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March/April 2021 - Illinois Beef
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CONTENTS
March/April 2021
FEATURES 19
2021 Scholarship Winners The Illinois Beef Foundation recognizes the incredible talent of young beef industry enthusiasts and helps them acheive their educational goals.
20
22
2
Illinois Beef Expo Hosts 2021 Seedstock Sales Cattle enthusiasts from throughout the Midwest gathered for the Illinois Performance Tested Bull Sale and MidAmerica Simmental Sale.
26
Crowdsourcing: What Does Sustainability Mean to the Beef Industry - and to Consumers?
30
The Art of the Cattle Industry
And, what is the industry doing to position itself for 2021 and beyond as a leader in sustainable production?
Illinois livestock illustrator and artist, CJ Brown, uses her work to pay tribute to the agriculture industry for generations to come.
Are You Foreign Animal Disease Outbreak Ready? Animal health experts say it is not a matter of if, but when a foreign animal disease will impact the United States beef industry.
Illinois Beef - March/April 2021
www.illinoisbeef.com
34
Giving Back University of Illinois alums and beef producers, Ed and Judy McMillan, generously donate to the College of ACES new Feed Technology Center.
38 IBA Member Small Business Spotlight Born out of IBA member, Jami Rieker’s love of
fashion and the cattle industry, Little Moo Boutique offers something for everyone.
COLUMNS 6 8 10 12 40
Association Focus Executive Edge Extension Update Gate Cuts On the Edge of Common Sense
DEPARTMENTS 4 Board of Governors 14 In the Know 41 Checking in on the Checkoff 45 Illinois Angus News 51 Illinois Hereford Bulletin 61 Simmental News 66 Marketplace 68 Purebred Breeders 68 Advertisers Index
COVER Hereford calf photograph taken by Betty Haynes at Edenburn Farms in Penfield, Ill.
Illinois Beef Magazine Illinois Beef Association 2060 West Iles Avenute, Suite B Springfield, IL 62704 www.illinoisbeef.com Phone: 217-787-4280 Fax: 217-793-3605
Illinois Beef, the official publication on the Illinois Beef Association, is published bi-monthly by the Illinois Beef Association, 2060 W. Iles Ave. Ste. B, Springfield, IL 62704 . Subscription is free to Illinois Beef Association members. Illinois Beef is uniquely dedicated to the advancement of the beef industry by representing all of its segments. Illinois Beef Association retains all editorial rights to the content of the magazine. Member of Livestock Publications Council.
www.illinoisbeef.com
March/April 2021 - Illinois Beef
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Buzz Iliff, Wyoming
Paul Walker, Danvers
President IBA Board of Governors Email: buzzwithcow@yahoo.com
Vice President IBA Board of Governors Email: pwalker@ilstu.edu
Policy Division Checkoff Division Chair: Jay Miller, Atlanta Vice Chair: Dave Duzan, Lexington Sec./Treas.: Shannon Welsh, Blandinsville Directors District 1 Jarad Carroll, Mt. Carroll, Jccattle07@gmail.com 1st term expires: 2019 | 2nd term expires: 2022
District 2 Jake Perino, Deer Grove, twinrailsoverp@gmail.com
Directors District 1 Justin Rahn, Mt. Carroll, justinrahn@hotmail.com 1st term expires: 2019 | 2nd term expires: 2022
Lou Lamoreux, Lanark, unclelou49@gmail.com 1st term expires: 2023 | 2nd term expires: 2026
1st term expires: 2022 | 2nd term expires: 2025
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 Ken Dau, Sheridan, dau.kenny@gmail.com
District 3 Jim Sundberg, Mendota, jimsfarms@gmail.com District 4 Shannon Welsh, Scotia, angus3@winco.net
District 5 Betsy Pech, Lincoln, bpech55@gmail.com
1st term expires: 2020 | 2nd term expires: 2023 1st term expires: 2023 | 2nd term expires: 2026
1st term expires: 2019 | 2nd term expires: 2022
1st term expires: 2021 | 2nd term expires: 2024
OPEN District 4 Terry Boydstun, Abingdon, tboydstun@hotmail.com
1st term expires: 2022 | 2nd term expires: 2025
Thad Tharp, Monmouth, tthaddeus88@gmail.com
District 6 Matt Witte, Heyworth, matthewcwitte@gmail.com
District 7 OPEN At Large Directors Jay Miller, Atlanta, miller@timbercrestvet.com
1st term expires: 2019 | 2nd term expires: 2022 1st term expires: 2023 | 2nd term expires: 2026
District 5 T.J. Curtin, Blue Mound, tjcurtin78@gmail.com 1st term expires: 2019 | 2nd term expires: 2022
1st term expires: 2018 | 2nd term expires: 2021
Darrin Smith, Alexander, dasmith@wildblue.net
1st term expires: 2022 | 2nd term expires: 2025
District 6 Chase Brown, Warrensburg, cdbrown2@gmail.com
Jake Fidler, Fariview, salebarn@mymctc.net Barney Gehl, Geneseo, barney.gehl@zoetis.com
1st term expires: 2018 | 2nd term expires: 2021
Dave Duzan, Lexington, duzanagy@mtco.com 1st term expires: 2018 | 2nd term expires: 2021
Andy Jones, Chapin, ajones@mix30.com
1st term expires: 2023| 2nd term expires: 2026
1st term expires: 2022 | 2nd term expires: 2025
Wendall Alwardt, Altamont, walwardt1@yahoo.com 1st term expires: 2023 | 2nd term expires: 2026
1st term expires: 2020 | 2nd term expires: 2023
District 7 Ed Billingsly, Goreville, stoneridge@gmail.com
1st term expires: 2022 | 2nd term expires: 2025
Jim Meller, Anna, meller.hillcroft.james@gmail.com
Bruce Betzold, Nokomis, betzoldfarms@yahoo.com Larisa Willrett, Malta, lwillrett1313@gmail.com
1st term expires: 2022 | 2nd term expires: 2025
Ex Officio Members Joni Bucher, Past President Travis Meteer, U of I Extension & BQA Teresa Steckler, U of I Extension Justin Rickard, ISU
4
Chair: Scott Wetzell, Tampico Vice Chair: Justin Rahn, Mt. Carroll Sec./Treas.: Ken Dau, Sheridan
Illinois Beef - March/April 2021
1st term expires: 2020 | 2nd term expires: 2023 1st term expires: 2019 | 2nd term expires: 2022
IBA Staff Executive Vice President Josh St. Peters, josh@illinoisbeef.com Director of Communications Betty Haynes, betty@illinoisbeef.com Director of Industry Relations Mareah Volk, mareah@illinoisbeef.com Financial Officer/Business Manager Nancy Betz, accounting@illinoisbeef.com www.illinoisbeef.com
Growth Fund
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Movin On
7AN595 MOVIN ON | 19573709 | Alternative E125 x PROPHET Timely? Yes! This Alternative son was our pick at the Baldridge sale in 2020 and is backed by super cow B061. When you combine all the pieces and parts, you won’t find many better! CE: 16 BW: -0.3 WW: 73 YW: 128 $W: 76 $B: 167
Home Town
7AN580 HOME TOWN | 19266718 | Ashland x SURE FIRE This moderately framed youngster is one of our top sellers. He offers incredible figures for Calving Ease, growth and carcass merit, and is a standout for shape, soundness, Docility and good looks! CE: 16 BW: -0.6 WW: 68 YW: 127 $W: 77 $B: 223
Marvel
7AN618 MARVEL | 19566408 | Blacklist x McKinley MARVEL was one of the most talked about bulls in The Yards at the 2020 National Western Stock Show. He offers a flawless design which blends into a tremendous rib shape, extra body, added dimension and structural soundness. CE: 9 BW: 1.6 WW: 87 YW: 157 $W: 86 $B: 168
CONTACT YOUR LOCAL REPRESENTATIVE TO ORDER!
Select Sires MidAmerica | Stan Grobosky, (309)749-7788, sgrobosky@ssmidamerica.com www.illinoisbeef.com
March/April 2021 - Illinois Beef
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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 Castra tion m of antibiotics has been lowered though better ade ea sy! 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 COMPRESS IBA office staff and Illinois Beef Expo board did a ION ANALG ESIA 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 ade In USA M nders.com gearing up for summer grilling promotions. It is CallicrateBa 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 Built-in Cutter Tensioned Loop Since 1991 our beef is safe and healthy. Be proud of what you Self-locking Loop for Newborns do and of the product you raise. 785-332-3344 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!
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Illinois Beef - March/April 2021
www.illinoisbeef.com
www.illinoisbeef.com
March/April 2021 - Illinois Beef
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Executive Edge Josh St. Peters, Illinois Beef Association Executive Vice President The Illinois cattle industry thrives on a network of more than 16,000 hard-working beef producers – a close-knit collective of families, friends and neighbors who all share a purpose in one of the most challenging and rewarding businesses I have come across. As I begin my work as Executive Vice President here at Illinois Beef Association, I am both humbled and honored by the opportunity to help direct the work advocating on behalf of each member of this patchwork. I appreciate this position as both a privilege and a challenge, working to bolster support for Illinois’ beef and for the people who produce it. Thank you to all of you who have reached out in recent weeks, during my first days on the job. I have enjoyed the chance to connect, by phone and by e-mail, and even in-person at the Expo events in Macomb and Peoria. Your support and input have been appreciated, as I forge ahead with our board leaders and staff on this journey to grow Illinois’ beef industry organization. While at the recent Expo sales in western Illinois, I was able to connect with a number of our accomplished seedstock producers from across the state. A little further in your reading of this issue, you can see the results of their efforts (with added thanks to a tremendous turnout of top-notch buyers). If you had the chance to see these sales in-person or online, it was a great reminder of how our industry can come together when facing adversity. Over the last year we have certainly learned that a pandemic can do a lot to impact society, but it could not stop some of our state’s best cattlemen from putting together a pair of stellar sales. Thank you to the Lowderman family and their staff for the exceptional hospitality at the Illinois Beef Expo sales, as well. Their facility offered a great site for these sales and made it possible for the traditions of the Illinois Performance Tested Bull Sale and the Mid-America Simmental Sale to continue in 2021. Speaking of changes we successfully navigated, congratulations to all of the exhibitors at our recent Illinois Beef Expo junior shows in Peoria. The families who presented cattle put on a wonderful display of one aspect that makes our industry so exciting: it’s our future. We had hundreds of youth from across the state, and even outside of Illinois this year, who exhibited during our Saturday and Sunday show at the Expo Gardens. The showmanship of this group is always stellar, but I am always amazed by how well our young people represent us at this event. As a parent of three junior members myself, I am so proud of the future producers and advocates we are developing through Illinois’ investments in our youth programs. You will see coverage of the shows, with photos and results, in our next issue of Illinois Beef magazine. Printing deadlines complicated our ability to get it all into this magazine, but you can also go online to our social media 8
Illinois Beef - March/April 2021
pages and the IBA website for more details. This junior show was another example of people coming together to make sure that our kids would still be able to have a great event despite the social challenges, and they were certainly successful. I would like to commend the Illinois Beef Expo board of directors for all of the time spent planning for this event; behind the scenes they did a tremendous amount of work to make the junior shows possible this year. Three colleagues also went above-and-beyond to coordinate, setup and direct the show and tradeshow in Peoria: Ashley Beutke, Cori Malone and Mareah Volk put in a lot of hours to plan and prepare, and their work was key to successfully moving this year’s show from the Illinois State Fairground in Springfield to the 2021 site in Peoria. These ladies are true professionals at how they pull together to work, and their efforts should be celebrated. All of our February and March events have certainly made for an exciting time to get started in the role, but I have appreciated the chance to connect with so many of you through the sales and shows and I look forward to spending more time across the state at other events, with our regional affiliates or in your counties or even on your operations. Please reach out when there is an opportunity for IBA to be present in your community; I am eager to be out with our membership, and the rest of the staff is willing to lend their support in whatever way they can, too. As I have reflected on these early days out with members, the conversations have centered around the legacy of the Association, and the important role we play in representing such a diverse group of interests within the industry. I have shared with the board and the staff the vision I maintain that we have a big tent to hold up, and there is room for everyone in Illinois’ cattle industry under here. Planning for the months ahead, I am working with our leaders on both the promotion and policy division boards to ensure our programming meets the needs of everyone in the business. I have also been working with the staff to understand their individual jobs, and how they can continue their teamwork to deliver on the objectives of our mission. This work centers around five approaches that I think can bring strong results for us in the cattle industry, and across all of Illinois agriculture. At IBA, I want our team to excel at these efforts in how we represent our membership: Be clear in our communication. Advocacy is at the heart of why we are here, and that requires precision in how we tell the beef story – to consumers, to policy makers, and among our own shared interests. We need to be constantly communicating among these groups, but we need to do it in
www.illinoisbeef.com
a way that is additive and beneficial, and if we are clearer in our message, I think we can achieve stronger results for Illinois’ beef producers. Be humble in our achievements. When we have successes, we need to celebrate them with humility. We are blessed with significant resources in our industry that allow us to reach great potential. Across our network of members and constituents, there is a common fiber of down-to-earth people that I am grateful to work for. I believe this ability to remain humble is key as we work together, and especially valuable as we work outside of our industry with people who are developing an understanding of what we are and who we represent. Be supportive in our engagement. This approach is especially critical in a broad industry like Illinois’ agriculture. We need stronger ties and connectivity among the state’s farming community – livestock production and otherwise. To achieve greater success, I aspire for us to grow our engagements with other groups across the industry, by extending more support and investing ourselves into the efforts that help all of agriculture, especially where beef can benefit. With the belief that a rising tide will lift all boats, I see these engagement opportunities as important in strengthening our voice in Springfield and across the state. Be helpful in our feedback. We are fortunate to have so much expertise among our ranks; we are home to cattlemen with decades of experience, men and women who bring careers of technical experience and beef producers who have achieved some of the highest honors in this business, and through this experience comes great knowledge. As we advocate and share insights, I am focused on approaching challenges with helpful feedback. I believe solution-oriented thinking yields stronger results and will give us more wins along the way. Be focused in our goals. Since beginning the job on
www.illinoisbeef.com
March 1, I have been committed to bringing together our resources to showcase the value and character of Illinois’ beef industry. From a promotion standpoint, we need to continue targeting the consumer segments that will bring the strongest opportunities for increased consumption. There are new campaigns under development currently, and I am excited for the communications efforts we will be able to roll out in the months ahead. Continuing this focus is critical for Illinois. On a policy front, it has been a very unique legislative session thus far, as we are working with Illinois’ elected officials almost exclusively via the computer. I have been fortunate in these early days to connect with so many of our legislative friends – members of the House and Senate who know us and know our story. But I am putting a focus on connecting us with people who do not necessarily understand the value our industry brings to Illinois’ economy. I have had the chance to connect with the Governor and the new Speaker of the House, for example, and I look forward to continuing advocacy in Springfield to raise awareness about our objectives and how we will be a strong presence in the policy process in the weeks and months ahead. Here at IBA, you have a team working together on these programs and objectives. Please reach out and share your feedback and input on what we can be doing as a team to bring more value to you and your value through IBA. The involvement of each of you in this Association is crucial, as we work to build demand for beef while promoting the freedom to operate for each producer across the state. I am excited to be here in support of our great network of members and welcome the chance to connect with each of you as you have time to catch up. My contact at the office is josh@illinoisbeef.com or (217) 787-4280 and if I am on the road, you can call or text me via (217) 282-0250.
March/April 2021 - Illinois Beef
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Extension Update Travis Meteer, University of Illinois Extension Beef Specialist
Opportunity Accompanies Challenge and Change Here we are. A year has passed since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Maneuvering changes on the farm and in everyday life has become the new normal. As we go forward, there is no doubt in my mind that more hurdles will appear along our path. Preparing to handle challenge and weather storms will yield opportunity. I challenge you to think about ways to make your farm or cattle operation more adaptable, more flexible and more financially resilient. I have the unique opportunity to provide consultation to many cattle producers in Illinois and the Midwest. Here are some considerations that many progressive producers are taking seriously. Soil health. It all starts with the soil. Healthy soil grows healthy plants that feed healthy animals. More evidence is showing that the secret to building healthy soil is livestock. Adaptive high-stock density grazing, balancing soil minerals and pH, removing compaction, increasing water infiltration, and establishing a diverse plant population are all important crucial parts of rejuvenating soil. Although greatly dependent on policy, improving soil and carbon capture will likely become income opportunities for farmers. Crop residues. Utilizing crop aftermath is a no-brainer. Limitations are usually fence and water, however this could be a very good return on investment to better utilize your land. Water and fence infrastructure can also be used to incorporate cover crop grazing. Even baling crop residues has a place. Crop residues can be a component of a balanced ration. Baled cornstalks is likely your most economical bedding option.
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Illinois Beef - March/April 2021
Better grazing. Rotational grazing is a good start. Anything to allow plants proper recovery time will increase production and resiliency in your pastures. Many pastures are setstocked and they are overstocked. Let’s be honest, some Illinois pastures are glorified holding pens. We need to be better than this. Manage the grass. Managing the plants will improve animal performance and animal health while reducing costs. Summer cow feeding. Normally this is a sign of drought or overstocked pastures. But what if you remove cows from cool season pastures in the middle of summer to feed hay or even a TMR? This could coincide with fenceline weaning or a low-stress weaning of calves. Shade and water need to be well thought-out, but many Illinois cattle producers have facilities to do this. Hay is more available, not as degraded from outside storage, and by-product feeds are generally more of a buy in the summer. Removing cows from pastures could allow for rest, plant recovery, and even a good stockpile period. This stockpiled forage can be grazed with less harm to the plants after they go into dormancy. Direct Marketing. Some of the biggest smiles on cattle producer’s faces in 2020 were when they were talking about selling freezer beef. The pandemic and short supplies on shelves forced this. However, there is certainly opportunity in the area of direct-to-consumer. Is this something your farm can expand without much effort? If so, getting closer to the consumer can allow for more value capture as packers continue to use their leverage to take big profits.
www.illinoisbeef.com
Reduce hay feeding. Yes just two paragraphs up I talk about feeding cows in the summer. But the main goal of that practice would be to rest pastures and facilitate low-stress weaning. Let’s be honest… higher commodity prices will force more hay ground to row crop production, so decent hay will get more expensive. Ultimately, reducing hay feeding is correlated to increased profits. Better grazing management, proper stocking rates, and timely supplementation are all ways to reduce hay feeding and boost profit potential. Alternative feeds need to be investigated. Cover crops, local buys, waste-stream products are all opportunities. I have seen innovative farmers figure out how to incorporate candy, bread, nuts, cookies, vegetable waste, screenings and off-spec feeds with the help of their nutritionist. Cattle are up-cyclers! Consolidate and reduce equipment. Overhead costs can eat up all the profit potential on small beef farms. Far too often, off-farm jobs are subsidizing a losing effort of small farms. Sure the lifestyle if desired by many, but no matter size, reductions in overhead costs will build farm resiliency. Are there opportunities to reduce equipment by purchasing hay or better using acreage for grazing instead of haying? Can you borrow equipment instead of own it? Can you consolidate to only essential equipment to reduce cost and improve reliability? Think about ways to diversify use of equipment to spread the overhead over more business entities. Reduce Labor. The two biggest labor requirements are generally winter calving and hay making. Buying forages and calving on green grass can be potential solutions. Custom grazing instead of cow/calf ownership can reduce risk, capital needs and be a ‘growing season cow business.” This can eliminate the stresses of winter feeding and need for volumes of stored feeds. On the “out-there” thought process, we have seen the dairy industry largely adopt robot milkers. As technology improves and costs moderate, I think we will see more use in the beef cattle industry. Drones, cameras, sensors for movement and body temperature are already being used. I can’t wait to see a “Roomba-like” robot that cleans cattle pens! Better record keeping. You can’t manage what you don’t measure. Record output and input. Make an effort to calculate pounds weaned per cow exposed, pounds weaned per acre, purchased feed costs, and replacement rate. These measures can help give insight to herd fertility, land productivity and replacement costs. Documenting cows that need calving assistance, bad udders, lameness issues and attitude problems is always important. Culling problems is most always profitable. The harder you cull a cowherd for problems, the less you eventually have to do it. Stockmanship. It doesn’t cost much to learn how to be a better stockman. Observing animals properly can be the best return on investment. Understanding animal behavior can lead to better animal handling, use of timely supplementation, better animal health, lower death loss and ultimately a more satisfying feeling when owning livestock. All in all, managing livestock and working with Mother Nature will always be challenging. With challenge comes opportunity. Look for the opportunity on your farm. Make sure that opportunity matches your business and personal goals. Align that opportunity to build more resiliency and adaptability to your cattle operation. www.illinoisbeef.com
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March/April 2021 - Illinois Beef
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Gate Cuts Paul Walker, DI Walker Consulting
Innovative Diets for Beef Cows
the farm, serving on a student committee, etc. My list of students is quite long, but I do have a short list of “most impressive”. On that short list is Ryan Schlipf. Ryan has made a lasting impression because he is a great livestock man, because of his ability to think outside the box and to be creative, and his willingness to seek out advice and try something new. For those of you who knew his grandfather, Ryan probably gets this talent from Loren. This creativity is especially true when it comes to diet balancing and creating rations for beef cows and sale calves. Ryan has figured out how to utilize a new technology big round baler, a vertical tub grinder-mixer, low quality forages and grain co-products to create low-cost balanced diets for Tree Lane Farms’ beef cows. One such diet is listed as Diet 1.
Over the years there have been numerous inventions that have had a positive effect on the cattle industry. If one were to create a list of the developments, the list might be very long. Two of the inventions that I consider having had the greatest effect on beef cattle feeding and nutrition are the big round baler that was adopted by cow-calf producers in the very early 1970’s and the vertical tub grinder-mixer that came on the scene in the early 2000’s. These two pieces of equipment have allowed cow-calf producers to utilize by-product feeds of all kinds, hays and alternative feed stuffs to create innovative, lower cost diets and total mixed rations (TMR’s). In that vein, I share the fact that over my four decades as a professor there were some students that impressed me more than others. These students were willing to utilize their talents to do whatever it took to do a job correctly whether it was studying, completing an assignment, working cattle at
DIET 1: BEEF COW DIET ONE (THIRD TRIMESTER) Feedstuff
Amt. Mixed lb.
As Fed Diet %
Est. DM %
Diet DM %
DM ME Mcal:lb
DM CP %
Corn stalks
1200
27.3
50
28.6
0.82
6.6
Soybean Stubble
1200
27.3
60
34.3
0.69
5.2
Corn Silage
1200
27.3
35
20.0
1.52
8.1
800
18.1
45
17.1
1.36
25.6
4400
100.0
48
100.0
0.83
8.3
Corn Gluten (modified wet) Total Bred Cow Reg
ME Mcal:d
CP lb:d
21.5
1.9
ME Mcal:d
CP lb:d
21.5
1.9
Bred Cow Intake to Meet Req. - DM Req./d =23 lb. or 1.6%BW - As Fed Req/d = 48 lb. or 3.4%BW
DIET 2: BEEF COW DIET TWO (THIRD TRIMESTER) Feedstuff
Amt. Mixed As Fed Diet lb. %
Est. DM %
Diet DM %
DM ME Mcal:lb
DM CP %
Corn stalks
1200
27.3
50
24.8
0.82
6.6
Soybean Stubble
1200
27.3
60
29.8
0.69
5.2
Cereal Ryelage
2000
45.8
55
45.4
1.14
15.9
Total
4400
100.0
55
100.0
0.93
10.4
Bred Cow Reg. Cow Intake to Meet Reg. - DM Req/d = 23 lb. or 1.6% BW to meet ME and overfeeds CP 26% - As Fed Req/d = 42 lb. or 3.0% BW
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Illinois Beef - March/April 2021
www.illinoisbeef.com
Diet 1 requires 23 lbs. of DM or 48 lbs. of total mixed ration (as fed basis) to feed the cow per day. This is a very economical diet to feed dry cows without feeding hay. This diet allows Ryan to utilize his hay for other cattle or to sell hay as an additional income. Diet 2 is a diet Ryan is considering for 2021. Ryan has sown cereal rye following grain harvest that can be chopped and bagged as ryelage or harvested as baleage (high moisture rye hay) and wrapped this spring. The advantage of Diet 2 is that no off-farm energy or CP feedstuffs (such as corn gluten) must be purchased. Diet 2 utilizes home grown feedstuffs to supply both CP and energy. Diet 2 does overfeed CP by 26%. One could balance the diet to exactly meet CP and ME requirements, but a perfectly balanced diet would decrease the percent ryelage and increase either corn stalks or soybean stubble in the diet, creating a diet the cows may not eat. Over feeding CP a little may be the most practical diet when
utilizing low quality forages in terms of both economics and diet acceptability (palatability). Ryan may modify these diets, as they were balanced using NRC estimates. Ryan has collected feedstuff samples for laboratory analysis. Relying on NRC estimated nutrient compositions is not reliable when using low quality farm grown feedstuffs. Laboratory analyses are a must do. Developing diets and TMR’s with by-product feeds and lower quality forages is both an art and a science. A little trial and error are usually needed. The old saying of “the eye of the master fattens the cattle” is never truer than when one utilizes lower quality forages and by-product feedstuffs. Abbreviations: DM = dry matter CP = crude protein Mcal = megacalories ME = metabolizable energy lb. = pound
d = day Reg, = requirement BW = body weight Est. = estimated TMR = total mixed ration
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In the Know Kansas Cattleman and Veteran Jerry Bohn Becomes New NCBA President The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) today concluded its virtual Winter Business Meeting with the election of Jerry Bohn, a cattle producer from Wichita, Kan., as NCBA president. Bohn, a retired Lieutenant Colonel in the U.S. Army Reserves, has been a part of the cattle industry his entire life. Bohn has had an expansive career in the cattle industry since his early days of custom grazing cattle with his family in Flint Hills, to his time on Kansas State University’s award-winning livestock judging team, and eventually serving 34 years as the manager of Pratt Feeders, a commercial cattle feeding operation in his home state of Kansas. He has also dedicated his time as a leader for several state-level associations, using his expertise and experiences to mentor the next generation of industry advocates. “As I look forward to this year as NCBA president, I have immense pride for the cattle industry and our dues-paying members that help to make this the leading cattle organization representing U.S. producers,” said Bohn. “Becoming president is my greatest honor and opportunity to give back to the industry that made me who I am today and for that I am forever grateful.” Bohn’s term as president along with a new officer team was approved by NCBA’s board of directors. Don Schiefelbein of Minnesota was named president-elect, Todd Wilkinson of South Dakota was elected vice president. Wyoming rancher Mark Eisele was elected chair of the NCBA Policy Division and Nebraska cattle producer Buck Wehrbein was elected policy vice chair. Clay Burtrum of Oklahoma and Brad Hastings of Texas were elected as chair and vice chair of the NCBA Federation Division, respectively. “I have heard quite a few producers in the past year say if you want to get something done in Washington, D.C. in agriculture, you better do it with the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, or it is not going to get done. This is the greatest testament to the grassroots power of our members and state affiliates. It is why I am so proud to represent NCBA as President and it is the reason I get up every day, ready to fight for the American producer.”
Representative Welch Elected Speaker of the House State Rep. Emanuel “Chris” Welch was elected Jan. 13 as the new Illinois House speaker, becoming the first Black legislator in the state’s history to hold the leadership post. Since 2013, he has represented the 7th District of Illinois, which covers several western suburbs of Chicago, including his hometown of Hillside. “Today will be the last time I talk about us as Democrats or Republicans because I want to talk about us being united. We’re going to work together to move this state forward,” said Welch, who replaces Michael Madigan, whose speakership spanned almost 40 years. Welch has acknowledged the toll the COVID-19 pandemic has taken on families, education, and small businesses across the state and vows to help rebuild Illinois. “I am honored to be called upon my colleagues from the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus to put my name in for consideration,” said Welch. “This historic moment in Illinois and across the country calls for new representation and unity of democratic beliefs. I want to thank Speaker Madigan for his leadership - it has been a challenging year for us all but I am grateful for his commitment to serving the public.” Checkoff committee Chairman, Scott Wetzell, was able to meet Welch through Illinois Farm Bureau’s “Adopt a Legislator” program. Welch toured beef and crop farms around Whiteside County. “He has been very receptive to ag,” said Wetzell. “I know he has been on beef farms and really wants to know how things work. He was not just standing on a tour, he wanted to be involved.” 14
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NCBA Works to Improve Business Climate for Cattle Producers with 2021 Policy Priorities The executive committee of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) has approved the organization’s top 2021 policy priorities with a continued focus on advocating for a business climate that increases opportunities for producer profitability. “There is no doubt the past year has been difficult for cattle producers and it’s crucial that we work to implement sound policy and focus our attention on the legislative and regulatory areas that will give U.S. cattle producers the most added value,” said NCBA President Jerry Bohn. “I am looking forward to collaborating with volunteer leadership, state affiliates and stakeholders across the country to tackle the most pressing issues facing our industry.” NCBA’s policy priorities for the coming year demonstrate several pressing issues facing farmers and ranchers, including: • Price discovery and transparency in cattle markets is a concern for NCBA members and is a priority for the organization along with ongoing COVID-19 recovery efforts. • NCBA will continue to ensure that all alternative plant-based or cell-grown protein products are labeled truthfully and their ingredients are fully represented. • NCBA is committed to protecting those in the cattle industry while strengthening the beef supply chain to meet the growing demand for U.S. beef. The removal of non-tariff barriers to increase worldwide markets for U.S. beef will also remain a priority for the organization. • NCBA remains committed to working closely with Congress and the Biden Administration to emphasize the U.S. cattle industry is the global model for sustainable beef production and its commitment to environmental stewardship, along with engaging on the regulatory policies, including the Navigable Waters Protection Rule (NWPR) and the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), that promote stability and continuity for cattle producers that face uncertainty every day. “This framework of policy priorities is one of the most important documents approved each year. It provides direction to our staff guidance for meeting the needs of our members. The focus on improving the business climate for producers hits especially close to home for me, because I was born into the cattle business and I want to do my part, defending our industry and legacy – not just for the multi-generational producers but also newer producers that might only have a few calving seasons or sale barn trips under their belts.”
Joyce Named Chair of Senate Agriculture Committee State Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Essex) will serve as chair of the Senate Agriculture Committee in the 102nd General Assembly. “As a fourth-generation farmer, I am honored to chair the Senate Agriculture Committee,” Joyce said. “I’ve seen firsthand the issues and concerns facing the farming community, and I look forward to leading the committee to make sure our farmers’ best interests are kept in mind.” During these challenging times for farms, ranches and rural communities throughout the state, Joyce vows to be a strong representative to address critical matters affecting Illinois’ food supply chain. He intends to work hand in hand with the leaders of the state’s agricultural industries. “Agriculture is a vital industry in my district and the state of Illinois,” Joyce said. “I will strive to improve resources and supports for the Illinoisans who work tirelessly to put food on our tables.” Joyce served as a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee in the 101st General Assembly.
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Illinois Beef Association’s position on live cattle marketing and price transparency policies
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n recent weeks, we have had members and leaders reaching out to better understand where IBA stands on the critical issues tied to live cattle marketing policies in our state and across the country. We have printed our formal policy positions here today, to clarify any misrepresentations you may have seen portrayed in media coverage or through uninformed commentary from people outside of the beef industry. We are heavily invested in this discussion at the state and national level, and the topics of live cattle marketing policies and increased transparency in the marketplace are a priority for our leadership and staff. We have been working for more than a year to drive stronger resolutions within the National
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Cattlemen’s Beef Association policy efforts, and this work has yielded pending federal legislation in the Cattle Market Transparency Act which was reintroduced by Sen. Deb Fischer the first week of March. Please reach out with your input and questions to our policy directors, to the executive committee and to our EVP. IBA is here to advocate on behalf of our members, as this policy area of market transparency will continue to be a critical focus for us throughout 2021. On the topic of Price Discovery, WHEREAS, increased marketing of fed cattle on a formula basis has led to a decrease in negotiated trade and reduced price discovery in the cattle industry; and WHEREAS, lack of price discovery is detrimental to all cattle market participants; and WHEREAS, all fed cattle producers have a shared incentive to maintain an efficient price discovery process that determines fair market value; and WHEREAS, value-based marketing has paid dividends to the cattle industry in the form of efficiency and increased product demand; and WHEREAS, requiring packers to buy a specific percentage of cattle through negotiated trade without respect for differing geographical regions could dramatically disrupt the current marketing process and have costly impacts to the cattle industry; THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED the Illinois Beef Association supports:
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1. A solution that would compel the regular participation of all major packers in the negotiated cash market with cash trade minimums that reflect the volumes needed in different geographical regions to achieve robust price discovery, and 2. The development of centralized marketing methods such as the Fed Cattle Exchange and marketing cooperatives that would provide orderly negotiated trade and additional transparency; and 3. A centralized industry reporting system that reports negotiated trade in real-time and is accessible to the public without limiting access to data through subscription or membership; and 4. Inclusion of negotiated “bid the grid” sales into the price reporting negotiated category; and 5. Collaboration with other state and national cattle organizations and top cattle industry economists to ensure that any comprehensive price discovery solutions brought forward and implemented do not result in unintended consequences. 6. Mandate all major packers daily report the value of all formula sales on a per-CWT-basis. On the topic of Livestock Marketing Reporting, WHEREAS, cattle producer access to transparent, timely, and comprehensive livestock market reports provides an important information resource and contributes to price discovery; and WHEREAS, the Livestock Mandatory Reporting Act was passed to substantially increase the volume of industry sales transactions covered by the United States Department
of Agriculture’s (USDA) market reports and thus encourage competition in the industry; and WHEREAS, the Livestock Mandatory Reporting Act is required to be reauthorized every five years; and THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Illinois Beef Association supports the Livestock Mandatory Reporting Act and its reauthorization. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, the Illinois Beef Association supports revisions to improve livestock market reporting including, but not limited to, providing greater data detail, improving timeliness, increasing accuracy, and eliminating confidentiality requirements. On the topic of USDA Livestock Mandatory Reporting (LMR) Regions, WHEREAS, the USDA Livestock Mandatory Reporting (LMR) regional fed cattle price and volume reports serve an important function in providing fed cattle market transparency; and WHEREAS, the current 5-area reporting regions reflect the five main fed cattle market regions (the Texas Panhandle, western Kansas, eastern Colorado, Nebraska and the Western Corn Belt); and WHEREAS, USDA AMS published a study in 2019 that recommends combining Illinois and South Dakota with the current Iowa and Minnesota reporting region to create an IA/ MN/IL/SD regional market; THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, the Illinois Beef Association supports inclusion of Illinois into an LMR region to increase transparency and specificity of data reported.
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Soy nutrition is a vital component for all Illinois livestock. That’s why Illinois Soybean Association is proud to partner with other organizations in support of livestock expansion efforts across the state, supporting beef cattle producers as they work to improve farms, grow animal agriculture, and meet global demand with homegrown solutions.
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Scholarship Winners The Illinois Beef Foundation is pleased to announce the 2021 scholarship recipients. The Foundation recognizes the incredible talent of young, beef industry enthusiasts and helps them achieve their educational goals. Recipents will receive a $1,000 scholarship. Sheridan Hank Sheridan Hank is the daughter of Jeff and Trisha Hank of Aledo. She is a member of the Lake Land College Livestock Judging Team and was named to the Illinois State 4-H Livestock Judging Team. She is a former 4-H and FFA President and has been showing cattle since she was seven years old. She is a freshman at Lake Land College as an agriculture-transfer student. Iowa State University or Texas A&M will be next, where she will major in ag business/pre-law with an emphasis in agriculture taxation. The final step will be law achool, with the ultimate goal of opening her own rural, agriculture-focused law office in her hometown.
Eric Schafer Eric Schafer is the son of Aaron and Sue Shafer of Owaneco. He is actively involved on his family’s row crop and Angus cattle farm, Schafer Stock Farm. Eric has served on the Illinois Junior Angus Association board, Illinois Junior Beef Association board, participated in the Royal Highland Beef Judging Contest in Scotland and was part of the International Student Livestock Exchange Program. Eric is a freshman at Butler Community College studying agribusiness and remaining active on the livestock judging team. After Butler he plans to continue his education at a major university and eventually attend law school to lobby on behalf of the ag industry. Katelyn Engel Katelyn Engel is the daughter of Kevin and Lori Engel of Galesburg. She grew up on her family farm raising purebred Angus cattle and growing crops. She has been involved in her local 4-H and FFA where she has had opportunities to become more involved in the beef industry. Through 4-H, Katelyn has been involved in Federation, livestock judging and the Illinois State Livestock Ambassador Team. Katelyn plans to attend the University of Illinois in Urbana Champaign and major in agricultural communications and minor in animal science. She hopes to pursue a career in agricultural journalism or agricultural broadcasting and continue to own a cattle herd.
Emily Brooks Emily Brooks is the daughter of Jeff and Shelley Brooks of Prophetstown. She is highly involved in the agriculture industry at her high school. Emily is the 5th generation on her family’s farm and shows Angus cattle nationally. She has held numerous leadership positions as an active member of the Illinois Junior Angus Association, Prophetstown Lyndon Tampico FFA, National Honor Society, the EP Panther Varsity Volleyball Team, and her local 4-H club while maintaining academic excellence. Emily plans to attend University of Illinois and major in agricultural and consumer economics. www.illinoisbeef.com
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Illinois Beef Expo Hosts 2021 Seedstock Sales Seedstock breeders consigned cattle to two different sales during the Illinois Beef Expo Feb. 25-26 at Lowderman Auction Company in Macomb. Cattle enthusiasts from throughout the Midwest had the opportunity to purchase leading genetics from some of Illinois’ most accomplished breeders. IPT Bull Sale Intense demand and high-caliber performance genetics pushed the 2021 Illinois Performance Tested Bull Sale to its second-highest average in 53 years, with 34 lots of Angus, Simmental, and Polled Hereford bulls averaging $4,396. The sale, managed by Travis Meteer, University of Illinois Extension commercial ag educator, was held Feb. 25 at the Lowderman Auction Facility near Macomb. Kramer Angus of Farina sold the highest-indexing and top-selling bull of the sale. The bull, Kramers G Fund 008, sold for $9,100 to Graham Angus of Pearl. Rincker Simmentals of Shelbyville sold the second-highest bull, a Simmental, for $8,000 to Witley McKinney of Neoga. Murphy Genetics of Illiopolis sold an Angus yearling bull for $6,000 to Dean Nelson, Oneida. The top-selling senior Simmental bull was offered by Rhode Brothers and sold $6,000 to Thomas Farms of Pittsfield. “This sale continues to be one of the best sources for total performance genetics in the Midwest,” says Meteer. “During the past 53 years, the sale has sold 4,859 bulls valued at over 9 million dollars.” Producers interested in viewing a breakdown of all the prices may visit the IPT Bull Sale website at www. IPTBullSale.com. Seedstock breeders interested in consigning to the 2022 sale may contact Travis Meteer at 217-430-7030 or email wmeteer2@illinois.edu to request a copy of the rules and regulation and nomination form. Nominations need to be made by Dec.15, 2021, for the 2022 sale. Sponsorship for the sale is provided by Illinois Extension, Illinois Department of Animal Sciences, and the consigning breeders, with additional industry support from Vita-Ferm, ABS, Boehringer-Ingelheim, Zoetis 50K, Dearwester Grain, 20
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Illinois Angus Association, and Illinois Simmental Association. Mid America Simmental Sale Cattlemen and women from across the state gathered in Macomb for the 2021 MidAmerica Simmental Sale. The sale totaled 41 lots from 23 consignors selling to 10 different states. The sale, managed by DP Sales Management, LLC and hosted by the Illinois Simmental Association, was held Feb. 26 at Lowderman Auction Facility in Macomb. The top selling lot was three sexed heifer embryos from Richie Farms and Johnson Cattle Co. The embryos, K-Ler/ RC Miss Hoya Saxa, sold for $6,900 to Adkins Show Cattle in Illinois. “The enthusiasm of the consignors and all involved was maybe at all-time high,” said Doug Parke of DP Sales Management, LLC. “The challenges we have all endured over the past year have made us all come together as a team and we all realize how blessed we are in the beef industry and agriculture.” Breezeway and Boyer Simmentals sold the highest bred female for $5,750 to Cedar Lane Cattle of Tennessee. Loschen Farms sold the top-selling pregnant female for $5,100 to Healy Simmentals of South Dakota. The highest open female was from Bar QH Simmentals and sold for $4,000 to Joseph Wadlow of Illinois. The top-selling bull was from Schick Haefner Cattle Co. and sold for $4,000 to Roger Smith of Illinois. “The Simmental breed continues to flourish in many ways providing show prospects to juniors, raising seedstock or producing bulls for our commercial customers,” said Parke. “We know in the end our business is providing beef for the consumers. The future looks bright for the Simmental breed and all segments of the beef industry.” Producers interested in viewing the sale report may visit the DP Sales Management, LLC website at www. parkelivestock.com. Seedstock breeders interested in consigning to the 2022 sale may contact Doug and Debbie Parke at 859-987-5758 or email office@dpsalesllc.com.
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Are Are You You Foreign Foreign Animal Animal Disease Disease Outbreak Outbreak Ready? Ready? Animal health experts say it is not a matter of if, but when a foreign animal disease will impact the United States beef industry. by Barb Baylor Anderson
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oreign animal diseases (FADs) – including foot-andmouth disease (FMD), the most likely to impact beef producers – is expected to enter the United States at some point. The beef industry needs to be prepared. “FMD is the most contagious disease in ruminant animals and could be a bigger disaster than COVID-19 with humans,” says Danelle Bickett-Weddle, lead public health veterinarian for the Center for Food Security/Public Health at Iowa State University. She notes that two-thirds of countries worldwide have identified FMD within their borders. “Immediate cattle movement restrictions would affect food availability, animal welfare and producer economic viability.” USDA defines a FAD as “an important, transmissible livestock or poultry disease believed to be absent from the United States and its territories that has a potential significant health or economic impact.” For example, the 2014–15 highly pathogenic avian influenza FAD outbreak in the United States cost $850 million in indemnity payments and response activities. 22
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The Foreign Animal Disease Preparedness and Response Plan (FADPReP)/ National Animal Health Emergency Management System (NAHEMS) Guidelines say the economic impact of a FAD outbreak would be felt through lost international trade and disruptions in domestic trade, as well as from eradication costs that would include depopulation, indemnity, disposal and virus elimination. Additional direct and indirect costs would stem from lost production and related business and unemployment, not to mention the social and psychological toll on beef producers. Elliott Dennis, University of Nebraska Extension livestock marketing specialist, explains than an FMD outbreak in the U.S. would classify the country as “FMD-endemic.” That means U.S. beef exports could only be sent into other “FMD-endemic” countries. As it stands right now, many of the major U.S. beef export markets would be closed off since they are not FMD-endemic. “In other words, producers would lose more since FMDendemic countries would not be willing to pay premiums for
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U.S. grain-finished products, further suppressing price,” says Dennis. He cites a research study that estimates under a “best case” scenario, where cattle are vaccinated to live, 50 herds are vaccinated after 22 days and 10 herds are infected before vaccination occurs, all within a 25-mile vaccination radius, it would cost beef producers $33 billion dollars. “We have been fortunate so far in dodging huge economic impacts. But pathogens are out there looking for a lapse in biosecurity. It is better to be prepared than to be afraid. You need to know how to respond to be resilient, stay in business and protect the industry,” says Yvette J. JohnsonWalker, epidemiologist with the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine and affiliate faculty member at the University of Illinois Chicago School of Public Health. “It is not if, but when, given the mobility of people and livestock. An outbreak of FMD will happen.” Many Elements to Industry Response Generally speaking, the beef industry must prepare for a complex balance of detect, control and contain tactics to maintain industry viability. Bickett-Weddle says that would mean having plans in place for stopping cattle movement, stamping out infected animals to get ahead of the disease and having biosecurity measures in place. “If FMD is diagnosed in the U.S., there would need to be a standstill in movement for 72 hours,” she says. “We would need to set up control areas around infected farms, prevent further exposure and secure a feed supply in the control area for animals that are not infected.” Much like the airplanes grounded after 9-11, BickettWeddle says packer, processor and auction sales activity would come to an immediate halt. Any cattle movement would be by permit only, depending on risk. Trade partners would be informed of the disease and the U.S. would have to quickly demonstrate outbreak control for the public. Producers might require an operational permit for feed and a continuity of business permit to move cattle into the supply chain. “Trace back and trace forward with two incubations, 14 days each, and prior to an outbreak, would be needed,” she says. “As with COVID-19, there will be some asymptomatic animals.” Johnson-Walker says other challenges would present during an outbreak. For example, the U.S. has seen what an unanticipated shortage of testing swabs meant to COVID-19 response. “While it is easier to restrict livestock than people, COVID-19 has shown us that bottlenecks can occur. No matter how prepared you are, supply chain problems or a shortage of experts to help depopulate or vaccinate can happen,” she says. “USDA is prepared to trace animal movements, but cattle are transported across state lines and every state has its own set of restrictions.” Johnson-Walker adds that since FMD is easily transmissible to pigs, sheep and goats, an outbreak could become even larger. “Our approach has to be for all livestock while we also monitor African swine fever, a new bird flu and the next new thing we don’t know about yet.” www.illinoisbeef.com
(217) 824-2815 stephenstrailers@yahoo.com www.stephenstrailers.com
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Individual Farm Action a Necessity Johnson-Walker says individual farm disaster planning is just the same for a FAD as it is for a power outage, flood or other climate change-driven weather disaster. The same skill set is used to determine what resources are needed and to plan for things to go wrong. Several layers of preparedness are paramount, and Johnson-Walker suggests starting with a review of available resources. An online Federal Emergency Management Association (FEMA) course provides an overview of how to handle animals during disasters. Another resource recommended by Bickett-Weddle is securebeef.org. The website provides a continuity of business plan and several related tools for producers and others in the industry. “Make contingency plans now for movement restrictions,” she says. “Increase your awareness of FMD and educate your employees about disease symptoms. The same is true of biosecurity practices. Make sure employees understand why they’re important, not just that they have to follow them. COVID-19 is a practice run. Take a page from the book and apply it.”
Bickett-Weddle adds that producers should get a premises ID from their state. If one is already in place, make sure it matches where animals actually reside. She also advises setting up a line of separation – a boundary to protect the animals from exposure. “Just like a moat around a castle protects the castle and a drawbridge controls what comes in and out, producers should have a line of separation and be prepared to clean and disinfect anything that comes across it in an outbreak,” she says. “It can be 2-4 days before you see any clinical signs of disease with FMD, so routine biosecurity is not enough. The self-assessment biosecurity checklist for feedlots and pasture can help find gaps and strengths.” Both experts say producers should be prepared during an outbreak to have veterinarians or regulatory officials on their farms for inspection and disease monitoring. Animals may be tested via oral swabs, with specimens sent to labs for disease confirmation. Vaccines also are likely. “The FMD vaccine is a cold sensitive, killed vaccine,” says Bickett-Weddle. “With 23 strains of FMD worldwide, vaccine banks are in place for strategic use overseen by various officials. The vaccine does require a booster every six months in cattle and animals are traced until death.” Last July, USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) purchased FMD vaccine for the National Animal Vaccine and Veterinary Countermeasures Bank (NAVVCB), investing $27.1 million which will be used in the event of an outbreak. The new U.S.-only vaccine bank makes a much larger number of vaccine doses available, in addition to those in the North American FMD Vaccine Bank. Vaccination would allow animals to move domestically. “We are working with the Illinois Department of Agriculture, industry, regulatory agencies and university officials to identify ways to meet our common goals for success and resiliency,” says Johnson-Walker. “We have done a virtual tabletop exercise with a cross-section of these people to talk about preparedness and we are training veterinary students to assist. Next. we will take a think-tank approach to dive into specific issues and outline solutions, so we are all ready.”
FAD/FMD Checklist for Beef Producers Animal health experts say the actions below can help producers prepare for an outbreak: • Have relationships with likely responders to disease – your local vet, the state vet and the county emergency manager and any others. • Know what supplies and equipment you would need in a disaster. Have an alternate source for obtaining them and see if you can lock in prices before disaster strikes. • Work with a vet on biosecurity improvements you can make to prevent disease. • Prepare a cattle inventory and record where they are and where they are headed. Identify your movements and husbandry practices to know where the holes are. • Make a biocontainment plan to follow if you get disease so it does not spread. Know the commodities, people, manure and carcasses moving in and out to minimize losses. • Be sure you have an updated premises ID. Apply for one for free at: https://www2.illinois.gov/sites/agr/ Animals/AnimalHealth/Pages/Premises-Registration.aspx. • Know what diseases are circulating and how to prevent them or identify them. • Remember, you know your cattle better than anyone so work to prevent disease exposure before an outbreak. 24
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Secure Beef Supply Plan
In the Event of a Foot and Mouth Disease Outbreak What is the Secure Beef Supply Plan? • Provides a workable business continuity plan for operations that are under movement restrictions but not infected with foot and mouth disease (FMD) • Offers movement guidance for producers, haulers, packing/processing plants, and officials managing the outbreak • Provides biosecurity and surveillance tools for producers
How will the U.S. respond to a Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) outbreak? • Response will focus on stopping the spread of this animal disease • Control Areas will be set up around FMD infected and surrounding operations • Movement restrictions will be put in place for animals and animal products in Control Areas
Business Continuity
Movement Guidance
Biosecurity
Surveillance
Why is the Secure Beef Supply Plan needed? • Help operations in Control Areas whose cattle have no signs of FMD continue to move cattle • Limit lost income for operations, haulers, packers/processors, and grocers • Maintain the supply of beef products to consumers because FMD is not a public health or food safety concern
How can you voluntarily participate in the Secure Beef Supply Plan? • Contact your State Animal Health Official to request a Premises Identification Number (PIN) • Visit the Secure Beef Supply website securebeef.org • Develop your operation’s SBS Plan using the materials available in English and Spanish
The Secure Beef Supply Plan is funded by USDA.
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2017
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Cr ow d s o urcing:
What Does Sustainability Mean to the
Beef Industry - and to Consumers?
And, what is the industry doing to position itself for 2021 and beyond as a leader in a sustainable production?
by Joli A. Hohenstein
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ustainability stood out as one of the big buzzwords for 2020 – a term so buzzy it was thrown into any conversation around a professed desire for bettering the world. Its definition remains both fluid and polarizing, particularly in a world where consumers’ increasing interest in where their food comes from leads them down the Google wormhole of threats both real and perceived. So what does sustainability mean: What do we think it means, and what do beef consumers think it means? More importantly, what do we want them to know about how we’re really defining sustainability in the cattle world? We crowdsourced a few subject matter experts to help find some answers. We started with the basics. What is sustainability? “We need to understand or broaden the conversation about what sustainability means and not get caught up in measuring everything,” says Dr. Jason Sawyer, associate professor, King Ranch Institute for Ranch Management in Kingsville, Texas. “Big picture: There’s a world full of people, 26
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and we all need to eat. But, we as the beef industry don’t want to be reactionary. We need to sustain our ability to feed ourselves. That means having healthy and vibrant agriculture.” How do beef farmers define sustainability? “We’re seventh generation farmers,” says Krystal Jungmann of Sumner Point Beef, a cow-calf farm in Little York. “That to me is the definition of sustainability: having something to give to the eighth generation. Sumner Point Beef was born out of sustainability; it is about sustaining who we are, supporting this business that has grown into what the consumer is wanting.” “We think about our operation as needing to be regenerating of itself,” says Bradley Wolter of Windy Hill Meadows, a purebred Angus farm in Aviston. “This spans the scope from our pastures needing to continuously provide forages year over year, cows needing to reproduce efficiently each year, to include maintaining economic profitability of our farm to ensure it maintains a successful contribution to our community. We believe we must continuously improve what we do in a way that balances the interest of our stakeholders.”
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How have consumer opinions and preferences regarding sustainability changed in the recent past? “We are finding our customers are increasingly interested how we care for our farm,” says Wolter. “Their interest spans from land, animals and our human caregivers. We have noticed big changes in preferences, but there is an increasing interest in the knowing and understanding. In fact, we find with more knowledge, they accept the current practices. We often shape their preferences with our explanations.” When it comes to consumer wants and needs, one of the country’s biggest beef buyers has a great touchpoint on consumer tendencies, so we went straight to the source, and asked McDonald’s the same question. “Customers are more connected to their food and how it is produced than ever, and that connection is only going to increase as technology continues to improve,” says Townsend Bailey, Director of U.S. Supply Chain Sustainability. “Customers want to know that the businesses and brands they support share the values, and this can be an important point of differentiation in the marketplace.” How do you make sure you’re hearing consumer preferences on an ongoing basis? www.illinoisbeef.com
“We have an advisory board because we feel it’s important to answer consumer questions well, and we include people with all kinds of different backgrounds, not necessarily associated with ag,” Jungmann explains. “We ask questions like, ‘Why would someone choose to have farm beef rather than grocery store beef?’ People are more curious about where their beef comes from today. We aren’t doing that much different than our neighbor, other than telling our story – it’s so important to tell the story. We take that consumer interest in home-grown products and knowing where their beef comes from and build our story around it. This is something beef producers have been doing for years: continually adapting to consumer wants and needs.” How have consumer opinions changed what you do on your farm? “We do focus increasingly more on reducing antimicrobial use in our operation. While we do what is best for our animals, we attempt to limit the use of antibiotics that cross over into human medicine with the aim of minimizing any potential risk of resistance within the environment,” Wolter says. “We believe it is responsible for us to do that as we talk with our customers and recognize a real concern.” March/April 2021 - Illinois Beef
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The retail world is making changes too. “Our customers want to know first and foremost that their food is safe, especially in light of the current global pandemic. For this reason, we have partnered with the Mayo Institute to design practices and protocols that protect our crew and our customers in our restaurant operations,” says Bailey. “For our customers, safety doesn’t stop at the restaurant and includes how beef is produced. To meet our customers’ needs and preserve the effectiveness of antibiotics for future generations, we are partnering with suppliers, veterinarians, academia and farmers and ranchers to support responsible use of antibiotics in our supply.” What are the biggest misconceptions you’re trying to address regarding sustainably sourcing beef? “I believe most beef consumers don’t fully understand the important role beef animals play in generating high-quality protein from otherwise less-efficient land resources,” Wolter says. “These animals are a great example of regeneration. The emphasis we place on improving feed efficiency within our breeding herd is important and always a new discovery for our customers when we interact.” “[As an industry], we get frustrated with consumers for their apparent ignorance,” says Sawyer. “How do we do a better job of helping consumers understand how their food is produced and that the ways we produce are beneficial? We can’t be angry at them because they don’t know. For example, it’s an inescapable fact: Ruminants produce methane. Someone says methane is a more potent gas than carbon dioxide, and the logic gets skewed into cattle are causing global warming. There’s so much more carbon dioxide in the atmosphere that methane is a very small part of the atmospheric concentration, and cattle’s contribution is effectively none. It’s true on the surface, but not in context.” What can cattle producers do to effectively communicate sustainability in the beef industry? “I think we as producers need to be more committed to
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measurement of inputs and outputs within our farms,” says Wolter. “We need to be continuously trying to improve that ratio of output to input but work to be more aware of the balance among resources that must exist in doing so. That means it starts with a commitment to continuing to educate ourselves on stakeholder expectations and science-based management techniques that can support meeting them.” Bailey agrees: “Set goals that are meaningful for customers and stakeholders and that clearly demonstrate the values the beef industry shares with its customers, particularly with regards to climate change and animal health and welfare.” He adds, “Engage and support industry-wide efforts to advance beef sustainability, such as the U.S. Roundtable for Sustainable Beef and BQA, to demonstrate our shared commitment. Build relationships and trust by engaging in uncomfortable conversations with people and organizations that do not see the role that responsible beef production can play in a thriving food system. Demonstrate your commitment to environmental stewardship, the health and welfare of the animals the industry depends on, and the economic well-being of the people who care for those animals and the land.” That communication starts at the farm level. “As U.S. beef producers, we have a great story to tell. We need to embrace that story,” says Sawyer. “We produce an amazing product, and we mostly do it using resources that couldn’t be used otherwise. Beef producers have the opportunity to be more involved in this conversation. We need to be using words that usually have a positive association: stewardship, efficiency, profitability – they’re all synonymous with sustainability. When you make decisions that improve your stewardship or your ability to be more efficient, you’re making the decision to be more sustainable. “Maybe one of the things we do is try to put some of these things into context. We can do a better job of communicating and putting common metrics around sustainability and into context.”
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A Different Perspective – and Some Context What if all the beef industry needs to do is put its story into context? That’s the question Dr. Jason Sawyer poses at the King Ranch Institute for Ranch Management. “For every resource we use up, we produce more beef, more protein and feed more people. Does that fit consumers’ sustainability definition?” he says. “We think they care about environmental issues, how we take care of cattle, animal welfare, but how can we put that into terms they relate to?” Sawyer looked at cattle production factors including hospital days, pull rate, treatment rate and recovery time. Then, he examined comparable data for humans. “The Bureau of Labor has data on the number of days people call in sick to work. They also have data on the number of days people were sick and went to work anyway. Look at that against NAHMS [U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Animal Health Monitoring System] data,” he explains. In 2004, 46.6% of United States workers between 19 and 64 years of age had to miss at least one day of work due to illness. If those reporting illness, but not sick days, are included, the total is increased to 69.6% (Commonwealth, 2005). This is analogous to morbidity rate, and might suggest that morbidity rates in production systems are relatively low, or that the ‘well-being’ of American workers is relatively lower than that of American cattle. Or as Sawyer says: “The U.S. cattle population is far healthier than the U.S. human population.” Now, how do we communicate that to people who are interested? “We care for our animals better than we do ourselves,” Sawyer says. “It’s a different context than we usually talk about for animal welfare. Can we help consumers and producers pull these things into context?” Expressing these per unit of beef produced rather than per head or in aggregate might provide more context and comparability across systems, he says. Context is key – and it starts with telling our own story.
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Dawn’s Early Light
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The
. Art
of the
CATTLE INDUSTRY Illinois livestock illustrator and artist, CJ Brown, uses her work to pay tribute to the agriculture industry for generations to come. by Betty Haynes
F
rom the time CJ Brown was a child, she has been developing a deep passion for the people, animals and landscape of the rural lifestyle.
Rooted in Ag Brown grew up on a farm near Esmond, Ill. Her family raised Angus and Simmental cattle on their farm in Dekalb County. “I have always been interested in drawing,” says Brown. “My parents said ever since I could pick up a pencil or crayon, I was always drawing.” Growing up in a small community, Brown found creative avenues through high school art courses and a student job at the local newspaper. “I was not able to take an art class until my junior year of high school,” says Brown. “When I did, it just really clicked.” Brown studied art at Luther College in Iowa. The small class sizes at Luther were ideal for her art curriculum. After graduation, Brown was hired to complete technical drawings for a commercial art studio in Rockford. Although it was not the most artistically inspiring position, Brown recalls that those years were critical in helping her develop her sense of detail. Brown began taking her work to art fairs on the side and then to wholesale shows across the country to showcase her paintings. It was around this time when Brown began developing prints. Her first print was in the early 1980s of a round barn. While taking her pieces to gift shows, her barn prints became quite well known. The Smithsonian released a documentary titled “Weathered Secrets” about old barns where they featured a number of Brown’s prints and visited her studio in Dekalb, Ill. The film was part of a traveling exhibit titled, “Barn Again” about barns across the county. www.illinoisbeef.com
It’s Show Time Brown’s first beef cattle piece, “Grazing in the Grove”, was of the Woodlawn Angus herd on pasture near Creston, Ill. Woodlawn Angus Farm, owned by the Pierce family, is home to the oldest Angus herd in North America. The piece sold exceptionally well at a Pheasants Forever banquet. “The thing with painting cattle that I feel is very important, is that anatomically and phenotypically it is what the breeder would want the animal to look like,” says Brown. “That has always been a really important part when I paint the cattle.” The success of “Grazing in the Grove” led Brown to exhibit her work at the 2003 Illinois Beef Expo trade show. “I worked with Cimeron Frost to get a trade show booth,” says Brown. “I had one cattle print and it sold really well at the Illinois Beef Expo.” The exposure was just the ticket to put CJ Brown Studios on the map. Brown started painting other cattle breeds and taking work to beef expos and cattle shows across the country.
Grazing in the Grove
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Red, White and Moo
Found You
First Snow
Grandeaur in the Grove
“By that fall I had four or five cattle prints so I decided to take them to the North American International Livestock Exposition,” says Brown. “Then things really took off for me.” The following January, Brown was an exhibitor at the National Western Stock Show. “I like to paint cows because I look at it as a historical document of our agricultural history,” says Brown. “I love to look at the old paintings and some of the old photos of the beef industry. I feel like part of my mission is recording our history.” Early in her career Brown received a call from Frank Murphy. Murphy was the livestock illustrator for the Angus breed. He had been following Brown’s work and wanted to connect. Brown discovered Murphy only lived a few hours away. “One day Frank invited me to come in for a special exhibit that he had going on,” says Brown. “I spent the whole day with him. That was one of the most memorable days that I have ever experienced. It was an honor to get to know him.” Brown and Murphy quickly became friends. “Frank told me the eyes are the most important thing you paint on the animal because it shows the soul of the animal,” said Brown. “He said that often people do not realize it, but they always look at the eyes first. Every time I paint an eye, I think about that.” Purple Ribbon Achievements “I really enjoy painting cattle,” says Brown. “Since 2002 cattle are, for the most part, the only thing I have been painting.” Brown recalls when she first painted “Grazing in the Grove”, there were very few prints available of livestock. “My cow prints were some of the first out there to give the idea of hanging a cattle picture in your house,” says Brown. “There were Western prints, but there never were any portraits of beef cattle. Now I’m kind of amazed because you can find cow pictures anywhere, but they never quite get the anatomy right.” Brown has done a number of pieces for Tom Burke at Angus Hall of Fame. Some of her pieces have been done to raise money for breed associations and the National Cattleman’s Beef Association. The piece that Brown calls the “pinnacle of her career” was a project for Denver steakhouse, 801 Chophouse. The piece was a large mural of the National Western Stock Show show-ring. Brown worked around the clock to complete the piece before the one-month deadline. The mayor of Denver and governor of Colorado were both present for the unveiling.
“
I like to paint cows because I look at it as a historical document of our agricultural history. I love to look at the old paintings and some of the old photos of the beef industry. I feel like part of my mission is recording our history.
- CJ Brown
Whispers in the Yard
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CJ Brown and Red Paint
Another favorite of Brown’s is the piece she introduced at the National Western Stock Show titled, “Whispers in the Yard”. The piece is a pencil drawing combining faces of the stockyard’s past and present. “There are a lot of aspects to what I do,” says Brown. “I love going to shows and meeting and talking to people. I have definitely missed that this past year. I have made so many good friendships in this industry and I love that part of it. Some of my closest friends, I have met though this industry.” The Next Chapter Brown has never forgotten her production ag roots. She now resides on a cattle farm outside of Lindenwood, Ill. “My son came up with the name ‘Paint Brush Farms’ for our farm,” said Brown. “We have a small herd of Simmental cattle.” Brown has a red Simmental bull she raised named “Red Paint”. In 2019, “Red Paint” was the Junior Division Champion Bull at the Iowa State Fair. Lance Ellsworth with Cattle Visions saw the bull and asked to carry “Red Paint” in their semen catalog. A few years ago, Brown launched her first children’s book. “Believe it or not, I can write just as well as I can paint,” says Brown. “I am really enjoying the children’s books.” In April, Brown will release her fourth children’s book, “Counting Cows”. “My books are all about cattle,” says Brown. “They are a great way to teach children to respect agriculture and have an appreciation for the beef industry.” Brown has been devoting a majority of her time towards her children’s books. This fall, Brown plans to release a new book about cattle dogs titled “Barker Road”. Brown would like to continue “Barker Road” into a series of books about several of the dogs. “My future plans include more books and more painting,” says Brown. “It will be hard for me to retire because I do not like sitting still.” To purchase prints or children’s books from CJ Brown Studios or to request a commissioned piece, visit www.cjbrownstudios.com or CJ Brown Studios on Facebook. Brown’s work is also available for purchase at Horse Creek Outfitters in Springfield and Vintage Chicks & Feed in Leaf River. www.illinoisbeef.com
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Giving BACK University of Illinois alumns and beef producers, Ed and Judy McMillan, generously donate to the College of ACES new Feed Technology Center. by Madison Wilson
E
d McMillan and his wife Judy, both graduates of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, have roots which run deep in agriculture. Both them and their families, at one point or another, have owned and operated livestock operations. With Ed’s extensive background in agriculture, going from 4-H member, to Agriculture Sciences graduate in 1969, to president and CEO of Purina, to 12-year member of the University of Illinois Board of Trustees – Ed’s leadership and dedication to the betterment of the agricultural industry, to The University of Illinois, and the College of Agricultural, Consumer, and Environmental Sciences (ACES) is evident. That is why he felt it necessary to give back in an incredibly impactful way
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– through a donation to the Department of Animal Sciences Feed Technology Center. Three fundamental things drove Ed’s donation to the construction of this facility – his family, his alma mater, and the potential he sees for the advancement of feed technology, and the critical nature of this research for feed nutrition going forward. “My brother and I really wanted to have an opportunity to do recognition for our parents who were tenant farmers and never had the chance to go to the University of Illinois – we’re doing it as the McMillan family…” Ed says of him and his brother Ken’s dedication in making this donation, who were the first individual donors to this project.
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Old University of Illinois Feed Mill
Feed Technology Center
Ed was raised in McDonough County near Walnut Grove. His father was both a tenant farmer and purebred sheep breeder. Ed and his brother developed an interest in livestock at an early age with sheep. At the young of 10, Ed got into the cattle business. Since then, the McMillan family have become respected Hereford breeders. “It was important to (my parents) that my brother and I pursue opportunities that weren’t available to them or their parents,” McMillan says. “Thanks to our parents’ initial encouragement to attend the University of Illinois in the College of ACES, their kids, grandkids, and great grandkids have gone on to do big things, and it all came from the basis of an Illinois education and being involved in agriculture. That’s our history.” Ed says that he owes quite a deal to the University of Illinois to jumpstart his career and get his foot in the door at Purina. “I have to give credit to the University of Illinois for giving both of us, Judy and I, an education and an internship with Ralston Purina between my junior and senior year in college.” That internship led to a full-time job for Ed right out of college and would allow him to work his way up the ladder. By the time he was forty-one years old, Ed would be named president and CEO of Purina. “There’s no good way to explain what it was like,” says McMillan on being named the CEO of one of the world’s largest feed manufacturers in the world. “It was a tremendous opportunity for a relatively young person at the age of 41.” In Ed’s time with Purina, their company model was evolving from dealer-based to a more significant emphasis on relationships with the producers themselves and an acquisition by BP. Additionally, in the late ’70s to the early ’80s, Ed shared that Purina was doing business with feedlots that fed one-third of all the fed cattle in the United States, so maintaining customer relationships and the integrity of Purina was extremely important. It was, as he says, an “…awesome responsibility to make sure that you did not diminish the reputation of the brand.” Once Ed retired at the age of 50, he began to question where he was to go and what was next for him. Deciding to pursue service even more, he and his wife decided to start McMillan LLC, a consulting firm where Ed and Judy would
help people determine the strategic direction for their businesses in either buying, merging or selling their business. Ed shared that they never once advertised for their business or sought business out; people just trusted them for quality advice or references. “And it just grew from there, we’re very blessed that so many people wanted input from us,” says McMillan. Then, the opportunity of a lifetime was given to Ed when he was appointed to the University of Illinois Board of Trustees in 2009 by Governor Pat Quinn. Nevertheless, this was no easy feat, as Ed entered during very tumultuous times. The University, at the time, was going through an admissions
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Ed and Judy McMillan
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Ed, Judy and family at the 2015 World Beef Expo
Ed and Judy with granddaughters Lauren, Kendall and Claire
scandal that caused a reputational threat. Additionally, the first six years of his term, Ed aided in transferring five different University of Illinois presidents. One of the presidents with whom he worked closely was Dr. Robert Easter, President Emeritus of the University of Illinois, former Dean of ACES, and former Head of the Department of Animal Sciences. “It was just an unbelievable pleasure to work with him,” says Dr. Easter. “He’s the kind of individual who doesn’t dodge controversy, but he never loses his calm, effective demeanor. He has enormous respect for anybody regardless of what position they are coming from, and always contributes.” During his time as a Board of Trustees appointee, Ed threw himself into service, serving on numerous advisory committees and making many lasting decisions. A meaningful action by Ed was his emphasis on the importance of agricultural land acquisitions in obtaining land donations for the University of Illinois, which sparked a sharp increase in people donating land to the University. Ed also served on the advisory committee for Research Park, which allows students to gain real-world experience and provides them opportunities to be employed by participating companies such as John Deere, Caterpillar, and Yahoo. Finally, Ed also chaired on the board for Illinois VENTURES, LLC, which provides investment capital for startup companies, primarily from the University. It is evident of Ed’s dedication to service and leadership, both at the collegiate level and beyond. The Feed Technology Center is the final feather in Ed’s cap as he begins turning his time towards relaxation in his later years with his wife. A culmination of all his efforts is seen in his donation to a facility that will stand the test of time and continue to improve not only future student success, but the future of the agriculture industry.
For the past twenty plus years, The University of Illinois has been in dire need of a new feed mill. “It’s not an environment that is conducive to academic programs,” says Dr. Rodney Johnson, professor and head of the University of Illinois Department of Animal Sciences, and of the previous 95+ year old feedmill. The new Feed Technology Center, worth $20-million and located at the University of Illinois South Farms, intends to use its new capabilities and technology to address the issue of the world’s growing population and an increase in demand for animal protein, while also remaining efficient, socially acceptable and environmentally sound. “A key feature of doing all of that is improving animal efficiency – so more animal protein produced with less input. The Feed Technology Center will be a major hub for animal nutrition research to achieve that goal.” Through Ed’s eyes, he sees the Feed Technology Center leaving a lasting impact on the future of processing technology. He believes it is critical that we as agriculturalists continue to look at technology to address and improve feed processing, pelleting, extrusion and the expanded use in feed manufacturing which improves the integrity and digestibility of ingredients. Ed, being the forward thinker that he is, believes that the Feed Technology Center has created a real opportunity for the University of Illinois and the College of ACES to be in a leadership position going forward in the advancement of all types of feed technology. Ed advises any young leader to “consider agriculture, not just farming” as a career path. Get involved at the collegiate level, learn about the various opportunities your campus has to offer, and to do internships, as you never know where it may take you.
Meet t he Aut hor
Giving Back was written by Madison Wilson, senior at the University of Illinois studying agricultural communications. She lives in Urbana, Ill. and is looking forward to graduation in May of 2021. Post-graduation, she will be attending Illinois State University to obtain her Master’s in Communications and work as a teachers assistant. 36
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Member SMALL BUSINESS Spotlight Born out of IBA member, Jami Rieker’s love of fashion and the cattle industry, Little Moo Boutique offers something for everyone. Q: Could you start by telling me some background on yourself and your family? A: My husband Ryan and I have been married 11 years and are the parents of five children: Tripp, Coy, Scout, Breck and Maely. I grew up “in town” and was never raised on a farm. My husband has grown up showing and raising black Angus cattle his entire life. When I met my husband I fell in love with the cattle and farm life. His grandfather started McMahon Angus back in the early 1970’s which we now own and operate. Q: Why did you start Little Moo Boutique? A: We had five children pretty close in age, so a traditional full-time job was not financially feasible for our family. Daycare fees are expensive for one child, let alone five. I had always dreamed of owning a store front. At the time, I was trying to figure out a way to help support our large family while staying home with my children. I also needed a job that worked with our schedule between farming, sports, etc. Opening my own boutique was the perfect solution. I worked in retail as a teenager and have always loved fashion. Once I met my husband and started going to cattle shows with him, the livestock fashion world became my favorite. I knew our kids would show cattle someday. I thought offering clothing 38
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for women and young girls to show in was a great way to make money at livestock shows. Q: How does Little Moo Boutique benefit the beef industry? A: Little Moo is a great business for the beef world. My mobile trailer is perfect for not only cattle shows, but other industry events too. I can offer trendy clothing that women
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and young girls can show in when they forget show clothes, which happens more than most would think. I have also taken my mobile boutique trailer to cattle sales. It offers something fun for women to do while men watch the sale and purchase new genetics for their farms. Q: What is your vision for Little Moo Boutique? A: I would love for Little Moo to be one of the “go to” shops for show attire. I also dream of the day that I can travel to national shows and get my name out. I would love to be able to financially support my family enough that my husband could focus 100% on only our farm without having a full-time job. My number one goal is to be able to say I have shipped to all 50 states. I am currently at 16 but would really love to get to all 50. Q: What sets Little Moo Boutique apart from other boutiques? A: Little Moo is just an experience in itself. I have two mobile trailers including a cargo trailer that is set up as a store with farmhouse décor and the newest addition to the fleet is a 1973 Airstream outfitted in western décor, cowhide and serape. I offer children’s clothing and women’s clothing from size small up to 3XL. I carry a variety of styles ranging from simple basics to boutique style clothing with western flair. Little Moo truly has something for everyone. Q: Is there anything we missed that you would like readers to know? A: Little Moo was started to support my family while staying home. I take pride in my business. I am a one woman show. I do the ordering, packing, marketing, shipping, and everything in between. Sometimes life happens and I may get a little behind, but I always ask for patience as being a mother to my children comes first. I would also like to note, 99% of the time all orders are shipped out within 48 hours of placing an order. For questions or new cattle show locations for Little Moo Boutique, please contact: Jami Rieker (563) 343-4816 Shoplittlemoo@gmail.com www.shoplittlemoo.com
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Edge of Common Sense Baxter Black, cowboy and former large animal veteranarian
Best and Worst of Times It is the best of times. Calving at its finest. The calling of those chosen to tend God’s creatures. To take part in simple miracles. To alter the balance of life on earth by one small addition. It is the worst of times. Calving in the midst of a winter when one needs a depth finder to see the top of the market. When it is less worrisome to lose oneself in the task of daily responsibilities easing the burden of birth, than thinking about the price of next fall’s over-crowded weaner crop. A dilemma, some would say. But does knowing the decreased value of beef make a cowman think less of that heifer in trouble or that new calf layin’ in the straw? Does her dollar price somehow affect her value as a creation? As a work of art planned, worked on and created by a cowman, a cow and God? Does the price of a first calf heifer affect a cowman’s responsibility to her well-being? Does his effort, concentration and skill decrease when she’s calving as the market price decreases? Does he try harder to get a live calf if she’s worth more at the sale? These questions are best answered, not philosophically or hypothetically, but in reality. At 3:00 a.m. when you hook the
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chains to newborn feet and start to pull, does cost cross your mind? When you rub the calf down and push him under her flank do you see dollar signs? When you gaze over the turn out field and cows grazing contentedly while calves chase each other around’em, do you get a good feeling? Smile maybe and relax for a moment, thankful all is well. Or are you too occupied with their price to appreciate what you’re seeing? The dilemma I’m presenting really isn’t much of a problem for most cow people I know. The calving barn is a long way in time and miles and thought from the auction ring. After all, we tend to our flocks in bad weather, hard times, illness, chapped hands, achin’ backs, mad patients and yes, bad markets. I think when we lay down in the straw or mud behind a heifer needin’ help, the price per pound is the farthest thing from our mind. So, in spite of all the well meaning (and correct) consultants who keep reminding us that what we do is a business, it is also, beyond any doubt, a way of life.
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CH HE EC CK KIIN NG G IIN N W WIIT TH H C
TH HE E C CH HE EC CK KO OF FF F T
Federation of State Beef Councils Sponsors the Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner. 300 Historic partnership with the Daytona International Speedway brought Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner. to broadcast television in NASCAR’s season-opening race.
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he Federation of State Beef Councils, on behalf of the Beef Checkoff, partnered with the Daytona International Speedway to sponsor the 40th seasonopening race for the NASCAR Xfinity Series - the Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner.® 300. The event took place at 5 p.m. ET on Saturday, Feb. 13, the day before the 63rd Annual DAYTONA 500. “Despite the extraordinary and challenging circumstances 2020 dealt cattle farmers and ranchers across the country, they persevered to keep the delicious beef Americans know and love on store shelves,” said Clay Burtrum, Federation Division Vice Chair for the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA), a contractor to the Beef Checkoff. “This sponsorship celebrates all the industry has overcome in this historic year for beef, which demonstrated that Americans continue to choose beef as their preferred protein.” With production support from NCBA, this historic partnership provided an opportunity for the Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner. brand to return to broadcast television for the second time since 2003. In December, Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner. returned to broadcast television after 17 years, airing a limited number of ads during the Hallmark Channel’s Countdown to Christmas movies. In addition to production support, NCBA, hosted a satellite media tour featuring celebrity chef Hugh Acheson. Chef Acheson was interviewed by television and radio stations across the country to talk about the Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner.® 300 and share delicious beef recipes that are perfect for tailgating, or homegating, on race day. DeAnne Maples, Florida Beef Council’s Director of Beef Marketing and Promotion, said, “Showcasing the Beef. It’s What’s for Dinner. brand on broadcast television allows us to reach even more consumers at home and gives beef farmers www.illinoisbeef.com
and ranchers something to celebrate on a national stage.” The Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner.® 300 expanded a current partnership between Beef Checkoff and Daytona International Speedway. In 2020, the track produced “Race Day Recipes” on digital channels in which Speedway President Chip Wile demonstrated his beef grilling expertise to showcase the NASCAR experience - especially to campers and tailgaters who love to enjoy delicious beef recipes as part of their celebration of NASCAR events. Precautionary measures required all guests to be screened before entering the facility for the Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner.® 300. Face coverings and six-feet social distancing were required. March/April 2021 - Illinois Beef
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Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner. Partners with Chef ’s Roll to Highlight the Beef Quality Assurance Program from Pasture to Plate Five-part video series pairs chefs with local farmers and ranchers for a unique look at how beef is raised.
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series of videos developed and released through a new partnership between the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA), a contractor to the Beef Checkoff, and Chef’s Roll, Inc., reached more than 1.3 million viewers in its initial launch. The videos highlight the importance of the Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) program for the ranchers who raise the cattle, and the chefs who serve high-quality beef to their customers. Chef ’s Roll is a global network of chefs and hospitality professionals that promotes its work through programs and original content like these videos. The five videos made in partnership with the Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner. brand feature the pasture-to-plate relationship between ranchers and chefs across the country. Each video follows a chef as they visit a local cattle operation to learn about how BQA practices are used to sustainably and responsibly raise high-quality beef. The beef farmer or rancher then visits the chef ’s kitchen to gain an understand of how beef is prepared and featured on the chef ’s menu. The experience is rounded out with a shared beef meal. The videos showcase five unique production and restaurant styles with the following rancher-chef relationships: • Arizona Ranch Manager Dean Fish discusses environmental stewardship and proper cattle handling techniques, and Executive Chef Ryan Clark of Casino Del Sol presents the Cowboy Ribeye.
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Oklahoma Feedyard Manager Tom Fanning shows how the fourth-generation cattle feedyard is dedicated to quality control, and Executive Chef Kathryn Mathis of BackdoorBBQ presents her contest-winning smoked pastrami sandwich. • Georgia Cow-Calf Farmer Kristy Arnold talks about being a third-generation owner of her farm, and Executive Chef Mark Keiser of Oak Steakhouse cooks a succulent, braised boneless beef short rib. • Idaho Rancher Kim Brackett explains that prioritizing animal welfare is the right and only way to ensure quality beef, and Executive Chef Shawn Smith of Coynes Restaurant shares his “Butler Steak Risotto” with flatiron steak. • California Rancher Jamie Mickelson speaks about the importance of cattle quality of life, and Chef Bob Simontacchi of Gravenstein Grill makes his Pimento Cheeseburger with aged, white cheddar. “These videos recognize and celebrate the commitment of our cattle farmers and ranchers to Beef Quality Assurance standards, and the food industry professionals who serve their high-quality beef,” said Sarah Reece, NCBA Senior Director of Influencer Engagement. “Whether a consumer is enjoying beef in a burger, as a steak, or with pasta, our hope is that by sharing what goes into how beef is raised, consumers continue to demand the amazing flavor of beef, and the nutrients it provides.”
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IN THIS ISSUE: March/April 2021
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Angus Announces New Regional Manager Internship for Fall 2021
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American Angus Association Names Esther McCabe Director of Performance Programs
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Changes Revolutionize Feeder Cattle
Marketing ILLINOIS ANGUS ASSOCIATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS President: Tyler Rhode Vice President: Joel York Secretary: Aaron Schafer Business Manager: Doug Turner Past President: Trevor Kuipers 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 Sale Manager: Lee Stremsterfer Directors At Large: Grant Bedel David Jenkins Jim Marsh Joel York Kyle Beutke Jeff Dameron Brent Henkel Clay Sellmeyer Dan Naughton Greg McClure Lee Stremsterfer David Mool Greg McClure 46
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Show Results
ADVERTISERS INDEX
UPCOMING EVENTS
American Angus Association 47 Bill Farm Angus 50 Callan Farms 50 Evers Livestock Farm 50 Kiesewetter Angus 50 Kramer Angus 50 Lemenager Cattle 50 Lorenzen Farms 50 Panther Creek Ranch 50 Rhodes Angus 50 Sunnyhill Angus Farm 50 Walnut Grove Angus 50 WP Angus 50 York Farms 50
Visit the Events page at www.illinoisangus.com for a list of upcoming events and Angus sales this fall and winter.
ON THE COVER Taken by Betty Haynes at Weber Beef in Geneseo, Ill.
CONTACT
To place advertisements or your latest Angus news contact:
Betty Haynes Director of Communications Illinois Beef Association 2060 West Iles Ave., Suite B Springfield, IL 62704 217-787-4280 betty@illinoisbeef.com www.illinoisbeef.com
www.illinoisbeef.com
Angus Announces New Regional Manager Internship for Fall 2021 American Angus Association invites students to apply for new field internship. The 13 regional managers of the American Angus Association® are the boots-on-the-ground Angus experts who wear many hats. This fall, the American Angus Association’s field services team is excited to offer the new 2021 Regional Manager Internship, which is designed to enhance a student’s ability to build effective relationships, craft a promotional strategy and learn about the Angus business and cattle industry. The 9-week, full-time internship begins in August and lasts until December and will be based at the American Angus Association headquarters in St. Joseph, Mo., with numerous opportunities to travel to different regions of the country. From assisting with herd visits to securing advertising in the Angus Journal and Angus Beef Bulletin to providing insight to the breeder, the regional manager intern will gain valuable hands-on, real-world experience in the Angus business. “The Regional Manager Internship provides a unique learning experience for rising junior and senior college students interested in a career as a field representative with a breed association or similar positions within the industry,” said David Gazda, regional manager and director of field services. “It will provide an opportunity to gain valuable work experience and exposure to all entities and departments of the Association from Casey Jentz, conception to end product. Most importantly, this Regional Manager internship will provide an individual hands-on experience and a greater insight into the role regional Illinois manager’s perform as a representative of the Association Indiana Michigan and the skills sets required to serve successfully in this Wisconsin position.”
Angus. America’s Breed.
A reliable business partner is difficult to come by. Contact Casey Jentz to locate Angus genetics, select marketing options tailored to your needs, and to access American Angus Association® programs and services. Put the business breed to work for you.
Contact Regional Manager Casey Jentz: Cell: 608-234-1998 cjentz@angus.org
3201 Frederick Ave. | St. Joseph, MO 64506 816.383.5100 | www.ANGUS.org © 2019-2020 American Angus Association
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The selected intern will have the opportunity to promote the Angus breed and represent the American Angus Association by attending production sales, shows and other events. “The role of the regional manager is what truly drives the advancement and connection within the Angus breed. This team of dedicated professionals serve as a trusted resource for Angus breeders and buyers of Angus genetics by delivering information, guidance and support across all aspects of the Association and its entities,” said Brett Spader, Angus Media president. “This internship is a unique opportunity to become familiar with all aspects of the Angus breed while having a meaningful impact on Angus breeders.” Those interested in applying should send a resume, cover letter and references to careers@angus.org by May 1, 2021. Visit angus.org/careers for the internship description and requirements.
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American Angus Association Names Esther McCabe Director of Performance Programs American Angus Association invites students to apply for new field internship. The American Angus Association® recently named Esther McCabe, Ph.D., director of performance programs. McCabe’s passion for teaching, cattle and genetic improvement aligns perfectly with the duties that come along with this job. “Esther has a passion for the success of our members and understands the real-world challenges of getting data collected,” said Mark McCully, American Angus Association CEO. “I know Esther will have an impact on advancing our genetic selection tools by focusing on our performance programs and working directly with Angus breeders.” McCabe is a third-generation Angus producer originally from Elk City, Kansas. She has had strong ties to the Angus breed for her entire life. She credits programs, such as the Kansas and National Junior Angus Association, for shaping and developing her leadership skills. McCabe recently earned her doctorate from Kansas State University where her research focused on beef cattle data analytics. “The Angus breed has the industry’s largest beef cattle performance database because of members’ dedication to breed improvement with each generation,” said McCabe. “I am fortunate to be joining a team focused on serving its membership. I look forward to continuing to provide programs, tools and education to support members with record reporting.” McCabe’s previous experience with Zoetis and Osborn Barr Paramore, coupled with her beef cattle and data analytics research, will allow McCabe to serve as an excellent resource for Angus members. For more information about the American Angus Association, please visit Angus.org.
Changes Revolutionize Feeder Cattle Marketing Angus University webinar series addresses the changes happening for cow-calf producers For years, cow-calf producers have relied on word-of-mouth marketing to help boost their prospects of topping the market on sale day. After all, a cattleman’s reputation is everything. That hasn’t changed, says Troy Marshall, director of commercial industry relations at the American Angus Association, but in today’s world, buyers are looking for more. Marshall will headline the Association’s latest Angus University webinar on Feb. 16, at 7 p.m. CST. During the “Revolutionary Marketing” webinar, Marshall will discuss how genetic merit is revolutionizing the feeder calf market. “Cow-calf producers are able to reap the benefits of the investments they have made in quality genetics,” Marshall says. While the revolution is in the beginning stages, he says, the trend will continue and will allow commercial cattlemen to bring additional dollars to their bottom line. Programs like AngusLinkSM are adding value, without adding a significant workload or investment. Cattlemen are encouraged to register for the webinar by visiting: https://bit.ly/revolutionarymarketingau. It is the newest in a series of Angus University webinars, conducted monthly by the Association, designed to sharpen the skills of cattle producers. Following the webinar, Marshall will take time to answer questions from the audience.
2021 Dixie National Roll of Victory (ROV) Angus Show Jackson, Miss. | Feb. 14 | Judge: Blake Boyd, Ky. Photos by Richmond Photography & Video
Senior Bull Calf Champion Reese Anderson 48
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Senior Champion Female Ashlyn Mool
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Show Results 2021 Cattlemen’s Congress Super Point Roll of Victory (ROV) Angus Show Oklahoma City | Jan. 8-9 | Judges: Jason Elmore, Okla. and Matt Scasta, Okla. Photos by Next Level Images
Senior Champ Female Ashlyn Mool
Reserve Junior Champion Heifer Division 3 Mary Bendlage
Junior Heifer Calf Campion Division 5 Paige Lemenager
2021 Cattlemen’s Congress Junior Angus Show
Oklahoma City | Jan. 7 | Judges: Chan Phillips, Okla. and A.K. Phillips, Texas Photos by Next Level Images
Grand Champion Female Paige Lemenager
Reserve Senior Champion Female Ashlyn Mool
Reserve Early Junior Champion Heifer Mary Bendlage
2021 Kansas Angus Futurity Junior Show
Hutchinson, Kan. | Jan. 31 | Judge: Greg Walthall, Mo. Photos by Jeff Mafi, American Angus Association
Reserve Early Junior Heifer Calf Champion Paige Lemenager
Intermediate Showmanship
Pictured from left are Jayce Dickerson, Paradise, Kan., champion; Greta Rosenhagen, Kansas Angus ambassador, presenting; and Lizzie Schafer, Owaneco, Ill., reserve champion. www.illinoisbeef.com
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Bill Farm Angus 340 Valley View Circle Dahinda, IL 61428 (309) 337-5196
Marvin Kramer
1037 N. 2850 St. Farina, IL 62838 mkramerangus@gmail.com Cell: 618-267-3884 Annual Sale: 4th Saturday in March
The new home for SAV Emblynette 4603! Owned with Pasture View Angus
Carl & Janet Evers 22198 Little Indian Rd. Virginia, IL 62691
217-415-3033 evers52@yahoo.com
LARRY RHODES 217-473-5868 cell 217-854-5200 office
rhodesangus@royell.org
9350 Rte 108, Carlinville, IL 62626
www.RhodesAngus.com
Lorenzen Farms Chrisman, IL Adam Harms, Herdsman 217-369-3609 adamdharms@hotmail.com Steve Lorenzen: 217-822-2803
%LAN - Stonington, IL Mika Callan: (217) 823-0653
E-mail: mcallanlOl@spaadnat.com 120 Cow Perlormance Herd
WP Angus
Genetics for production and beauty Like WP Angus on Facebook
Wayne & Pam DeWerff
Pam’s cell 217-823-9453 pamdewerff@yahoo.com
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ADVERTISE HERE Contact Betty Haynes Director of Communications betty@illinoisbeef.com 217-787-4280
Owaneco, Illinois Sale in Spring of 2021
Illinois Beef - March/April 2021
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The
ILLINOIS HEREFORD BULLETIN
MARCH/APRIL 2021 www.illinoisbeef.com
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CONTENTS MARCH/APRIL 2021
53 Membership Services Note 54 A Minute With the Meents 56 Hereford Champions Named at Cattlemen’s Congress 57 Hereford Pen Show Honors Go to Buck Cattle Co., Jensen Bros. and GKB Cattle 57 Hereford Thrives in an Uncertain Year 58 Hereford Night NAtional Hereford Sale Reaches New Heights 58 May, Freking and Allan Awarded Top Titles at Cattlemen’s Congress 59 $150,000 in Scholarships Awarded to Hereford Youth 60 Certified Hereford Beef Celebrates 25 Years
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
ADVERTISERS INDEX
PRESIDENT Dave Roome 309-945-8400
Baker Farms Ellis Farms JNHE Hereford Spectacular Lorenzen Farms Lowderman Cattle Company Milligan Herefords Perks Ranch Torrance Herefords
VICE-PRESIDENT Gene Stumpf 618-407-8374 TREASURER Buddy Edenburn (217) 649-0108 MEMBERSHIP SERVICES Dr. Tamar Crum 217-820-0964 illinoishereford@gmail.com BOARD OF DIRECTORS Randy Kline, 309-824-9937 Matt Johnson, 309-883-9466 Phil Tjardes, 815-383-0003 Brent Lowderman, 309-221-9621 Luke Goldstein, 217-663-3390 Cody Crum, 217-248-7282 Jodi McMillan, 815-751-2293 Chad Benedict, 217-246-5099 Kent Burns, 618-521-3199 52
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PHOTOS On the Cover: Taken at Edenburn’s family farm in Penfield, Ill.
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Editorial photos throughout: Provided by American Hereford Association
CONTACT To place advertisements or your latest Hereford news contact: Betty Haynes Director of Communications Illinois Beef Association 2060 West Iles Ave., Suite B Springfield, IL 62704 217-787-4280 betty@illinoisbeef.com www.illinoisbeef.com
www.illinoisbeef.com
MEMBERSHIP SERVICES NOTE
T
o fellow Illinois Hereford Association members,
At the writing of this letter, we are (hopefully) on the backside of keeping cattle fed and cared for during perhaps one of the biggest snowfalls and cold snap combinations the southern part of the state and United States has seen in quite some time. It is easy to grow weary caring for our animals during times such as these. It takes a special person to be caretaker of God’s creatures and it is, I am sure, by design that the personalities of those who do care for the land and for animals is one that does not give up easily. So, remain true to your mission fellow Hereford breeders – this weather shall pass and soon we will be on to brighter, warmer, sunnier days (preferably like low 70’s sunny with a slight breeze). A few important updates/remarks, the board wants to pass along to the membership regarding the upcoming year. I have bulleted them as I want them to be easily read and not lost in the jargon. • The board has made the decision to forgo holding an annual sale during the Illinois Beef Expo. The sale will be taking on a new format, online bidding with a live closeout, and will be held in conjunction with the IHA Annual Tour in the fall. • The 2021 IHA Tour is targeted for central Illinois on the weekend of Aug. 28-29. The IHA board will be disclosing more information on both the schedule and the sale at a later date. • Lauren McMillan completed her term as the IHA Membership Services intern in December. She was integral in keeping up with the Facebook and Instagram accounts during sale season! We did our best to “share” each of our member’s sales and dates. We are working through the next round of candidates for the 2021 year. We look forward to working with the junior association, particularly newly retired junior members, as we are hoping this role will help facilitate a transition for involvement in the senior board. Thank you, Lauren for playing a HUGE role in the success of the IHA Membership Services intern program! • We are still living in the world of COVID-19. As vaccinations increase and COVID-19 numbers decline, we are starting to ramp up our efforts as a state board. Because of COVID-19, all board members have agreed to serve an extra year in their current positions. We will be looking for candidates to take expiring positions towards the end of 2021. This will allow board functions to continue as seamlessly as possible. As with anything, if you have any questions or comments, please don’t hesitate to reach out to one of the board members listed on the contact page. We are extremely excited to unveil more information about the NEW sale format and timeline and, God willing, look forward to seeing everyone out and about this summer and fall. God Bless,
- Dr. Ta mar Cru m IHA Membership Services
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A MINUTE WITH THE MEENTS John Meents, AHA Field Staff, jmeents@hereford.org, 419-306-7480 With the COVID-19 pandemic issues going on, the 2021 National Western Stock Show and the Ft. Worth Stock Show were both cancelled. The American Hereford Association Board of Directors made a great decision by designating the Inaugural Cattlemen’s Congress in Oklahoma City, a National Hereford Show in 2021. Many thanks to the Cattlemen’s Congress Committee, their staff, Kevin Stitt, governor of Oklahoma, along with Mr. Bob Funk and Mr. Jerald Callahan of Express Ranch for making this a first-class Event. Here are some facts and numbers from the first Cattlemen’s Congress: There were 85 Hereford bulls shown, 307 Hereford females shown, 8 pen of 3 heifers shown, 4 pen of 5 bulls shown, and 12 pen of 3 bulls shown. The Champion Polled Hereford bull, Haroldson’s United 33D 36G owned by Hoffman Herefords, Thedford, Neb., Haroldsons Polled Herefords, Wawota, Saskatoon, and Poplar Meadows, Houston, British Columbia was named Supreme Champion Bull over all breeds. In addition, the Supreme Champion Female over all breeds was the Champion Horned Hereford Female. She was Purple Iris 145G ET owned by Lauren May, Mineral Point, Wis., and bred by Purple Reign Cattle Co., Toulan, Ill. The Cattlemen’s Congress National Hereford Sale saw 14 bulls average $32,250, 7 bred heifers average $15,393, 11 open heifers average $9,932, and 8 pick of the herd lots average $14,125. The exhibitors truly enjoyed the great clean facilities, ease of unloading and loading tack upon arrival and departure to the facilities, along with the huge savings in expenses for bedding at the Cattlemen’s Congress. In addition, spectators liked the show arena, free parking close to the coliseum along with free admission. Both exhibitors and spectators enjoyed the ease of traffic and lower motel rates compared to the National Western. Prior to attending the 2021 Cattlemen’s Congress, I attended the 14th Annual Greater Midwest Certified Hereford Influenced Feeder Sale at Carthage Livestock, Inc. in Carthage, Ill. The 1,486 head were sorted and weighted on Jan. 2 and 3, with the sale on Jan. 4. Here are the sale results: • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
20 Hereford steers 375# @ $1.64 28 Hereford steers 430# @ $1.56 86 Hereford steers 477# @ $1.52 85 Hereford steers 527# @ $1.50 1/2 86 Hereford steers 582# @ $1.50 43 Hereford steers 579# @ $1.50 81 Hereford steers 627# @ $1.42 24 Hereford steers 640# @ $1.42 75 Hereford steers 678# @ $1.39 41 Hereford steers 683# @ $1.40 79 Hereford steers 734# @ $1.36 67 Hereford steers 777# @ $1.36 1/4 26 Hereford steers 776# @ $1.34 43 Hereford steers 832# @ $1.31 1/4 46 Hereford steers 925# @ $1.26 3/4 27 BWF steers 456# @ $1.80
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
28 BWF steers 540# @ $1.64 22 BWF steers 604# @ $1.54 1/2 18 BWF steers 853# @ $1.27 3/4 32 Hereford heifers 393# @ $1.48 80 Hereford heifers 470# @ $1.32 54 Hereford heifers 532# @ $1.36 53 Hereford heifers 579# @ $1.35 58 Hereford heifers 626# @ $1.33 1/2 38 Hereford heifers 679# @ $1.30 1/2 41 Hereford heifers 753# @ $1.29 1/2 22 Hereford heifers 855# @ $1.24 3/4 16 BWF heifers 387# @ $1.53 1/2 13 BWF heifers 491# @ $1.43 22 BWF heifers 553# @ $1.33 1/2 18 BWF heifers 612# @ $1.24 15 BWF heifers 790# @ $1.24 1/2
Thank you to the Lowderman Family, the consignors, and buyers for allowing this event to be such a success! MAKE YOUR CATTLE BETTER TODAY BECAUSE YOU HAVE TO MARKET THEM TOMORROW!
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CATTLEMEN CONGREGATE ON THE RED DIRT: HEREFORD CHAMPIONS NAMED AT CATTLEMEN’S CONGRESS The stakes were high as judge Brandon Callis, Minco, Okla., sorted the 82-head Hereford bull show and 291-head Hereford female show at the inaugural 2021 Cattlemen’s Congress in Oklahoma City. A total of 677 Herefords were exhibited throughout the four-day national Hereford show, Jan. 7-10. Buck Cattle Co., Madill, Okla., was recognized as both horned and polled premier breeders. The horned premier exhibitor was Gary and Kathy Buchholz, Waxahachie, Texas.Polled premier exhibitor was awarded to Hans and Vada Vickland, Longmont, Colo. Below are the champions from the open bull and female shows. Bull show champions Hoffman Herefords, Thedford, Neb.; Haroldsons Polled Herefords, Wawota, Saskatchewan; and Poplar Meadows, Houston, British Columbia, took home polled champion honors with Haroldson’s United 33D 36G. This son of Harroldson’s Upgrade T100 33D was born March 5, 2019, and was first named champion yearling bull. JMS Ranch, Carthage, Texas; Morris Hereford Farms, Carthage, Texas; Kirbie Day Sims, Waxahachie, Texas; and Neal McCoy, Longview, Texas, received the polled reserve champion bull banner with KLD RW Marksman D87 ET. The champion senior bull was born March 26, 2018, and sired by UPS Sensation 2296 ET. The champion horned bull went to Blakelee Hayes, Ada, Okla., and Buck Cattle Co., Madill, Okla., with BK BH Fast Ball F102 ET, sired by CRR 719 Catapult 109. The Sept. 11, 2018, entry was first named champion senior yearling bull. Barber Ranch, Channing, Texas, was named reserve champion horned bull with BR 109 Catapult G032 ET. Sired by CRR 719 Catapult 109, this champion senior bull calf was born Sept. 23, 2019. Female show champions Lauren May, Mineral Point, Wis., claimed the horned champion female title with Purple Iris 145G, sired by UPS Sensation 2296 ET. The May 7, 2019, female was first awarded champion intermediate yearling female. The horned reserve champion female went to Mason Allan, Nocona, Texas, with KOLT GARW Candi Stock 25 ET. The B&C Stock Option 6026D ET daughter was born April 22, 2019, and was first awarded champion spring yearling female. Alexis Griswold, Stillwater, Okla., and her champion junior yearling female, C BAR1 Classy Lass 9153, was awarded the polled champion female title. This daughter of T/R BPF AmericanClassic 561CET was born Jan. 13, 2019. Hans and Vada Vickland, Longmont, Colo., with H KFL Pixie 9372 ET, claimed polled reserve champion female. The Jan. 23, 2019, entry was sired by H Montgomery 7437 ET and first awarded the reserve champion junior yearling female. Hereford highlights Judge Shane Werk, Manhattan, Kan., evaluated 274 head in the junior show on Thursday, Jan. 7, to head off the Hereford display in the Jim Norick Arena. Saturday, Jan. 9, began with the pen show judged by Keith Phillips, Mays Lick, Ky.; Brent Mrnak, Bowman, N.D.; and Troy Thomas, Harrold, S.D. This year’s pen show featured nine female pens, four penof-five bulls and 17 pen-of-three bulls. The Hereford Night National Hereford Sale rounded out Saturday evening, where 36.08 lots doubled the gross of last year’s national sale with $627,250 and averaged $17,385.
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HEREFORD PEN SHOW HONORS GO TO BUCK CATTLE CO., JENSEN BROS. AND GKB CATTLE Buck Cattle Co., Madill, Okla., won the pen-of-three female show on Saturday, Jan. 9, during the inaugural 2021 Cattlemen’s Congress in Oklahoma City. Jensen Bros., Courtland, Kan., topped the pen-of-five bull show and GKB Cattle, Waxahachie, Texas, took pen-of-three bull honors. Brent Mrnak, Bowman, N.D.; Keith Phillips, Mays Lick, Ky.; and Troy Thomas, Harrold, S.D., evaluated the pen show, which included nine female pens, four pen-of-five bulls and 17 pen-of-three bulls for a total of 98 Hereford cattle. The grand champion pen-of-three females and champion junior heifer calf pen was exhibited by Buck Cattle Co., Madill, Okla. The group was sired by H The Profit 8426 ET and LCX Perfecto 11B ET and posted an average weight of 1,008 pounds with a 3.09 weight per day of age (WDA). Delaney Herefords, Lake Benton, Minn., showed the reserve grand champion pen-of-three females, which also took reserve honors in junior heifer calf division. These heifers were sired by H Deberard 7454 ET, H Montgomery 7437 ET and JDH AH Miles Ahead 35F ET. The pen weighed an average of 852 pounds and measured a 2.49 WDA. Jensen Bros., Courtland, Kan., brought home the champion pen-of-five bulls with their champion junior bull calves. The entry was sired by R Leader 6964 and KJ BJ 236X Leader 894E ET. The bulls averaged 1,097 pounds with a calculated WDA of 3.24. The reserve champion pen-of-five and reserve champion junior bull calves went to Delaney Herefords, Lake Benton, Minn. The calves were sired by JDH AH Miles Ahead 35F ET, JDH Victor 719T 33Z ET, JDH 11B Stud 3134 63E and H FHF Authority 6026 ET. The pen weighed an average of 1,084 pounds with a 3.27 WDA. Champion honors for the pen-of-three bull show went to GKB Cattle, Waxahachie, Texas, with the group first winning the junior bull calf division. Sired by C Double Your Miles 6077 E, the group averaged 1,107 pounds and had a calculated WDA of 3.15. Barber Ranch, Channing, Texas, won champion pen-of-three senior bull calves before being selected as the reserve grand champion pen with a group sired by CRR 719 Catapult 109. The pen weighed an average of 1,555 pounds with a 3.31 WDA.
HEREFORD THRIVES IN AN UNCERTAIN YEAR Despite the challenges of 2020, the American Hereford Association reports breed growth. In a year that was anything but predictable, Hereford breeders and the American Hereford Association (AHA) continued to add value to Hereford genetics. Year-end reports shared during the Association’s recent annual meeting show their efforts paid off. “As the commercial industry has looked to add crossbreeding back into the programs to increase fertility, longevity, disposition — all the things that are known in Hereford cattle — it’s created a great opportunity for us,” says Jack Ward, AHA executive vice president. Ward reports the Association experienced increases in registrations and memberships this fiscal year, while sale averages climbed. “The real excitement within our breed and within our membership is in its growth,” Ward says.“It’s seen growth because the breeders have been committed to genetic improvement and providing the tools necessary to make the changes to produce the type of product that their customer’s need and then, ultimately, the consumer. It’s all encompassing.” A drive for genetic improvement includes a focus on the female. The Association incorporated genomic information into its suite of maternal traits, and female genotypes accounted for almost 60% of the 25,000 genotypes submitted to the organization during the fiscal year.“I really think that speaks highly to our breeders’ commitment to really get the most of the females that they’re keeping,” says Shane Bedwell, AHA chief operating officer and director of breed improvement. “You’ll find about a 20% to 25%, up to a 30%, increase in those maternal traits in the last three years.” The Association also reports tremendous strides in other economically relevant traits, including carcass. “We’ve made incredible improvements in postweaning growth and end product merit,” Bedwell adds. “That’s evident in the amount of cattle that are now grading well in the Hereford breed.” Benefits in conversion and cost of gain have more producers utilizing the Association’s commercial programs – like Hereford Advantage – to add value to Hereford and Hereford-influenced calves.Meanwhile, Certified Hereford Beef ® celebrated its 25th anniversary and another successful year. “No matter where you drive in the U.S., you find Hereford cattle. They’re adaptable, they work hard. They’re efficient,” Bedwell notes. “We need efficient cattle in these times and in our production system, and Hereford genetics thrive.” www.illinoisbeef.com
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HEREFORD NIGHT NATIONAL HEREFORD SALE REACHES NEW HEIGHTS The display carousels were abuzz and a large crowd watched eagerly as the Hereford Night National Hereford Sale topped off activities on Saturday night, Jan. 9, at the 2021 Cattlemen’s Congress in Oklahoma City. After the final strike of his gavel, auctioneer Joe Goggins sold 36.08 lots averaging $17,385. The sale featured 10.08 bull lots averaging $29,489, 10 female lots averaging $9,425, seven bred females averaging $15,036 and nine pick lots bringing in a $14,611 average. Topping the sale was Lot 16 consigned by Bar Star Cattle, Musselshell, Mont., with Bar Star Fresh Prince 018 ET from the reserve champion junior bull calf pen-of-three. This popular lot commanded a bid of $107,500 and sold to Ye Ole McDonald Farm, Grand Rapids, Mich. Thirty-three buyers claimed 33 semen packages. Buck Cattle Co., Madill, Okla., consigned Lot 29 with BK BH Fast Ball F102 ET. The CRR 719 Catapult 109 son sold for $54,000 to Chapman Ranches LLC, Mannsville, Okla. In addition, 14 buyers claimed 14 semen packages for a total of $14,000. Nelson Hirsche Purebreds, Del Bonita, Alberta, consigned Lot X with a B&C Stock Option 6026D ET son, GH SO Blockbuster ET 170H. One-third interest was sold to Alberta’s Dallas Farms, Stihl Farms and Johnson Farms for $50,000. Lot 12 — an NJW Long haul 36E ET daughter bred to BG LCC 11B Perfecto 84F — was consigned by Next Generation Genetics, Endeavor, Wis. This female went to MGM Polled Herefords, Hartford, Wis., for $30,000. Consignors Atkins Herefords, Tea, S.D., and JDH Herefords, Lake Benton, Minn., brought the top-selling open female to the sale ring. Selling as Lot 2, this daughter of H Montgomery 7437 ET went to Hoffman Herefords, Thedford, Neb.; Upstream Ranch, Taylor, Neb.; and Harrison Livestock, Montague, Calif., for $28,000. Hoffman Herefords, Thedford, Neb., received a $30,000 bid for its Lot 6 pick-of-fall heifer calves. Jamie Moore, Piasa, Ill., took home this pick. After the final bids were tallied, 36.08 lots brought $627,250 to double last year’s gross sales. The American Hereford Association thanks Sam Eck and W-W Manufacturing, Thomas, Okla., for supplying the sale ring, and the Cattlemen’s Congress crew for setting a great sale arena and their second-to-none hospitality. “A big thank-you goes out to the consignors for bringing an elite set of Hereford cattle and genetics to the national Hereford Night sale in OKC ,” says Joe Rickabaugh, AHA director of field management and seedstock marketing. “This sale sets a pace in the Hereford breed and the credit goes to the consignors year in and year out. We greatly appreciate the buyers and all the sale attendees who continue to support this event.”
MAY, FREKING AND ALLAN AWARDED TOP TITLES AT CATTLEMEN’S CONGRESS The competition was fierce as National Junior Hereford Association (NJHA) members paraded through the Jim Norick Arena during the junior Hereford show, Thursday, Jan. 7, at the inaugural 2021 Cattlemen’s Congress in Oklahoma City. Shane Werk, Manhattan, Kan., sorted the 274-head show. Lauren May, Mineral Point, Wis., exhibited the polled champion female, PURPLE HB LMAY Star 189G. She is an Aug. 12, 2019, daughter of UPS Sensation 2296 ET and was first named champion senior heifer calf. The horned champion female was awarded to Mason Allan, Nocona, Texas, with KOLT GARW Candi Stock 25 ET. The champion spring yearling female is an April 22, 2019, daughter of B&C Stock Option 6026D ET. The polled reserve champion female title went to Will, Thomas and Ben Freking, Alpha, Minn., with ECR MC LDSC Flo’s 1928 ET. The champion spring yearling female was born April 30, 2019, and sired by H Montgomery 7437 ET. The Frekings continued their success in the horned show, taking home the horned reserve champion female banner with H BL Miss Spice 938 ET. The March 18, 2019, female sired by H Deberard 7454 ET also came out of the spring yearling female division behind Allan’s entry. Judge Werk, who grew up in the breed and is a past NJHA chairman, remarked on the impressiveness of the quality exhibitions and congratulated Hereford breeders on the breed’s progress. “I commend these junior exhibitors on the depth of quality that was showcased today,” he says. “My true compliments to these folks for breeding these cattle, and the young people for getting them ready. It’s been a pleasure working with these courteous young individuals. This breed is made up of great cattle and great kids.” 58
Illinois Beef - March/April 2021
www.illinoisbeef.com
Lauren McMillan, Tiskilwa, Ill.
Nicholas Torrance, Media, Ill.
Kira Sayre, Arenzville, Ill.
$150,000 IN SCHOLARSHIPS AWARDED TO HEREFORD YOUTH The Hereford Youth Foundation of America (HYFA) awarded a total of $150,000 in scholarships to 24 different youth on Thursday, Oct. 22, at the American Hereford Association’s (AHA) virtual awards ceremony during the AHA Annual Membership Meeting and Conference. “The foundation is home to several scholarship endowments that honor breed leaders, Hereford legends and legacies,” says HYFA President Ray Ramsey. “As we recognize this fall’s scholarship recipients, HYFA congratulates the college students and salutes the donors and families who make these opportunities possible. These young people are living out HYFA’s mission, and by helping them better their education we are paving the way for them to become leaders who will one day leave their legacy on the industry they are the most passionate about.” Many generous donations throughout the years from multiple supporters of Hereford youth make these scholarships possible. The fall 2020 scholarship recipients are:Jack and Donna Vanier Family $10,000 Scholarships: Tyler Allan, Nocona, Texas; Noah Benedict, Dewey, Ill.; Austin Cook, Greenbrier, Ark.; Blakelee Hayes, Ada, Okla.; Dixie Miller, Farmington, Ark.; Regan Mitchem, Vale, N.C.; Ralston Ripp, Kearney, Neb.; Libby Rushton, Waverly, Tenn.; Megan Underwood, Campbellsville, Ky.; and Rusty Wolf, Alexandria, Ky. The Vanier Family of CK Ranch in Brookville, Kan., awards 10 scholarships annually to youth who demonstrate exceptional commitment to higher education and who have overcome obstacles in their lives. Bar One Ranch $5,000 Scholarship: Lauren McMillan, Tiskilwa, Ill. - Lauren McMillan is a sophomore at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, majoring in agriculture leadership. The 19-year-old daughter of Kyle and Jodi McMillan has a true passion for the Hereford breed and its members. An active member in the NJHA, she currently serves on the association’s board of directors. She has attended every Faces of Leadership Conference since she became age eligible and credits this experience to making lifelong friendships and broadening her perspective of the diversity of the agriculture industry. George and Karen Sprague of Bar One Ranch, Eugene, Ore., made a generous donation to HYFA in 2011 for an annual scholarship to be awarded in honor of Ken Tracy, a fellow Hereford breeder who lost his battle with cancer.\ Perks Ranch $5,000 Scholarship: Nicholas Torrance, Media, Ill. - Nicholas Torrance is a junior at the University of Illinois and the son of Scott and Monica Torrance. Nicholas is majoring in crop sciences and minoring in animal sciences. He was an active member in his local FFA chapter and received his state degree in 2018. He also was selected as the 2019 Illinois Star Farmer. After graduating from college, Nicholas plans to return to his family’s farm and continue to grow their operation. This scholarship was established to honor Doug Perk’s legacy and leadership on the HYFA board. HYFA $2,500 Scholarship: Kira Sayre, Arenzville, Ill. - Kira Sayre is a sophomore equine science major at Colorado State University. The 19-year-old daughter of Tim and Tracie Sayre grew up raising Hereford cattle on her family’s farm. Kira served as a state director for the Illinois Junior Hereford Association. She was also a member of the winning senior Hereford Bowl team at the 2019 JNHE. In the future, Kira hopes to combine her love for Herefords and horses and work on a beef and equine operation. This scholarship is designed to provide recognition for outstanding members of the NJHA and to encourage individual and cooperative effort, enthusiasm, excellence, leadership, academic success and achievement. www.illinoisbeef.com
March/April 2021 - Illinois Beef
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CERTIFIED HEREFORD BEEF CELEBRATES 25 YEARS Together, Hereford producers, brand partners and loyal customers celebrated 25 years of the Certified Hereford Beef® (CHB) brand in 2020. Among the world’s great beef brands, Certified Hereford Beef is found in the nation’s best restaurants and retailers. The brand’s commitment to rich heritage and uncompromising dedication to the Hereford breed have allowed its product to meet and exceed consumer expectations. “The Certified Hereford Beef team is proud to celebrate a brand that continues to evolve and accommodate the demands of consumers worldwide,” says CHB President and CEO Amari Seiferman. “Our commitment at Certified Hereford Beef is to thoughtfully and strategically build a brand that will continue to grow for future generations to add value to Hereford genetics.” In 1995, the American Hereford Association created the Certified Hereford Beef program to carry forward the timehonored tradition of tender, juicy and delicious beef. As Hereford earned a reputation as an ideal breed to produce the perfect steak, CHB brought that quality into the homes of American families. With consumers adopting high standards for quality in a competitive marketplace, the Certified Hereford Beef brand works strategically to meet their demand and push the beef industry to new heights. Paying close attention to the consumer, the brand has updated and improved its specifications — notably moving to a premium program focused on cattle that achieve upper two-thirds USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) Choice or higher. “The creation of the Premium line has allowed CHB to compete with top brands in the industry,” Seiferman says. “It is important to be a trusted source for a quality product, not only to promote the brand, but also to help our customers grow their business.” With 7 million head harvested and a total of 900 million pounds sold, the brand continues to provide a growing opportunity for rural America and a safe and wholesome product for families everywhere. Cattle ranchers recognized long ago that great beef comes from great cattle. Together, we celebrate 25 years of the brand committed to quality and the cattlemen and women who supply it.
Lorenzen Farms Chrisman, IL Adam Harms, Herdsman 217-369-3609 adamdharms@hotmail.com Steve Lorenzen: 217-822-2803
Kings, IL 61068
James home 815-562-4946 James cell 815-761-1523 Malcolm 815-761-8462
Jack and Sherry Lowderman Monte, Carrie and Rhett Brent, Kris, Blake and Morgan Cody, Abby, Nash and Tuck P.O. Box 488 Macomb, IL 61455 Office: 309-833-5543
www.lowderman.com
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Illinois Beef - March/April 2021
www.illinoisbeef.com
President’s Note A
s we enter the spring thaw, I am hoping the white stuff is done. I am tired of plowing the snow and none of my piles have seemed to disappear in between snowfalls like in normal winters. The extended cold can also stay away as the sight of the sun has been a positive thing. With no traditional Illinois Beef Expo this year, we held our Mid-American Sale and our annual meeting at a new location on Friday, Feb. 26. The Illinois Simmental Association would like to give a huge thank you to the Lowderman family for letting us use their auction and banquet facility this year. During this event the senior board recognizes individuals and families for promoting the Simmental breed. This year the board recognized: The Jay Richie Family as Breeder of the Year; Roger Allen as Pioneer of the Breed; Larry Martin as Builder of the Breed; Lacey Schick as ISA Member of the Year; Ty Drach as Exhibitor of the Year. The Illinois Junior Simmental Association also recognized the juniors on their hard work and dedication. Special awards were given to: Emerson Tarr, Senior Leadership; Ty Drach, Senior Achievement; Conley Schick, Junior Leadership; Ellie Drach, Junior Achievement. Juniors were also recognized for their showring efforts during the 2020 show season. Top 10 animals were announced and the juniors received a Nike backpack. The ISA board also hosted a semen auction, thank you to the breeders for their donations and the buyers who supported the event. The night concluded with the drawing of a winner of the Illinois junior heifer raffle. This heifer was donated by the Boitnott Family and the proceeds went towards the 2022 National Classic we are hosting in Madison, Wis. Thank you Boitnott’s for your support of ISA and IJSA. As we head into spring our juniors are looking forward to showring and getting back together as a breed. The Illinois Simmental Preview Show will be held May 22-23 at the McDonough County Fairgrounds outside of Macomb. The show will be held on the 23rd with junior activities being held on the 22nd, watch for announcements about this event of the juniors Facebook page. The 2021 National Classic is being held in Grand Island, Neb. from June 26-July 2. The theme for this year’s event is “Grand Slam Time in Nebraska”. I hope to see our kids out and about this spring and summer Good luck to all! In closing, I hope everyone has been having a great calving season and a safe beginning to the spring. We are continuing to update our website, illinoissimmental.com, so continue to check there for dates and announcements. Our juniors will be conducting more fundraising for the 2022 National Classic, so continue to stay connected with them through the Illinois Junior Simmental Association Facebook page. Keep up the great work juniors!
- Scott Simmental Breeders
www.illinoisbeef.com
Scott Frederick, ISA President
March/April 2021 - Illinois Beef
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Award Results 2021 Illinois Simmental Association Banquet
Lowderman Auction Company | Macomb, Ill. | Feb. 26
Breeder of the Year
Exhibitor of the Year
Member of the Year
Pioneer Breeder
Builder of the Breed
Rick Haefner Scholarship
The Jay Richie Family
Lacey Schick
Larry Martin, Black Diamond Genetics 62
Illinois Beef - March/April 2021
Ty Drach
Roger Allen, 6 Bar R Cattle Company
Jenna Spangler
www.illinoisbeef.com
Junior Leadership Award
Junior Achievement Award
Senior Achievement Award
2021 Illinois Simmental Queen
Conley Schick
Ellie Drach
Ty Drach
Jenna Spangler, Retiring Queen: Kara Freebairn Not pictured: Senior Leadership Award, Emerson Tarr
www.illinoisbeef.com
March/April 2021 - Illinois Beef
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www.illinoissimmental.com
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Illinois Beef - March/April 2021
www.illinoisbeef.com
WILDBERRY
Annual Production Sale
FARMS March 27, 2021 1:00 pm • Hanover, IL
60 BULLS AND 25 BRED HEIFERS SELL
H046 // ASA 3723321 // PB SM
H033 // ASA 3723308 // PB SM
BLACK, POLLED CLRS DIVIDEND 405D BULL. CE
BW
WW
YW
MCE
MILK
MWW
MARB
REA
API
TI
15.2
-0.3
80.5
124.3
11.2
34.6
-0.3
0.26
DOC
CW
YG
7.5
0.81
20.9
148.6
BW
WW
46.8
-0.36
0.32
1.13
TI
0.25
0.55
YG
MARB
20.7 163
65
93.8
H171 // ASA 3723438 // 5/8 SM 3/8 AN
API
-0.2
YG
CW
25.9
139.1
60
77.4
CE
BW
DOC
CW
13
12.4
WW
MCE
MILK
MWW
MARB
REA
API
TI
86.8
132.4
36.3
-0.21
0.42
YG
5.7
0.58
20.5
138.1
BW CW
12
6.9
WW
0.2
74.4
26.2
-0.23
YG
YW
MCE
MILK
MARB
REA
API
112
0.22
7.3
0.7
20.7
MWW
57.9 TI
132.8
74.8
MWW
BLACK, POLLED HOOK`S BLACK HAWK 50B BULL.
YW
2.9
CE
DOC
H021 // ASA 3723297 // PB SM
BLACK, HOMO POLLED RUBY SWC MADDEN D665 BULL.
REA
33.8
CW
TI
16.6
MARB
9
DOC
MWW
API
85.2
MWW
5.7
MILK
REA
10.3
DOC
BLACK, POLLED TNT WIDE RANGE E324 BULL.
MCE
133.5
MILK
107.8
YW
88.6
MCE
68.2
WW
-1.9
YW
-0.5
BW
16.9
H832 // ASA 3723524 // PB SM CE
CE
61.1
BLACK, POLLED CLRS DIVIDEND 405D BULL. 12.3
H039 // ASA 3723314 // 5/8 SM 3/8 AN
BLACK, POLLED HOOK`S BLACK HAWK 50B BULL.
CE
BW
WW
YW
MCE
MILK
MARB
REA
API
63.8
14.6
-0.2
94.6
139.7
84.3
14.7
47.2
-0.38
0.36
DOC
CW
YG
9.1
1.2
23.4
160.9
70.6 TI
96.2
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BEN LEHMAN, CATTLE MANAGER: 563-920-0315 DEAN ELDER, HERDSMAN: 712-269-1261 JIM BERRY, OWNER:: 815-297-5562 evenings • simgene@msn.com
www.illinoisbeef.com
Due to calve 3/17/2021 to WBF First Response.
G618 // ASA 3592373 // PB SM
BLACK, POLLED CLRS DIVIDEND 405D HEIFER. CE
BW
DOC
CW
14.2 0.4
WW
YW
MCE
MILK
MARB
REA
API
0.2
79.3
119.4
31.6
-0.2
0.29
YG
7.4
0.59
21.7
146.2
MWW
61.3 TI
83.8
FARMS
6502 IL RT 84 South, Hanover, IL 61041
www.wildberryfarms.net March/April 2021 - Illinois Beef
65
CURTIN T.J. Curtin: (217) 825-3005
Tasha Bunting 309-557-2993
tbunting@ilfb.org
SHUCKLAGE FOR SALE D E A N
B A C O N
&
B E E F
LEROY, IL
402-463-1359
HIGH VALUE SILAGE COW FEED OR GROWER DIETS
2401 S. Bunn, Bloomington, IL 61704
Dave Wilcox
dave.wilcox@kentww.com 309-275-7184 www.kentfeeds.com
deanfarm4@gmail.com
Derek: 309-275-0712 Rick: 309-838-9300
Brad McCormick
bmccormick@johnsonconcreteproducts.com
Weekly Auctions: Salem - Thursday at 9:30 a.m. Shelbyville - Tuesday at 9:30 a.m. Collection Point: Goreville - 2nd and 4th Wednesday collection www.uproducers.com
MULTIMIN USA, INC www.MultiMinUSA.com
Joe Brown
Technical Sales Representative
Cell: 417-848-5755 jbrown@multiminusa.com
Dan Crum
Independent Sales Representative AI Service & Semen Sales
Stronghurst, Illinois 309.371.5729 dlcrum@gmail.com
LEGEND LESPEDEZA TED LIMIPPLY U S
800-753-6511
www.Legendlespedeza.com 66
Illinois Beef - March/April 2021
www.illinoisbeef.com
D & S Brown
Top Of The State Hay & Straw 8962 N Davis Road Davis, IL 61019
Sandra L. Brown Donald E. Brown, Jr. (815) 865-5471 (815) 238-8372 don.brownjr708@gmail.com sandee.brown@hotmail.com
Barney Gehl: 563-506-8075 Eli Slouha: 319-423-1293 Jarred Searls: 608-393-3735
217-285-6379
Jonathon Ruzich: jruzich.longhorn@gmail.com Stan Edge: edgekimstan@gmail.com
Devin Albrect: (888) 464-5282
Fairview Sale Jan,, lt1c. 1120 Carter Street • Fairview, IL 61432
www.fairviewsalebarn.com
Tuesday: 10 a.m. Fat Cattle & Slaughter Cows/Bulls
Jake Fidler: 309-224-2226 Bob Garber: 309-696-9798 Ray Johnson: 309-337-6029 Laura Fidler: 309-778-2225 Bob Fidler: 309-224-2327
Thursday: 12 p.m. Goats, Sheep, Feeder salebarn@mymctc.net Cattle, Cows/Bulls
Kent Buckert buckert@adams.net (217) 242-7495 www.ursacoop.com
Lincoln, IL Atlanta, IL (217) 732-5700 (217) 648-5800 timbercrest@timbercrestvet.com www.timbercrestvet.com
815-384-3750 www.illinoisbeef.com
March/April 2021 - Illinois Beef
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Purebred Breeders Shorthorns
Leveldale Farms Mason City, IL 62664 217-737-0692 cattle@leveldale.com
Dr. L.E. Mathers III mathers@leveldale.com Rob Bruce, Herdsman 217-737-0692 cattle@leveldale.com We are also on Facebook!
Advertiser’s Index ABS AICA American Angus Association Andras Red Angus Arthur’s Repair Shop Baker Farms Beefmaster Breeders United Bergman Farm Supply Bill Farm Angus Biopryn BioZyme Inc. Bloomington Meats Buchheit Callan Farms Cutting Edge USA/ Legend Lespedeza D & S Brown Hay & Straw Dean Bacon and Beef Double Diamond Genetics Downey Equipment Ellis Farms Beef Genetics, LLC Evers Livestock Farms Fairview Sale Barn Frank & West Environmental Engineers Greenville Livestock Auction Grain Diversification International Hadden Farms, Inc. Hiel Trailer Sales Hunter Nutrition Huber, Robert Hueber Feed, LLC IF Charolais Assn IL Corn Marketing Board IL Farm Bureau IL Simmental Assn. IL Soybean Association Johnson Concrete Waterers Kalmbach Feeds Kent Nutrition Group Kiesewetter Angus Kramer Angus LaFraise Farms
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66 IBC 47 7 66 60 1 10 50 66 67 66 67 50 66 67 66 29 11 60 50 67 66 67 66 33 33 40 67 67 IBC 44 66 64 18 11, 66 66 66 50 50 68
Illinois Beef - March/April 2021
Illinois Beef, printed bi-monthly, is the official publication of the IBA. It serves as the voice of Illinois’ 12,000 beef producers. ILLINOIS BEEF ADVERTISING RATES
Lorenzen Farms 50, 60 Lowderman Cattle Company 60 Lemenager Cattle 50 Leveldale Farms 68 Longhorn Confinement Systems 37, 67 Mark Seed 67 Mauer-Stutz 67 Merck Animal Health BC, 67 Mid-Continental Livestock Supplements 17 Milligan Herefords 60 Mix 30 66 MultiMin 66 Nikles of Petersburg 66 No Bull Enterprises 6 Nord Farms 68 Panther Creek Ranch 50 Perks Ranch 60 P.H. White Co. 37 Pike Feeds 13 Producer’s Hedge 66 ProHarvest Seeds IFC Purina Animal Nutrition 66 R&H Seed Solutions 67 Rhodes Angus 50 Rincker Law 67 Rincker Simmentals 61 Riverode 23 Select Sires MidAmerica 5, 67 ST Genetics 66 Stephens Trailer Sales 39 Steinhart Farm Service Rotomix 23 Sunnyhill Angus Farm 50 Timbercrest Vet Service 67 Torrance Herefords 60 United Producers, Inc. 66 Ursa Farmers Cooperative 67 WP Angus 50 Walnut Grove Angus 50 Wildberry Farms 65 Zoetis 67
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www.illinoisbeef.com
Breeding good cattle isn’t complicated. Cattle feeders give us the ultimate report card. According to Jared Wareham, Top Dollar Angus, “No other option offers the greatest terminal crossbreeding value from the ranch through the feeder like a really good set of smokes or buckskins that are at least 50% Angus or Red Angus.” Use a registered Charolais bull and genetic verification through CharAdvantage to earn more premiums.
American-International Charolais Association 11700 NW Plaza Circle - Kansas City, MO 64153
www.charolaisusa.com
Illinois Charolais Association Officers President: Sharlene Bullard - 815-358-2827 Vice President: Nick Bertsche - 815-822-4417 Secretary/Treasurer: Robb Creasey - 309-255-7799
Members:
LaFraise Farms, Flanagan Dale Bertsche - 815-796-2950 Steve Bertsche - 815-769-4440
Bertsche Farms, Flanagan Troy Bertsche - 815-674-1244 Bullard Cattle Co., Cornell Paul Bullard - 815-358-2827 Creasey Charolais, Macomb Robb Creasey - 309-255-7799 D-Mar-Mac Charolais, Warsaw Sam Zumwalt - 217-256-4619 Tom Engel, Flanagan - 815-796-4440 Grand View Farm, Hanover Don Kautz - 815-591-3766 Grove Charolais, Metamora Keith Grove - 309-222-0287 Grusy Bros., Gridley - 309-747-2696
K&D Cattle, Elizabeth Kelley - 815-275-8904 Devin - 815-858-2318 Wayne & Diane Moore, Piasa 618-410-3308 Nord Farms, Bloomington Ron Nord - 309-828-1448 Ellen & Jerry Cassady -309-212-0488 Eric & Samantha Nord Karl Messman Rob & Lucy Nord, Clinton -217-935-2656 TC Cattle Services, Vandalia Doug Thurnau - 618-604-4714 WGB Charolais, London Mills 309-251-1485
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