24 Animal Agriculture Alliance Exposes Radical Animal Rights Organization
The Animal Agriculture Alliance, a non-profit organization that monitors activist attacks on agriculture, has officially designated five new organizations as animal rights extremists. Among the groups listed are the Organization for Competitive Markets (OCM) and Farm Action.
26
Leaving an Inheritance
For IBA Farm Family of the Year, the Andras Family, leaving an inheritance means building a legacy for the next generation. Turn here to read how they are multiplying their success.
32 Making Tough Cattle That Look Good Too
Find out why IBA Seedstock Producers of the Year Cardinal Cattle Company strives for the whole package.
37 Illinois State Fair
From serving ribeyes to recognizing champions, IBA made strong efforts to capitalize on every opportunity to promote beef and serve beef producers at this year’s events.
We have just wrapped up chopping feed for winter around here, and the weather seems to be turning the corner from those hot summer days to cooler fall temperatures. With harvest getting going, it is a sign that our next season is upon us.
With the change in seasons, IBA starts a new fiscal year and program year as well. We had a big year as an association, in large part because of our great members across the state. Last year we added more than 400 new members; welcome and thank you for investing in membership to our cattlemen’s organization. I believe the work we do as a commodity group is very important for all cattle operations and beef producers, and I’m proud that we continue to meet with farmers who want to be part of what we are growing at Illinois Beef. If you know of a producer that isn’t yet a member, please consider asking them to join to help us keep IBA growing in the new fiscal year.
Our summer of 2023 ended with several great programs. I want to thank all our members, directors and volunteers who helped make Illinois State Fair and DuQuoin State Fair activities such a great success. I got the chance to be part of several days at both fairs, and I came away greatly impressed by the things that the beef industry continues to do to engage the public, promoting our products and our farms through these kinds of major events.
In Springfield, we had a very successful turnout for the Ribeye Corral food stand across from the Grandstand. Through the great work of our volunteers, staff, and our food
partners at Raber’s Packing, we were able to serve thousands of sandwiches –ribeyes, brisket, burgers, and hotdogs. I would especially like to thank board member Betsy Pech, who continues her volunteerism on behalf of IBA, helping coordinate that concession operation. She put in more than 14 days of work at the fair, from setup all the way through to tearing down, and it sure helps to keep things going while our staff and other leaders are managing other activities through the fair as well.
Through our Beef Checkoff programs, the Illinois State Fair gave us several venues to showcase red meat as a preferred protein this year. We had beef operations featured in the grain bin structure by the Coliseum and used this as an opportunity for the public to meet with farmers and learn first-hand about local beef production from families raising cattle across our state. Most of the volunteers also brought beef product from their farms for sampling, and many used the opportunity to hand out literature about their farms. It was a great opportunity to showcase how our cattle operations feed so many in Illinois, and beyond. We also partnered with the fair for several beef-focused competitions, including the annual Chili Cookoff, a beef cooking contest for youth, and several divisions of cooking competitions for the public, too.
At DuQuoin we were able to take part in opening day ceremonies at the fair, including a chance for Josh and I to sit down with the Governor and Lieutenant Governor during one of their visits to southern Illinois. We also hosted a Cattlemen Connect meeting during the DuQuoin Fair, and I really enjoyed the chance to meet members and affiliate representatives in that region of the state.
Both fairs featured perhaps one of the best public relations opportunities for us during the summer months – junior beef exhibitors and Illinois Junior Beef Association members, showing their 4-H and FFA cattle projects. We saw great cattle on display at both fairs, and I want to congratulate all the juniors for the great work they put in exhibiting animals at state fairs this summer. I also want to thank all of you moms and dads who make it possible for those young people to participate in cattle shows. It takes significant investments of time and money, and we are incredibly fortunate to have so many Illinois families engaging in these shows, as part of the beef community but also as a great outreach opportunity with the public attending our fairs.
I am gearing up for a busy fall of meeting with affiliates and members across the state and look forward to seeing you at one of our upcoming events. If there is anything you would like to see from IBA in your community or in support of your operation, please do not hesitate to reach out to me or a member of our staff at the office in Springfield.
Dave ready to present ribbons to winners of the “Beef. It’s What’s for Dinner.” culinary contest at the state fair.
Illinois State Fair 2023
Thank you to everyone who volunteered at Ribeye Corral!
Craig & Lisa Nafziger
Buzz & Kris Iliff
Joni Kinsella
Justin & Jamie Martz
Whiteside County Cattlemen
Fairview Sale Barn
Paul & Denise Rice
Schuyler-Brown Cattlmen
Adams County Beef Producers
Prairie Beef Association
Kayla Gallagher
Lindsay Mitchell
Breese Central FFA
Heartland Beef Alliance
Nokomis FFA
Kent Nutrition Group
Henry County Beef Association
John Brubaker
Carol Lock
Dr. Paul Walker
Ross Pauli
Trevor Maiers
Larisa Willrett
Dan Haynes
Bank of Springfield
ISA - Department of Ag
Crossroads Beef Producers
Dwayne & Susan Schwarz
Bill & Judi Graff
Joan Harrison
Diane Lindgren
Darin Smith
Susan & Malcolm Head
Shannon Welsh
Dave Duzan
Wes Hornback
Randy Pech
Illinois Midwest Cattlemen
Mark Bunselmeyer
Jo Daviess County Beef Assoc.
Hadley Farms
Executive Edge
Josh St. Peters, Illinois Beef Association Executive Vice President
Our industry is currently experiencing some historic economic times. Tight supplies are making for better markets across the beef value chain. Underpinned by solid consumer demand, we have enjoyed several reasons to be excited about beef production this year, and the economic forecast for next year also shows strength for cow-calf and feeding operations.
For a grassroots organization like Illinois Beef Association, these stronger times are a great opportunity to celebrate the successes of family farms that make up our membership. I hope this more profitable season bolsters all our operations across the state.
I do believe it is also a great time for us to be thinking and planning, looking ahead to what next opportunity could help our businesses and our association grow stronger and weather any uncertainties we might face in the future.
Certainly 2023 has not been all milk and honey. Mind you, drought and tight supplies of many inputs have added a lot of costs to beef production. And many producers battled weather impacts beyond just the lack of rain. I have fielded a lot of calls from and have been on several operations who took the brunt of spring or summer storm systems –impacting livestock production and family livelihoods. And then there is the extreme heat suffered by many this summer. The weatherman has not exactly been a beacon of good news for livestock production this year.
But planning and productivity have given way to prosperity for much of agriculture in 2023. I am naturally an optimist, so I do believe we will see beef producers continue
enjoying strength going forward in this fourth quarter of the year and into 2024.
While we enjoy these good times, I hope our industry also continues to double-down on advocacy and outreach. Let’s each keep up the good work of engaging with consumers and non-farm leaders, using our resources to communicate about our family farms and our beef industry. The association has resources available to help you with your outreach and promotion, with a lot of options and flexibility depending on what opportunities you would like to explore. We always need men and women from family beef operations as volunteers and spokespeople for public events and media interviews.
My daughter is in second grade this year, and we are deep in the world of Dr. Suess books at home. One of the stories recently brought the idea of advocacy back to mind for me, hearing these words from The Lorax:
“Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It’s not!”
Let’s keep making the industry better as we head into the home stretch of 2023 and be working on plans and opportunities to start 2024 off equally as successful for Illinois’ cattle operations.
Extension Update
Travis Meteer, University of Illinois Extension Beef Specialist
Baled Cornstalks in Beef Cow Rations
If you read this column regularly, then you know that I am a believer in utilizing cornstalks. Grazing the aftermath of a corn harvest will forever be the best way to utilize cornstalks. However, not all acres are convenient to graze. This, combined with low hay supplies, has many cattlemen asking questions about using baled cornstalks for cattle feed.
Baling cornstalks can provide an alternative to grazing, but additional costs exist. Additional costs associated with baling cornstalks include machinery, fuel, labor, and nutrient removal costs. It is important to realize and apply these costs to the cornstalk bale to accurately determine the cost of the feedstuff. Even with these additional costs, many times baling cornstalks still is more economical than purchasing other feeds. Elevated hay prices certainly make using cornstalks attractive this year.
Baled cornstalks are normally 3-5% CP and 45-54% TDN. Because variability is high, it is important to sample and test for nutrient analysis. Supplementation is necessary to balance rations using baled cornstalks. Even with supplementation costs, feeding baled cornstalks can be an economic alternative to feeding hay.
Corn co-products such as CGF (Corn Gluten Feed) and DDGS (Dried Distillers Grains with Solubles) work well for supplementing cornstalks. See Table 1. for example rations for a 1400 lb. lactating beef cow. Economic feasibility of wintering cows on diets containing cornstalks hinges on having other quality, nutrient dense feedstuffs to include into a balanced ration. It is also important to properly bale and store cornstalks thus avoiding introduction of animal health hazards such as mold, mycotoxins, nitrates, and harmful bacteria.
Waste is an issue with feeding cornstalk bales. The best strategies to limit waste include bale processing and feeding a Total Mixed Ration (TMR). However, bale processing and use of a TMR feeding system adds equipment costs to an operation. TMR rations
Utilizing cornstalks can be a cost-saving advantage to high priced hay. Cornstalks supplemented with co-products can be utilized by both large and small producers. Smaller producers with less than 50 head need to be willing to bucket
feed the co-product, because equipment costs would not be justifiable at this number of cows. If they are not willing to bucket feed, then hay may be the cheapest strategy. For producers running over 100 cows, the added cost of equipment is more justifiable with the feed savings of grinding and feeding a TMR. Size of operation and labor situation does have an impact on the economic feasibility of winter feeding strategies. Tips for feeding cornstalk bales:
• Sample and send off for nutrient analysis.
• Test for nitrate and mycotoxin levels if risk is apparent.
• Not an equal substitute for hay. Must be supplemented.
• Changes to mineral supplementation may be necessary.
• Process bales to reduce particle size. This will reduce feed refusal and waste.
• If you cannot process bales, budget for the added waste. Use leftovers of the bale for bedding.
• Mix with wet co-products. Adds to palatability and decreases ration sort. A target diet moisture of 50% reduces sorting of the ration.
Inclusion, As-fed lbs.
*Rations are for illustration only. Consult your nutritionist for a balanced, least-cost ration.
*Actual waste, nutrient analysis, and prices will vary. No mineral cost included.
Table
Ration
Gate Cuts
Paul Walker, Professor Emeritus, DI Walker Consulting
Another Article About Substitutes for Feeding Hay to Cows
Yes, it is going to be another year of high -priced hay. Have you been to the weekly hay sale at the local sale barn lately? Big round bales of hay of such low quality that my cows will not eat them are bring $35 up to $55 per bale (of course my cows are spoiled). Big round bales of hay that my cows will eat are bringing $85 - $125 per bale, and it is only August. How high will hay be in January or February?
There are so many factors that affect the cost of big round bales. The amount of hay within the bale seems to be the primary determining factor of price, i.e. the size of the bale and the density of the bale. To an extent the second factor that affects sale price appears to be bale quality as affected by visual appraisal: whether it is stored outside or inside, whether it is string rapped or net wrapped or rapped in plastic, is it grass hay or alfalfa, is it baleage or dry hay, how much foxtail and weeds does the bale contain, presence of mold and color of the hay. Simply put, do not be confused by dollar-per-bale prices. Not all bales are created equal. While visual appraisal is important in price determination, it is not the best way to purchase hay – but it is the most often method used.
When possible, price hay by the ton instead of by the bale. Also, ask for a nutrient analysis. Neither of these two options are available at the sale barn and in years of short supply (like this year) on-farm hay sellers may not have to sell hay by the ton or on a nutrient analysis basis to get the price they desire. Regardless of how hay is purchased ,a nutrient analysis should be obtained before feeding supplementation to know what type of supplementation is required. And, if a producer is considering limit feeding hay, a nutrient analysis is essential. (My Gate Cuts article titled “Forages: To Test or Not to Test”, published in the July | August 2022 Illinois Beef issue provides a through discussion of forage testing.)
As opposed to feeding free choice hay, producers do have multiple options: 1) buy more high priced hay, 2) limit
Table 1. Sample Diets for 1,400 lb. Cow, Average Nursing Ability Requiring 14 lbs. TDN and 2.3 lbs. CP/Day
feed the hay on hand and supplement with shelled corn/soybean meal or byproduct feedstuffs, and 3) utilize other low quality forage options [corn stalks, wheat straw, oat straw, harvested cover crops (cereal rye, pearl millet, sudan grass), etc.] supplemented with either shelled corn/protein source of choice or by-product feedstuff. Utilizing low quality forage options or limited feeding hay can be accomplished without processing the forage but feeding a TMR (total mixed ration) based on a nutrient analysis is the best option. A vertical tub grinder/mixer is a great piece of equipment for utilizing alternative forages and by-product feedstuffs, but this equipment can be cost prohibitive for a producer with 30 cows or less. Technology is great unless the operation is too small to afford the first cost.
Reviewing Table 1, using the real world costs (August 19, 2023) and the nutrient values cited in Table 2, one can see that the cost per day to feed a lactating beef cow with average nursing ability is not always as expected. If low cost, optimum production is the producers goal, the producer must do the following:
• keep current on feedstuff prices – they vary daily.
• calculate expected intakes before buying any feedstuff.
• be willing to buy alternative feedstuffs
• realize what you are already doing may be the most economical choice.
• be willing to change what you are doing if it is not the most economical choice.
• realize the cost: day in Table 1 affects only CP and TDN. It does not include vitamin and mineral supplementation, they cost more to supplement. Have a great day, Doc.
Table 2. Feedstuffs Used
Affiliate News
Stephenson/Winnebago County Beef Association provided beef snack sticks for blood donors in the month of May for May Beef Month. Pictured below is Beef Ambassador, Brea Musser, with an employee of the blood bank.
The association was also a sponsor for the Stephenson County Jackpot Show at the Stephenson County Fair in July. Also at the fair they offered $2 coupons for any beef sandwich at their “Beef Corral” food booth. Recipients played “Beef Jeopardy” before receiving their coupon.
Midwest Cattlemen’s grilled and served beef kabobs during the Morgan County 4-H auction appreciation luncheon. The luncheon was open to 4-H members and families, plus business representatives, to support the youth in agriculture. A total of 350 beef kabobs and 100 hamburgers were grilled and served on Monday, July 17. Newly elected IJBA Director, Emma Taylor (center of right picture), was among those serving luncheon attendees.
Woodford County Beef Improvement Association
participated in the Woodford County 4-H show held July 24-27. During the week they sold WCBIA t-shirts featuring their new logo. On Wednesday evening they hosted a “Dinner in the Barn” potluck where they served burgers. WCBIA also raffled off three boxes of freezer beef, each valued at around $300, drawing for winners on the final day of the fair during the beef show.
Crossroads Beef Producers were joined by IBA President Dave Duzan and Executive VP Josh St. Peters for their 2023 Taste of Beef promotion during the recent Effingham County Fair in Altamont. The event featured samples of premium beef cuts prepared and given out to hundreds of visitors at the fair, as part of the 2023 Effingham County 4-H Livestock Auction.
Pictured: Wendell Alwardt, Duzan, St. Peters, Lisa & Bill Zumbahlen, Darrel Gressel.
Jo Daviess County Beef Association filled their summer with a wide range of activities. One June 9, they crowned their 2024 Beef Queen at their annual “Beef Banquet,” where they also help a sponsorship auction to support scholarships and yearly promotional activities.
Throughout the summer, the association promoted beef at community events through selling ribeye steaks. They also provided a gift to 4-H members who exhibited in the county 4-H beef show. Included in the gift was a water bucket, rope halter, scrub brush, comb, feed scoop and shampoo.
A highlight of the summer included participation in the community fair where the association prepared a 500-person free lunch, plus supported the BBQ cook-off but providing fund to purchase tri-tip and each team received a “Beef. It’s What’s for Dinner.” apron.
August 23 was the second annual beef tour. Attendees traveled to multiple seedstock operations, an embryo transfer facility, a custom finishing operation and a farm-to-table business.
Union County Cattlemen’s Association sponsored the Union County junior beef show awards on Wednesday, August 23. Champion female went to Campbell Belcher, reserve went to Layne Murray. Champion market steer went to Layne Murray, while Caleb Barringer won reserve. Each champion was awarded $100 from the association and each reserve received $50.
In the Know
Illinois Beef Takes on NCBA Summer Business Meeting
IBA President Dave Duzan and IBA Programs and Services Manager Annie Schoetmer spent time in San Diego this July to represent the IBA Board of Governors at policy and checkoff committee meetings, and regional meetings as well.
Prairie View Farms Hosts Open House
Prairie View Farms celebrated 15 years as a Trans Ova satellite center with an open house on Thursday, August 24. Claire DeOrnellas and other members of the Trans Ova team spoke about the power of utilizing IVF in beef operations and performed a live ovum pick-up on-site! The evening continued with a panel discussion moderated by our very own Josh St. Peters which focused on the business development made possible through IVF. Donor and recipient nutrition was discussed by a Vita Plus representative and the evening concluded with a donor and recipient management panel discussion.
Illinoisian Al Lyman, who serves on NCBA’s Beef Promotion Operating Committee, poses with Schoetmer and Duzan.
Duzan and Schoetmer settle in for another policy meeting where Duzan would vote according to previously decided IBA Policy Board decisions.
Alan and Theresa Miller, with Claire DeOrnellas and IBA EVP Josh St. Peters.
IBA EVP moderates IVF discussion.
Illinois Beef handed out magazines and koozies at the event.
Jakobs Bros. Farms Hosts Farmers from Brazil, IBA Sponsors Lunch
On Tuesday, August 29, IBA producer member, Jakobs Bros. Farms, hosted a group of Brazilian farmers on a John Deeresponsored trip to the 2023 Farm Progress Show. Twenty-two Brazilian guests and two Agri Bravo staff members toured the farm. While there, participants discussed feed rations, cattle pen systems, processing cattle, manure application, crop farming and much more. Lunch was sponsored by IBA from Three-Headed Monster BBQ.
IBA Serves Beef at Farm Progress Show
Illinois Beef board members and staff served beef brisket and Italian beef in the Illinois Corn and Illinois Soybean booth at Farm Progress Show, held August 29-31 in Decatur. In addition, attendees also picked up beef informational and recipe handouts, and more. IBA board volunteers include Dave Duzan, Shannon Welsh, Joan Harrison and Betsy Pech.
Illinois Corn’s Bill Leigh tries Italian beef while chatting with IBA Vice President, Shannon Welsh.
IBA Membership and Communications Manager Devin Bollman smiles with brisket, ready for fairgoers.
IBA Programs and Services Manager Annie Schoetmer shares about the work IBA does with the farmers.
Attendees were given IBA gifts including hats, koozies and more.
Representative Bradley Fritts and Nik Jakobs sit down to chat about the government and agriculture.
Ricky Gonzalez demonstrates how they process incoming cattle.
Group discussion with some of the Jakobs’ farm staff.
Farmers from Brazil pose with Representative Bradley Fritz, the Jakobs brothers and IBA’s Annie Schoetmer.
Discovering Illinois Family Farms: Chicago Social Media Creators Learn about Animal Welfare,
Sustainability and Innovation
Illinois farm families want people to know more about the food they eat and the people who grow and raise it. That is why this summer three Illinois farms welcomed six Chicago-based creators to see first-hand how Illinois farm families grow food with care. Throughout the tour, information was shared about the innovative technology and practices our farmers use today in support of animal welfare, sustainability and maintaining the soil health and water quality of our great state.
The day wrapped up with Justin and Jamie Martz at Larson Farms, a corn, soy, and beef farm in Maple Park. Here, guests were able to learn about the barn features built for cattle comfort, the food cattle receive and the technology used throughout the farm, including solar panels for energy efficiency and ultrasound used to identify optimal meat quality. “I really enjoyed learning about the solar panels and other sustainability efforts being used on beef farms in Illinois,” said influencer Michelle Stephen. “It’s incredible how farmers have found so many efficiencies to make raising animals even more sustainable.”
Lenkaitis Holsteins in St. Charles was the first stop on the tour where they visited a state-of-the-art dairy barn.
The next stop was Gould Farms of Maple Park where influencers learned about corn, soybean and wheat farming.
Lunch was from Country Store & Catering.
Gift boxes included items from each commodity.
One attendee has the opportunity to pet a calf.
Mike Martz of Larson Farms explains how to shop for beef and how to find your preferences.
Justin Martz talks more about the Larson Farms operation. One influencer captures photos of the experience.
The final stop of the day was a beef operation. Attendees pose with the Martz family of Larson Farms.
Four IBA Leaders Attend Future of Ag Forum
IBA leaders attended the 2023 Future of Ag Forum, presented by the Illinois Farmers Council. IBA board members pictured: Bruce Betzold, Wes Hornback, Dave Duzan and Rick Dean. The Forum featured discussion and presentation on a number of pressing Illinois farm issues, including Proposition 12, Carbon Pipeline projects, ag outlooks and other policy topics.
Southern Illinois development Saline River Farms broke ground on their 60,000-square-foot beef processing facility on August 25 in Creal Springs. The event was kicked off by IBA member and Saline River Farms co-owner Brent Clark, and included remarks by Governor J.B. Pritzker, Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton, and Director of Illinois Department of Agriculture, Jerry Costello. Once constructed the Williamson County plant could harvest up to 1,600 head of cattle per day and is expected to create up to 400 new jobs for the region.
Saline River Farms processing plant hosts ground breaking in southern Illinois
Beef producer and facility co-owner Brent Clark at the podium, with Governor J.B. Pritzker and Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton during the Saline River Farms ground breaking ceremony.
IBA President Dave Duzan and EVP Josh St. Peters were on hand for the event, pictured with Governor Pritzker, Lt. Governor Stratton and Ag Director Jerry Costello. IL Corn and Illinois Farm Bureau also attended.
On September 1, IBA members met at the DuQuoin State Fair grounds to hear from speakers about grazing and pasture management. Kylie Ewing, a current Ph.D. student at the University of Illinois, discussed IBA Checkoff-funded research regarding stockpile grazing. Rachel Walker from Corteva spoke about weed identification and pasture management. The meeting concluded with a catered beef meal of rib-eye sandwiches, sides and desserts.
Kylie Ewing, University of Illinois Ph.D. student.
Rachel Walker from Corteva.
Purina sponsored the evening. Pictured is Sales Manager, David Williams.
Perspectives
Olivia Hoots, Editor, Illinois Beef
“Just apply,” Betty said to me. “They only gave people a 48-hour time span to apply, you definitely have a chance.” You may remember Betty Haynes, the previous editor for Illinois Beef who now writes thought-provoking pieces for Prairie Farmer Magazine. It was the night of the IBA Awards Dinner on June 6 when she encouraged me to apply for a stipend from Agricultural Communicators Network to attend the International Federation of Ag Journalists Congress happening in Alberta, Canada, just three weeks later. She was already going to be there as an Altec Young Writer. Betty has never been one to shy away from an opportunity, and she encourages others to grab a hold of them as well.
After our dinner was over, and supplies were packed away in our office, I made the twenty-minute drive home a bit tired, but somewhat convinced maybe I should apply. Did I mention the applications were due by midnight? As I sat on my living room floor in the blazer and jeans I had been wearing all day, I filled out the application as best as I could. Within three days I would find out the opportunity had been given to me.
If you know me, you know I believe nothing is arbitrary, which means this opportunity had to mean something. To tell you the truth, before June 27 I had never been out of the U.S. before, but the uneasiness I felt settled when I told Betty I was going. She said it was kind of an answered prayer for her. Well, you got me there, no turning back now! I would later find out God had even bigger plans, plans to give me new perspectives on the world.
If you have been to Alberta, you know it does not necessarily seem too much different than the U.S., other than the Tim Hortons scattered about. It would not be until I really got to know people and learn about their daily struggles that I would realize what other countries are like, even how Canada of all places differs greatly from the U.S. In the end, perspectives cannot come to you merely through what you can see with your eyes but through what can be understood. The IFAJ Congress would make me do just that.
The first evening and the following morning’s events gave me an idea of what I was about to experience. From first seeing a couple familiar faces to meeting new people from Illinois, the greater U.S. and across the world, I began to see the immensity of the adventure I was about to embark on. When I say this, I am not only speaking of the farms I would see, or the new people I would meet. My eyes were about to be opened to agriculture as a global industry where every country’s decisions affect one another.
Canadian Beef
Naturally, when choosing what tours to attend during our days “out and about” the Alberta prairie, I went with beef. Graeme Finn, Alberta producer and President of Union Forage, was our tour guide for the first day. Finn spent most of the bus ride answering questions about Canada’s beef industry.
Our first stop of the day was at Anchor JB Ranch, a commercial operation focused on grass and pasture management. They have 140 cows, some yearlings, and have a yearlong grazing program. In winter they swath graze.
It made me giggle when our bus driver drove over the cattle guard and through the pasture so we could hike to the top of a hill to get a wide shot of the producer’s land. Owners Jim and Barb Bauer were kind to us enthusiastic communicators, gladly answering each posed question. We need producers to be like the Bauers – approaching inquirers with a joy for the industry.
Our next stop was Cattleland Feedyards Ltd. with Research and Cattle Manager, Mick Taylor. The operation can feed up to 25,000 head, including both custom services and their own cattle.
Okay, you might have thought visiting the farms would have been my favorite part of the day, but then we visited the offices of Canada Beef, Canadian Cattle Association and Alberta Beef Producers – think BIWFD, NCBA and IBA, but in Canada. My heart has grown over the past year for these associations and to see how another country does it made me excited.
We learned about beef promotion from Vice President of Canada Beef, Ron Glaser, then toured their kitchen with Chef Matthieu Pare, executive director of Canadian Beef Centre of Excellence. At CCA, General Manager, Ryder Lee, gave an overview of the mission of CCA and talked about the current issues the beef industry faces in Canada. Finally, ABP Beef Promotion and Extension Lead, Karin Schmid, presented us with all the operations of the ABP; it extends from research to working with government organizations.
This next-to-perfect day concluded with our final stop at Cattle Barons Restaurant where I enjoyed a Canadian Prime Rib, still to be distinguished from my aunt’s Illinois-raised Christmas Prime Rib.
The following day’s tours began at Union Forage. Finn is president and senior forage specialist at this Calgaryheadquartered company, where they offer forage for a variety of grazing systems.
“In managed grazing, the animal’s rumen links sustainability and profit, Finn says.
After lunch we made our way to Finn’s cattle operation, Southern Cross Livestock, located near Madden, Alberta, where they do yearlong grazing with intensive rotation. He recommends seeding up to 60 percent legumes. “I find that a mixture of grasses and legumes gives me the best milk production and weight gains for my grazing cattle,” Finn says.
Difficulty Ranch was our final stop of the day where Sean LaBrie walked us around his 180 head commercial Beefbooster operation. He greatly emphasized his use of
regenerative agriculture practices. According to LaBrie, cows on grass are making one of the most significant impacts when it comes to the carbon sector.
After a bustling two days of touring the Alberta beef industry, the remainder of the trip included becoming more educated about Canadian culture and other communication tactics. My favorite part was getting to spend time connecting with other agriculture journalists from around the world.
More Than Journalists
Toward the end of the trip in a breakout workshop I heard one of the IFAJ Congress volunteers share an opinion separating her own political opinions from that of farmers. Something I had begun assuming during my trip was at that moment confirmed in my mind. I would never again assume agricultural journalists are agriculturalists. If we care about writing thought-provoking and intimate stories about both the farmer and agriculture issues of our day, it does matter that we approach them with a mutual respect and understanding that the farmer deserves the upper hand of both opinion and fact most of the time.
The farmer’s moral obligations matter too. As an agriculture communicator in the U.S., I find each of us often go into this profession because we want to give back to the industry that made us who we are, yet in other countries a gap exists between producers and agriculture journalists. This is not every country. Emma, my new friend from England, grew up on a dairy operation. However, journalists with similar roles in other countries seem more concerned they should teach producers about environmental techniques instead of letting the farmer teach them the practices they have been using for hundreds of years.
Many producers feel the pressure of entities who seem to suppress freedoms producers have historically had. In reflection of my trip, I would like to offer a different perspective, one to show you just how blessed you are. Think about it. Many of you are part of grassroots organizations like the National Cattlemen’s and Illinois Beef Associations. You can fight for this life you love, to share your opinions. You can vaccinate if you want, you can feed only grass if you want – and there are still markets for all of it might I add, both domestic and internationally. This is only because you have leeway to stand up for your own agriculture sectors. Many countries do not have this. In short, you still live in the country with the best beef in the world because of the opportunities to innovate and push boundaries when it comes to quality, efficiency, and sustainability. Never choose to take that for granted today because you never know what tomorrow will bring.
Producer, the beef you produce day-to-day really does influence a more global industry and God set forth your work to be of service to the people he has created whether you are in a barn, behind the wheel or at a desk. To my new friends and other agriculture journalists across the world –your job is to be an advocate and a learner. That is where a true agricultural journalist is born.
Thank you to the people involved in helping me gain new perspectives and enjoy the company of people I never would have met otherwise – and become a better steward of agriculture as editor of Illinois Beef – through my time in Alberta at the IFAJ Congress. EMAW
Canada Beef test kitchen
Mick from Cattleland Feedyard Beef tours with Betty!
Dinner after our beef tour
If you squint you can see the Canadian Rockies!
Graeme Finn with his wife, Heather, and two daughters, Claire and Morgan.
Sean LaBrie of Difficulty Ranch talked about how he’s in the grass business, and the cattle are his biggest resource.
Fellow American friends
Jim Bauer of Anchor JB Ranch
Animal Agriculture Alliance Exposes Radical Animal Rights Organizations
The Animal Agriculture Alliance, a non-profit organization that monitors activist attacks on agriculture, has officially designated five new organizations as animal rights extremists. Among the groups listed are the Organization for Competitive Markets (OCM) and Farm Action.
The designation was made as part of the alliance’s annual report, which revealed that animal rights groups are bringing in over $800 million annually, often through misleading advertisements that claim donations will benefit pets when in reality those contributions are funding attacks on livestock producers.
“No matter the animal rights extremist group or the tactics used, they all share the same goal of eliminating animal agriculture and taking meat, dairy, poultry, eggs, and seafood off of our grocery store shelves and family tables,” said Abby Kornegay, Animal Agriculture Alliance’s manager of issues and engagement. “These reports succinctly detail those true intentions, the strategic efforts of the animal rights movement to further their agenda, and key tactics for the animal agriculture community to be aware of.”
OCM and Farm Action are two particularly deceiving organizations that frequently lobby against cattle producers and National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) members. Both groups have ties to the Humane Society of the United States. According to the Animal Agriculture Alliance, OCM was added to the list of activist groups because of Marty Irby’s involvement as a board member. Irby is a former employee of HSUS and has ties to former HSUS President and CEO Wayne Pacelle. Farm Action has also shared employees with both HSUS and OCM, with Farm Action co-founder Joe Maxwell previously serving as a leader in OCM.
Both OCM and Farm Action have recently attacked the cattle industry by pushing the deceptively named “Opportunities for Fairness in Farming” or OFF Act.
Proponents of the OFF Act claim that the bill increases transparency and oversight of commodity checkoff programs, however the legislation is a sneaky way for activists to reduce producer oversight of checkoffs and ultimately harm the effectiveness of these programs.
Several components of the OFF Act duplicate existing
law. For example, the bill would require audits of checkoff funds (which already occurs with these audits being posted on the Cattlemen’s Beef Board website), prohibit checkoffs from disparaging other commodities (already federal law), and prohibit checkoff dollars from being used to lobby (already federal law). One key change in the bill is a provision preventing checkoff boards from contracting with any organization that also hires lobbyists. This provision would prevent groups like NCBA, the American Farm Bureau Federation, land-grant universities, and many research institutions from contracting with the Beef Checkoff, harming the producer-direction of checkoff programs.
These organizations are also lobbying against the Ending Agricultural Trade Suppression (EATS) Act. The EATS Act was introduced by Sen. Roger Marshall (R-KS) and Rep. Ashley Hinson (R-IA) following the Supreme Court’s decision on California’s Proposition 12.
“In their decision in National Pork Producers Council v. Ross, the Supreme Court issued a troubling decision that allows states to restrict agricultural production practices
across the country,” said NCBA Chief Counsel Mary-Thomas Hart. “Although this case was specific to the pork industry, without action from Congress, the door is wide open for states to start passing all sorts of new regulations that could impact cattle production practices, target feedlots, and create a confusing patchwork of state laws that hampers interstate commerce.”
In pushing for the EATS Act, animal rights organizations are following a familiar strategy of attempting to make livestock production increasingly hard. Without legislation like the EATS Act in place, individual states could pass a whole host of politically motivated agricultural rules that close key markets, make livestock production increasingly difficult, and drive up the cost of food as a result.
The listing of OCM and Farm Action as radical animal rights organizations is the first step to ensuring that policymakers understand who is truly behind the misleading attacks on the cattle industry. For more information on the Animal Agriculture Alliance’s work, please visit animalagalliance.org.
LEAVING AN Inheritance Inheritance
Farm Family of the Year Multiplies Success
by Barb Anderson
Every beef producer looks for a unique equation to tally up goals toward success. For Andras Stock Farm in Manchester, Illinois, that formula includes seven generations raising three purebred breeds over a span of 125 years with one common denominator: a strong faith.
The Andras’ were named Illinois Beef Association Farm Family of the Year earlier this summer. Will Andras and his father, Steven, operate the farm. Will’s wife, Kim, and Steven’s wife, Theresa, participate in responsibilities as needed, along with Will and Kim’s children, Peri and Peyton, who represent the seventh generation of the cattle operation. Theresa is a retired registered nurse and Kim also works as an ag lender.
Flexibility Leads to Longevity
Key to the longevity of the operation has been a willingness to be flexible and change direction when required with cattle breeds, technology and economic conditions.
“We have been in the purebred beef business since 1898. I continued with what my father was doing. It has always been a family operation,” says Steven.
Andras ancestors came to the United States from England in the 1820s. They settled in New York and then Ohio and Missouri before helping establish Manchester in the 1830s. They bought their first registered Herefords in 1898, entering the purebred cattle business. They raised registered horned
The matriarch and patriarch of the farm, Theresa and Steven Andras. Will and Kim Andras have worked to build a business they can be proud to pass down to the next generation.
Herefords until 1965 and then transitioned into registered Polled Herefords.
In 1979, Steven took the reins of the farm at age 31, following his father’s untimely passing. “There was a great learning curve for me and a lot of challenges during that particular time,” he says. “Theresa and I had a young family with Will and his two sisters, Angela (Hoots) and Christi (Farrall). We focused on expanding the farm for the next generation.”
“I have to compliment my dad,” says Will. “He had a lot thrown on his shoulders at once. I was driving a tractor far younger than most. He gave me responsibility and knew I was able.”
“Will is very capable. He has also taken over the paperwork and the planning now that I am partially retired. We make a good team,” adds Steven. Will returned to the operation full time in 1997, after attending Oklahoma State University. Will’s sisters are not officially part of the farm, but they and their husbands help with the two Andras annual production sales. Will’s nieces, Olivia and Isabella also showed cattle as youth and provide help on sale days.
In the 1970s and 1980s, the Andras family experimented with a few different breeds and in 1985, settled on Red Angus to expand the herd.
“We were looking for a niche at that time because of the market saturation of Angus and Hereford producers in our area. My grandpa early in my dad’s life told him Red Angus would be the breed he was most likely to choose other than Herefords,” says Will. “We quickly realized the value for commercial cattle producers. Red Angus cows work well in our environment. They work for us — not the other way around.”
Will and Steven are also incorporating some registered Angus genetics into the herd to provide outcross genetics to the Red Angus breed. The goal is to mate the first-generation cattle with the goal of turning them red.
“Illinois is really not a cattle state,” says Will. “The availability of pasture is restricted as there is a lot of very good crop ground in this area, but our roots run deep in
Illinois.”
In 2004, the family sold their row crop equipment to focus exclusively on cattle.
Today Andras Stock Farm runs about 250 cows. The spring-calving half of the herd is in Manchester and the fallcalving group is in Fulton, Missouri, managed by Cynthia O’Bryan. They also work with small cooperators that raise embryo calves for them.
“The Andras Kind”
“The Andras Kind” is the phrase written at the bottom of each page of sale catalogs throughout the 1940s and 1950s. Steven and Will loved the sound of it, so they repurposed it as the branding of their two annual production sales. “The Andras Kind” bull sale is held the first Saturday in April and “The Andras Kind” female sale is the first Saturday in November.
“We develop the bulls on farm and gather the cows here for our sale,” says Will.
Providing customers with top quality cattle that offer proven performance is a priority. As technology improved, the family was quick to incorporate careful genetic (genomic) selection to augment phenotypic selection. Several years ago, Steven and Will were approached by specialists from the University of Illinois, University of Missouri and USDA to evaluate DNA using feed efficiency and carcass ultrasound data from large contemporary groups. The resulting data set offered a solid foundation and improved the viability of using DNA for these traits.
“We have certainly gotten more scientific to meet the needs of today’s producers. The cattle industry has gone through so many cycles, from great big frames and then back down again to now getting bigger again,” says Steven. “Bull styles, conditions and phenotypes will continue to come and go, but our integrity will not. That is what we must sell and that is what we do.”
Sean Evans, who owns Coal Creek Cattle with dad, Pat, in nearby Murrayville, is a long-time customer. He says the Andras family’s integrity is a large part of why they have
Steven has spent over 40 years working with his son, Will, to develop their herd into the Red Angus operation it is today.
The plan is for Will’s son, Peyton, to be the next generation to continue the family’s legacy.
done business for 30 years. “Will and Steven partner with you for success,” he says. “We could not be more pleased to have top-of-the-line genetics so close to us. The seedstock bulls we purchased have increased our herd quality and profitability. They are with us every step of the way.”
Steven and Will believe measuring and recording data is critical to a successful seedstock operation. “We utilize artificial insemination and embryo transfer. We incorporate ultrasound, genomically enhanced EPDs (expected progeny differences) and are very stringent in our contemporary grouping so our data are meaningful,” he says. “We want to make sure our customers do not show up and buy a random bull. We want to point to a bull’s performance within his contemporary group, his dam’s performance within the herd and follow up so we know where every animal is and where every animal is going.”
And since paychecks only come twice a year following the sales, Will says it is paramount to focus on all details on the front side and back side of “The Andras Kind” events.
“There is a lot of planning, legwork and paperwork,” he says. “Our production sales are much different than when I was young, when everything was sold as private treaty. People would come by the farm, look at the cattle, buy what they needed and take the cattle home.”
Today’s buyers now may view cattle and bid online. “Email expanded our business in the 1990s when I was able to take digital pictures and email them nationwide to secure deals,” says Will. “With online bidding, people can view what we have to offer and get a good feel for the cattle sight unseen. In fact, we have buyers I have never met in person. The opportunity to lean on a gate and have a faceto-face conversation with many customers simply is not an option.”
The Andras family has adopted technology to facilitate customer interaction and contact. Social media is also used as an advertising arm for the operation.
“For example, we take candid pictures at our sales to help build relationships with our customer base. Kim is quite good at capturing smiling customers and groups. She’s teaching this art to Peri, so we can continue to put our customers’ pictures in our catalogs. It also helps us familiarize ourselves with them,” he says.
Industry Accolades Add Up
The extra effort put forth has not gone unnoticed. The Andras family has been recognized for their contributions and dedication to the beef industry, as well as in the show ring. They have exhibited several Red Angus champions at such national shows as the North American International Livestock Exposition, Fort Worth Stock Show and National Western Stock Show.
Steven served on the Red Angus Association board of directors for two terms and was president from 2006 to 2008. He has received the Red Angus Personality of the Year award, which honors outgoing spokespersons for the breed, the John V. Robbins Distinguished Service Award, and Melvin Leland Innovative Leadership Award. He also created an event for the annual convention now known as the Steve Andras Prayer Breakfast, which is widely attended by convention attendees. Andras Stock Farm was IBA’s Seedstock Producer of the Year in 2006.
Seventh Generation Preps for Future
Peri, 19, and Peyton, 16, are already following in the leadership footsteps of their parents and grandparents. Peri, who just completed her first year at Lincoln Land Community College where she is a member of the livestock judging team, recently served on the Junior Red Angus Board of Directors. She plans to transfer to Kansas State University to pursue a degree in agricultural communications and provide the farm with future advertising support.
“My daughter, Natalie, is the same age as Peri. She looks to Peri and the rest of the family as mentors. As a result, she is studying at Murray State University to be a vet,” says Sean.
Peyton, a high school junior, is immersed in 4-H and FFA and looks forward to taking over and expanding the farm when it is his turn. Father Will says Peyton has excellent cattle sense and helps in all facets of the operation.
“I have learned a lot from my dad and grandpa. Mainly that working cows slower is getting it done faster,” he says. “I want to keep the farm going for future generations.”
“When my time is up, I feel very confident the work will go on,” says Steven, while Theresa laughs that he still works every day, adding, “Now through the grace of God, we can watch our grandchildren fill in the steps of their parents on the farm. We are very blessed.”
Will says he has stressed to his children the importance of learning both how to lead and how to be a team player.
He believes livestock judging will give the kids the ability to make, stick to and defend decisions, along with develop competent and confident speaking skills.
“We want them to be successful. That does not necessarily mean financially. We want them to stay grounded and raise families in the fear and admonition of the Lord,” he says. “Cattle and land come and go. Those things are temporal. We want to cling to what is eternal.”
Kim agrees, adding, “Family is core to everything. We want them to succeed. Proverbs 13:22 says a good man leaves an inheritance to his children’s children. The goal for us as parents is to leave a legacy for our children and for their children.”
But the Andras family acknowledges there will always be variables in beef production. “There are financial restraints. Real estate values are so high it is almost prohibitive for those who wish to enter the business,” says Will. “Being able to pass on what we have to the next generation and subsequent generations is something that is very meaningful to us. We work hard to preserve what we have. It is not something we take lightly.”
Tough CaTTle Making That Look Good Too
IBA
Seedstock Breeder of the Year Cardinal Cattle Company strives for the whole package
Tough is a word with a variety of definitions. Here it is used as another word for strong and durable. Beauty, as always, is in the eye of the beholder and here it is used to describe form and function while attracting buyers and enhancing value. Toughness and beauty; two qualities many strive for in different walks of life but to those in the cattle business these words have special meaning, especially to the crew at Cardinal Cattle Company, Wyoming, Illinois. Their everyday focus is to create cattle with toughness to enhance performance and longevity as well as beauty to add value, versatility, and enjoyment to their program and those of their many customers.
Nestled somewhere in the rolling, treeless, cropland between Peoria and Davenport, Iowa, is a surprising and unique stretch of strip mine ground featuring steep cliffs, rolling hills, deep ponds, and abundant wildlife.
Fifteen hundred acres of that plays host to Cardinal Cattle Company and its renowned seedstock operation. Managing partner, Jeff Wisnefski, has spent the last 32 years building the Cardinal program into what it is today, one of the best in the nation that was recently recognized as the 2023 Illinois Beef Association Seedstock Producer of the Year.
and understanding grew, so did the operation. Today the operation runs 300 cows and Jeff and his wife, Laurie, own part of the operation with the Riley’s. Each year they host two auctions, selling around 50 bulls on the first Saturday in February and 120 bred heifers and cows on the second Saturday in December. Their auctions are closely watched in the industry and typically claim customers in many states and Canada.
Jeff and the Riley’s built their herd with a strong foundation of Angus females and that is still their core of success and quality. Early on they sampled Chianina genetics to add performance, muscle, and style; several of those cattle were national winners and helped the Cardinal herd to gain notoriety. Later they added high-level Simmental genetics which also resulted in National Champions and widely used AI sires. Cardinal hangs their hat on the value and production of their purebred cattle, but they have also become popular for the quality and producing ability of their crossbred females where, as they like to say “The Proper Blend Makes All the Difference.”
Though he grew up on a grain farm, Jeff’s love and unique skill for the cattle business took off while young and the owners at Cardinal Cattle Company, Jack and Kay Riley, saw his potential and brought him onboard. Beginning with just 40 cows, Jeff says the couple used their capital to enable him to use his abilities to “breed eye-appealing, high-performing cattle.”
Yet, Jeff did not always know what that meant. “I was not born with an eye for good cattle, I had to learn that, as everyone does over time and practice” he says. As his skill
“We started with a great foundation by starting with elite Angus. We kept many of them pure but also bred up with other breeds to give our customer more options,” Jeff says. “It seems like as we sell more breeding cattle, it gets easier to sell them,” he adds. “I attribute that to having more variety.” Cardinal’s main goal is to appeal to as many producers as possible: commercial, seedstock and juniors.
Tough and Good Looking
So, what is Jeff Wisnefski’s ideal animal? As a producer seeking to appeal to all facets of the industry, it is an elusive target for sure but one that gets closer, it seems, with each
Lucas, Laurie, and Jeff Wisnefski
new generation of Cardinal seedstock.
“Cattle need to be born with manageable birth weights, first and possibly foremost, for me and my customers. Then, they need growth, and they need to have a big enough frame to raise a high performing bull, but not so big that it takes too much feed to raise them”, Jeff says. “They need to be efficient and raise pounds. They need to have proper feet and fundamentals to do their jobs without hassle. We expect a lot of them, and they need to able to do most of it on their own.” He wants cows to raise half their body weight in their calves by weaning. “We do not pamper them much. We feed the young cattle more as needed and if we are getting them ready for an auction, but these cows need to thrive on grass and little else” he says.
Jeff does not believe in focusing on phenotypic features if it means compromising the functionality of the animal
in the beef industry. “Years ago, when I was a youngster, twenty-some years old, I had an older gentleman tell me, ‘You know, sometimes the cattle have to work for you.’ And that has always stuck with me,” Jeff says. Cardinal wants to raise “tough cattle that perform but look good doing it,” he says. Though he uses genomics as a tool in sire selection, he is adamant that genomics should only be used in unison with the phenotype of the animals, as well. His son, and coworker, Lucas, agrees. “You must go back to the basics and raise good-footed, well-structured cattle that still have a little bit of look and presence,” he says. “But they have got to have performance, they must have body and rib, and they have got to be balanced.”
Goals Lead to Growth
According to Jeff, the basic goals of Cardinal Cattle Company are as follows: polled, black, docile, moderate birth weight cattle with consistent growth, frame size,
versatility and total quality. “It’s really hard to define quality. It is balanced symmetry in many traits, quality head and structure, having the length of their neck match their length of hip, and their length of body, consistency of type and kind throughout breeds, crosses, and in large groups. It is hard to do, I can tell you that. We work at it all the time.” he says.
Mark Mueller of Diamond M Cattle Company, Hiawatha, Kansas, is a 40-year friend and customer of Jeff’s, who runs a very similar operation to Cardinal’s. Mark views Jeff as someone of integrity who also seeks to be an innovator in the cattle business without losing hold of the roots that got him to this point. “They have done a really good job at diversifying their program [at Cardinal]. I have made some purchases there that have made big differences in my herd, and I really enjoy our relationship,” he says. Other long-time customers like Steve Tipsword, appreciate the combination of both look and performance.
Jeff also believes the work they have done to develop their own cow families has led to better bulls and all-around results. Out of the 30 bred heifers that Cardinal retains each year, Jeff and Lucas choose their next donor cow. This is something Jeff believes is getting lost in the industry due to the popularity of embryo transfer making it more convenient than creating new blood lines – “we strive to make new cow families and great individuals from within, and we make the cattle prove themselves before we mass produce them,” he says.
Another focus of Jeff’s is to produce and share great bulls, and over the years Cardinal has become known for producing and owning popular, widely used AI sires. Some of their most successful sires have been Cardinal Snap Chat, True North, Uproar, Warranty, Patriot, Answer and Crossover, plus a pair of bulls purchased from Illinois’ own Musgrave Angus, Pure Product and Sky High.
Over the years, Jeff involved son, Lucas, and daughter, Sydney, in the show cattle industry. Their success extends to two Grand Champion Percentage Simmental Females of the North American International Livestock Expo, another at the National Western Stock Show, and Lucas showed the Grand Champion Steer of the Illinois State Fair in 2016, a son
of Cardinal Snap Chat raised by longtime friend and partner, Dave Cox. Dave works closely with the Wisnefski’s, specifically working with Lucas to grow the quality of their herds together. “They treat their customers well,” he says. “And stand behind their cattle. I have done very well with my purchases from them.”
With the money he received from selling his steer at the Illinois State Fair, Lucas paid for his college and started buying cows to start his own operation. After college, he eventually became a full-time employee of Cardinal Cattle Company. “I get to work with livestock, I have my own cows and I get to do what I love,” he says. “Working with family is something I cherish. We have our arguments, but we all care so much because we are all trying to make the next best thing,”
And that is what Jeff and Laurie taught their kids. “We used the showing and 4-H to get them social skills and work ethic and realize that we can all work as a team and work together to be successful,” Jeff says.
Still Winning
Jeff attributes the award of Seedstock Producer of the Year to the cattle. “It means a lot because people are watching, and people are recognizing and seeing our cattle have quality and recognizing their ability to work for people and make people money,” he says. “That is what keeps people in the business for 30 some years, me included.”
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BEEF 2023Illinois State Fair Highlights
RIBEYE CORRAL CONNECTS ILLINOIS
CONSUMERS & BEEF PRODUCERS
IBA board members setting up for the big week at Ribeye Corral
A variety of groups volunteered at Ribeye Corral, including FFA chapters.
Various IBA affiliates also volunteered, pictures above is Heartland Beef Alliance.
Ribeye Corral coordinator, Betsy Pech, poses with IBA Membership and Communications Manager, Devin Bollman.
IBA member Trevor Maiers volunteering with IBA Policy Board Member Larisa Willrett.
More affiliate volunteers, including Dwayne and Susan Schwarz, Jo Daviess County Beef Association, Dan Haynes and Mark Bunselmeyer.
MEMBERS OF ILLINOIS MEDIA OUTLETS INTERVIEW IBA PRESIDENT
IBA prioritizes time spent in interviews, sharing both the importance of the
industry and also the priorities of
ILLINOIS BEEF SPONSORS CHILI COOK-OFF TO PROMOTE “BEEF. IT’S WHAT’S FOR
contestants represent the
brand
Illinois Beef handed out koozies, informational pamphlets and more, but the main attraction was the Chili Checklist and the ability to cast a “people’s choice” vote for their favorite chili.
Chili
“Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner.”
from past chili cook-offs sponsored by Illinois Beef.
Fairgoers trying homestyle chili made with beef during the taste-testing portion of the day.
The People’s Choice Award presented by Illinois Beef Association, received a BIWFD cast iron skillet and a monetary award from the Illinois Beef Association.
IBA President Dave Duzan spoke with various news media during ag day, of both television and print.
Phyllis Coulter, field editor for Illinois Farmer Today, chats with Duzan.
beef
the association.
ILLINOIS BEEF JUNIORS PREPARE TO BE THE NEXT GENERATION OF PRODUCERS
On Tuesday, August 8, the Illinois Junior Beef Association held its annual meeting at the Illinois State Fair. Nearly 100 junior members from across the state gathered and elected new members to the IJBA Board of Directors. Congratulations to newly elected directors, Jack Jungmann (District 1), Anne Dameron (District 2), Emma Taylor (District 3) and Ben Sellmeyer (District 4), along with re-elected directors, Kyle Eathington (District 1), Lauren Wolter (District 3) and Adam Miller (At-Large).
2023-2024 IJBA Board of Directors: President: Lauren Wolter, Avistion; Vice-President: Audrey Curtin, Blue Mound; Secretary/Treasurer: Grace Brown, Flanagan; Beef/Show Promotions Chair: Anne Dameron, Towanda.
District 1 Directors: Kyle Eathington, Aviston; Jack Jungmann, Little York
District 2 Directors: Grace Brown, Flanagan; Anne Dameron, Towanda
District 3 Directors: Lauren Wolter, Aviston; Emma Taylor, Murrayville
District 4 Directors: Audrey Curtin, Blue Mound; Ben Sellmeyer, Maroa
At-Large Directors: Dellana Muck, Caledonia; Adam Miller, Gridley
Board members running the meeting and electing new directors.
LEADERSHIP ACADEMY CLASS OF 2024 CONNECTS WITH ILLINOIS BEEF LEADERS
Logan
reads what will be coming up during his year in Beef Leadership Academy.
IBA Programs and Services manager, Annie Schoetmer, prepared an information binder to prepare participants for upcoming events. The class of 2024 getting to know IBA President Dave Duzan and their new “classmates.”
Sarginson
BLA participants Dan Haynes and Dustin Holton play a get-to-know-you game of Jenga.
Grace Arnold retired as 2023 IJBA president.
2023 retired IJBA directors Grace Arnold, Tyler Lee and Paige Lemenager.
BRING-IN BEEF RECIPE CONTEST
LOCAL
PRODUCERS SERVE AND PROMOTE
BEEF TO FAIRGOERS
Thank you to the local beef producers who participated in the GSI grain bin local beef features: Rice Cattle
Little Mackinaw
Gallagher Farms
ES Meats
7K Cattle Company
Herbert Farms
Ernst Family Farms
IBA President Dave Duzan with first place winner Peggy Snyder for her stuffed peppers. In second place was Joanna Belle Gunderson of Springfield.
Third place went to Amy Wertheim of Atlanta. Top three winners received a BIWFD skillet.
Second Place Recipe - Crispy Beef Lettuce Wraps with Wowee Sauce.
Morgan County Beef Producer, Gary Hadden, tries a BIWFD-inspired dish.
Third Place Recipe - Mongolian Beef, decorated with a barn and a “grand champion” bull.
Katie Sellmeyer with ES Meats chats with fairgoers on Saturday, August 12, about Illinois-raised beef.
ILLINOIS STATE FAIR SALE OF CHAMPIONS:
Grand Champion Steer of the Junior Beef Show went to Kashen Ellerbrock. Governor JB Pritzker purchased the animal. IBA awarded $500 to Ellerbrock for the champion honors.
Grand Champion Land of Lincoln Steer went to Maddox Reedy. BRANDT, Incorporated’s Evelyn Brandt Thomas purchased the animal for $40,000.
Springfield | August 13
Jackpot Jackpot
Judge: Marissa Streitmatter, Ind.
Photos by Cindy’s Livestock Photography
Shown by Claire Dorsey
Shown by Megan Mollett
Show Results Show Results
Champion Cow-Calf Pair
Shown by Ross Stabenow
Reserve Champion: Ross Stabenow
Champion Hereford
Shown by Peyton Sidles
Reserve Champion: Levi Hughes
Champion Shorthorn/ Shorthorn Plus
Shown by Wyatt Dryer
Reserve Champion: Alexa Turner
Reserve Champion %
Simmental
Shown by Abagayle Britton Champion: Lizzie Schafer
Overall Heifer Champion Chianina Shown by Breckyn Bloomberg
Champion Polled Hereford Shown by Ella Brooks
Champion land of Lincoln Reserve land of Lincoln
Show Results Show Results
Champion Charolais
Shown by Alex Barnard Reserve Champion: Mayci Humphrey
Champion Shorthorn
Shown by Raegan Smithers Reserve Champion: Maddox Reedy
Champion AOB
Shown by Hailey Allen Reserve Champion: Rowan Main
Champion Aged Performance Cow
Shown by Cash Kinsella
5th overall Land of Lincoln
Champion Horned Hereford
Shown by Blakely Storey Reserve Champion: Paige Lemenager
Champion Shorthorn Plus
Shown by Stetson Reedy Reserve Champion: Kesler Collins
Champion Angus
Shown by Brenna Bartlow Reserve Champion: Paige Lemenager
Champion Limousin
Shown by Brody Barnard Reserve Champion: Brock Freed
Champion Red Angus
Shown by Campbell Belcher Reserve Champion: Lauren Wolter
Champion Young Performance Cow
Shown by Peri Andras Reserve Champion: Parker Lewis
Other Winners: Champion Maintainer: Nalaney Guyer, Reserve Champion Maine-Anjou: Tyler Miller, Reserve Champion Polled Hereford: Kade Swigart, Reserve Champion Chianina: Kesler Collins, Reserve Champion Low % Simmental: Kade Roeder, Reserve Champion Simmental: Ellie Drach, Champion Bred & Owned and 3rd Overall Land of Lincoln: Paige LemenagerAngus, 4th Overall Land of Lincoln: Conley Schick - Simmental, Reserve Champion Bred & Owned: Anne Dameron - Angus
Springfield | August 12
Steer Steer
Judges: Joe and Joelynn Rathmann, Tx.
Photos by Cindy’s Livestock Photography
Grand Champion Steer Champion Chianina Shown by Kashen Ellerbrock
Reserve Grand Champion Steer Champion Crossbred Shown by Madeline Nightingale
3rd Overall Steer Reserve Champion Crossbred Shown by Chase Riley
4th Overall Steer Champion Simmental Shown by Kylie Gillespie
5th Overall Steer
Champion Maine-Anjou Shown by Sam Nightingale
Show Results Show Results
Champion Shorthorn
Shown by Maddox Reedy
Reserve Champion: Zoe Johnson
Champion AOB
Shown by Hailey Allen
Reserve Champion: Addysen Link
Champion Hereford
Shown by Maci Brooks
Reserve Champion: Koby Kearns
Champion Shorthorn Plus
Shown by Colton Foose
Reserve Champion: Emily Atten
Champion Angus
Shown by Kadie Hummel
Reserve Champion: Blake Kearns
Champion Charolais
Shown by Morgan Huls
Reserve Champion: Chet Gillespie
Other Winners: Reserve Champion Simmental: Adam Miller, Reserve Champion Chianina: Tyler
Lee, Reserve Champion Maine-Anjou: Nalaney Guyer, 4th Overall Land of Lincoln: Lindy KaneSimmental, 5th Overall Land of Lincoln: Zoe Johnson - Shorthorn
Champion land of Lincoln Reserve land of Lincoln
3rd overall Land of Lincoln
Du Quoin State Fair
2023 DuQuoin State Fair Steer Show
DuQuoin | September 4 | Judge: Chuck Lemenager
Grand Champion Steer Shown by Parker Lewis
Reserve Grand Champion Steer - $500 Awarded by IBA
Shown by Kinley Stolte
CHECKING IN WITH THE CHECKOFF
Your Dollar Does
New Beef Campaign Celebrates the Milestones in Life
WE BRING MORE WE BRING MORE
Beef Checkoff-funded Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner. has executed many successful and iconic advertising campaigns in its 31 years, with many becoming a lasting part of American culture. Throughout the years, Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner. has undergone various updates and adaptations to stay current with changing consumer preferences, demand drivers and market trends. And that innovative mindset has not changed with its latest advertising campaign, “Together We Bring More.”
To continue with the visionary reputation that sets Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner. apart, “Together We Bring More” is forming a deeper emotional connection with audiences by celebrating life’s milestones and focusing on how beef can transform our experiences, big or small, into meaningful moments. From a first job promotion to a welcome-home party, all of these memorable events can be more valuable with beef.
This campaign also has the ability to communicate messages that focus on beef’s eating experience, nutrition, how it’s raised and grown, convenience and versatility – all areas that Checkoff-funded research has identified as directly driving consumer demand for beef.
Research Methodology
Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner. leveraged the power of research to ensure this campaign is relevant, targeted and effective, ultimately maintaining an efficient use of producers’ Beef Checkoff investments.
To gain a better understanding of the consumer target audience, Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner. hosted six focus groups to gather feedback on the campaign’s concept and other key insights, like how beef is associated with memories of comfort and bonding with others. “Beef moments” were discussed in the focus groups and included celebrations and special occasions like Sunday dinners, backyard BBQs and Taco Tuesdays. Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner. found that special occasions and meals are often associated with beef. Participants also agreed that beef could fit into everyday moments and make those moments more special.
This research was critical in validating the advertising concepts and messages for the campaign launch in April 2023.
Defined Consumer Group
Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner. is using Checkoff-funded consumer segmentation research to target consumers based not only on demographics but also psychographics and behaviors, like personality traits, values, attitudes, interests and lifestyle choices. By understanding these factors, Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner. can reach and connect with consumers on the channels where they get their information.
Behavioral data research helps Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner. understand how consumers interact with the brand. By analyzing this data, Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner. can identify consumer behavior patterns and trends and use that information to identify the best marketing tactics.
Campaign Implementation
With the support of science-backed research, this campaign uses a storytelling approach, featuring content in photography, video, audio and digital advertising formats. This way, consumers can see themselves, their families and their friends within the content and create that emotional connection.
This three-year campaign started off by focusing on beef’s eating experience and how consumers enjoyed time together over the summer months. Beef nutrition content will be added to the campaign in July and August, along with content about how cattle are raised and grown in August and September.
This informational and stimulating content will be delivered across various platforms, including online digital, social media, streaming radio, billboards and even on broadcast TV. “Together We Bring More” TV advertisements will be featured on the Food Network, which reaches approximately 85 million households in the U.S., and on Fox Broadcasting during Major League Baseball.
Influencers will also play a key role in this campaign, showcasing how “together we bring more,” whether that be a more meaningful experience, nutrition or industry. To kick off these efforts, Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner. is working with food influencers to create content that features beef recipes for different-sized gatherings. Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner. will also work with chefs to develop recipes and get an inside look at how beef brings them together with their families and friends outside of their restaurants.
Optimistic Future
Because “Together We Bring More” is a three-year campaign, Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner. has the ability to optimize and grow campaign messaging and compile a library of creative assets like never before. “Through this storytelling approach, consumers can learn more about what beef means to them and share their own stories,” said Sarah Reece, senior executive director of brand marketing at the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association. “We hope to engage consumers in a whole new way and establish a two-way conversation.”
“Together We Bring More” will show relatable content directly to consumers, illustrating that beef is not just for special occasions but makes every day, meal and moment better.”
Shows Efficiency Improvements
By National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, a Contractor of the Beef Checkoff
Since 1991, the Beef Checkoff-funded National Beef Quality Audit has delivered a set of guideposts and measurements for cattle producers and other stakeholders to help determine quality conformance of the U.S. beef supply. Results from the 2022 NBQA indicate that the beef cattle industry is producing a high-quality product that consumers want more efficiently and the industry’s primary focus across the supply chain remains food safety.
“The NBQA is an important tool for the industry to identify where improvements are being made and where there are opportunities to capture more value,” said Josh White, senior executive director of producer education and sustainability at NCBA. “The good news is, overall, the beef industry is providing a quality product to consumers that they enjoy.”
Early NBQAs focused on the physical attributes of beef such as marbling, external fat, carcass weight and carcass blemishes. These cattle industry concerns have evolved to include food safety, sustainability, animal well-being and the growing disconnect between producers and consumers. As a result, over the past 30 years, NBQA researchers have made significant changes to the research, leading to an increasingly meaningful set of results.
Based on individual interviews with stakeholders from across the cattle industry as well as in-plant research, key learnings for fed cattle from the 2022 NBQA include:
• Market segments no longer consider food safety as a purchasing criterion, but an expectation.
• When comparing 2016 and 2022 NBQAs, the largest improvement was overall increased efficiency across the beef supply chain.
• Market sectors indicated that their companies strive to increase their sustainability, and work with the entire beef supply chain to do so.
• The entire industry felt the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, nonetheless, beef proved to be a choice of consumers, and the industry persevered to provide products.
• Due to pandemic pressures, more cattle over 30 months of age were harvested.
• The beef industry’s image improved within fed cattle market sectors.
• Foreign materials continue to present a problem, but the industry is making strides to decrease incidence.
• There was an increase in usage of electronic identification.
• There was an increase in the frequency of Prime and Choice quality grades, while Select decreased drastically.
• While the industry is improving the quality of beef being produced, that quality is being accompanied by an increase in carcass weight and fat thickness, as well as large increases in percentages of Yield Grade 4 and 5 carcasses.
The NBQA, conducted approximately every five years, provides an understanding of what quality means to the various industry sectors, and the value of those quality attributes. This research helps the industry make modifications necessary to increase the value of its products.
The efforts of the findings from the 2022 NBQA serve to improve quality, minimize economic loss, and aid in advancements in producer education for the U.S. beef industry. For more information about the 2022 National Beef Quality Audit, visit www.bqa.org.
UNDERSTANDING BEEF CHECKOFF REMITTANCE
Illinois Beef Association
Today’s Date
Seller’s Name
Address
PRIVATE TREATY SALES CHECKOFF INVESTMENT FORM
State and National Beef Promotion and Research Programs
Information is required by 7 CRF 1260.201. Failure to report can result in a fine. Information is held confidential per 7 CRF 1260.203.
ID Number (if known)________________________
Buyer’s Name
Address City State Zip City State Zip
Seller’s
Signature
Buyer’s Signature
Both the seller & the buyer are responsible for making sure that the $1 per head assessment is collected and remitted to the Illinois Beef Association.
Date of Sale
Total Number of Cattle Sold: X
*State of Origin
$1.00 per Head Federal Checkoff = Total Checkoff Payment for Federal and State
$0.50 per Head State Checkoff =
Person remitting form : Seller Buyer Phone Number:
*If the cattle purchased came from another state within the last 30 days, indicate from which state the cattle were purchased .
Report and
For additional information: call 217-787-4280 or email
The Illinois Beef Association (IBA) collects the Illinois Beef Checkoff in accordance with the Illinois Beef Market Development Act. IBA also collects the national beef checkoff fulfilling its role as the Qualified State Beef Council for Illinois as designated by the Cattlemen’s Beef Board.
Ensuring the Effective Use of Beef Checkoff Dollars
Program Evaluation for Beef Checkoff Program Planning, Execution and Improvement
Have you ever wondered about the decision-making process that determines how Beef Checkoff funds are allocated? And the effectiveness of Checkoff-funded programs in increasing the demand for beef? These are valid questions for Checkoff investors to ask, and program evaluation is how the Cattlemen’s Beef Board assesses program implementation, results, and areas of growth and improvement.
The Beef Checkoff’s program evaluation consists of both internal and external assessments. Internally, Checkoff contractors establish program goals and identify Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) that are tracked throughout the fiscal year. These metrics aid in setting benchmarks that provide short- and long-term insights into a program’s performance and effectiveness. To complement the internal program, external reviews are conducted by a third party to gain more in-depth knowledge on how state partners and industry stakeholders utilize Checkoff programs and to enhance transparency and accountability of how Checkoff dollars are spent.
Checkoff Evaluation Committee
Now, who reviews program evaluation metrics? The Cattlemen’s Beef Board and the Federation of State Beef Councils appoint producers and importers to serve on the Checkoff Evaluation Committee. Throughout the year, this 12-member committee reviews the internal, quarterly program updates that contractors submit. These quarterly reports outline program activities, target audiences, program changes, context to the outcomes, opportunities for growth, etc. Where possible, contractors also include higher-level metrics such as changes in perception, behaviors, sales data and economic impacts.
The Checkoff Evaluation Committee also conducts annual external program reviews. To gain greater insights into program effectiveness and synergies, the committee reviews programs with similarities, such as producer- or consumerfacing audiences, promotional content or educational components.
Ensuring Efficient Investments
Program implementation is not perfect, and failure is often an inherent part of success. There are times when Beef Checkoff program goals and objectives are not met. When this occurs, the Checkoff Evaluation Committee does not view this as a failure but rather as an opportunity to learn and adjust programs to ensure the effective use of Checkoff investments.
“There does need to be accountability for how Beef Checkoff funds are spent, but when program evaluation is
viewed as an audit vs. a learning tool, it can have unintended consequences such as hampering program innovation or the willingness to try a new approach,” said Beka Wall, director of evaluation and outreach as the Cattlemen’s Beef Board. “Whether a contractor’s goals are exceeded or not met, all information is considered knowledge that can be applied back to improving Beef Checkoff-funded programs.”
Overall, when contractors track metrics and KPIs that yield beneficial information, Checkoff spending becomes more and more efficient. “There is a well-known saying by Albert Einstein, ‘The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results,’” Wall said. “If you don’t measure and evaluate programs, you can’t determine what is or is not working. Therefore, evaluation data is essential to providing insights that improve Beef Checkoff program efficiencies.”
Program Evaluation Reporting
Reporting program evaluation information is arguably one of the most important functions of the Checkoff Evaluation Committee. The committee presents program evaluation information back to beef producers and stakeholders in various ways so they can experience the wins and successes of their Beef Checkoff investments.
Quarterly Updates
The committee recognizes that program data is only useful if presented in a digestible format. Therefore, the committee breaks down quarterly report information into user-friendly dashboards that are shared with members of the Beef Promotion Operating Committee and Checkoff Program Committees. These dashboards are a tool that these committee members can use to determine the value and impact of Beef Checkoff-funded programs.
Annual Report
In addition to quarterly reports, the Checkoff Evaluation Committee compiles a public-facing annual report. This report provides program highlights and outlines how programs performed against their goals and KPIs.
The Drive
Another way is through a medium you’re already familiar with – The Drive, a quarterly print newsletter and monthly e-newsletter that delivers the latest industry facts, statistics and stories highlighting real ways Beef Checkoff dollars are driving demand for beef. Get your complimentary subscription if you haven’t already.
IN THIS ISSUE:
September/October 2023
President: Carla Jurgenson
Vice President: David Mool
Secretary: Clay Sellmeyer
Business Manager: Doug Turner
Past President: David Jenkins
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
Directors at Large:
Grant Bedel
TJ Curtin
Jim Marsh
Bradley Wolter
Kyle Buetke
Jeff Dameron
Chris Cassady
Clay Sellmeyer
Dan Naughton
Greg McClure
David Mool
Bodee Schlipf
Brad Evans
CONTACT
To
ON THE COVER
UPCOMING EVENTS
Photo taken at the Illinois State Fair of Illinois Angus royalty. By Devin Bollman.
Stockman award recognizes three juniors’ outstanding performances across three contests.
Judge, meat scientist, nutritionist – cattlemen wear many hats, and the winners of the Minix Stockman Contest at the National Junior Angus Show reflect some of the diverse skills needed to succeed. The award factors juniors’ performances in the judging contest, quiz bowl, written exam and skill-a-thon. The top contestant from each of the three age divisions with the highest combined scores were recognized at the 2023 NJAS, held July 1-8.
“The Stockman Contest is a unique avenue for junior members to not only test their knowledge, but also see how well-rounded they are,” said Caitlyn Brandt, director of events and junior activities. “They really have to understand all aspects of the industry, and that’s why this award is such an honor.”
The intermediate stockman was Audrey Curtin (center) of Illinois. She placed first in Intermediate B livestock judging, placed sixth in the skill-a-thon contest, and scored 34 points on the quiz bowl exam for the intermediate division. (For livestock judging contests, Intermediate and Junior divisions are split into A and B groups based on age.)
Beginning in 2022, the contest has been named the Minix Stockman Contest in honor of the late Ed and Wilma Minix of Black Witch Farm, Athens, Georgia. The Minix couple was passionate about supporting youth involved with livestock and helping them become leaders in the agricultural industry.
Each winner received a belt buckle, as well as cash awards: $750 for the senior division winner, $500 for the intermediate division winner, and $250 for the junior division winner.
Results of the 2023 NJAS, including shows, contests, awards and scholarships can be found at www.njas.info. Additional coverage is also available on the NJAA social media channels and in the September issue of the Angus Journal.
Mool Named 2023 Junior Angus Herdsman
Illinois showman awarded 2023 Junior Herdsman of the Year.
Many awards come down to one judge’s opinion on one day. However, the 2023 Junior Herdsman of the Year, Ashlyn Mool from Illinois, was selected by a large group of her peers as recognition for years of excellent work.
“Out of every show, every award, this is probably the most meaningful because this is when you’re retiring and is voted on by your juniors, and that means a lot to me,” Mool said.
The award was created to honor an outstanding member of the National Junior Angus Association (NJAA) in their last year of eligibility. The individual must display a strong work ethic, dedication to his or her animals, and have skills in preparing their cattle for exhibition to a high standard. In addition to the Junior Herdsman of the Year belt buckle, Mool received $500 towards Boviteq IVF services and $500 towards Purina product credit.
“We always joke that if there’s ever an opportunity to show a calf, she’s going to show a calf,” said Garrett Lampe, a mentor of Mool’s. “She absolutely loves the competition and the show ring part of it, but she’s taken a lot of ownership in the daily management and even inside their cow herd with cow-herd duties.”
Mool said her sister paved the way for her during her early years of association involvement. She has since carved a path of her own by serving in leadership roles at the state level and earning recognition as the Illinois 2023 Herdsman of the Year.
Mool said one of the most challenging aspects of her junior career has been balancing time commitments, but she continues to prioritize her learning and encourages other herdsmen to do the same.
“You have to be able to learn and adjust because every animal is different,” she said. “Even now as a retiring junior I’m still asking a lot of questions.”
A Junior Herdsman of the Year award recipient also shows qualities of working well with others.
“She’s just a pretty incredible young lady,” Lampe said. “You can tell a lot of young people look up to her.”
One of her favorite parts of working with younger juniors is teaching them how to improve their showmanship skills.
“Six or seven years ago, I was not the best showman myself and then Gretchen and Garrett Lampe really helped me bloom into a showman, so I want to pass that along and help other kids,” she said.
Although Mool will age out of the NJAA, she plans to continue being involved with the breed as she and her family expand their herd. She will also continue her studies of agribusiness at Iowa State University in the fall of 2023.
To learn more about the NJAA or to view NJAS results, visit www.njaa.info. Additional coverage is also available on the NJAA social media channels and in the September issue of the Angus Journal.
— Written by Sarah Kocher, Angus Communications
Angus Youth “Kick It In Cali” at the 2023 LEAD Conference
National Junior Angus Association members gather in Modesto, California
National Junior Angus Association members from 28 states and Canada gathered for the Leaders Engaged in Angus Development conference August 3-6 in Modesto, California. Attendees experienced the state’s diverse agriculture and enhanced their leadership skills through activities and speakers. With 132 junior members in attendance, the conference allowed youth to network and form relationships with peers from a variety of backgrounds.
The LEAD conference travels to a new state annually, designed to expose NJAA members to different sectors of the agriculture industry. While exploring the region, youth gain perspective on unique agricultural practices, explore potential career opportunities and develop as future industry leaders.
“LEAD provides our NJAA members with countless new experiences and opportunities for personal growth,” said Madeline Bauer, senior events coordinator at the American Angus Association®. “Juniors are having fun, but beyond that, they’re forming lifelong friendships and gaining exposure to completely unfamiliar agricultural operations.”
Upon arrival, conference attendees heard a keynote message from Fernando-Sam Sin, professional rodeo photographer, and enjoyed networking with fellow juniors. Educational tours on Friday allowed the group to explore the diverse scope of California agriculture, and each were family-owned operations. Stops included E. & J. Gallo Winery, the largest wine producer in the world; Fiscalini Farmstead, a dairy farm established in 1914 which makes award-winning, artisan cheese; Ratto Bros., a company farming over 1,000 acres to produce more than 35 vegetable varieties; and Duarte Nursery, the largest permanent crops nursery in the United States. Attendees spent the evening at Vintage Angus Ranch, visiting educational stations covering topics like livestock photography and marketing, hot branding, in-vitro fertilization and pregnancy checking.
Saturday started with an early wake-up call as juniors loaded the buses and traveled to Yosemite National Park. After a morning exploring the park and enjoying scenic views, attendees visited one of California’s largest independent almond processors, Minturn Nut Company. The day’s final stop was Schnoor Park, where attendees heard from past NJAA members and sisters Amanda, Kirbe and Sydney Schnoor on how their junior Angus involvement shaped their careers.
After a Sunday morning devotional and time to reflect on their experiences, juniors prepared to travel home. While they had to say their goodbyes, they left equipped with new memories, experiences and friendships to carry with them.
Kathryn Coleman, NJAA events director, said it was rewarding to bring the LEAD conference to California and assist in coordinating the event.
“LEAD was extra special this year, being able to bring it back to my home state — I really embraced the role as the events director,” said Coleman, “Knowing that most of these juniors don’t have the opportunity to see the west or fully comprehend what all it has to offer on the agricultural side, I wanted to deliver just that and to give 110 percent to this conference.”
The Angus Foundation makes the LEAD conference possible with support from the Angus Fund, which provides unrestricted dollars to further the Foundation’s mission of enhancing education, youth and research for the breed. To learn more about the LEAD conference, visit njaa.info.
Addison Tebbe, Macie Bartlow, Ella Bane, Charlee Jones, Braden Bartlow, Blake Wolter
These juniors represented Illinois at the 2023 LEAD (Leaders Engaged in Angus Development) Conference, Aug. 3-6 in Modesto, Calif. Pictured front row from left are Madaline Bergmann, Vienna; Brenna Bartlow, Monticello; Anne Dameron, Towanda; Ella Brooks, Prophetstown; Addison Bartlow, Monticello; and Reese Anderson, Chrisman. Back row from left are Max Dameron, Towanda; Jack Sellmeyer and Ben Sellmeyer, both of Maroa; Charles Parr, Mason City; Claire Kuipers, Le Roy; Audrey Curtin, Blue Mound; Lauren Wolter, Aviston; and Jack Dameron, Towanda. A total of 132 juniors from 28 states and Canada attended the conference, “Kickin’ it in Cali,” where they enhance leadership and interpersonal skills while learning more about the beef industry.
Photo by Peyton Schmitt, American Angus Association.
2023 National Junior Angus Show
Grand Island, Neb. | July 1-8
Photos by Pearl’s Pic
Grand Champion Bred & Owned Female
PVF Proven Queen 2228
Owned by: Amelia Miller
Bred & Owned Heifer Class 13
Jc Blackcap 240
Owned by: Macie Carroll
Bred & Owned Heifer Class 20
Lemenager Proven Queen K4
Owned by: Paige Lemenager
Reserve Grand Champion Bred & Owned Female
Lemenager Proven Queen K24
Owned by: Paige Lemenager
Bred & Owned Heifer Class 15
DDA Northern Miss 2211
Owned by: Reese Anderson
Bred & Owned Heifer Class 21
PVF Blackbird 2201
Owned by: Amelia Miller
Bred & Owned Heifer Class 18
CK3 Blackcap 24
Owned by: Coehen Kirchner
Late Senior Champion Female
SCC CB Phyllis 1114
Owned by: Ella Brooks
Bred & Owned State Group of Five Five Illinois juniors received this award as a group.
Left to right: Adam Miller, Reese Anderson, Coehen Kirchner, Macie Carroll & Paige Lemenager.
Owned Reserve Junior Champion
Heifer Division 1
SCC Phyllis 249
Owned by: Brenna Bartlow
Owned Heifer Class 22
CK3 Barbara K48
Owned by: Macie Carroll
Owned Heifer Calf Champion
Division 3
Dameron C-5 Nellie 2145
Owned by: Quentin Day
Owned Heifer Class 26
PVF Blackbird 2054
Owned by: Caden Crain
Owned Heifer Class 21
SCC Phyllis 249
Owned by: Brenna Bartlow
Henning BCII Sandy 2006
Owned by: Macie Carroll
Owned Heifer Class 39
Illinois Angus juniors collectively won two other prestigious awards: Sweepstakes: 30 Head or More, and State Herdsmanship: 46 Head or More.
2023 NJAS Scholarship Presentation and Awards Ceremony
Grand Island, Neb. | July 5-7
Angus/Talon Undergraduate Scholarships
From Illinois: Amelia Miller, Eric Schafer, Lizzie Schafer, Lauren Wolter, Jack Dameron
Pat Grote LEAD Award
Reese Anderson, Ella Brooks, Macie Carroll, Anne Dameron, Max Dameron
Auxiliary’s Female Scholarship Winners From Illinois: Lauren Wolter
Howard & JoAnne Hillman/Bon View Farms Scholarship Adam Miller, Gridley
Angus Foundation $2,000 Scholarship
From Illinois: Jordi Oliver, Reese Anderson, Ashlyn Mool
Richard L. Spader Scholarship Paige Lemenager, Hudson
Photos by Pearl’s Pic
Miss American Angus Contestants From Illinois: Lauren Wolter
Junior Graphic Design First place: Claire Kuipers
Senior Graphic Design Second place: Jordi Oliver (center) Third place: Anna Johnson (right)
Senior Creative Writing From Illinois: Jordi Oliver (center)
First Place Senior Team Sales
Drew Mickey, Jordi Oliver, Laney Stephens, Anna Johnson
Intermediate Photography - Angus Cattle First Place: Reese Anderson
Senior Photography
First place: Anna Johnson (left)
Junior B Poster First Place: Macie Bartlow (left)
Intermediate B Public Speaking Second Place: Lauren Wolter (center) Third Place: Drew Mickey (right)
Intermediate PhotographyLandscape
First place: Reese Anderson (left)
Intermediate Photography - Around the Farm or Ranch
First place: Reese Anderson (left)
Senior Photography - Landscape
First place: Anna Johnson (left) Third place: Laney Stephens (right)
Senior Public Speaking
First place: Jordi Oliver (left)
Third place: Lizzie Schafer (right)
Intermediate B Career Development
Second place: Lauren Wolter (center)
Senior Career Development
Tied for second place: Jordi Oliver (right)
Junior Judging Contest
Second place: Macie Bartlow (center)
Intermediate B Judging Contest
First place: Audrey Curtin (left)
Senior Judging Contest Second place: Paige Lemenager (left)
Junior B Extemporaneous Speaking
Second place: Claire Kuipers (right)
Intermediate Auctioneering
First place: Drew Mickey
Intermediate B Extemporaneous Speaking
First place: Lauren Wolter (left)
Second place: Drew Mickey (center left)
Senior Auctioneering
First place: Jordi Oliver
Second place: Laney Stephens
Gold Award Recipients
These junior members received their Gold Award at the 2023 National Junior Angus Show (NJAS) Awards Ceremony, July 7 in Grand Island, Neb. Pictured from left are Cutter Pohlman, Hereford, Texas; Jeremiah Steph, Tatum, Texas; Lexi Knapp, Bloomfield, Iowa; Jonwyn Ayres, Powers, Ore.; Jack Dameron, Towanda, Ill.; Kathryn Coleman, Modesto, Calif.; Emily Brooks, Prophetstown, Ill.; Morgan Hutchins, Charleston, Ill.; Sydney Johnson, Orlando, Okla.; Lynae Bowman, Germanton, N.C.; Ellie Kidwell, Walhonding, Ohio; Anna King, Cobleskill, N.Y.; Ashlyn Mool, Lexington, Ill.; Jordan Oliver, Buncombe, Ill., Kyra Meyer, Blue Hill, Neb.; Kyli Kraft, Fort Collins, Colo.; Alexis Vandeberghe, Cleveland, N.D.; and Kacie Vejraska, Omak, Wash.
First Place Junior Division Quiz Bowl
Claire Kuipers, Anna Parr, Macie Bartlow, Addison Tebbe
(left)
(left)
(right)
Girls Crystal Award Winner Jordi Oliver, Buncombe
Boys Crystal Award Winner Drew Mickey, Taylorville
2023 Illinois State Fair Junior Show Springfield, Ill. | August10-12 | Judges: Photos by Cindy’s Livestock Photography
Champion Bred & Owned, 3rd Overall Land of Lincoln Champ. B & O Angus Paige Lemenager
Land of Lincoln 3rd Overall Steer
Angus
Reserve Champion Bred & Owned Res. Champ. B & O Angus
Anne Dameron
Champion Angus Heifer PVF Blackbird 2061
Ashton Dillow
Top fifteen finalists included both Hutchins and Miller.
Morgan Hutchins and Amelia Miller represented Illinois at the 2023 National Junior Angus Showmanship Contest
Amelia Miller(right) won third place showmanship honors. She was presented with the Silver Revere bowl by Tonya Theis (left).
Champion
Kadie Kummel
Res. Champ. Angus Steer Blake Kearns
2022 Illinois State Fair Roll of Victory Angus Show
Springfield | August 14 | Tyler Cates
Grand Champ. Cow-Calf
Kramers Erica 762
Adam Stuckemeyer
Champ Junior Bull Calf
Ewing Outlier
Matthew Ewing
Res. Champ. Intermediate Bull
Double C May 40RJ
Clayton Hester
Photos by Cindy’s Livestock Photography
Grand Champ. Bull
Hoffman Flint 209
Hoffman Angus
Res. Senior Bull Calf
York Farms Knight Rider 2259
Cody York
Champ. Senior Bull
Parr GO Fund Me 1P35
Charles Parr
Premiere Herdsman
Cody York
Res. Grand Champ. Bull
JAF 4 You Envy 26
Anna Johnson
Intermediate Bull Calf
WGA Maverick 12K
Holly Marsh
Res. Champ. Senior Bull
Lazy JB Bordertown 1329
Matthew Ewing
Champ.
Grand Champion Female
Lemenager Proven Queen K24
Paige Lemenager
Res. Champ. Junior Heifer
JA Lucys Good Time
Ty Harden
Res. Champ. Junior Yearling
PVF Blackbird 2054
Caden Crain
Res. Champ. Senior Female
CKe BlackCap 178
Scout Rieker
Res. Grand Champ. Female
UDE Blackbird 2002
Brenna Bartlow
Res. Champ. Senior Heifer
FCF WHM Phyllis 258
Anna Johnson
Land of Lincoln Res. Junior Yearling
FCF Musgrave Proven Queen 2
Alexia Stevens
Champ. Junior Heifer Calf
York Farms Blackbird 2302
Cody York
Res. Champ. Intermediate Female
PVF Missie 2106
Ben Sellmeyer
Champion Senior Female
HTF Pride 2195
Ashlyn Mool
Illinois Angus Association News
Report from September 5 IAA meeting.
Illinois Angus Association will have a Sale on December 16, 2023, at Fairview Sale Barn in Fairview.
• Bred Cows, Bred Heifers, Cow/Calf fall pairs
• Must be registered Angus, do not need to be halter broke
• $100/head entry fee
• Contact Grant Bedel, sale manager, at 309-212-2493, with any questions.
• October 1, 2023, is the deadline for entries.
IAA will be supporting the 2024 Illinois Performance Tested Bull Sale, and encourages you to reach out to Travis Meteer, sale manager, with University of Illinois Beef Extension.
IAA has voted to move the annual membership banquet and meeting to a new date and location.
• Our goal is to bring more of our IAA members together, and offer educational seminars for all members, while providing an opportunity for our Angus Auxiliary and Junior Association to showcase their contributions.
What is the next goal in your operation? Take a second and think about that question. Maybe you have a clear answer and maybe it is a little harder to define. Recently, our AHA field staff was able to hold our annual field staff meeting in Kansas City. While there, we were challenged by our AHA leaders to define successful operations in our territory and give a reason why we thought so. Each of us brought up the term “Customer Service” when looking at those successful operations. So, I am here to challenge all Hereford breeders out there to incorporate customer service into their next set of goals for their operation.
Hereford cattle are so versatile and vital to the beef cattle industry. These cattle provide value in the commercial cow-calf operations, feedlots, any Hereford seedstock operation, and even in the show ring. However, one thing we need to do as breeders and producers continue to promote this breed. We have to be able to keep the demand for Hereford cattle as high as we can so that our CUSTOMERS can see more profit. Here are a few examples.
The Hereford breed has proven value in adding bulls into commercial operations. These F1 calves are some of the most impressive calves out there, but commercial producers may still need help marketing them. Offer to buy the females back for your own commercial herd. Help make the connection with them to send them to the Greater Midwest Hereford Sale on 1/4/24. Do what you can to help get these calves sold. After all, promoting these cattle only helps promote your program since they are out of your bull.
Hereford cattle and Hereford-based crosses are excelling in the feedlot. Grades are going up and therefore, so is the demand. Our Certified Hereford Beef program needs our breeders help. Strike up a conversation with the local restaurant or grocery store. Tell them about CHB and what makes it desirable. You may not think that one conversation matters, but I promise, if a store manager hears a question or two about CHB, they are going to be looking into it to see if they can make money selling it.
For those of you selling show cattle, take the time to help your customers. Not everyone buying a show project is going to win every show, however, they are buying so their kids can grow as individuals. Help them to do that. Help teach when applicable, go to their farm, and watch them compete. These kids are doing a lot of work promoting an animal you raised, go and help them do it. These ideas are a start to the idea of customer service, but obviously, there are many more. A little extra work may be added, but the benefit of keeping a customer coming back (with more money in their pocket) will work wonders for your operation. Good luck to everyone who is competing at shows and having sales this fall, and as always, never hesitate to reach out.
Noah Benedict
AHA Territory 5 Field Staff
217-372-8009
noahb@hereford.org
s a v e t h e d a t e . . .
I L L I N O I S H E R E F O R D
A S S O C I A T I O N
W I N T E R C L A S S I C S A L E
D E C E M B E R
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Illinois Hereford Association Record of Award Recipients
Illinois Junior Hereford Association
IL Jr. Members
Outstanding members
Illinois outstanding member - Molly biggs, dixon, IL
retiring members
Kira Sayre, Cassie Allscheid, Krista Allscheid, Lauren McMillan, Molly Biggs, Abbigale Peterson.
Contests Results Showmanship Contest
PeeWee Showmanship
Junior Showmanship
Reserve Champion ShowmanBlakely Storey, Stockton, Ill.
7th OverallElla Bane, Towanda, Ill.
intermediate Showmanship 3rd OverallKade Boatman, Rockford, Ill.
Hereford Bowl
Junior
2nd Place - ILLINOISElla Bane, Towanda; Cora Chapman, Seneca; Addison Duis, Petersburg; Brogan Keltner, Pearl City
Senior
1st Place - ILLINOISMolly Biggs, Dixon; Kendall Boatman, Rockford; Morgan Richardson, Capron; Kira Sayre, Arenzville
Photography contest
Senior Hereford Cattle
3rd PlaceMolly Biggs, Dixon, Ill.
Photography Contest
Senior Hereford people
3rd
Intermediate Hereford Cattle
Intermediate hereford people
PlaceMolly Biggs, Dixon, Ill.
“Just a Girl and Her Heifer”
1st PlaceNolan Lee, Wellington, Ill.
“Boo”
1st PlaceBrenna Bartlow, Monticello, Ill.
“Love of an uncle”
Photography Contest Intermediate Hereford People
3rd Place -
Nolan Lee, Wellington, Ill.
Junior Hereford Cattle
3rd PlaceCaroline Lee, Wellington, Ill.
Peewee Hereford Cattle
1st PlaceCrayton Chapman, Seneca, Ill.
Poster Contest
Junior
3rd PlaceElla Crane, LaSalle, Ill.
Illustrated Speech
Junior
1st PlaceFaith Benedict, Dewey, Ill.
CHB Cooking Challenge
Junior
2nd PlaceBrogan Keltner, Pearl City, Ill.
Sales Academy Intermediate
2nd PlaceKendall Boatman, Rockford, Ill.
Herdsman of the year
Cassie Allscheid
Nominee
Allscheid graduated from Missouri State University in May 2023 and will begin her professional career this fall with ShowMe Genetic Services, Strafford, Mo. “It is a great honor to conclude my junior career by being nominated for the Herdsman of the Year award,” Allscheid says. “After years invested in the breed, the beef industry and Association, I am humbled to be recognized amongst a great set of candidates.”
Judging Contest
Peewee Teams
3rd Place - ILLINOISOwen Crutcher, Korbin Swigart, charlie kent, Elyse Garnhart
OWNED BY: STETSON STOREy and BLAKELY STOREY, STOCKTON, IL
Class 134 - Owned Polled Females
RF 8036 RICH GIRL 16J
DOB: 11/24/2021 Sire: UPS SENSATION 2296 DAM: PERKS 1502 MARY SUE
BRED BY: MORGAN RICHARDSON, CAPRON, IL
OWNED BY: MORGAN, DANIEL and EMMA RICHARDSON, CAPRON, IL
Bred and Owned Bulls
Reserve division 3 Bred and owned bulls
CEP 8G RICO 7B 034K ET CADEN and CORBIN PERRY, TOWER HILL, IL
Champion Division 5 Bred-and-Owned Bull
PERKS 2TK 5101 JABARI 1122 GKB CATTLE, DESDEMONA, TX and TAYLOR KENDALL BOATMAN, ROCKFORD, IL
cattle results
bred and owned females
Champion Division 3
bred and owned female
RF 217 CALAIS 15K ET
MORGAN, EMMA and DANIEL RICHARDSON, CAPRON, IL
Champion division 10
bred and owned female
RF 8036 RICH GIRL 16J
MORGAN, DANIEL and EMMA
RICHARDSON, CAPRON, IL
Reserve Champion Division 2 Bred-andOwned Female
SWIGART 756 OLIVE 300 KORBIN and KADE SWIGART, FARMER CITY, IL
cattle results
Reserve Champion Division 2 Owned Polled Female
2TK 852 HADLEY JO 211K
THOMAS KADE and TAYLOR
KENDALL BOATMAN, ROCKFORD, IL
Reserve division 14 polled owned female
RGR JANET 150J
ELLA BANE, TOWANDA, IL
REserve division 13 polled owned female
HDDN MISS KANDACE 5K STETSON STOREy and BLAKELY STOREY, STOCKTON, IL
A FEW MORE DETAILS...
NHW Provides Support for Faces of Leadership Scholarship
National Junior Hereford Association (NJHA) members received Faces of Leadership travel scholarships during the 2023 VitaFerm® Junior National Hereford Expo Hereford Youth Foundation of America Scholarship, Award and Maroon Jacket Ceremony on July 13 in Madison, Wisconsin.
Other Awards
For the first time this year, National Hereford Women awarded $400 travel scholarships at random to 11 young people attending the 2023 Faces of Leadership Conference. The NHW has worked hard to support Hereford juniors and ensure their future success. Through leadership development programs, such as the Faces of Leadership Conference, NHW encourages young people to further develop invaluable skills for their futures. Travel scholarship winners were randomly selected through a drawing process; winners from Illinois include Rhett Lehman, Sullivan; Caden Perry, Tower Hill; and Kendall Boatman, Rockford.
Premier Adult Breeder Hawk Livestock, Earlville
2023 Illinois State Fair Junior Show
Springfield, Ill. | August 10-12
5th Overall Heifer
Reserve Champion Land of Lincoln
Champion Polled Hereford Female
Ella Brooks
Reserve Champion Polled Hereford
Female
Kade Swigart
Land of Lincoln Res. Grand Champion
Steer
Maci Brooks
5th Overall Land of Lincoln Female
Champion Horned Hereford Female
Blakely Storey
Reserve Champion Horned Hereford
Female
Paige Lemenager
Champion Hereford Steer
Koby Kearns
Photos by Cindy’s Livestock Photography
2023 Illinois State Fair Open Show
Springfield, Ill. | August 12-16
Photos by Cindy’s Livestock Photography
Champion Hereford Steer
Koby Kearns
Res. Champ. Polled Hereford
RF 8036 Rich Girl 16J
Morgan Richardson
Polled Hereford Premiere
Herdsman
Morgan Richardson
Champ. Horned Hereford Bull
YCC ME Forrest 2296 2207
Young Cattle Co.
Reserve Champion Hereford Steer
Eli Faber
Champion Polled Bull
Perks 2tk 5101 Jabari 1122 ET
Kendall Boatman
Champion Horned Hereford Heifer
Purple L May Trudy 200K ET
Blakely Storey
Reserve Champion Horned Hereford Bull
AR VCR41H Harley 39k
Apple Ridge Cattle
Champ. Polled Hereford Heifer
RGR Janet 50J
Ella Bane
Reserve Champion Polled Bull
LF 8121 Homewrecker 2150
Lorenzen Farms
Reserve Champion Horned Hereford Heifer
KJ TWJ 907E Martini 936K ET
Paige Lemenager
Horned Hereford Premiere Herdsman Fancy Creek
President’s Note President’s Note
Well once again another summer has come and gone. It seems to me that once we get to the fourth of July you blink and the state fair is over and schools are starting earlier every year. I sure wish they could just wait until the Tuesday after Labor Day to start, but that is a big ole’ can of worms better left unopened.
For our Simmental juniors and families, July started off with the National Classic in Des Moines, Iowa. What a week for the Illinois juniors. The week was full of contests, fun, laughter and livestock. Our juniors have to compete in three of the five contests in order to be in the show ring with their animal. The contests include livestock judging, sales talk, public speaking, cattleman’s quiz and genetic evaluation quiz. The cattle shows are two full days of showing with the last day for showmanship and the awards program wraps up the week. Illinois was very well represented with kids in the top 20 of every contest and we had an Illinois junior ring the bell. Paisley Schick won the coveted bell for the junior division and rang it loudly with excitement. The show ring did not disappoint either for the Illinois juniors, as we brought several class winners, division winners and top honors, back home to Illinois. Once again this was a great week of fun and comradery for the juniors and their families.
A few weeks after the National Classic we headed to Springfield for the Illinois State Fair. This is always a bittersweet time for me. Don’t get me wrong, I love spending the week in brick barn 25O and walking around the pole barns and barn 25P talking and laughing with fellow Simmental breeders. My problem is and always has been the poor conditions of our facilities and buildings within our state fairgrounds. We are in need of upgrades and I know this takes money, but many of our buildings are so depleted because of the neglect for so long. Why our state government can not find a way to spend money on the livestock buildings is beyond me. Yes, I know they have been working on the coliseum building and they made some improvements to the brick barns but there is so much more that needs to be done for the safety of the livestock and the people in the barns. Okay, enough of me standing on my soapbox complaining. Despite all of the shortfalls of the structures, the state fair strengthens our time with friends, breeders, and making connections with others. Our junior heifer and steer shows remain tough year after year. The Simmental breed was well represented in the Grand Drives and took top honors in the following ways; Reserve Grand Champion Heifer and Land of Lincoln Champion Colt Roeder with his Purebred Simmental Heifer, Third Overall Heifer was Paisley Schick with her Low Percentage heifer and Land of Lincoln 4th Overall Heifer was Conley Schick with her Purebred. On the steer side of things, Fourth Overall Steer was Kylie Gillespie with her Simmental steer and Land of Lincoln 4th Overall Steer honors went to Lindy Kane. The open shows wrapped up the week on Sunday. I was able to spend time in the ring this year, and enjoyed being close to the cattle and the people exhibiting. Thank you to all of our breeders, juniors and their families for making it a great week for my last state fair as your president.
Now that we are heading into the fall, make sure you are watching the sale sites, Facebook pages and your mailbox for all of the upcoming sales. Our Illinois breeders have a lot to offer and we do not need to find the next one to put in the ring and / or strengthen our own herd. If you need anything or have any questions please reach out to myself or any one of our senior board members. I hope everyone has a safe fall harvest season.
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
Fairview Sale Barn 114
Farm Credit Illinois 36, 114
Frank & West Environmental Engineers, Inc. 114
Green Prairie Animal Hospital 114
Greenville Livestock Auction 5, 114
Hadden Farms, Inc. 20
Hiel Trailer Sales 20
Hueber Feeds 114
Hueber, Robert 114
Illinois Charolais Association 81
Illinois Corn Marketing Board 13
Illinois Farm Bureau 114
Illinois Simmental Association 108
Illinois Soybean Association 58, 115
John Deere IFC
Johnson Concrete 114
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