Soy nutrition is a vital component for all Illinois livestock. That’s why Illinois Soybean Association is proud to partner with other organizations in support of livestock expansion e orts across the state, supporting beef cattle producers as they work to improve farms, grow animal agriculture, and meet global demand with homegrown solutions.
IBA represents Illinois Beef producers’ interests so you can continue to do what you do best - farm.
The role of the Beef Quality Assurance program in gaining consumer trust.
Dr. Teresa Steckler has some recommendations for reducing hay loss through the winter months.
2020 IBA Environmental Steward of
Getting Beef Quality Assurance certified online is free and can be done at any time that works for you.
2020 Illinois Junior Livestock Expo Steer and Heifer shows were held in September at the Illinois State Fairgrounds.
Buzz Iliff, Wyoming
President
IBA Board of Governors
Email: buzzwithcow@yahoo.com
Chair: Jay Miller, Atlanta
Vice Chair: Dave Duzan, Lexington Sec./Treas.: Shannon Welsh, Blandinsville
Directors
District 1
Jarad Carroll, Mt. Carroll, Jccattle07@gmail.com
1st term expires: 2019 | 2nd term expires: 2022
District 2
Jake Perino, Deer Grove, twinrailsoverp@gmail.com
1st term expires: 2022 | 2nd term expires: 2025
District 3
Jim Sundberg, Mendota, jimsfarms@gmail.com
1st term expires: 2020 | 2nd term expires: 2023
District 4
Shannon Welsh, Scotia, angus3@winco.net
1st term expires: 2023 | 2nd term expires: 2026
District 5
Betsy Pech, Lincoln, bpech55@gmail.com
1st term expires: 2021 | 2nd term expires: 2024
District 6
Matt Witte, Heyworth, matthewcwitte@gmail.com
1st term expires: 2022 | 2nd term expires: 2025
District 7
OPEN
At Large Directors
Jay Miller, Atlanta, miller@timbercrestvet.com
1st term expires: 2018 | 2nd term expires: 2021
Jake Fidler, Fariview, salebarn@mymctc.net
1st term expires: 2022 | 2nd term expires: 2025
Barney Gehl, Geneseo, barney.gehl@zoetis.com
1st term expires: 2018 | 2nd term expires: 2021
Dave Duzan, Lexington, duzanagy@mtco.com
1st term expires: 2018 | 2nd term expires: 2021
Andy Jones, Chapin, ajones@mix30.com
1st term expires: 2020 | 2nd term expires: 2023
Bruce Betzold, Nokomis, betzoldfarms@yahoo.com
1st term expires: 2022 | 2nd term expires: 2025
Larisa Willrett, Malta, lwillrett1313@gmail.com
1st term expires: 2022 | 2nd term expires: 2025
Paul Walker, Danvers Vice President
IBA Board of Governors
Email: pwalker@ilstu.edu
Chair: Scott Wetzell, Tampico
Vice Chair: Justin Rahn, Mt. Carroll
Sec./Treas.: Ken Dau, Sheridan
Directors
District 1
Justin Rahn, Mt. Carroll, justinrahn@hotmail.com
1st term expires: 2019 | 2nd term expires: 2022
Lou Lamoreux, Lanark, unclelou49@gmail.com
1st term expires: 2023 | 2nd term expires: 2026
District 2
Scott Wetzell, Tampico, sd_wetz@hotmail.com
1st term expires: 2020 | 2nd term expires: 2023
Bill Gebeck, Buda , wgebeck@aol.com
1st term expires: 2023 | 2nd term expires: 2026
District 3
Ken Dau, Sheridan, dau.kenny@gmail.com
1st term expires: 2019 | 2nd term expires: 2022
OPEN
District 4
Terry Boydstun, Abingdon, tboydstun@hotmail.com
1st term expires: 2019 | 2nd term expires: 2022
Thad Tharp, Monmouth, tthaddeus88@gmail.com
1st term expires: 2023 | 2nd term expires: 2026
District 5
T.J. Curtin, Blue Mound, tjcurtin78@gmail.com
1st term expires: 2019 | 2nd term expires: 2022
Darrin Smith, Alexander, dasmith@wildblue.net
1st term expires: 2023| 2nd term expires: 2026
District 6
Chase Brown, Warrensburg, cdbrown2@gmail.com
1st term expires: 2022 | 2nd term expires: 2025
Wendall Alwardt, Altamont, walwardt1@yahoo.com
1st term expires: 2023 | 2nd term expires: 2026
District 7
Ed Billingsly, Goreville, stoneridge@gmail.com
1st term expires: 2020 | 2nd term expires: 2023
Jim Meller, Anna, meller.hillcroft.james@gmail.com
1st term expires: 2019 | 2nd term expires: 2022
Executive Vice President
Joni Bucher, Past President
Travis Meteer, U of I Extension & BQA
Teresa Steckler, U of I Extension
Justin Rickard, ISU Ex Officio Members
Jill Johnson, jill@illinoisbeef.com
Director of Communications
Betty Haynes, betty@illinoisbeef.com
Director of Industry Relations
Mareah Volk, mareah@illinoisbeef.com
Financial Officer/Business Manager
Nancy Betz, accounting@illinoisbeef.com
Illinois Charolais Association Officers
President: Sharlene Bullard - 815-358-2827
Vice President: Nick Bertsche - 815-822-4417
Secretary/Treasurer: Robb Creasey - 309-255-7799
Members:
LaFraise Farms, Flanagan
Dale Bertsche - 815-796-2950
Steve Bertsche - 815-769-4440
Breeding good cattle isn’t complicated. Cattle feeders give us the ultimate report card. According to Jared Wareham, Top Dollar Angus, “No other option offers the greatest terminal crossbreeding value from the ranch through the feeder like a really good set of smokes or buckskins that are at least 50% Angus or Red Angus.”
Use a registered Charolais bull and genetic verification through CharAdvantage to earn more premiums.
Charolais Association 11700 NW Plaza Circle - Kansas City, MO 64153 www.charolaisusa.com
Bertsche Farms, Flanagan Troy Bertsche - 815-674-1244
Bullard Cattle Co., Cornell Paul Bullard - 815-358-2827
Creasey Charolais, Macomb Robb Creasey - 309-255-7799
D-Mar-Mac Charolais, Warsaw Sam Zumwalt - 217-256-4619
Tom Engel, Flanagan - 815-796-4440
Grand View Farm, Hanover Don Kautz - 815-591-3766
Grove Charolais, Metamora Keith Grove - 309-222-0287
Grusy Bros., Gridley - 309-747-2696
K&D Cattle, Elizabeth Kelley - 815-275-8904 Devin - 815-858-2318
Wayne & Diane Moore, Piasa 618-410-3308
Nord Farms, Bloomington Ron Nord - 309-828-1448
Ellen & Jerry Cassady -309-212-0488 Eric & Samantha Nord Karl Messman
Rob & Lucy Nord, Clinton -217-935-2656
TC Cattle Services, Vandalia Doug Thurnau - 618-604-4714
WGB Charolais, London Mills 309-251-1485
Buzz Iliff, Illinois Beef Association President
The time of year has come to renew membership. The more members we have, the stronger voice we have as cattle producers. I joined IBA when my sons were showing at the Illinois Beef Expo. That led to helping check in cattle at Expo and seeing a small a part of what IBA does. When I was asked to be on the board, I was honored to serve and learn more. IBA is committed to Illinois beef producers.
I may be biased, but I believe the value of your IBA membership has been incredibly apparent through the COVID-19 pandemic. While you are busy working every day on your farm, others are making decisions that challenge your freedom to operate and your bottom line. It’s during this time of turmoil that IBA needs your support more than ever. The battle doesn’t end at the ballot box and the challenges we face are not going away. All of us can do our part to help protect the business and the way of life we hold dear. Write that letter to your Congressman or state representative or ask your neighbor to become an IBA member. As we finish 2020, let’s seize the opportunity to pay it forward to future generations.
IBA supports Illinois beef producers through help with expanding or building new housing facilities, assistance with regulatory issues, and receiving six issues of Illinois Beef magazine which provides great information and a valuable way to advertise livestock sales, equipment, building and products. We added three new membership benefits this year that are absolutely worthy of highlighting.
1. IBA has partnered with Nebraska Cattlemen to offer IBA members access to purchase a subscription to a market reporting service that shares information in real time. Additional information is available in an article on page 20.
2. IBA developed the member only, Illinois Local Beef
Directory on our website to connect you directly with consumers who want to purchase local beef.
3. IBA members now receive $250 off any Bush Hog product(s) $5,000 or greater purchased through an Illinois Bush Hog dealer.
The IBA Checkoff Division decides how to spend money on promotions from the collection of Beef Checkoff dollars and make sure they are well spent. But those Checkoff dollars can’t be used for the policy and lobby work of the Association; that’s where the Policy Division comes in and why it’s so important you renew your dues. The Policy Division also sponsors events for young producers and juniors.
Talk to your neighbors and encourage those who are not yet IBA members to join. Get involved and contact me, or any of the board members if we could be of help in any way. New ideas on promotions are always welcome. It’s easy to set aside that membership letter for later, but we need each of you to step up and support the work our industry associations are completing on our behalf. Without your voice and membership support, IBA and our affiliates are at a disadvantage when fighting for the issues that matter most to our way of life.
It is up to each of us to tell our great story about beef. I wish all our producers a safe harvest, easy weaning and we will all keep working on better markets. From all of us at IBA, I’d like to extend a sincere and heartfelt “Thank You”, to each of you for your ongoing support of the association over the years.
Dear Illinois Beef Association members,
It is with both a hint of sadness, and yet, anticipation for the future that I announce my departure from the Illinois Beef Association. Effective Nov. 12, 2020, I will be leaving the role of executive vice president to pursue an opportunity with the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association.
My eight years serving the IBA, first as the director of communications followed by three years as executive vice president, have been extremely rewarding. From developing and passing a strategic plan, multiple marketing plans and a policy book, to working on a variety of issues that impact your farms, to executing a redesign of our magazine, these initiatives were collaborative efforts developed to ensure that the organization continues to grow in relevance in the coming years while, more importantly, growing its members’ prosperity.
I’m occasionally asked what I hoped to accomplish during my time at the helm of IBA. My answer is three-fold.
First, I set out to lead an organization focused on collaboration and communication with volunteer leaders and producers. I wanted a team-like approach to the Association developing programs that would ensure its longterm financial stability while continuing to provide Illinois cattlemen and women with the resources and services they need.
Second, I pushed for a renewed focus of IBA’s policy work both in Springfield and Washington, D.C. While not everyone enjoys the world of politics, it is policy that affects what we do in the beef industry and, therefore, is critical work of this organization. IBA has a put a stop to bills that would critically impact your freedom to operate, lobbied for support and resources cattlemen and women needed in times of uncertainty, and pushed for common sense solutions that
represent the best interests of our members.
Third, I wanted to create a workplace culture of empowerment and accountability. A culture where employees enjoyed coming to work and, at the same time, were able to grow professionally.
I’m confident that we’ve accomplished these objectives and look forward to the continued momentum and growth this organization is sure to achieve.
I’m often told that change is hard. I’ve never been one that worried much about taking a risk or making a change. I can say that what is hard is leaving the people. I grew up on a cattle farm in this state and have spent the first quarter of my career working for the beef producers in Illinois. This has resulted in countless farm visits, roundtable discussions and, most importantly, friendships with a group of people I respect immensely. To the IBA board of governors and past presidents, thank you for the encouragement, support and dedication to me, this organization and our vision. To the members, thank you for investing in this Association and I will cherish the conversations and time I spent with many of you.
It was an honor to serve this organization and I look forward to continuing to work for many of you at the national level. Illinois will always be home and I hope that our paths will cross again in the future.
Sincerely,
Jill Johnson
Feed costs represent over half the total cost in a cowcalf production system. The majority of feed costs are from feeding cows during the winter season when most grasses are dormant. As a result, producers can greatly impact profitability by managing winter feed costs. This article will discuss and illustrate options for developing a least-cost ration on your farm.
Diet Considerations
Depending on your farm set-up, available equipment and your willingness to purchase diesel fuel, your least-cost ration may look very different than your neighbors. Availability and proximity to co-product feeds, such as corn gluten feed (CGF) and dried distillers grains (DGS) may also shift your diet make-up.
The traditional method of winter feeding is hay. Hay is variable in quality. If hay is not sufficient in protein, energy, and other nutrients, then cows may be malnourished. This may occur even though cows have all they can eat. Poor quality forage and crop residues have a high proportion of fiber to protein, thus slowing digestion. Consequently, cows eat only 1.5% of their body weight (BW) per day of lowquality forage. Inversely, if the forage is of high quality, cows consume around 3% of their BW daily. high quality hay may
over-deliver nutrition, while poor quality hay likely needs to be supplemented to meet cow requirements. With supplementation, cows digest more low-quality forage, up to 2% of their BW. Grain supplementation should be no more than 0.5% of the cow’s BW. If the forage is of such poor quality that more supplementation is required, you should consider using co-products and other fiber-based feeds to avoid negative associative effects that occur when using grains.
The most economical way to feed cows is to keep them grazing. Stockpiled grasses, brassicas with small grains, and cornstalks can be used to provide fall and winter grazing very economically. If cattle need to be fed due to snow cover or other factors related to your farm, you should develop a lowcost method of feeding cows.
If your cows are thin or heavy milking, you will need higher energy diets than the examples. If your cows are larger than the example, they will need proportionally more feed.
Table 1 shows the typical composition of some common feeds and their prices. Using the values from Table 1, diets were calculated for a 1,300-pound dry cow (last third of gestation) and for a 1,300-pound lactating cow in average condition with average milk production. Table 2 shows associated waste with feeding method. Limit TMR is a total mixed ration delivered in a bunk. Limit Bale implies some management is used to restrict access to the hay. Ad libitum is free choice big bales. Tables 3 and 4 show calculated amounts and costs of various diets. These diets are for illustration. Consult your nutritionist or Extension specialist for herd diets.
Note that Table 3 shows there is a large variation in cost per day for the diets—they range from 1.07 cents to $4.50 per day. If cows were fed for 120 days, the high-cost diet for the dry cow would be $410 more (per cow) than the low-cost diet. That difference could certainly “make or break” your profit situation!
the cost of wasted forage. Limit Bale @
Summary
These rations are used to help illustrate economical differences in feedstuffs and feeding strategies. Testing forages and feed ingredients is necessary to formulate a balanced ration. Limit feeding cattle will require good fences and more nutrient dense feedstuffs. Feeding higher levels of by-product feeds may increase variability in the ration and result in a greater need to amend the vitamin and mineral supplement to match animal requirements. Feed waste and shrink will vary depending on feedstuff, feed storage, and feed handling. Weather and environment should be considered when formulating balanced rations.
Cow-calf producers that can identify and implement leastcost rations during the winter will be the most profitable. Remember, cattle are most profitable harvesting their own feed. Looking into extending the grazing season is a must. When cattle must be delivered harvested feeds, evaluating the most economical ration will quickly return dollars to the farm.
Paul Walker, DI Walker Consulting
When you have the opportunity to read this article it will be mid-November. Most producers will have already planted cover crops into harvested row crop fields. If cereal rye is the cover crop being considered, late August/early September may have been a good time to plant rye into standing corn, particularly if the field contained seed corn or if the corn was harvested as corn silage or if the corn was mature enough for grain harvest by early September. Aerial seeding via plane or high clearance tractor/sprayer can be used for planting into standing corn. Recommendations are to apply 2 bushels of cereal rye per acre if seeding by this method. Average cost of application is around $13.00/ac for fly-on and $8.00-$10.00/ ac for high clearance seeding. Other options for seeding cereal rye are to seed following harvest. Traditional planting methods can be used i.e. chopping corn stalks, tilling the soil, and seeding with a drill or via broadcast. Many farmers are using a vertical tillage tool of their choice equipped with an air seeder to sow cereal rye. Again, if harvest of rye for cattle feed is a primary goal the planting rate should be 2bu/ac compared to 1bu/ac if the primary goal is for a cover crop.
Planting cereal rye as a cover crop or as a supplemental forage source is not always a panacea. There can be tradeoffs. There have been reports from limited trials that corn and cotton may have reduced yields following cereal rye application as a cover crop. This observation is not definitive and comprehensive studies to evaluate these reports should be conducted. These reports, also, have suggested that cereal rye does not have a negative effect on subsequent soybean yields. These studies should include an evaluation of all management effects of cereal rye. The Illinois Nutrient Research and Education Foundation is currently funding
some studies evaluating cover crop effects on row crop yields – look the results of these studies in the future.
Another alternative forage with which I have not had personal experience is BMR dwarf forage sorghum. Some producers have planted this 85-day sorghum following wheat harvest and have found the forage produced was less expensive than corn silage on a pound for pound basis. Some producers have calculated cost of production around $150/acre including 50 lb. of nitrogen application. Expected yield is around 12-14 tons/ acre (contrasted to corn silage at 20-24 tons/acre). Best management practice is to cut and wilt the sorghum before chopping and ensiling. Direct cutting and bagging the sorghum may result in too much moisture to ensile correctly.
I am including several diets containing ryelage in this article. The ryelage used in these diets is harvested in the early doe stage of grain production. When harvested at this stage of maturity the ryelage is of high quality [2.50 Mcal/ kg metabolizable energy (ME), 15.9% crude protein(CP)] compared to mature rye chopped or baled for forage (1.12 Mcal/kg ME, 3.0% CP). And, rye can mature amazingly fast, going from the early dough stage of grain development to straw-like maturity in a matter of 3-5 days. Immature rye has excellent feeding value for receiving diets and for beef cow diets. Mature ryelage has limited feeding value, primarily as a roughage in finishing diets. The premix used in these diets contains rumensin formulated to provide 200 mg/steer/ day and thiamin to provide 200 mg/steer/day. The distiller’s grains used in these diets is reduced fat, modified wet (4060% moisture).
Diet 1 provides 16.8% and Mcal ME/kg.
Diet 2 provides 17.6% CP and 3.04 Mcal ME/kg. This diet is over the NRC requirement for CP but that is what happens when the diet contains more than 20% distillers’ grains. It is still a most economical diet.
This diet provides the cow the NRC requirement per day for energy (21.5 Mcal), protein (1.9 lb.) calcium and phosphorous. Actually, the diet over supplies CP by 1.1 lbs./ day. In addition, the cow should be provided a 1:1, calcium: phosphorous mineral mixture, free choice.
This diet will meet the cow’s energy, protein, calcium, and phosphorus requirements when consumed at 2.8% of the cow’s body weight. If the diet does not maintain the cows desired body condition score, three to four pounds of shelled corn, soy hulls pellets or dried distillers’ grains could be supplemented with the ryelage. Depending on moisture content, 6 to 8 pounds of modified wet or wet distillers’ grains could be fed instead of shelled corn, soy hulls or dried distillers’ grains. Always provide lactating cows a high calcium to phosphorous mineral mixture free choice.
Ryelage is a great feedstuff for beef cattle and is too often underestimated for its feeding value. The secret for utilizing ryelage is to harvest it at the correct state of maturity.
The Whiteside County Cattlemen’s Association organized a drive-though cookout event on Aug. 21. Over 900 meals were served to raise money for the Whiteside County Cattlemen’s Association scholarship fund.
The Prairie Beef Association (PBA) held their fifth annual banquet in February where over $5000 was raised. The money contributed to scholarships for students, a sponsorship for the Kids and Livestock Matter Show at the DeWitt County Fairgrounds, the Pride of the Prairie points system to recognize area youth, and the purchase of PBA stickers to promote beef. PBA is planning to host a beef producer farm tour for 2021.
Prairie Beef Association scholarship recipents (left to right) Hanna Lyon, Brandon Atten, and Grace Arnold.
Kids and Livestock Matter Show Grand Champion Steer, shown by Grace Arnold.
The Jo Daviess County Beef Association awarded 16 scholarships to area youth pursuing careers in the ag industry. Funds for the scholarship were raised during their annual banquet in March. The scholarship recipients are Nicki Adolph, Haley Brudi, Devin Koester, Hannah Brudi, Brian Holland, Dalton Wachter, Mackenzie Furlong, Tyler Wulfekuhle, Wyatt Potter, Rhett Geisz, Nicholas Girot, Bryana Wulfekuhle, Claire Wienen, Cameron Ziarko, Keagan Groezinger, and Stanlee Rillie.
Do you have Affiliate News? Submit information to Betty Haynes at betty@illinoisbeef.com or 217-787-4280.
Please notify Betty as changes to affiliate officer teams are made for our records.
The Illinois Beef Association (IBA) Board of Governors has begun a search for a new executive vice president.
IBA Executive Vice President Jill Johnson informed the Board in early-October that she will be stepping down after three years at the helm of the IBA to pursue a career opportunity with the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association.
Jill has been a strong leader for the Association and a dedicated servant to our members and producers during her eight years with the Illinois Beef Association as the executive vice president and director of communications.
The new executive vice president will assume the role when IBA is experiencing dynamic times in the beef industry. He or she will provide key leadership as the Association continues to develop programs that promote our product to consumers and tools our members need to be successful while staying on the forefront of ag policy issues.
The IBA Executive Committee appointed Paul Walker as the main point of contact during the search process after Johnson leaves on November 12. The Executive Committee will review applications and the position will be open until a suitable candidate is found.
For information regarding the position or job description, please feel free to contact me at buzzwithcow@yahoo.com or (309) 238-2562.
Sincerely,
Ruel “Buzz” Iliff President, Illinois Beef Association
The Illinois Beef Association (IBA) along with 16 other state cattle organizations sent letters to U.S. Senator Pat Roberts (R-Kan.), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, and U.S. Congressman Collin Peterson (D-Minn.), Chairman of the House Committee on Agriculture, pushing for support of S. 4647 and H.R. 8557 respectively, the proposed Cattle Market Transparency Act of 2020.
“Cattle market transparency – specifically, fed cattle market price discovery – has been a top issue for Illinois Beef Association members. After the packing plant fire over a year ago in Holcomb, Kansas, and then the economic destruction to the cattle industry that occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic, this association is focused on ensuring the cattle markets are allowed to function in such a way that all segments of the industry have the opportunity to be profitable,” said IBA President Buzz Iliff. The letter thanked the legislators for their support of cattle producers across the country and called for quick and diligent consideration of this important agricultural bill.
“S. 4647/ H.R. 8557 represent a balanced approach between providing key information and transparency for cattle producers while maintaining confidentiality for the packing sector of the beef industry,” the letter affirmed. “We would respectfully request that the Cattle Market Transparency Act of 2020 be given full and fair consideration by the Senate/House Agriculture Committees and a hearing be scheduled on this bill at the first appropriate date possible.”
“Price discovery and cattle market transparency are complex issues that take complex solutions, and this legislation would provide long-term structural changes to the cattle markets in a variety of ways,” Iliff said. “To put it simply, we ask for information to be made readily available to allow cattle producers the ability to make informed and educated decisions that will best benefit their operation.”
Items in the bills include establishing a cattle contract library, 14-day slaughter report and modifications to confidentiality guidelines to ensure all information is transparent. Additionally, directing USDA-AMS to establish regionally negotiated cash plus negotiated grid marketing volume minimum thresholds to enhance price discovery for the betterment of all cattle producers.
Along with the IBA, the letter was authored by Alabama Cattlemen’s Association, Arkansas Cattlemen’s Association, Georgia Cattlemen’s Association, Iowa Cattlemen’s Association, Minnesota State Cattlemen’s Association, Missouri Cattlemen’s Association, Mississippi Cattlemen’s Association, Nebraska Cattlemen, New Mexico Cattle Growers Association, North Dakota Stockmen’s Association, Ohio Cattlemen’s Association, Oregon Cattlemen’s Association, South Dakota Cattlemen’s Association, Tennessee Cattlemen’s Association, Wisconsin Cattlemen’s Association and Wyoming Stock Growers Association.
The future of the cattle business is built on young leaders focused on keeping the industry strong. To be successful, it takes practice. To provide that needed experience, the Illinois Beef Association (IBA) is offering one summer internship and three Illinois Beef Expo internships in 2021.
“The IBA summer internship is one of the best communications opportunities in the beef industry,” said McKenzie Davison, 2020 IBA summer intern. “The internship offers a learning experience where students are challenged to think creatively and independently.”
The IBA internship provides a college student an outstanding opportunity to assist with IBA’s communication, education and youth programs. Applicants must consider themselves a self-starter, detail-oriented and an outgoing individual who work well with others. To be eligible, applicants must be a full-time college student and currently an Illinois Junior Beef Association member from a family that is actively involved in beef production. The internship spans from approximately mid-May through the Illinois State Fair.
“Through my internship with IBA I became more confident in my communication skills and was challenged to step out of my comfort zone,” said Davison, “The experience allowed me to grow as a communicator and advocate for the beef industry.”
The Illinois Beef Expo is offering three internships to assist with the 2021 Illinois Beef Expo. The 2021 Illinois Beef Expo is scheduled from Feb. 25 to Feb. 28 at the Illinois State Fairgrounds. Intern responsibilities will range from communications to event staff based on applicant experience. To be eligible, applicants must be a full-time college student and currently an Illinois Junior Beef Association member from a family that is actively involved in beef production. Interns cannot exhibit in or compete at the 2021 Illinois Beef Expo. The internship spans from Feb. 24 to Feb. 28.
“The Illinois Beef Expo has a team of staff and volunteers who work hard behind the scenes to make sure everything runs smoothly,” said Mareah Volk, IBA director of industry relations. “Through the Illinois Beef Expo internship, students have the chance to really see what it takes to execute the show.”
IBA intern and Illinois Beef Expo intern applications are due Dec. 1, 2020. The applications with internship details are available online at illinoisbeef.com
The Illinois Beef Foundation is offering four $1,000 scholarships for the 2021-2022 academic year. The Foundation recognizes the incredible talent of young, beef industry enthusiasts and helps them achieve their educational goals.
“Scholarship programs reward students who are passionate about the Illinois cattle industry,” said Illinois Beef Foundation Chair Buzz Iliff. “We want to recognize the incredible talent and potential among our young members and encourage them in their educational and professional endeavors.”
The Foundation offers four $1,000 general scholarships: two to high school seniors and two to current college students. To be eligible, applicants must be a full-time college student or high school senior and from a family that is an IBA member actively involved in beef production.
“We know how important it is to encourage the next generation of beef leaders,” said Iliff. “We’re proud of our commitment to youth and the ability to give back to livestock industry students across Illinois.”
Scholarship applications are due Dec. 1, 2020. Applications are available online at illinoisbeef.com
The Cattle Industry Annual Convention and NCBA Trade Show is one of the industry’s biggest events each year, bringing together cattlemen and cattlewomen from across the nation to do the work of our industry. Unfortunately, the current pandemic presents challenges that make bringing people together difficult. With the health and safety of our attendees, exhibitors, sponsors, and partners in mind, NCBA has made the difficult decision to postpone the in-person event to August 2021. However, NCBA will hold some of its traditional business meetings in the January or February timeframe, in accordance with the association’s bylaws.
Originally scheduled for February 3-5, 2021, the convention and trade show will now take place August 10-12, 2021. While the event may have a new date, both the convention and trade show will continue to take place at the Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center in Nashville, Tennessee.
“Despite the move of the main event to August, we will still hold business meetings in January or February to ensure we continue to meet the needs of our members and the industry,” said NCBA CEO Colin Woodall. “When we do gather the nation’s cattle producers together again in August, we’ll have the opportunity to include new events and activities in Music City, including many that just aren’t available during the winter months, so although we’re disappointed in the date change, we’re excited to see Nashville during the summer, as we take advantage of all the fun and excitement the city has to offer.”
For up-to-date convention information about the 2021 Cattle Industry Convention and NCBA Trade Show, visit convention.ncba.org
Please return by January 31, 2021
Active members are encouraged to pay fair share dues based on the nubmer of cow-calf pairs, stockers/feeders owned annually or annual one-time capacity of feedlot cattle. Fair share dues go directly to IBA’s efforts to protect your rights as a cattle producer. This is in addition to your general membership investment.
AMOUNT PAID (PRODUCER + FAIR SHARE) $ ________ Please complete payment information on back.
“When I was notified that the EPA was planning a visit to my farm, IBA was the first call I made. The organization helped me prepare by answering my questions and assisted me in understanding my rights.”
Mike Martz, DeKalb, Illinois
Every day you carefully consider your options and make critical decisions that position your farm to succeed. At the same time, others are making decisions that can challenge your freedom to operate. That’s where Illinois Beef Association can help. IBA supports Illinois beef producers through:
- Pro-farm legislation and advocacy, including tackling head-on the false marketing and nutritional claims of fake meat
- EQIP program, farm expansions and building permit support
- Industry information, communications and events with like-minded producers
- Equipment and service discounts
Our beef checkoff dollars go a long way to promote Illinois Beef and raise public awareness, but they can’t advocate on the issues we face.
Join or renew your IBA membership today. We’re stronger together, and that means we need you. IBA represents Illinois beef producers’ interests so you can continue to do what you do best – farm. Visit illinoisbeef.com/membership to learn more.
Volunteer leaders and state and national association staff of the U.S. cattle industry are currently putting forth an incredible amount of time and effort to ensure that the cattle marketing chain’s lynchpin market (the fed cattle trade) maintains regionally sufficient amounts of negotiated trade to provide for robust price discovery.
It is imperative that these efforts are successful, as the “bid and offer” fed cattle trade remains (1) the primary pillar of price discovery and determination for fed cattle transactions of all types, (2) an essential barometer in the valuation of calves and yearlings throughout the United States (and even in neighboring countries), and (3) the “anchor” for the industry’s most widely utilized risk management mechanism – the Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME) Group’s Live Cattle futures and options markets. I say that only to point out that a lack of adequate price discovery in the negotiated fed cattle market and/or lack of confidence on behalf of market participants in the existence thereof can have far-reaching effects for the beef industry. It can also have tentacles that extend well beyond the perimeter fence of the feedyard – in many directions.
While the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Livestock Mandatory Reporting (LMR) platform provides very valuable benchmark data for many different facets of the fed cattle and beef industries, the structure of the program has significant limitations in its use as a real-time price discovery/determination and market transparency tool. For all of these reasons, Nebraska Cattlemen (NC) has recently committed a considerable amount of time and funding to upgrade the NC Market Reporting Service (MRS) platform, building new, modern and streamlined infrastructure in the NC-MRS smartphone app to provide producers a depth of upto-the-minute cash market news and additional marketing information resources in a faster, cleaner and more secure format than ever before.
Real-time negotiated trade (including both cash and negotiated grid sales) reporting remains the foundation and primary focus of the NC-MRS information package. Subscribers receive instant notifications on reported sales from within the NC-MRS regional footprint (now including Nebraska, Iowa, South Dakota, North Dakota and Illinois) and breaking updates on market activity in other major cattle feeding areas. The NC-MRS app also includes a CME/Chicago Board of Trade futures quotes module, Nebraska fed steer and heifer basis tables that are updated on a weekly basis, links to USDA’s LMR fed cattle reports and weighted average feeder cattle reports, and local and national weather forecasts and radar.
NC-MRS staff also summarizes and publishes pertinent and widely used USDALMR data such as daily and weekly regional fed cattle volume and weighted average prices, and morning and afternoon USDA Choice and Select boxed beef indices and load counts. Other information put at NC-MRS subscribers’ fingertips upon release includes USDA’s daily cattle slaughter estimates, weekly actual slaughter totals and slaughter weights data, weekly beef and total red meat production estimates, and weekly comprehensive boxed beef cutout values and volume totals.
The Illinois Beef Association (IBA) continues to show a commitment to robust price discovery for the fed cattle industry and the entire beef cattle marketing chain, and NC’s MRS stands ready to provide timely, accurate and detailed market information and analysis for producers, not only within the regional midwestern footprint but on a nationwide basis. This program is now available for all IBA members to subscribe to as a 2021-member benefit. Anyone interested in a 30-day trial subscription to the NC-MRS information package should contact the IBA office at 217-787-4280 or email mareah@illinoisbeef.com.
For intramuscular and subcutaneous use in beef and non-lactating dairy cattle only.
BRIEF SUMMARY (For full Prescribing Information, see package insert.)
INDICATIONS: Norfenicol is indicated for treatment of bovine respiratory disease (BRD) associated with Mannheimia haemolytica, Pasteurella multocida, and Histophilus somni, and for the treatment of foot rot Also, it is indicated for control of respiratory disease in cattle at high risk of developing BRD associated with M.haemolytica, P. multocida, and H. somni.
CONTRAINDICATIONS: Do not use in animals that have shown hypersensitivity to florfenicol.
NOT FOR HUMAN USE.
KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN. Can be irritating to skin and eyes. Avoid direct contact with skin, eyes, and clothing. In case of accidental eye exposure, flush with water for 15 minutes. In case of accidental skin exposure, wash with soap and water. Remove contaminated clothing. Consult physician if irritation persists. Accidental injection of this product may cause local irritation. Consult physician immediately. The risk information provided here is not comprehensive. To learn more, talk about Norfenicol with your veterinarian. For customer service, adverse effects reporting, or to obtain a copy of the MSDS or FDA-approved package insert, call 1-866-591-5777.
PRECAUTIONS: Not for use in animals intended for breeding. Effects on bovine reproductive performance, pregnancy, and lactation have not been determined. Intramuscular injection may result in local tissue reaction which persists beyond 28 days. This may result in trim loss at slaughter. Tissue reaction at injection sites other than the neck is likely to be more severe.
RESIDUE WARNINGS: Animals intended for human consumption must not be slaughtered within 28 days of the last intramuscular treatment. Animals intended for human consumption must not be slaughtered within 33 days of subcutaneous treatment. Not approved for use in female dairy cattle 20 months of age or older, including dry dairy cows as such use may cause drug residues in milk and/or in calves born to these cows. A withdrawal period has not been established in pre-ruminating calves. Do not use in calves to be processed for veal.
ADVERSE REACTIONS: Inappetence, decreased water consumption, or diarrhea may occur transiently.
Manufactured by: Norbrook Laboratories Limited, Newry, BT35 6PU, Co. Down, Northern Ireland. The Norbrook logos and Norfenicol ® are registered trademarks of Norbrook Laboratories Limited.
Cattleman’s Bullhead Series Stockman: A 3.5 inch closed length stockman with stainless steel blades and impact-resistant Delrin handles in black, blue, orange, red, and yellow. abktinc.com $19.99
Maximize your productivity with Case IH disc mowers and disc mower conditioners and disc mower conditioners.
DC3 series disc mower conditioners, and MD3 and TD3 series heavy-duty disc mowers from Case IH feature quickchange knives, shock-hub gearbox protection, and a 3-year cutterbar warranty. caseih.com
Handy and convenient — and with the same active ingredient as the name brand.
Norbrook Norfenicol® is a first-choice, broad-spectrum antibiotic for control and treatment of BRD. Packaged with a unique hanger bottle, just hook it up on the chute and move cattle through to deliver benefits over Nuflor®, like:
• Less viscous and more syringeable
• Unbreakable plastic bottles
• Shorter Sub-Q withdrawal prior to slaughter Contact your veterinarian or visit NORBROOK.COM
www.norbrook.com
It is definitely fall – crisp mornings, leaves are changing colors, tractors on the road, and fields are being harvested. Much of Illinois has been abnormally dry this fall which has wreaked havoc on pasture forages.
by Dr. Teresa Steckler, University of Illinois Extension
Pastures are already reeling from several years of poor growing conditions and over-grazing, and many cattlemen have been feeding hay for several weeks now.
Although this has been a good year for harvesting hay –good tonnage and quality – it is important to have more than adequate hay supplies to maintain the cows through winter and early spring.
There are many ways to reduce hay loss as hay is lost during all stages – harvest, storage and feeding. The causes of hay waste are varied but include exposure to weather, contamination with manure and urine, trampling and how it is fed. It is important to look at each phase on your farm and evaluate where changes can be made to reduce hay loss but we will focus on storage and feeding this time.
Storage is probably where many beef producers have the greatest loss of hay. Weathering reduces the dry weight of hay and changes its composition. Weathering lowers the feeding value of hay 15 to 25%, in addition to any dry matter losses.
Weathering losses are greatly influenced by climatic variables; higher rainfall and more humid conditions cause more loss than drier climates.
Remember weathering occurs not only on the tops and sides of hay stored outside, but also where hay contacts moist ground. Research in Indiana has shown that storing bales on crushed rock versus the ground reduced the weathered portion from 23 to 11% of the original bale weight. Thus, outdoor storage losses can be lowered if hay is stored on a well-drained site. Also be sure the bale is dense and evenly formed which allows rainfall to run off rather than settle in depressions and soak into the stack. Round bales can be butted end-to-end with little increase in loss from storage. Do not stack round bales unless they are covered with plastic. Even the best (shed or covered) storage conditions allow about 5% of the hay’s dry matter to be lost after one year. Most nutrients maintain nearly constant concentrations when hay is properly stored, although carotene (provitamin A) concentration declines rapidly. Losses of dry matter and quality during storage can be considerable when hay is stored
too wet. These losses are caused mostly by heating, which will usually occur if hay is packaged above 20 to 22% moisture. Grass hay can be packaged at a slightly higher moisture content than hay containing legumes.
A recommendation often given to reduce feeding loss is to use bale rings when feeding large round bales. This was clearly documented by South Dakota State University. Their three-year study included 3- to 10-year-old cows allocated to three treatment groups. The hay was either rolled out on the ground, fed in a windrow using a bale processor or fed in a tapered-cone round bale feeder. Gestating cows were fed an average 58 days to document feed waste, cow performance (weight gain, ultrasound fat depth change, body condition score change and hay intake), labor inputs, and feeding time, which were subsequently used to develop an economic analysis.
Hay required per cow was based on a dry matter intake equation which took into account cow body weight and net energy maintenance requirement. Cows in the cone bale feeder treatment had an increased ending weight, backfat depth and body condition score, but decreased hay consumption when compared to other treatments. Hay quality between treatments was similar. In this study, feeding method not only influenced the amount of hay fed, but cow performance as well.
How? When hay is fed on the ground, a certain amount will be spread around and leaves will be shattered and trampled, leaving stems. The leaves of any plant have the highest levels of protein and energy, so we inadvertently lower the quality intake of the cattle. When this data was put into an economic model, the tapered-cone feeder lowered equipment cost, feeding time and overall wintering cost. Other studies have shown feeding losses as high as 45% when hay is fed on the ground versus in some type of restrictive
feeding method. This loss would also include animal refusal due to other factors such as spoilage.
A study conducted at Michigan State University evaluated the quantity of hay loss and feeding behaviors from different round bale feeders. Cows were allotted pens with four feeder designs: cone, ring, trailer, or cradle. At the end of a 7-d period, each feeder type was assigned to a different pen for a second 7-d period. Feeder access, occupancy rate, and occurrence of agonistic (combative) interactions were recorded.
Dry matter hay waste was 3.5, 6.1, 11.4, and 14.6% for the cone, ring, trailer, and cradle feeders, respectively. Cows feeding from the cradle feeder had nearly three times the agonistic interactions and four times the frequency of entrances compared to cows feeding from the other feeder types. Feed losses were positively correlated with agonistic interactions, frequency of regular and irregular entrances, and feeder occupancy rate.
Another consideration, after ruminating on this data, is the ability of smaller cows and heifers to access hay to meet their nutritional needs depending on the type of feeder you have. Cradle feeders may result in those smaller cows and heifers losing condition and affecting their performance since they would be experiencing more agnostic behaviors and spending less time eating but more time moving to and from the feeders.
Regardless of whether you have sufficient hay supplies this year, you may still want to evaluate your hay loss and determine if there are ways to reduce hay waste. Reducing hay waste will also save you money. The data supports the use of round bale feeders to reduce hay waste; the amount of reduction will vary by type. Round bale feeders can also help maintain the quality of hay during feeding by protecting it from trampling, which can in turn influence cow performance. Good management will always pay!
2020 IBA Environmental Steward of the Year winners, the Sanderson family, protect the environment and contribute to productivity and profitability
by Barb Anderson
Everything comes from the soil and to the soil it returns. That is the philosophy at Sanderson Family, whether you are talking about cows, crops or their caretakers.
“Our goal is to leave the soil better than we found it. We have always tried to do the best we could with the knowledge we had,” says Trent Sanderson, one of the many family members across four generations involved with the diverse operation based in Kirkland, Illinois. “We are all willing to learn and that has helped us persevere in the past and prepare for the future.”
The Illinois Beef Association recently named Sanderson Family as the 2020 Environmental Steward of the Year. The award is given to a beef producer in the state whose natural resources stewardship practices protect the environment and contribute to productivity and profitability.
The Sanderson family has always had a strong conservation mindset. They believe that land preservation is vital to future generations being able to appreciate the gifts of nature. The family received the Illinois Governor’s Award for Conservation Farm Family of the Year in 2010.
“Conservation has always been a priority,” says Trent. “My grandpa, Jerry Sanderson, started farming with very little following the Great Depression. He took every opportunity he could, knowing that everything you sow comes from the land. He did what was needed to survive. Our family continues to focus on sustainability. We have learned to take the time to do things right.”
The Sanderson family came from Norway to begin homesteading in Illinois in 1843. Today, the operation includes Jerry and his wife, Linda. Trent’s parents, Dan and Hattie Sanderson, Trent’s wife, Libby, and children, Owen and Jack. Also involved are Trent’s sister, Rosalie Trump, husband, Corey, and daughter, Violet, as well as Dan’s brother, Dale Sanderson, wife, Cherie, and their son Kurt, wife, Kim, and daughters, Jordan and Annabelle.
“We all have a role, and are active in everything from chores to bookkeeping,” says Trent.
Sanderson Family operates row crop and cattle enterprises, as well as a consumer-direct beef and pork sales business. Their cow-calf herd and stocker calves flourish on high density rotational grazing. That means cattle are moved daily with a poly wire to fresh areas of the pastures.
“We have spent the last five years learning how to master rotational grazing. That includes talking with experts and other producers, doing research on the Internet and watching
“
YouTube videos,” says Trent. “That helped us determine how to ask the right questions.”
And with good answers, the Sandersons have improved the soil and cattle performance. Trent says it took about three years for the soil biology to reset. Now, in year five, unwanted species have disappeared. They get twice as much grazing tonnage and see better water infiltration.
“We have not had to reseed our pastures with other forage species. Amazingly, we have seen new species move in on their own,” says Trent.
The benefits are evident in cattle performance. “Our cows are in better body condition and we see a higher rate of gain,” he says. “Land costs in this area are high, so we have to maximize use of our acreage. We thought that meant crowding more head per acre to maximize profitability. What we’ve learned with rotational grazing is we can produce the same amount of beef per acre with a smaller herd using fewer supplements.”
Maximizing their land base doesn’t end with rotational grazing. The Sandersons also raise corn and soybeans and added cover crops to the mix after seeing a boost with constant plant cover.
“We were early adopters of cover crops and no-till practices,” says Trent. “We joke that we have all of the highly erodible land in DeKalb County on our farm. We have to
Our goal is to leave the soil better than we found it. We have always tried to do the best we could with the knowledge we had. We are all willing to learn and that has helped us persevere in the past and prepare for the future.
- Trent Sanderson
control soil erosion.”
The Sandersons utilize strips of grasses along creek banks to filter water before the water flows into their creek. The strips additionally offer habitat for wildlife like pheasants and quail. The family also has constructed waterways and ponds in fields to control erosion and maintains a wetland pond and rock dams in their creek to slow the flow of water and reduce bank erosion.
“The soil took some time to catch up with all of our efforts, but now we can better manage nutrients and see greater water infiltration. We continue to do more with less,” says Trent. “We are pumping carbon into the soil and using plant roots rather than equipment to till the soil.”
The cattle also play a role in their systematic nutrient and soil management plan, bringing the entire operation into a cyclical, more sustainable, year-round effort. As the cattle graze, their manure becomes fertilizer for the following year’s crops. Their hooves act as tillage equipment.
“We are phasing out the feedlot, so we no longer need to haul manure. We want to be 100 percent pasture,” says Trent. “The animals can do that for us, so we use less fuel and equipment. We keep things simple and we maintain our cycle of sustainable cattle and crop production.”
The Sandersons have also added another business, Pasture Grazed Sustainable Meats. Development of direct-toconsumer beef and pork sales has been a good supplement to the farm’s income. Trent says consumers increasingly want the back story with their meal, so they share how cattle and conservation practices work together to deliver a high-quality product
“We cut out the middleman on meat sales and have quickly ramped up business with our local packer,” says Trent. “We just sell by request but can see we may quickly need walk-in freezer capability or a storefront. It is another opportunity to expand our overall operation.”
Ultimately, Trent’s goal is to write fewer checks and rely only on the farm for income.
“The goal is to improve our quality of life, pay off assets and grow high-quality products without the need for off-farm income,” he says. “This is a fun adventure. I hope I never stop learning.”
“The soil took some time to catch up with all of our efforts, but now we can better manage nutrients and see greater water infiltration. We continue to do more with less. We are pumping carbon into the soil and using plant roots rather than equipment to till the soil.
The role of the Beef Quality Assurance program in gaining consumer trust.
by Betty Haynes
Over the last several decades, animal welfare has risen to the forefront of livestock industry topics. Animal welfare research principles are utilized daily on farms across the country through the Beef Quality Assurance program.
Consumers consider how their food is raised or grown when making purchasing decisions. These decisions are coming from a place of low familiarity with how cattle are raised.
“We have 27 percent of people saying that they are familiar with how cattle are raised. So that means 73 percent of people are just openly admitting they aren’t familiar at all with how cattle are raised,” says Shawn Darcy, director of market research for the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA). “At the same time, we have over 40 percent that are always considering how their food is raised or grown.”
The top drivers of purchasing decisions are taste, safety and value. In recent years, production-related attributes like animal welfare and sustainability have risen.
“Every one of our production-related attributes are up,” he says. “We have significantly more consumers this year considering those attributes than they did last year when considering a meal choice. While these attributes are not considered at the levels of taste, convenience, value and health, they are still displaying growth year after year.”
NCBA conducted focus group research and found that more than 60 percent of consumers have concerns with production with most of those concerns stemming from animal welfare. The research also found that 43 percent of consumers believe cattle live in confinement their entire life.
“I think really on its basic level consumers just simply care about animals, so they care about how they are treated,” says Lily Edwards-Callaway, PhD, Colorado State University animal sciences assistant professor. “People care and they
want to be involved. Related to that, people care about where their food comes from.”
Edwards-Callaway notes animal welfare has been said to be a public good. A public good is something within society that everyone can enjoy and benefit from.
“We want animals to have all of these things if we are providing them with the care that they deserve,” she says. “There is nothing in the definition that you probably would not have thought of yourself.”
The discussion of farm animal welfare dates back to 1964 when British animal welfare activist and author, Ruth Harrison, published “Animal Machines” criticizing livestock farming practices of the time. In response, professor Roger Brambell, developed “The Brambell Report” which later became known as “The Five Freedoms”.1
“There has been some criticism of the Five Freedoms because they are absolutes,” says Edwards-Callaway. “But they really have been the foundation for animal welfare and started us off on the right foot for farm animal welfare.”
Edwards-Callaway adds Fraser’s Three Circles as another framework for modern animal welfare.2
“If we consider Fraser’s Three Circles when talking about
1. Freedom from Hunger and Thirst: by ready access to fresh water and a diet to maintain full health and vigor.
2. Freedom from Discomfort: by providing an appropriate environment including shelter and a comfortable resting area.
3. Freedom from Pain, Injury or Disease: by prevention or rapid diagnosis and treatment.
4. Freedom to Express Normal Behavior: by providing sufficient space, proper facilities and company of the animal’s own kind.
5. Freedom from Fear and Distress: by ensuring conditions and treatment which avoid mental suffering.
animal welfare, we need to make sure we consider what is important to the animal versus what is important to us. Ultimately, we need to consider the animal,” she says.
The principles in the Five Freedoms and Fraser’s Three Circles correlate directly to the code of cattle care from the beef quality assurance (BQA) manual.
BQA is a nationally coordinated, state implemented program that provides systematic information to U.S. beef producers and beef consumers of how common sense husbandry techniques can be coupled with accepted scientific knowledge to raise cattle under optimum management and environmental conditions.
“We pay significant attention to basic health and functioning, either directly or indirectly,” says EdwardsCallaway. “I think BQA does a great job of that.”
It is more important than ever to communicate animal welfare efforts to consumers.
Consumers are trusting different sources than they have in the past. Modern consumers trust grocery stores, restaurants, butchers, bloggers, and farmers rather than conventional sources like the FDA, USDA, and big corporations.
“Farmers and ranchers are seen as very credible and people want to hear from them, as well as the people involved like veterinarians, nutritionists, and universities that are doing all this research,” says Darcy. “People want to hear from those trusted sources.”
To build consumer confidence in the beef industry, the BQA program was developed.
“What we started to think about within the beef quality assurance team is, is this a message that will resonate with consumers?” he says. “We were able to change views of consumers by just introducing what the Beef Quality Assurance program was.”
After learning about BQA, 70 percent of consumers increased their confidence that the beef they eat is safe, 67
Affective states
Basic health and functioning Natural living
percent of consumers increased their confidence that the animals were treated humanely and another 62 percent said learning built confidence in buying beef from supermarkets or restaurants.
Last fall, the Beef Checkoff, under the Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner. brand launched a campaign to educate consumers on the BQA program. The campaign was largely a digital video campaign focusing on cattle are raised.
“Overall things were really positive,” says Darcy. “The top concerns were really seeing how the animals were raised, open pastures and reminders of gentle handling.”
The BQA campaign resulted in positive production perceptions that beef is produced in an environmentally friendly way, raised responsibly and raised by trusted farmers.
For more information, visit BQA.org.
1 Farm Animal Welfare Council, 1979
2 Fraser et al 1997
• Provide necessary food, water and care to protect the health and well-being of animals.
• Provide disease prevention practices to protect herd health, including access to veterinary medical care.
• Provide facilities that allow safe, humane, and efficient movement and/or restraint of cattle.
• Use appropriate methods to humanely euthanize terminally sick or injured livestock and dispose of them properly.
• Provide personnel with training/experience to properly handle and care for cattle.
• Make timely observations of cattle to ensure basic needs are being met.
• Minimize stress when transporting cattle.
• Keep updated on advancements and changes in the industry to make decisions based upon sound production practices and consideration for animal well-being.
• Persons who willfully mistreat animals will not be tolerated.
Getting certified online is free and can be done at any time that works for you!
Step 1
Google BQA and click on the link that says https://www.bqa.org/ (it should be the website, like how it is shown in this picture).
Click on the “Learn More” button under certification. Once you are pulled up to the certification page, click the “Online Course” button.
Once you click the online course button, you will be taken to a screen that has the different options that you can get BQA certified in (Cow-calf, Stocker/Backgrounder, Feedyard, Dairy, and Transportation). Simply click the option for area that you want to be certified in. The options are written in red.
After you chose your area, you will be taken to a screen that will state the steps for completing your BQA course.
First you will need to log in. If you don’t have an account with BQA, you will need to create an account. To create a new account, click the red LOG IN tab in the top right corner of your screen. On the log in page you will need to click CREATE NEW ACCOUNT.
After you have created an account and logged in, you will need to select the course catalog button in the upper left hand corner. It will then take you to the page with all of the courses listed, the courses that are offered the courses in English are at the top and if you scroll down, you will find the courses in Spanish.
After you click ENROLL ME, it will take you to the page with all of the lessons that you have to go through. Simply click GO by the first lesson, watch the lesson, and then answer a few questions at the end of the lesson. You repeat this process for all of the lessons. Once you get through all of them, you will be able to take the quiz.
Click on the certification that you want to be certified in and you will be taken to a screen that has a red ENROLL ME button. Click that button and you will be enrolled in the certification.
To take the quiz, you need to hit the go button by the quiz area, it can be found after all of the lessons. The quiz is 25 questions long. You have to score at least an 80% to pass and be certified. If you do not get the 80%, you can review the questions to see what you missed and take the quiz again. Once you get an 80% or above, you will be certified and can print off your certificate. You can do this by clicking the My Courses tab and then scrolling down to the My Certificates section.
The Illinois Beef Association is working diligently to help Illinois beef producers in the midst of COVID-19. IBA has developed the Illinois Local Beef Directory as a resources to help members promote their businesses.
Must be an IBA member
To be included on the Illinois Local Beef Directory: 1. 2. 3.
Must be an Illinois resident Must fill out the form on the front page of www.illinoisbeef.com.
For specific questions about the Illinois Local Beef Directory, please contact betty@illinoisbeef.com. For questions regarding IBA membership, please contact mareah@illinoisbeef.com.
The return on investment (ROI) analysis, independently conducted by Dr. Harry M. Kaiser of Cornell University in June, showed the promotional efforts by the Beef Checkoff during the five-year period from 2014 through 2018 were highly effective and positive for the beef industry. Overall, every dollar invested in Beef Checkoff activities returned $11.91 to the beef industry, driving demand.
To celebrate summer grilling season, Illinois Beef Association (IBA) affiliates across the state participated in local beef promotions. The affiliate local beef promotion grant, funded by the Illinois Beef Checkoff, made the promotions possible from May through September.
“Our state checkoff program gave the Heartland Beef Alliance the opportunity to educate and promote beef in our five county region by cooking ribeye steaks at local grocery stores, supporting youth beef programs, donating beef to local food pantries, running radio beef ads and promoting the ”Welcome to Grillinois” campaign at major grocery stores,” says Betsy Pech, Heartland Beef Alliance president. “The Illinois Beef Checkoff program is vital in promoting beef as the preferred protein to the consumer.”
Nearly 20 IBA affiliates promoted and reinforced demand for beef in their areas through the following promotions:
• 1,540 pounds of ground beef was donated to area food pantries
• 363 radio spots were played on local radio stations
• 11 cattle shows were sponsored for area youth
• Four donations were made to benefit youth education and Illinois Ag in the Classroom
• Three Beef It’s What’s For Dinner. billboard advertisements were displayed
• Promotional items were displayed at grocery stores throughout the state
“With 2020 being an unusual year, our normal summer beef promotions were not possible so instead we did something totally different,” says Lisa Buzzard, Crossroads Beef Producers treasurer. “Crossroads Beef Producers sponsored Beef Trivia on our local radio stations during the month of May promoting May Beef Month. Each week a beef trivia question was asked to win a gift certificate to a local meat market or grocery store, it was fun listening to see if they got the answer correct the first time.”
IBA affiliates tailored their normal summer grilling promotions to accommodate COVID-19 and its many impacts.
“Even though the County Fairs were cancelled we still had the opportunity to support our 4-H youth members with show sponsorships in the 4-H virtual shows,” says Buzzard.
As consumers responded with concerns about sparse meat case shelves in their areas, IBA also connected consumers with beef producers through the Illinois Local Beef Directory.
Illinois Beef Association participates in digital ad campaign promoting summer grilling.
Consumers in the Midwest were reached almost 13 million times with beef video advertising this summer thanks to a supplemental Beef Checkoff-funded campaign. The Illinois Beef Association (IBA), co-sponsored the campaign promoting summer grilling season and the beef farmers who make it possible. The Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner. advertising was in addition to ongoing Beef Checkoff-funded promotions being conducted to promote and reinforce consumer demand for beef.
The Midwest States digital media campaign wrapped up a 67-day flight on Aug. 15, 2020. The campaign featured YouTube video advertising fortifying positive associations with beef farmers and ranchers and encouraging consumers to choose beef for their next meal occasion. This was sponsored by the Illinois Beef Association along with other state beef councils in Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Iowa, Nebraska and North Dakota.
Consumers in those states were reached 12,869,322 times with videos that combined for 8,390,496 views. Views are defined as the number of consumers who viewed at least 30 seconds of the video or a complete six second bumper video.
The view rate was more than 52 percent, meaning that more than five in ten viewers chose to watch at least thirty seconds or all of the video they were served. Average cost per view was one cent, well below the goal of four cents and industry average of five cents. This allowed the Beef Checkoff dollar to reach more consumers via digital video.
“We couldn’t be happier with the success in expanding the Beef Checkoff-funded Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner. campaign,” says Buzz Iliff, IBA president. “This promotion
has been a great example of how state beef councils across the Midwest can work together to increase beef demand and benefit beef producers throughout the United States.”
Content in the effort primarily focused on the United We Steak campaign, including the “Original Sponsors of Summer Grilling” video that focuses on hard-working beef producers who make beef possible. In addition, seasonally appropriate “Nicely Done, Beef” video content was featured June 10-29 to provide beef recipe inspiration.
The sponsoring state councils worked with NCBA staff, which coordinated the video advertising plan. The Midwest Campaign was one of four multi-state collaborative media campaigns created to target beef consumers in specific regions of the country.
Illinois-specific state campaigns have also been conducted in conjunction with the national Beef-Checkoff-funded Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner. program. In fact, state beef councils nationwide have spent more than $1.1 million in statecontrolled checkoff dollars toward these kinds of advertising campaigns so far in 2020. Because NCBA staff has expertise in advertising and marketing, the campaign can efficiently focus more directly on checkoff-funded Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner. digital media related to beef cooking, nutrition and production, helping ensure that each checkoff dollar spent on consumer advertising is stretched to its greatest extent. As a result, valuable beef information is disseminated directly to consumers and Beef Checkoff funds are leveraged, promoting a consistent beef message and strengthening the national and state elements of the Beef Checkoff.
Team Beef Illinois members participated in the Quad Cities Marathon virtual race during the month of September. Team members chose their distance and ran around their own communities and farms to compete while social distancing to accommodate COVID-19 guidelines.
The Illinois Beef Checkoff sponsored the race and provided beef health and nutrition information to all the runners. A total of 1,000 runners across the state participated virtually. Quad Cities area runners were able to run the traditional path of the race and the Beef It’s What’s for Dinner banner pictured above was hanging.
Applications are now open for Team Beef Illinois 2021 as well as Friends of Team Beef Illinois 2021. Contact Mareah for more information at mareah@illinoisbeef.com.
2020 Illinois Junior Livestock Expo Heifer Show
Springfield | Sept. 19-20 | Kyle Perez, N.M. & Drew Perez, Texas
Champion
Champion Horned Heifer
Champion Percentage Simmental
Res. Champion Percentage Simmental Shown by Ashley Miller
Champion Maintainer
Shown by Tyler Miller
Reserve Champion: Emma Preston
Champion AOB
Shown by Ashley Miller
Reserve Champion: Dylan Knight
Champion Polled Hereford
Shown by Ashley Miller
Reserve Champion: Kade Boatman
Champion Red Angus
Shown by Mara Turner
Reserve Champion: Nicki Adolph
Champion Charolais
Shown by Shelby Pearl
Reserve Champion: Levi Hinshaw
Champion Simmental
Shown by Ellie Drach
Reserve Champion: Luke Gilbert
Champion Limousin
Shown by Claire Dorsey
Reserve Champion: Clair Dorsey
Champion Shorthorn
Shown by Kendall Nelson
Reserve Champion: Lillian Unger
Other Heifer Winners:
Reserve Champion Chianina, Tyler Miller; Reserve Champion Horned Hereford, Cora Belle Chapman; Reserve Champion Angus; Paige Lemenager, Champion Shorthorn Plus, Wayde Collins
2020 Illinois Junior Livestock Expo Steer Show
Springfield | Sept. 19 | Jimmy Williams, Texas
5TH OVERALL STEER
Baxter Black, cowboy and former large animal veteranarian
Ol’ Wayne was real particular about his steers. He figgered if he spent his hard earned pennies tryin’ to get a few extra pounds, he dang sure wasn’t gonna sweat it off ‘em durin’ the gather.
Nobody’s horse had broke a trot all day as they trailed the bunch to the corral. One brahmer-cross turned back. “Jes’ let ‘im go, boys… Don’t want to rile the others.”
Durin’ the next week Wayne scattered a little hay each day for the lone holdout. By Saturday he had him up to the little knoll above the corral.
Saturday, Wayne had Billy come out ahorseback with a plan to finally capture the wary brute. Wayne baited the steer with a little hay and coaxed him toward the pickup. Everyone was as still as a courthouse on Sunday afternoon. The steer edged within range of Billy’s rope. “Okay,” whispered Wayne.
At the sound of the command, Wayne’s good cow dog shot between his legs and made a dash for the steer! Billy’s loop caught the air! The steer wheeled and lit out across the pasture! Billy managed to turn the steer. The dog slid to a stop. He tried to stare the steer down… but he blinked! The steer bellowed at the dog! The dog turned tail and made for the pickup with the steer in hot pursuit!
Meanwhile back at the pickup, Wayne stood waving a flake of hay and cursing the dog. The dog sailed by Wayne, leaped and cleared the tailgate by 4 feet and a tail! The steer showed no sign of slowing. Wayne realized his predicament and ran toward the pickup! At 71 he couldn’t leap as high as the dog. He jerked on the tailgate futilely, then dropped and rolled under the pickup.
The steer hit the pickup in high gear with a bone jarring “WHANG!” The pickup, conveniently in neutral, rolled off the knoll toward the corral. The dog peered over the tailgate, obviously relieved as he left the scene of the impending accident.
Wayne lay flat on his back in a two-section pasture looking up the nostrils of the foaming steer. Havoc now hung in the balance.
Now, I can’t swear this last part is true, but it could have happened this way; As the pickup bounced down the hill toward the corral, the steer spied the dog, jumped over Wayne and raced after it. Dog, truck and steer went right into the corral and Billy slammed the gate on the tale.
President: Tyler Rhode
Vice President: Joel York
Secretary: Aaron Schafer
Business Manager: Doug Turner
Past President: Trevor Kuipers
Bureau County: John DeRycke
Central Illinois: Luke Lemenager
Illinois Valley: Open
Lamoine Valley: Tracy Rawlings
Logan County : Carla Jurgenson
Northern Illinois: Jarad Carroll
South Central: Richard Hurst
Wabash Valley: Shaye Harre
Sale Manager: Lee Stremsterfer
Directors At Large:
Grant Bedel
David Jenkins
Jim Marsh
Joel York
Kyle Beutke
Jeff Dameron
Brent Henkel
Clay Sellmeyer
Dan Naughton
Greg McClure
Lee Stremsterfer
David Mool
Greg McClure
The 10 producers who registered the most Angus beef cattle in the state of Illinois recorded a total of 1449 Angus with the American Angus Association® during fiscal year 2020, which ended Sept. 30, according to Mark McCully, Association chief executive officer.
The 10 top recorders in Illinois are: Musgrave Angus, Griggsville; Prairie View Farm, Gridley; Panther Creek Ranch, Bowen; Callan Farms Inc, Stonington; Black Gold Genetics, Robinson; Tomlinson Farms, West Frankfort; Marvin Kramer, Farina; Hott Farms LLC, Sycamore; Bob Jon Angus, New Windsor; Rudow Family Cattle Co, Pana.
Angus breeders across the nation in 2020 registered 305,531 head of Angus cattle. “Despite a challenging year, our Angus breeders continue to see strong demand for Angus genetics,” McCully said. “Our members are committed to providing genetic solutions to the beef cattle industry that maintain our long-held position as an industry leader.”
Often the best and quickest way to learn is to get out there and do it. The Talon internship is a hands-on learning opportunity for college students to gain new experiences while spending the summer working and learning on an Angus host ranch. Interns will learn about the industry while being molded molding into advocates for the entire beef and agricultural industry. Angus breeders have the opportunity to host an intern over the summer and welcome them to work alongside them on their operation.
“One of the Angus Foundation’s initiatives is to encourage juniors to pursue educational experiences that allow them to explore the direction of their future career path,” said Thomas Marten, Angus Foundation executive director. “The Talon internship is a wonderful mentoring opportunity for both the interns and the host operations, where they learn from each other to further the beef industry and help the interns develop skillsets and discover opportunities for their own career goals.”
A reliable business partner is difficult to come by. Contact Casey Jentz to locate Angus genetics, select marketing options tailored to your needs, and to access American Angus Association® programs and services. Put the business breed to work for you. Casey Jentz, Regional Manager
Contact Regional Manager Casey Jentz: Cell: 608-234-1998 cjentz@angus.org
The internship honors the legacy of the late Camron “Cam” Cooper of the Talon Ranch, Twin Bridges, Montana. Cooper developed the Angus/Talon Youth Educational Learning Program Endowment Fund in 2009 to be a holistic educational experience for students. College sophomores, juniors, seniors and graduate students under the age of 25, majoring in an agriculturalrelated field of study, are eligible to apply for the internship.
“I would encourage anyone, whether they are in the Angus breed or not, to pursue this internship. There are a lot of skills and networking opportunities available that will help them moving forward,” said Chase Brinegar, 2020 Talon intern.
Throughout Brinegar’s internship at Bar 69 Ranch in Bella Fourche, South Dakota, he gained a vast network of contacts and mentors and built skills in the areas of horsemanship to bull marketing, just to name a few. Interns will also be able to participate in other Angus and beef cattle educational events and activities off the farm, such as conferences, field days and so on.
The Talon Intern is compensated by the Angus Foundation through the Angus/Talon Youth Educational Learning Program Endowment Fund.
Youth interested in applying for the internship program can find the application here until applications are due Dec. 1.
2020 Illinois Junior Livestock Expo Show
Springfield | Sept. 19-20 | Judge: Jimmy Williams, Texas, Kyle Perez, N.M. & Drew Perez, Texas
2020 Illinois District Show Series
Farmer City | Aug. 29-30
9th Overall Steer
Champion Angus Steer
3rd Land of Lincoln
9th Overall Heifer
Champion Commercial
Res. Grand Champ. Overall Heifer
Champion Angus Heifer
4th Overall Land of Lincoln
Res. Land of Lincoln Angus
5th Overall Heifer
Res. Champion Angus Heifer
Res. Champion Land of Lincoln
2020 Illinois Junior Livestock Classic
Bloomington | Aug. 20-21
3rd Overall Heifer
Champion Angus Heifer
5th Overall Heifer
Champion Commercial Heifer
5th Overall Steer
Grand Champion Angus Steer
Champion Land of Lincoln
DONOR COW HEIFERS
BRED HEIFERS YOUNG BRED COWS
PREGNANT RECIPS 2 SHOW STEERS
2020 World Beef Expo Roll of Victory Show
Wisconsin | Sept. 25-27 | Judge: Bruce Sterzbach, Ohio & Jake Bloomberg, Ill.
Photos by Rural Route Creations
Roll of Victory Show
Grand Champion Cow-Calf Pair
Cylee Kirchner
Roll of Victory Show
Reserve Grand Champion Female Ashlyn Mool
2020 Kansas State Fair Roll of Victory Show
Hutchinson, Kan. | Sept. 19 | Jim Pipkin, Mo.
Photos by Rural Route Creations
Junior Show
Reserve Grand Champion Female Ashlyn Mool
Reserve Grand Champion Bull
Brad Evans
NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2020
55 President’s Note 56 A Minute With the Meents
57 Illinois Hereford Association Membership Form
58 IHA Hosts Successfull Tour
59 Noah Benedict selected as 2020 Chris Stephens Memorial Scholarship Recipient
60 Calling IJHA Members Interested in a Membership Services/Media Internship
60 Genetic Evaluation Improvements Set to Be Implemented
60 Commercial MD Test Now Available
61 Show Results
64 CHB Recipe: Spaghetti Squash with Meat Sauce
PRESIDENT
Dave Roome
309-945-8400
VICE-PRESIDENT
Gene Stumpf 618-407-8374
TREASURER
Buddy Edenburn (217) 649-0108
MEMBERSHIP SERVICES
Dr. Tamar Crum 217-820-0964 illinoishereford@gmail.com
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Randy Kline, 309-824-9937
Matt Johnson, 309-883-9466
Phil Tjardes, 815-383-0003
Brent Lowderman, 309-221-9621
Luke Goldstein, 217-663-3390
Cody Crum, 217-248-7282
Jodi McMillan, 815-751-2293
Chad Benedict, 217-246-5099
Kent Burns, 618-521-3199
To place advertisements or your latest Hereford news contact: Betty Haynes Director of Communications Illinois Beef Association 2060 West Iles Ave., Suite B Springfield, IL 62704 217-787-4280 betty@illinoisbeef.com www.illinoisbeef.com
On the Cover: Taken by Cindy’s Livestock Photos (Codee)
Below: Taken by Cindy’s Livestock Photos
Hello Hereford Breeders,
The fall sales have been strong and the enthusiasm for great Hereford cattle continues despite the challenges of Covid -19 and the overall agricultural markets. Simply put, this demand reflects what you have been actively breeding for year; quality functional beef cattle that meet the demands of consumers. As you may attend some fall shows, pay attention to the combination of genotypic as well as the phenotypic qualities of the popular animals winning in the show ring. The combination of these factors is what will assist you in making great breeding decisions next spring and summer. The AHA has many tools that can help your purebred and commercial customers.
Ultimately, Illinois bred cattle continue to exceed at all levels and as our sales continue throughout the winter months, I would encourage you to look closely at what your fellow Illinois breeders are offering for your consideration.
Be safe and we hope to see you at the annual meeting in early 2021; with a little luck with the status of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Regards, - David
David Roome, IHA President
John Meents, AHA Field Staff, jmeents@hereford.org, 419-306-7480
The 14th Annual Greater Midwest Certified Hereford Feeder Calf Sale will be held Monday, Jan. 4, 2021, at Carthage Livestock, LLC, Carthage, Ill. This sale has been a very successful event for producers the past decade, and I encourage you to take advantage of placing your feeders in a sale with proven success.
14th ANNUAL GREATER MIDWEST CERTIFIED HEREFORD FEEDER CALF SALE
Monday, January 4, 2021
• Selling both steer and heifer calves
• Calves will be sorted by weight, type and sex.
• Sale cost will be $25/head. This includes sale barn’s commission and insurance, and sale administration.
• An additional $50 per head fee will be assessed to all cattle that are deemed ODDS by sale management. ODDS are cattle that are not Hereford appearing, have hanging bags, horned or not properly dehorned, bad feet, bad eyes, sick, extremely thin or are absolute terrible quality. Cattle under 300 pounds may also be considered an ODD!
• Check off will be charged at state of origin rate. Ex: Illinois is $1.50/hd
• Yardage charge at barn for hay,water $1.25/head/day.
• Postage to mail tags will be deducted from sale check.
• All cattle will be required to have a CHB tag... Tag orders will be available Sept 1, 2020.
• Transportation to the sale is the seller’s responsibility. Sale committee can assist in pooling loads
• Send in registration/tag order by December 11, 2020.
• Contact Brent Lowderman for early arrivals or questions regarding vet work (309) 221-9621
• Veterinary Certified
• Calves must be weaned a minimum 45 days prior to sale date
• Calves must have a Carthage Livestock tag
• Calves should have dewormer at Pre-weaning or Weaning time (See attached product list) 2 doses, one pour-on and one white oral
• Two rounds of Vaccinations ( See attached product list).
• Modified Live Vaccine (BYD Type la & 2), IBR, PB, BRSV
• Pasteurella (Both Mannheimia haemolytica and Pasteurella multocida)
• Two rounds of Clostridial Vaccine
• Haemophilus Somnus
• Adjusted to feedbunks and water tank
• Castrated ( healed, not clamped) and dehorned (healed)
Visit, www.Carthagelivestock.com, to view the Hereford sale information, print off vet form, tag registration form and to see vaccine options.
NOTE: To sell on this sale, all vet work must be submitted on the attached vet form and received in our office prior to sale day.
Parasite Products
• lvermectin (Branded or Generic, injectable or pour-on)
• lvomec Plus (For cattle coming from Liver Fluke infected states)
• Dectomax
• Cydectin
• Safegard
• Valbazen
• Synathic
Approved Preconditioning Product Options
Modified Live Vaccines
• Vista
• Bovishield
• Pyramid
• Titanium
• Express
• Respivax
Clostridial Vaccines
• UltraBac Line
• UltraChoice Line
• Vision 7 Line
• BarVac Line
Make your cattle better today because you have to market them tomorrow!
Pasteurella Vaccines (Both Mannheimia haemolytica and Pasteurella multocida)
• Pulmo-Guard MHM-1
• Once PMH SQ
• Presponse HM or SQ
• One Shot
• Nuplura PH
• Respivax
It was a great weekend for the Illinois Hereford Tour in southwestern Illinois on Aug. 29-30, 2020. We had a large crowd and absolutely beautiful weather for this year’s tour!
The IHA Tour committee would like to send a BIG thank you to our hosts for this year’s stops Burn’s Polled Herefords, Fauth Polled Herefords, Stumpf Land & Cattle Company and Shingle Oak Polled Herefords. The committee was excited to have 100-125 fellow members of the Hereford family in attendance over the course of the weekend. Stay tuned for next year’s tour announcement and updates to the schedule for 2021!
Attendees look through cattle at Burns Family Farm
Noah Benedict is the recipient of the 2020 Chris Stephens Memorial Scholarship. Noah is a fifth-generation Hereford breeder and enthusiast that grew up in Mahomet, Ill. He is currently a Junior at the University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign where he is majoring in Agribusiness: Markets and Management and minoring in Animal Sciences and Leadership Studies. Noah has served on the Illinois Junior Hereford Association Board of Directors for many years and was the Association’s 2019-2020 president. He was also elected on to the National Junior Hereford Association Board of Directors in 2019, and he currently serves as the Association’s fundraising chair. For the future, Noah wants to work in the Agriculture industry, both with the products that it can produce and the great people involved.
“Being selected as the recipient of this scholarship is quite an honor for me. Mrs. Stephens stood for the Hereford breed and specifically, the youth involved. To be even considered for the scholarship is humbling, and I hope that I can continue to exhibit the same great qualities that Mrs. Stephens did,” Benedict says.
The IHA is seeking qualified junior/retired junior members to assist with IHA membership services duties. The internship will begin Jan. 1, 2020 through June 30, 2020 (opportunity for a second term through Dec. 31, 2020 may be available pending performance and interest). Successful applicant will work closely with IHA membership services chair, Dr. Tamar Crum. Potential responsibilities will be website design/content, IL Hereford Bulletin content creation, social media management and banner advertisement creation. Responsibilities will lend to the capabilities and interests of the successful applicants. Interested applicants should be high school seniors or older. Scholarship dollars will be provided based on workload and experience at the completion of the internship. If interested email, Dr. Tamar Crum at illinoishereford@gmail.com.
Many of you participated in the Whole Cow Herd DNA project, which netted over 10,000 genotypes. This project allowed our science team to better understand the genomic contributions and relationships of the markers impacting maternal traits such as Sustained Cow Fertility (SCF), Calving Ease Maternal (CEM) and Milk (M). Currently, when an animal is genotyped there is no genomic contribution to the aforementioned traits and, thus, no improvement in accuracy. With the submission of female genotypes, the American Hereford Association (AHA) now has the data to take this needed step.
Starting July 12, 2020, the genomic component will be added for SCF, CEM and M. As a result, animals will receive increased accuracies as well as improved predictions for each of these traits. Some changes for these specific expected progeny differences (EPDs) will be noted, particularly for nonparent animals without production data in regard to maternal traits. Adding the genomic component to SCF, CEM and M is great step forward in determining a sire’s maternal ability earlier in life, opposed to waiting until he has daughters in production for results.
Beyond adding the genomic component to the SCF model, the handling of contemporary groups in that model will be restructured. In the current model, all daughters of a sire are compared across the breed to one another. In the new SCF model, the herd will be fit for comparison and, consequently, the new analysis will factor in environment more suitably. Because of this improvement, you may see changes in SCF values for some proven sires, although the correlation to the current and new SCF models is 0.70. Given SCF is a significant driver for the Baldy Maternal Index and the Brahman Influence Index, some animals will move ranks in their respective indices.
In regard to the model updates for CEM and M, breeders should note minimal changes as a whole with the genomic component being added. In fact, the overall correlations comparing the current production run to the updated run with the genomic component added is 0.98 for both models.
The American Hereford Association (AHA) is pleased to announce Neogen® has developed a commercial test for Mandibulofacial Dysostosis (MD) and is ready to test all animals recorded in the AHA database. Members must contact AHA Customer Service either by phone or email to request an official MD test. Consequently, you cannot request an MD test on MyHerd.
There are two pricing structures available for this test. If you request a test for MD on a DNA sample already at the lab or request an MD-only test on a new sample, the cost is $20. To test for MD on a new sample in combination with our basic test (genomic profile, parentage and all other AHA abnormalities) the charge is $13 plus the $42 basic test fee, making the MD plus basic combination package $55.
The University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) will no longer test samples for MD now that Neogen has a commercial test available.
The AHA appreciates your cooperation and patience while this commercial test was being developed and we thank UNL for providing testing options in the interim.
2020 Illinois Junior Livestock Expo Show
Springfield | Sept. 19-20 | Judge: Jimmy Williams, Texas, Kyle Perez, N.M. & Drew Perez, Texas
Illinois Junior Livestock Expo Show
Springfield | Sept. 19-20 | Judge: Jimmy Williams, Texas, Kyle Perez, N.M. & Drew Perez, Texas
by
2
2020 Illinois District Show Series
Farmer City | Aug. 29-30
4th Overall Steer
Champion Hereford Steer
Land
2020 Illinois Junior Livestock Classic
Bloomington | Aug. 20-21
It’s easy to cut the carbs and get an extra serving of vegetables with this dish! Spaghetti squash is a great substitute for pasta. With this great taste, will you even miss the extra carbs?
Ingredients:
• 1 pound Ground Beef (93% lean or leaner)
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1 can (15 ounces) no salt added or regular tomato sauce
• 1 can (14.5 ounces) Italian-Style diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste
• 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper
• 1 medium spaghetti squash (about 3 to 3-1/2 pounds), cut in half lengthwise, seeds removed
Heat stockpot over medium heat until hot. Add ground beef, onion and garlic; cook 8 to 10 minutes, breaking beef into 3/4-inch crumbles and stirring occasionally.
Stir in tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, tomato paste and crushed red pepper; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer 20 minutes to develop flavors, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat; stir in basil, if desired.
Meanwhile, place squash in 8 x 8-inch microwave-safe baking dish, overlapping halves slightly. Microwave on HIGH 10 to 12 minutes or until squash is tender. Let stand 5 minutes. Scrape squash with fork to separate strands.
Serve sauce over squash. Serve with toppings, if desired.
Kings, IL 61068
James home 815-562-4946 James cell 815-761-7523 Malcolm 815-761-8462
Ihope everyone’s fall is going well. It is the middle of October we have been done with beans for 10 days and need 2.5 weeks to get done with corn. It has been dry up here, but it is very nice to not be harvesting in the mud like we have the past couple of years.
We exhibited at World Beef Expo at the end of September. A huge thank you to the Adcock and Miller families for letting us stall with them; always a great time. If you have never been to World Beef Expo you should try to get there some time. It is a well-run show at a great location during a great time of the year. Congratulations to the Illinois exhibitors on their success in the show and sale ring. American Royal is just starting and, at this time, I think NAILE is still a go. Good luck to all of the Simmental breeders and exhibitors. I know they have cancelled the National Western Stock Show but there are two shows that will be taking its place in Oklahoma and Nebraska in January 2021.
The juniors and all of the Illinois Simmental breeders are starting to fundraise for the National Classic we will be hosting in Madison in July of 2022. A huge thank you to the breeders who have already donated through lots on their fall sales. If you have any ideas for fundraising, please let any board member or committee person know. The head chairpersons are Sherry Adcock, Jennifer Tarr and Paul Walker. The head of the fundraising committee is Curt Rincker. Please thank these individuals for stepping up and taking on these roles; I greatly appreciate it.
Simmental sales have been happening all over the Midwest and Illinois is no exception. Please reach out, attend, and support one another in our sales. We have great quality of Simmental cattle within our own state. We will be announcing more about our Illinois Beef Expo sale soon, so be watching your email, our website, and Facebook page.
I hope everyone has had a great fall and wish everyone continued success in the show and sale ring. Also, continued success with calving as most are wrapping up fall calving and will be heading into the winter calving soon. Best of luck!
Scott Frederick, ISA President
Springfield | Sept. 19-20 | Judge: Jimmy Williams, Texas, Kyle Perez, N.M. & Drew Perez, Texas
Photos by Cindy Cagwin-Johnston
Champion Simmental Steer
Reserve Grand Champion Overall
4th Overall Reserve Champion % Simmental Heifer
Champion Simmental Heifer
Division 5 Champion
Ellie Drach
Division 1 Champion Simmental Heifer
Reserve Champion Simmental Heifer
Division 4 Champion
2020 Illinois Junior Livestock Expo Show
Springfield | Sept. 19-20 | Judge: Jimmy Williams, Texas, Kyle Perez, N.M. & Drew Perez, Texas
2020 Illinois District Show Series
Farmer City | Aug. 29-30
3rd Overall Steer
Champion Simmental Steer
Colton Baudino
3rd Overall Heifer
Champion % Simmental Heifer
Ashley Miller
4th Overall Heifer
Champion Simmental Heifer
Champion Land of Lincoln
Grace Lemenager
6th Overall Heifer
Reserve Champion % Simmental Heifer
Brooklyn Welsh
1120 Carter Street • Fairview, IL 61432 www.fairviewsalebarn.com
Tuesday: 10 a.m.
Fat Cattle & Jake Fidler: 309-224-2226
Bob Garber: 309-696-9798
Slaughter Cows/Bulls Ray Johnson: 309-337-6029
Thursday: 12 p.m.
Goats, Sheep, Feeder
Laura Fidler: 309-778-2225
Bob Fidler: 309-224-2327
Cattle, Cows/Bulls salebarn@mymctc.net
Illinois Beef, printed bi-monthly, is the official publication of the IBA. It serves as the voice of Illinois’ 12,000 beef producers. Illinois Beef readers are decision makers.
