Past IBA leaders give testimonials regarding the late Cimeron Frost and his contributions to the Illinois Beef Association and Illinois Beef Expo.
24 CattleCon 2024
Members of the Illinois Beef industry and Association staff enjoyed three full days of cattle industry updates and outlooks, partnered with fellowship of beef producers from accross the country. Find a recap and policy updates here.
30 Driving Illinois Growth
As the beef industry navigates the complexities of market dynamics and evolving consumer demands, Illinois is emerging as a hub of innovation and adaptation. Turn here to learn more.
34 Can You Tell the Difference?
Bovine anaplasmosis is not a new disease in Illinois. Once considered to only be a southern Illinois issue, data shows that positive cows are found throughout the state.
39 Illinois Beef Expo Results
Three diverse sales, a junior show now spanning three days and a remarkable trade show made for a successful week celebrating beef producers of today and those who have gone before. Turn here for results and memories.
58 IJBA Points Program Winners
Lyla Mollett and Lizzie Schafer made it their goals this year to win the IJBA points show program, and they both did just that. Read about their journeys to success and what it took to win.
64 Beef Tenderness
Beef’s unique eating experience is a key reason consumers purchase beef over other proteins. Eating experience is centered around three key components: tenderness, flavor and juiciness. Read more about improvements in tenderness here.
Korbin Swigart exhibiting his Reserve Champion Hereford Heifer at the 2024 Illinois Beef Expo.
Photo by Devin Bollman.
Dave Duzan, Lexington President
IBA Board of Governors
Email: duzanagy@mtco.com
Policy Division Checkoff Division
Chair: Betsy Pech, Lincoln Vice Chair: Justin Rahn, Mt. Carroll
Last month was especially busy for IBA and our staff. A team comprised of staff and volunteers contributed countless hours alongside the Illinois Beef Expo committee to put on another successful Illinois Beef Expo at the Illinois State Fairgrounds in Springfield. Over 800 head of cattle were on the fairgrounds for the junior market and heifer shows, the bull sale, the heifer sale, the genetics auction, as well as the junior livestock judging contest and a junior beef skill-a-thon. IBA is proud to have been a part of the 2024 Expo again this year. I got to help at our Association booth in the tradeshow where we handed out branded gear, gained new members and honored the life of past IBA staff member and Illinois Beef Expo board member, Cimeron Frost.
Outside of the Expo, we have also been busy with several other industry initiatives. While cattle shows are fun, we have also been working to build up demand for beef from our state’s commercial cattle producers. Checkoff dollars help build demand for our product as the consumer choice for center-of-the-plate protein. Make sure to check out the Checkoff section later in this issue of Illinois Beef to learn more about how our programs are promoting beef in our state. On that side of our industry, it is important we keep up with trends and climates. Beef demand and fed cattle prices have been on the rebound from late last fall’s collapse, and with the lower corn prices, the cost of gains in Illinois are very competitive. In the latest USDA data release, stats show Illinois gained cattle in 2023.
IBA is very focused on commercial expansion in all
sectors of the Illinois beef industry – from commercial cow-calf operations to backgrounders and finishers. For instance, IBA is prioritizing commercial operations through the Illinois Livestock Development Group. If you are a commercial producer looking to expand, make sure to turn to page 30 to learn how the group helps producers. When I was at the 2024 Cattle Convention and NCBA tradeshow in February, and estate tax concerns were a popular topic of discussion because most producers want to have the option of passing their operations down to the next generation, but taxes get in the way of the inheritance. Expansion may allow for the next generation to come back home to a viable cattle operation.
Once again, our Association is hard at work this spring to guarantee you can continue to raise your beef, and your family, well. Our lobbyists are advocating in Springfield on behalf of producers in Illinois, and IBA staff and Board of Governors are pushing for programs to both promote beef and encourage our industry members. Here’s to hoping for a productive spring. Make sure to join us on April 13 in Anna for our next Cattlemen Connect Education Series meeting. We have a great set of presenters planned for a program focused on grazing. See you there!
Executive Edge
Josh St. Peters, Illinois Beef Association Executive Vice President
Taking a Look at the Numbers
On January 31, USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service released their biannual cattle inventory report, giving us a more detailed snapshot of what’s happening across the industry. This data comes every six months, reflecting the overall trends in cattle production, as well as the seasonality of our business (most noted when you look at the inventory shifts from a summer report to a winter report) as we wrestle with a very tight supply of cattle.
This is a topic that plenty of pundits and market analysts have been pontificating on for the better part of eighteen months. Beyond their monthly cattle on feed reports, this biannual data is a more comprehensive look at all sectors and paints a bigger picture – one that can be sliced, diced, and sorted – to get state and regional-level information. What it captures for the Land of Lincoln is an interesting observation. We’re one of the few states in the lower 48 where cattle inventory not only held but has grown ever so slightly. Perhaps it’s the availability of feed sources, or more accessible water (although the summer of 2023 clearly tested many Illinois wells) or just the fact that milder winters gave way to better calving seasons – and producers have hung onto cattle more so than in past years. Likely, it’s a farm-by-farm combination of factors – but the data shows that Illinois is holding onto cattle numbers, surprisingly more loyally than other Midwestern and Plains states.
Iowa, for example, is down cattle in the report – off about 1.5%. And Missouri, plagued by more sever drought over the last eighteen months, comes in with a decline of nearly 4% in
their cattle numbers. Notably, Indiana has posted a recordlow cattle number, now shy of 800,000 head of cattle in that state. But our home state is up just over 1% in the data – one of only a handful of states showing cattle growth in 2023 – at more than 1 million head of cattle in Illinois.
I’m aware this is marginal growth – but it’s a good sign that our folks can hang in there in a tough year, where we’ve seen so much contraction in the supply of cattle. And if there’s profitability for people that can hang onto cattle, I’m glad we’re seeing more of that income for our Illinois’ farm families.
Later in this issue is a great article about the push for commercial beef growth in our state, in part through our continued partnership with other farm organizations in the consortium we call the “Illinois Livestock Development Group”. This partnership is continuing to offer resources and support to farm families that want to look at adding capacity for cattle production on their operation. It’s incremental growth, but every time we site a new barn or install a few more pens of commercially fed cattle, we’re growing the market potential here. Even if it’s coming in waves of 500, 700, 900 head of cattle at a time – that’s strength for our industry here at home and incentivizes continued investments by the rest of the beef value chain within our region.
January 1, 2024 Cattle and Calves
(1,000) Head and Percent Change from Previous Year
Other regions where growth is noted in the USDA report are the Pacific Northwest and the Mid-Atlantic states. Both of these regions see consistent growth in cattle and calves numbers in the report. Of the “Top 5” beef states, in order they are: Texas, Nebraska, Kansas, California and Oklahoma, only the last state listed shows growth; the other four all declined, likely on a combination of local drought impacts, and general economic conditions of the sectors that makeup the lion’s share of beef production in those mega-cattle regions. The largest declines in beef production are noted in the Southeastern U.S. region, specifically in South Carolina with a nearly 8% downfall, and Alabama, with a loss of more than 6% of that state’s herd.
January 1 Cattle on Feed
The January report also includes additional data specifically on cows – looking at trends between beef cows and dairy cows across the U.S. It’s interesting to note that the beef cow herd in the U.S. declined 2.5% in the six-month period that USDA was gathering data, while the dairy cow herd had a flatter trend, dropping only a half of a percent. That puts beef cow numbers just over 28 million at the start of the year, which is the lowest count we’ve seen in a twenty-year period. However, milk cows counted at just over 8 million in January, and that’s on trend for the last decade and higher than what the data would show for a twenty-year period. Naturally, the calf crop trendline follows right along with this data – showing a similar decrease across the board in calf inventory but noting that about ¾ of the calf inventory was born in a January to July window, while the remaining calf crop comes the second half of the year.
January 1 Feeder Cattle Supply
I think all this data is interesting to parse through, as we consider what’s in store for the rest of 2024 and into 2025. All the data indicates that there’s continued momentum for the time being, but all of the economists are watching for a break in the trendline, that may come on the horizon as folks begin retaining and rebuilding. Meanwhile, I think many of our Illinois producers are cautiously watching for opportunities to harness optimism and profitability for growth on their farming enterprises.
IBA will have more economic outlook and risk management information built into our 2024 meeting series and upcoming events; be watching for Cattlemen Connect gatherings in your part of the state later this year and reach out to the IBA office staff if we can be of further assistance with questions you might have.
Extension Update
Travis Meteer, University of Illinois Extension Beef Specialist
There are many reasons to maintain strict breeding windows and shorter calving windows. A tight 60-day calving window can aid in programming cow nutrition, concentrate labor, and certainly create a more uniform, marketable calf crop. If you have a spread-out calving season, consider breaking cows into a spring and fall group. However, be cautious that just shifting cows from spring to fall and viceversa will result in little herd improvement. Break them apart to allow management and then sort off the cows that can’t hang.
Research has shown that getting a higher percentage of cows to calve within the first 21 days of the calving season results in heavier weaning weights and increased pregnancy rates compared to later calving cows. Heavier calves and more bred cows has been and will be a pretty good combination for making money. Later calving cows are more apt to fall out of your calving season and can ultimately cost you several dollars in replacement costs.
Just one missed cycle can add several dollars to the annual cost to keep a cow. It can also result in loss from weaning weight that could have been realized if the calf was older, on the ground and growing sooner.
Researchers from University of Nebraska-Lincoln (Funston et al.) investigated the effect of calving period on heifer progeny. Results show that heifers of cows calving in the first 21 days of the calving season have lower birth weights, heavier weaning weights, and higher pregnancy rates as bred heifers when compared to heifers born to cows calving later in the calving season. They also were more apt to calve in the first 21 days of the calving season as they entered production, had lighter calves at birth that weaned off heavier, and they bred-back with numerically higher pregnancy rates as first-calf cows.
There is a positive snowball effect from focusing on front-loading your calving season and selecting replacements from cows that are calving early in your season. Whereas I don’t encourage pulling bulls after a 60 day breeding season,
because of the premium for bred cows, I do encourage utilizing a pregnancy check to identify late-bred cows and then market them before the calving season as bred cows.
Just because they don’t fit for your operation doesn’t mean they don’t fit for someone else’s. The key is to identify the cows that annually are at the front of your calving season. Select and propagate those genetics to make cows.
TIPS FOR GETTING COWS TO BREED EARLY IN THE SEASON
• Select replacements from cows that calve early in the season
• Have cows in correct Body Condition Score (ideally 6)
• Avoid decreasing plane of nutrition at breeding, cows losing weight do not breed up well
• Invest in a good mineral program, consider injectable mineral products 30 days prior to breeding if mineral status may be compromised
• Consider synchronization and timed-AI to front-load the calving season
• Transition cows to lush, spring forage with a dry, low protein supplement
• Move pre-breeding vaccines to at least 30 days prior to breeding
• Limit stress. Use low-stress animal handling when processing cows
• Avoid transporting of cows between 4-45 days post breeding
• Provide adequate shade in breeding pastures
• Conduct a breeding soundness exam on all bulls prior to turnout
GATE CUTS
Gate Cuts
A Little Bit About Several Things
Paul Walker
Paul Walker, Professor Emeritus, DI Walker Consulting
Professor Emeritus - Illinois State University
DI Walker Consulting
A LITTLE BIT ABOUT SEVERAL THINGS
Hay Test Guidelines:
Alfalfa Hay Test Guidelines
your hay tested and the results are back. Are the values high, low, or average? How do I analyzed values to price the hay or assist in balancing diets? The following table may provide information
So you had your hay tested and the results are back. Are the values high, low, or average? How do I use the analyzed values to price the hay or assist in balancing diets? The following table may provide some helpful information.
ALPHA HAY TEST GUIDELINES
TDN (90% DM) 55.9 and up
RFV (100% DM) 185 and up
CP (100% DM) 22 and up PREMIUM
TDN (90% DM) 54.5 – 55.9
RFV (100% DM) 170 – 185
CP (100% DM) 20 – 22 GOOD
TDN (90% DM) 52.5 – 54.5
RFV (100% DM) 150 – 170
CP (100% DM) 18 – 20 FAIR
TDN (90% DM) 50.5 – 52.5
RFV (100% DM) 130 – 150
CP (100% DM) 16 – 18 LOW
TDN (90% DM) Below 50.5
RFV (100% DM) Below 130
CP (100% DM) Below 16
Source: Progressive Forage | Issue 2 2-1-24
Source: USDA Livestock, Poultry, and Grain Market News Agricultural Marketing Service
Labels Matter
Matter:
by the NCBA and the NPPC. Do you know? A rule of thumb used by marketing professionals is “a product has “3” seconds to capture and communicate with grocery shoppers.” Therefore, packaging must be clear and concise but, also, must have meaningful definitions to label claims that consumers universally understand and trust.
Lab Grown Meat
The NCBA is working diligently with USDA, FDA and Congress to ensure that cell-cultured beef(meat alternatives, in general) is appropriately titled and labeled. However, we should realize that plant protein(that includes beef alternatives such as Impossible Burger etc.) is here to stay. Plant proteins and precision fermentation plant products are being incorporated in place of animal- based ingredients(butter from plants instead of cows ; fatty acids from plants rather than of animal origin, etc.) into many foods that we all routinely buy. These are referred to as animal free ingredients. It will be some time, however, before plant alternative protein becomes serious competition for beef in the marketplace – taste continues as a problem for plant- based alternatives. The real competition to animal production is “Precision Fermentation” the newest chapter in the history of making food without animals. Precision Fermentation products are being incorporated into many retail food products as animal free ingredients.
Accurate meat labeling at the grocery store benefits all consumers, regardless of dietary preference. Senator Roger Marshall(R-KS) and Congressman Mark Alford(R-MO) have introduced the “Fair and Accurate Ingredient Representation on Labels Act of 2024.” The “Fair Labels Act” intends to increase transparency and clarify labeling requirements for plant-protein and cell-cultured protein products so consumers have the full picture when buying groceries for themselves and their families—without confusing the alternatives with the real thing. This act has been endorsed
meat labeling at the grocery store benefits all consumers, regardless of dietary preference Roger Marshall (R-KS) and Rep. Mark Alford (R-MO) have introduced the “Fair and Accurate Representation on Labels Act of 2024.” The “Fair Labels Act” intends to increase and clarify labeling requirements for plant-protein and cell-cultured protein products so
Cell-cultured beef or lab grown beef as I like to refer to it, may never be serious competition for beef. Research into the production of lab grown beef remains high and will be for some time, but as a beef product, I view lab grown beef as a supplement to the beef industry, not as competition, like plant based alternative protein. Lab grown beef may have a place where natural beef may not be available. Ever thought about what future space travelers will eat? Space station astronauts cannot take fresh beef with them in a picnic basket and frozen beef supplies may be limited in space but grow it as you need it cell-cultured beef may be doable. Do not lose sleep over lab grown beef; but, plant based alternative protein could be competition – especially if beef continues to increase in price relative to pork and poultry and if scientists can solve the poor taste problem of alternate plant protein
meat substitutes. In 2022, plant based “meats” represented 2.5% of the retail packaged meat sales. Cell- cultured protein has been approved only for chicken.
BQA Bolsters Consumer Confidence In Beef
Of those consumers with questions about cattle production, about 32% are concerned about animal welfare. Becoming Beef Quality Assurance Certified demonstrates an industry-wide commitment to best management practices and increases the BQA program’s credibility in consumers’ eyes. Currently 85% of the beef consumed in the U.S. is influenced by BQA certified producers. Think about how great the beef cattle industry credibility would be in consumers’ minds if every producer was BQA certified. And, BQA certification is so easy. Just go on-line and select one of the four producer-specific modules, cow-calf, stocker/ backgrounder, feed yard or transportation module(either the BQAT Farmer/Rancher module or the Professional Driver Training module required by packaging plants for cattle delivery). If you are a veal producer you can select the Veal Quality Assurance module sponsored by the American Veal Association. If you are a dairy producer, the National Dairy Farmers Assuring Responsible Management program is available. Or, attend one of the several in person BQA Training Meetings hosted by the IBA. Beef Quality Assurance certification helps ensure that consumers understand beef products are raised and made with animal welfare and environmental stewardship at the forefront; and, BQA certification can alleviate consumer concerns and turn them into beef advocates.
Being The Entrée Of Choice Is Good, Sometimes
For many years Americans have spent more dollars per year for beef($432.74 in 2023) than either pork($250.65) or chicken($240.01), and a similar to slightly greater amount for pork than chicken. Chicken retail consumption per capita passed beef back in 2010 and pork back in 1996. In 2023 the retail chicken supply per capita was 98 9 lbs.; for beef it was 58.8 lbs., and for pork it was 51.6 lbs. Per capita beef consumption increased steadily up until 1976 when it peaked at 95 lbs. and has continually declined until recent years when it stabilized between 55-58 lbs., depending on cattle numbers. Chicken consumption has steadily increased for the last 50 years; while pork consumption has remained fairly flat around 50 lbs. per capita. It seems that increased dollar expenditure for chicken is directly associated with increased volume consumption, while beef’s dollar growth is based on increased demand at a lower volume of consumption.
Everyone seems to agree that inflation has been unusually high the last two years and that inflated prices are affecting food prices. The question is, going forward, will consumers continue to pay for higher priced beef as chicken and pork remain less expensive? During February of 2024 boxed beef was 10% higher than the previous year and the all fresh beef price was up 8.5% year over year. During the same time period beef production decreased 4.2%, slaughter decreased 3.3% and fed cattle supplies decreased 4.2%. Higher cattle prices can be a really good thing. So far, higher beef prices have not seemed to affect consumption/demand for beef in recent years. However, beef, being the high priced meat on the plate could be a future problem. But, it has been
said that ‘consumers will buy/eat all the beef they can afford, all the pork they want and all the chicken they can stand.
The 2022 Census Of Agriculture Data
Taken every five years these data provide a snapshot of trends and shifts within the agriculture industry. While this information is important, the numbers by themselves can be overrated; but, I found a few numbers worth repeating. The number of farms was down nationally from 2017 about 7% but in Illinois they were down only 2.1%. Back in 2002 and 2007 the number of farms was up(counter to the long term downward trend). I suspect the reason for these differences is due to the increased number of hobby/urban farms across the nation but especially in Illinois. In 2022, the average farm size, nationally increased to 463 acres(up 5%) while in Illinois the average farm size was 370 acres(down only 0.5%) In Illinois the average farmer is a little older(58.6 years) than the national average(58.1 years). Nationally, since 2002 the U.S. has lost 61% of the dairy farms, 23% of the swine farms, 13% of the beef cattle farms and 12% of our feedlots. It seems the decrease in beef cattle operations is lower than for other species. The fact of the matter is, it takes larger scale operations to make a living wage than it did previously.
Illinois has remained fairly stable over the years, continuing to rank 26 in beef cow numbers and 13 in numbers of feedlot cattle. The point is, it is nice to know the numbers and to think about the trends, but I don’t lose very much sleep worrying about the numbers. Illinois is still a great place to live and raise children. Have a great day. Doc
your farm from a decline in prices on fed cattle, and feeder cattle (including unborn calves) using current futures prices. With Livestock Revenue Protection, you can set a price floor and mitigate risk from national marketplace volatility.
Affiliate News
Adams County Beef Producers held their annual meeting on January 27 in Liberty. Highlights include Ken and Doni Ellerbrock being named 2024 Beef Producer’s of Year, Jacob Davis as the 2024 Beef Ambassador. Olivia Barry was named the 2024 Beef Queen. They will hold their third annual Beef Bonanza on March 23 at 5:30 p.m. at the Ambiance in Quincy. Contact an Adam’s county affiliate board member for more information and to buy tickets.
Prairie Beef Association hosted their annual stakeholders dinner at Circle South in Clinton on Saturday February 3 at 6 p.m.
Tri-County Cattlemen’s Association hosted their annual banquet on February 10. Events included keynote speaker Amanda Radke, Lacy’s Ditch, a fundraising auction and scholarship recognition, all accompanied by a steak dinner. They will hold a forum on March 22 in Monmouth.
Knox County Cattlemen’s held their annual banquet on February 10 in Galesburg. The meeting included a live auction, scholarships were presented and a Ribeye dinner. The guest speaker for the evening was Rob Mohr of Livestock Risk Partners.
Heartland Beef Alliance hosted a beef health program on January 11 at Zion Lutheran Church. Presenters included Dave Wilcox and Brandon Koch from Kent Feeds, and IBA EVP Josh St. Peters gave an Association update. Then on February 15 was the next program event with experts presenting on beef cattle health, including Dr. Jason Wrage with Green Prairie Animal Clinic, Reagen Tibbs, Unit 16 University of Illinois Commercial Agriculture Educator, and Travis Meteer of University of Illinois Extension. Betsy Pech gave a brief overview of her time at the 2024 Cattle Convention and NCBA Trade Show.
Henry County Beef Association will host their annual banquet on March 23 at Lavender Crest
Whiteside County Cattlemen’s Association will host their annual banquet on April 19 in Sterling.
IBA Sponsored Table
Tri-County Cattlemen’s President Tyler Schleich
IBA Vice President Shannon Welch gives an IBA update.
Keynote Speaker Amanda Radke
Jason Wrage
Reagan Tibbs
Travis Meteer
Winery.
2024 Producers of the Year Ken and Doni Ellerbrock.
2024 Beef Ambassador Jacob Davis and 2024 Beef Queen Olivia Barry
In the Know
NCBA welcomes USDA pilot program to expand remote grading for beef Program Will Help More Cattle Producers Access Additional Value Through USDA Quality Grades
WASHINGTON (January 19, 2024) – The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association welcomed the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s announcement that the agency is pursuing a Remote Grading Pilot Program for beef. The pilot program will allow a USDA meat grader to assign grades from a remote location, increasing the grading options available to producers who sell into smaller, local processing facilities.
“The USDA quality grades of prime, choice, and select are instantly recognized by consumers and an important way for cattle producers to be rewarded for raising high-quality beef,” said NCBA Vice President of Government Affairs Ethan Lane. “NCBA is glad that USDA is launching this Remote Grading Pilot Program and expanding opportunities for meat grading to occur in smaller, local processing facilities. This will increase marketing opportunities for cattle producers and help them capture more value from their product.”
The USDA quality grades have become recognized by consumers as important indicators of beef quality, flavor, and eating experience. While many large meat processing plants provide this grading, the costs of maintaining a USDA grader on-site are often too high for smaller, local, and regional processing facilities. This pilot program will help ensure that smaller processors have access to USDA grading too, which in turn benefits the cattle producers who sell to these smaller processors by ensuring that their beef receives a quality grade as well.
NCBA looks forward to working with USDA to implement and evaluate this pilot program.
NCBA backs FAIR Labels Act to end deceptive meat labeling practices
WASHINGTON (January 30, 2024) – Today, the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) announced support for the bipartisan Fair and Accurate Ingredient Representation on Labels Act of 2024 (FAIR Labels Act) introduced by Sen. Roger Marshall (R-KS), Rep. Mark Alford (R-MO), Rep. Roger Williams (R-TX), Rep. Don Davis (D-NC), and Rep. Jonathan Jackson (D-IL). The bill would end deceptive labeling practices on fake meat products and ensure that consumers know exactly what they are buying at the grocery store.
“America’s farmers and ranchers work hard every day to bring a high-quality, wholesome product to market. We’re not afraid of a little competition, but it is unfair for lab grown or plant-based fake meat products to trade on beef’s good name,” said NCBA President Todd Wilkinson, a South Dakota cattle producer. “This bill is especially important for ensuring that consumers recognize lab-grown products that may be coming to market in the future. Consumers deserve to know how their food is made and to understand that lab-grown products made in a bioreactor are not the same as the high-quality beef raised by farmers and ranchers.”
The FAIR Labels Act would require fake meat products to be labeled as “imitation,” to clearly differentiate between real meat and plant-based or substitute protein products. The bill would also provide clarity on lab grown products, especially in light of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s approval of lab-grown chicken. Lab-grown products are created from animal cells that are artificially replicated in a laboratory environment. While no lab-grown imitations of beef have been approved for sale in the United States, several companies are currently involved in research that could soon bring beef imitation lab-grown products to market. Under the FAIR Labels Act, lab-grown products would need to be clearly labeled as “lab-grown” and bear a statement that the product was not produced by traditional farming and ranching methods.
“Lab-grown products are an emerging technology, and the FAIR Labels Act is an important first step for making sure consumers understand the difference between lab-grown or plant-based products and real beef raised by farmers and ranchers,” said NCBA Director of Animal Health and Food Safety Policy Rebecca Barnett. “NCBA thanks Sen. Marshall, Rep. Alford, Rep. Williams, Rep. Davis, and Rep. Jackson for introducing this critical legislation that ensures American consumers know where their food comes from.”
Illinois beef expo
Devin Bollman, Illinois Beef Association Membership and Communications Manager
Two years ago, I had no idea what the Illinois Beef Expo entailed, when or where it happened, or who was involved. Today, I sit here with two Expos under my belt, which according to the age-old phrase, “this ain’t my first rodeo,” I should be a pro by now. Albeit, two rodeos, or in our case, expos, doesn’t seem like a lot of rodeos/expos, but I come off the 2024 Illinois Beef Expo proud and completely fulfilled in being a part of such an incredible event. The four days of Expo this year were blessed with beautiful weather and even better cattle and stockmen from across the state.
After continuous growth in recent years, the expo board and staff were faced with the struggle of squeezing in three sales, two junior contests, and a junior show all into one weekend – a good problem to have no doubt. Thus, came about this year’s schedule change, adding a third show day. We started our junior show of over 750 entries with our Market Animal show on Friday, alleviating so much pressure on showman, cattle, and our judges as the weekend continued into Saturday and Sunday’s junior show. Prior to our junior show, the 2024 Beef Expo brought the return of the Illinois Multi-Breed Female Sale and “The Collection” Genetics Sale for the second year, with of course the Illinois Performance Tested Bull Sale put on by the University of Illinois Beef Extension. Cattlemen from across the state, and out of state gathered and placed bids in person and online to capture their chance at some of the most elite genetics Illinois has to offer. Beyond the showring, junior members have so many opportunities during the Illinois Beef Expo to be involved and partake in events. Black Hawk East’s livestock judging team hosts the judging contest, which packed the Obernagel Livestock Center! FFA and 4-H groups traveled into Springfield from all over, even Chicago, to take part in the livestock judging contest. Dr. Eric Fugate and the Illinois Skill-A-Thon team host a separate event, the Skill-A-Thon that all juniors had the opportunity to compete in as well. Both events bring such a huge crowd of young ag and beef enthusiasts to the Illinois Beef Expo.
As someone who comes from the industry, I take pride in knowing how much an event like the Illinois Beef Expo provides to all generations of cattlemen and women. From the sales to the junior show, the contests to the tradeshow, and the friends in the barns, there are thousands of memories made. Illinois’ beef industry has something so special here with the Illinois Beef Expo, and I am so grateful to share a piece of myself, and the IBA with our industry.
Devin spends much of her time with her camera at IBA events, capturing moments for us to share with Illinois beef producers.
Remembering Cimeron Frost
HUSBAND - FATHER - FRIEND - CATTLEMAN - LEADER
While Cimeron and I grew up in Northern Illinois about 40 miles apart, and we worked for some of the same cattle operations; we never really got to know each other until the early 1970s on the “show road” when Cim was the show herdsman for UT Angus, and I was a clipper for Northern Pump Horned Herefords. In the 1970s the summer show circuit began (for Angus) with the Futurity, followed by the Illinois State Fair, Indiana or Iowa State Fair, Kentucky State Fair and the Ohio State Fair. As herdsmen we became good friends, trading help on show days and socializing. Cimeron earned great respect among his peers regarding his fitting and grooming abilities, and if you knew Cimeron well, you knew his sense of humor was sometimes subtle, almost clever; but, once people caught on to it, they would realize how funny it truly was really a kind of “gotcha yah” moment. Point-in-case, in those days we did not have all the grooming aids we do today. There was no Tail Adhesive, no Show Sheen, etc; just saddle soap and oil. Consequently, during the summer, most Angus fitters would just pull the hair up on the legs below the hocks and knees and brush the body hair down. Sometimes a groomer would stifle groom (pull the hair up into the stifle) or quarter groom (pull the hair up into the quarter) or pull the leg hair up and brush the body hair forward. Because UT Angus was winning and because Cimeron was considered “one of the best groomers” other fitters/groomers would watch Cim and do whatever he was doing. So Cimeron would mix it up just to keep the other guys guessing. One week he would just pull leg hair, the next week he might quarter groom or stifle groom or pull the body hair forwards. It was fun to watch the other Angus fitters try to guess how Cimeron was going to groom week after week. Most were always one week behind Cimeron.
Then there was that afternoon at the Ohio State Fair. Several of us had gone to lunch together at a restaurant off the fairgrounds. Cim was driving a flat-bed dually and several of us were riding on the back when we stopped at a stop light next to a carload of girls. So, I struck up a conversation with one of the girls in the car. I asked if she liked ice cream (she said yes). I asked if she liked to party or something to that effect (she said yes). Just as things were looking up, Cimeron took off. When we got back to the fairgrounds, I asked Cim why he left so fast and Cim just said “someone has to protect you from yourself.”
Yes, Cimeron was great to be around. A true friend is always missed but never forgotten.
Paul Walker
Immediate Past IBA President
When I thought about how I remembered Cimeron, I was reminded of a famous poem that started off “ If you can keep your head when all about you are losing theirs Many people knew Cimeron better than I, but I did get the privilege to work with him both at the county level and later on when I was serving on the IBA board. As with any organization filled with as opinionated a group as beef producers are, there were sometimes strong disagreements and even an occasional flare of tempers. I had noticed that Cimeron never lost his temper during difficult discussions so one day at an NCBA convention I asked him how he managed to keep his composure during these situations. He paused for a moment then started to relate some of the very dangerous situations he had faced as he led men during his military service. He said those experiences helped him maintain a clearer perspective on what is really important. I’ve never forgotten that conversation and the insight it gave me as we worked together throughout the years.
JoAnn and I will both remember forever all the enjoyment we got working with Cimeron at the Ribeye Corral for many years and we know much of the thanks for all those fond memories came from his hard work and dedication. Our organization, our industry, our country, owes him a debt of gratitude we can never repay.
Alan Adams
Past IBA President
Remembering Cimeron Frost
HUSBAND - FATHER - FRIEND - CATTLEMAN - LEADER
My years with Cimeron Frost hold a lot of memories. In the ten years I spent on the IBA Board and especially the two years I served as president, I came to appreciate the man and his methods. He was in those times the brick and mortar of the Association. Whether it be the Annual meeting, State Fair, Beef Expo or any other event, Cimeron was a steadfast liaison with the membership and the tasks to complete. I have to share one small anecdote: Maralee, Cimeron and I were at Mt. Vernon for a meeting with the Southern Illinois Beef Group. When we came out of the meeting fog had settled in very heavy. Maralee said she should not drive at night and then Cimeron said he was too tired to drive! That left the driving to me. I struggled to get us across I64 and up Route 4 to I55. When we hit I55, an extremely well-lighted truck passed right in front of us. That was our beacon of light for a much easier trip all the way to Springfield. For years, after that, I would ask Cim if he had something to make up for me driving that trip and then we would just both burst out laughing from the memory.
Trevor Toland Past IBA President
Cimeron Frost. It would take pages for me to properly talk about how important Cim was to the success of the Illinois Beef Expo. First and foremost was his love for his family, after that his leadership and compassion for the expo. As chairman of the expo for over 20 years I worked side by side with Cimeron and the thing that stands out the most was he never said what’s in this for me. Always, it was what can we do to make this expo better and his leadership skill is why the expo is great.
Doug
Turner Past Chairman of Illinois Beef Expo
Cimeron’s dedication to the Illinois cattle industry, Illinois beef producers and the IBA inspired me to be better as a board member and representative of the Illinois beef industry. In private conversations with Cimeron, what I will always remember is the respect, admiration and love that he expressed toward his wife Rachel and his five children. I will miss Cimeron.
Randy Faber Past IBA President
I remember Cimeron as a person that always put his heart and soul into everything he did. He helped establish and grow the Beef Expo and managed the IBA Ribeye Corral at the State Fair for many years. Both of those events required a person with great communication skills, and a person that people liked to work with. Cimeron possessed both of those qualities. He traveled many miles promoting Illinois beef and IBA. I know there were many nights he got home really late after a county or district cattlemens meeting. His leadership will be missed and I am eternally grateful for everything Cim did for all the cattlemen in Illinois. I feel blessed to have known, worked with, and had him as a friend.
Mike Martz Past IBA President
Remembering Cimeron Frost
HUSBAND - FATHER - FRIEND - CATTLEMAN - LEADER
I first met Cimeron in the early 70s. Our paths crossed revolving around cattle events, sales, shows, etc. I worked with Cimeron on Illinois Beef Expo. It never seemed to matter how often our lives touched, he always was the same. Cim was not a vocal person but when he talked, you knew to listen. I can think of no one that deserves respect more than he does. His shoes will be hard to fill in the Beef industry and life in general. We are all better people for knowing Cimeron.
I had the opportunity to serve on the IBA Board of Governors for several years while Cimeron Frost was a staff member. It was clear to me that Cimeron was a valued member of the staff greatly due to his vast beef industry knowledge and the manner in which he could relay that to the Board of Governors, IBA members that he reached out to as he traveled the state, and nationally attending and participating in the work of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association. He had respect of all who knew him and I will always be appreciative of his industry mentoring of myself and those who served with me and the many individuals who came before and after me. He was a true cattleman that had passion for our youth and for our Illinois Beef Industry. He will always be remembered.
There have been a lot of great cattle people associated with IBA and Cimeron Frost is one of those. You think of IBA - Cimeron Frost comes to mind immediately. Cim was a great one.
Denny Jordan
Curt Rincker
Susan Head
WIllinois Cattle Producers Go Onward to Orlando
hat do oranges, cowboy hats, roller coasters and cattle have in common? I will give you a hint, it is the annual event that draws cattlemen and women from across the United States for knowledge, fellowship and fun. Illinois Beef Association members and staff left their mark in Orlando at the 2024 Cattle Industry Convention and NCBA Trade Show held January 30 through February 2. Industry members and cattle producers alike enjoyed encouraging sessions, attended policy meetings, learned about what is to come for cattle industry members and gained understanding about today’s beef consumers. Henry county’s Al Lyman was re-elected for another year to the NCBA Beef Promotion Operating Committee, elected by the Federation of State Beef Council’s Board of Directors and responsible for developing the annual Beef Checkoff budget.
Before the main events began on January 31, the day prior featured the Region III meeting. Region III includes our state, plus Missouri, Iowa, Wisconsin and Minnesota. Both association and beef council staff from each state presented updates on the past year’s work. IBA Executive Vice
Illinois IBA Members Randy & Betsy Pech, Joan Harrison, Cori Malone, and Betty & Dan Haynes enjoy lunch in sunny Florida.
President, Josh St. Peters, remarked on channel marketing resources and Summer Grilling campaigns and their return on investment on the Checkoff side of the IBA. Regarding the association side of our organization he remarked on the hot topic of tax revisions and also mentioned IBA President Dave Duzan was recently elected to serve on the Illinois Farmers Council. NCBA President Todd Wilkinson presented his focus for the convention was on the gift tax and the need for new tax legislation, especially for farmers who want to secure a succession plan. He also mentioned the pressing issues of traceability and protein alternatives. NCBA VP of Government affairs, Ethan Lane, said they are expecting the USDA will categorize meat from that which is lab grown, and went on to discuss the fair labels act and the necessity to prevent lab grown meat labels from using words like “slaughter free” and other terms likely to increase misinformation about the quality of beef and other animal proteins.
Opening day of convention included policy committee meetings and the opening general session. The meetings were attended by IBA board members and staff to ensure Illinois producers were represented.
Beginning at 9 a.m. was the D.C. Issues Update with staff from NCBA’s D.C. office. Issues covered in this meeting included, but were not limited to, beefpassport.com, the upcoming Farm Bill, truck weight increases and the Fair Labels Act and NCBA to force same standards and qualification processes on lab grown meat. Executive Director of Government Affairs, Kent Bacus, talked about the Biden administration’s unuse of using trade to offer incentives to foreign markets and the massive amount of meat being imported that affects the trade situation overall. He also covered the death tax. NCBA Senior Director of Government Affairs, Tanner Beymer, talked about appropriations and the likely government shutdown in the near future which would mean no access to LMR reports. He went on to stress the future importance of remote quality grading in order to increase processing capacity. Other topics and questions posed include litigations on items such as WOTUS – thanks to NCBA, environmental groups are counting this as a loss –and Prop 12, emissions reporting and the delisting of wolves. Please note if there is a government shutdown, this time LMR reporting will stop – NCBA staff is preparing a 12-page document for producer convenience.
forward to innovation, and recognize the hyperconnectivity we have in our world today through mobile devices. He recognizes the speed of technology and scientific discoveries. Carroll also spent time discussing Artificial Intelligence and how to adapt to new technology. Examples included genomic medicine, and “the hyperconnected cow.” “Think big. Start small. Scale fast,” Carroll says.
The third general session was the CattleFax 2024 Industry Outlook Session. This year they are expecting La Nina to make its way back around, meaning colder temperatures in the North and drought in the South. Meteorologist Matt Makens predicts corn will have a slow start this year from drought. Makens said this last year saw the fourth strongest El Nino since 1980. April through June will be slightly warmer than usual and Illinois will be drier than usual. Also in our state, Makens predicts Spring to see neutral precipitation, summer to have slightly increased moisture and fall to have drought again. If La Nina does not “roar in,” as Makens says, there will probably be a few years of more neutral precipitation versus drought, cold Springs, and corn benefiting from later season moisture – these predictions cover the country. Next in the session, Troy Bockelmann gave a grain outlook. Make note of 2024 having less acres but increased yields, oil production consumption records yet equilibrium production and the correlation between tallow and crude oil production(Bockelmann). Kevin Good says cattle production continues to grow though there are less cattle, and cow slaughter is down substantially. The coming year will see continued liquidation, but beef on dairy production is growing. Good says factors like drought, heifer placements, Mexico imports and slow turnover will decrease the number of head on feed. Other notes from Good include more imports and less exports in 2024, and keep an eye on inflation. “Beef prices within go up as fast as the combination of inflation and declining supplies would suggest.” Mike Murphy went on to say fed cattle versus bred cows are always in correlation to one another, though fed cattle usually lead, in today’s climate both are worth the investment. Randy Blach gave the final executive summary saying beef demand is still growing faster than inflation because of beef quality and consumers that like the taste of high-quality, grain-fed beef, though other market segments are being well-filled by producers as well.
The opening general session featured Jon Dorenbos, Magician and Former American Football Player, who shared his inspiring story of hardship, talent and hope.
The first evening concluded with the Flamingo Fiesta Welcome Reception in the Trade Show and the NCBA-PAC Reception and Live Auction, held each year to continue advocating for cattle producers in Washington D.C. and elsewhere.
Day two began with the second general session honoring BQA Award winners and featuring Jim Carroll, Futurist, Author, Innovation Expert. Carroll believes we should look
Other meetings were held throughout the day on Friday with the night culminating in “Cowboys and Coasters.” This special event featured food, the Bellamy Brothers and roller coasters all reserved for Cattle Con attendees in the heart of one of Orlando’s most beloved theme parks, Universal Studios.
Illinois cattlemen and women from all segments of the industry came together as leaders to represent our state well. Illinois cattle industry leaders enjoyed education and fellowship during the 2024 Cattle Industry Convention. See you in San Antonio for CattleCon 2025!
2024 NCBA President Mark Eisele
NCBA Releases 2024 Policy Priorities
The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association’s (NCBA) Executive Committee approved the organization’s policy priorities at the 2024 Cattle Industry Convention and NCBA Trade Show. This year’s priorities focus on advocating for the reauthorization of the Farm Bill, protecting cattle producers from federal regulatory overreach, and defending the U.S. cattle industry against external attacks.
“NCBA will continue pushing for passage of a Farm Bill that includes key animal health and voluntary conservation provisions, as well as hold the line against all federal policies that could damage the livelihoods of U.S. cattle producers,” said NCBA President-Elect and Wyoming cattle rancher Mark Eisele. “In the past year we have seen radical animal activists ramp up their attacks on our industry and our producer-funded Beef Checkoff that drives consumer demand and funds critical research. We will never let the same people that want to shut down family cattle operations, dictate how we promote our products.”
NCBA’s policy priorities include:
• Secure reauthorization of the animal health provisions in the 2018 Farm Bill and advocate for expanded funding of the National Animal Vaccine and Veterinary Countermeasures Bank (NAVVCB) to protect against Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD).
• Defend the U.S. cattle industry against radical animal activist groups that want to end cattle production, including the Beef Checkoff.
• Fight against misguided Endangered Species Act rules and any expansion of bureaucratic red tape under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA).
• Preserve family farms and ranches for future generations by advocating for essential tax relief for cattle producers.
“Despite our success last year in finally reducing the size and scope of the onerous Waters of the U.S. rule, many more misguided regulations have been proposed that undermine the voluntary conservation work of cattle producers. NCBA will stand strong against these rulemakings – setting the record straight on regulations that are not backed by science and would leave America’s rangelands in total disorder,” Eisele added.
NCBA Vice President of Government Affairs, Ethan Lane, moderates the D.C. Issues Update discussion during the 2024 Cattle Industry Convention. Photo by National Cattlemen’s Beef Association.
2024 NCBA POLICY PRIORITIES
2024 NCBA POLICY PRIORITIES
NCBA’S POLICY FOCUS FOR 2024 IS TO CONTINUE NAVIGATING THE INTENSE LEGISLATIVE GRIDLOCK IN WASHINGTON, D.C. AND HOLD THE LINE AGAINST ALL FEDERAL POLICIES THAT COULD DAMAGE THE OPERATIONS OF U.S. CATTLE PRODUCERS.
NCBA’S POLICY FOCUS FOR 2024 IS TO CONTINUE NAVIGATING THE INTENSE LEGISLATIVE GRIDLOCK IN WASHINGTON, D.C. AND HOLD THE LINE AGAINST ALL FEDERAL POLICIES THAT COULD DAMAGE THE OPERATIONS OF U.S. CATTLE PRODUCERS.
ADVANCE NCBA’S FARM BILL PRIORITIES
ADVANCE NCBA’S FARM BILL PRIORITIES
Secure reauthorization of the animal health provisions in the 2018 Farm Bill and advocate for expanded funding of the National Animal Vaccine and Veterinary Countermeasures Bank (NAVVCB) to protect against Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD).
Secure reauthorization of the animal health provisions in the 2018 Farm Bill and advocate for expanded funding of the National Animal Vaccine and Veterinary Countermeasures Bank (NAVVCB) to protect against Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD).
Expand access to risk management and disaster relief programs within the Farm Bill, to support financial stability for producers.
Expand access to risk management and disaster relief programs within the Farm Bill, to support financial stability for producers.
Defend the U.S. cattle industry against radical animal activist groups that want to end cattle production, including the Beef Checkoff.
Protect and fund EQIP, CSP, and other voluntary conservation programs that incentivize sciencebased, active management of our natural resources.
Protect and fund EQIP, CSP, and other voluntary conservation programs that incentivize sciencebased, active management of our natural resources.
Defend against the addition of a livestock title.
Defend against the addition of a livestock title.
DEFEND AGAINST POLICIES THAT HURT CATTLE PRODUCERS
DEFEND AGAINST POLICIES THAT HURT CATTLE PRODUCERS
Defend the U.S. cattle industry against radical animal activist groups that want to end cattle production, including the Beef Checkoff.
Preserve family farms and ranches for future generations by advocating for essential tax relief for cattle producers.
Preserve family farms and ranches for future generations by advocating for essential tax relief for cattle producers.
Ensure that all labeling requirements for fake meat products are fair and accurate.
Ensure that all labeling requirements for fake meat products are fair and accurate.
Protect producers from burdensome emissions reporting requirements.
Protect producers from burdensome emissions reporting requirements.
Preserve existing permitting standards for beef producers under the Clean Water Act.
Preserve existing permitting standards for beef producers under the Clean Water Act.
Combat overly restrictive Packers & Stockyards rules to ensure producers have the freedom to market their cattle however they want without the fear of frivolous litigation.
Combat overly restrictive Packers & Stockyards rules to ensure producers have the freedom to market their cattle however they want without the fear of frivolous litigation.
Fight against misguided Endangered Species Act rules and any expansion of bureaucratic red tape under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA).
Fight against misguided Endangered Species Act rules and any expansion of bureaucratic red tape under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA).
Push for further hours-of-service flexibility and continue delaying ELD requirements for livestock haulers.
Push for further hours-of-service flexibility and continue delaying ELD requirements for livestock haulers.
Work with USDA to implement reforms to the “Product of the USA” label that promotes voluntary, verified, and trade-compliant labeling that returns more value to producers.
Work with USDA to implement reforms to the “Product of the USA” label that promotes voluntary, verified, and trade-compliant labeling that returns more value to producers.
Push to expand market access for U.S. beef exports and fight for equivalent animal health and food safety standards for imported beef.
Push to expand market access for U.S. beef exports and fight for equivalent animal health and food safety standards for imported beef.
NATIONAL CATTLEMEN’S BEEF ASSOCIATION 1275 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Suite 801 Washington, D.C. 20004 202.347.0228 | @BeefUSA
NATIONAL CATTLEMEN’S BEEF ASSOCIATION 1275 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Suite 801 Washington, D.C. 20004 202.347.0228 | @BeefUSA
Cattlefax forecasts continued producer profitability with herd expansion on the horizon
The popular CattleFax Outlook Seminar, held as part of the 2024 Cattle Industry Convention and NCBA Trade Show in Orlando, Florida, shared expert market and weather analysis on Friday, February 2.
The smallest beef cow inventory in the last 50 years, coupled with historically strong demand, led to the highest average fed cattle and calf prices in 2023. As reduced cattle numbers and beef production continue over the next three years, leverage and profitability will continue to favor cattle producers.
Despite record prices, expansion will likely be delayed once again. Lingering drought, high input costs, limited labor availability, high interest rates, and market uncertainty all serve as headwinds against growing the cowherd. The current cattle cycle anticipates slower and more prolonged expansion, with heifer retention causing a supply decline with expected lows in fed slaughter by 2026. Higher cattle prices and reduced feeding costs will continue to improve margins for cow-calf producers for the next several years, a much-needed improvement to drive expansion as weather patterns allow, according to CattleFax.
After several months watching El Niño’s influence on the global weather pattern, Meteorologist Matt Makens said the El Niño event that placed moisture on the South and Southeast is fading away and La Niña is showing signs of making a rapid return.
“During the next several weeks, we will continue to see strong and wet storm systems move across the central and southern states. Increased odds for snow and cold as far south as Texas will mean possible impacts on calving and wheat,” he said. “Take this moisture now and make the most of it; look for a good start to this grazing season overall but be mindful that drought conditions will increase for the Southern Plains during summer and fall as we see our pattern change quickly.”
As La Niña’s influence grows, increased heat and droughtrelated issues are expected for the Central and Southern Plains. The moisture pattern will favor the northern tier of states and the Ohio to Tennessee Valleys.
Kevin Good, vice president of market analysis at CattleFax, reported that U.S. beef cow herd declined 2% with inventories at 28.2 million head at the beginning of this year.
“Though drought conditions did improve in many regions, over a third of the cow herd was affected by drought in 2023, causing limited heifer retention and more liquidation in some regions. This will limit growth to the cow herd nearterm,” Good said.
Cow and bull slaughter is forecast to be 6.5 million head in 2024, down around 800,000 head, from 2023. CattleFax predicted feeder cattle and calf supplies outside of feedyards will be 1 million head smaller than 2023 at 24.1 million head.
Commercial fed slaughter in 2024 is forecast to decline by 750,000 to 24.8 million head.
Cattle on feed inventories began 2024 up about 2% at 11.9 million head. Good noted, “Though inventories may remain somewhat elevated for a few months, they are expected to decline significantly through the second half of the year.”
After about a 1.3-billion-pound decline in 2023, beef production is expected to be down another billion pounds in 2024 to total about 25.9 billion pounds. The decline in production in 2024 will lead to a 1.7-pound decline in net beef supply to 56 pounds per person.
Mike Murphy, CattleFax chief operating officer, forecasted the average 2024 fed steer price at $184/cwt., up $9/cwt. from 2023. All cattle classes are expected to trade higher, and prices are expected to continue to trend upward. The 800-lb. steer price is expected to average $240/cwt., and the 550-lb. steer price is expected to average $290/cwt. Utility cows are expected to average $115/cwt., with bred cows at an average of $2,600/cwt.
“When thinking about what demand looks like, we need to think about what our consumer looks like with the U.S. economy being the driving factor going into 2024,” Good said. “Though inflation has moderated, consumer debt and interest rates, cheaper alternative proteins, and economic uncertainty may limit spending and impact purchasing decisions.”
2024 USDA All-Fresh Retail Beef prices are expected to average $7.90/pound and, while higher beef prices may soften consumer purchasing habits, Good predicted the consumer preference for the quality, consistency and safety of U.S. beef will continue to support relatively strong demand. “Premiums for higher quality beef should remain as consumers have shown a willingness to pay for Choice grade or better beef.”
Global protein demand has continued to rise around the world and tighter global protein supplies should broadly support prices in 2024. U.S. beef exports saw large declines in 2023, down about 13% and another 5% decline is expected in 2024, driven by smaller U.S. production and higher prices. Japan and South Korea remain the top U.S. beef export destinations.
Troy Bockelmann, CattleFax director of protein and grain analysis, said National Dec. 1 on-farm hay stocks were up 6.9% from a year-ago at 76.7 million tons with hay prices averaging $220/ton in 2023. “Another good hay crop needs to be seen in 2024, to help rebuild stocks from the lows in 2022 and return prices to a more historically normal range. The first half of 2024 will likely see prices supported at more elevated levels before dropping by roughly $30/ton following harvest.”
He noted that corn stocks-to-use are at just under 15% and should keep the market below $5.50/bu. with a yearly average price of $5.00/bu. expected. “Overall, when thinking
about watch items for 2024, look at March perspectives planting report, soybean exports, and the total principal crop acres.”
On the energy front, Bockelmann said that, for 2024, not much will change. He said crude oil is expected to average around $80/barrel and noted that the geopolitical environment will be the driver of price relative to oil markets.
Randy Blach, CattleFax chief executive officer, concluded the session with an overall positive outlook, and noted that the current cattle cycle will be much slower and prolonged compared to the last as heifer retention has not yet started on a nationwide basis. He expects the peak in cattle prices is likely to occur in 2025-2026 and, in the meantime, industry profitability will continue to swing in favor of the cow-calf producer as excess feeding and packing capacity chases a declining supply of feeder cattle and calves.
Driving Illinois Growth
Expansion and Building Signal Future Beef Industry Health
By Joli A. Hohenstein
As the beef industry navigates complex market dynamics and evolving consumer demand, the state of Illinois is emerging as a hub of innovation and adaptation for commercial livestock producers. Insights from key players shed light on the challenges and opportunities shaping the future of cattle production in the state.
The Illinois beef industry stands at a crossroads of opportunity and challenge, with producers facing possibilities for expansion while managing economic considerations.
With it comes a concerted effort toward improving sustainability, all the while enhancing feed efficiency and exploring innovative initiatives.
Beef industry economists with CattleFax continue to project record-breaking cattle and beef prices throughout 2024, on the heels of 2023’s record-high averages for fed cattle and calves. Their positive outlook shows improving margins for cow-calf producers, with lower numbers creating a tight supply of feed cattle in beef production continuing over the
next few years.
Meanwhile in Illinois, we’re also enjoying higher prices along with steady inventory numbers compared to other states, and our cattle barn construction rates are reflecting that positivity. So, what’s driving industry development in Illinois, and what can we expect for continued building and expansions through 2024 and beyond? We tapped a few producers as well as industry leaders and stakeholders to get their thoughts.
Seizing Opportunities Amid Market Dynamics
Justin Lewis is business developer for the Illinois Livestock Development Group, which works to promote and expand livestock production in the state of Illinois and is part of a cooperative effort by IBA, Illinois Soybean Association, Illinois Milk Producers Association, IL Corn, Illinois Pork Producers Association and Illinois Farm Bureau. ILDG is a free service to beef producers in Illinois, offering consultative services to help evaluate and plan for new or expanding cattle facilities on the farm.
Lewis emphasizes the historical significance of 2023 for feeder cattle and fat cattle markets.
“We are at a very profitable time in the beef industry, but also facing really high interest rates right now,” he says. “So, your cattle are worth more than before, but interest rates are squeezing that profit.”
Even with interest rates, Lewis says the surge in profitability presents producers with unprecedented opportunities.
“The past four to five years, we’ve seen real industry expansion in the state of Illinois,” he says, “along with dwindling access to pasture for cow-calf operations.”
Also driving industry development: up-and-coming producers across Illinois, whether they’re seasoned multigeneration beef producers or row-crop producers who are diversifying into livestock production.
“Young producers, second or third generation, are coming up, and with that comes growth,” he says. “They’re working on improving sustainability and increasing feed efficiency in cattle.”
The influx of young producers, eager to make their mark in the industry, signals a wave of expansion.
The industry is embracing this opportunity for growth. “In the last several years, there have been more permits applied
for in the State of Illinois than before,” says Lou Lamoreux, Illinois Beef Association board member and a producer from Lanark.
Whether all permits were executed or not, the sheer number is significant. “It shows there is more interest in expansion in the cattle industry in the last few years,” he says. “It’s getting harder to purchase land, and younger farmers want to diversify and live on the farm. It’s a good opportunity to keep the younger generations on the farm.”
Building for Efficiency and Comfort
Having recently built a new barn himself, Lamoreux understands the ag business landscape when it comes to capital expenditures. Practical considerations are often driving infrastructure development in the cattle industry, he says. Of course, environmental regulations play into building for some producers, but that doesn’t change the fact that the focus is always on what’s best for the animals – and the operation.
This sentiment is echoed by Jarad Carroll of Mount Carroll, who said regulations and capacity of new cattle buildings is also balanced with functional design. He recently put up a vented gable roof barn and says, “it’s always all about the cattle and their comfort.”
The building also come with some unexpected benefits for Carroll’s operation. “We have really cut our feed costs,” he says. “I’ve been surprised how much we save. It’s a huge difference from feeding outside, where it’s hard not to spill, and you can never get it all picked up because the animals stomp it into the mud.”
Carroll’s experience underscores the benefits of development, and he says he’s more than happy that they proceeded when they did.
With a focus on maximizing efficiency and animal comfort, Lamoreux recently constructed a new 70 x 280 ft monoslope building. Not only is it a statement on efficiency and state-of-the-industry expansion, but it also underscores the industry’s commitment to innovative solutions that enhance operational efficiency and environmental sustainability.
Lamoreux emphasizes the importance of building infrastructure that not only accommodates increasing herd sizes but also enhances the comfort and well-being of the animals, ultimately leading to higher productivity and profitability. “We didn’t want to build a small building and have trouble with capacity,” he says.
The barn’s strategic design, maximizing natural ventilation and optimizing airflow, reflects a commitment to both animal welfare and operational efficiency.
“In the winter, both the bunk lines are in the sun all day. In the summer, both bunk lines are in the shade all day,” he says. “With our location in northern Illinois, prevailing winds come from the north in the winter and the south in the summer, so there’s airflow all day.”
The design incorporates an eave height of 17 ft. to increase the airflow inside. “It slows down the wind in the winter,” says Lou. “It’s still moving, but it reduces the speed. The cattle are more comfortable, and the more comfortable they are, the more they gain for you.”
Their integration of modern technologies, such as deep pits for waste management, exemplifies a proactive approach
ILDG’s Justin Lewis visited the Illinois Beef Expo to talk to producers about how the group helps them in expansion efforts. Photo by Rita Frazer.
to addressing environmental concerns while streamlining operations.
“In the 1980s we were hauling three tanks with three men and three tractors for a full week,” he explains. “With the new building we put in a 12-ft. deep pit with the idea that we’d pump once a year in the winter so that we don’t have to worry about spring compaction. Our custom applicator is able to pump down an entire building in just one day.”
Balancing Demand with Efficiency
More than mere profitability, development in the livestock industry secures the industry’s viability in the face of global challenges.
With the world’s population projected to nearly double by 2050, the demand for high-quality protein is poised to skyrocket. Increasing urbanization, rising incomes and a growing middle class, especially in emerging economies, have experts projecting demand for animal-derived protein to double by 2050.
As the world population grows, the beef industry faces the challenge of scaling production while minimizing environmental impact. There is a need for efficiency-driven practices to meet rising consumer expectations while mitigating the industry’s carbon footprint, says one IBA representative.
“Currently, the U.S. supplies more than 20% of the world’s beef supply. The world population is expected to top 9.7 billion by 2050, so the demand for high-quality protein is going to grow with the population,” says Larisa Willrett, at-large policy director on the IBA Board of Governors and partner at J. Willrett Farms, a sixth-generation diversified cattle feeding and farming operation in Malta. “The beef industry will need to continue to meet that demand.”
As stewards of the land, beef producers must not only meet but exceed the growing demand. Efficiency emerges as a linchpin in this endeavor, she says, as much or more than expansion.
“ In order to meet that demand for protein, there will be a need for expansion; however, I think maximizing efficiency will be even more important,” she explains. “With the everincreasing attention toward climate change and the perceived role beef production plays in that, there will be pressure to develop and adopt products and management practices that minimize the industry’s contribution to greenhouse gasses while at the same time produce more beef with fewer inputs –something cattle producers have been doing for years.”
Willrett underscores the importance of efficiency-driven practices and sustainable infrastructure in meeting these demands, emphasizing the need for collaboration between farmers, industry leaders, and policymakers to drive positive change.
Looking Ahead
As we roll through 2024 and into 2025, Lewis believes the predictions for even more leveling of interest rates, coupled with slowing inflation, should spur even more expansion and construction for the Illinois beef industry.
2023 was a tough year to pencil the cost of building new structures, with interest rates being substantially higher than ever before. As we see higher markets for cattle and interest
rates leveling out, I think that will ease up.
Also influencing the tendency toward expansion is Illinois’ strong herd size.
“Here in Illinois, we’ve done really well in keeping our inventory numbers up,” he says. “2024 seems to be another steady year of high markets, and we’ve got a lot of different initiatives to help producers.”
Lewis highlights the federal government’s Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), which incentivizes adoption of new conservation practices such as the construction of modern cattle barns equipped to handle larger herds while minimizing environmental impact. EQIP, administered by USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service, aims to help farmers maintain or improve production while conserving natural resources.
“A lot of beef producers are really focusing on important different opportunities like EQIP, using it to for moving cattle into buildings or installing curtains,” he says.
Renewable energy is also gaining a lot of attention, Lewis reports, underlining the livestock industry’s commitment to addressing environmental challenges while capitalizing on market momentum.
“We’ve seen a lot of interest in solar,” he says. A variety of financial incentives including low-interest loans, grants, tax write-offs and subsidies are available to help mitigate the initial investment for producers to install solar energy systems.
Producers interested in leveraging these programs don’t have to go it alone. Lewis is an expert in these programs and available to help strategize, whether you’re looking to increase capacity or responding to an EPA directive. “I am a resource across the state,” he says. “It doesn’t matter if you’re a member or not. If you have questions on buildings or the Livestock Facilities Management Act, I can help.”
Knowing that some producers haven’t had great luck tapping into EQIP, he offers this advice: “EQIP is not necessarily free money. It’s about identifying solutions to current challenges. As the name indicates, they really like to solve environmental issues: manure management, runoff. They’re looking to help producers fix an existing problem.”
As the Illinois beef industry charts a course for the future, collaboration and innovation remain paramount. From leveraging incentives for sustainable infrastructure development to embracing efficiency-driven practices, producers and other stakeholders are poised to address the complex challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.
“By its nature, the beef industry takes a long time from conception to consumption, so it will take at least two years for herd expansion to have an impact on beef supply,” says Willrett. “The current reduced production will cause an increase in cattle prices, providing incentives for expansion, perhaps over the next two years.”
By prioritizing sustainability and efficiency, Illinois is poised to lead the way in shaping the future of livestock farming.
Justin Lewis with Illinois Livestock Development Group can be reached at (217) 251-5020 or lewisildg@gmail.com.
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By Teresa L. Steckler, University of Illinois Extension
Bovine anaplasmosis is not a new disease in Illinois. Once considered to only be a southern Illinois issue, data shows that positive cows are found throughout the state. Dr. Buzz Iliff and I have had numerous conversations about the disease and its presence near Lexington. It’s a problem, but one that can be managed.
Anaplasmosis, caused by the rickettsial hemoparasite Anaplasma spp. (A. marginale in the U.S.), can be transmitted via several different methods, but it is not contagious. Blood transfer must take place from an infected animal to an animal susceptible to infection. The disease commonly occurs during warm months when arthropods are abundant. Ticks are the most important biological vector with the Dermocentor (American dog tick or Wood tick) species implicated in most cases in the US, while mechanical transmission can occur through fly bites (horse and stable flies), mosquitoes, and blood contaminated needles and surgical instruments1.
Infection with bovine anaplasmosis can be divided into four stages: incubation, developmental, convalescent, and carrier. The incubation stage is the time from which the organism is introduced into a susceptible animal until 1% of red blood cells (RBCs) become infected, and during this time no clinical signs will be seen2. The developmental stage and clinical onset of anaplasmosis is determined by the incubation period, which varies from 15 to 45 days. Clinical signs appear as RBC production drops and more erythrocytes are parasitized and destroyed resulting in anemia. Studies indicate that some animals show signs with only a 10% loss of RBCs, while others indicate a 65% loss before onset of clinical signs2.
As the anemia becomes more severe, the acutely infected animals lose condition rapidly. Jaundice, weight loss, dehydration, constipation with hard dry feces shaded green, dark yellow urine, and progressive respiratory signs may become evident. Moreover, aggressive behavior, abortion
Image courtesy of Dr. T. Lavelle.
Image courtesy of Dr. Gillian Eastwood.
in pregnant animals, and death due to hypoxia may occur2. An animal that survives a bout with anaplasmosis requires a convalescent period of up to 3 months.
So why am I writing about bovine anaplasmosis? What if I tell you that there is another disease that can clinically present as anaplasmosis but 1) is not treated like anaplasmosis; 2) can cause more losses than anaplasmosis; and 3) globally is one of four major tickborne diseases in cattle of significant economic importance.
I have briefly mentioned the disease before in an article; however, now is time for everyone to become much more aware of the disease and the potential economic impact in US cattle. The key difference between anaplasmosis and the newer disease – theileriosis - is that anaplasmosis rarely occurs in cattle less than 2 years of age; however, theileriosis has been observed in calves and adults. The theileriosis of major concern in the US is caused by Theileria orientalis Ikeda genotype. Cattle in the US are naïve, thus they do not have any degree of innate immunity.
So what is Theileria orientalis? T. orientalis are obligate intracellular protozoan parasites that infect both red and white blood cells, and cause bovine infectious anemia (characterized by hemolytic anemia, icterus, general malaise, ill thrift, and sporadic abortions)3,4,5. Clinical signs of theileriosis are similar to anaplasmosis in beef cattle (includes anemia, jaundice, and weakness). Occurrence of theileriosis is limited to the geographic distribution of appropriate tick vectors – the ixodid ticks6. In some endemic areas, indigenous cattle have a degree of innate resistance. Mortality in endemic areas is relatively low, but naïve/introduced cattle are particularly vulnerable.
T. orientalis Ikeda can spread rapidly and cause significant losses in cattle via anemia, abortion, and failure to thrive when introduced to naïve cattle and if competent tick vectors are present. The anemia can be so severe that cattle can die. T. orientalis Ikeda was first identified in Australia in 20117, and in 3 years, 25% of cattle had been affected by outbreaks of the disease8,9. Estimated indirect costs from reduced meat and milk yields8,10 to the Australian beef industry from T. orientalis Ikeda is $19.6 million per year11. New Zealand also experienced a sudden emergence of T. orientalis Ikeda in 201212. Periparturient and lactating dairy cows and young calves exhibited the highest morbidity and mortality12. An analysis of one dairy affected by T. orientalis in New Zealand in 2014 estimated the loss at more than $400 per cow13.
In the US the native genotypes of T. orientalis are usually nonpathogenic. However, T. orientalis Ikeda is virulent and was first identified in 2017 in Virginia6,14. Sale barns in
Virginia saw the prevalence of T. orientalis increase from 2 to 20 percent in just two years (Dr. Kevin Lahmers, personal communication). Subsequently, the Ikeda genotype has been identified in Virginia, West Virginia, Tennessee, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Kentucky, and Kansas14. However, it is possible that theileriosis from T. orientalis Ikeda is in other states and has not been correctly identified and/or reported due to clinical symptoms presenting like anaplasmosis. Unfortunately, the antibiotic used to treat A. marginale does NOT work to treat T. orientalis, and currently there is no approved treatment for T. orientalis in the US.
As stated above, the ixodid tick is a vector for T. orientalis. In the US, research from 2017 has shown that T. orientalis is being transmitted through the Asian longhorned tick (ALT)15,16, an ixodid tick. The ALT is native to East and Central Asia and slowly spreading in the US. Although the earliest known specimens of ALT in the U.S. were (retroactively) found in West Virginia in 2010, this tick made headlines in 2017 when numerous specimens were found on a ewe in Mercer County, New Jersey. Currently the tick has been found in 19 states: Arkansas, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, Massachusetts, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia. Of particular importance are the sites closest to Illinois: northwest Missouri, southern Indiana, south central Kentucky, central to southern Ohio, and central to eastern Tennessee17.
While the ALT has been identified as a vector for T. orientalis, it is by no means the only mode of transference. Just like anaplasmosis, mechanical vectors, including contaminated needles18, biting flies18, and lice19, have been implicated in spreading the T. orientalis parasite from one animal to another. However, unlike transmission through needles, biting flies, and lice, once an ALT bites a cow infected with T. orientalis, the disease begins to reproduce rapidly inside the tick.
Something else that makes the ALT unique among other ticks in the U.S. — females can reproduce without mating in a process known as parthenogenesis. This is the primary mode, if not the only mode, of reproduction in U.S. populations. Females can lay approximately 2,500 eggs over the course of a few weeks. Known hosts for this tick include domestic cats, dogs, cattle, goats, horses, and sheep. Wild hosts include white-tailed deer, coyotes, foxes, groundhogs, Virginia opossums and raccoons. This tick has been occasionally found attached to humans and birds.
There have been several reports of thousands (and quite
Images courtesy of Dr. Melinda McCall.
possibly millions) of ALTs infesting pastures and livestock. The ewe from Mercer County, New Jersey that sounded the alarm, had an estimated 12,000 ticks. The ewe was euthanized due to exsanguination. I have been told of at least 2 cattle herds in the Carolinas that were so heavily infested with ALT that they were euthanized as well. The closest story of exceedingly large numbers of ALTs affecting livestock was in southern Ohio. In 2021 a bull and two heifers were literally covered in such large numbers of ticks (tens of thousands) that the animals were euthanized (Risa Pesapane, personal communication). Pesapane and colleagues conducted drags on the farm and collected almost 10,000 ticks within about 90 minutes. She speculated that there were more than 1 million of them in the roughly 25-acre pasture (Risa Pesapane, personal communication).
Unfortunately, it is only a matter of time before the tick is in Illinois and ultimately T. orientalis Ikeda. Once T. orientalis Ikeda is in Illinois, based on losses elsewhere, up to 25% of a herd could be lost to theileriosis either through abortion or death of the calves and adults. Subsequently, herd productivity of those survivors will be reduced due to recovery time.
Movement of livestock, e.g. backgrounders from the southeastern part of the US where ALT and theileriosis is already present, or even wildlife movement can carry the tick into Illinois. If bringing livestock in from out of state and especially a state where the tick has been identified, it is important to quarantine in a dry lot area and treat the cattle for ticks. The cattle should be inspected for ticks - ears, brisket, vulva, etc. before turn out. It is very important to be vigilant and any time you work your cattle, check them for ticks. If you have an unusual clumping of ticks, collect several in a sealable bag and place them in a refrigerator. Contact me and I will have them properly identified and tested.
Source: Teresa L. Steckler, Extension Specialist, Commercial Agriculture, 618-695-4917, tsteckle@illinois.edu
1. Sonenshine DE. 1991. Biology of Ticks, vols. 1 and 2., 1st ed. Oxford University Press, Inc., New York, pp. 159–188.
2. Gill RN. Anaplasmosis in Beef Cattle. Texas A&M Extension Service B-5098. https://oaktrust.library.tamu.edu/handle/1969.1/87722 Accessed January 31, 2024.
3. Gebrekidan H, et al. 2020. An appraisal of oriental theileriosis and the Theileria orientalis complex, with an emphasis on diagnosis and genetic characterization. Parasitol Res 119:11–22
4. Kamau J, et al. 2011. Emergence of new types of Theileria orientalis in Australian cattle and possible cause of theileriosis outbreaks. Parasit Vectors 4:22
5. Oakes VJ, et al. 2019. Theileria orientalis Ikeda genotype in cattle, Virginia, USA. Emerg Infect Dis 25:1653–1659
6. OIE. Manual of Diagnostic Tests and Vaccines for Terrestrial Animals 2019: Chapter 3.4.14: Theilieriosis2020 https://www.oie.int/fileadmin/Home/eng/Health_standards/ tahm/3.04.14_THEILIERIOSIS.pdf Accessed January 31, 2024.
7. Islam MK, Jabbar A, Campbell BE, Cantacessi C, Gasser RB. 2011. Bovine theileriosis—an emerging problem in south-eastern Australia? Infect Genet Evol.11(8):2095–7.
8. Perera PK, Gasser RB, Anderson GA, Jeffers M, Bell CM, Jabbar A. 2013. Epidemiological survey following oriental theileriosis outbreaks in Victoria, Australia, on selected cattle farms. Vet Parasitol. 197(3–4):509–21.
9. Perera PK, Gasser RB, Firestone SM, Anderson GA, Malmo J, Davis G, et al. 2014. Oriental theileriosis in dairy cows causes a significant milk production loss. Parasit Vectors. 7:73.
10. Lawrence KE, Lawrence BL, Hickson RE, Hewitt CA, Gedye KR, Fermin LM, et al. 2019. Associations between Theileria orientalis Ikeda type infection and the growth rates and haematocrit of suckled beef calves in the north island of New Zealand. N Z Vet J. 67(2):66–73.
11. J. Lane TJ, R. Shepherd, J. Webb-Ware, G. Fordyce. 2015. Priority list of endemic diseases for the red meat industries. In: B.AHE.0010, editor. North Sydney: Meat and Livestock Australia Ltd. p. 76–81.
12. Lawrence K, McFadden A, Gias E, Pulford DJ, Pomroy WE. 2016. Epidemiology of the epidemic of bovine anaemia associated with Theileria orientalis (Ikeda) between August 2012 and March 2014. N Z Vet J.64(1):38–47.
13. Stafford KC, Williams SC, and Molaei G. 2017. Integrated Pest Management in Controlling Ticks and Tick-associated diseases. J Integrated Pest Mgmt 8:1-7.
14. Lahmers K. Theileria orientalis Ikeda genotype in cattle. https://vitals.vetmed.vt.edu/content/dam/vitals_vetmed_vt_edu/documents/theilieria-summary.pdf. Accessed January 31, 2024.
15. Thompson A, White S, Shaw D et al. 2020. Theileria orientalis Ikeda in host-seeking Haemaphysalis longicornis in Virginia, U.S.A. 11(5):101450.
16. Dinkel KD, Herndon DR, Noh SM, Lahmers KK, Todd SM, Ueti MW, Scoles GA, Mason KL, Fry LM. 2021. A U.S. isolate of Theileria orientalis, Ikeda genotype, is transmitted to cattle by the invasive Asian longhorned tick, Haemaphysalis longicornis. Parasit. Vectors 14:157.
17. https://www.cdc.gov/ticks/longhorned-tick/index.html. Accessed January 31, 2024.
18. Hammer JF, Jenkins C, Bogema D, Emery D. 2016. Mechanical transfer of Theileria orientalis: possible roles of biting arthropods, colostrum and husbandry practices in disease transmission. Parasit Vectors. 9:34.
19. Fujisaki K, Kamio T, Kawazu S, Shimizu S, Simura K. 1993. Theileria sergenti: experimental transmission by the long-nosed cattle louse, Linognathus vituli. Ann Trop Med Parasitol. 87(2):217–8.
More calves in first 20 days1
Multimin® 90 is a one-of-a-kind trace mineral injection that provides zinc, copper, manganese and selenium to support reproductive health. Studies demonstrate that improved trace mineral status leads to more calves in the first 20 days of calving1 through improved pregnancy rates,2,3 and helps support semen quality.4
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION FOR MULTIMIN® 90: Federal law restricts the use of Multimin 90 to use by or on the order of a licensed veterinarian. Not for use in humans; keep out of reach of children. Multimin 90 has a preslaughter withdrawal time of 14 days after injection. Always follow label dose; do not overdose. See prescribing information on corresponding page. www.axiota.com
CHILDREN
Sterile
PRECAUTIONS:
Selenium and copper are toxic if administered in excess
Always follow recommended label dose. Do not overdose
It is recommended that accurate body weight is determined prior to treatment.
Do not use concurrently with other injectable selenium and copper products
Do not use concurrently with selenium or copper boluses
Do not use in emaciated cattle with a BCS of 1 in dairy or 1-3 in beef
Consult your veterinarian.
CAUTION:
Slight local reaction may occur for about 30 seconds after injection. A slight swelling may be observed at injection site for a few days after administration. Use standard aseptic procedures during administration of injections to reduce the risk of injection site abscesses or lesions
WITHDRAWAL PERIOD:
Meat 14 days. Milk zero withdrawal.
DIRECTIONS:
This product is only for use in cattle Multimin® 90 is to be given subcutaneously (under the skin) ONLY. It is recommended to administer the product in accordance with Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) guidelines. Minimum distance between injection sites for the Multimin® 90 product and other injection sites should be at least 4 inches. Inject under the loose skin of the middle of the side of the neck. Max volume per injection site is 7 mL.
Subcutaneous injection in middle of side of neck.
StoreBetween 15°Cand30°C (59°Fand86°F)
Less Time More Productivity
The performance benefits of re-implanting without the hassle.
Two doses of high-performance growth. One simple labor-saving application. That’s the power of X – REVALOR®-XS and -XH (trenbolone acetate and estradiol extended-release implants).
Stay ahead of new guidelines with the implant that delivers two doses in a single application.
REVALOR-XH IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION: Not approved for repeated implantation (re-implantation) with this or any other cattle ear implant in growing beef heifers fed in confinement for slaughter. Safety and effectiveness following re-implantation have not been evaluated. Do not use in beef calves less than 2 months of age, dairy calves, and veal calves. A withdrawal period has not been established for this product in pre-ruminating calves. Do not use in dairy cows or in animals intended for subsequent breeding. Use in these cattle may cause drug residues in milk and/or in calves born to these cows. Implant pellets subcutaneously in ear only. Any other location is a violation of Federal law. Do not attempt salvage of implanted site for human or animal food. Not for use in humans. Keep out of reach of children. For complete safety information, refer to the product label. REVALOR-XS IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION: Do not use in beef calves less than 2 months of age, dairy calves, and veal calves. A withdrawal period has not been established for this product in pre-ruminating calves. Do not use in dairy cows or in animals intended for subsequent breeding. Use in these cattle may cause drug residues in milk and/or in calves born to these cows. Implant pellets subcutaneously in ear only. Any other location is a violation of Federal law. Do not attempt salvage of implanted site for human or animal food. Not for use in humans. Keep out of reach of children. For complete safety information, refer to the product label.
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Illinois Beef Expo
FEBRUARY 22-25, 2024 ILLINOIS
Sale Results
Seedstock breeders consigned cattle to three different sales during the Illinois Beef Expo February 22-25 at the Illinois State Fairgrounds in Springfield. Cattle enthusiasts from throughout the Midwest had the opportunity to purchase leading genetics from some of Illinois’ most accomplished breeders during the Illinois Performance Tested Bull Sale. Last year began a new era of expo sales as the Multi-breed Female Sale and the Collection Sale, a frozen genetics sale, were added to the line-up of events.
IPT Bull Sale
For over half a century, the Illinois Performance Tested Bull Sale has provided elite seedstock for cattle breeders. The 2024 IPT Bull Sale was held on February 22 at the Illinois State Fairgrounds in Springfield. The sale averaged $4,966 on 43 lots.
“This sale continues to be one of the best sources for total performance genetics in the Midwest,” said Travis Meteer, IPT sale manager. “During the past 56 years, the sale has sold 4,997 bulls valued at over 9.8 million dollars.”
The IPT Bull Sale is a multi-breed sale and offers both older age-advantaged bulls and yearlings. Meteer said the high selling bull was a yearling Angus bull, selling for $8,500. The bull, Kramer Farms Viroqua 2256, was sold by Keith and Brady Kramer, Farina, to Crosby Farms, Roachdale, Indiana. His half-brother Kramer Farms Viroqua 2247 was the second high seller to Bauer Enterprises, Bingham. The high selling senior Simmental bull consigned by Bob Fitzpatrick, Milan, was sold for $8,250 to William Dulle, Montreal, Missouri. The high selling senior Angus bull was consigned by Joe Curtin Cattle Company, Stonington, and sold for $8,100. The high selling yearling Simmental bull was consigned by Rincker Simmentals, Shelbyville, and sold for $7,000.
The University of Illinois Extension, U of I Department of Animal Sciences, and consigning breeders sponsored the sale. Also, Axiota, Vita-Ferm, ABS, Zoetis, Dearwester Grain, Illinois Angus Association, and Illinois Simmental Association provided industry support, Meteer said.
Producers interested in viewing a breakdown of all the prices can visit the IPT Bull Sale website at www.IPTBullSale. com. Also included on this site are the individual bull prices from the 2024 sale and the numbers and averages from the previous sales.
Seedstock breeders interested in consigning to the 2024 IPT Bull Sale should contact Travis Meteer at 217-430-7030 or wmeteer2@illinois.edu to request a copy of the rules and regulation and nomination form. Nominations need to be made by November 15, 2024, for the 2025 sale.
Multi-breed Female Sale
The first new addition to Illinois Beef Expo was the MultiBreed Female Sale held on Friday, February 23. This secondannual sale attracted bidders both in-person and online with 180 registered bidders. The sale averaged $4,766.25 on 40 head and grossed $190,650.
The top selling female was PVFA Wanda 2053, a simmental heifer, consigned by Circle S Farms. She brought $16,500.
The next highest seller was Lot 23, an Angus consigned by Hill Top & Lampe, sold to Lonny Rhodes for $15,000.
This year’s sale was managed by Ryan Haefner of Haefner Marketing Services. Seedstock breeders interested in consigning to the 2025 sale may contact Ryan at 815-4990522 or email rlhaefn1@gmail.com.
The Collection
The Collection, a frozen genetics sale took place in the afternoon of Friday, February 23, and began with a social hour where they served sliders and drinks.
The second annual Collection Event a the Illinois Beef Expo offered cattleman nationwide opportunities to purchase industry leading genetics from breeders from our state and across the nation. Over 200 bidders vied for the over 100 genetic packages that sold to 12 different states.
The Collection offered packages of semen and embryos to a clone to a popular donor female in the cattle industry.
That clone, lot 28, was the top selling lot at $35,000 selling to a progressive Ohio bider with an extensive ET program. 28A a package of embryos from the donor to be cloned sold for $13,600.
Other top lots included lot 1. It included two packages of embryos from the dam of the America Royal Reserve Grand Champion steer from a breeder from North Central Illinois. It sold to an Iowa buyer for $4,000 an embryo, to gross $24,000. Lot 18A, which was an Angus matting of 24 Karat on Saras Dream 1339, was a package of three embryos selling for a California consigner to an Iowa buyer for $3,500 an embryo. Lot 23 and 25, both Charolais embryo packages, each sold at $10,000 to Iowa and California buyers
For questions or inquiries contact sale coordinator, Kevin Mears of Stock Options Marketing, at 937-533-0169.
Show Results Show Results
2024 Illinois Beef Expo Heifer Show - Ring A Springfield | February 24-25 | Nick Fitzsimmons, Okla.
Grand Champion Heifer
Champion Maine
3rd Overall Heifer
Champion % Simmental
Shown by Breckyn Bloomberg
Reserve Grand Champion Heifer
Reserve Champion Maine
4th Overall Heifer
Reserve Champion % Simmental
Shown by Kade Roeder
5th Overall Heifer
Champion Angus
Shown by Avery Seys
Shown by Chloe Boitnott
Shown by McKlay Gensini
Photos by Cindy’s Livestock Photography
Champion Charolais
Shown by Carter Hoge
Reserve Champion: Jenna Setchell
Champion Polled Hereford
Shown by Morgan Richardson
Reserve Champion: Korbin Swigart
Champion Maine-Angus
Shown by Nalaney Guyer
Reserve Champion: Alex Barnard
Champion Simmental
Shown by Ellie Drach
Reserve Champion: Addison Bartlow
Champion Horned Hereford
Shown by Emily Brooks
Reserve Champion: Riley Rhodes
Champion Limousin
Shown by Claire Sennett
Reserve Champion: Mackenzie Neal
Champion Red Angus
Shown by Chayton Day
Reserve Champion: Madalynn Adams
Champion Shorthorn Plus
Shown by Kesler Collins
Reserve Champion: Max Eaton
Champion AOB
Shown by Braden Bartlow
Reserve Champion: Chloe Wagner
Champion Chianina
Shown by Claire Dorsey
Reserve Champion: Nalaney Guyer
Champion Maintainer
Shown by Cole Roeder
Reserve Champion: Emma Preston
Champion Shorthorn
Shown by Jemma Dorsey
Reserve Champion: Kesler Collins
Champion Commercial
Shown by Lauren Wolter
Reserve Champion: Adam Miller
Other Winners:
Reserve Champion Angus: Brenna Bartlow
Show Results Show Results
2024 Illinois Beef Expo Heifer Show - Ring B Springfield | February 24-25 | Chad Holtkamp, Iowa
Photos by Cindy’s Livestock Photography
Grand Champion Heifer Champion Maine
Shown by McKlay Gensini
Reserve Grand Champion Heifer
Reserve Champion Maine
Shown by Avery Seys
Rachel Frost, wife of the late Cimeron Frost, presents the first ever Cimeron Frost Memorial Award to Grand Champion Heifer exhibitor McKlay Gensini.
2024 Illinois Beef Expo Market Animal Show - Ring A Springfield | February 23-24 | Chad Holtkamp, Iowa
Grand Champion Market Animal
Champion Crossbred
3rd Overall Market Animal
Reserve Champion Crossbred
Reserve Grand Champion Market Animal
Champion Maine
4th Overall Market Animal
Champion Simmental
Shown by Brynlee Hodel
5th Overall Market Animal
Champion Angus Shown by Nolan Hoge
Shown by Kade Gensini
Shown by Nalaney Guyer
Shown by Sam Nightingale
Photos by Cindy’s Livestock Photography
Ring A Market Animals
Champion Shorthorn
Shown by Chace Riley
Reserve Champion: Caleb Funk
Champion Hereford
Shown by Kylie Gillespie
Reserve Champion: Kinlynn Dryer
Champion Charolais
Shown by Charlee Jones
Reserve Champion: John Nightingale
Champion AOB
Shown by Brock Freed
Reserve Champion: Peyton Kies
Champion Shorthorn Plus
Shown by Alex Barnard
Reserve Champion: Alli Baudino
Champion Market Heifer
Shown by Maci Brooks
Reserve Champion: Palmer Foran
Other Winners - Reserve Champion Angus: Jace Bressner, Champion Chianina: Ainsley Link, Reserve Champion Chianina: Kashen Ellerbrock, Reserve Champion Maine: Morgan Huls, Reserve Champion Simmental: Jared Bressner
Ashlyn Mool received the second-annual Jim Bloomberg Memorial award, voted on by fellow exhibitors and based on individual character.
Show Results Show Results
2024 Illinois Beef Expo Market Animal Show - Ring B
Springfield | February 23-24 | Nick Fitzsimmons
Grand Champion Market Animal
Champion Crossbred Steer
3rd Overall Market Animal
Reserve Champion Crossbred Steer
Shown by Cole Caldwell
Reserve Grand Champion Market Animal
Champion Maine Steer
4th Overall Market Animal
3rd Overall Crossbred Steer
Shown by Sam Nightingale
5th Overall Market Animal
Champion Angus Steer
Photos by Cindy’s Livestock Photography
Shown by Kade Gensini
Shown by Nolan Hoge
Shown by Nalaney Guyer
Ring B Market Animals
Champion Shorthorn
Shown by Chace Riley
Reserve Champion: Caleb Funk
Champion Hereford
Shown by Kylie Gillespie
Reserve Champion: Makenzie Huls
Champion Market Heifer
Shown by Macie Brooks
Reserve Champion: Wesley Sampson
Champion Charolais
Shown by Charlee Jones
Reserve Champion: Jaxon Baudino
Champion Simmental
Shown by Jared Bressner
Reserve Champion: Brynlee Hodel
Champion Shorthorn Plus
Shown by Alex Barnard
Reserve Champion: Landon Loschen
Champion AOB
Shown by Brock Freed
Reserve Champion: Colton Huls
Other Winners - Reserve Champion Angus: Jace Bressner, Reserve Champion
Maine Steer: Nalaney Guyer, Champion Chianina: Ainsley Link, Reserve
Champion Chianina: Kashen Ellerbrock
Youth Contests
Newton FFA Scores High and Logan Coratt Tops Individual Points in Illinois Beef Expo Livestock Judging
Illinois Beef Expo brought 4-H and FFA juniors from across Illinois to the Illinois State Fairgrounds to test their animal evaluation skills in the Livestock Judging Contest on February 23. More than 400 individual exhibitors competed this year and the contest was coordinated by Black Hawk College East-Campus Livestock Judging Team.
Maddox Horner, Brady Martin, Walker Crank, Charlie Thurman, Maci Beckman, Carson Beckman, Makenna Glander, Maci Brooks, Harper Warnken, Ty McFarland
4-H
Kendall Boatman, Kylie Gillespie, Addysen Link, Anna Serven, Keegan Bohnsack, Emma Beckman, Avery Knupp, Kaleb Strine, Aly Williams, Nolan Orwig
Logan Coratt, Grant Ochs, Maelee Allen, Grant Fulton, Conley Schick, Rye Bliler, Gauge Nihiser, Macie Bartlow, Ryker Beckmier, Meyer Tarr
Kylie Gillespie, Avery Knupp, Nolan Orwig, Chet Gillespie
Skill-a-thon Contest Awards Beef Knowledge at the 2024 Illinois Beef Expo
This year’s Illinois Beef Expo skill-a-thon contest gathered youth from across Illinois to test their beef cattle knowledge. The skillathon contest happened on February 23 at the Illinois State Fairgrounds in Springfield. First place in the junior division was Brock Freed, followed by Clara Chappell, Vaughn Hank, Scarlett Schliech, Josie Turner, Lily Grabosky, Cole Valloew, Peyton Sidles, Jade Range and Ali Hankes.
The intermediate division top ten included Brogan Kelner in first, followed by Macie Barlow, Claire Kuipers, Preston Howell, Connor Ortman, Lauren Kelly, Lane Kocher, Lily Death, Alexa Turner and Abby Wamsley.
Highest points in the senior division were awarded to Blaine Holman, followed by Luke Short, Tessa Ortman, Kristian Sockberger, Isabel Pistorius, Madeline Bergman, Ryker Beckmeyer, Gauge Nihiser, Ella Douglas, Rhet Lehman.
FFA High Individuals
Top FFA Team - Newton FFA #1
Grant Ochs, Grant Fulton, Meyer Tarr, Jace Judson
4-H High Junior Individuals
Top 4-H Junior Team - Peoria County 4-H
Brady Martin, Ty McFarland, Kinley Martin, Aleah Martin
High Senior Individuals
Top 4-H Senior Team - Henry-Stark
Points Program
Junior showmen were recognized as the 2023 Illinois Beef Association Points Show Program winners at the 2024 Illinois Beef Expo in February. The IBA Points Show Program awards youth for success in the show ring at sanctioned cattle shows throughout the state. Lizzie Schafer of Owaneco was named the 2023 Overall IBA Points Show Program winner and won a custom-branded table with four directors chairs, all provided by IBA.
The Top Ten Heifer Points Show Program winners were Lizzie Schafer of Owaneco, Maddox Reedy of Tuscola, Paige Lemenager of Hudson, Ashlyn Mool of Lexington, Jemma Dorsey of Moro, Brody Ingram of Winchester, Konnor Campbell or Carrolton, Brenna Bartlow of Monticello, Megan Mollett of Mulberry Grove and Claire Dorsey of Moro.
The Top Ten Steer Points Show Program winners were Lyla Mollett of Mulberry Grove, Myah Little of Murrayville, Madeline Nightingale of Orion, Kinley Stolte of Nokomis, Dash Simpsen of Downs, Lilly Gillespie of Toulon, Kinlynn Dryer of Merna, Maddox Reedy of Tuscola, Kylie Gillespie of Toulon and Parker Lewis of Salem.
The IBA Points Show Program is funded by Illinois Beef Association and the Illinois Beef Checkoff.
Heifer Division Steer Division
Photos by Cindy’s Livestock Photos.
Photo by Jack Jungmann at Cindy’s Livestock Photography.
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IJBA POINTS SHOW
You do not find many three-year-olds set on winning banners and excelling at speech giving. But one little blonde girl from Owaneco began turning her dreams into reality from the time she could talk. Today, Lizzie Schafer’s enthusiasm has yet to be diminished. By immersing herself in the beef industry Lizzie has accomplished several goals, her latest one being to win the Illinois Junior Beef Association points show program, and she accomplished that goal in 2023.
Before she even knew how to write her name, three-yearold Lizzie participated in her first of many livestock industry contests. Sorting livestock and challenging her knowledge was something she learned to do from the very beginning. Her slightly older brother, Eric, started giving speeches at about eight years old, so at six years old she convinced herself she could outperform him. She ran into her parents’ bedroom and spent an hour writing her own speech about the different parts of a pig. This was a topic that came naturally to her from living on her family’s 200-sow pig farm.
Climb to the Top
As Lizzie’s skills in showing and speech-making developed, she began to get more ambitious. Lizzie was very eager to be a part of the show industry just like Eric, so she made a deal with her parents to participate in all the competitions associated with the opportunity to show her first pig, a Berkshire. By the time she was eight, the family made the transition to show cattle, starting with Angus and then trying a variety of different breeds as well.
For a while now, Lizzie has worked toward her goal of winning the IJBA points program. This year, with great heifers and an even better group of people supporting her, she was able to claim victory.
When she won, her phone began to flood with congratulatory texts from friends and family. “It was pretty
awesome to see all the support I had,” she said.
Lizzie gives credit to her friends, family, and, of course, heifers for success in the points program.
Lizzie’s parents, Aaron and Sue, are her biggest supporters – the kind of parents that give all their time and resources toward the success of their children.
Grace Lemenager, Lizzie’s closest show friend, has also watched her chase this goal. The two became friends while showing various breeds of cattle and have shared many special moments, including the time they were both in the top 20 at an American Junior Simmental Association National Classic. “We got to enjoy that moment together,” Grace says. “She is as enthusiastic about the livestock industry as they get, and I have seen that since we were kids,” Grace remarks about Lizzie and their sister-like friendship. You can often find one in the background of the other’s backdrop photos. “It is one of those long-distance friendships that you pick up right where you left off,” Grace says. Grace believes in the healthy competition that the two embody in the showring – competing but being best friends at the end of the day.
Grace says it is important to have friendships like her and Lizzie’s because they understand the industry they are in, and the hard work and monetary investments that are put into it. “We can all be happy for each other and be united.”
Cattle That Win
Lizzie and her family bought her winning show heifers from Boyert-Core Show Cattle. The Chianina, affectionately named “Chi,” out of Jaylynn Jazzy and Primo, won her breed about 12 times. Lizzie’s favorite show memory was with this heifer in Denver when she got picked for breed champion even though she was a younger heifer at the time.
Also from Boyert’s she showed a percentage Simmental named “Kesha,” receiving champion and reserve many times, winning 18th overall at junior nationals, and succeeding at everything from jackpot shows to Louisville where she won her class. “Winning your class on the green chips is always
Left photo: Lizzie hugs her dad, Aaron, as he smiles with pride. Right photo: Ultrasound practice.
Four-year-old Lizzie with her first show pig and her “Princess Pee Wee” homemade paper towel sash.
Bailey Boyert remembers the first time she watched Lizzie show in November 2022. “It was really fun to see her shine,” Bailey says. “As someone who sells cattle, you always hope to find families that have good showmen.”
Bailey’s husband Jared is usually back at the chute, and Bailey takes the time to prepare and practice with the juniors before going into the ring. The discussion is usually about getting the most out of the heifer, coupled with encouraging words. She often reflects on the growth she has seen in their operation, but also compares it to hard work she sees in the juniors they support. “With a lot of hard work and passion you can do a lot of big things,” she says.
“I do not think I have ever been able to be around better people than the cattle people,” especially since I have gotten involved with the Boyert crew,” Lizzie says. “They always try to make the all the cattle look their best.”
Other people who have never failed to support her include the Rutledge and Zwilling families, Julie Fugate – who she claims as her “bucket girl” – and her parents, and brother, who she would not have any of this without, and last but not least her grandparents to drive near and far to watch her show.
Set for Success
Lizzie is currently on the livestock judging team at Butler Community College in El Dorado, Kansas. In the future she hopes to major in animal science and agricultural communications at Kansas State University.
“I did not know cattle were not just on the earth for showing until I went to Kansas.” Lizzie says. “They are put here for so much more. Being involved in the cattle industry is about being involved in making food for our growing population.”
Her career path stems not only from her agricultural perspectives, but also from her experiences in promotional campaigns, videos, advertisements and proofreading in her
HEIFER DIVISION WINNER
personal business which she started because of her love for the work as anchor on her high school news channel.
“I love editing videos and promoting operations in agriculture and just promoting agriculture as a whole,” Lizzie says.
In high school she made a video for her cousin who needed a kidney and posted it on Facebook through their school news broadcasting program. There were people calling from all over the world to offer their kidney. “Doing this stuff can actually make a difference,” Lizzie says. You can find this business, “Elizabeth Edits,” on Facebook.
Lizzie hopes the reasoning and organizational skills she grew up learning will help her to be a better agricultural communicator and individual.
“Never give up,” she says. “There are always times in life where you feel frustrated and like you cannot get through it – like you will never get to the level you want to be at.” Yet, Lizzie can testify to the learned skill of pushing through until a goal is accomplished. “In the last three years I have been able to accomplish so much that I never thought I would be able to in the past,” she says. “Always pushing through and working hard has really made a big impact on me.”
If you see Lizzie in the barns soon, make sure to congratulate her for winning the 2023 Illinois Junior Beef Association points show program!
Lizzie and her biggest supporters with her third overall heifer at the James Flach Memorial Day Show
IJBA POINTS SHOW
Some little girls dream of little fluffy orange kittens, others want to gallop away on horses like Katy from Flicka. Still, some girls want to be in the show ring with the calf they have spent months breaking and feeding and hair training and loving.
This is the life the Mollett girls of Mulberry Grove became a part of about six years ago. Today, Nathan and Marcey Mollett’s three girls, Megan, Lyla and Claire, are living their dreams in the barn and showring — especially Lyla, who this year won the steer division of the Illinois Junior Beef Association Points Program, accomplishing a year-long goal.
Before they were showing cattle, Megan had spent years visiting her close friend who owned cattle. The Molletts already lived on a grain farm and so Nathan took Megan’s request to buy cattle into serious consideration, eventually reaching out to one of his friends for advice and the family agreed it would be an activity they could all do well together.
“I always thought it was cool, with the friends you make, opportunities you get from it, and the bond with your animals,” Lyla says.
They started with a 4-H fair in 2018, becoming a bit more involved each year since then. About five years ago they were visiting a county fair where Josh Blackford had some show cattle in the ring. Nathan told Josh, “I have not seen one of yours show here today that I don’t like, so we need to come buy from you.” Since then, the Molletts have purchased almost all their cattle from Josh, and they take his advice when it comes to choosing the best animal each year.
Josh sells about 60 to 70 head of show cattle to juniors in a given year, both heifers and steers.
“He [Josh] does a lot for us and he is a very good person,” Nathan says. “He clips them up and gets them looking good and keeps us motivated.”
Setting Goals
With Josh’s help, the Molletts continued to work hard and build their stock show skills and at-home herd. “We just kept trying to grow,” Megan says. Last year, their main goal was to be competitive in the IJBA points program, and this year they hope to succeed at a junior national event.
Lyla was very successful in her pursuit of the steer points,
proving effort results in reward. “Lyla is a very motivated kid,” Nathan says.
“I was always checking the list and telling my dad, ‘Dad here is a show, we can go to this one,’” Lyla says. Nathan took his daughters to many shows throughout 2023, any of them they could squeeze into their busy schedule.
Lyla had looked up to past point-show winners like Sophie Trainor and Claire Dorsey, and knew it was something she wanted to pursue. “I set it as my goal to win this year and my dad took me everywhere I wanted to go and it was so fun to show my steer Jimmy everywhere,” she says. “It was a really big goal, so my dad and I really worked towards it.”
This winning points steer “Jimmy” is an In God We Trust smoke steer out of Blackford Show Cattle’s Sunshine donor. Josh’s own daughter showed that female as a heifer — she’s a Relentless X Broker/Whiskey.
Jimmy was successful at quite a few shows, each of which led to her overall IJBA steer points win: Reserve Grand Champion Steer at the Showdown in Georgetown, Reserve Supreme Champion Steer at Showing for the Memories Jackpot Show, Third Overall Steer at the Macon County Fair Jackpot Show, Grand Champion Steer at Montgomery County Fair, Grand Champion Steer at Jersey County Fair and Grand Champion Steer at Clinton County Fair.
Trials and Triumph
Along the way there were a few bumps in the road like being too busy to make it to a show, or a day of poor temperament for Jimmy, but where there was hard work, success came with it. “We went to some shows that were tough to get to or where it was hot, but we felt like we were close enough and doing well enough that she wanted to continue on,” Nathan says.
And there is no doubt about her perseverance, as Lyla’s own experiences have made her tough enough to handle difficulties. At the age of six, Lyla suffered from a rare form of E. coli that put her in the hospital for 30 days. She expects trials will be awaiting her in the future and the effects of the
Lyla poses with “Jimmy” and her 2023 show banners.
Preparing to go into the show ring.
SHOW PROGRAM Lyla Mollett STEER DIVISION WINNER
E. coli weigh heavy on Lyla, but her drive to accomplish goals has made strong in her trials.
In addition, her time in the hospital made her value medicine and want to be in either pharmaceutical or veterinary work when she grows up. Naturally, both medicine and cattle will be in Lyla’s future. “Maybe I can be in medicine for cows,” she says.
The lessons learned in the barn are precious to Lyla too. “There are always bumps but you just have to keep working and keep going,” she says. She wants people who are new to showing to know that everyone starts as a beginner. Lyla is a testament to hard work resulting in met goals.
She became worried during the final months leading up to the final points standings, checking for updates often, until one day her friend texted her to tell her of her accomplishment. “Are you serious?” she exclaimed, sending the results to her dad with “We did it.”
Working Together
Lyla attributes much of this success to the people that support her, leaning especially on her dad’s support. “It means so much that he wants to help and support us with everything we want to do,” she says. You can tell he is the kind of dad who would do anything for his daughters.
Megan and Claire also pursued points alongside their sister, with Megan placing ninth in the heifer division. “We encouraged each other,” Megan says. “It was pretty exciting knowing that being gone every weekend and showing everywhere got something out of it.”
Megan’s heifer was an April 2022 Maintainer heifer, that received IJBA Jackpot Show Reserve Champion Overall Heifer and the Illinois State Fair Open Maintainer Show Overall Heifer. “Try and be open minded; if it is freezing cold outside and you really do not want to work on your calf, just get up and do it because the end result is so much greater,” Megan advises her show peers.
Josh, who is always showing his support, likes working with kids as driven and success-oriented as the Molletts.
“With Lyla, she just cracks me up, just that cute little smile and she is sweet as can be, but ultimately that girl wants to win all the time,” he says. “I like the competitiveness in showing cattle and if you work hard, the hard work always pays off.”
Josh loves the competitiveness of Illinois cattle. “It keeps us all working harder,” he says. “If it were easy, everybody would do it. It makes you want to work harder to be the best.”
Nathan says he enjoys being around good and motivated people too, “The same people win a lot and that can be disappointing, but the kids show up and keep trying. You still want to go try and beat them,” he says. But Nathan believes the competition in the show ring are the same people who would help out at the drop of a hat. “There are a lot of good people around cows,” he adds.
The Mollett girls are most thankful for the family aspect of it all. Lyla appreciates the memories she is making in the barn with her sisters and setting goals with them, and Megan adds that she enjoys being with her whole family.
It is evident Lyla had a steady amount of support in 2023 as she pursued her goal of winning the steer division of the Illinois Junior Beef Association Points Program, accomplishing a year-long goal, which she did handily, surpassing the secondplace finish by 85 points. Congratulations, Lyla!
The family poses with Megan’s IJBA Jackpot Show Reserve Champion Heifer at the 2023 Illinois State Fair.
Illinois Beef Association
PRIVATE TREATY SALES CHECKOFF INVESTMENT FORM
State and National Beef Promotion and Research Programs
Information is required by 7 CRF 1260.201 Failure to report can result in a fine. Information is held confidential per 7 CRF 1260.203.
Today’s Date ID Number (if known)________________________
Seller’s Name
Seller’s Signature
Buyer’s Name
Buyer’s Signature
Both the seller & the buyer are responsible for making sure that the $1 per head assessment is collected and remitted to the Illinois Beef Association.
Date of Sale *State of Origin
Total Number of Cattle Sold:
remitting
the cattle
(IBA)
and State
CHECKING IN WITH THE CHECKOFF
Value of Beef
BEEF TENDERNESS A 30-Year Journey A 30-Year Journey
In the early 1990s, the beef industry was facing shrinking demand for their product as it was too tough, too fat, and too inconsistent to stay relevant at the meat counter.1 At the time, 1 in 4 steaks just didn’t eat right.2 This was a pivotal time for the beef industry and changes were needed to keep beef on the plate.
Beef’s unique eating experience is a key reason consumers purchase beef over other proteins. Eating experience is centered around three key components: tenderness, flavor and juiciness. These attributes have been well-established as key factors that determine overall beef palatability and extensive research has been conducted around each factor and the interrelationships among factors.3 While each factor is not considered independently, underperformance of a single factor can greatly impact the overall eating satisfaction. Consumers are willing to pay a premium for guaranteedtender meat products.4 Thus, providing a consistent, highquality eating experience is essential to keep beef on the plates of consumers.
In the early 1990s, the industry rallied around a systematic approach to overcoming challenges and improving beef tenderness for consumers. The National Beef Tenderness Survey (NBTS, or Survey), managed by National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, a contractor to the Beef Checkoff, was initiated in 1990 to quantify beef tenderness and identify areas for improvement. The Survey has been conducted six times over the last 30 years to benchmark beef tenderness, verify improvements, and identify opportunities for ongoing research around tenderness. Providing a benchmark for beef tenderness allows the industry to identify where improvements have been made and where tenderness challenges may still exist.
From its inception the survey was designed to evolve to meet industry needs and provide insights as thinking around tenderness evolved. The initial survey began capturing relevant information and the evolution in successive surveys has bolstered applicability of the outcomes and helped to provide direction to the industry. Throughout the surveys, retail cuts captured and data collected have shifted to stay relevant to the market and the direction of the industry at the time.
A key component to improving beef tenderness is quantifying the tenderness of the beef available in the marketplace to provide the greatest understanding of tenderness attributes. In measuring beef tenderness, two key methods are utilized. Warner-Bratzler Shear (WBS) Force, is a quantitative measure that reflects the amount of force needed to bite through a steak. Consumer taste panels are a qualitative measure of beef tenderness and provide greater insight into the interaction of tenderness as a component of eating experience. The dual pronged approach of combining WBS Force with consumer taste panels provides the most complete information about beef tenderness.
Tremendous progress has been made since the inception
of the survey in beef tenderness. The progress in beef tenderness over the last 30 years of NBTS is highlighted by three key phases: the initial benchmark, making tremendous strides, and maintaining the progress achieved.
• Initial Benchmark - The initial survey conducted by Texas
Recipe on the next page!
A&M University in 1990 quantified and characterized beef tenderness. The findings reconfirmed the tenderness challenges the industry was facing. The undesirable toughness of these cuts was negatively impacting desirability and marketability of beef.5 An opportunity to evaluate both pre-harvest and product management to optimize product tenderness was identified as a key initiative because of this initial survey.
• Tremendous Strides - Ten years later, the 1999 survey was expanded to include products from the foodservice sector to fully characterize beef tenderness throughout the industry. The findings indicated progress in beef tenderness with a 20% increase in product tenderness compared to 1990.6 In the time since the initial survey, the industry shifted towards practices to promote beef tenderness including longer more gradual chilling. Product aging and management was identified as an area of improvement for beef tenderness. In 2005/2006, a follow-up survey was conducted and confirmed additional progress in beef tenderness. In the time since the 1999 survey, there has been an 18% improvement in tenderness and a 34% improvement compared to the initial 1990 survey.7
• Maintaining Progress - In the three subsequent surveys over a 15-year period,8-10 the industry has been able to maintain notable progress in beef tenderness. The 2020/2021 survey highlighted the greatest percentage of each cut falling into the very tender category for tenderness.10
Despite the challenges the beef industry has faced over the last 30 years including drought, herd liquidation, fluctuating supply, and input costs, the quality of beef and tenderness have seen great improvements. Furthermore, recent surveys have indicated the ability of the industry to maintain its tenderness goals. With the dramatic improvement in beef tenderness, the industry has opportunities to focus on other factors important for palatability such as flavor development and increasing product consistency.
To find out more, visit www.beefresearch.org/programs/ product-quality. Funded by the Beef Checkoff, through the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association.
1 National Cattlemen’s Beef Association. The Evolution of Beef Tenderness. 2013. beefresearch.org
2 Tatum, J.D. How Do We Affect Tenderness, Quality and Consistency. in The Range Beef Cow Symposium XIII. 1993. Cheyenne, WY.
3 O’Quinn, T.G., et al., Evaluation of the contribution of tenderness, juiciness, and flavor to the overall consumer beef eating experience. Translational Animal Science, 2018. 2(1): p. 26-36.
4 Miller, M.F., et al., Consumer thresholds for establishing the value of beef tenderness. Journal of animal science, 2001. 79(12): p. 3062-3068.
5 Morgan, J.B., et al., National beef tenderness survey. Journal of Animal Science, 1991. 69(8): p. 3274-3283.
6 Brooks, J.C., et al., National Beef Tenderness Survey–1998. Journal of Animal Science, 2000. 78(7): p. 1852-1860.
7 Voges, K.L., et al., National beef tenderness survey – 2006: Assessment of Warner–Bratzler shear and sensory panel ratings for beef from US retail and foodservice establishments. Meat Science, 2007. 77(3): p. 357-364.
8 Guelker, M.R., et al., National Beef Tenderness Survey–2010: Warner-Bratzler shear force values and sensory panel ratings for beef steaks from United States retail and food service establishments. Journal of Animal Science, 2013. 91(2): p. 1005-1014.
9 Martinez, H.A., et al., National Beef Tenderness Survey—2015: Palatability and Shear Force Assessments of Retail and Foodservice Beef. Meat and Muscle Biology, 2017.
10 Gonzalez, A.A., National Beef Tenderness Survey–2021: Assessment of Warner-Bratzler Shear Force and Consumer Panel Evaluation of Beef Steaks from U.S. Retail and Foodservice Establishments. 2022, Texas A&M University: https://oaktrust.library.tamu.edu/handle/1969 .1 /198143.
Top Chef Brooke Williamson’s KOREAN MARINATED TRI-TIP
INGREDIENTS:
2 pounds beef Tri-Tip, trimmed Marinade:
4 garlic cloves, minced
1/4 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup pineapple juice
3 tablespoons light brown sugar
2 tablespoons Mirin
2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil
1 tablespoon grated fresh gingerroot
1 tablespoon Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
1 tablespoon Gochujang (fermented red chili paste)
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
4 scallions, sliced, divided
COOKING:
SPRING’S FRESHEST FLAVORS
1. Place Tri-Tip in a large food-safe plastic bag. Add marinade ingredients and half of scallions; turn to coat. Close bag securely and marinate in refrigerator 6 to 12 hours.
2. Remove Tri-Tip from bag; discard bag and marinade. Grill, 10 minutes on each side (over medium heat on preheated gas grill, 8 to 10 minutes) or until the internal temperature reaches (130°F). Rest 10 minutes or until internal temperature reaches (145°F).
3. Slice Tri-Tip against the grain. Garnish with remaining scallions to serve.
EXPLORE MORE CHEF’S NIGHT IN RECIPES
chefs
and enjoying their favorite beef dishes, alongside friends and family—all from the comfort of their own home. While we often see these chefs in their professional environments, we rarely see them quite like this.
Chef’s Night In is a new Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner. video series featuring
cooking
Illinois Beef Checkoff Sponsors Winter Chili Cookoffs
The Abe Lincoln Route 66 Chili Cookoff and Joe Defrates Memorial Regional Chili Cookoff were hosted on February 17 and 18, respectively, at the Marian Banquet Hall in Riverton. The Saturday cookoff was paired with a cornhole tournament and the theme of Sunday’s cookoff was the Daytona 500. At the events, chili chefs and taste testers received Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner. branded gear and beef information. Staff and IBA members Randy and Betsy Pech, representing Heartland Beef Association, handed out the stickers, steak seasoning and beef education materials, as well as our newest promotional item, reusable sandwich bags. Pictured below: chili cooks proudly display their BIWFD hot pads.
THE VALUE OF BEEF IN THE SHOPPING CART
For shoppers dining at home, an on-going nationally representative study among consumers ages 18-64, conducted by NCBA, a contractor to the Beef Checkoff, found taste and value for their money remains a primary consideration for protein purchase considerations.1 Other considerations like food safety, preparation familiarity, and great source of protein are also among the top-10 considerations for consumers when choosing protein for dining at home. Rounding out the top-10 as a consideration for dining at home, quick/fast to prepare.
Whether consumers are heading to the store to stock pantries or pick up a meal, beef is a top protein choice. Another recent nationally representative study by NCBA, a contractor to the Beef Checkoff, found 45% of respondents purchased beef in their most recent visit to the grocery store, while 43% purchased poultry, followed by 37% purchasing pork.2 Meat alternatives made up just more than 10% of grocery store purchases.
The average market basket of consumers’ recent grocery store visit is just less than $90. When consumers add beef, the value increases more than 30% to just more than $115.3 When consumers include both beef and beer in the market basket, the value increases to just more than $135 or more than a 50% increase above the average grocery spend. The inclusion of beef and wine in the shopping cart results in a market basket increase of just more than $143, or an increase of more than 60% compared to average grocery spend of $89.
Grocery store shoppers are heading to the store online and in-person to stock their shelves, pick up items for the week, or find something to eat that day. The research shows 45% of consumers purchased beef in their recent visit, the highest noted protein purchase among beef, poultry, pork, seafood and meat alternatives. Beef increases overall shopping basket value by more than $25. When adding any alcohol to the shopping cart, an incremental value can be reached of more than $45.3 In short, adding beef to the shopping basket has the potential to generate incremental consumer spend across all areas of the grocery store.
Sources:
1. Consumer Beef Tracker January – June 2023. Q9/9a: “How much do you consider each of the following when you are deciding to have a meal at home/at a restaurant with beef, chicken, pork, fish, meat alternatives, or some other source of protein?”, “Top 2 Box” – Always Consider, Often Consider.
Survey designed and analyzed by National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, a contractor to The Beef Checkoff.
2. Market basket study, Survey, October, 2023. PureSpectrum - *Now we’d like to understand the items you purchased. Thinking only about your most recent visit to the store for food and related items, please tell us which of the following you purchased. Select all that apply.
Survey designed and analyzed by National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, a contractor to The Beef Checkoff.
3. Market basket study, Survey, October, 2023. PureSpectrum Now, thinking specifically about your meat, poultry, and/or seafood purchases, please provide the amount spent on each using the dollar amounts listed below Now, thinking specifically about your alcoholic beverage purchases, please provide the amount spent on each using the dollar amounts listed below.
Survey designed and analyzed by National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, a contractor to The Beef Checkoff.
IN THIS ISSUE:
March/April 2024
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
President: Carla Jurgenson
Vice President: David Mool
Secretary: Clay Sellmeyer
Business Manager: Doug Turner
Past President: David Jenkins
Bureau County: John DeRycke
Central Illinois: Luke Lemenager
Illinois Valley: Open
Lamoine Valley: Tracy Rawlings
Logan County : Carla Jurgenson
Northern Illinois: Jarad Carroll
South Central: Richard Hurst
Wabash Valley: Shaye Harre
Directors at Large:
Grant Bedel
TJ Curtin
Jim Marsh
Bradley Wolter
Kyle Buetke
Jeff Dameron
Chris Cassady
Clay Sellmeyer
Dan Naughton
Greg McClure
David Mool
Bodee Schlipf
Brad Evans
CONTACT
ON THE COVER
Photo of Chloe Boitnott and her Champion Angus Heifer and 5th overall in Ring A at Illinois Beef Expo. Taken by Devin Bollman.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Anna Parr earns Junior Silver award
Anna Parr, Mason City, Ill., has earned the National Junior Angus Association’s (NJAA) Silver award, according to Caitlyn Brandt, events and junior activities director of the American Angus Association® in Saint Joseph, Mo.
Parr is the 14-year-old daughter of Kirsten Parr and attends Illini Central Middle School. She is a member of the NJAA and the Illinois Junior Angus Association, where she serves as royalty.
She has participated in local, state, regional and national shows. At the National Junior Angus Show (NJAS), Parr participated in the photography, livestock judging, graphic design, livestock judging, Skill-A-Thon and quiz bowl contests. She also participated in the mentoring program in 2019.
Parr has submitted DNA samples for Genomic Profile Testing through Angus Genetics Inc. (AGI).
The Silver award is the second level of the NJAA Recognition Program that began in 1972. Junior Angus breeders must apply for the award, then meet point requirements in many areas of participation before receiving the honor. Applicants are evaluated in areas of junior Angus association activities and leadership, participation in showmanship, contests and shows, using performance testing to improve their herd and their progress in producing and merchandising Angus cattle.
The NJAA promotes the involvement of young people in raising Angus cattle, while also providing leadership and selfdevelopment opportunities for the nearly 4,500 active members nationwide.
— Written by Amber Wahlgren, Angus Communications
Angus Foundation scholarship applications open now
Youth can apply for Angus Foundation scholarships until May 1.
Scholarship applications are now available for college students involved with the Angus breed. The Angus Foundation awarded more than $358,000 in scholarships in 2023 alone. The Foundation offers scholarships to undergraduate, graduate and trade school students each year to help Angus youth achieve their educational goals and offset the rising costs of tuition. Applications are due May 1.
“The Angus Foundation’s scholarship program is one of the most prominent and consistent ways our donors support Angus youth,” said Jaclyn Boester, Angus Foundation executive director. “Our scholarships pave the way for a bright future for our industry by ensuring young people have the opportunity to reach their full potential.”
The Angus Foundation undergraduate and graduate scholarship applications are available to National Junior Angus Association (NJAA) members through their American Angus Association® login, similar to the National Junior Recognition Program Bronze and Silver award applications. The Foundation’s Certified Angus Beef®/National Junior Angus Association and commercial cattlemen scholarships will still be accessed at AngusFoundation.org and submitted through email.
“Angus Foundation scholarships have provided incredible support as I have furthered my education,” said Marcie Harward, National Junior Angus Board Foundation director and past scholarship recipient. “I’m grateful for my involvement in the Angus breed and its investment in the success of juniors like me.”
Since 1998, the Angus Foundation has awarded more than $4.5 million in undergraduate and graduate scholarships. For more information about the Angus Foundation and its scholarship program, visit AngusFoundation.org. For more information, contact the Angus Foundation at 816-383-5100.
Show Results
2024 Cattlemen’s Congress Super Point Roll of Victory Angus Show
Oklahoma City, Okla. | January 6 | Judges: Bruce and Amie Stertzbach, Ohio
Photos by Next Level Images
Grand Champion Female
Seldom Rest Sandy 2030
Owned by: Jack Dameron, Towanda, Ill.
Div. 3 Res. Junior Heifer Calf Champion
Seldom Rest Sandy 3012
Owned by: Anne Dameron, Towanda, Ill.
Reserve Grand Champion Bull
BNWZ Paisley 2143
Owned by: Jeff Fruhling, Homer, Ill., and Austin Nowatzke, Michigan City, Ind.
Div. 2 Junior Heifer Calf Champion
Henning BCII Sandy 3012
Owned by: Brenna Bartlow, Monticello, Ill.
Reserve Grand Champion Cow-calf Pair
Diamond T Saras Dream 0206
Owned by: Morgan Hutchins, Charleston, Ill.
Senior Bull Calf Champion
Destinys Back In Black 320
Owned by: Morgan Hutchins, Charleston, Ill., and Sawyer Eastridge, Taswell, Ind.
Reserve Senior Bull Calf Champion
York Farms Knight Rider 2259
Owned by: Cody York, Palestine, Ill.
2024
National Western Stock
Show’s
Junior Angus Show
Denver, Colo. | January 11 | Judge: Brad Gohr, Oregon
Photos by Legacy Livestock Imaging
Grand Champion Bred & Owned Female
Lemenager Proven Queen K24
Owned by: Paige Lemenager
Division 1 Owned Reserve
Junior Heifer Calf Champion
DDA Northern Miss 2318
Owned by: Max Dameron
Reserve Grand Champion Owned Female
SCC SFC Phyllis 324
Owned by: Brenna Bartlow
Division 2 Owned Reserve
Junior Heifer Calf Champion
SCC HF 24K Lady 331
Owned by: Addison Bartlow
Division 3 Owned Reserve
Junior Heifer Calf Champion
Seldom Rest Sandy 3012
Owned by: Anne Dameron
2024 National Western Stock Show’s Super Point ROV Angus Show
Denver, Colo. | January 12 | Judges: Donnie Robertson, Okla. and Chuck Brost, Colo.
Photos by Legacy Livestock Imaging
Reserve Intermediate
Champion Heifer
Lemenager Proven Queen K24
Owned by: Paige Lemenager
Division 3 Reserve Junior
Champion Heifer Calf
SCC SFC Phyllis 324
Owned by: Brenna Bartlow
Reserve Grand Champion Bull BNWZ Paisley 2143
Owned by: Jeff Fruhling, Ill., and Austin Nowatzke, Ind.
2024 Illinois Beef Expo Junior Show
Springfield, IL | Feb. 23-25 | Chad Holtkamp & Nick Fitzsimmons
Photos by Cindy’s Livestock Photos
Fifth Overall Market Animal Rings A & B, Champion Angus Steer Both Rings
Shown by Nolan Hoge
Reserve Champion Angus Heifer Ring A
Shown by Brenna Bartlow
Reserve Champion
Maine-Angus Ring A
Shown by Alex Bernard
Reserve Champion Angus Steer Both Rings
Shown by Jace Bressner
Reserve Champion Angus Heifer Ring B
Shown by Ashton Dillow
Reserve Champion
Maine-Angus Ring B
Shown by Emmerson Jones
Fifth Overall Heifer Ring A, Champion Angus Ring A
Shown by Chloe Boitnott
Fourth Overall Heifer Ring B, Champion Maine-Angus Both Rings
Shown by Nalaney Guyer
The ILLINOIS BULLETIN
PRESIDENT
Kent Burns
618-521-3199
TREASURER
Buddy Edenburn 217-649-0108
MEMBERSHIP SERVICES
Emily Bernard 815-992-8233
illinoishereford@gmail.com
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Cody Crum, 217-248-7282
Jodi McMillan, 815-751-2293
Chad Benedict, 217-246-5099
Matt Anderson, 309-267-1410
David Biggs, 815-441-4354
Kim Carney-Rhodes, 217-899-4104
Jimmy Bernard
Craig Crutcher
Andrew Spinazola
ON THE COVER
2023 AHA Hall of Fame recipients Phil and Joyce Ellis, Learn more on page 84.
2024 Cattlemen’s Congress Junior Show
Class Winners
Class 3- LCC 0183 ALL GIRL 323L ET – Bred by- Lowderman Cattle Company
Class 6 - RGR KATNISS REBA 11Z 2296 3LET – Bred by- Riley Rhodes, Owned by Olivia and Hadley Eubank
Reserve Champion Polled Spring Bull Calf LF 87N RESOURCE 3097 ET
Bred and Owned by Lorenzen Farms
Champion Polled Intermediate Yearling Bull PPH 173D DURANT 204
Bred and Owned by Paul Polled Herefords
Open Show
Class Winners Division Winners
Class 107 – KJ TWJ 907E MARTINI 936K ET – Bred By- Ben Jensen, Owned by Paige Lemenager
Champion Polled Spring Heifer Calf
PERKS C&L LEADING LADY 3039 ET
Bred by- Perks Ranch
Tymber, Chyloh, Cache Billman
2023 AHA Hall of Fame
Phil and Joyce Ellis
Phil and Joyce Ellis, Chrisman, Ill., are the owners of Ellis Farms (EFBeef Cattle Genetics). Phil was raised on a registered polled Hereford farm, started by his father. It was there that his love for Hereford cattle began, as he raised cattle and traveled to national shows. Joyce is a fifth-generation Hereford breeder, growing up on the Lanthus Stock Farm near Lowell, Ind.
During a trip to the Lake County Fair in Indiana, their paths crossed. After Phil gave Joyce a tour of Huber Ranch to see their national champion bull, the couple began dating and married two years later. During their 62 years of marriage, they have seen cattle change, associations merge, technology advance and markets fluctuate, but their steadfast commitment to the Hereford breed has never wavered.
EFBeef is the continuation of 141 years of purebred Hereford genetics. The farm held its 75th annual production sale in 2023, on their seven-generation, 1820 homestead surrounded by 1,500 acres of corn, soybeans and hay, along with pastures of Hereford cattle. The couple has three children, Cathy (Joe), Matt (Lisa) and Joe (Lauri), and six grandchildren. Phil and Joyce exhibited high-quality Hereford cattle nationally in the ’60s, ’70s, ’80s and ’90s, garnering awards and making connections at national shows across the U.S.
Today, EFBeef is one of the largest contributors to the AHA database for carcass phenotypes and feed efficiency phenotypes; countless cattle have been named AHA Sires of Distinction, Certified Hereford Beef® Sires of Distinction and Dams of Distinction. The operation is heavily involved in research by utilizing the National Reference Sire Program (NRSP), with 16 of their sires completing the program. Phil and Joyce have maintained a conception-to-harvest feedout program for more than 40 years, providing access to constant feedback to track and improve carcass traits.
Phil and Joyce are leaders. Phil served on the American Polled Hereford Association (APHA) Board of Directors. Phil was a founding member of the Illinois Junior Hereford Association. Joyce was a founding member of the National Organization of Poll-ettes, a member of the APHA Vision 2000 Committee and was an APHA signatory Board member of the merger for the APHA and AHA Associations.
EFBeef is a two-time nominee of the Beef Improvement Federation’s Seedstock Producer of the Year Award, a multi-winner of the Illinois Hereford Association Breeder of the Year and the Hall of Fame winner for the Illinois Polled Hereford Association. Phil and Joyce are both involved in their community, from school boards and 4-H clubs to state beef associations and the Hopewell Friends Quaker Church.
“I feel because of their leadership, vision of the future for Hereford cattle and their true American beliefs, they deserve to be inducted into the Hereford Hall of Fame,” writes Randy McCaskill, former APHA field representative, in his letter to the selection committee. “While this would be an honor for the family, the Hereford breed would also be honored to have a family like the Ellis family.”
* Main photo of the Ellis family in previous issue was a misprint. Our apologies to the Ellis family.
2023 Illinois Beef Expo Junior Show
Springfield, IL | Feb. 23-25 | Chad Holtkamp & Nick Fitzsimmons
Photos by Cindy’s Livestock Photos
Champion Horned Hereford
Heifer Ring A
Shown by Emily Brooks
Champion Polled Hereford
Heifer Ring A, Reserve
Champion Ring B
Shown by Morgan Richardson
Champion Polled Hereford
Heifer Ring B
Shown by Nolan Lee
Reserve Champion Hereford
Steer Ring A
Shown by Kinlynn Dryer
Horned Hereford
Heifer Ring B
Shown by Kyler Roeder
Reserve Champion Polled
Hereford Heifer Ring A
Shown by Korbin Swigart
Champion Hereford Steer Rings A & B
Shown by Kylie Gillespie
Champion Hereford
Steer Ring B
Shown by Mackenzie Huls
Hereford Heifer Rings A & B
Shown by Riley Rhodes
Champion
Reserve Champion Horned
Reserve
Illinois Hereford Queen Elaina Walsh, Godfrey
UPDATES UPDATES
ILLINOIS JUNIOR HEREFORD ASSOCIATION
IJHA UPDATES:
The Illinois Junior Hereford Association Board of Directors and Advisors held a conference call on Wednesday, January 31, 2024 to further discuss and plan the upcoming year and 2024 Preview Show in Georgetown, IL. The IJHA would like to thank Buddy and Lisa Edenburn for volunteering to host, and we cannot wait to see everyone June 14, 2024 – June 16, 2024, in Georgetown! Listed below are important information and updates regarding the 2024 Preview Show.
GENERAL INFO:
WHEN: Friday, June 14, 2023 - Sunday, June 16, 2024
WHERE: Georgetown Fairgrounds
413 N Seminary Road, Georgetown, IL, 61846
ENTRIES:
• Entires will be available May 1, 2024
• DUE JUNE 1, 2024
• NO late entires will be accepted
• Entries are $25/head.
HOTELS:
There is a block of rooms reserved at: Baymont Inn by Wyndham 360 Eastgate Drive, Danville, IL 61834 217-446-2111 OR 217-318-2887
$85/night with king and queen rooms
Block is under ILJHA with code 240613 Best Western Riverside Inn 57 S Gilbert St, Danville, IL 61832 800-568-8530
$85/night – with king and queen rooms
Hotel block is under IJHA
Camping will be available on the grounds for $30/night and can be purchased on your entry forms.
SCHEDULE:
THURSDAY:
• Grounds open at 6 p.m. for set up. PLEASE DO NOT ARRIVE BEFORE 6 p.m.
• Hereford Homeroom - a leadership training seminar - will begin at 6:00. All juniors are invited to attend (6:00-7:30 p.m.). Pizza will be provided
SATURDAY:
• CHANGE: Opening Ceremonies - 9:00
• Showmanship - 9:15 a.m.
• Bred and Owned Show begins at the conclusion of showmanship
Cow/Calf, Bulls, B&O Heifers, Steers
• Scholarship Interviews and Speech Contest – Approximately 30 minutes after the conclusion of the show.
• Junior Meeting – 5:30 p.m. Banquet – 7:00 p.m.
SUNDAY: Owned Heifer Show – 8:00 a.m.
NJHA UPDATES:
• Sale of Champions Benefiting the 2024 JNHE
• March 20, 2024 - Sale Day
• Spring HYFA Scholarship Deadline
• April 1, 2024
• B.O.L.D. Leadership Conference
• April 4-7, 2024 - Desdemona, TX
• NJHA Fed Steer Shootout Field Day
• April 13, 2024 - Scott City, KS
• JNHE Earlybird Entry Deadline
• May 15, 2024
• JNHE Entry Deadline
• June 1, 2024
• Junior National Hereford Expo
• July 6-12, 2024 - Grand Island, NE
• Faces of Leadership
• July 28-31, 2024 - Fort Worth, TX
NOTICE: RULE CHANGE
Following the NJHA and JNHE rule change the IJHA will be following this rule change.
All steers will be required to be parent verified to both the sire and dam; therefore, a DNA profile of the steer, the sire and the dam must be completed through the official AHA lab by the entry deadline. To request a DNA kit for your animal, access your MyHerd or contact AHA customer service.
IJHA OFFICER CONTACTS:
Kade Boatman, President (779) 774- 5140 kadeboatman@gmail.com
Houston Stapleton, Vice President (309) 258-7157 hooeyjohn99@gmail.com
EFBEEF SIRES ARE DEVELOPED UNDER RANCH TO RAIL PROFITABILITY MEASURES.
COMPLETE 5 STAR DATA COLLECTION:
***** Bulls with Individual Animal Feed Intake Data
***** Backed by Real Carcass Data from the steer mates (36% Prime, 100% CAB
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***** Buy your inputs from a Hereford Hall of Fame breeder
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Robb Creasey- 309-255-7799
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Sam Zumwalt- 217-256-4619
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Frank Grusy- 309-747-2696
K&D Cattle, Elizabeth Kelley- 815-275-8904 Devin- 815-858-2318 www.charolaisusa.com
Barnard Farms, Foosland Matt Barnard217-417-7699
Michael Potthast, New Douglas217-456-1266
Joseph Potthast, Sorento - 217-456-1266
Christine Potthast, New Douglas217-456-1266
Roger Elliot, Greenview - 217-416-8981
Marla Todd, Foosland - 217-840-5949
Steve Hoag, Illinois City - 563-506-0544
Link Livestock, Rio 309-297-0293
President’s Note President’s Note
Well a few weeks ago I thought this article was going to be an easy one. This is the last time I am writing an article for the BEEF magazine as the ISA President and of course, like always, I am writing this on the deadline date.
So six short years ago, Paul Walker convinced me to be on the Illinois Simmental Board. “It’s not that hard,” he said. I told him, “Doc, we only have 25 cows and live way up in the northwest corner of the state.” He continued to talk to me at the shows, and I said yes. Then two short years later he talked me into being Vice President of the board. It’s easy, they said. In a way I was thankful that it was not secretary as I still struggle with the computer and I definitely did not want to be treasurer. As Doc’s term was up, the rest board convinced me to be president, and I once again agreed. This is 2020 and we all know what happened in March of that year, and this was the first time we gathered as a board at the start of this historic time. So, I am informed that I need to submit these articles every two months and quickly remember that I am not that good at pen to paper, as well as not a good typer.
My career as president started out navigating the COVID protocols to host a preview show, and began planning alternative ways to meet with the board. We then began the early phases of planning for the 2022 National Classic we hosted in Madison, Wisconsin. Thankfully we had some great people to head this huge project. Thanks to our three great coordinators; Jennifer Tarr, Sherry Adcock, and Paul Walker; as well as Curt Rincker and Emily Adcock for guiding us through the event. Also a huge thanks to all of the parents and volunteers for their time and
efforts to make this a great event for our juniors.
The last few years, I have seen our Simmental program grow. Our membership has increased along with our junior membership. We have increased our ways to support our juniors through various fundraisers and promotional items. How we have been marketing our animals has changed over the course of my presidency. The association has been working with Bob Dwyer and Carthage Livestock, Inc to promote Simmental during their December sale. Also, we no longer host a separate sale during Illinois Beef Expo but are a part of the Multi-Breed Sale as well as participate in the Performance Bull test.
Speaking of the Illinois Beef Expo, it was one of the warmest I have been to in a long time. Our Simmental breed was well represented in the sale ring as well as the show ring. Personally, this event was a memorable one for me as I conducted my last Annual Meeting on Friday night. We recognized over 50 juniors for their efforts last year as well as Tree Lane Farms, Haven Hills Simmentals and Stan Tarr for their roles in production/ breeding of Simmentals. I would like to thank my family the most for putting up with me and all the great times we had showing/raising Simmental cattle. Thank you to all of the Simmental show families for the memories we have created together traveling the state and neighboring states over the years. You are all great people and I am so glad we have spent our summers together. Lastly, I would like to thank all of the people who have served with me on the Simmental board. Without you guys and your support, I would have never made it through this experience. I will still be around as our son still has a couple of years left to show, if he chooses, and our daughter and son-in-law are very involved in the cattle business. So I will still be around to most of the shows to stay “hi” and catch up. But once again, thanks to everyone for making this a great six years.
Scott Frederick, ISA President
2024
Illinois Simmental Association Annual Banquet and Awards Presentation
February 23
Senior Achievement
Anna Webel
Builder of the Breed
Stan Tarr - Fox Creek Cattle
Breeder of the Year Tree Lane Farms
Junior Leadership
Maci Brooks
Junior Achievement
Lindy Kane
Member of the Year Scott Frederick
Pioneer Breeder Bob Fitzpatrick - Haven Hill Simmentals
Exhibitor of the Year
Ty Drach
2024 Royalty
Pictured: Princess Isabelle Morrow, Queen Maycee Moore, Princess Jackie Lashmett. The 2023 retiring royalty included Queen Addison Fiddler and Princess Maci Brooks.
2024 Illinois Beef Expo Junior Show
Springfield, IL | Feb. 23-25 | Chad Holtkamp & Nick Fitzsimmons
Photos by Cindy’s Livestock Photos
Third Overall Heifer Rings A & B, Champion %
Simmental Rings A & B
Shown by Breckyn Bloomberg
Reserve Champion Simmental Heifer Rings A & B
Shown by Addison Bartlow
Fourth Overall Heifer Ring A, Reserve Champion %
Simmental Heifer Rings A & B
Shown by Kade Roeder
4th Overall Ring Steer Ring A, Champion Simmental Steer Ring A, Reserve Ring B
Shown by Brynlee Hodel
Fifth Overall Heifer Ring B, Champion Simmental Rings A & B
Shown by Ellie Drach
Reserve Champion Simmental Steer Ring A, Champion Ring B
Shown by Jared Bressner
Natalie Dearwester of Camp Point.
2024 Annual Shorthorn Banquet
$5,000 Raised in Fundraiser
Newly Crowned Lassies
Newly Elected ISA Board Junior Recognition & Awards
2024 Illinois Shorthorn Lassies
Addison Fry (Princess), Masyn Riggins (Queen)
2024 Illinois Shorthorn Association Board of Directors
Left to Right: Dave Steck; Alyssa Penrod; Doug North, Vice President; Luke Turner, President; Larry Wilson, Treasurer; Doug Rincker; Marinda Behrends Secretary; Zac Fanning. Not pictured: Stacey Rincker
Illinois Shorthorn Lassies auctioned off Shorthorn pottery.
2024 Illinois Beef Expo Junior Show
Springfield, IL | Feb. 23-25 | Chad Holtkamp & Nick Fitzsimmons
Photos by Cindy’s Livestock Photos
Champion Shorthorn Heifer
Rings A & B
Reserve Champion Shorthorn
Plus Heifer Ring A
Reserve Champion Shorthorn
Steer Rings A & B
Reserve Champion Shorthorn
Heifer Rings A & B
Reserve Champion Shorthorn Plus Ring B
Shown
Champion Shorthorn Plus
Steer Rings A & B
Shown by Alex Bernard
Champion Shorthorn Plus
Heifer Rings A & B
Champion Shorthorn Steer
Rings A & B
Shown
Reserve Champion Shorthorn Plus Steer Ring B
Shown by Jemma Dorsey
Shown by Kesler Collins
Shown by Caleb Funk
by Grace Rincker
Shown by Max Eaton
by Chace Riley
Shown by Kesler Collins
No Pictures: Reserve Champion Shorthorn Plus Steer Ring A - Alli Baudino
Shown by Landon Loschen
Purebred Breeders
Illinois Beef, printed bi-monthly, is the official publication of the IBA. It serves as the voice of Illinois’ 12,000 beef producers.
