A Building Block
Of Illinois Beef
Meet the 2021 IBA Seedstock Producer of the Year, Lorenzen Farms of Chrisman, Ill. by Jaclyn Krymowski
W
ho says a herd can’t have it all? The registered Polled Herefords and Angus at Lorenzen Farms certainly do, having consistently bred and sold animals going on to be decorated show winners and powerful commercial assets. And the 200-head of cattle aren’t even the farm’s only claim to fame. The outfit also includes a grain operation spanning several thousand acres as well as a Yorkshire hog breeding program. The Lorenzen family has certainly made a name for themselves throughout Illinois and going far beyond state lines with an illustrious national level showring career beginning over 30 years ago. For their progressive breeding approach and commendable tenacity, their farm has earned
38
Illinois Beef - November/December 2021
the title of 2021 IBA Seedstock Producer of the Year. “Being recognized as Seedstock Producer by IBA is special because it represents all breeds of cattle plus the commercial producers,” says Steve Lorenzen, the farm’s second-generation owner. “We have a lot of hardworking people involved in Lorenzen Farms, and it was great to see their efforts recognized. I can’t thank IBA enough.”
Crafting a Reputable Herd
The Lorenzen legacy first began as Lorenzen Brothers in the late 1940s, co-founded by Steve’s father, John T. Lorenzen, and uncle, Dave Lorenzen, with their small herd of registered Herefords. As the operation grew over the years – now encompassing multiple generations and families – it
www.illinoisbeef.com
