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.