President’s Note A
s I sit down to write this month’s article it is just the beginning of October. Up here in northwest Illinois the temps have been very nice, but we are very dry too. Maybe ¾ of an inch of rain since Labor Day with not much yard mowing other than to top off the weeds. However, the crops are drying down rapidly, and harvest is in full swing. The Simmental breed had a great showing at the World Beef Expo in Milwaukee, Wis. in late Sept. Illinois’s own Luke Gilbert had the Supreme Cow-calf pair in the open show. Also, the Supreme Bull and the Supreme Heifer were Simmentals. The Harker family took both of those awards home with them to Indiana. This is a great event for all breeds of cattle. Open shows for the breeds end on Friday night with the crowning of the Supreme champions. All the champions come into the arena under a spotlight, it is something to see. Saturday is showmanship with the junior shows on Sunday. It is held in conjunction with a Harvest Fair so there is something for everyone at the Wisconsin State Fair Park. Sale season is in full swing as well. Every day you can find all kinds of calves, of all breeds for sale on the internet. There really is something for everyone out there. It is amazing how much these types of sales have changed the way we buy cattle. There are still many regular sale day events still going on also. Lots of these sales are advertised on social media as well as in several livestock publications. Remember everyone needs a Simmental this year as we are hosting the National Classic in Madison, Wis. July, 2022. Check out the Illinois Juniors Facebook page for any information. There will be lots of opportunities for fundraising events leading up to this event. Any questions can be answered by our three coordinators: Jennifer Tarr, Sherri Adcock, or Dr. Paul Walker. The junior advisors or any of the junior kid can help you out also. Everyone have a safe and smooth harvest season and good luck finding next year’s prospects. Good luck to all exhibitors during the fall shows.
- Scott Scott Frederick, ISA President
Simmental Breeders
www.illinoisbeef.com
November/December 2021 - Illinois Beef
61
