Association Focus

Buzz Iliff, Illinois Beef Association President

As I sit and write this column, winter is here with a vengeance. Keeping waterers thawed and animals fed is a full day’s event. I know producers across the state are doing their best to care for their cattle. I heard a quote recently that 2% of the population produces our food, and the other 98% try to tell them how to do it.

We have a great story to tell about beef and we need to get the word out. In the United States, we have the most efficient beef production in the world and the smallest carbon footprint. Our management of grasslands and forages helps to sequester carbon and reduce greenhouse gases. The use of cover crops increases grazing and drastically reduces soil erosion. Our producers work everyday to make a more sustainable beef industry that helps the environment. Each one of us needs to get our story out there to whoever will listen.

One of the reasons we produce the highest quality product in the world is because most of our producers are BQA certified. They understand low-stress handling and follow withdrawal times when treating livestock. The bottom line is we do it right. We live in the land of plenty and there is no better place to feed cattle than in the Midwest. The quality of our product proves that.

I am excited to welcome Josh St. Peters in his new role as Executive Vice President of the Illinois Beef Association. Josh has already hit the ground running, advocating on behalf of cattle producers across the state. He brings over 20 years of industry experience, connections and knowledge. I have no doubt he in the right person to lead our great organization in 2021 and beyond. I recently participated in the winter NCBA policy meetings via Zoom. I realize even an old dog can learn new tricks. It is not as good as a “normal” in-person meeting, but I still gained a wealth of information. One thing I noted was that our use of antibiotics has been lowered though better management practices. A new problem we need to watch out for is the Asian Longhorn Tick. It is now in the southeastern United States and working its way north. It can spread disease and it can suck enough blood to make the host animal weak. Illinois Beef Expo may have looked a little different this year, but fun was still had by all. Our IBA office staff and Illinois Beef Expo board did a tremendous job putting the sales and junior show together. As we look forward on the calendar, May is beef month. IBA, state affiliates and NCBA will be gearing up for summer grilling promotions. It is exciting to me to see all the great promotional work being done with consumers. Even in the midst of a pandemic, we can all do our part to spread the word about beef. Your consumer wants to know where their food comes from. They want to know we are good stewards to the environment and that our beef is safe and healthy. Be proud of what you do and of the product you raise. We need to know what your concerns are as producers, so please do not hesitate to contact me, the office, or any of our board members so we can work on solutions. This is your organization, and IBA is here to serve you. I wish everyone a safe and successful calving season!

Castration made easy!

™

COMPRESSION ANALGESIA

CallicrateBanders.com Made In USA Built-in Cutter Since 1991 Tensioned Loop Self-locking Loop 785-332-3344 for Newborns