo will open on Monday, January 2. Stalling assignments will be done in the order the stalling reservation forms are received. Exhibitors wishing to pre-reserve stalls must do so by Friday, January 27, 2023, and pay for those stalls by Friday, February 10, 2023. No reservation requests will be accepted after Friday, January 27, 2023. Any stalls not reserved and paid for by February 10 will become first come, first served to junior exhibitors upon arrival at the Illinois Beef Expo. All first come, first served stalls must be paid for by 4:00 p.m. on Friday, February 24.

No tie-outs will be allowed outside of the barns on the fairgrounds. There will be no cleanout of livestock trailers in the parking area. Trailers should be parked in the Midway Area. Violators will be fined $100 and/or barred from the event.

No junior show cattle are allowed on the fairgrounds and stalls are not allowed to be set up before 8:00 a.m. on Thursday, February 23.

SHOW ORDER

Saturday, February 25, 2023 - 8:00 a.m.

• Steer breeds alphabetically (beginning with Angus)

• AOB Steers

• Crossbred Steers

• Market Heifers

• Top Five Steer selection in Ring A, followed by Ring B

The Breeding Heifer Show will begin in Ring A 30 minutes after the Top Five Market Animal selection in Ring B.

• Commercial Heifers

• Horned Hereford Heifers

• Polled Hereford Heifers

Sunday, February 26, 2023 - 8:00 a.m.

• Remaining heifer breeds alphabetically (beginning with Angus)

• Ring B will begin after Division 1 is selected in the Angus Heifer show

• AOB Heifers

• Top Five Heifer selection in Ring A, followed by Ring B

Please refer to www.illinoisbeefexpo.com for the complete set of rules. It is important to read them all before attending.

JUDGES Junior Show

Market Animal Show

Ring A Judge: Jon Sweeney

Ring B Judge: Andy Higgins

Andy

Higgins

Breeding Heifer Show

Ring A Judge: Andy Higgins

Ring B Judge: Jon Sweeney

Jon Sweeney

Jon and his wife Kayla, and son Jack reside in Cedarville, Ohio. There they operate Sweeney Cattle raising Angus show cattle. These cattle are marketed in conjunction with Kayla’s family’s operation, Campbellco, where Jon, Kayla and Jack also help.

Originally from Mitchellville, Iowa, Jon is a 2011 graduate of Iowa State University with a degree in Ag Business. After graduating, he started a career with Elanco Animal Health as the Beef Sales Representative for Indiana and Ohio, where he currently works. Jon has judged many national, state and local shows in ten states.

Andy is a native of Auburntown, Tennessee, where he manages his family’s herd of 100 Chiangus and Angus cows along with being a real estate agent and auctioneer at Parks Auction Company in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. Their family-based operation focuses on producing quality seedstock and show cattle. They market their cattle through multiple online sales yearly, along with private treaty sales on the farm.

Higgins is active in the American Chianina Association where he was honored as the 2015 ACA Herdsman of the Year, and currently serves on the board of directors. He is a 2009 graduate of Middle Tennessee State University where he received his degree in Agribusiness.

Eathington Exceptionally

Win together, lose together. The Eathington siblings embody what it means to be a team through the highs and the lows.

Several years ago, Kevin and Patty Eathington refused to let their then-young children: Katelyn, Emma, Kyle and Ella, take their new puppy on a family road trip to grandma’s house. Nevertheless, the four kids were determined to take the dog along on the journey. With this goal, the Eathington siblings gathered up the puppy’s food and water, even wrapping it in one of the sisters’ coats to disguise its presence as they proceeded to sneak it into the vehicle.

Chaos soon followed. Forty-five minutes down the road, sister Katelyn found herself wet from the puppy – water was not the source of the moisture. And then came whining from the road-weary puppy, who apparently did not understand covert smuggling is best done in total silence. To cover up the suspicious cries coming from the back seat, siblings Kyle and Ella began to make odd whimpering sounds themselves, hoping their parents might not discern they had been duped by a quartet of determined puppy-smugglers who did not want to leave their new pet behind.

Despite all their efforts, the plan did not pan out. Quicky the parents caught on to the mishap, and even though the Eathington siblings got in trouble, this tale of canine contraband remains one of Kyle’s favorite childhood memories.

“That was the first time Kevin and I really knew we were being outnumbered by our children,” Patty said. Kyle’s favorite aspect of the story is how each of the siblings played

specific roles to accomplish their collective goal. And it is that early example that today continues to be how the four kids from Fulton County have grown up as a team, working together to achieve so much more throughout their young lives.

Path to Success

Kevin and Patty have raised each of their four children on their mostly-Angus cow-calf operation near Avon. When Kevin was growing up, it was a commercial operation until

Young Eathington siblings left to right: Kyle, Emma, Ella, Katelyn.

he and his brother converted the herd to registered Angus bloodlines. They also raise row crops, and Patty is a nursing professor at Western Illinois University.

Katelyn -- the oldest of the four siblings – is the one who encouraged their dad to get more involved with show cattle, starting back in 2011. Emma and Kyle quickly followed in their sister’s footsteps. Then Ella, the youngest sibling, joined in as soon as she was able.

To most, it could seem like having all four children in the show ring might breed unhealthy rivalry among siblings. But for the Eathingtons, having everyone in the mix requires teamwork and that, they say, has been key to their success.

Talk with the people who know and show around the four Eathington kids, and you will hear a common description. The siblings are competitive, but even more so, they are noted for being an incredibly tight knit family. Kevin and Patty say it makes them proud to see their kids working together, as family is a virtue at the center of how they have raised their kids. Kevin says they always made it a priority to teach three specific life rules: always be humble, always learn from those around you, and do everything as a family.

It is evident in the lives of the Eathington family that each of the four kids strive to live these values out. “I like to think that we are humble and are pretty nice people. In the Angus industry it is pretty competitive, but we always try to help out the next person . We are all here to have a good time and show,” Kyle said.

“If they win a show or stand last in a show, my kids will go and shake that judge’s hand and thank them for coming.” Kevin said. “I tell my kids to be happy for the fact that we got to show.”

The Eathington’s know what it means to start at the bottom and work your way to the top. They have each experienced highs and lows, both in the show barn and in their everyday lives. “When we first started showing cattle, we just hoped we would get third in class to be honest,” said Katelyn. The Eathington’s grew up always seeking to improve in their show careers. Each family member played a part in their growing success, especially Kevin’s mom, Cathy, who still attends every show to support her grandkids.

In 2021, their decade of hard work with show cattle paid off in a bigger way. At the Illinois State Fair Junior Beef Show, Emma, Kyle, and Ella each had a division winner in the champion Angus drive, plus one in reserve. When Emma’s heifer was picked for Champion Angus, Kyle and Ella each had a smile on their face. When it came to the Supreme Champion Drive, they were not expecting the slap, but that day, the whole family won.

“I still get chills thinking about it,” Emma said. Her sister said it felt like they all won. “Katelyn was crying, Kyle and I were just hugging each other,” Ella said.

The Family Team

These emotions are indicative of how their family operates. Katelyn ended her showing career three years ago, but still feels very much a part of the process. “Every time one of my siblings is in the ring, I feel the nerves they feel, I feel the pressure they feel. And when they get that slap or that handshake, I feel that, too. Together we want to accomplish our goals as a family, as a team,” she said.

“We all win because we all do the work on the cattle together. Nobody took any shortcuts,” Kyle said.

These sentiments come from those values Kevin and Patty have worked to instill in their children. “We win as a family,

Kyle, Ella and Emma showing at the 2021 Illinois State Fair.

we lose as a family, we do chores as a family. We do not ever do things individually,” he said.

Naturally, their work as a team has resulted in a natural set of roles, developed from each of their personalities. As the youngest, when Ella started showing cattle, she was able to notice where she would fit as part of their livestock show team. “We all had a different role. My sister, Katelyn, would wash, Emma and I would blow dry, and Kyle would do hair care,” Ella said.

“It is like we are a little army. They automatically know what to do,” Patty said. “As a mom what I really treasure, both Kevin and I, is that each kid has their own skill set. We were able to help them develop that skill set and help them be who they are.”

According to Emma, Katelyn is the ringleader, Ella is great at conversation, Kyle is a hard worker, Kevin is the one most informed about the livestock industry, Patty brings everyone together and Emma makes sure everyone is on the same page.

Both teamwork and comradery are also evident during their March production sale. “During the cattle sale we all have different roles. Ella is good at taking numbers, Kyle and I are typically pushing cattle, and Katelyn is in the office,” Emma said. “It’s the first thing marked in our calendar each year, so we’re all focused on doing it as a family.”

It’s important to Kevin and Patty that their kids own cattle and continue to be a part of the industry as young adults.

Next Steps

The four siblings grew up pursuing their dreams together and hope to continue that tradition. “You can basically do anything as long as you have family and support,” Ella said.

As the first to pursue her dreams outside of the home, Katelyn, now 23, knows what that kind of support feels like from her family. “It gives me a lot of pride seeing that my siblings want to follow in my footsteps but also want to make a path of their own,” Katelyn said. She graduated from University of Illinois in May of 2021 and just began a new job in human resources at Syngenta. She and husband, Curtis Harsh, live in Indianola, Iowa. “As a dad, that is what you want. You want your kid to find someone to spend their life with and hopefully be happy,” Kevin said.

Emma, 21, is a senior at University of Illinois majoring in agriculture leadership, education and communications, while double minoring in animal sciences and horticulture. Afterwards she will be working at a local Illinois Extension office as Knox County’s 4-H program coordinator. “I’m getting lucky enough that she is going to move home and work on her masters,” Kevin said.

Kyle is 19 and is a freshman at University of Illinois, hoping to return to the farm after college. In reflection of how he would like to see the farm grow, Kyle said “It’s always good to be diversified, that’s what my father taught me.” He would also like to learn how to put embryos into cows and really wants to raise show cattle. “My father told me that performance bulls and bred heifers are your bread and butter for the cake, and selling show cattle -- that’s the icing on top,” Kyle said. “To me, the icing is the best part of the cake.”

The youngest of the family Ella, 15, still has a few years to decide what she wants to do after high school. She is considering taking a different path than her siblings before her, potentially heading to Iowa State University and becoming a veterinarian.

Strength in Relationships

Each of the Eathington’s value strong relationships with people outside of their own family who have helped them become who they are today. For them, others in the Illinois beef industry have been important supporters. “There are a lot of good Angus breeders in the state of Illinois,” Kevin said.

Katelyn, Emma and Ella Eathington.
Ella’s District Show Series Grand Champion Heifer in August 2022. Kyle and Ella chat at
finals.

“In the crazy world we live in it is kind of nice to be able to have a community of cattle farmers that all think alike.”

For the kids, their relationships have a lot of meaning as well. Ella’s favorite part of the beef industry is making friends. “I have a lot of friends from different parts of Illinois,” she said.

Katelyn, Emma and Kyle have all been Illinois Junior Beef Association directors. “That is one awesome example of how the beef association has impacted us. Just giving us one more opportunity to grow as people,” Emma said.

Patty is grateful for the relationships, too. “One thing I am very thankful for is raising my kids in the ag community. This world can be very scary, but everyone seems to be so safe, and we all have the same goals. We all want to win ringside, but more importantly, we all want to raise our kids. I love that we are all there to help each other out to raise these kids,” she said.

Whether it is other breeders, your siblings or your parents, everyone involved in this industry needs people who know what you are going through, those that can share encouragements in rough times and celebrate the victories. “There are so many pressures in the world that if

we’re together as a unit, nobody can really break you down,”

Katelyn said. “My dad does a great job reminding us on our hard days that God has a plan and it’s His world, we’re just living in it. I think that is a strong core of our family and why we remain intact.”

Emma, Kevin, Patty, Ella, Curtis, Katelyn, Cathy and Kyle with their heifer and supreme champion banners at the 2021 Illinois State Fair.
Ella and Kyle with Reserve Champion Steer.

-MarkGardiner,GardinerAngus

Winter Warm-Up Brings the Heat

Springfield, Ill. | Dec. 10-11 | Judges: Parker Henley, Dustin Frank

Grand Champion Heifer Rings A & B

Champion Simmental - Conley Schick

Reserve Grand Champion Heifer Ring A

Reserve Grand Champion Heifer Ring B & 4th

Overall Ring A

Champion Angus - Simon Thoreson
3rd Overall Heifer Rings A & B
Champion Charolais - Mackenzie Neil
Champion Angus Ring B - Paige Lemenager
4th Overall Heifer Ring B
Champion Maintainer - Kinnick Paulsen
Photos by: Cindy’s Livestock Photography
5th Overall Heifer Ring A
Reserve Champion Simmental - Rachel Clark
5th Overall Heifer Ring B
Champion Maine - Charlee Jones
Grand Champion Steer Rings A & B
Champion Crossbred - Cole Caldwell
Reserve Grand Champion Steer Rings A & B
Champion Maine - Madeline Nightingale
3rd Overall Steer Ring A
Crossbred - Sam Nightingale

3rd Overall Steer Ring B

Crossbred - Taylor Thomas

5th Overall Steer Ring A

Champion Chianina - Morgan Kelly

4th Overall Steer Rings A & B

5th Overall Steer Ring B

SKILL-A-THON

Champion Simmental - Adam Miller
Champion Charolais Comp - Andrew Matthis
Senior

Champion Angus Heifer exhibitors received the inagural traveling trophy in remembrance of Dr. Doug Parrett.

Simmental Champions received a special banner in memory of Stan Tarr. Pictured left to right are Mabrey Schick, Simmental Grand Champion exhibitor Conley Schick, Jasper Tarr, Paisley Schick and Emerson Tarr.

Badger Brawl Show Results

Madison, WI | Dec. 2-4 | Judges: Dale Hummel, Dan Fawcett, Brad Winegardner, Spencer Scotten

Photos by: Cindy’s Livestock Photography

Supreme Champion Heifer Ring B

4th Overall Heifer Ring A

Champion Maine Rings A & B - McKlay Gensini

Reserve Champion Heifer Ring B

5th Overall Ring A

Champion Angus Ring B, Reserve Champion Angus Ring A

Jack Dameron

3rd Overall Steer Ring A

4th Overall Steer Ring B

Reserve Champion Crossbred Rings A & B

Kade Gensini

Supreme Champion Heifer Ring A

Reserve Champion Heifer Ring B

Champion Maintainer Rings A & B - McKlay Gensini

4th Overall Heifer Ring A

Champion Angus

Macie Carrol

Other winners include:

Levi Hinshaw - Reserve Champion Charolais Heifer Rings A & B

Morgan Richardson - Reserve Champion Polled Hereford Heifer Ring A

Clay Miller - Champion Red Angus Heifer Ring A, Reserve Champion Ring B

Brayden Goodbred - Champion Shorthorn Heifer Ring A

Conley Schick - Champion Simmental Heifer Ring A, Reserve Champion Ring B

Paisley Schick - Reserve Champion % Simmental Heifer Ring A

Amber Lee - Champion Crossbred/Commercial Heifer Ring A

Christian Fischer - Champion Angus Steer Ring A, Reserve Champion Ring B

Cheyenne Handsaker - Reserve Champion Angus Steer Ring A

Stetson Storey - Reserve Champion Hereford Steer Ring A, Champion Ring B

Reagan Hueber - Champion Limousin Steer Ring A

Ellie O’Donnell - Champion Shorthorn Steer Rings A & B

Blake Goodbred - Reserve Champion AOB Steer Ring A, Champion Ring B

Payton Hueber - Champion SImmental Steer Ring B

Brayden Goodbred - Champion Saler Steer Ring A

Calving Season Prep

Calving season is an important part of the cattle business, maybe the most important part. If a cow is our factory, her calf is our product. Time we devote to making sure we have a healthy product is never wasted. To guarantee the health and wellbeing of our calves, we must be proactive. We must give careful thought and planning as we prepare for calving season.

As I have gotten older, my herd has gotten bigger and so has my responsibility around the farm. I have grown to take on a more active role in care and husbandry of not only my personal herd, but also my family’s. From bedding stalls during the day, helping pull calves when needed, to doing night checks, all are a very important part of my responsibilities. One time in particular I will never forget is getting the call in the middle of the night that my dad needed help pulling a calf. So in true farm girl fashion, I went out to the barn in pajama pants, boots and a jacket. Even though I was tired and cold, I still knew the importance of getting this calf out of its momma and making sure it was alive, warm and healthy.

Being prepared for those midnight calls is a given when it comes to calving season. We cannot predict when and where a cow is going to calve, so being prepared is one of the most important things you can do. Part of this planning is making sure you have all of the necessary supplies needed for calving. Regarding calving supplies, it is always “better to have and not need, than need and not have.”

Calving at different times of the year often requires slightly different supplies and precautions. For the sake of this article, I will be offering suggestions that would benefit those calving in the extreme cold. Here is a list of some, not all, supplies/ precautions, along with a brief description of each and why they are important:

Supplies Description

OB Chains

They are used to put around the cannon bone and pastern, to assist with pulling a calf.

Restraint System This can be a calving pen, squeeze chute, halter, or other secure restraint systems.

Calf Puller

Colostrum Supplement (first milk)

Bottle/Esophageal Feeder

Bedding

Scales

Mechanical winch that will aid in extreme dystocia.

Contains the necessary immunoglobulins to protect the calf from diseases and pathogens.

Available methods to get colostrum into the calf’s belly.

Straw, sawdust, stalks, etc.

Provides weight of newborn calf.

Why is it Important?

Invariably, every rancher will have to help at one point or another during calving.

To protect the rancher and the cow from harm or injury when assistance is required.

Occasionally more leverage is required than a person can exert.

Colostrum is required in the first 24 hours of life to gain passive immunity.

Since colostrum is critical to a calf’s survival, the means to administer colostrum is equally as important.

Provides an insulation between the new baby and the frozen or muddy ground.

Accurate weights are essential.

Although calving is often a stressful and tiring time of year, it is also one of the most rewarding experiences in a rancher’s year.

Illinois Junior Beef Association member, Peri Andras, is the 18-year-old daughter of Will and Kim Andras. She is on the American Red Angus Association Junior Board and is on the livestock judging team at Lincoln Land Community College. If you are an IJBA member and have something to contribute to Illinois Beef Magazine, please contact Devin Bollman at devin@illinoisbeef.com.

CHECKOFF 2023 PROGRAM FUNDING

HOW BEEF CHECKOFF

DOLLARS WILL BE SPENT DURING FISCAL YEAR 2023

The Beef Promotion and Research Act and Order authorizes Beef Checkoff funds to only be spent in the following program areas: beef promotion, research, education, information and foreign-market development.

Each September, beef industry organizations present proposals – referred to as Authorization Requests, or “ARs” – to the Beef Promotion Operating Committee, comprised of members of the Cattlemen’s Beef Board and the Federation of State Beef Councils, to request funding for year-long marketing, education and research projects in these program areas. The organizations approved for funding are referred to as Beef Checkoff contractors.

For FY23, the Beef Checkoff has nine contractors and three subcontractors. The contractors and their programs and projects are approved within each of the program areas for the fiscal year 2023 (October 2022 to September 2023).

INDUSTRY INFORMATION

Strives for an accurate understanding of the beef industry and helps maintain a positive cattle-marketing climate.

NAMI

Executes the Veal Quality Assurance (VQA) program and engages with the public on VQA’s impact on animal well-being.

2023 Funding: $60,000

NIAA

Works to ensure a future of responsible antibiotic use by executing consistent scientific collaboration among the animal agriculture sector and human health sector to combat antimicrobial resistance, including work with the U.S. Center for Disease Control (CDC).

2023 Funding: $70,000

NCBA

Communicates the message that real beef’s great taste and nutrition can’t be replicated, and addresses the myths around beef and beef production among various audiences.

2023 Funding: $2,500,000

CONSUMER INFORMATION

Helps enhance beef's image by sharing nutritional data and other positive messages with media, food editors, dietitians, physicians and others who influence consumers’ food knowledge.

MICA/NEBPI*

Builds beef consumption in highly populated northeastern U.S. cities by working with restaurants and grocery store chains, marketing to specific consumer groups and garnering support from regional nutrition influencers.

2023 Funding: $550,000

AFBFA

Provides science teachers with high-quality immersive experiences and materials to teach science through the lens of beef production.

2023 Funding: $900,000

NCBA

Increases consumer awareness of the Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner. brand campaign and positions beef as the number one protein with restaurants, culinary leaders, grocery stores and other markets.

2023 Funding: $6,020,000

PROMOTION

Includes advertising, merchandising and new product development, as well as training and promotional partnerships with restaurants and supermarkets that stimulate sales of beef and veal products.

NAMI/ NYBC*

Facilitates innovative approaches for consumers to access and purchase veal and enhances veal eating experiences by creating meal solutions that capitalize on taste, value and versatility.

2023 Funding: $300,000

NCBA

Connects directly with consumers to promote beef through the iconic Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner. campaign. Through beef marketing and merchandising, Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner. educates and inspires consumers to purchase, prepare and enjoy beef.

2023 Funding: $9,100,000

RESEARCH

Provides the foundation for virtually all Checkoff-funded information and promotion by administering research related to beef nutrition, beef safety and pathogen resistance.

FMPRE

Conducts post-harvest beef safety and science-based research on processed beef’s nutritional and health benefits.

2023 Funding: $450,000

NCBA

Works alongside universities and institutions to conduct high-quality scientific research on beef’s nutritional benefits, providing a sound factual basis to promote beef’s role in a healthy diet.

2023 Funding: $8,100,000

USCA/KSU*

Implements monthly meat demand monitoring to understand consumer demand in both retail and foodservice.

2023 Funding: $450,000

PRODUCER COMMUNICATIONS

Informs producers and importers about how their Checkoff dollars are invested through a variety of efforts and initiatives.

CBB

Communicates to producers where their Checkoff dollars are spent through The Drive newsletter (printed and video versions), media relations, thought leadership, social media and other tactics.

2023 Funding: $1,850,000

FOREIGN MARKETING

Develops international markets for U.S. beef through programs aimed at expanding market penetration, gaining new market access, improving global consumer perceptions and building trust in U.S. beef.

USMEF

Maximizes market access for U.S. beef around the globe, develops demand among new and existing buyers overseas and increases value of the entire carcass through export support.

2023 Funding: $8,200,000

AFBFA

American Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture

CBB

Cattlemen’s Beef Promotion and Research Board

FMPRE Foundation for Meat and Poultry Research and Education

KSU*

Kansas State University

CONTRACTOR KEY

MICA Meat Import Council of America

NCBA National Cattlemen’s Beef Association

NIAA National Institute for Animal Agriculture

NAMI North American Meat Institute

NEBPI* Northeast Beef Promotion Initiative

NYBC* New York Beef Council

USCA

Association

USMEF United States Meat Export Federation

*=Subcontractor

Illinois Beef Association

Today’s Date

Seller’s Name

Address

Seller’s

Signature

PRIVATE TREATY SALES CHECKOFF INVESTMENT FORM

State and National Beef Promotion and Research Programs Information is required by 7 CRF 1260.201 Failure to report can result in a fine. Information is held confidential per 7 CRF 1260.203.

ID Number (if known)________________________

Buyer’s Name

Buyer’s Signature

Both the seller & the buyer are responsible for making sure that the $1 per head assessment is collected and remitted to the Illinois Beef Association.

Date of Sale

Total Number of Cattle Sold: X

*State of Origin

$1.00 per Head Federal Checkoff = Total Checkoff Payment for Federal and State

$0.50 per Head State Checkoff =

Person remitting form : Seller Buyer Phone Number:

*If the cattle purchased came from another state within the last 30 days, indicate from which state the cattle were purchased .

Send Report and Remittance to: Illinois Beef Association PO Box 19214 Springfield, IL 62794

For additional information: call 217-787-4280 or email

olivia@illinoisbeef.com

susan@illinoisbeef.com

The Illinois Beef Association (IBA) collects the Illinois Beef Checkoff in accordance with the Illinois Beef Market Development Act. IBA also collects the national beef checkoff fulfilling its role as the Qualified State Beef Council for Illinois as designated by the Cattlemen’s Beef Board.

2.12.23 }

We’re declaring 2023 as the Year of the Farmer to show our appreciation to you, and to show consumers exactly who’s behind their food. During the biggest game in football, watch for the ad featuring Illinois farmers and one powerful message: 96% of Illinois farms are still owned and operated by families, just like yours.

Why the 96%?

Scan the code to learn more.

2022 Checkoff Review

IBA

promotion efforts reached hundreds of thousands of Illinois consumers last year, sharing the message of

“Beef. It’s What’s for Dinner.”,

in our outreach and advocacy. Illinois beef producers connected with consumers through public events at venues across the state – in cities and out in our rural communities, too.

• IBA partnered with Illinois Farm Families Coalition and the “WatchUsGrow.Org” initiative to reach Chicagoland consumers

• Checkoff promotions supported the “Love Fridge” initiative, connecting food donations to communities where needs existed

• Affiliate outreach invested more than $25,000 of state checkoff funds back into rural communities promoting local cattle programs

• Checkoff provided $40,000 in grants to university studies for on-farm production practices

• IBA invested contributed toward Illinois Livestock Development Group and U.S. Meat Export Federation, supporting the expansion of beef production and markets

• Your support funded the launch of IBA’s Beef Leadership program for cattlemen ages 21-40

• Your beef checkoff dollars provided resources to bring Beef Quality Assurance training to communities across the state –reaching more than 1,000 producers with in-person training

• Checkoff investments in producer and youth education programs topped more than $100,000 – helping current operations, and paving the way for the next generation of producers in Illinois

IN THIS ISSUE:

January/February 2023

President: David Jenkins

Vice President: Carla Jurgenson

Secretary: Aaron Schafer

Business Manager: Doug Turner

Past President: Joel York

Bureau County: John DeRycke

Central Illinois: Luke Lemenager

Illinois Valley: Open

Lamoine Valley: Tracy Rawlings

Logan County : Carla Jurgenson

Northern Illinois: Jarad Carroll

South Central: Richard Hurst

Wabash Valley: Shaye Harre

Directors at Large:

Grant Bedel

TJ Curtin

Jim Marsh

Bradley Wolter

Kyle Buetke

Jeff Dameron

Chris Cassady

Clay Sellmeyer

Dan Naughton

Greg McClure

David Mool

Lee Stremsterfer

*Please remember to join us on Friday, February 24, at 6:00 p.m. at Northfield Inn & Suites for our annual banquet during the Illinois Beef Expo.

UPCOMING

ON THE COVER

Photo taken at Illinois Beef Expo by Betty Haynes

Fall 2022 Show Recap

Northern International Livestock Exposition

Billings, Mont. | October 21

American Royal

Kansas City, Mo. | October 21-22

Reserve Champion Junior Heifer Calf

Junior Angus Show

Exar Princess 2698

Owner: Jack Dameron, Towanda, Ill.

Photo: Next Level Images

Grand Champion Bull Roll of Victory Angus Show

Lazy JB Ego 1428

Owners: Dameron Angus Farm - Lexington, Ill.

Lazy JB Angus,- Montrose, Colo.

Photo: Next Level Images

Intermediate Champion Heifer

Super Point Roll of Victory Angus Show

Shore Acres SCC Phyllis 129

Owner: Emily Brooks, Prophetstown, Ill.

Photo: Next Level Images

North American International Livestock Expo Super

Point Roll of Victory Angus Show

Louisville, Ky. | November 14 | Judge: John Rayfield - Wolfforth, Tx.

Reserve Champion Cow-calf Pair

TLF Northern Miss

Owner: Holly Marsh, Earlville, Ill.

Photo: Linde’s Livestock Images

Reserve Junior Heifer Champion Division 1

PVF Missie 1055

Owner: Ashton Dillow, Villa Ridge, Ill.

Photo: Linde’s Livestock Images

Emily Brooks earns Junior Bronze and Silver Awards

Reserve Junior Heifer Champion Division 2

SCC SFC Phyllis 110

Owner: Addison Bartlow, Monticello, Ill.

Photo: Linde’s Livestock Images

Emily Brooks, Prophetstown, Illinois, has earned the National Junior Angus Association’s (NJAA) Bronze and Silver awards, according to Caitlyn Brandt, events and junior activities director of the American Angus Association® in Saint Joseph, Mo.

Brooks is the 20-year-old daughter of Jeff and Shelley Brooks and attends the University of Illinois, where she studies Agricultural Economics. She is a member of the NJAA and the Illinois Junior Angus Association where she has served as treasurer and royalty.

She has participated in regional and national shows. At the National Junior Angus Show, Brooks participated in the creative writing and team sales contests and the AllAmerican Certified Angus Beef® Cook-Off. She was also a voting delegate in 2022. She participated in the 2017 Leaders Engaged in Angus Development Conference and the 2019 State Training and Angus Retreat conference.

Brooks has consigned cattle in the Stertzbach Cattle Company sale and the Dameron Angus Focus on the Future sale.

The Bronze and Silver awards are the first two levels of the NJAA Recognition Program that began in 1972. Junior Angus breeders must apply for the awards, then meet point requirements in many areas of participation before receiving the honors. Applicants are evaluated in areas of junior Angus association activities and leadership, participation in showmanship, contests and shows, using performance testing to improve their herd and their progress in producing and merchandising Angus cattle.

The NJAA promotes the involvement of young people in raising Angus cattle, while also providing leadership and self-development opportunities for the nearly 4,500 active members nationwide.

America’s Breed.

Winter Warm-Up

Springfield, Ill. | December 10-11 | Judges: Parker Henley, Dustin Frank

Photos by: Cindy’s Livestock Photography

Reserve Champion Heifer Ring B, 4th Overall Ring A Champion Angus Both Rings Paige Lemenager

Reserve Champion Angus Heifer Ring A Simon Thoreson

Reserve Champion Angus Heifer Ring B Mary Bendlage

Keeping Cows Maternal

Breeders explore strategies for cattle that ‘do it all.’

A cow that can have a calf all on her own has become so commonplace it’s a trait that’s easy to take for granted.

“One of our biggest success stories is calving ease. Obviously tracking calving dystocia events at birth and weighing those calves have allowed Angus to have a lot of success in the calving ease debate,” says Kelli Retallick-Riley, president of Angus Genetics Inc. (AGI®).

But the “maternal” discussion is far more complex than a healthy live birth, she says, and seedstock producers are using more data and knowledge to create better dams each year.

Retallick-Riley joined breeders Chad Denowh, GartnerDenowh Angus, and Joe Lowe, Oak Hollow Angus, on The Angus Conversation podcast to discuss what it takes to have cows that work where they live and work further down the line.

“The cows are kind of the employee,” Lowe says. “They have to show up. It’s our job to take care of the cow. It is the cow’s job to take care of the calf.” He and his father raise Angus seedstock near Smiths Grove, Kentucky, where they use both genomics and phenotype to select for good mothers.

“If they can walk, if they can slick off and they can breed — those are the three non-starters if they don’t in our environment,” he says, noting many of his customers deal with fescue pressure.

Both he and Denowh have been early adopters of programs that help turn data into answers, such as the American Angus Association’s Maternal Plus record keeping system.

“We want the cows to look the part first and foremost, but they also have to have the structure, the leg structure, the udder structure, to hold up and stay in these herds for a long amount of time,” says Denowh, who is the sixth generation on his family’s Sidney, Montana, ranch. “Everybody up in this country culls their open cows, and if they don’t stay in the herd, they don’t make you money.”

His family adopted the Angus Herd Improvement Records (AHIR®) program when it came out in the 1970s, so they have more than 50 years of trends to draw on.

“We work a lot with efficiency and raising a good calf in a timely manner,” Denowh says.

Both cattlemen work at having a calf crop that is in demand, no matter the intended marketing.

“There’s a lot of guys that don’t think you can have maternal and carcass together — sure you can, it just takes longer,” Denowh says.

Sometimes that means not using the top carcass bull if it doesn’t meet certain maternal parameters. He’s seen mature cow weights stay moderate while pushing growth and he’s made improvements in calving ease while also improving marbling.

“I don’t think they’re antagonistic at all, any of the traits. I think you just have to find out which traits are most important to you and have a program and stick to it,” Denowh says.

The best cows are those you hardly notice.

“Everyone says the best cow’s the one you don’t know she’s there until she’s six, and you look down and she’s got two daughters in the herd,” Lowe observes.

Retallick-Riley and her team at AGI continues to use the Association’s database — the largest single beef breed database in the world — to find ways to better characterize maternal genetics. That will allow them to create additional selection tools, such as cow fertility or regionally adapted expected progeny differences (EPDs).

Since calving ease EPDs came out in 2005, the breed has steadily added additional traits that aid in cow herd selection, such as docility, heifer pregnancy, hair shed, foot angle and claw set.

“We’ve been spoiled because we have great members who really take care of their cow herd. They cull hard,” RetallickRiley says. “They really get rid of those problem animals in those problem areas, but we’re here to help them figure out which animals they need to remove from the herd sooner, and that’s really where our genetic tools can come in.”

To listen to the whole conversation on maternal function, subscribe to The Angus Conversation on your favorite podcast platform or visit TheAngusConversation.com.

The ILLINOIS BULLETIN

CONTENTS

PRESIDENT

Gene Stumpf

618-407-8374

VICE-PRESIDENT

Kent Burns

618-521-3199

TREASURER

Buddy Edenburn 217-649-0108

MEMBERSHIP SERVICES

Emily Bernard 815-992-8233

illinoishereford@gmail.com

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Randy Kline, 309-824-9937

Matt Johnson, 309-883-9466

Cody Crum, 217-248-7282

Jodi McMillan, 815-751-2293

Chad Benedict, 217-246-5099

Matt Anderson, 309-267-1410

David Biggs, 815-441-4354

Kent Babbs, 618-322-5880

Kim Carney-Rhodes, 217-899-4104 BOARD

CONTACT

ON THE COVER

Photo taken by Devin Bollman at IJHA Preview Show.

Scholarships Awarded to Paige Lemenager, Kira Sayre and Lauren McMillan

High achieving Hereford youth were awarded numerous scholarships during the 2022 American Hereford Association Annual Meeting and Conference in Kansas City, Missouri, on October 21. In a special awards ceremony, the Hereford Youth Foundation of America and its donors proudly awarded $165,000 in scholarships to 28 National Junior Hereford Association members to help support their higher-education goals.

The 2022 Blin Family Scholarship sponsored by HYFA is a $2,500 scholarship in recognition of the first Lot 1 foundation female ever sold at the Mile High Night Sale in Denver, Colorado. Star Lake Cattle Company and the Blin Family of Iowa consigned the female that sold for $100,000 and founded a fund that has grown to nearly $1 million. This year, Paige Lemenager was awarded the scholarship.

Lemenager, Hudson, Illinois, is the daughter of Luke and Stacy Lemenager and a freshman at Lake Land College. Her goals are to pursue a bachelor’s degree in agricultural economics and a juris doctor degree in agricultural law with the ultimate goal of advocating for beef producers and managing her family’s farming operation.

“The NJHA is undoubtedly preparing its junior membership with the skills and qualities of a good citizen through contests, leadership conferences and other membership oriented programs which is a privilege I wish everyone could experience to truly make our world a better place,” Lemenager said.

The 2022 Perks Ranch Scholarship is in the value of $5,000 given by HYFA. It honors the Perks Ranch of Illinois and highlights Doug Perks’ legacy and leadership during his time on the HYFA board of directors. This year, Kira Sayre was awarded the scholarship.

Kira Sayre, Arenzville, Illinois, is the daughter of Tim and Tracie Sayre. She is a senior at Colorado State University studying both animal and equine science. Throughout college she has remained involved, working for a local Hereford breeder and at a horse boarding and training facility. Her goal is to use the skills gained through her degree and her work experience to find a career in the agriculture industry.

Ten scholarships of $10,000 are given by the Vanier family for a total of $100,000 in HYFA scholarships annually. Jack and the late Donna Vanier and family of CK Ranch in Kansas have paved the way for Hereford Youth to further their education, and this year marks a $600,000 commitment to education from the Vanier family. The Vanier family is proud of the NJHA members and believes the work ethic young people learn growing up in the Hereford breed sets them apart in today’s workforce. This year, Lauren McMillan was awarded one of the scholarships.

Lauren McMillan, from Tiskilwa, Illinois, is a senior at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. At UIUC, she is studying agricultural leadership, education and communication. She recently worked as a communications marketing intern with Caterpillar Inc. to continue developing her skills. The current NJHA membership chair, she is passionate about the membership and helping each junior develop through every opportunity possible.

The scholarship fund is the bedrock of HYFA and countless youth are the benefactors of its mission. This last fiscal year, the foundation celebrated net assets reaching nearly $5 million and in total $185,000 was given back to Hereford youth to assist with their college educations.

2022 Hereford National and Regional Show Awards Presented

Hereford exhibitors were recognized for showcasing their outstanding breeding programs at national and regional shows this past year prior to the Ladies of the Royal sale hosted at the American Royal in Kansas City, Missouri, October 22. Awards for champion national and regional Hereford show bull, show female and premier exhibitor were presented.

To qualify for these prestigious bronzes, exhibitors must have accumulated points and shown at a national or regional event. Points were calculated throughout the 2021-22 show season, which ran from May 2021 through April 2022.

Polled Show Female of the Year went to Frost Holly 709H ET, owned by Stetson Storey, Stockton, Illinois.

American Royal

Kansas City, Mo. | October 22

Open Hereford Show Results

Class Winners

Class 4- 8379 Perks SJ FG Teeter 2033, Bred and Owned by: Perks Ranch

Class 5- 8394 HB Harlow 26K, Bred by: Purple Reign Cattle Co, Owned by: Riley Rhodes

Class 13- 8505 Hawk Myla 39J, Bred by: Hawk Livestock, Owned by: Paige Lemenager

Class 14- 8527 Purple Lavish 80J, Bred by Purple reign Cattle Co, Owned by: Lauryn & Ashlyn Mool

Class 19- 8587 Perks 1502 Mary Jo 1002, Bred by: Perks Ranch, Owned by Kendall & Kade Boatman

Division Winners

Champion Spring Heifer Calf

8379 Perks SJ FG Teeter 2033

Bred and Owned by: Perks Ranch

Reserve Champion Intermediate Yearling Female

HL Boy Jawanda 092J

Bred by: Nolan Hoge, Owned by: Blakely & Stetson Storey

Reserve Champion Junior Yearling Female

8587 Perks 1502 Mary Jo 1002

Bred by: Perks Ranch, Owned by: Kendall & Kade Boatman

Grand Champion Open & Junior Hereford Shows

Champion Intermediate Yearling HAWK Myla 39J ET

Bred by: Hawk Livestock

Owner: Paige Lemenager, Hudson, Ill.

Photo: Next Level Images

Contestants of the Year in the 2022 NJHA Fed Steer Shootout Announced;

Other Winners Recognized in Kansas City

Now in its sixth year, the National Junior Hereford Association’s Fed Steer Shootout contest teaches juniors about the opportunities and challenges of the cattle feeding industry. After completing their performance portfolios and a rigorous interview and presentation process, Kendall Boatman, Rockford, Illinois, earned the contestant of the year title in the senior division. Kade Boatman, Rockford, Illinois, and Dellana Muck, Caledonia, Illinois, were also among Kendall as finalists.

A special recognition award was given to Molly Biggs, Dixon, Illinois, for highest average daily gain in the commercial division.

North American International Livestock Expo

Louisville, Ky. | November 3-17

Junior Hereford Show Results

Class Winners

Class 5- Purple L May Trudy 200K- Bred By: Purple Reign Cattle Co, Owned by: Stetson & Blakely Storey

Class 8- RF 8036 Rich Girl 16J- Bred by Daniel Richardson, Owned by: Daniel, Emma, & Morgan Richardson

Class 12- SCG Diana 164ET- Bred by L J Suttles, Owned by Adeline Sorgen

Class 13- HL Boy Jawanda 092J- Bred by Nolan Hoge, Owned by Stetson & Blakely Storey

Class 16 HAWK Murphy 14J- Bred by: Hawk Livestock, Owned by: Kinnick Paulsen

Class 17- Purple Geraldene 34J 0 Bred by Purple Reign Cattle Company, Owned by Suter Clark

Class 18- SCG Platinum Lady 119- Bred by L J Suttles, Owned by Adeline Sorgen

Class 20- BP SP 88X Henrietta 45H- Bred by: Kellstad Farm, Owned by: Bailey & Shelby Pearl

Division Winners

Champion Junior Heifer Calf

Purple L May Trudy 200k - Bred by: Purple Reign Cattle Co, Owned by: Stetson & Blakely Storey

Champion Intermediate Yearling Female

HL Boy Jawanda 092J- Bred by Nolan Hoge, Owned by Stetson & Blakely Storey

Reserve Champion Intermediate Yearling Female

SCG Diana 164ET- Bred by L J Suttles, Owned by Adeline Sorgen

Reserve Champion Junior Yearling Female

SCG Platinum Lady 119- Bred by L J Suttles, Owned by Adeline Sorgen

Champion Senior Yearling Female

BP SP 88X Henrietta 45H- Bred by: Kellstad Farm, Owned by: Bailey & Shelby Pearl

(NAILE results continued on next page)

Open Hereford Show Results

Class Winners

Grand Champion Hereford Female

Champion Spring Yearling

HAWK Murphy 14J

Bred by: Hawk Livestock

Owner: Kinnick Paulsen

Photo: Next Level Images

Class 3 - Purple HB Finely 96K Bred & Owned by: Purple Reign Cattle Co

Class 5- Purple HB Myrtle 69K, Bred & Owned by: Purple Reign Cattle Co

Class 11- LCC 561C Merry’s Classic 3K, Bred by: Lowderman Cattle Co, Owned by Lane & Logan Cady

Class 12- BOFAT Hill Lucky Seven, Bred by Rhett Lowderman, Owned by Harrison Roberts

Class 13- RGR Janet 150J- Bred by Riley Rhodes, Owned by: Ella Bane

Class 16: SCG Diana 164, Bred by: L J Suttles, Owned by: Adeline Sorgen

Class 17- Purple Levita 100J, Bred by: Purple Reign Cattle Co, Owned by Sara Sullivan

Class 19- Purple Geraldene 34J, Bred by: Purple reign Cattle Co, Owned by: Suter Clark

Class 20- WR 2296, Bred by: Teagan Wunschel, Owned by: Nicholas Torrance

Division Champions

Champion Spring Heifer Calves

Purple HB Finely 96K Bred & Owned by: Purple Reign Cattle Co

Reserve Champion Junior Heifer Calves

Purple L May Trudy 200K, Bred by Purple Reign Cattle Co, Owned by Stetson & Blakely Storey

Champion Senior Heifer Calf

RGR Janet 150J- Bred by: Riley Rhodes, Owned by: Ella Bane

Reserve Champion Intermediate Yearling Female

HL Boy Jawanda 092J- Bred by: Nolan Hoge, Owned By Blakley & Stetson Storey

Reserve Champion Spring Yearling Female

Purple Geraldene 34J, Bred by: Purple reign Cattle Co, Owned by: Suter Clark

Reserve Champion Junior Yearling Female

WR 2296, Bred by: Teagan Wunschel, Owned by: Nicholas Torrance

Reserve Champion Senior Yearling Female

BP SP EF 88X Henrietta 45H, Bred by Kellstadt Farm, Owned by: Bailey & Shelby Pearl

Bull Show

Class 30- SSF KKH 15U Standard 132, Bred by: B J Hermand and Sons, Owned by: TODD, KIM & KASEY HERMAN, B J HERMAN & SONS, STUMPF LAND AND CATTLE

Winter Warm-Up

Springfield, Ill. | December 10-11 | Judges: Parker Henley, Dustin Frank

by: Cindy’s Livestock Photography

Champion Polled Hereford Rings A & B

Photos
Champion Horned Hereford Rings A & B
Houston Stapleton
Reserve Champion Horned Hereford Rings A & B Nash Lowderman
Paige Lemenager
Reserve Champion Polled Hereford Rings A & B
Morgan Richardson

UPDATES UPDATES

ILLINOIS JUNIOR HEREFORD ASSOCIATION

IJHA UPDATES:

The Illinois Junior Hereford Association Board of Directors and Advisors met on Sunday, December 18, 2022, in Bloomington, IL, at the Compeer Financial headquarters to discuss and plan the upcoming year and 2023 Preview Show in Sandwich, IL. The IJHA would like to thank Crane Herefords and Chapman Herefords for volunteering to host, and we cannot wait to see everyone June 16, 2023 – June 18, 2023, in Sandwich! Listed below are important information and updates regarding the 2023 Preview Show.

GENERAL INFO:

WHEN: Friday, June 16, 2023 - Sunday, June 18, 2023

WHERE: DeKalb County Fairgrounds (aka - Sandwich Fair) 1401 Suydam Rd, Sandwich IL, 60548

ENTRIES:

• Entires will be available May 1, 2023

• DUE JUNE 1, 2023

• NO late entires will be accepted

• Entries are $25/head.

HOTELS:

There is a block of rooms reserved at: Montcler Hotel, Trademark Collection by Wyndham 3300 Drew Ave Sandwich, IL 60548 1-630-273-6000

Hotel has a 30-day cancellation policy Neighboring town, Yorkville, is about 20 minutes away for other hotels.

Camping will be available on the grounds for $30/night and can be purchased on your entry forms.

SCHEDULE:

THURSDAY: Grounds open at 6 p.m. for set up. PLEASE DO NOT ARRIVE BEFORE 6 p.m.

FRIDAY:

• CHANGE: Check-in – 2-4:00 p.m. CHANGE: Speech Contest, Sales Academy, Future Professionals Contest Interviews and Hereford Bowl Test - 4-6:00 p.m.

• Hereford Homeroom - a leadership training seminar - will begin at 6:00. All juniors are invited to attend (6:00-7:30 p.m.). Pizza will be provided

SATURDAY:

• Opening Ceremonies - 8:00 a.m.

• Fitting Contest – 8:15 a.m.

• Showmanship - 9:00 a.m.

• Bred and Owned Show begins at the conclusion of showmanship

• Cow/Calf, Bulls, B&O Heifers, Steers

• Scholarship Interviews –Approximately 30 minutes after the conclusion of the show.

• Junior Meeting – 5:30 p.m.

• Banquet – 7:00 p.m.

SUNDAY:

• Owned Heifer Show – 8:00 a.m.

NJHA UPDATES:

• BOLD-Desdemona, TX-March 23-26, 2023

• Online Application due January 15, 2023

• Fed Steer Shootout Field Day

• April 15, 2023 - Scott City, KS

• JNHE 2023 - MAD DASH TO THE HEREFORD BASH

• July 8 - July 14, 2023 - Madison, WI

• Faces of Leadership-Columbus, OH

THANK YOU TO COMPEER FINANCIAL FOR HOSTING THE PREVIEW SHOW PLANNING MEETING!

IJHA Directors pictured Left to right: Shawn Crutcher, Morgan Richardson, Molly Biggs, Kendall Boatman, Paige Lemenager, Kade Boatman and Houston Stapelton.

IJHA OFFICER CONTACTS:

Morgan Richardson, President (815) 871-2868 m.richardson5254@gmail.com

Kade Boatman, Vice President (779) 774- 5140 kadeboatman@gmail.com

Molly Biggs, Secretary (779) 861-0725 ijha.secretary@gmail.com

Paige Lemenager, Treasurer (309) 445-3942 plemenager@gmail.com

Emma Richardson, Director of PR (815) 871-1613 crichardson1010@gmail.com

Scott and Monica Torrance, Advisors

Scott: (309) 221-6274

Monica: (309) 333-1551 torracne@mtcnow.net

Tom and Tammy Boatman, Advisors

Tom: (404) 372-6754

Tammy: (770) 354-4195 tomtammy@perksranch.com

Jacob and Brittany Chapman

Jacob: (815) 587-4061

Brittany: (815) 712-6578 jbchapman2009@gmail.com

Directors: Lauren McMillian, Houston Stapleton, Cory Stumpf, Shawn Crutcher, Kendall Boatman, Haley Bickelhaupt, Abby Muck

*Please remember to join us at Illinois Beef Expo on Friday, February 24, at 6:00 p.m. in the Artisans building for our annual association banquet.

*The Illinois Junior Simmental Association meeting will also be held at Illinois Beef Expo. Time is TBD.

Winter Warm-Up

Springfield, Ill. | December 10-11 | Judges: Parker Henley, Dustin Frank

Photos by: Cindy’s Livestock Photography

Grand Champion Heifer Rings A & B

Champion Simmental Heifer Rings A & B

Conley Schick

5th Overall Heifer Ring A

Reserve Champion Simmental Heifer Ring A

Rachel Clark

Champion % Simmental Heifer Ring A

Reserve Champion % Simmental Ring B

Lizzie Schafer

Champion % Simmental Heifer Ring B

Reserve Champion % Simmental Ring A

Brooklyn Welsh

Simmental champions each received a special banner in memory of Stan Tarr.

We’ve consistently delivered the very best genetics from our breeders across the state representing 300+ $C genetics and heifers made for the photo backdrop. This rich history continues in 2023 with our in-person sale.

APPROXIMATELY 40 LOTS! Show heifers, production females, bred heifers, bulls, embryos, flushes, and pregnancies all sell. For event information, contact Missouri Angus Association Executive Director Julie Conover at (734) 260-8635 or julie@missouriangus.org 634 SW 1201 Road, Holden, MO 64040

SELLS OPEN AND SELLING FULL SIB EMBRYOS AAA +20539462 DOB: 04/07/22

us in person for our annual meeting and banquet on Saturday, February 25 at the Courtyard by Marriott in Columbia, MO. Visit MissouriAngus.org for more details.

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.

Advertiser’s Index

Kramers Profile RD 208 Kramers Patriarch 219 Kramers Broadview 233 Kramers Bishop FD 218

CRAFTSMAN

7AN743 Connealy CRAFTSMAN / 20132505 / Resilient x Niobrara

A Resilient son offering elite predictions for both $M and $C while excelling for traits like WW, YW, DOC, CLAW, ANGLE, HP, MARB and REA.

From Connealy Angus, NE and STgenetics, TX

GROWTH FUND

7AN528 Deer Valley GROWTH FUND / 18827828 / Payweight x WEIGH UP GROWTH FUND offers consistent quality that breeders demand in terms of phenotype and genetic merit from most any pedigree combination.

From Deer Valley Farm, TN; Edisto Pines, SC; Britt Angus, GA; Trowbridge Angus, NY; Austin Family Angus, CA and Lawson Farms and Tom Baker, VA

STATESMAN

7AN737 Virginia Tech STATESMAN / 20085208 / Patriarch x Homestead STATESMAN is the sire of choice if you like elite index values, big spread and high phenotype.

From Deer Valley Farm, TN and Knoll Crest Farms Inc., VA

GIBSON

7AN735 Baldridge GIBSON G859 / 19581696 / Confidence Plus x PROPHET GIBSON is a genetic gem! He is in the top 1% for $M and top 2% for $C. He ranks among the best for CLAW, ANGLE, YW, HS, MARB and REA.

From Riverbend Ranch, ID and to Baldridge Performance Angus, NE

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