Rhode to Success

by Olivia Hoots

The Illinois Beef Association takes pride in the successes of junior members and believes in recognizing young people for their efforts to make the industry better. This year, Garrett Rhode of Carlock, has been recognized as Illinois Beef Association Outstanding Junior of the Year.

“It’s definitely humbling to be considered for this award,” Garrett said, hoping to use his skills to impact the future of the beef industry.

Many are born into the cattle industry and, therefore, appreciate it as a way of life. Like most, Garrett started working around cattle at a young age. At just eightyears-old he began showing with an Angus heifer, carrying on the tradition started in 1959 when his grandfather purchased the family’s first Angus cow. Today they raise registered Angus and Simmental cattle, along with some Herefords.

Garrett’s parents, Tyler and Melissa Rhode, boast of his accomplishments. “He has exhibited cattle at the local, state and national level, and has participated in purebred and performance tested bull sales,” they said, “he has been involved in the Angus, Simmental and Illinois Beef junior programs, and was heavily involved in livestock judging in 4-H and FFA.”

“Garrett isn’t afraid of anything,” Melissa said. “He takes on challenges without hesitation and wants to be involved.”

One of Melissa’s favorite memories was when Garrett was nine. It was his second year showing and they were in Pennsylvania at Angus Junior Nationals. “His heifer that year had quite an attitude and Garrett wasn’t big enough to really control her,” Melissa said. She and Tyler were hoping he would have the opportunity to show her in the “big ring” even though Garrett’s heifer was known to get loose. “Most kids would have backed out, but he wanted to show,” she said. “By some stroke you luck, she showed perfectly, never fought him and placed second.”

“These activities throughout the years have allowed Garrett to be part of an amazing network filled with people he has enjoyed getting to know,” Melissa said. She added that those relationships have shaped who he is as a young stockman.

For Garrett, the people are one of his favorite parts of the cattle industry. “It’s being around the people,” he says, “the people you get to know and the people you will be able to know.”

As one may have guessed, Garrett has had some terrific examples who have Preston, Garrett and Travis Rhode shaped the values he holds dear. “My grandpa has been a huge influence on my life,” Garrett explained, “Plus working alongside my dad has been a pretty cool experience.” Garrett’s parents have helped refine the skills that come along with being in the livestock industry.

“They taught me how to be a stockman and a well-rounded advocate for livestock, not only in the beef industry, but in all areas of agriculture” he said, “And to do everything right, just like they taught me.” Those influences affect the way Garrett lives his life because he aims to be a role model for his younger brothers.

Preston, Garrett and Travis Rhode

Tyler, Garrett and Melissa Rhode

Garrett is majoring in agricultural consumer economics with a concentration in agribusiness markets and management and a minor in animal science at the University of Illinois. His involvements there include livestock judging and serving as secretary of the University of Illinois Hoof N’ Horn club. He juggles these commitments with his role as Illinois Junior Beef Association President, his position on the Illinois Junior Simmental Association board and his membership to the Illinois Junior Angus Association.

Some notable accomplishments of Garrett’s include 2021 American Junior Simmental South Central Regional Reserve Purebred Simmental Bull, 2019 Rutledge Farms Work Ethic Award and 2019 Illinois Beef Expo livestock judging tenth highest individual.

These involvements showcase Garrett’s belief in leadership for youth within the industry.

“It’s all about the juniors. Without them we wouldn’t have all these shows and events,” he said.

The next generation will be the ones to advocate for this way of life. “It’s our job to share and promote beef the best we can,” Garrett added.

Garrett hopes to continue to work alongside his brothers to expand the genetics of his herd and provide quality livestock. As for the future, he is undecided about what he will do after graduation, but he is certain it will be within the agriculture industry. “I definitely want to be part of the agriculture world,” he explained. His overall perspective hinges on doing everything to the best of his ability.

Ultimately, Garrett’s parents wish for happiness in his future, whether he raises cattle or has an agriculture-related career off the farm. “We know he will do great things,” Tyler and Melissa proudly proclaimed. “He has a great future ahead of him no matter what he decides to do.”

Garrett would encourage every young person in agriculture to become an integral part of their trade. “If you want change to happen, it’s going to be on your hands, you can’t wait around for someone else to do it.”