Illinois Hereford Bulletin - May/June 2024

The ILLINOIS BULLETIN

PRESIDENT

Kevin Babbs

618-322-5880

TREASURER

Buddy Edenburn

217-649-0108

MEMBERSHIP SERVICES

Noah Benedict

217-372-8009

nojo1132@gmail.com

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Craig Crutcher (Vice President)

Matt Anderson

Andrew Spinazola

Kim Carney-Rhodes

David Biggs

Yale Young

Jimmy Bernard

Chad Crane

Travis Meteer

Lucas Stumpf

PRESIDENTIAL PERSPECTIVE

As many of you know, my wife Lisa and I have been active members and supporters of the Illinois Hereford Association and the Illinois juniors for several years. We have both served as junior advisors and IHA board members in past years, Lisa being president herself in 2019. Lisa and I share the same passion for the beef industry and, more specifically, the Hereford cattle and our Hereford family!

It is an honor to be the incoming president of the IHA for 2024. First, I would like to thank former president, Kent Burns, and last year’s board of directors for the positive impact they put forth for the future of the IHA and its membership. I am also excited to welcome the new class of directors to the board. New and returning members both, this board will be great to work with as we continue to add value to our association and its membership.

We held our Annual Meeting & Banquet on March 2, 2024, at the IBA office in Springfield. A nice turnout of nearly 100 attendees had the pleasure of sharing a great meal, meeting, and fellowship. I want to highlight some key points of the 2024 event:

• The Breeder of the year was awarded to Richardson Farms from Capron, and was presented by Jimmy Bernard.

• I had the pleasure to present the Hall of Fame award to the family of the late Richard Fleisher of Fleisher Farms from Knoxville.

These awards are special achievements, and it was enjoyable to recognize such deserving farm families on March 2.

The Illinois Hereford Women’s Association once again held a silent auction at the banquet which helps fund their activities for the year. In addition the IHA also had a silent auction as well, which was ear-notched for the IJHA membership to help support their activities for the year. I would like to thank all that donated, bid, and purchased at the silent auctions.

The new board and I have hit the ground running for 2024 events. The planning stages are in process for the Tour which will be held in Northern Illinois in late August. The 2nd annual Illinois Winter Classic plans are in progress and please feel free to reach out to Noah Benedict with any questions for that sale. The board is thrilled with these two events, feeling we can add real value to being a part of the IHA here. This year is a Directory year, so feel free to reach out to Noah if you have any interest as well!

I would like to encourage everyone to pay their dues and join our association. Become a part of this group and share the enthusiasm and fresh new ideas that the board of directors has started as we continue to add value for your membership!

-Kevin Babbs

HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES

Rich and Michelle Fleisher formally began the operation of Fleisher Farms in 1976 upon returning from the University of Illinois. As a young family, the Fleisher’s traveled to many county and state fairs with fond memories of sleeping in the gooseneck and barn stalls. Soon, the children, Amy and Andy, would both learn to love livestock as well and spent many years heavily involved in the 4-H junior swine and cattle shows. Rich and Michelle built a successful, sustainable row crop and livestock operation from the ground up on little more than faith and pure grit. Not by accident but because the cattle at Fleisher Farms

being built on a “rich history” and a relentless pursuit of high performance.

Their children and grandchildren continue to carry the torch today with a cornerstone of faith and family. The Fleisher family was a host and highlight at the 2023 IHA tour. The grandkids continue showing Hereford cattle competitively at the state and national level.

Fleisher Family

A quote from IHA President, Keven Babbs, from the 2024 IHA Banquet:

“Presenting this award comes with mixed emotions for me. On one hand, it gives me great pride to honor a man with the great values and morals that Rich had. On the other hand, it comes with some

Kevin Babbs, Illinois Hereford Association President

regret that we as a board could have given this award earlier, because as many of you know, Rich was taken from us far too early. It is an honor for me to help award Rich today. I only had a few short years to get to know this man, when he started to consign cattle to the Heart of America Sale in Wayne City, Illinois. He told me and many others that he truly enjoyed coming to this sale every year in which he could. I speculate he liked this sale so much because it is conducted as if we are one big Hereford family. I might not have known a great deal about Rich, but I am very comfortable in saying he was a family man. He beamed with pride when he talked about each and every one of his family members. He loved his friends and family and would do anything for all of us at any time. I can also tell you he was very particular on how his cattle looked and were presented at the sale. I have a feeling that this is how he lived his life and went about his business, with great pride because he knew he did it the right way. He was a very humble man who knew and respected the rich history of the Hereford breed and the families involved in it.”

IHA BREEDERS OF THE YEAR

Richardson Farms of Capron, were awarded the 2024 IHA Breeder of the Year Award. Before owning any cattle, raising hogs and a few sheep were the focus for the Richardson family. While raising their kids, Jamie and Cathy knew having them involved in 4-H and county fairs would help them to learn responsibility, hard work and dedication. In the fall of 2012, they went to a Hereford production sale, never dreaming of what would have happened later that afternoon when they made their first purchase into the Hereford industry. Since that first purchase, the Richardson’s have been hooked on

Herefords. They continue to grow the family operation, traveling to numerous state and national shows while meeting people from all over the country. Most recently, winning Champion Polled female at the Illinois Junior Hereford Association Preview Show, and multiple division championships at the 2023 Junior National Hereford Expo. The entire Richardson family is looking forward to competing and raising quality Hereford genetics for years to come. Congratulations to Jamie, Cathy, Emma, Morgan and Danny on an incredible 2023 year!

Fleisher 2023 IJHA Preview Show Grand Champion Horned Female 2023 IJHA Preview Show Champion Slap

Pictured left to right: Jamie, Morgan, Daniel and Cathy.

CATCHING UP WITH CORBIN

Hello everyone! Allow me to introduce myself: Corbin Cowles here, your new Upper Midwest Territory Manager hailing from south-central Kentucky. It is with great excitement I write these words to you as I begin my tenure with AHA.

My background reads quite like many of you who are reading this. Born and raised in rural America via southern Kentucky on an Angus and Simmental seedstock operation. We host production sales annually, my sisters and I showed cattle competitively, and I have been blessed to be involved in many facets of the business in my life thus far. A fun fact from the archives, our family at one point did run a small nucleus of Hereford cows as well for about 10-12 years. Growing up, sports and 4-H/FFA were the two main drivers of how I spent my time. Yet, when my athletic career ran its course, I pursued my education in agriculture at Oklahoma State University. My passion for the purebred cattle business has remained strong since I was young, and the privilege to work for an organization such as AHA has long been an aspiration of mine as I have entered the professional world.

Corbin Cowles, American Hereford Association Territory 5 Field Staff

What a time it is in the beef cattle industry. The baseline price for our commodity is at record highs, breathing room is here with regards to feed and fertilizer prices comparative to previous years, and replacement heifer retention at historic lows indicates the supply and demand factor should cause our price per head to stay elevated for an extended period. The factors of production finally tip the scales in favor of the cow-calf and seedstock producer. In a time such as this, we at AHA are up to the task of helping you effectively market your program to reach your target audience and put the most dollars in your pocket as possible. The summer months are upon us: state preview shows, Junior National Hereford Expo, state fairs, and much more. Before we know it, preparations for fall sales will be in full force. Please reach out if you have any questions about how HPI can help you maximize your marketing efforts. I can be reached at 270-991-2534 or ccowles@hereford.org.

I will leave you all with this. In the book of James, chapter 1 verse 17, we are told: “Every good and perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.” I feel incredibly lucky and blessed by this opportunity to work for AHA, and all the gratitude to God above for His continued blessings even though they are not deserved.”

Looking forward to all the future holds in store! Best,

-Corbin Cowles

2023 IJHA Preview Show Champion Grand Champion Polled Female

2024 PREVIEW SHOW UPDATES

2024 PREVIEW SHOW UPDATES

R I D A Y , J U N E 1 4 , 2 0 2 4 - S U N D A Y , J U N E 1 6 , 2 0 2 4 E N T R Y D E A D L I N E : J U N E 1

E N T R Y D E A D L I N E : J U N E 1

G E N E R A L I N F O R M A T I O N :

G E N E R A L I N F O R M A T I O N :

ADDRESS:

ADDRESS:

Georgetown Fairgrounds, 413 N Seminary Road, Georgetown, Illinois, 61846

Georgetown Fairgrounds, 413 N Seminary Road, Georgetown, Illinois, 61846

SCHEDULE

THURSDAY:

6:00 p.m. - Grounds open for set up.

FRIDAY:

CHANGE: 2:00-4:00 p.m. - Check-in

CHANGE: Hereford Bowl Test -

During Check-in

CHANGE: Fitting Contest 4:30 p m

CHANGE: 6:00-7:30 p m Hereford Homeroom - a leadership training seminar

SATURDAY:

Opening Ceremonies - 9:00 a mShowing

Opening Ceremonies

Showing

ENTRY PROCESS:

ENTRY PROCESS:

Entries will open May 1, 2024

Entries must be completed by June 1, 2024.

Entries will open May 1, 2024. Entries must be completed by June 1, 2024.

$40 PER ENTRY (including bedding) You can also pay your IJHA junior dues at this time.

Showmanship - 9:15 a.m. (youngest to oldest)

Showmanship - 9:15 a to oldest)

Bred and Owned Show begins at the conclusion of showmanship

Bred and Owned Sho conclusion of showm

Show Order: Cow/Calf, Bulls, B&O Heifers, Steers

Junior dues are $10/junior.

DUE JUNE 1st! WE WILL NOT ACCEPT LATE ENTRIES!

Please bring an additional copy or photocopy of your health papers, we will be collecting these at check-in.

Scholarship Interviews

Junior Meeting – 5:30 p m

Show Order: Cow/ Heifers, Steers

Scholarship Interview

Banquet – 7:00 p m Location

Junior Meeting – 5:30

SUNDAY:

Banquet – 7:00 p m

7:45 a.m. - Group photo at photo backdrop

SUNDAY: 7:45 a.m. - Group p backdrop

Owned Heifer Show – 8:00 a m

Owned Heifer Show

2024 PREVIEW SHOW UPDATES

2024 PREVIEW SHOW UPDATES

LODGING:

LODGING:

HOTELS:

HOTELS:

Blocks of rooms are available at the following locations:

Blocks of rooms are available at the following locations:

Best Western (Riverside)

Best Western (Riverside)

217-431-0020 (Room block under IJHA)

217-431-0020 (Room block under IJHA)

Baymont Inn

Baymont Inn

217-446-2111 (Room block under group

217-446-2111 (Room block under group code 240613 ILJHA)

CAMPING:

There is camping for $30 a night, with 30 AMP breakers

IJHA PHOTO BACKDROP AUCTION:

We will be auctioning off the backdrop via a silent auction The silent auction of the backdrop will open during check-in and remain open until the conclusion of the Owned Heifer Show.

Owned Heifer Show.

PREVIEW SHOW CONTESTS:

PREVIEW SHOW CONTESTS:

2024 Contest Include: Scholarships:

2024 Contest Include:

Scholarships:

Harry and George Tjardes

Harry and George Tjardes

Memorial Scholarship

Memorial Scholarship

Chris Stephens Memorial Scholarship

Chris Stephens Memorial Scholarship

Wayne Sage Memorial Scholarship

Wayne Sage Memorial Scholarship

Faces of Leadership Travel Scholarship

Faces of Leadership Travel

Junior Prospect Award

Due June 1, 2024

Speeches: Illustrated Speech

Advanced Speech

Individual Sales Sales Academy

We will follow the same rules and age breaks as JNHE

I M P O R T A N T C O N T A C T S :

I M P O R T A N T C O N T A C T S :

Kendall Boatman , Secretary

Phone: (779) 774-5141

Kendall Boatman , Secretary

Email: ijha.secretary@gmail.com

Craig and Brenda Crutcher, Advisors

Craig: (815) 712-5735

Craig and Brenda Crutcher, Advisors

Brenda: (815) 289-6325

Tom and Tammy Boatman, Advisors

Phone: (779) 774-5141

Email: ijha secretary@gmail com

Tom: 404-372-6754

Tom and Tammy Boatman, Advisors

Tammy: 770-354-4195

Jacob and Brittany Chapman, Advisors

Tom: 404-372-6754

Jacob: 815-587-4061

Tammy: 770-354-4195

Jacob and Brittany Chapman, Advisors

Brittany: 815-712-6578

Jacob: 815-587-4061

Brittany: 815-712-6578

Buddy and Lisa Edenburn, Host Family

Craig: (815) 712-5735

Buddy: (217) 649 - 0108

Brenda: (815) 289-6325

Lisa: (217) 304-7491

Buddy and Lisa Edenburn, Host Family

Buddy: (217) 649 - 0108

Lisa: (217) 304-7491

the junior national hereford expo

2024 | grand island, neb.

The Grand Daddy of ‘Em All

Schedule is subject to change. For the most up to date version of the 2024 JNHE schedule, go to hereford.org/youth/junior-national-hereford-expo/resources/

SATURDAY, JULY 6

2 p.m.

6 p.m.

Gates open for tack trailers to arrive and set up in barns

Cattle may arrive into tie-outs through the night

SUNDAY, JULY 7

7 a.m.

8

6 p.m.

6:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

NJHA Board and Candidate Orientation Breakfast

Tatoo checks begin in each barn

Cattle Paper Check-In

Hereford Bowl Check-In & Written Test

All cattle must be in barns at this time

Advanced & Illustrated Speech Contest Finals

Steer weights declared electronically by this time

Queen’s Orientation

Neogen’s DNA Collection Stations

Hereford Pen-to-Pen Session #1

Meet the Candidate Ice Cream Social & Delegate Roundtables

State Group Photos Begin

Opening Ceremonies

Grand Daddy of ‘Em All Food & Fun Night and Cornhole for a Cause

HYFA’s Grand Drive to 25 5K Race

MONDAY, JULY 8

8 a.m.

9 a.m.

11 a.m.

11 a.m.

Noon

1 p.m.

2:30 p.m.

3 p.m.

5 p.m.

6 p.m.

6-8 p.m.

Judging Contest Check-In & Orientation

Judging Contest

Individual Sales & Sales Academy Finals

NHW’s Catch a Vibe Event, followed by Queen’s Tea

VitaFerm® Prep to Win Workshop

Hereford Pen-to-Pen Session #2

Hereford Bowl Buzzer Round (start with junior division)

Sullivan Supply Stock Show University

Sullivan Supply Fitting Contest

Future Professionals Contest Interviews

Bridging the Gap College & Career Fair Social Networking

TUESDAY, JULY 9

8 a.m.

9 a.m.

State Group of 3 & 5 Classes

Sullivan Supply National Showmanship Contest Senior, Intermediate & Senior Finals Junior & Peewee

WEDNESDAY, JULY 10

7 a.m.

9 a.m.

NJHA Membership Update, Breakfast & New Board Election

Bred-and-Owned Show

Tom Dinsdale Automotive Cattle Barn, Aurora Cooperative Barn, Sheep Barn

Foundation Club, Five Point Bank Arena

Pinnacle Bank Expo Center

Pinnacle Bank Expo Center Quilt Room

Pinnacle Bank Expo Center Contest Rooms

Foundation Club, Five Point Bank Arena

Line Up Arena in Sheep Barn

Pinnacle Bank Expo Center Quilt Room

Pinnacle Bank Expo Center

Five Points Bank Arena

Five Points Bank Arena

Aurora Cooperative Pavilion

Aurora Cooperative Pavilion

Five Points Bank Arena

Five Points Bank Arena

Pinnacle Bank Expo Center Contest Rooms

Beef Pit, Pinnacle Bank Expo Center

Five Points Bank Arena

Pinnacle Bank Expo Center Quilt Room

Pinnacle Bank Expo Center Quilt Room

Five Points Bank Arena

Five Points Bank Arena

Pinnacle Bank Expo Center Contest Rooms

Beef Pit, Pinnacle Bank Expo Center

Five Points Bank Arena

Five Points Bank Arena

Ring 1 Ring 2

Pinnacle Bank Expo Center Quilt Room

Cow-Calf Pairs, Bred-and-Owned Females, Produce of Dam Group Steer Show followed by Bred-and-Owned Bulls

Five Points Bank Arena Ring 1 Ring 2

*Buckle and Awards Ceremony honoring CHB Cooking Challenge, Photo & Poster, prior to selection of the Bred-and-Owned Top Five

THURSDAY, JULY 11

7:30 a.m.

6 p.m. Owned Female Show

HYFA Scholarship, Awards & Maroon Jacket Ceremony

Five Points Bank Arena

Five Points Bank Arena

*Buckle and Awards Ceremony honoring Future Professionals, Sales, Speech and Judging Contests, will follow the selection of the Division 3 Polled Females

FRIDAY, JULY 12

7:30 a.m. Conclusion of Owned Female Show

Five Points Bank Arena

*Buckle and Awards Ceremony recognizing Herdsman of the Year, Walter and Joe Lewis High Point Senior, GKB Super States, Golden Pitchfork and the Bob Norton Excellence Award will be held prior to the champion drives

®

HEREFORD JUNIORS BUILD ON THEIR LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT

IN TEXAS

“It’s about doing the little things that lead to the championship and empowering others around us, so that when we rise, we raise everyone around us.” World champion rodeo athlete Tyson Durfey posed that challenge to National Junior Hereford Association members attending the Building On Leadership Development Conference in Desdemona, Texas, April 4-7.

BOLD has quickly become an NJHA staple. It is designed for selected college-aged National Junior Hereford Association members seeking opportunities to expand their leadership skills. The conference focuses on improving personal leadership, providing career opportunities, and cultivating life-long relationships. Workshops included “Looking Internal at Your Leadership,” “Yourself as a Leader Moving Forward” and “What are You Doing with Your Leadership?”

BOLD is graciously hosted by Gary and Kathy Buchholz, GKB Cattle, at their Hi Point Ranch. Along with inspirational speakers and workshops, BOLD featured a panel of career professionals from GKB Cattle, PepsiCo, Priefert and Purina Animal Nutrition. Attendees participated in a variety of leadership and career-building activities including resume writing and mock job interviews and received personal mentorship throughout the conference.

When asked “What was your favorite part about BOLD?”, the following three Illinois attendees had this to say:

Simon Shepard: “My favorite part about BOLD was listening to all of the knowledge and wisdom shared to us by the Buchholz’s as breeders, as well as the experiences they have encountered along the way. My favorite quote from the week was from Gary, and that was, ‘Never give up on the dream.’”

Denton Stapleton: “Being chosen as one of 20 NJHA members to participate in BOLD Conference was a huge honor and privilege. I had the opportunity to sit down and meet up with junior board members, as well as some amazing industry professionals, to learn leadership and career skills that I will carry with me for a lifetime. I hope to use the skills as I move forward in my professional career and as I prepare to run for the National Junior Hereford Association Board this summer. I would like to give a huge thanks to Gary and Kathy Buchholz of GKB and Hi Point for their hospitality, as well as the Illinois Junior Hereford Association for their support.”

Elaina Walsh: “My favorite part of BOLD was being able to meet new people from all over the United States and listening to all the amazing speakers while getting the opportunity to better myself in the process.”