IN THIS ISSUE:
Photo taken by Devin Bollman at 2024 IJBA Jackpot Show at the Illinois State Fair of Ella Eathington. September/October
President: Carla Jurgenson
Vice President: David Mool
Secretary: Clay Sellmeyer
Business Manager: Doug Turner
Past President: David Jenkins
Bureau County: Vaughn Kiner
Central Illinois: Luke Lemenager
Logan County : Carla Jurgenson
Northern Illinois: Jarad Carroll
South Central: Richard Hurst
Wabash Valley: Shaye Harre
Directors at Large:
Sam Brumlevy
Brent Hinkle
TJ Curtin
Brian Hutchins
Kyle Buetke
Jeff Dameron
Chris Cassady
Clay Sellmeyer
Dan Naughton
Eric McClure
David Mool
Bodee Schlipf
Brad Evans
Tracy Rawlings
To
ON THE COVER
UPCOMING EVENTS
Registration Open for the 2024 Angus Convention in Fort Worth
Join the Angus Family in Fort Worth, Texas, for the American Angus Association’s national convention.
What better place to explore the future of the Angus breed than in a city built by the cattle industry. The American Angus Association® is headed to Fort Worth for the 2024 Angus Convention, Nov. 1-4. Cowtown will serve as a fitting backdrop to drive innovation, explore and shape the future of the Angus breed, and engage in education and conversation.
“We are looking forward to being back in Fort Worth for Angus Convention this November,” said Caitlyn Brandt, director of events and junior activities for the American Angus Association. “Cowtown certainly attracts cattlemen and women from across the country along with allied industry members.”
The event will kick off in a “Welcome to Texas” fashion with the National Angus Tour and Beef Blitz on Friday, Nov. 1. These ticketed events immerse attendees in the local industry.
The stellar lineup continues through the weekend with general sessions focused on providing producers with unique perspectives and a little food for thought to take back to the ranch.
A pillar of the annual convention, Angus University educational sessions will drive conversation around marketing, herd rebuilding, diversification, and succession planning.
Angus Convention is not just for Association members. Texas Regional Manager Radale Tiner encourages local producers to take advantage of the resources coming to their backyard.
“This is a great opportunity for both registered & commercial producers in Texas to learn more about innovations in our industry,” said Tiner. “It is also a great networking opportunity to share a bit about the great things we have going on in the state’s beef industry.”
All members are welcome to invite commercial customers to take part in the convention, connect with fellow ranchers and attend the educational session. Angus University will host an additional session focused on commercial operations.
Between educational sessions, we will celebrate the accomplishments of producers who have helped move the breed forward, elect the next Board of Directors, discuss the state and future of the American Angus Association® and explore new industry innovations at the trade show.
Join your Angus Family in Fort Worth! Together we celebrate tradition & explore innovation. Register today at www.angus.org.
Juniors awarded Angus Foundation scholarships, awards
Over $228,000
in scholarships awarded at 2024 National Junior Angus Show
What better place to explore the future of the Angus breed than in a city built by the cattle industry. The American Angus Association® is headed to Fort Worth for the 2024 Angus Convention, November 1-4. Cowtown will serve as a fitting backdrop to drive innovation, explore and shape the future of the Angus breed, and engage in education and conversation.
These junior members received the Angus/Talon Youth Educational Learning Program Undergraduate Scholarship at the 2024 National Junior Angus Show, June 30 – July 7 in Madison, Wis. Pictured from left are Jonwyn Ayres, Ore.; Ryan Borer, Va.; Suter Clark, Va.; Jack Dameron, Ill.; Ella Jordan, Mo.; Rosalind Kidwell, Ind.; Paige Lemenager, Ill.; Blake Long, Okla.; Drew Mickey, Ill.; Alli Perry, Tenn.; Sydney Sanders, Ohio; Sawyer Styles, S.D.; and Lauren Wolter, Ill. Photo by Pearl’s Pics.
A group of ambitious young cattlemen and women from across the United States were awarded scholarships from the Angus Foundation at the 2024 National Junior Angus Show in Madison, Wisconsin.
Since 1998, The Angus Foundation has awarded more than $4.2 million in undergraduate and graduate scholarships.
“The Angus Foundation is thankful for our donors that graciously give to support our upcoming leaders and their future endeavors.” said Jaclyn Boester, Angus Foundation executive director. “We’re proud to be able to make an impact on so many of our outstanding Angus leaders.”
A five-member committee consisting of industry experts, Foundation board members, Angus breeders and National Junior Angus Association board members evaluates the applications. The committee considers involvement, participation, leadership, service, career goals and other criteria set forth in the scholarships’ fund agreements.
For more news, information and to support the mission of the Angus Foundation, visit www.AngusFoundation.org.
Angus Foundation Undergraduate Scholarships – $2,000
Reese Anderson – Chrisman
Audrey Curtin – Blue Mound
Anne Dameron – Towanda
Angus Foundation Graduate Scholarship – $5,000
Maddie Fugate – Oregon
Eric Schafer – Owaneco
Angus/Talon Youth Educational Learning Program Undergraduate Scholarship – $5,000
Jack Dameron – Towanda
Paige Lemenager – Hudson
Drew Mickey – Taylorville
Amelia Miller – Gridley
Lizzie Schafer – Owaneco
Lauren Wolter – Aviston
Mike McCravy/MM Cattle Co. Scholarship – $1,000
Adam Miller – Gridley
Joel Harrison Memorial Angus Scholarship (Champion Bred & Owned Cow/Calf Pair)
Anne Dameron – Towanda
Gary Brost Leaders Engaged in Angus Development Award
Audrey Curtin – Blue Mound
Drew Mickey – Taylorville
Pat Grote Leaders Engaged in Angus Development Cookoff Award (Intermediate Steak Team)
Charlee Jones – Gridley
Ella Bane – Towanda
Blake Wolter – Aviston
Danielle Alberts – Atlanta
Macie Carroll – Mount Carroll
Macie Bartlow – Macomb
Stan Prox Memorial Leaders Engaged in Angus Development Award
Mady Bergmann – Vienna
View results of the 2023 NJAS, including shows, contests, and other awards at www.njas.info.
– Written Olivia Rooker, Angus Communications
Find more photos of the scholarship winners on the 2024 NJAS results pages.
Six new green coats join the NJAA Board of Directors
Junior delegates elect new board members at the 2024 NJAS
Sitting ringside, an eight-year-old NJAA member attends their first junior nationals. They watch the show intently, taking in the cattle and the judges’ comments. As the cattle circle the ring, something catches the first-time attendee’s eye, an older junior member helping usher cattle around the ring in a green coat. It sparks a dream for the young member—to one day wear that green coat themselves as a National Junior Angus Board member.
It’s a story that resonates with many, including newly elected NJAA Board member, Anne Dameron. “At a young age, I was a little more intimidated going to larger shows. That quickly changed when a green coat came up to me,” Dameron recalled. “The board members have never failed to put a smile on my face and encourage me. From the very first time I saw a green jacket; I knew that serving on the NJAA board was something that I wanted in my future.”
Developing the next generation of industry leaders is a vital component of the NJAA mission. Each year, six junior members are elected to serve on the board, where they further develop their leadership skills and represent Angus youth. The new directors were announced at the 2024 National Junior Angus Show on July 5, in Madison, Wisconsin.
The newly elected board members will serve two years — the first year as directors and the second as officers. The new set
of directors includes Illinois native, Anne Dameron of Towanda. Alongside her fellow directors she will travel the nation, assisting at shows and conferences, supporting junior members during state and national events and helping to advance the NJAA mission.
Dameron grew up with Angus in her blood. She is a fourthgeneration Angus breeder. Dameron currently attends the University of Illinois where she is working toward a degree in Animal Science with a concentration in Pre-Med, with the longterm goal of becoming a physician while continuing to be an activist for agriculture in her rural community. She believes that the Angus breed has shaped her into the person she is today and will forever be grateful for the opportunities presented to her. She is looking forward to giving back and helping to create the same opportunities of other NJAA members to grow and develop.
“I couldn’t have asked for a better organization to be raised in. Being a part of the NJAA means being surrounded by individuals who dream big and have great passion,” Dameron said. “You are who you surround yourself with, and the NJAA juniors are the people to be around. I hope to inspire juniors to continue to dream big and work hard.”
To learn more about the NJAB, visit www.angus.org/NJAA/home/board.
– Written by Molly Biggs, Angus Communications
Paige Lemenager recognized as Outstanding Leadership Award recipient
Illinois junior receives the Jim Baldridge Outstanding Leadership Award at the 2024 NJAS
Paige Lemenager was announced as the 2024 Jim Baldridge Outstanding Leadership Award recipient at the NJAS, July 5 in Madison, Wisconsin.
“I felt humbled and incredibly proud to receive this award,” Lemenager said. “I was proud that other people had put their confidence in me to continue being a strong leader.”
The award recognizes an NJAA member who shows integrity and serves as a role model to others within the association. Lemenager of Hudson, was presented with a trophy and awarded a $5,000 scholarship.
“To me, leadership can be the smallest interactions that you have throughout the day,” Lemenager says. “It could be a oneon-one conversation that nobody else sees.”
Lemenager is currently a state director but has previously served as president, vice president, show secretary and secretary for the IJAA.
She received her associate’s degree as an agriculture transfer student at Lake Land College in Mattoon this spring, while competing on their livestock judging team. This fall, she will transfer to Texas Tech University in Lubbock to study animal science with an agricultural economics minor and will be a member of Texas Tech livestock judging team.
Upon graduation, Lemenager plans to attend law school to become an attorney in estate and succession planning.
“I want to help farmers and ranchers, not only in my community, but in my state and in other states as well,” she says. “Just really helping people manage the legacies they’ve built, specifically shaping their futures for their families and future generations.”
In addition to her career goals, Lemenager said she sees her leadership continuing after her junior membership expires.
“Leadership was my way of helping others in the Angus family grow our breed as a whole,” she says. “I have a strong desire to give back one day, whether that be as a mother, whether that be as an advisor or a breeder impacting someone else’s life.”
First instituted in the 1990s, The Outstanding Leadership Award was created to acknowledge an honorable youth leader within the NJAA. In 2013, Bill and Betty Werner of Werner Angus of Cordova, donated $50,000 to establish an endowment fund and provide a scholarship for the Outstanding Leadership Award recipient in honor of their close friend, Jim Baldridge –a lifetime member and supporter of the American Angus Association®.
To learn more about the Jim Baldridge Outstanding Leadership Award visit www.angus.org/NJAA.
– Written by Megan Clark, Angus Journal
Newly elected directors for the National Junior Angus board pose alongside second-term directors during the awards ceremony at the 2024 National Junior Angus Show on July 5 in Madison, Wisconsin.
Darrell Stevenson of White Sulphur Springs, Montana, presents Paige Lemenager of Hudson, Illinois the 2024 Jim Baldridge Outstanding Leadership Award at the National Junior Angus Show on July 5 in Madison, Wisconsin.
New education platform launches for Angus juniors
BEEF Academy, a new online learning platform hosted by Angus University, teaches juniors about the beef industry through interactive, 10-minute modules
A new online learning platform, BEEF Academy, launched in July for members of the NJAA. In the future, the platform will be available to other young people interested in learning more about the beef industry.
“I hope to see this program thrive within the ag industry,” said NJAA member Lyle Perrier of Eureka, Kansas. “I think this program can do a phenomenal job of giving people a good overview of the beef industry. It shows the information in a way that makes sense.”
BEEF Academy was created with support from the Angus Foundation, Ingram Angus and the American Angus Association®.
“The academy blends these organizations’ missions into an online learning experience built especially for young people interested in our industry,” said Jaclyn Boester, executive director of the Angus Foundation.
The launch was celebrated all week long at the NJAS July 1-6 in Madison, Wisconsin. Exhibitors were encouraged to “Take the Pledge” and commit to taking advantage of BEEF Academy’s online learning modules. There was also a fun display in the trade show area that attendees of NJAS used for a selfie backdrop and for a chance to win prizes. Then, a ceremonial ribbon cutting was held on July 6 with representatives from supporting organizations.
“It was a really rewarding experience growing up in the junior Angus association,” said Jason Upchurch, a managing partner at Ingram Angus who took part in the ribbon cutting. “It was just an honor to be able to stand there and give back to the program that built the Angus relationships I have today.”
Upchurch said their decision to support the project was truly a team effort.
“Orrin [Ingram], David [Cagle] and I all work as a team at everything we do,” he said. “Orrin is very giving person, who loves youth and loves hardworking kids that put forth effort to make something out of themselves. With that combination along with Dave and I’s background, being part of the Angus juniors as we grew up, we felt like it was important to combine forces. We put our minds and resources together to have the ability to do something like this that gives junior members another tool to be able to gain knowledge about our industry.”
In the first set of modules, junior members learn about the five beef industry segments, and how they both compete and work together as part of our dynamic beef industry. Later this year, new topics will be added, including beef breeds & genetics and beef science.
Perrier, who helped pilot the program in the spring of 2024, said the content easily builds connections with learners.
“There’s a lot of visual parts within the program that do a good job of catching your eye and giving you something that sticks with you,” he said. “It’s not just a bunch of quizzes or lecturing. It’s actually graphic models, facts and stuff that shows regions it affects, which I think even amplifies the ties it builds with the people using it.”
Beef industry professionals help ensure the platform’s information is relevant and uniquely tailored to be a go-to resource. Experts including meat scientists, geneticists, and animal science professors continue to aid in the development of additional courses.
“It’s a great way to learn and do more and become more involved in the Angus breed or cattle business,” said NJAA member Cooper Murnin of Pompeys Pillar, Montana. “I enjoyed the imagery of it. It all tied in really well.”
The online learning experience caters to youth ages 8-21 and breaks content into 10-minute modules within three age categories.
Briella Humpert of Windthorst, Texas participated in the pilot test in the youngest age category. She said she thinks it is important for her and her peers to know about the beef industry for themselves, and the interactive knowledge checks were her favorite.
“I like how you had to match what you heard,” Humpert said.
All National Junior Angus Association members can now access BEEF Academy free-of-charge using their AAA login information at beefacademy.com.
“The BEEF Academy platform is really fulfilling a need for high-quality beef industry education targeting juniors,” said Caitlyn Brandt, director of events and junior activities. “It is complimentary to the events and in-person education we offer through the National Junior Angus Association and adds value to all of our members”
To learn more about BEEF Academy, visit https://qrco.de/about-beefacademy.
— Written by Sarah Kocher, Angus Communications
Show Results
2024 Eastern Regional Junior Angus Show
Harrisburg, Pa. | June 7-9 | Judges: Britney Creamer, Colo., and David Dal Proto, Neb.
Photos by Next Level Images
Grand Champion Owned Female
SCC SFC Phyllis 324
Owned by Brenna Bartlow
Owned Reserve Intermediate Champion Heifer
DDA Northern Miss 2318
Owned by Max Dameron
Grand Champion Owned Female
Owned Senior Heifer Calf Champion
PVF Missie 3161
Owned by Ella Eathington
Grand Champion Bred & Owned Female
PVF Blackbird 3152
Owned by Adam Miller
Owned Reserve Junior Champion Heifer - Division 1
SCC HF 24K Lady 331
Owned by Addison Bartlow
Reserve Grand Champion Bred & Owned Female
Primrose 2146
Owned by Max Dameron
Reserve
Dameron C-5 Nellie 2145
Owned by Quentin Day
Dameron
Bred & Owned Junior Champion
Heifer
PVF SFA Blackbird 3303
Owned by Ashton Dillow
Bred & Owned Reserve
Intermediate Champion Heifer
PVF Proven Queen 3126
Owned by William Miller
Intermediate A Showmanship Champion: William Miller
Reserve Champion: Ella Eathington
2024 All-American Angus Breeders’ Futurity Junior Show
Louisville, Ky. | June 15 | Judge: Scott Burks, Ky.
Owned by Brady York
Bred & Owned Reserve Senior Heifer
Calf Champion
Allstar Lucy 318
Owned by Luke Zimmerman
by Cody York
Bred & Owned Junior Champion Bull
BNF Atomic 2302
Owned by Claire Kuipers
Bred & Owned Reserve
Intermediate Champion Bull BNF Cosmis 2304
Owned by Claire Kuipers
Photos by Next Level Images
Grand Champion Bred & Owned Female York Farms Rosie 2319
Grand Champion Bred & Owned Bull York Farms Knight Rider 2259 Owned
2024 All-American Angus Breeders’ Futurity Roll of Victory Show
Louisville, Ky. | June 16 | Judge: Randy Daniels, Ga.
Photos by Next Level Images
Reserve Grand Champion Female
Henning BCII Sandy 3012 Owned by Brenna Bartlow
2024 Northern Illinois Angus Association Preview Show
Milledgeville, Ill. | June 23 | Judge: Breck Debnam, Ga.
CK3 Barbara K69 Owned by Cylee Kirchner
Reserve Grand Champion Bred & Owned Female
DSM Sheza Gold Digger 954 Owned by Charlote Musser
Grand Champion Cow-calf Pair W G A Lady Nellie 16J Owned by Holly Marsh
Intermediate Champion Bull BNF Cosmic 2304 Owned by Claire Kuipers
Pioneer Breeder Blanford Pierce Family - Creston, Ill.
First Place Get-of-sire Luke Zimmerman - Camargo, Ill.
Photos by Casey Jentz
Grand Champion Bred & Owned Female
Grand Champion Owned Female Betsy’s Lady FCL01 Owned by Cheyenne Handsaker
Res. Grand Champion Owned Female
CK3 Proven Queen L45 Owned by Macie Carroll
Grand Champion Steer
CK3 Alpha 352 Owned by Coehen Kirchner
Reserve Grand Champion Steer Ace High Mickey Owned by Cheyenne Handsaker
Champion Angus-based Steer Shown by Oakley Miller
Res. Champion Angus-based Steer Shown by Wyatt Swanson
Champion Commercial Heifer Shown by Oakley Miller
Res. Champion Commercial Heifer Shown by Rahfi Pfeuti
Pair of Females Macie Carroll
Reserve Pair of Females Coehen and Caylen Kirchner
Senior Showmanship Champion: Cheyenne Handsaker Reserve Champion: Alyssa Miller
Intermediate Showmanship Champion: Macie Carroll Reserve Champion: Cylee Kirchner
Junior Showmanship Champion: Jocelyn Ruppert Reserve Champion: Caylen Kirchner
June 30-July 6
Judges: Tim Fitzgerald, Ind., judged the bred-and-owned heifers and bulls, and bred-and-owned and owned cow-calf pairs; Brian Fitzgerald, Mo., assisted with the bred-and-owned heifers and bulls, and bred-and-owned and owned cow-calf pairs; Lydell Meier, Tenn., judged the owned heifers; Holly Gamble Meier, Tenn., assisted with the owned heifers; Chris Effling, S.D., judged the steers; and Alan Miller, Ill., judged the phenotype and genotype bulls and females
Owned Females
Fourth Overall Owned Champion Female
PVF Proven Queen 3025
Owned by Ashton Dillow
Heifer Calf Champion Division 3 Owned Females
PVF Missie 3161
Owned by Ella Eathington
Reserve Junior Champion - Division 2 Owned Females
Henning BCII Sandy 3012
Owned by Brenna Bartlow
Heifer Calf Champion Division 1 Owned Females
Seldom Rest Pin Up Gal 3223
Owned by Cody York
Intermediate Champion - Division 1 Owned Females
FCF Phyllis 358
Owned by Lauren Wolter
- Division 4 Owned Females
by
Reserve Junior Champion
Seldom Rest Sandy 3012
Owned
Anne Dameron
Photos by Pearl’s Pics
Owned Heifer Class 23
Dameron Northern Miss 374
Owned by Paige Lemenager
Senior Champion - Division 3 Owned Females
Dameron C-5 Nellie 2145
Owned by Quentin Day
Bred & Owned Cow/calf Pairs
Grand Champion Bred & Owned Cow-calf Pair
Dameron C-5 Lucy 2242
Owned by Anne Dameron
Reserve Grand Champion Bred & Owned Cow-calf Pair
DDA Northern Miss 2211
Owned by Reese Anderson
Bred & Owned Females
Fifth Overall Bred & Owned Champion Female
Blackbird 3152
Owned by Adam Miller
Bred & Owned Reserve Late Summer Yearling Heifer
Eathington Missie 171L
Owned by Ella Eathington
Senior Champion Bred & Owned Bull
Farms Knight Rider 2259
by York Farms
Bred & Owned Bulls
Grand Champion Steer
Curtins George 15
Owned by Christian Fischer
Grand Champion Bred & Owned Steer
Suits Marvel 3303
Owned by Connor Suits
Reserve Grand Champion Steer
Coor R2C Good Vibes 309
Owned by Christian Fischer
PGS Females PGS Bulls
PGS Reserve Bull Division 3
BNF Atomic 2302
Owned by Claire Kuipers
PGS Bull Division 2
BNF Cosmic 2304
Owned by Claire Kuipers
PGS Division 2 Owned Heifer
WHM Primrose 3150
Owned by Blake Wolter
2024 National Junior Angus Showmanship Contest
Forty-two youth from across the country competed for top honors in the 58th annual event. Jill Harker and Curtis Bryant judged the individuals.
2024 National Junior Angus Show Scholarship Presentation
Since 1998, the Angus Foundation has awarded more than $4.9 million in undergraduate and graduate scholarships to Angus youth.
Illinois Representatives Lauren Wolter and Reese Anderson
Fifth Place Overall Showmanship Honors Reese Anderson
Gary Brost LEAD Award From Illinois: Audrey Curtin(pictured second from the left)
Stan Prox LEAD Award Madaline Bergmann
2024 National Junior Angus Awards Ceremony
Junior members showcased their skills beyond the showring by competing in a variety of contests.
Angus Foundation $2,000 Scholarship
Pictured from left are Reese Anderson, Ill.; Audrey Curtin, Ill.; Anne Dameron, Ill.; Sam Greiman, Iowa; Hailey Jentz, Wis.; Avery Kimble, Colo.; Kaylan Kiser, Texas; Ava Leibfried, Wis.; Eliza Patchin, Iowa; Will Philipello, Texas; Elizabeth Rone, Miss.; Anna Scheurman, Ohio; Alyson Schulze, Md.; Bryanna Smith, Ky.; and Mary Wood, N.C.
Mike McCravy/MM Cattle Co Scholarship Adam Miller
Angus/Talon Graduate Scholarships Lindsey Decker (right)
Auxiliary’s Female Scholarship Winners
Second: Audrey Curtin, Blue Mound
Senior Division of Graphic Design First: Anna Johnson, Durand
Senior Division of Creative Writing
Third: Anna Johnson, Durand
Junior Division of Photography - Landscape
Third: Brianna Tebbe
Intermediate Division of Photography - Around the Farm or Ranch
First: Brenna Bartlow
Senior Division of Photography - Angus Cattle
First: Reese Anderson
Senior Division of Photography - Landscape
Third: Reese Anderson
Senior Division of Photography - People
First: Reese Anderson Reese Anderson also won fourth overall in the entire photography contest.
Senior Division of Photography - Around the Farm or Ranch
First: Laney Stephens
Junior B Division Public Speaking
Second: Macie Bartlow
Junior B Poster Division Second: Macie Bartlow
Senior Public Speaking Second: Laney Stephens
Career Development Intermediate A Overall Third: Addison Tebbe
First Place in the Intermediate Division of the Quiz Bowl Team: Claire Kuipers, LeRoy; Anna Parr, Mason City; Ella Bane, Towanda; Audrey Curtin, Blue Mound
Third Place Finish in Fitting Contest
Cohen Kirchner, Leaf River; Conner Suits, Rantoul; Jared Bressner, Graymont; Cody Robert York, Palestine
All-American Certified Angus Beef Cook-Off
Junior Angus breeders translated their knowledge in the barn to the plate during the 2024 All-American Certified Angus Beef® Cook-Off. The cook-off, put on by the American Angus Auxiliary, encourages young beef enthusiasts to learn more about the end product they are producing for consumers.
Skill-A-Thon Junior Division
Third: Macie Bartlow
Career Development Intermediate A Overall First: Laney Stephens
Intermediate Roast First Place/Top Honors Orange-Lime Chuck Flap Roast: Addison Tebbe and Brianna Tebbe, Saint Rose; Madaline Bergmann, Vienna; Ella Eathington, Avon; Cylee Kirchner, Cambridge; and Claire Kuipers, LeRoy.
Intermediate Steak First Place/Top Honors Coffee and Cola Steak: Blake Wolter, Aviston; Ella Bane, Towanda; Macie Bartlow, Macomb; Macie Carroll, Mount Carroll; Danielle Alberts, Atlanta; and Charlee Jones, Gridley.
Senior Steak First Place/Top Honors
Suya (Peanut Butter Grilled Beef): Max Dameron, Lexington; Ella Brooks, Prophetstown; and Brenna Bartlow, Monticello.
Black Kettle Award
Anne Lampe, presenting; Brenna Bartlow, Monticello; Max Dameron, Lexington; Ella Brooks, Prophetstown
FROM GENERATION TO Generation
One of the best parts of the Illinois Seedstock industry is the commitment families have to carrying on the traditions of those who came before them. This dedication to one particular breed or another, based on the generation before you, is common among Illinois Angus families.
Both the Kramer family and their cattle have a rich family heritage that spans generations, earning them the 2024 IBA Farm Family of the Year award.
By Olivia Hoots
If you have been in the Illinois Angus industry for any amount of time, you have heard the last name Kramer. Maybe you have chatted with Keith, one of his brothers, or are familiar with the Angus legacy that lives within their family, which began over 60 years ago by Keith’s parents, Eugene and Marilyn. Keith and his wife, Denise, their son, Brady, and his wife of ten years, Brittney, make up Kramer Farms in Farina. Brady’s sons, Owen (6) and Hudson (3) are the seventh generation to grow up on the farmland where the Kramer family lives.
The Seventh Generation
Keith grew up as one of six children on the Kramer Farm – four of which are still involved in the cattle industry, and his three children, and five grandchildren, are all still involved in agriculture as well. “Family means more than anything in the world,” Keith says.
“That really says something about how it was instilled in
my grandparents, it is really in our blood
and something that we have stuck with through the years, through the decades,” Brady, says. “I am honored to have been born into this operation, just one person of what I hope is a long line that continues for years to come.”
Brittney can tell they will have no problem continuing that line. She says their son Owen is a cattleman, always setting up fences for his toy animals after an evening of feeding cattle with his dad or grandpa. Hudson, he is the “row cropper” who is always up for a spin in the tractor or combine, known for his fair share of combine naps.
“They love doing anything they can with grandpa and daddy.” The pair can even be found repeating their dad and grandpa’s conversations later in the evening after helping in the field.
Brittney always knew she wanted to marry and raise a family with someone with the values and work ethics of a farmer, and now hopes she can help steward the Kramer legacy alongside her husband.
Brady feels the same way. “When I was my boys age, I knew I was going to be a farmer just like my dad – this is the only life I could imagine living,” Brady says. “Because who would not want to grow up on the farm and get to do all the fun things like riding in the tractor, checking cows. It is in
our blood.”
For him, carrying on a legacy like this one is something you just cannot put a price tag on, and he especially feels this when he looks back on his grandfather Eugene, and grandfather Harry Deters, Denise’s father. Keith also used to spend much of his time soaking up their knowledge.
Brady has grown up doing the same with his own dad. “I enjoy working with my son because we get to make decisions together,” Keith says, suspecting someday soon Brady will be making all the decisions. “We really enjoy having our family involved in the operation.”
Keith’s parents instilled in him and his siblings what he has also tried to instill in his own children – being faithful, going to church, working hard for what you have, and being honest. “Yet still doing things you enjoy,” he adds. “My dad loved to coon hunt, and I love to play golf.”
Keith also values his community, serving as a volunteer firefighter for 17 years, as secretary for the county fair for over 20 years and on the fair board for about 20 years as well. Currently he is a town trustee, and a trustee on his church board.
Long time friend and co-member of the fair board of Keith, Jackie Wright, expressed that their family has always been committed to educating the public on agriculture and serving their Angus, town and church communities. “They are just good people,” she says.
Ten Generations Later
Keith’s dad started the registered Angus herd around 1960, when “belt buckle” Angus were in style. “Dad always wanted bigger frame cattle,” he says. “He and a friend traveled to Oklahoma to bring bigger frame, higher-growth cattle.”
Some of those cattle lines are still part of their cow families. “And they are still some of our best producers,” Keith says. He is proud he gets to carry on the legacy of his father.
“Our goal since the beginning is to raise functional, problem-free cattle that will thrive in this part of the world in Southern Illinois,” Brady says. “We look to just have problemfree cattle that excel in all traits.”
IBA Board Member and long time Angus friend of the Kramers through the South Central Angus Association, Bruce Betzold, says “they are progressive cattle breeders who continually balance the many sound traits of high quality cattle.”
Many of those current females are tenth generation animals from the original Angus herd. “They have stood the test of time,” Brady says. He adds that though they have brought in different cow families over the years, their original bloodlines have outlasted some of those and still stick out in the herd today. The hope is these ten generations of cattle will one day be a twentieth generation Angus herd.
He ultimately hopes his sons can take those cow families
Keith, Denise, Owen, Brittney, Hudson and Brady Kramer.
and continue to breed them on so someday they can look back and reach the hundred-year mark of registered Angus on their farm.
For now, they are steadily seeking to raise functional, problem-free, performance-oriented cattle, and primarily market bulls through the Illinois Performance Tested Bull Sale at the Illinois Beef Expo in February – Eugene even consigned to the very first sale. “I do not think we have ever not been in the IPT sale,” Keith says.
“We have remained committed to it,” Brady says. “It is an excellent market for us.”
They also are faithful to the Wabash Valley Angus Association Sale, which takes place in late March every year. “I believe it is the largest running state association sale still happening in the state; we have been involved there for decades, longer than my lifetime. I remember going there since I was born,” he says. He is also on the board, committed to keeping the sale alive and well.
In the last thirty years of sales and breeding Angus cattle, Keith has seen a lot of changes in the industry.
Today they are using many new technologies like drawing blood at weaning to send in to retrieve genetic profiles to
more easily know which bulls and heifers to retain,” Keith explains. “In my dad’s day we would not have dreamed it would be like that.”
“We use DNA to help select for desired traits and pick AI sires that will further those traits, but also focus on performance-based ones to sell to the commercial cattle producers in the area,” he adds.
Weight and marbling are important to the Kramer’s for that reason too.
For the past 41 years they have worked with Dr. Charlie Durbin as their veterinarian. He says the family supplies a lot of Angus genetics all over, and are very by-the-book type people. “They are great people to work with,” he says.
Because of fluctuating conditions and transitioning technologies, among other factors, the Kramers believe in keeping their operation diversified.
“Growing up I really enjoyed production agriculture, but have realized that sometimes you are not in total control when it comes to farming. You work with the season and the weather,” Keith says. “Having beef cattle, we have more control of our genetics but the price, not necessarily.” He says it helps to bring in new bloodlines to further their existing
herd, like they have been doing for so many generations.
Generations Past and Future
“Raising my boys on the farm is exactly what my wife and I always dreamed we would do,” Brady says referring to Owen and Hudson who will inevitably be the next generation to run the farm. He loves watching them grow a love for the life they built together.
Keith has spent his life doing the same with his kids. “I hope that I am leading by example, and that my boys are watching me and want to follow in my footsteps. Hopefully with them watching my dad and me setting a good example, they will want to eventually take over and continue this legacy,” Keith says.
That is what makes a homestead so important after all, right? Making the generation before you proud and hoping the one after you will want to do the same.
They all stay very involved in making sure their row crop ground and registered Angus herd continues well into the future. Brady hopes to continue to grow both sides.
Growth has happened since he married his wife, Brittney
too. “We are selling more bulls, with good genetics,” Brittney says. She and Denise are active wives in the operation, whether it is doing the book work or driving the grain truck during harvest. They both love it as much as the men. “There is nothing better than seeing fresh calves running across the pasture.” She is grateful for Brady and the life they live together.
Keith wants his grandchildren and future great grandchildren to understand that the opportunity was given to him and believes they should view it as a given opportunity too, to have the family tradition of raising Angus cattle and crop production. This is the kind of attitude that prompted his peers to award their family the 2024 IBA Farm Family of the Year award.
Betzold says “Keith and Brady have made an excellent team successfully breeding superior seedstock and they are well deserving of this achievement award.”
“Getting selected for this award is quite a humbling honor to me,” Brady says. “I am so glad people take notice whenever you are trying to do things right and live a life you can be proud of.”
Monday, December 2
Greenville Livestock Auction | Greenville
Tuesday, December 3
Pinckneyville Community Center | Pinckneyville
Stephenson County Farm Bureau | Freeport
Wednesday, December 4
Fairview Sale Barn | Fairview
Thursday, December 5
The BlackRidge | Cambridge
Reel Livestock Center | Congerville
Monday, December 9
LaSalle County Farm Bureau | Ottawa
Teutopolis Banquet (KC) Hall | Teutopolis
Tuesday, December 10 Illinois Beef Association Office | Springfield Carthage Livestock Auction | Carthage
Wednesday, December 11 Elizabeth Community Center | Elizabeth
Mark your calendars for March 8!
