IBA conducted a Market Cattle Price Discovery Survey this summer to gauge producer input and guide policy discussions. Read the findings here.
24 Leveldale Farms: Celebrating 170 Years
This year is a major milestone for the farm that is synonymous with Shorthorns.
28 Farm Family of the Year: Frost Farms
2021 Farm Family of the Year, Frost Farms of Tallula, is an “average” farm family that is anything but average.
33 2021 Illinois State Fair Highlights
IBA was well-represented at this year’s Illinois State Fair. Check out the highlights for updates on Ribeye Corral, media interviews, meetings with legislators, IJBA info and show results!
46 Never Give Up
2021 Illinois State Fair Grand Champion Steer winner, Landrey Freeman, says the key to success is to give it your all no matter what.
by Anna with Cindy’s Livestock Photos of Illinois State Fair Grand Champion Steer winner, Landrey Freeman.
Jim Meller, Anna, meller.hillcroft.james@gmail.com
1st term expires: 2019 | 2nd term expires: 2022
Ex Officio Members
Buzz Iliff, Past President
Travis Meteer, U of I Extension & BQA
Teresa Steckler, U of I Extension
Justin Rickard, ISU
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.
you you
Association Focus
Paul Walker, Illinois Beef Association President
Wow! It was great to have an in-person Illinois State Fair. Renewing friendships, exhibiting great cattle, watching our children excel, promoting beef and showcasing the cattle/ beef industry — that is the Illinois State Fair. On Tuesday, the IBA kick-off started the fair with the Illinois Junior Beef Association (IJBA) annual meeting. A little over 150 junior members attended – and most impressive was that 15 juniors ran for the seven open director positions on the IJBA Board. Interest in the IJBA is growing as we continue to offer more activities for the juniors. Following the IJBA board meeting, the IJBA served over 300 hamburgers to junior exhibitors and parents. IBA staff and officers were busy during week one of the fair supporting the junior beef show, manning the Ribeye Corral, and providing tours and introducing key state officials to various exhibitors and their parents. The Illinois State Fair Beef Shows are truly family affairs.
Did you know that IBA is a co-sponsor of the Showmanship Contest, Master Showmanship Contest, Junior Heifer Show, Junior Steer Show and the IJBA Jackpot Heifer Show? Part of IBA’s strategic plan is to promote junior programs and the Illinois State Fair is part of the action strategies. The IBA also provides cash awards to the Grand Champion and Reserve Champion Junior Steers. This year those donations provided a photo-op and brief conversation with Governor J.B. Pritzker. Every opportunity to have a positive interaction with those who impact the rules and legislation that affect cattle production is beneficial for the Illinois cattle industry. Hats off to Larry Wilson and his staff for a job well done; holding the Showmanship Contest and the Jill Walker Supreme Champion Heifer Drive in the Livestock Center was a great improvement. We noted a few
bugs to improve next year but the excitement of showing in the Livestock Center was great! When we started the Jill Walker Supreme Heifer Championship 15 years ago, we were exhibiting around 400 heifers. This year we exhibited 575 heifers, pre-Covid we exhibited as high as 680 heifers. We must always remember that enthusiasm creates more enthusiasm. A big thank you to the David Kerns family who sponsor the Supreme Champion Land of Lincoln Heifer Award each year in memory of Mary Lou Kerns and to the Fred Killam family who sponsor the Junior Show Supreme Champion Cow-Calf awards.
Week 2 of the fair found IBA staff, affiliate members and other volunteers still promoting beef at the Ribeye Corral. Everyone should thank Betsy Pech, Policy Board of Governor representing district 5, who served as the volunteer manager of the Ribeye Corral and spent over 12 days going above and beyond. Thank you, Betsy. During week two, Josh, David and I met with numerous national and state legislators explaining the Illinois cattle industry’s policies and reenforcing valuable friendships. IBA had a meaningful presence on the Illinois State Fair Directors Lawn for Ag Day, Governor’s Day and Republican Day. Josh is an excellent, talented spokesperson for all things beef - you should view him in action – the right person for the right job. A highlight of Ag Day for me was the recognition of the Cimeron Frost family as the IBA Farm Family of the Year. We sure do appreciate all those years of service to the Illinois beef cattle industry, Cim.
Congratulations to several Board of Governors members
that successfully exhibited cattle at the Illinois State Fair. I am so pleased that our board members are in touch with all segments of our great industry. Showing cattle is a lot of things and perhaps it is our greatest showcase of the cattle industry. At-Large Policy Director, Cody Lowderman, understands this concept. The Lowdermans sold a heifer to Brad Underwood, University of Illinois Basketball Coach, and arranged for Coach Underwood to show his heifer during the Hereford Open Show. Not only is Brad a great coach but he is a great guy. Following his stint in the show ring, Coach Underwood addressed the crowd and provided a photo-op and numerous interviews. It was a great and fun experience. Thank you to the Lowderman family for all they do in promoting the cattle industry.
If you have not met the Illinois Director of Agriculture, Jerry Costello, and have an opportunity to do so – do it. Director Costello is genuine in his support for agriculture, including the cattle industry. He is a breath of fresh air among public servants. Director Costello wanted to meet some of our junior exhibitors and families in the junior barn and adult exhibitors in the open barns. Josh and I introduced him to several exhibitors and their families. Thank you to those of you who visited with Director Costello, as he expressed later, he very much enjoyed the interaction. Director Costello has overseen several improvements on the Illinois State Fairgrounds, including the ceiling fans over the junior barn showring (they do make the showring a lot cooler); and installing ceiling fans, repairing the electric outlets and exhaust fans and painting the ceilings in cattle barns 25P, O
and Q. The Director’s plans include making these improvements in the rest of the 25 barns. While these improvements are small, they are a step in the right direction, and long overdue.
Not only did IBA have a meaningful presence at the Illinois State Fair, but IBA was well represented at NCBA Convention in Nashville, Tenn. We are fortunate that IBA has a talented staff and board so we can have a significant impact in two places at once. Mareah, David, Terry, Al, Bruce and Justin represented IBA regarding policy issues. In all, 151 people from Illinois registered to attend NCBA Convention, including IBA members, producers, spouses, vendors and trade show participants.
Thank you to the many people who have congratulated me regarding how professional the Illinois Beef magazine has been lately. Our magazine is the responsibility of Betty and all credit for this publication goes to her. Thanks for a job well done, Betty. If you called the IBA office during the two weeks of Illinois State Fair and did not get a real person, that is because all our staff including Nancy were carrying out activities at the fair. When you read this narrative, the office will be back to normal.
All in all, IBA had a significant, busy and productive Illinois State Fair. IBA was highly visible doing what IBA does best – promoting beef, supporting our youth, and lobbying our legislators on behalf of the Illinois cattlemen and women. Did I state that IBA had a meaningful presence at the Illinois State Fair? Yes, meaningful on so many levels describes the 2021 Illinois State Fair for IBA.
Executive Edge
This issue of Illinois Beef magazine is packed with a lot of great information – much of it celebrating success of our members as summer show season comes to an end. Kudos to each of you who brought home banners this year! Your success reflects the tremendous quality we have in Illinois –in both cattle, and people. As we brought summer to close in the Illinois beef industry, many of our leaders and members gathered at a couple of key functions, including Illinois State Fair in Springfield and NCBA’s Cattle Industry Convention in Nashville.
I’d like to thank all the volunteers and members who put in their time to make both events a success for our organization. As you’ll see later in this issue, we had a great representation of Illinois delegates at the convention in Tennessee. Our members were able to voice input on key policy and checkoff discussions and had the valuable opportunity to network with other state affiliate members from across the country. Thank you to our delegation for representing so well, and for carrying the IBA flag during NCBA’s rescheduled annual conference. I look forward to another great set of meetings as we return to the regular convention schedule next year, at the NCBA Cattle Industry Convention in Houston, Texas, Feb. 1-3, 2022.
Our representation was also exceptional during the 2021 Illinois State Fair. From setup to tear down, IBA leaders and staff were on the fairgrounds for fifteen consecutive days, and the presence and impact was a great showcase of our organization’s support for Illinois beef producers and industry stakeholders. The first week of the fair was chocked full of great shows, from breeding stock to showmanship and market animal classes. You’ll see many of the winners highlighted here in the magazine; all of it is possible thru the exceptional work of so many people. But I want to especially thank the families who put in the time and investment to travel to Springfield to participate in the fair or come be spectators. Our fairs in Illinois offer great opportunities to celebrate the state’s top industry – agriculture, and beef is always a focal point of these events because of the strong turnout when have in the barns, in the showring and ringside. Thank you all for being part of this year’s event in Springfield. As I write this article today, we’re closing in on the upcoming DuQuoin State Fair, too, and I’m certain we’ll have a strong celebration of agriculture and cattle production there as well.
The Ribeye Corral has long been a fixture of IBA’s presence at Illinois State Fair. It’s a source of fundraising for the organization, but also a key representation inside the
Commodities Pavilion on the grounds, and a gathering place for our members and industry friends. Perhaps most important, it’s a place to showcase quality beef products to consumers while they visit the fair. This year we were blessed to have Betsy Pech from Logan County step forward as a volunteer coordinator for the Ribeye Corral. Betsy is a retired high school agriculture instructor who serves on our Board of Governors and is the current Secretary/Treasurer for the Policy Division; she and husband Randy raise Hereford cattle at their farm near Lincoln. B etsy brought organization and leadership to the fair this year, and her presence was an enhancement noted by many. We simply could not have done so well without her efforts, and I’m grateful for the volunteerism. And good news is – she kept the keys to Ribeye Corral at the end of the fair… so I’m choosing to take that as a sign that she’ll be back in 2022 again!
Additionally, I need to thank our staff for their stellar work during NCBA Convention and the fair. Both events individually come with a lot of work and responsibility but stacking them on top of one another during the same week in 2021 was especially cumbersome. Nancy, Mareah, Betty, and Sydney tackled a lot of critical needs planning for, executing and wrapping up these events. We were also fortunate to have the 2020 summer intern back for a few days at Illinois State Fair, and McKenzie Davison’s contributions were also very beneficial for IBA’s junior activities and checkoff promotions.
In the coming weeks some of you will find your proverbial plates filled with fall calving activities and crop harvest. Here in Springfield, we anticipate a fall session of the General Assembly and several political events and activities as candidates for state and local races begin to campaign across the state. Be watching for e-mails and information on our fall and winter BQA meetings; many of our Illinois producers will need to renew at year-end, either online or at one of the in-person meetings we’re planning. I wish you a safe and plentiful fall season on your operations, and promise we’ll keep driving for success on behalf of your families in our work here at IBA, too.
If you have questions, concerns or need help with an issue on your operation or in your community, please don’t hesitate to reach out. My contact at the office is josh@illinoisbeef.com or (217) 787-4280 and if I am on the road, you can call or text me via (217) 282-0250.
Josh St. Peters, Illinois Beef Association Executive Vice President
Thank You Thank You
RIBEYE CORRAL VOLUNTEERS
The IBA Ribeye Corral is a food stand at the Illinois State Fair which attracts guests during the event’s 10-day run, providing the Association with an opportunity to interact with beef consumers. Fairgoers enjoyed a variety of menu options like the Italian Beef sandwich and the beef kabobs. Popular items like the ribeye sandwich and brisket sandwich were a hit again this year. All of our volunteers deserve a special thank you!
Heartland Beef alliance
egyptian cattlemen
Bank of Springfield Buzz & kriS iliff
laSalle county cattlemen
craig & liSa nafziger
Jim Branyan
central illinoiS liveStock
Henry county Beef aSSociation
WHiteSide county cattlemen
fairvieW Sale Barn
HartSBurg-emden volleyBall
katie tice
ScHuyler-BroWn cattlemen
cimeron froSt
prairie Beef aSSociation
WeS HornBack
paul & deniSe rice
Jennifer daviS
terry Betz
dr. paul Walker
margaret allen
a aron r aucH
illinoiS State univerSity
Jim morSe
darin SmitH
illinoiS corn leaderS & Staff
kim carney rHodeS
lonnie rHodeS
croSSroadS Beef producerS
david & marian mock
Bill & Judt graff
mike & Jamie martz
andrea cartrigHt
Extension Update
Travis Meteer, University of Illinois Extension Beef Specialist
Extending
Grazing
Days Will Keep Profits Within Reach
Cow/calf producers can significantly reduce costs by extending the grazing season and delaying feeding of purchased feeds. Common sense and research both tell us cattle are most profitable when they are harvesting their own feed. Allowing cattle to graze into late fall and early winter is crucial to reducing costs. Especially with moderately high commodity prices, grazing is the cheapest way to feed cows. Stockpiled forages, cover crop forages and grazing crop residue are all options for extending the grazing season.
Stockpiling
Fescue
Cool season forages, especially fescue, are excellent candidates for stockpiling. While fescue may garner a bad reputation for endophyte issues and poor production in the summer months, fall is a time to shine for fescue. Cool temperatures in the fall negate complications with elevated body temperatures when cattle are consuming endophyte infected fescue. Re-growth in the fall is primarily green leaf tissue and the plant is not putting on seadheads which are a
feared, concentrated source of the endophyte.
The stockpiling process starts with designating pastures that will be used for stockpiling. Cattle need to be removed from the selected pastures in early to mid-August. Applying supplemental nitrogen in August has proven beneficial to yields. When pastures were allowed to stockpile until Dec. 1, applying 50 pounds of actual nitrogen per acre in early to mid-August can add approximately 25 pounds of dry matter (DM) per pound of nitrogen added or 1,250 pounds of DM per acre.
Grazing management will greatly influence the ability to utilize stockpiled forages. Strip grazing is common and the most recommended practice. Strip grazing will allow close to a 70% utilization of the available forage, a 30% improvement over continuous grazing. Stockpiling fescue for 90-100 days will typically yield approximately 2,000 pounds of DM per acre. Assuming a 1,400-pound cow eats 3% of her body weight in DM, the cow would eat 42 pounds of DM per day. Using strip grazing, an acre of stockpiled fescue could
support a cow for 33 days. Adding 50 pounds of nitrogen can gain an extra 21 days of grazing under the same management and stocking rate.
Cover Crops for Additional Forage
Illinois is blessed with very fertile farmland. High land prices, soil health benefits and the ability to grow more feed are incentives to add cover crops to a diversified farming operation. Using cover crops following cash crop production for added forage is one of the best opportunities for Illinois cattlemen to lower production costs. There are numerous options for farmers depending on their crop rotation.
A popular choice after corn silage or on idle wheat ground is seeding a mixture of oats and turnips. Two bushel of oats and 4 pounds of turnips per acre will give a nice stand and offer around two to three tons of DM per acre. Annual Ryegrass is another cover crop that needs to be planted in late summer. Yields can be around 2 DM tons per acre. Annual Ryegrass will overwinter and will require good management in the spring to achieve termination of the stand. Oats and turnips will winterkill.
Cereal rye, triticale and mixes including them are good options for producers looking to provide forage possibilities in the early spring. Many producers will chop and bag these forages prior to planting beans in the spring. Weather can make this challenging; however, yields of up to four dry tons per acre can be accomplished. As with any crop there will be variation in success depending on seed choice, weather and management. Start a discussion with your seed dealer and investigate your options for cover crops.
Grazing Cornstalks
The cost of grazing cornstalks is low; first because the cows graze and harvest their own feed and second, because all costs to produce the plant for grain production are attributed to the row-crop operation. Even with the cost
of a temporary fence (which many farmers already have) and water, grazing cornstalks is more economical than feeding hay.
Cattle eat the more digestible and higher protein portions first. Therefore, a good mineral is probably the only supplementation needed for the first month unless the herd includes fall-calving cows or stocker calves.
Grazing stalks can also have benefits for subsequent crops. Cows grazing cornstalks for 60 days will remove approximately 30 to 40 percent of the residue. Residue buildup has been a well-documented problem in many cornon-corn fields with new hybrids. Cows deposit nutrients in the form of manure back on the field. As they graze, they reduce volunteer corn, considered a weed and a yield-robber in soybean fields.
Using an equation developed at the University of Nebraska, a field that averages 170 bushels per acre yields 2,430 pounds of leaf and husk. Only 50% of the 2,430 pounds is available for the animal; the rest is trampled or lost in weathering. Thus, 1,215 pounds of DM husk and leaf per acre are available as feed.
A 1,400-pound cow consumes 1,050 pounds of DM per month. At 170 bushels an acre, approximately one acre of cornstalks is needed to feed the cow for 30 days. Feed quality and nutrition will decline as the residue breaks down, so to feed the same cow on cornstalks for 60 days, 2 to 3 acres would be needed.
Summary
Producers focused on keeping costs low will be the most profitable. Historically, the cow/calf business has been a break-even business. However, data has shown that high return producers are very focused on minimizing feed costs. Thus, extending the grazing season with stockpiled forages, cover crops and crop residues are crucial to being in the high return category.
Gate Cuts
Paul Walker, DI Walker Consulting
More On Cutout Value: Live Cash Price Ratio
In my last Gate Cuts article, I introduced you to the concept of the cut-out value ($cwt) to live cash price ($:cwt) ratio. In an August 2021 Drovers article, Greg Henderson captured part of the problem, “the predominance of alternative marketing agreements (AMA) in 2020 meant that the big four packers (Tyson, Cargill, JBS and National Beef) have much of their (harvest) needs filled well in advance (of the Covid pandemic) reducing their interest in offering cash bids.” Kansas State University economist, Glynn Tonsure, told the U.S. Senate Ag Committee, “perhaps no relationship is currently more relevant than the relationship of fed cattle inventory to processor capacity.” According to South Dakota Senator, Mike Rounds, “the disparity between wholesale beef prices and live cattle prices hurts both cattle producers and consumers,” source Greg Henderson, Drovers, August 2021. These three issues summarize the current problem the fed cattle industry faces. Consequently, there are calls to increase fed cattle market transparency and the IBA Board of Governors is in the process of developing policy that:
1. Supports a government mandate that packers report the number of cattle, organized by cattle type scheduled for delivery for harvest each day for the next 14 days and that USDA make these reports immediately available for the public.
2. Favors a more robust USDA reporting system that does not misuse confidentiality as a reason for not reporting.
3. Endorses a concept there is a need for expedited reauthorization of the USDA Livestock Mandatory Reporting program, including base prices subject to the same reporting requirements as negotiated cash, and the creation and maintenance of a library of marketing contracts offered by packers to producers that include educational outreach activities for producers regarding how to utilize the library.
Regarding market price discovery, IBA:
• Does not support a government mandate that establishes either national or regional minimums of negotiated cash trades by packers to achieve price discovery.
• Supports the concept of conducting a national study to investigate the feasibility of a government mandate for cattle market price discovery that establishes a live cash cattle price for low choice, yield grade 3.9 cattle, based on a maximum direct ratio of cutout value ($:cwt) to live cash cattle price ($:cwt).
Setting the daily base live cattle ($:cwt) price for low choice, yield grade 3.9 cattle according to a maximum ratio using the previous days cutout value ($:cwt) makes several improvements in market price discovery for finished cattle producers.
These advantages include:
• Allowing producers to capture a share of the cutout value as consumer demand for beef increases.
• Maintaining the ability of cattle feeders and packers to utilize alternative marketing agreements.
• Maintaining current premiums for superior cattle (CAB, prime, yield grade 2, etc.) and discounts for alternative cattle (yield grade 4, lower quality grade cattle, etc.).
• Allowing packers and cattle feeders both to share in increased income as consumer demand increases.
• Establishing a market system that is flexible and fair for both the packer and the feeder.
Setting a maximum cutout value to live cash price ratio means the ratio could go lower but never higher, thereby allowing producers to receive a larger proportion of the consumer dollar but never allowing the packers to receive a higher proportion of the consumer dollar at the feeder’s detriment. As the cutout value goes up or down, the percentage share can remain stable or may shift to the feeder’s favor (a lower ratio).
An obvious disadvantage of a cutout value: live cash cattle price ratio is that as consumer demand for beef decreases the producer will share in decreased revenue (lower $:cwt for live, low choice, 3.9 yield grade cattle) as the cutout value ($:cwt) decreases. Of course, the feeder already shares in any such decrease as the packer generally decreases the price offered for live cattle as the cutout value declines.
The table included in this article shows the daily cutout value and live cash cattle price from April 16 to August 20, 2021. The cutout value and live cash price represents the high prices reported each day as opposed to the average daily values, simply because the average prices are not available from the USDA daily. In actuality the live cash price average is lower than the reported daily high, thereby, raising the calculated ratio shown in column 4. A higher ratio means the producer gets a lower percentage of the consumer dollar spent on beef. Column 5 calculates the live cash price for finished cattle if the ratio were preset at 2.05:1 for the respective actual beef cutout values reported in column 2. Following the Covid Black Swan event of 2020, the average beef cutout value to live cattle cash price ratio from October 2020 to March 2021 was 2.05:1; before the third Black Swan event that began in April 2021 and continues through the time of this publication. Unless the ratios we are currently observing begin to decline soon, I am beginning to believe the normality of the ratio of cutout value to live cash price is above 2.20:1 and the change in ratios we are observing is not a third Black Swan event.
Column 6 shows the calculated unrealized income for each 1350-pound steer producers could have received if the ratio would have been preset at 2.05:1 as opposed to what it really was as reported in column 4. The unrealized income per steer is calculated by subtracting the figures ($:cwt) in column 3 from the $:cwt in column 5 and multiplying the difference times 13.5 (the number of hundred weights in a 1350 pound steer). Since April 16, producers have lost out on an average of $337.96 for every 1350-pound steer sold via live cash.
As some people suggest, mandating that the four largest packers purchase a minimum percent of their respective daily harvest in the cash market will not affect the ratio and concurrently will not increase the revenue the feeder receives. Mandating a maximum cutout value to live cash price ratio will allow the packers and feeders to share proportionately in the increase/decrease in consumer beef demand and will maintain the feeder’s and packer’s right to utilize their choice of alternative marketing agreements.
For local beef promotion this summer, the Egyptian Cattlemen’s Association bought ads in two local newspapers promoting beef. The ads were published leading up to Memorial Day and the 4th of July as both print and Facebook ads.
On July 12, the Egyptian Cattlemen’s Association partnered with John Deere dealer, S&N Partners, to host a forage clinic. The event featured equipment demos, speakers and a ribeye dinner. Dr. Teresa Steckler with University of Illinois Extension and Mareah Rauch with IBA were featured speakers. Nearly 75 people enjoyed the evening learning about ways to improve hay production and storage.
Bureau County Cattlemen’s Association
The Bureau County Cattlemen’s Association participated in the annual Beef and Ag Festival in Princeton where members grilled beef and held tractor pulls for area children.
Crossroads Beef Producers
The Crossroads Beef Producers hosted their Taste of Beef event in August during the Effingham County Fair. Beef samples and promotional materials were provided to the public during the Effingham County Fair 4-H auction.
Affiliate News
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.
In the Know
IBA Co-Hosts Illinois Livestock Leadership Institute
The Illinois Beef Association co-hosted the 2021 Illinois Livestock Leadership Institute (ILLI) June 28- July 1 in Des Moines and Ames, Iowa. IBA, the Illinois Pork Producers Association and Midwest Dairy welcomed 25 students for the annual event. ILLI provides an opportunity for young men and women to become actively involved in animal agriculture and gain hands-on industry experience.
Students had the opportunity to tour Fairview Sale Barn, Weber Beef, SGI Boar Stud, Iowa State University Research Farm, Performance Livestock Analytics, National Pork Board, Cinnamon Ridge Farms, and Raber Packing Co. Each location shared different career opportunities in animal agriculture beyond raising livestock. Those in attendance learned more about careers in nutrition, sales, engineering, marketing, finance, research and communication.
Beef Industry Youth Participate in Illinois Junior Beef Association Edge Conference
Illinois Junior Beef Association (IJBA) members from across the state spent July 19 at Keller Veterinary Service in Holcomb for the annual IJBA EDGE Conference. This conference featured an outline of cattle reproduction by Dr. Wes Keller and a tour of his facility. Other sessions included a presentation from ABS Global on bull selection and a panel featuring Cody Lowderman, Gary Dameron and Dan Shike on what makes a donor cow. Participants had the opportunity to engage with speakers and ask industry-specific questions. The event concluded with a hands-on reproductive tract demonstration from Dr. Buzz Iliff.
IBA Leaders Gather in Tennessee for Annual Cattle Industry Convention
The largest annual beef industry event was held in Nashville, where more than 6,000 cattle producers, industry partners and stakeholders gathered for the 2021 Cattle Industry Convention & NCBA Trade Show. The event, held Aug. 10-12, provided a platform for education, policy development and networking. Illinois Beef Association leadership attended the event to represent the interests of beef producers across the state.
Convention participants gained insights on market trends during the CattleFax Outlook Seminar, heard a “State of the Industry” update from NCBA, learned about the cattle industry’s role in sustainability, and wandered through the NCBA Trade Show – the industry’s largest, with more than 350 exhibitors on more than seven acres.
Annual meetings of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, the Cattlemen’s Beef Board, American National CattleWomen, CattleFax and National Cattlemen’s Foundation were also be held. In addition, the National Environmental Stewardship Award winners were honored and winners of the Beef Quality Assurance awards were recognized.
The final day of convention included two general sessions, one of which offered a panel discussion on sustainability. Sustainability continues to be a hot topic, with environmental stewardship often making the headlines, but economic viability and social responsibility play roles as well. Session speakers discussed how the cattle industry offers solutions to the climate change conversation.
The Closing General Session featured speaker Jason Brown, a former professional football player who turned in his cleats for a tractor. Brown left the NFL to serve others through farming and talked about his life-changing journey from the football field to the vegetable field.
IBA Federation Chair, Terry Boydstun; IBA Vice President, Dave Duzan; IBA board member, Bruce Betzold;
President, Al Lyman; Karen Lyman; Lynn Martz; former IBA President, Mike Martz; Dir.
Cattlefax Forecasts record beef demand; Prospects
for Tighter Supplies
The beef cattle industry is bouncing back from the pandemic, and continued progress is expected in 2022. Beef prices are near record high, and consumer and wholesale beef demand are both at 30-year highs as the U.S. and global economy recover. While drought remains a significant concern with weather threatening pasture conditions in the Northern Plains and West, strong demand, combined with higher cattle prices, signal an optimistic future for the beef industry, according to CattleFax. The popular CattleFax Outlook Seminar, held as part of the 2021 Cattle Industry Convention and NCBA Trade Show in Nashville, shared expert market and weather analysis.
According to CattleFax CEO Randy Blach, the cattle market is still dealing with a burdensome supply of marketready fed cattle. The influence of that supply will diminish as three years of herd liquidation will reduce feedyard placements. As this occurs, the value of calves, feeder cattle and fed cattle will increase several hundred dollars per head over the next few years.
Kevin Good, vice president of industry relations and analysis at CattleFax, reported that the most recent cattle cycle saw cattle inventories peak at 94.8 million head and that those numbers are still in the system due to the COVID-19 induced slowdown in harvest over the past year.
“As drought, market volatility and processing capacity challenges unnerved producers over the past 24 months, the industry is liquidating the beef cowherd which is expected to decline 400,000 head by Jan. 1 reaching 30.7 million head,” Good said.
The feeder cattle and calf supply will decline roughly 1 million head from its peak during this contraction phase. Fed cattle slaughter will remain larger through 2021 as
carryover from pandemic disruptions works through a processing segment hindered by labor issues, he added.
“While fed cattle slaughter nearly equals 2019 highs at 26.5 million head this year, we expect a 500,000-head decline in 2022,” Good said. “This, combined with plans for new packing plants and expansions possibly adding near 25,000 head per week of slaughter capacity over the next few years, should restore leverage back to the producer.”
Good forecasted the average 2022 fed steer price at $135/ cwt., up $14/cwt. from 2021, with a range of $120 to $150/ cwt. throughout the year. All cattle classes are expected to trade higher, and prices are expected to improve over the next three years. The 800-lb. steer price is expected to average $165/cwt. with a range of $150 to $180/cwt., and the 550-lb. steer price is expected to average $200/cwt., with a range of $170 to $230/cwt. Finally, Good forecasted utility cows at an average of $70/cwt. with a range of $60 to $80/cwt., and bred cows at an average of $1,750/cwt. with a range of $1,600 to $1,900 for load lots of quality, running-age cows.
Consumer demand for beef at home and around the globe remained strong in 2021, a trend that will continue in 2022, especially as tight global protein supplies are expected to fuel U.S. export growth.
Aftershocks from the pandemic continue to keep domestic demand at elevated levels not seen since 1988. Government stimulus and unemployment benefits are fueling the economy with demand outpacing available supplies as restaurants and entertainment segments emerge from shutdowns.
According to Good, the boxed beef cutout peaked at $336/cwt. in June, while retail beef prices pushed to annual high at $7.11/lb. “Customer traffic remained strong at
restaurants and retail – even as those segments pushed on the higher costs, proving consumers are willing to pay more for beef,” he said.
Wholesale demand will be softer in 2022, as a bigger decline in beef supplies will offset a smaller increase in beef prices with the cutout expected to increase $5 to $265/cwt. Retailers and restaurants continue to adjust prices higher to cover costs. Good added the retail beef prices are expected to average $6.80/lb. in 2021 and increase to $6.85/lb. in 2022.
Global protein demand has increased and U.S. beef exports have posted new record highs for two consecutive months, even with high wholesale prices. The increases were led by large, year-over-year gains into China, and Japan and South Korea remaining strong trade partners for protein.
“The tightening of global protein supplies will support stronger U.S. red meat exports in 2022. U.S. beef exports are expected to grow 15 percent in 2021 and another 5 percent in 2022,” Good said.
Mike Murphy, CattleFax vice president of research and risk management services, expects summer weather patterns – and their affect on corn and soybean yields – to be the focus of market participants.
“As China rebuilds its pork industry following their battle with African Swine Fever, they are looking for higher quality feed ingredients, such as corn and soybeans” Murphy said “Exceptional demand from China is leading U.S. corn exports to a new record in the current market year, and strong demand for U.S. soybeans has elevated prices in the last 12 months.”
Spot prices for soybeans are expected to be $13 to $16 per bushel for the remainder of the next 18 months along with spot corn futures to trade between $4.75 to $6.25 per bushel
in the same time frame.
Murphy noted that drier weather in the Northern Plains and West will pressure hay production and quality in the 2021 season – supporting prices into the next year. “May 1 on-farm hay stocks were down 12 percent from the previous year, at 18 million tons. The USDA estimates hay acres are down 700,000 from last year at 51.5 million acres. So, expect current year hay prices to average near $170/ton, and 2022 average prices should be steady to $10 higher due to tighter supplies and stronger demand,” he said.
All session panelists agreed that weather is a major factor impacting the beef industry, and agriculture as a whole in 2021 and going into 2022. A forecasted return of La Niña this fall would lead to intensifying drought for the West and Plains into early 2022, according to Dr. Art Douglas, professor emeritus at Creighton University. Douglas indicated that the precipitation outlook in the fall of 2021 going into the early part of 2022 could see drought push harder in the Pacific Northwest with above-normal precipitation across the inter-mountain West – leaving the Midwest drier, and less tropical storm activity to reduce Southeast rainfall into late fall. Also, the western half of the country will be drier into early spring with a returning La Nina.
Blach concluded the session with an overall positive outlook, expecting margins to improve as cattle supply tightens and producers gain leverage back from packers and retailers, beef demand to remain solid with expected export growth, and utilization and packing capacity to improve over the next few years. He also noted that the economy has made gains in 2021 and should stay stronger with low interest rates and government stimulus fueling consumer spending.
For beef producers who depend on cash trade to drive their fat cattle sales, profitability has been increasingly challenging during the last 18 months. The Illinois Beef Association (IBA) recently polled producers to more effectively understand the issue and guide the discussion toward finding solutions.
“With the rising cost of inputs and the growing spread between what packers are making on a cutout value versus what producers receive, everyone is searching for the best path forward,” says Paul Walker, Ph.D. and IBA president. “All indications are we may be at a policy crossroad.”
Walker describes the finished cattle marketing system as an hourglass – many feedlot operators at the top selling fat cattle to a few beef packers in the middle, who merchandise beef to many purveyors, distributors and retailers at the bottom. Two supply/demand curves result; one for live cattle and one for retail beef with a disconnect between cattle selling and beef merchandising.
IBA Shares Transparency Survey Findings
IBA took the initiative to conduct a Market Cattle Price Discovery Survey earlier this summer to get a handle on how producers feel about this hourglass division in supply and demand. Beef producers from across the state provided their input to help set the stage to direct the work of IBA staff and
leaders in the weeks ahead.
“The survey timing landed smack in the middle of a period where profitability was increasingly challenging for producers who depend on cash trade to drive sales of finished cattle. And the survey does confirm cattle marketing topics are front of mind for most producers,” says Josh St. Peters, IBA executive vice president.
About three-quarters of respondents feed or sell finished cattle, and 93 percent sell via cash transactions, including using live auctions about 49 percent of the time, along with 36 percent in negotiated direct packer arrangements and 26 percent use of other cash sale methods. Many producers utilize more than one procedure, so the percentages add up to more than 100%.
Four of every 10 respondents say they do not sell on a negotiated live basis to packers, while another four in 10 sell 50-100 percent in that manner. Sixty-one percent do not sell cattle direct to packers on a negotiated carcass grid, 62 percent do not sell direct to packers on a negotiated dressed basis and 60 percent do not use futures or options to manage risk on sales.
When it comes to market value opinions, 81 percent of respondents believe the cash market is not representative of an animal’s true value, while 89 percent say cash value should
more closely represent packer cutout value. Also, 73 percent do not want each industry segment regulated by the government while, at the same time, 56 percent do favor a government mandate that sets a minimum percent of a packer’s daily kill be purchased through the cash market. Two-thirds of producers prefer that any minimum requirement of the daily kill be done on a regional basis. Perhaps these responses reflect the frustration feedlot operators are facing regarding market price discovery.
St. Peters assesses that based on the survey findings, IBA members need increased transparency in marketing, primarily with the information flow on how cattle are being bought and sold by packers. He stresses there are many unknowns in the data USDA collects and doesn’t publish, and IBA members would be well served to have access to a contract library and information about alternative marketing agreements with packers and the financing details of how such contracts can be arranged. But involving the federal government in setting cash trade mandates is not an easy area of agreement for Illinois cattle producers.
“Opinions split pretty substantially,” says St. Peters. “A large portion of survey respondents want to see significant changes in the marketplace, but they stop short of desiring the government to control profit margins. They still want free market economics at play. It’s a complex issue.”
Furthermore, the majority of producers signal that they do not want a mandate that puts the floor and the ceiling in their profitability if it is controlled by the federal government.
“I think most of our producers still want freedom to operate in a market where they can manage their profit opportunities, be it a local sale barn or through negotiated sales to a packer’s cattle buyer,” he says.
Several Legislative Options in Discussion
National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) working groups are weighing all the options regarding market transparency, including mandatory minimum negotiated cash purchases. Several bills also, have been introduced in Congress with various options to address the concerns.
“We are working proactively with our policy leaders inside NCBA, including the appointed working groups and the executive committee, to make sure that Illinois’ opinions are part of the national legislative priorities,” says Walker. “We are connecting with our own elected leaders from Illinois, including our U.S. Senators and Congressional delegation, to make sure that they understand the implications of cattle market transparency for the benefit of our producers.”
Bills introduced into Congress all have their own spin on how market value should be decided.
The Fischer Bill, also known as the Cattle Market Transparency Act, would restore a “regionally sufficient negotiated cash trade.” The bill mandates regional negotiated cash minimums and would put new reporting requirements in place that would provide producers with more market information. More than 40 percent of the IBA survey respondents support the concept.
The Grassley Bill would require a minimum of half of all
weekly beef slaughter volume be purchased on the open or spot market with the goal of increasing competition and transparency among meat packers who purchase livestock directly from independent producers. Roughly 42 percent of survey respondents say they would support the Grassley Bill.
The Hartzler Optimizing the Cattle Market Act also champions creating mechanisms for greater price discovery and transparency. Under the act, USDA would “establish regionally sufficient levels of negotiated cash and negotiated grid trade within two years of enactment and include a mandatory packer report of the number of cattle, organized by cattle type, scheduled for delivery for slaughter each day for the next two weeks.” After three years, the bill mandates a cost-benefit analysis be done to determine whether regional mandatory minimums work.
“Illinois producers are already marketing at a pretty high rate of cash trade. We have seen reports that show the Illinois marketplace is likely near 48 percent cash trade for fat cattle,” says Walker. “This means that the mandated cash components of many of these bills would have little to no impact on our regional marketplace. We believe the opportunity for meaningful change is through the transparency and price transparency elements outlined in the Hartzler legislation.”
St. Peters agrees that the transparency components of the Hartzler bill are likely the strongest at bringing benefits to the Illinois market. He suggests that IBA may need to ultimately consider supporting the concept of adopting a mandatory ratio of cutout value to live cash price rather than requiring packers to purchase a minimum percent of daily kill as cash.
Looking Ahead to Lock in Profitability
As for next steps, St. Peters notes more than threequarters of survey respondents are interested in receiving additional education and information either through inperson or virtual workshops.
“Specifically, the survey shows that producers have a desire for more information regarding alternative marketing agreements and risk management tools,” says Walker. “We are committed to doing more to serve this need, including efforts underway to develop workshops and information that can bring a greater understanding of tools available. The goal is to help IBA members capture more profit and mitigate the challenges of a volatile marketplace.” IBA will maintain support of all opportunities for beef producers to diversify their marketing systems into the future, given desire for a strong, vibrant marketplace to serve packer demand.
“We are committed to growing this segment for the Illinois beef system,” says Walker.
Other endeavors to manage profitability and spread market risk include continuing support of local beef demand. A portion of Illinois cattle producers have already found success with local locker plants and regional processors in securing demand from consumers in their own communities. IBA is growing its local beef directory online to support the needs of local consumers looking for local producers who sell freezer beef.
“The majority of cattle in Illinois will still move through commercial channels, so diversification will remain important to growing a strong, vibrant beef value chain,” says Walker.
Celebrating 170 years Leveldale farms:
This year is a major milestone for the farm that is synonymous with Shorthorns.
by Joli A. Hohenstein
The Shorthorn breed came about more than 250 years before Leveldale Farms, but you could say the two grew up together. And it’s no wonder: The two share many traits, but Leveldale’s fifth generation says the farm possesses a little something else that doesn’t hurt either.
“On top of all the things you do, you also have to get lucky,” says Dr. Les Mathers III, who today co-owns Leveldale with his sister, Laura Mathers Conniff.
Now in its 170th year, the farm has operated successfully in Mason City since John and Elizabeth Mathers came from Ohio in 1852 and acquired 2,000 acres, which they named Leveldale Farms because the farms were in the dale and they were level. The couple had six children and by all accounts a keen eye for animals, something John passed on to their oldest son Eugene, who inherited the homestead. As American settlers developed more and more of an affinity for the Shorthorn breed’s good temperament, reproductive performance and ability to thrive in a variety of climates, the Mathers family was growing and thriving too. In 1913, Eugene’s son L.E. Mathers (Les’ grandfather) had his first had his first experience with purebred Shorthorns while working at Hay Brown’s farm. By 1917, L.E and Hay had partnered
on a large herd of Shorthorns; by 1919, L.E. and Eugene’s other son Manley (Les’ great uncle, a veterinarian known as “Doc”) formed a herd at the Mason City family farm.
In 1922, the brothers showed their first grand champion. That same year, a Kentucky rancher sent a heifer to Hay for breeding, but then couldn’t be reached when the calf dropped. L.E. offered $125 (a paltry sum even then) to purchase the calf, which became Belle O’ Leveldale, who proceeded to win shows everywhere for three years and become known as the ideal animal of the ’30s. (In fact, 15 years after her death, she was chosen as The Shorthorn World’s model type.)
While L.E. was passionate about Shorthorns, Doc loved all animals, particularly hogs and Percheron horses. He eventually created one of the largest private zoos in the country, while L.E. took over the Shorthorn herd. The 1930s were a time of consistently strong shows and wins for Leveldale. In 1935, Leveldale held its first auction sale, drawing more than 1,000 buyers.
The farm’s success would continue through the forties, when L.E.’s son Gene (Les’ father) bought into the business after he returned home from World War II. The father-and-
son team determined that to continue their breeding excellence, they’d need to go back to the source – Scotland –and they made yearly trips until the mid-60s, with Gene even meeting his father for a buying trip when he was stationed in Europe.
From some of this carefully selected stock came Leveldale Basis, a bull who a former University of Illinois professor recently called “the most influential bull of all time.” In fact, the fifties and sixties produced great success for Leveldale – they bred, raised and exhibited champions at every major show, traveling the country in a modified box car.
“They promoted coast to coast – exhibiting cattle was how you got people to see your cattle and consider buying something in your sale,” says Les. “Dad went part of the time; grandfather went part of the time. Usually they started at the Illinois State Fair and traveled until a couple weeks before Christmas. Then they’d leave, some years the day after Christmas, and go west and south until mid-April.”
That total commitment and immersion went on until 1965, when Gene moved the family, which by now included wife Mary, son Les and daughter Laura, to New Mexico for retirement. His “retirement” consisted of selling and feeding livestock in the southwest, founding Mathers Realty (which still operates today) and teaching classes at New Mexico State
University. Half the herd was sold, and starting in 1969, the operation adopted a commercial focus.
Son Les, who was a sophomore in high school when the family moved, came back every summer to work on the farm, operation of which was taken over by high school ag teacher, Norm Bruce, who would raise his own family on the farm. During Norm’s 25-year tenure, he implemented strict performance testing, started the Limousin herd and developed chemical-free farming. The farm continued to be known for its quality production and enjoyed ongoing success at the Illinois State Fair and major national exhibitions.
By 1983, Les had earned degrees in biology and finance from the University of Illinois – the first Mathers male since the 1880s to earn a degree that wasn’t ag-related – and then gone on to earn a medical degree. He was ready to come back to the family business full-time, working alongside Norm. It was no surprise, since Les had always kept close ties and had repeatedly demonstrated his possession of the famed Mathers eye for animals, starting when he was in grade school. “My family got me a heifer when I was eight years old. After that it was up to me to do everything,” he says.
Though the farm has transitioned to commercial and away from the costly coast-to-coast exhibiting, they do still
Mr. & Mrs. L.E. Mathers and Mr. and Mrs. L.E. Mathers Jr. with first-prize ten head at the 1952 International Livestock Show
Belle O’ Leveldale
2019 Alternate Lassie Queen, Faye Smith; brother-in-law, John Conniff; daughter, Lindsay Mathers; Dr. Les Mathers III; 2019 ASA President, Rick Leone DVM; daughter, Katie Mathers Velting; son-in-law, Dr. Paul Velting; 2019 National Lassie Queen, Emily Fry
timeline of Leveldale
Shorthorn breed originates in England, later spreads to Scotland
Shorthorn imported to America
Coates Herd Book established
Leveldale Farms founded by John and Elizabeth Mathers
American Shorthorn Association established
Eugene Mathers inherits Leveldale
L.E. Mathers gets first experience with Shorthorns
Leveldale shows its first grand champion
Belle O’ Leveldale chosen as The Shorthorn World’s model type
Leveldale holds first auction sale
Gene Leveldale buys into business
Leveldale selects stock in Scotland, including Leveldale Basis, the “most influential bull of all time”
Mary Mathers helps found Shorthorn Lassies
Gene Mathers “retires,” moves family to New Mexico
Norm Bruce joins Leveldale as herdsman
Les Mathers comes back to Leveldale
Livestock Breeders of Illinois select Leveldale Seed Stock Producer of the Year
Les Mathers named to American Shorthorn Association Board of Directors, still serves
Rob Bruce joins Leveldale as herdsman
Les Mathers and Laura Mathers Conniff co-own Leveldale Farms
make select appearances, with much success. “The last 20 to 25 years, we’ve taken pens to the National Western,” Les says. “We’ve been very fortunate there; we’ve had Grand Champion Overall every year we’ve shown except one. And that year we had Reserve Champion.”
Leveldale maintains its reputation for champions by sticking to strict rules of operation. “Pretty without utility is not good enough to stay in our herd,” says Les. “We don’t trim feet. We don’t creep feed. We don’t keep cattle that need assistance with reproduction. If they need assistance at birth, they don’t get to be a bull.”
Staying true to the lessons his father and grandfather taught him (the latter farmed until he was 93) is something Les believes helps the fifth generation continue the tradition of drawing repeat customers. “We have multi-generational customers because people know there’s integrity here. If you say the birth weight was 871 lbs., they know it was 871 lbs.,” he says.
Over the years, those lessons remained constant threads, while at the same time, change has been an almost-constant stream of progression. “We have done ultrasound on heifers and bulls for close to 30 years, so we know how big the ribeye is, the intramuscular covering, marbling, etc.,” Les explains. “The last couple years we have done genomics testing too.”
Norm Bruce has since retired (and now resides in Les’ grandfather’s house). New herdsmen have come in – Scott Wall for nine years before he moved to Missouri, and currently, someone very familiar to the farm: Norm’s son Rob, who grew up at Leveldale. He and his family their own home and cattle operation between town and Leveldale.
Les is proud to say that today the farm continues to be known for “integrity, utility, the ability to show and win for those who want to do that. We are the only farm that has three generations who received the Builder of the Breed award and were named president of the American Shorthorn Association.”
It’s a rich history that has developed right alongside the breed. “One of the neatest things in the last couple years, is a call that brought tears to my eyes. A guy from a couple hours away told me, ‘I really appreciated it when my dad turned 100 and you let us come down and look at the cattle. That’s all he wanted was to come see Leveldale.’ How cool is that?”
Shorthorn Lassies, Dr. Les Mathers III and sister, Laura Mathers Conniff at the 017 National Shorthorn Show
Frost Farms Farm Family of the Year
2021 IBA Farm Family of the Year, Frost Farms of Tallula, is an “average” farm family that is anything but average.
by Joli A. Hohenstein
While Rachel and Cimeron Frost are certainly honored by their selection as IBA 2021 Farm Family of the Year, they’re equally certain that they aren’t so different from other farms in the industry. Yet an entire industry, not just in the state but across the country, would disagree.
As their son Tony says, “There’s not a function you go to without having someone ask if you’re Cim Frost’s son.”
With passion, knowledge and a never-ending well of equal parts innovation and hard work, Cimeron and Rachel built a cattle operation that’s known for honesty, integrity and quality – tenets Tony along with brother Nathan carry on today.
A story like this might often come with a “born into this life” narrative, and while that’s true for Rachel, as Cimeron says, “My story is totally different.”
Born in Chicago’s Cook County, he moved to Lake County on the Wisconsin line at the age of 6. His father was
Cimeron Frost, 1972
a general contractor, so they didn’t have livestock – but the farm across the road did, and that’s where Cimeron spent most of his time, “hanging around” the cattle and developing his passion for the animals.
Meanwhile, Rachel was growing up in the cattle industry in Menard County, mostly working with Angus, the product of a farm from the state after ComEd’s failed bid to mine it was derailed by the discovery of high-sulfur coal. A farm kid through and through, she was heavily involved in 4-H (but not FFA, because girls weren’t allowed back then). The University of Illinois didn’t discriminate though, and she went on to earn an animal science degree and be accepted into vet school at Oklahoma State University. But then, she met a guy named Cimeron Frost.
By the time the two met at the Illinois State Fair, when a mutual acquaintance suggested her as a great resource for show assistance, Cimeron had been drafted into the U.S. Army for two years and served at the Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ). He moved to an Oklahoma ranch to work and show cattle, coming to the State Fair with them. Instantly hitting it off, the couple continued to connect at fairs and shows all over the country, from Houston to Jackson and Denver.
When the Oklahoma ranch dissolved, Cimeron looked at a job in New York, but eventually decided on coming back to Illinois to work cattle with Rachel’s father. Vet school in Champaign was too far away, so Rachel made the decision to stay and help work the farm. “My dad would summer and breed heifers, and they also did purebred stuff,” she explains.
The couple started leasing farm ground and built their herd up to about 200 head. For the Frosts, their story is that simple to tell. As Cimeron says, “We were very fortunate that a lot of things fell into place.” A little more digging, and they’ll tell you that they grew the herd right along with their family, that her dad and Cimeron worked tirelessly together
Nathan, Gretchen, Tony and Chelsea Frost at the 1998 Lamoine Valley Angus Field Day
Cimeron Frost (right) as IBA Director of Industry Relations
Rachel Frost
Erin, Chelsea, Tony, Nathan and Gretchen Frost at the Menard County Fair
with the heifers to create that core cow herd, that at times their pasture ground was so spread out that some days they’d drive upwards of 75-80 miles a day to check it all. Rachel handled all of the AI work while Cimeron focused on the feeding and growing, and they both did any job at any time. Through the years, “we evolved just like the industry did,” says Rachel, reinventing themselves along the way to build a reputation of “real talk” and honesty.
When a family corporation out of Florida bought up the ComEd ground, they took it as a sign that it was time to reinvent again. Already heavily involved with the Illinois Beef Association – he was part of the committee that created the Illinois Beef Expo – Cimeron took a full-time job as director of industry relations with the IBA.
That involvement not only helped him nurture the industry he loves, but also his own family and business. “He gained the confidence of the farmers; they knew we were real and honest,” says Rachel. The couple slowly pulled back the herd to about 100 head, and Cimeron devoted his extra time to the IBA along with other industry organizations. He served as the Menard County Fair Board Beef Superintendent, the Illinois Angus Association (IAA) Sale Manager and was the IAA President and on the IAA board for many years. Together, Rachel & Cimeron chaired the 1986 National Junior Angus Show, chaired the 1999 North Central Regional Jr. Angus Show and served as Lamoine Valley Junior Angus Advisors for many years.
All the while, Rachel was still working the farm with their growing family, while also furthering the industry in her own right through work with the Illinois Junior Angus Association (IJAA), American Angus Auxiliary, Menard County Farm Bureau Foundation Board, Porta FFA Alumni Association, the Menard County Fair Beef Committee and serving on the board of the Illinois Cattlewomen. With a passion for telling ag’s story, she also serves local communities as an Ag in the Classroom educator.
As she taught kids the impact of ag, Cimeron traveled across the state and to Washington, DC, advocating about the Illinois beef industry’s impact. Named manager of the Illinois Beef Expo in 1988, he also helped grow the association’s presence with the development of the Ribeye Corral. It started in a tent, until Cimeron had the idea to have a two-story barn built and tucked between the rafters in the Commodity Pavilion.
Like everything the Frosts do, that became a family affair too: “When the kids were growing up, they worked in the Corral, painted the barn, showed at the State Fair,” he says. “The youngest (twins) worked in Conservation World at the Beef Stand, starting when they were eight years old.”
In fact, like Rachel, the kids were active in the operation from the start; she’ll tell you that work ethic is one of the best things farm kids take from the farm. “They learn to multitask, set priorities, talk to people, get along,” she says. “Our kids were up at 5 a.m. in the summers. They checked cows, fed cows; they negotiated between kids who would be there to do chores when they had sports. Our kids learned their skills from practical experience.”
Experience each one put to good work growing up and
Doug Turner & Cimeron Frost receiving recognition at the Illinois Beef Expo
Cimeron Frost on the cover of Illinois Beef
Cimeron Frost with Rep. Rich Brauer (R)
Cimeron and Rachel Frost with grandchildren Paige, Weston, Greyson and Addison
beyond. All were heavily involved with 4-H, FFA and the the girls were involved in Illinois Angus royalty, and Chelsea was co-chairman of the Illinois Beef Expo Junior Show for six years. Today, all five are still involved in cattle businesses, along with their significant others. Erin lives in Timewell and is actively involved in McCaskill Farms with her husband, Matt, and children, Tait and Paige. Chelsea assists husband, Robbie, with show and sale cattle at farms and ranches in Oklahoma, Illinois and Texas, and is the office and show barn assistant at Barber Ranch, where Robbie is a manager. They live in Texas with daughter, Addison. Gretchen and her husband, Garrett, own Lampe Cattle, and she is a practicing veterinarian. They live in Tallula with sons, Weston and Grayson.
Tony owned a custom fitting business and was a show cattle manager at ranches in Oklahoma, Texas and Illinois. He lives in Tallula with his wife, Brittainy, and their son, Wyatt. Nathan also lives in Tallula and owns a custom fitting business for shows and sales, as well as a custom hay business.
About 10 years ago, Tony and Nathan began co-operating Frost Farms, which they’ve built back up to about 200 head. Rachel and Cimeron are still involved in the business of course, helping it grow and evolve. The farm expanded into Simmentals and Herefords, and also went digital. “We’ve kept up with the progression of the industry,” Rachel says. “For example, we do online sales – last year we did three. Those have exploded and really advance the industry.”
The farm still holds traditional sales as well – they have one coming up in the fall. “When the cattle sell, the boys’ expertise goes with it – they’ll guide you with feeding, will fit them if you want,” she explains. (Like their parents before them, though she won’t tell you that.)
While “purple isn’t everything,” as Rachel likes to say, the farm continues to produce exceptional animals that excel for both customers and even the smallest grandkids who show cattle. Purple banners, she says, were never the driver behind their farm. “Operating profitably and sustainably in the next generation, and continuing to support the families” – that’s how they’ll define success.
“It’s a way of life,” she explains. “We’re dedicated to this business, dedicated to improving as cattle producers. We are honest in what we do, and by being honest, then you are going to continue.” For the Frosts, it’s that simple.
Illinois State Fair
RIBEYE CORRAL NAMED NUMBER ONE FLAVOR OF ISF
IBA LEADERS PARTICIPATE
IN MEDIA INTERVIEWS DURING AG DAY
IBA’s Ribeye Corral received the first place for best taste in the Golden Abe’s Fantastic Fair Food Award
IBA Policy Division Secretary/Treasurer and Ribeye Corral Manager Betsy Pech with former IBA staff member and longtime volunteer Cimeron Frost
Rhiannon Branch with Brownfield Network and IBA President Dr. Paul Walker
Stu Ellis with WCIA and IBA President Dr. Paul Walker
Dave Brown with WANDTV and IBA Vice President Dave Duzan
Illinois Farm Bureau Director of Environmental Resources Lauren Lurkins, IBA Director of Communications Betty Haynes and Illinois Pork Producers Association Executive Director Jennifer Tirey
IBA STAFF AND LEADERS ADVOCATE ON BEHALF OF MEMBERSHIP
left to right: IBA Executive Vice President Josh St. Peters, Illinois Pork Producers Association (IPPA) President Alan Kollmann, Senator Tammy Duckworth, IBA Vice President Dave Duzan, Illinois Director of Ag Jerry Costello, IPPA Executive Director Jennifer Tirey
IBA Executive Vice President Josh St. Peters, IBA Vice President Dave Duzan and IBA President Dr. Paul Walker discussing important beef industry issues with Congresswoman Mary Miller
IBA members and leadership with Illinois Director of Ag, Jerry Costello, during the barn tour
Pictured left to right: IBA Vice President Dave Duzan, Congresswoman Cheri Bustos, IBA President Dr. Paul Walker, IBA Director of Industry Relations Mareah Rauch, IBA Financial Officer Nancy Betz, IBA Policy Division Secretary/Treasurer Betsy Pech
IBA President Dr. Paul Walker and IBA Vice President Dave Duzan with State Representative Avery Bourne at the Ribeye Corral
IBA members, the Wolter family of Windy Hill Meadows with State Representative Charlie Meier during the barn tour
Pictured
BEEF YOUTH SELECT NEW DIRECTORS AT ILLINOIS STATE FAIR
More than one hundred fifty young cattle exhibitors from across the state recently gathered for their annual meeting and to elect new junior leaders for their statewide beef cattle organization. Members of the Illinois Junior Beef Association were in Springfield to participate in showmanship, market class and breeding stock competitions at the Illinois State Fair.
“The cattle shows are an exciting feature of Illinois State Fair’s history and tradition. Having hundreds of youths in Springfield to continue this legacy was a great testament to the strength of our beef cattle industry across the state, and showcases the strong future we’ll have through their dedication and commitment to producing exceptional cattle,” said Josh St. Peters, executive vice president of the Illinois Beef Association, IJBA’s parent organization.
Selected from the board for Executive Committee positions are President, Garrett Rhode; Vice President, Grace Arnold; Secretary, Paige Van Dyke; and Promotions Chair, Cody Knodle.
IJBA represents more than 750 young people, ages 8 to 21, active in the promotion, development, and exhibition of Illinois’ beef industry.
During their meeting, IJBA members elected nine young people to serve for the next year as their Board of Directors. The 2021-2022 IJBA leadership team includes:
Kyle Eathington, seventeen-year-old son of Kevin and Patricia Eathington, of Avon in Fulton County. Kyle attends Spoon River Valley High School.
Lauren Wolter, sixteenyear-old daughter of Bradley and Kimberly Wolter of Aviston, in Clinton County.
Lauren attends Central Community High School.
Tyler Lee, seventeenyear-old son of Scott and Casey Lee of Durand, in Winnebago County. Tyler attends Durand High School.
Cody Knodle, twentyyear-old son of Mark and Julie Knodle of Fillmore, in Montgomery County. Cody attends Kansas State University.
Paige Lemenager, seventeen-year-old daughter of Luke and Stacy Lemenager of Hudson, in McLean County.
Paige attends Normal Community West High School.
Paige Van Dyke, nineteenyear-old daughter of Jon and Katrina Van Dyke of Louisville, in Clay County. Paige attends Lake Land College.
Garrett Rhode, twentyyear-old son of Tyler and Melissa Rhode of Carlock, in McLean County. Garrett attends University of Illinois.
Grace Arnold, nineteenyear-old daughter of Sam and Katy Arnold of Clinton, in DeWitt County. Grace attends Lake Land College.
Not pitctured: Adam Miller, sixteen-year-old son of Alan and Theresa Miller of Gridley, in McLean County. Adam attends El Paso-Gridley High School.
Photos by Cindy Cagwin-Johnston
WINNERS OF THE 21ST ILLINOIS STATE FAIR
MASTER SHOWMANSHIP CONTEST ANNOUNCED
The 2021 Master Showmanship Contest was held on August 13, 2019 at the Illinois State Fairgrounds. Fifty-one exhibitors, who were the winners of their respective 4-H county contests, competed for the title of “Illinois Master Showman.”
This prestigious competition allows 4-H members 14 to 18 years of age to compete in a showmanship competition in each division - showing beef, sheep and swine. The 4-H’ers were judged on their ability to handle each animal, knowledge of the species as well as overall showmanship skills. One winner was named for each species and scores for all three species were tallied to determine the top three winners overall. This year’s contest winners are:
Overall Master Showman – Lizzie Schafer from Owaneco, representing Christian County. She is the daughter of Aaron and Sue Schafer.
Second Place Overall – Paige Van Dyke from Louisville, representing Clay County. She is the daughter of Jon and Katrina Van Dyke.
Third Place Overall – Carter Hoge from Good Hope, representing McDonough County. He is the son of Mark and Katie Hoge.
Beef Division – Lizzie Schafer from Owaneco, representing Christian County. She is the daughter of Aaron and Sue Schafer. Sheep Division – Paige Van Dyke from Louisville, representing Clay County. She is the daughter of Jon and Katrina Van Dyke.
Swine Division – Kylee Zoran from Ottawa, representing LaSalle County. She is the daughter of Paul and Lisa Zoran. This year marked the 21st Annual Master Showmanship Contest held at the Illinois State Fair. This year’s contest was hosted by Illinois Farm Bureau and the RFD Radio Network. Illinois Farm Bureau President Richard Guebert, Jr. presented the awards. In addition, the Illinois Beef Association joined as a primary sponsor of this year’s contest.
Pictured left to right: Lizzie Schafer, Kylee Zoran, Illinois Farm Bureau President Richard Guebert, Jr., Paige Van Dyke, Carter Hoge
Photo by Catrina Rawson, Illinois Farm Bureau
SHOW RESULTS
2021 Illinois Junior Beef Association Jackpot Heifer Show Springfield | August 15 | Ryan Dunklau, Neb.
Photos by Cindy Cagwin-Johnston
Shown by McKlay Gensini
Shown by Jaycie Schertz
Champion Chianina
Shown by Aidyn Barber Reserve Champion: Carson Beckman
Champion Simmental
Shown by Tyler Miller Reserve Champion: Addison Fidler
Champion AOB
Shown by Alex Barnard Reserve Champion: Reed Naughton
Champion Cow-Calf
Shown by Lillian Unger
Reserve Champion: Konnor Campbell
JACKPOT
Champion Horned Hereford
Shown by Reed Naughton Reserve Champion:Colton Huls
Champion Low % Simmental
Shown by Ty Drach Reserve Champion: Gracyn Welsh
Champion Red Angus
Shown by Mara Turner Reserve Champion: Tyler Musgrave
2021 Illinois State Fair Grand Champion Steer winner, Landrey Freeman, says the key to success is to give it your all no matter what.
by Betty Haynes
Landrey Freeman, a senior at Winchester High School, was awarded Grand Champion at this year’s Illinois State Fair with her Simmental steer. Showing cattle tops Landrey’s list of hobbies – and it’s certainly a hobby that has paid off.
A Family Affair
The Freemans can best be described as a kind, humble and hard-working family. Parents, Nick and Jessica Freeman, exposed their children to stock shows at a young age and worked to instill the right values and morals in their children.
Landrey credits a portion of her success to the help of her brother, Brayden. Brayden first encouraged Landrey to step into the showring once he had gone to college.
“Landrey has always been there and always watched how Brayden did things,” says Jessica. “As he got older and when he went to college, she decided to give it a try. He gave her the halter and she just she just ran with it. She was a natural.”
The two have worked closely this year splitting responsibilities to ensure their steer was show-ready. On show day, Brayden clips and fits each animal and Landrey shows. This was Landrey’s first year showing at the Illinois Illinois State Fair.
“I couldn’t have done this by myself,” Landrey explains. “Brayden has been a big part of it. I take a lot of his advice and I know that he helps me a lot.”
Brayden had taken an interest in cattle at a young age.
Jessica recalls that his first toys were plastic cows and as soon as he was able, he had his own bucket calf. Brayden was actively involved in the livestock judging team at Lincoln Land Community College. This school year, he will start at Iowa State University.
“I’ve done this long enough to know you have to learn from your mistakes,” Brayden recollects. “We have both learned from the mistakes I’ve made in past projects. Getting to watch Landrey appreciate showing cattle has meant so much to me.”
To the Freemans, it’s the families that make the stock show industry so great.
“Showing cattle is pretty incredible,” explains Jessica. “There are some truly great families in this industry. Everyone supports one another.”
Jessica credits showing cattle to helping mold her children into who they are today and pointing them in the right direction.
“We have met so many great people,” says Landrey. “We’ve met lifelong friends showing cattle. We’re all just a family.”
Bob the Steer
Landrey named her champion steer, Bob, stating that “it just fits his personality”. Bob is no ordinary steer. He loves ice cream, goldfish crackers and playing in the pasture.
“He has always been special to us, but we didn’t realize he was this special until I stepped into the coliseum,” Landrey
recalls with a smile. “He’s just the most playful cow.”
Bob was spotted trying to eat the flowers on stage at the Governor’s Sale of Champions. He undoubtedly captured the hearts of all in attendance with his docile, puppy dog-like demeanor.
“He genuinely loves people,” Landrey continues. “He’s been loving all the attention from fairgoers. It’s so cute watching him see everything and interact. When kids walk by his pen, he tries to stick his tongue through the gate.”
The Underdogs
When Brayden was just seven-years-old, Jessica remembers him watching the champion drive with excitement and telling her that someday he would win the steer show.
“I thought it was just a pipe dream,” recalls Jessica. “At the time, I didn’t think there was any way that was ever possible.” Jessica explained to Brayden that if he set his mind to it, he could achieve anything.
“That has been 13 years ago,” says Jessica. “When we won, I put my hand on his face and said ‘Buddy, we did it’.”
The Freeman’s win is a true livestock Cinderella story. It has been over 16 years since anything but a crossbred steer has been awarded Illinois State Fair Grand Champion Steer.
“No one would have expected this coming in,” says Brayden. “We were the underdogs so it makes us appreciate our work so much more.”
Those in attendance could feel the pride and excitement of the Freeman family in that moment. Their energy was contagious as friends and family gathered around Landrey to congratulate her.
“It was incredible to watch my daughter win,” explains Jessica with a tear in her eye. “I never in a million years thought that it would be us, I really didn’t. Words can’t even describe how I felt in that moment.”
Reflecting on the experience, Landrey and Brayden both have advice for future showman.
“You have to give it your all,” describes Landrey. “Every minute you spend with your steer is important. Every small detail matters in the end. We’ve worked really hard and had Bob on a strict schedule.”
“Never give up on yourself,” Brayden adds. “There have definitely been times when I thought Bob should have placed higher. Never get discouraged by your competition because really placings are just one person’s opinion.”
The Future
At the Governor’s Sale of Champions, Landrey and Bob set a record bid at a whopping $105,000, purchased by First Lady, M.K. Pritzker. Governor J.B. and First Lady M.K. Pritzker were in a bidding war to see who would end up with Bob.
Landrey will receive half of the money, with the remaining to be divided between 4-H, FFA, Reserve Grand Champion and other breed champions. Landrey plans to use her winnings towards college expenses when she graduates.
Landrey and Brayden agree that 2021 is their final year in the show ring. They want to end on a high note and shift their efforts to their education and to helping others make their way to the champion drive.
Brayden & Jessica after Landrey was awarded Grand Champion
Landrey at the Governor’s Sale of Champions with Governor J.B. Pritzker
Landrey & Brayden after Landrey was awarded Grand Champion
Nick & Jessica after Landrey was awarded Grand Champion
SHOW RESULTS
2021 Illinois State Fair Junior Steer Show
Springfield | August 14 | Kevin Jensen, Kan.
Photos by Cindy Cagwin-Johnston
Shown by Landrey Freeman
Shown by Nalaney Guyer
STEERS
3rd Overall Steer
Reserve Champion Crossbred
5th
Champion Angus
3rd
Champion Shorthorn
4th Overall Steer
Reserve Champion Simmental
Reserve Champion Land of Lincoln Champion Hereford
4th
Reserve Champion Hereford
Overall Land of Lincoln
Shown by Parker Lewis
Overall Land of Lincoln
Shown by Kaylie Saathoff
Shown by Noland Lukach
Shown by Colton Baudino
Overall Steer & Champion Land of Lincoln
Shown by Cole Caldwell
Shown by Kashen Ellerbrock
SHOW RESULTS
2021 Illinois State Fair Junior Steer Show
Springfield | August 14 | Kevin Jensen, Kan.
Photos by Cindy Cagwin-Johnston
5th Overall Land of Lincoln Reserve Champion Angus
To show our support of tomorrow’s beef leaders, IBA presented additional award money to both Landrey and Nalaney.
Grand Champion Steer
Shown by Landrey Freeman
Also pictured: the Freeman family, Governor J.B. and First Lady
M.K. Pritzker, IBA President Dr. Paul Walker, IBA Vice President Dave Duzan and Miss Illinois County Fair Queen Kelsi Kessler
Reserve Grand Champion Steer
Shown by Nalaney Guyer
Also pictured: Governor J.B. and First Lady M.K. Pritzker, Ashtin Guyer and IBA President Dr. Paul Walker
Abby
Abby
Abby
Edge of Common Sense
Baxter Black, cowboy and former large animal veteranarian
The Producer Meeting
When you take a seat in the waiting room of a veterinary clinic, a feedlot office or an animal health store, you occasionally notice a body sitting there who looks out of place. They are often dressed in a more formal attire than most clientele. They may be doing their times (two times two is four, two times four is eight, etc…), they may be reading the 10-year-old copy of Progressive Recipies Magazine, or they could be annoying you…just killing time.
These dedicated people, who seem to take precedence over no one in the animal health food chain, are company reps. Salesmen armed to the teeth with research trials supporting their product, special offers to entice volume buying out of season, and lunch money. They are the mainstays of our continuing education.
They seem to exude a certain tension, which is understandable…they have the job security of a smoke jumper.
A big part of their regular duties is producer meetings. Some of these meetings go well. Others…well, others prove that masochism builds character.
John works for an international pharmaceutical company that offers products for use in livestock. He arranged with the manager of a good-sized feedlot to put on a meeting for the cowboys and vet crew employed therein.
A local steak house was selected as an appropriate location for the meeting. Supper and drinks were furnished as bait. A good crowd of 18 or 20 showed up for the meeting.
No separate room was available, but the maitre d’ had set up a single long table that ran the length of the room, wall to wall down the center of the dining area. John set his movie screen against the back wall at the end of the table. The slide projector sat in the middle of the table between the attentive cowboys.
John began his presentation. He started with lung diseases. Pictures of fulminating pluritis glared from the screen, attracting the attention of random diners. Presently, an incidental customer walked between the projector and screen, excusing himself politely as his shadow darted across a rather explicit slide of chronic suppurative pneumonia. As John was soon to discover, he lay in the direct and only path to the restrooms.
The wayfarer returned, tripping over the projector cord, which gave everyone a moment’s respite from pulmonary contagion.
Just as John segued into injection site abscesses,
he was interrupted by the waitress, who stepped into the spotlight and asked, “Who ordered the scotch and water?”
Then, in the midst of his discussion on rumen physiology, a group from the other side of the room broke into song. It was “Happy Anniversary to you,” dedicated to a couple celebrating 58 years of wedded bliss...”Happy anniversary…” “…methane…” “…to yo-oo-o-u-u-u…” “…is released along with…” “Yeah, yeah, applause…” “Scuse me, I gotta go to the john…” “Sure” “Carbon dioxide” “Any questions?” “Yes, who ordered the two whisky sours and the Bud Light?”
On the drive home, John commented to his boss, “All in all, it wasn’t too bad a meeting.”
“Yeah,” the boss said, “But ya know, they might’ve missed some of the details.”
2020 Beef Advocate of the Year Announced at 2021 Beef Industry Convention
Honoree recognized by Masters of Beef Advocacy program for her role in helping healthconscious consumers embrace beef.
Kiah Twisselman Burchett has been selected as the 2020 Advocate of the Year for her work helping mainstream Americans appreciate the cattle industry and feel good about enjoying beef. This award, given by NCBA’s Beef Checkoff- funded Masters of Beef Advocacy (MBA) program, recognizes an outstanding beef advocate for their success in reaching and educating consumers about cattle and beef.
The former Kentucky Beef Council employee went viral in 2020 after People Magazine highlighted her weight loss story. Burchett used that momentum to start a business as a life coach and weight loss expert, teaching people how to use their surroundings to better themselves at home or on the farm, and to enjoy their favorite foods – especially beef!
Burchett gained a following of both urban and rural women alike by tapping into their shared goals to live their happiest and healthiest lives, to be energetic and to say ‘yes’ to life again. With tens of thousands of followers, the beef loving cattle rancher has been able to reach a new audience of consumers, an impressive feat considering more than 98% of the American population has little or no direct connection to farming or ranching, and people tend to be quick to reject what they don’t understand.
Burchett was initially motivated to improve her health a few years ago when she was leading the nutrition program for the Kentucky Beef Council and routinely spoke on the role beef plays in a healthy diet. “I knew all the research I was sharing was true and backed by reliable research but I thought I was doing a disservice to the industry I loved by speaking to the health benefits of beef while not being an example of that,” said Burchett.
After appearing in People Magazine as the rancher who lost 125 lbs, Burchett was also highlighted in Women’s Health and on Good Morning America, The Kelly Clarkson Show and Access Hollywood quickly becoming a trusted authority on what living your happiest, healthiest life looks like while continuing to enjoy the foods and lifestyle you love.
The health benefits of beef, nutritious beef recipes and
sharing what goes into cattle ranching is threaded throughout Burchett’s social media content for her diverse audience, illustrating that beef advocacy is more than what she does, it’s who she is. “My own life has been an example of how lean beef fits into a heart healthy diet and lifestyle and I get to share the ins and outs of ranching to people who are outside of our industry because so much of my following are not from agriculture,” Burchett stated.
Burchett recently launched her podcast “Climbing with Coach Kiah” and in her quest to continue bringing mindfulness, coaching, and providing an opportunity to connect people back with the land through a ranch experience, she plans to begin hosting rural ranch wellness retreats at her family’s ranch in spring 2022.
Burchett’s community – both those within as well as outside of agriculture – are thrilled for the upcoming retreats and Burchett is thankful she’s been able to provide a platform where women can focus on their shared values and overlook their differing backgrounds. “We’re all walking this journey together it’s just that one person might be going to the gym and one person might be walking her dirt driveway after checking calves in the morning. We’re all so much more alike than we are different.”
You can follow Kiah Twisselman Burchett on social media at @Coach_Kiah.
NEW CONSUMER AD CAMPAIGN SHOWCASES
CATTLE FARM FAMILY
Chicagoland parents see sustainable beef messages 2.9 million times.
Research shows that trust in farmers grows when consumers know they are family farmers. With 96% of all farms in Illinois being family owned, the Illinois Beef Association took this opportunity to showcase a local farm family behind our food and what they’re doing to raise beef more sustainably than ever before.
BUILDING TRUST IN TODAY’S CATTLE FARMERS
Facebook posts engaged the consumer audience with 56,000 likes, comments and shares.
CAMPAIGN HIGHLIGHTS
2,889,545
782,415 5,105 63,425
Comments, reactions and shares of all social media content
Chicagoland parents reachedVideo views across all channels Website clicks to Watchusgrow.org/beef
YouTube is the best-performing channel during the campaign, generating 2.2M impressions, 304K video views and 2.9K website link clicks
During the campaign, the new beef page is the second-most visited page on Watch Us Grow with 2,477 total page views.
A video highlights the Martz family on social media, YouTube, streaming TV and website video advertising, connecting with the target audience on the importance of family and leaving things better for the next generation.
Shorter social media videos share messages about family legacy and on-farm sustainability practices, while a new web page on Watch Us Grow lets viewers dive deeper into the many aspects of responsibly raised beef.
Comments from a social video featuring solar energy use on the Martz farm.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
President: Joel York
Vice President: David Jenkins
Secretary: Aaron Schafer
Business Manager: Doug Turner
Past President: Tyler Rhode
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
Jim Marsh
TJ Curtin
Bradley Walter
Kyle Beutke
Jeff Dameron
Brent Henkel
Clay Sellmeyer
Dan Naughton
Greg McClure
Lee Stremsterfer
David Mool
You’re Invited to the 2021 Angus Convention and Trade Show
Passion, innovation and achievement represent the Angus breed. Angus breeders, beef cattle enthusiasts and feeders of the world are all passionate about the work they do day in and day out. In celebration of the past and to continue legendary progress, the American Angus Association invites Angus members, commercial producers and beef industry professionals to the 2021 Angus Convention and Trade Show hosted in Fort Worth, Texas, Nov. 6-8.
The 2021 Angus Convention will be three days of making connections, finding solutions and being inspired to foster operational growth and personal leadership. Being innovative is second nature to cattlemen as the industry strives to raise the highest quality product in the most efficient and effective manner. When passion and innovation are coupled, achievement is bound to take place.
After a year of virtual events, the power of in-person events will be a highlight of this year’s Angus Convention. Cattleman can network with old and new friends throughout the trade show, educational sessions and the convention tours. Attendees will have the opportunity to meet and mingle with others during several of the receptions featuring Certified Angus Beef® (CAB®) brand meals.
Angus. America’s Breed.
When attendees aren’t participating in hallway conversations, there will be several educational sessions taking place throughout the three-day event. From cattle handling to the latest in genomics, no topic is left uncovered. Take advantage of learning from industry professionals during Angus University-sponsored breakout sessions and watch hands-on education by attending a session in the cattle demonstration area. Providing tangible information is a goal for the Association; however, listening to keynote sessions will inspire passion in cattlemen to achieve more and innovate their business.
The Association also invites commercial producers to attend Angus Convention. Participants will gain perspective from commercial industry leaders on the future of the feeder cattle marketplace by attending the Capturing Value session. The first-of-its-kind panel will provide insight from video auction representatives, feedyard operators, seedstock producers and industry professionals alike.
The 138th Annual Convention of Delegates for the American Angus Association will also convene this year, where representatives from each state will elect new members and officers to the Board of Directors and look to the future for the Angus breed.
Photos by: Next Level Images
Grand Champion Female Ashton Dillow
Res. Senior Owned Female Ashton Dillow
Show Results
2021 All-American Angus Breeders’ Futurity Junior Show
2021 Illinois State Fair Roll of Victory Angus Show
Springfield | August 16 | John Davis, Ohio
Grand Champ. Cow-Calf
Colburn Saras Dream 9727
Res. Grand Champ. Bull
Kramers Know How 081
Marvin Kramer
Res. Intermediate Champ. Bull
MAF Active Duty 21
Troy Rawlings
Photos by Cindy Cagwin-Johnston
Res. Grand Champ. Cow-Calf
S&R Emma J836
Emily Kiesewetter
Res. Junior Champ. Bull
Parr Revenue Stream 0P08
Charles Parr
Res. Senior Bull Calf Cham.
Dameron FR Point Guard
Max Dameron
Breeders’ Best Six Head
Dameron Angus
Bronze and Silver Awards
Grand Champ. Bull M C Casino 0020
Intermediate Champ. Bull Destinys Hi-Country 283
Morgan Hutchins
Junior Bull Calf Champ. SF Hot Shot
Brooke Schiffbauer
Morgan Hutchins
Zach McCall
Blake Wolter
Res. Junior Bull Calf Champ.
Sa Woodstock 2102
Adam Stuckemeyer
Res. Senior Champ. Female
Dameron Lucy 9213
Addison Bartlow
Res. Senior Heifer Calf Champ.
PVF Missie 0145
Ashton Dillow
Early Junior Champ. Heifer
FCF Proven Queen 014
Paige Van Dyke
Grand Champ. Female
Dameron Northern Miss 9203
Paige Lemenager
Intermediate Champ. Heifer
Henning BCII Sandy 0059
Meghan Hadden
Junior Heifer Calf Champ.
Schafers Saras Dream 18
Lizzie Schafer
Late Junior Champ. Heifer
SCC SFC Phyllis 034
Reese Anderson
Res. Grand Champ. Female
FCF Phyllis 061
Lauren Wolter
Res. Intermediate Champ. Heifer
PVF Missie 0122
Ashlyn Mool
Res. Junior Heifer Calf Champ. A J Forever Lady 2107
Danielle Alberts
Res. Late Junior Champ. Heifer
FCF R&K Proven Queen 023
Lauren Wolter
The ILLINOIS BULLETIN
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
PRESIDENT’S NOTE
The calendar turns over another month in 2021. While many things have become strange or turned upside down in our lives, our cattle herds keep us focused and looking forward to the next year. We were excited to host our Hereford Tour again this year and were encouraged by all that attended. We had some exciting new stops in central Illinois that were enjoyed by all. Thank you for joining other Hereford enthusiasts to gain some ideas about the direction you would like to take your breeding program.
Congratulations to all our junior members that participated in the Junior National and all the wonderful opportunities that were enjoyed and captured by the youth from Illinois. We were EXTREMELY well represented by individuals participating in events, junior board members and even judges for showmanship…. WOW. Much of this can be attributed to the juniors and their parents, however, let’s not forget the junior advisors - special thanks to Buddy and Lisa Edenburn as they step down after many years of caring for the Illinois youth! Certainly, let’s not forget to congratulate Noah Benedict on being elected as Chairman and Lauren McMillan as the Leadership Chair of the NJHA. They are both outstanding leaders from the state of Illinois.
Enjoy this fall evaluating your calf crop and attending the many quality sales that are provided throughout Illinois!
- David Roome
IHA President
A MINUTE WITH THE MEENTS
John Meents, AHA Field Staff, jmeents@hereford.org, 419-306-7480
The 2021 National Junior Hereford Exposition (NJHE) is now history, and what a historical event it was. This year’s NJHE was held over the Fourth of July weekend in Kansas City, MO. It was titled “A Hereford Spectacular”. Besides being a HISTORICAL EVENT, it was a SPECTACULAR EVENT as well. There were approximately 1,410 Herefords in the barn from 836 exhibitors representing 41 states. I would like to share a few of the highlights for me personally.
1. For the past two decades going to the NJHE, I have never seen people having so much fun. The attendees really seemed to be happy to be there. Attendees enjoyed visiting with other exhibitors from across the United States. Many of the young exhibitors were playing football in the parking lots or corn hole in the aisles of the barn. The adults were just sitting in their stall spaces visiting with their friends or strolled around the barns looking at cattle as they shared stories with other parents. Attendees, juniors and staff were all HAPPY not to be wearing masks.
2. Cooking for the tailgate! The American Hereford Association staff under the direction of Chief Joe Rickabaugh marinated, prepped, grilled and served 72 Certified Hereford tri-tips. Each weighed between three and four pounds. They were served during the Fourth of July Welcome Parade Tailgate. It was a lot of work but fun. The product served had excellent flavor and was super tender. My hat is off to the state of Mississippi for serving some excellent catfish that evening. The Wisconsin cheese curds rocked as well!
3. On the evening after the showmanship competition, the AHA staff also grilled over 1,600 Certified Hereford Beef one-third pound hamburgers to all who wanted one. Again, a lot of work on a hot evening, but a lot of fun with the field staff and office staff working together.
4. Viewing the excellent quality cattle that were shown by the junior members! It seems that each year the great cattle get greater, and the good cattle get better, and no poor cattle even show up. Seeing over 1,400 head in one tie out space is an impressive and fun sight to see late at night or at daybreak.
If you have never attended a National Junior Hereford Expo, I sure encourage you to take your family at least one time to ENJOY the family experience. The 2022 NJHE will be in the air-conditioned facilities of the Kentucky Exposition in Louisville, KY and 2023 NJHE will be in Madison, Wis. at the World Dairy Expo Facilities.
MAKE YOUR CATTLE BETTER TODAY BECAUSE YOU HAVE TO MARKET THEM TOMORROW!
The above statement has ended my newsletter articles since I started writing newsletters over 20 years ago. I believe the statement is as true today as it was two decades ago. You, as member of the AHA, have taken this to heart and have improved your cattle greatly both phenotypically and genotypically. GREAT JOB!
This will be my last article that will appear in the Illinois Hereford Bulletin as your AHA Field Representative. I have retired from the American Hereford Association Field Staff as of August 31st. I want to thank past AHA staff members Craig Huffines and Gary Bishop for hiring me in 2000, and Jack Ward and Joe Rickabaugh for giving me the opportunity to continue being part of this great breed of cattle.
I also want to thank you, the members of the Illinois Hereford Association, for your support of myself and family, the Hereford breed and Hereford World. You are all some of the most solid, down to earth families in the world. You compete for market share, show ribbons and commercial bull buyers, but work together for the betterment of the Hereford breed and American agriculture.
After August 31st, I will be doing a few special assignment projects for the AHA, and will be starting Meents Marketing, LLC. I look forward to seeing you at many of the major cattle auctions in the Midwest. Peg and I have plans to take a few trips, spend more time with our four grandkids and help in the health care of Peg’s parents. Another retirement goal is doing some mission work projects and spreading the GOOD NEWS of JESUS CHRIST.
God Bless, John Meents
New email: johnmeents@yahoo.com
Phone: 419-306-7480
The 2021 Junior National Hereford Expo was held July 3-6, 2021, in Kansas City, MO. More than 850 juniors and their families from 41 states gathered in Kansas City for the 22nd annual VitaFerm JNHE to compete in educational and leadership events both in and out of the showring.
Illinois juniors had an outstand performance, finding sucess both in contest, professional development, and of corse the showring. Illinois was the largest state represented, with a total of 90 exhibitors and 228 head of cattle making their mark in Kansas City. Below are the results:
Class Winners
Steers
Class 5- Tyler Cole
Class 8- Aidan Knobloch
Bred and Owned Bulls
Class 16 - Caden and Corbin Perry
Class 19 - Cora Belle Chapman
Bred and Owned Heifers
Class 33 - Rhett Lowderman
Class 40 - Kade and Kendall Boatman
Class 44 - Sydney Wisnefski
Class 55 - Shelby and Bailey Pearl
Owned Polled Heifers
Class 73 - Lauren McMillan
Class 104 - Rhett Lowderman
Owned Horned Heifers
Class 80 - Stetson Storey
Class 110 - Riley Rhodes
Divisions
Bred and Owned Heifers
Division 5 Reserve Champion - Logan Rhoads Bulls
Division 1 Champion - CJ Sweatman
Division 5 Champion - Ella Bane
Divisions
Bred and Owned Heifers
Division 5 Reserve
Crane Owned Polled Heifers
Champion- Ella
Division 1 Reserve Champion - Rhett Lowderman
Division 9 Champion - Paige Lemenager
Champions
Grand Champion Cow-Calf Pair
Jones Family, Darlington, WI. MF 308N
Caitlin 13C ET, a March 2015 cow sired by BR Currency 8144 ET with a calf at side, and bred by Ye Ple McDonald’s Farm, Grand Rapinds, MI.
Reserve Grand Champion Steer
Lauren Jones, Darlington, WI. CHEZ Sir Logic 0675H, weighed 1,250 pounds and was sired by CHEZ/PUGH/HARA Logic 8815F ET.
Showmanship
Junior Intermediate
Nolan Lee, Wellington, IL was named the Reserve Champion Junior Showman and Ella Bane of Towansa, IL was 7th overall. Also, Jim and Jan Adcock of Assumption, IL evaluated the compeative competition.
Paige Lemenager, Hudson, IL was named the Reserve Champion Intermediate Showman and Kesler Collins of Flanagan, IL was 7th overall.
Contests Photography
2nd Place Hereford People and 3rd Place Hereford Cattle Peewee DivisionCaroline Lee
1st Place Hereford Cattle Intermediate Division - Kendall Boatman
3rd Place Hereford People Peewee Division - Crayton Chapman
1st Place Hereford Cattle Junior Division - Nolan Lee
1st Place Hereford Enhanced and Hereford People Intermediate Division - Waylon Lee
Contests
Hereford Bowl
Hereford Bowl Written TestHereford Bowl
1st and High Point Senior TestMolly Biggs
Peewee
2nd Place Senior Team - Molly Biggs, Kendall Boatman, Morgan Richardson, Nick Torrance
Livestock Judging Contest
3rd Place Peewee Team - Carson Beckman, Crayton Chapman, Gabe Crutcher, Corbin Perry
2nd Place Intermediate Team- Kendall Boatman, Shawn Crutcher, Paige Lemenager, Morgan Richardson Intermediate
3rd Place Individual- Shawn Crutcher
Senior
3rd Place Senior Team - Cassie Allscheid, Krista Allscheid, Kira Sayre, Nick Torrance
NJHA Prospect Award
5th Grade Winner - Faith Benedict
National Junior Merit Scholarship
NJHA State Outstanding Member
National Junior Merit Scholarship
1st Place - Molly Biggs
2nd Place - Noah Benedict
Charles E. Boyd Sr. Memorial Scholarship
National Organization of Poll-ette Founders Scholarship
National Organization of Poll-ette Founders Scholarship Hereford Herdsman Scholarship NJHA Herdsman of the
Molly Biggs
Noah Benedict
Lauren McMillan
Noah Benedict
Noah Benedict
Contests
NJHA Board
Noah Benedict - Chairman, Lauren McMillan - Leadership Chair, and Lauren Jones - Director
Speech Contest
Peewee Speech Participants
Carson Beckman
Corbin Perry
Intermediate
1st Place - Kade Boatman
Senior
3rd Place - Lauren McMillan
Show Results
2021 Illinois Hereford Preview Show
Georgetown, Ill. | June 18-20
Owned Heifers
Grand Champion Horned: Lauren Jones
Reserve Grand Horned: Ella Bane
3rd Overall: Morgan Lowderman
4th Overall: Nolan Hoge
5th Overall: Stetson Storey
Grand Champion Polled - Riley Rhodes
Reserve Grand Polled - Stetson Storey
3rd Overall - Elaina Walsh
4th Overall - Rhett Lowderman
5th Overall - Kendall Boatman
Junior Recognition
Premiere Junior Breeder: Nick Torrance
Premiere Junior Exhibitor: Nick Torrance
Outstanding Junior Member: Molly
BIggs
Speech
Pee Wee Participants
Crayton Chapman
Corbin Perry
Junior
Champion: Cora Chapman
Junior Participants
Faith Benedict
Ella Crane
Caden Perry
Intermediate
Champion: Kade Boatman
Senior Champion: Lauren McMillan
Faces of Leadership
Scholarship
Tori Allen
Molly Biggs
Kade Boatman
Kendall Boatman
Shawn Crutcher
Rachel Hood
Rhett Lehman
Paige Lemenager
Abby Muck
Emma Richardson
Morgan Richardson
Chris Stephens Memorial
Scholarship
Lauren McMillan
Bred/Owned
Grand Champion Bred/Owned: Rhett Lowderman
Reserve Grand Bred/Owned: Ella Bane
3rd Overall: Kendall Boatman
4th Overall: Rhett Lowderman
5th Overall: Morgan Lowderman
Steer
Grand Champion Steer: Kesler Collins
Reserve Grand Steer: Kaelin Lewis
Showmanship
Pee Wee
Champion: Lilly Anderson Reserve: Ryan Garnhart
Junior Champion: Nolan Lee
Reserve: Maddox Gunn
Intermediate Champion: Kesler Collins
Reserve: Kendall Boatman
Senior
Champion: Noah Benedict
Reserve: Lauren McMillan
Pre-Pee Wee Participants
Elyse Garnhart, Grant Goldstein, Chism
Harms, Blakely Storey, Korbin Swigart
Sam Taylor Scholarship
Kira Sayre
Retiring Junior Members
Noah Benedict
Jake Bohnsack
Korbin Collins
Stephen Lorenzen
Morgan Lowderman
Adam Yoder
Retiring Advisors
Buddy & Lisa Edenburn
Advisors
John & Julie Bickelhaupt
Tom & Tammy Boatman
Scott & Monica Torrance
Cow/Calf
Grand Champion Cow/Calf: Laure, Brady and NIck Jones
Reserve Grand Cow/Calf: Dellana and Abigail Muck
Bull
Grand Champion Bull: Morgan Lowderman
Reserve Grand Bull: Kade & Kendall Boatman
Team Fitting
Pee Wee
Champion: Crayton Chapman
Reserve: Ryan Garnhart
Junior Champion: Stetson Storey
Reserve: Nolan Lee
Senior
Champion: Emma Richardson
Quiz Bowl
Junior Team
Ella Bane, Cora Chapman, Ellie Lehman, Daniel Richardson
Senior Team
Molly Biggs, Kendall Boatman, Morgan Richardson, Nick Torrance
Prospect Awards
3rd Grade: Corbin Perry
3rd Grade: Gabe Crutcher
4th Grade: Cora Chapman
6th Grade: Caden Perry
7th Grade: Trevor Crutcher
7th Grade: Nolan Lee
8th Grade: Kade Boatman
8th Grade: Kendall Boatman
2021-2022 Junior Board
President: Nick Torrance
Vice-President: Emma Richardson
Secretary: Molly Biggs
Treasurer: Paige Lemenager
Noah Benedict
Haley Bickelhaupt
Kade Boatman
Kendall Boatman
Lauren McMillan
Abigail Muck
Morgan Richardson
Corey Stumpf
Show Results
2021 Illinois State Fair Junior Show
Springfield | August 12-14
Photos by Cindy Cagwin- Johnston
Champion Horned Hereford Female Shown by Ella Bane
5th Overall Grand Champion Female Champion Bred & Owned Champion Polled Hereford Reserve Champion Land of Lincoln Shown by Rhett Lowderman
Reserve Grand Champion Land of Lincoln Steer Champion Hereford Shown by Parker Lewis
Reserve Champion Horned Hereford Female Shown by Stetson Storey
4th Overall Land of Lincoln Steer Reserve Champion Hereford Shown by Parker Lewis
Reserve Champion Polled Hereford Female Shown by Lucas Beckman
2021 Illinois State Fair Open Show
Springfield, Ill. | August 14-16
Photos by Cindy Cagwin- Johnston
Champion Horned Female
Storey Miss Olivia 10H
Stetson and Blakely Storey
Reserve Champion Horned
Bull
PRCC Grundy Prairie 2011 ET
Fred Nessler
Reserve Champion Horned
Female
7008 Duncans Dream 0049
Kendall Boatman
Premiere Herdsman
The Nolan Lee Family & Uncle Willie Couch
Champion Horned Bull
YCC Mr Diesel 2006
Addison Young
Champion Polled Female
GKB BR Bluebonnett H0
Nolan Lee
Reserve Champion Polled
Female
BOY Harley 018H ET
Paige Lemenager
Champion Polled Bull
SLC 561C Change Of Pace 3H ET
Stumpf Herefords
Reserve Champion Polled Bull
CRR 8Y Homegrown 057
Logan Rhoads
Kings, IL 61068
James home 815-562-4946
James cell 815-761-1523
Malcolm 815-761-8462
President’s Note
What a difference a year makes. This time last year we had no Illinois State Fair and only a few small local shows for the junior kids. This year we were back to somewhat normal with a great Junior Nationals in Grand Island and State Fair in Springfield. Both were great events for Illinois juniors.
This year we were in Grand Island, Neb. for Junior Nationals. This was a first for the Simmentals. They have a very nice facility out there with a lot of room and a big show ring. The Illinois turnout was awesome. We had 58 kids and to say they did great would be an understatement. In the last issue I wrote out everything the kids won and I had writer’s cramp for days. This time, with some help from my wonderful wife and my friend Betty, this is all listed for me. Also, a huge thank you to Conley and Lacey Schick for keeping track of all contests and shows and then putting them on Facebook for everyone to see. Team Illinois had a great week. It seemed like every contest or division in the show had Illinois kids at or near the top. Another big thanks to our junior advisors - Emily Adcock, Lacey Schick, and Lynnette Frederick. Last but not least I need to recognize all of the parents. During the week the kids are busy with contests everyday, which leaves the parents back at the stalls to take care of the cattle. These times are filled with laughs and fun, and always some great discussions no matter which aisle you are in. These people are great friends to be on “vacation” with. Oh and one last thing, Jemma next year I will be jogging around the campground in my running shoes. Next we were at the Illinois State Fair. What a week it was! It started out hot and humid for Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Then a little storm blew through the fairgrounds. Luckily, it was not quite as bad as five years ago - not good memories. Then it cooled off so Friday, Saturday and Sunday were nice. Again, the Simmental kids and cattle had a great week. Thursday both of the performance cow divisions were won by Simmentals. The two-year-old division had Luke Gilbert’s Purebred Simmental cow calf as Champion, and the aged cow division saw Jenna Spangler take home the top spot with her Low Percent Simmental pair. On Friday Casey Besse’s Low Percent Simmental heifer was named Champion Low Percent Simmental then went on to be named Reserve Overall Heifer later that afternoon. On Saturday in the steer show, Landry Freeman had the Champion Simmental Steer and then a few hours later was crowned Grand Overall Steer! On Sunday for the open shows, the Simmental families had a long day. We started showing purebreds at 8 in the morning then had about a 2 hour break and finished with the Low Percent Simmental show later in the afternoon. The Simmental cattle in these two shows were all top notch. At the end of the Low Percent Simmental show, all the champions came back for the Rick Haefner Supreme Animal Award. This year the winner was the Purebred bull of the Adcock Family. Congratulations! Also the McGrew family took home Herdsman of the Year honors. Once again this was a great way to spend a week with some awesome Simmental friends.
As we head into fall, everyone will have the opportunities to find their next year’s prospects. Sale season will kick off Labor Day weekend and go all the way through to the Illinois Beef Expo. Be sure to check out all the Simmental breeder’s websites for sales or updates on all the cattle for sale. Many champions come out of our great state! Lastly and most importantly, don’t forget that Illinois is hosting Junior Nationals next July 10-16 in Madison, Wis. The team of directors and committee will be putting in loads of hard work. It takes a lot of teamwork and fundraising to put on this event. Watch the Illinois Simmental Junior’s website and Facebook page for updates on fundraising events. Contact one of our directors with any questions - Jenifer Tarr, Sherri Adcock, Paul Walker, or any of our board members. If you know any kid between the age of 8 to 21 get them a Simmental and get them to this event - it is awesome!
Scott Frederick, ISA President
Show Results
2021AJSA National Classic
Grand Island, Neb. | June 26 -July 2
BRED AND OWNED STEER SHOW RESULTS
4th overall- Quinten Frederick
5th overall- Anna Webel
6th overall- Ava Gilbert
8th overall- Ian Sundberg
BRED AND OWNED PUREBRED BULL RESULTS
9th Overall - Garrett Rhode
OWNED PERCENTAGE HEIFERS
DIVISION 1
Champion- Payton McGrew
BRED AND OWNED PUREBRED COW CALF PAIR RESULTS
Grand Champion Overall- Luke Gilbert
Res Grand Overall- Curt Lemenager
3rd Overall- Clay Sundberg
OWNED PUREBRED COW CALF PAIR RESULTS
3rd Overall Luke Gilbert
BRED AND OWNED PUREBRED HEIFER RESULTS
Kade Roeder- Reserve Grand Overall
Ty Drach- 6th Overall
Ellie Drach- 8th Overall
Conley Schick- 10th Overall
OWNED PERCENTAGE HEIFERS DIVISION 5 RESULTS
Casey Besse- Reserve Champion
OWNED PERCENTAGE HEIFER RESULTS
10th Overall- Casey Besse
BRED & OWNED PERCENTAGE BULL RESULTS
6th Overall- Like Gilbert
OWNED PERCENTAGE COW CALF PAIR RESULTS
6h Overall- Jenna Spangler
BRED & OWNED PERCENTAGE HEIFER RESULTS
8th Overall- Casey Besse
16th Overall- Curt Lemenager
OWNED PUREBRED HEIFERSDIVISION 3 RESULTS
Millie Lashmett- Reserve Champion
OWNED PUREBRED HEIFERSDIVISION 4 RESULTS
3rd Overall- Colt Roeder
12th Overall- Cody Knodle
OWNED PUREBRED HEIFERS
DIVISION 5 RESULTS
Champion- Mabrey Schick
5th Overall- Gracyn Welsh
OWNED PUREBRED RESULTS
3rd Overall- Mabrey Schick
8th Overall- Millie Lashmett
12th Overall- Colt Roeder.
THANK YOU TO T-SHIRT
SPONSORS: Bramlet Simmentals, Bar QH and Spangler Farms.
Thank you to stall card sponsors: Adcock Land and Livestock and Boitnott Family Cattle.
MAKING JUNIOR SEMIFINAL #1
Jemma Dorsey
Travis Rhode
Gracelynne Lashmett
Conley Schick.
MAKING SEMIFINAL #2
INTERMEDIATES
Grace Lemenager
Cole Glick
Anna Webel
Ellie Drach
MAKING SEMIFINAL #2 JUNIOR DIVISION
Paisley Schick
Payton McGrew
Mabrey Schick
MAKING SEMIFINAL #3 INTERMEDIATE
Jasper Tarr
Claire Dorsey
Preston Rhode
Tyler Miller
Emerson Tarr
Gracyn Welsh
Amelia Miller
MAKING JUNIOR SEMIFINAL #3
Ava Gilbert
Jacqueline Lashmett
Kade Roeder
Deken Kemme
SENIOR SEMIFINAL #1 FINALISTS
Millie Lashmett
Garrett Rhode
SENIOR SEMIFINAL #2
Clay Sundberg
Jenna Spangler
Brooklyn Welsh
Ty Drach
JUNIOR SHOWMANSHIP FINALISTS
Kade Roeder
Jemma Dorsey
Mabrey Schick
Conley Schick
JUNIOR SHOWMANSHIP WINNERS
18th- Jemma Dorsey
9th- Conley Schick
Champion- Mabrey Schick
INTERMEDIATE SHOWMANSHIP WINNERS
19th- Ellie Drach
18th- Claire Dorsey
12th- Megan Harrell
11th- Luke Gilbert
SENIOR SHOWMANSHIP
WINNER
19th- Millie Lashmett
MERIT AWARD WINNERS
Bronze Award Winners
Ty Knodle
Mabrey Schick
Jenna Spangler
Brooklyn Welsh
Silver Award winners
Ty Drach
STEER PROFITABILITY AWARDS
Reserve Champion Most Profitable
Steer- Asher Litman
PUBLIC SPEAKING
Intermediate
8th- Ty Knodle
12th- Jasper Tarr
20th- Emerson Tarr
Senior
15th- Ty Drach
17th- Jenna Spangler
18th- Cody Knodle
LIVESTOCK JUDGING
Junior
13th- Paisley Schick
Intermediate
1st- Ty Knodle
3rd- Preston Rhode
4th- Emerson Tarr
17th- Ty Miller
Senior
1st- Cody Knodle
5th- Ty Drach
9th- Clay Sundberg
18th- Mady Fredrick
CALVIN DRAKE GENETIC EVALUATION
Junior
3rd- Conley Schick
13th- Paisley Schick
14th- Mabrey Schick
Intermediate
17th- Preston Rhode
Honorable Mention
Ellie Drach
Emerson Tarr
Senior
3rd- Clay Sundberg
12th- Ty Drach 13th- Cody Knodle
SALES TALK
Junior
3rd- Conley Schick
19th- Mabrey Schick
Intermediate
5th- Ty Miller
11th- Ty Knodle
12th-Jasper Tarr
16th- Emerson Tarr
Simmental Breeders
18th Amelia Miller
Senior
1st- Clay Sundberg
4th- Cody Knodle
11th- Mady Fredrick
CATTLEMAN’S QUIZ
Junior
2nd-Conley Schick
15th- Mabrey Schick
17th- Tate Sundberg
Intermediate
20th Ellie Drach
Honorable Mention
Ty Miller
Emerson Tarr
Senior
8th- Kendra Meyer 9th- Ty Drach
15th- Cody Knodle
18th- Mady Fredrick
19th- Bailey Sigrist
OVERALL
Junior
1st- Conley Schick
6th- Mabrey Schick
Intermediate
7th- Ty Knodle
Senior
3rd- Ty Drach
4th- Clay Sundberg 8th- Cody Knodle
Show Results
2021 Illinois Junior Simmental Preview Show
Macomb, Ill. | May 22-23 | Judge: Cody Lowderman, Macomb, Ill.
Photos by Cindy Cagwin-Johnston Livestock Photography
Percentage Bull
Res. Champion Purebred Bull
Champion Percentage Heifer
Champion Bred-and-Owned
Res. Champ. Percentage Bull
Champion % Cow-Calf Pair
Champ. Percentage Heifer
Res. Champ. Bred-and-Owned
Purebred
Purebred
The Dan Bernard Memorial Supreme Overall
Curt Lemenager
Grand Champion Steer Anna Webel
Res. Grand Champion Steer Ava Gilbert
Champion
Leslie Walker
Luke Gilbert
Champion
Bull Garrett Rhode
Paisley Schick
Jenna Spangler
Champ.
Cow-Calf Pair
Curt Lemenager
Curt Lemenager
Res.
Brooklyn Welsh
3rd Overall Champ. % Heifer
Payton McGrew
Show Results
2021 Illinois State Fair Junior Show
Springfield | August 12-14
% Simmental
Res. Grand Champion Female Champion
Shown by Casey Besse
Champion Simmental Female Shown by Ty Drach
Grand Champion Steer Champion Simmental Shown by Landrey Freeman
Champion Young Cow-Calf
Shown by Luke Gilbert
Res. Champ. Simmental Female Shown by Millie Lashmett
4th Overall Steer
Res. Champion Simmental Shown by Madeline Nightengale
Res. Champion Aged Cow-Calf Shown by Connor Campbell
Photos by Cindy Cagwin- Johnston
2021 Illinois State Fair Open Show
Springfield, Ill. | August 14-16
Photos by Cindy Cagwin- Johnston
Champion Simmental Steer
Reserve Champion Land of Lincoln
Grace Arnold
Champion % Simmental Bull
ALL Avail 935H
Adcock Land & Cattle
Premiere Herdsman
Diamond A Farms
The Alwardt Family
Premiere Herdsman
McGrew Family
Res. Champion Simmental
Steer
Tanner Foose
Champion Simmental Bull
CNS HFS 102 Clarified J012
Mabrey Schick
Res. Champion Simmental Female
AK NDS Seckond Chaynce
Mabrey Schick
Res. Champion % Simmental
Bull
RB2C Mint Condition 003H
James Johnson of River Bluff Farm
Champion Simmental Female
NXT Wink H020
Ty Drach
Res. Champion Simmental Bull
FC Bert
Jasper Tarr
Res. Champion % Simmental Female
ECS ALL Precious 035H
Adcock Land & Cattle
Champion % Simmental Female
Brokers Phy Llisity 20H
Cassie Besse
Fairview Sale Jan,, lt1c.
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
Purebred Breeders
Illinois Beef, printed bi-monthly, is the official publication of the IBA. It serves as the voice of Illinois’ 12,000 beef producers.
Advertiser’s Index
Betty Haynes Director of Communications
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
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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
