Catch up with local affiliate groups on how they have been connecting with consumers and local beef producers this summer.
18
22 Cramers Go Commercial
Commercial Producer of the Year Cramer Family Farms are keeping their legacy as Ron and Shannon Cramer seek to pass the operation on to their children and grandchildren.
Regenerative Agriculture
“As stewards of the nation’s private working lands, many progressive producers are working to mitigate those uncertainties by refocusing efforts on the foundational building block of their operation: the soil resource.”
Art Farley of C-MOR Beef Farms wins 2022 IBA Seedstock Producer of the Year. Learn about his operation.
“Deeply involved and dedicated to purpose” could have been the theme for this years IBA presence at the Illinois State Fair (ISF). As most of you know the ISF is not an 11- day experience for the IBA; it is a 15- day marathon beginning on Monday, with Ribeye Corral set – up, ending two Mondays later with Ribeye Corral clean up, and there are various events every day in between. The following is a list of activities in which the IBA plays a supporting role for the ISF:
• Ribeye Corral, beef promotion and sales.
• Illinois Junior Beef Association (IJBA) Annual Meeting, officer elections, pizza party and games.
• Sponsored and managed the IJBA Jackpot Heifer Show.
• serving a beef lunch every day for beef superintendents, judges and show ring volunteers in both the Open and Junior shows.
• Co-sponsoring the State Fair’s Ag Day Breakfast event for hundreds of guests and dignitaries.
• participating in the Governor’s Day Rally.
• participating in the Republican Day Rally.
• providing a $500 check to the exhibitor of the Grand Champion Jr. Show Steer.
• providing a $250 check to the exhibitor of the Reserve Grand Champion Jr. Show Steer.
• co-sponsored the Junior Heifer Show Program.
• co-sponsored the Junior Steer Show Program.
• maintained two venues promoting Beef
• Ribeye Corral located on Grandstand Avenue.
• B eef Demonstration Bin donated by GSI and located on Central Avenue.
• sponsored the Beef Leadership Academy Social on the Directors Lawn.
• co-sponsored the International Chili Society Cookoff, providing prizes to the winners and sharing beef cooking tips and recipes with the public who visited throughout the day.
• co-sponsored the CHOPPED Culinary Competition, showcasing unique beef cuts to educate the public and partnering with local beef producers to highlight the quality of Illinois-produced beef products.
• participated in the Golden Abe (Fair Food) Competition.
• co-sponsored the Master Showmanship Contest.
• co-sponsor of the Junior Show Cattle Picture Backdrop.
• co-sponsor of the opening day Harness Racing events at the Grandstand.
• co-sponsor of one of the Junior Show Performance CowCalf Awards.
• provide banners for the Top Five Junior Show Steers Overall and the Top Five Land of Lincoln Steers.
• provided a stipend for the Jr. Show Beef Showmanship Judges.
In addition to supporting the ISF- Springfield, the IBA is a supporter of the DuQuoin State Fair (DSF). The IBA is a co-sponsor of the picture backdrop for the Beef Cattle Shows
and provides a $500 check to the exhibitor of the DSF Reserve Champion Steer. IBA’s local affiliate, Egyptian Cattlemen, also provide significant support to the public education displays at DSF.
A special thank you is extended to the affiliate members and other organization members who staffed the Ribeye Corral during the ISF. The time you spent waiting on customers and the beef promoting conversations you shared provided a great eating experience for the fair-going public. The success of the Ribeye Corral is in large part due to the tireless 15-day effort of Betsy Pech (District 5 Board of Governor member) who serves in a volunteer capacity as the Ribeye Corral coordinator.
A highlight of the ISF Ag Day Breakfast for me was the recognition of the IBA Farm Family of the Year. This year Jamie and Larisa Willrett family of Malta were recognized by Illinois’ Agriculture Director Jerry Costello. The IBA thanks Jerry for overseeing the substantial improvements being made to the ISF Grounds. This year two more of the “25” brick cattle barns were updated as well as new roads around the Junior Building, the Swine Building and the Row of Flags along side the Commodity Building. The IBA appreciates the
State Treasurer Michael Frerichs and his daughter dropped by Ribeye Corral to meet Betsy Pech.
funding provided by the State General Assembly for the ISF Grounds upgrades that includes pre-planned improvements to the Junior Building in 2022/23.
The ISF is the social event of the year for livestock producers and not only showcases the character- building activities for our young people and the superior livestock produced within Illinois but provides an opportunity for networking that includes visiting with friends, sharing ideas, and providing a positive message to state and national legislators. As we did last year, Josh, Dave and I had opportunities to visit with our numerous friends in the Illinois legislature as well as with national senators, representatives, and candidates for the state and national office. Our interviews with the representatives of the news media continued to reinforce the importance of the Illinois Beef Cattle industry.
As one can learn from reading this and previous issues of the Illinois Beef magazine it has been a busy summer for the IBA staff and the BOG’s. As first reported in the August issue of the National Cattleman,
“On June 28 the primary election in Illinois was held, and it is a significant year for Illinois politics – especially in (our) rural counties due to the loss of a congressional district this year. IBA worked diligently with NCBA-PAC leaders in this primary election to unseat a congressman from rural Illinois who has become a noted recipient of animal rights activist funds; you’ll recall at last year’s Cattle Industry Convention in Nashville, Tennessee, that NCBA CEO Colin Woodall cited Illinois Congressman Rodney Davis as a risk to the beef industry, as they’d uncovered significant dealings between Davis and Wayne Pacelle (among other animal activists).
IBA endorsed Davis’ opponent in the primary (after much discussion by the BOG’s and careful thought by the IBA PAC members) which was an incumbent as well. Congresswoman Mary Miller, a cow-calf operator and IBA member, sought election this cycle in the same district as Davis. The night’s results showed a huge victory for congresswoman Miller—
as the cattlemen and women, and rural voters showed up throughout the rural district to help her win by a 15% margin. IBA and NCBA-PAC’s efforts are credited by Miller’s campaign in swinging several key counties to bring victory. Davis is expected to seek employment in the private sector as he exits Congress.
Congresswoman Miller, already a member of the House Agriculture Committee, is looking forward to continuing her leadership on behalf of cattlemen and women in her new district. This is a large win for IBA and the cattle industry.”
In late August Josh and I attended the Ag Legislative Roundtable Candidate Forum, coordinated by Illinois Farm Bureau, to visit with and listen to campaign speeches by Sen. Tammy Duckworth (D) and her opponent, Republican Kathy Salvi. Also speaking at the event was Governor J.B. Pritzker (D) and State Senator and Republican Gubernatorial candidate Darren Bailey. It is good to hear these candidates and incumbents engaging with the agriculture community to discuss the issues which are critical to our industry.
As an update on IBA Directors in the news, Phyllis Coulter (Illinois Farmer Today) in an Ag Day email newsletter wrote an excellent article regarding Joan Harrison (IBA District 4 Check Off Director) and her daughter Cori Malone (Beef Expo Co-Coordinator), about their multigeneration cattle operation. Thank you, Phyllis. While unique in it’s own right, their operation is typical of many operations across Illinois.
All these successes for IBA to accomplish would not be possible without a dedicated team effort. Thank you, Josh, Betty, Annie, Devin and Olivia. As many of you may know, this is Betty Haynes last issue of Illinois Beef. Betty has accepted a position with Prairie Farmer as Senior Editor. IBA wishes Betty the best as she transitions to her new career opportunity. We still consider Betty part of the IBA family as she and her husband Dan are IBA members and valued Illinois beef producers; they will continue to operate Haynes Ranch near Petersburg. Thank you, Betty, for a job well done!
IJBA members Ella Bane and Cody Knodle participate in a Springfield radio program during ISF.
Executive Edge
This issue of Illinois Beef magazine came together on the heels of two great state fairs, and both events were packed with a lot of celebration of the things in our industry that bring us together – the quality people, the quality cattle, and the quality beef products that we are producing on our family farms. You will see articles in this issue that highlight the exceptional work of several Illinois beef families – as winners in our statewide award programs, as well as those families who were blessed to have winners in the showring at both the Illinois State Fair and the Du Quoin State Fair.
We are fortunate to have so many great volunteers and leaders throughout this association who are willing to step forward and make big events like the state fairs a success. Dozens of you showed up and helped with activities and concessions at the fair in Springfield, and several more were on hand to help with the cattlemen’s education display and the livestock shows at Du Quoin. Your time and talents are truly appreciated for the support it provides to our missions.
Next month kicks off a new program year for our association, with a focus on outreach to members and consumers across the state. We have been making plans for more meetings and workshops throughout Illinois, to bring beef programs to your part of the world and add more value to your membership and your operations. Our junior beef programs are growing and expanding, through new opportunities for young people to get involved in leadership and educational conferences via the association. We are also expanding how we connect with consumers in Illinois, adding new resources to reach out to shoppers and cooks via the internet with social media and digital marketing programs that teach more about cuts of beef, shopping for beef products and how to prepare great beef recipes in the home. I am really excited for the tremendous opportunities that are coming for our association to connect with members and beef consumers in the months ahead – so please be watching for updates on what we are bringing to your part of the state.
Also coming in the next program year is a new home for the Illinois Beef Association. After calling 2060 West Iles Avenue home for the last several decades, our Board of Governors has voted to relocate to new office space this fall. Soon IBA will have an address on the Illinois State Fairgrounds, as we have leased the former University of Illinois Extension Center space in Building 30, adjacent to the Junior Livestock Barn. This new home will feature enhanced office space for IBA to house staff, host meetings and provide a place for our entire Board to gather; we’re also making plans for beef exhibits and a teaching kitchen on site, to further support our checkoff and beef promotion mission.
The opportunity keeps us in Springfield, reduces overhead costs for the association and hopefully puts us in a more public and welcoming location for members and guests to drop in and see us. We’re also looking forward to hosting cattle groups and breed association gatherings in our new meeting space. Our phone numbers will remain the same, and we’ll share updated address information in a future mailing to each member household.
We have had one recent change in IBA staffing that you will note here in the magazine. Our Illinois Beef editor, Betty Haynes, has departed the association for a new byline, as the newest editor and writer for Prairie Farmer magazine. Betty’s been a valued member of the team here for a couple of years – first as our communications person and most recently in the role focused on our magazine and advertising. Her warm personality, fun sense of humor and exceptional talents as a writer and photographer have been a real gift to the work of IBA. Her new role is a significant acknowledgment of her skills and expertise in publishing an agricultural publication, and provide her a big step up in the world of ag communications. While we’re going to miss Betty around this office, we’re glad to have her continuing her work writing about Illinois’ farm families in the new job, and we’re grateful to keep her in our membership ranks along with husband Dan and daughter Clare. We’re finalizing plans for backfilling the magazine position on our staff and will have additional updates in the next issue of Illinois Beef.
Until then, safe harvest and best of luck with fall calving! Thank you for all you do on your farms and in your communities to represent the best of our Illinois beef industry.
Josh St. Peters, Illinois Beef Association Executive Vice President
Illinois State Fair 2022
Thank you to everyone who volunteered at Ribeye
Corral!
Buzz & Kris Iliff
Henry County Beef Producers
Justin & Jamie Martz
Egyptian Cattlemen Association
LaSalle County Beef
Whiteside County Cattlemen
Jim Branyan
Illinois Corn Growers
McLean Co. Beef Association
Fairview Sale Barn
Schiffbauer Farms
Dr. Paul Walker & Margaret Allen
Trevor Maiers
Schuyler-Brown Cattlemen
Jamie & Larisa Willrett
Lou & Sue Lamoreux
Dan Haynes
Bank of Springfield
Prarie Beef Association
Midwest Cattlemens
Heartland Beef Alliance
Breese Central FFA
Crossroads Beef Producers
Nokomis FFA
ISU Livestock Judging
Bill & Judy Graff
Darin Smith
Susan & Malcolm Head
Shannon Welsh
Cody & Abby Lowderman
Bruce Betzold
Dave Duzan
Wes Hornback
Alex Head
Extension Update
Travis Meteer, University of Illinois Extension Beef Specialist
Minding Your Minerals
Have you ever watched a person walk a tight rope? The balance and precision that it takes to make it from one side to the other is incredible. Focus and attention must be combined with talent and practice. If any small thing goes wrong… balance can be lost and the goal of making it across is gone.
Mineral nutrition is a balancing act too. It is very delicate and much more fragile than other nutrition tasks, such as meeting protein and energy requirements. Minerals must be provided to the animal in a BALANCE. When minerals are not balanced, problems can arise. Low levels can lead to deficiency. High levels can lead to toxicity. Matter of fact, high levels of one mineral can cause a deficiency in another.
Sources of Minerals in the Diet
Minerals enter the animal primarily through feed, water, and supplementation. While it is easy to understand that your mineral feeder full of mineral supplement is a source of mineral, many times cattlemen ignore the minerals that are available to an animal in the feed and water.
In order to better understand what minerals your cattle are ingesting you should test your feedstuffs and even your water source. If you are certain mineral imbalances are affecting you herd, you can discuss this with your local veterinarian and they can draw blood or take liver biopsy samples to identify mineral deficiencies.
Mineral Interactions
Mineral interactions can be reducing performance, causing lethargic calves, linked to retained placentas, and other general health or gain complications. Interactions can result in one mineral restricting the bioavailability of another. Thus, reducing the amount of that mineral absorbed by the animal. This can lead to deficiency. Another way to put this is an excess can cause a deficiency.
One of the most common mineral interactions in beef cattle is the interaction between calcium and phosphorus. Generally, calcium and phosphorus levels are recommended in a ratio (Ca:P). Ideally, a ratio of 2:1 is targeted. Cattle can handle slightly lower Ca:P ratios, however when the ratio becomes inverted, or more phosphorus is provided than calcium, steer cattle can be at risk of urinary calculi (also known as water belly). A prolonged period with a Ca:P imbalance in young cattle can interfere with bone growth and decrease overall performance.
Certainly the Ca:P ratio is important to monitor. Many corn do-product feeds are high in P. In cases of high levels of Ca and P in the diet, other mineral requirements for magnesium, manganese, iodine, sulfur, iron, and zinc will all increase. Remember the key to proper mineral nutrition… balance.
The relationship between copper, iron, molybdenum, sulfur, and zinc is another crucial mineral interaction. These minerals can all influence the bioavailability of each other. High levels of zinc, iron, molybdenum, or sulfur can all interfere with copper availability. Copper deficiency is one of the most common mineral problems across the country.
Do you have hard water? Are your cornstalk bales dirty? Did your hay field get flooded before you cut and baled it? These are all likely suspects for more iron in your cattle rations. Iron is really good at reducing the availability of crucial trace minerals.
Are you feeding distillers grains or CCDS? These feedstuffs are higher in sulfur. High sulfur levels in the ration will bind trace minerals, especially copper. Cows that suddenly have red tinged hair coats are likely experiencing copper deficiency.
Selenium deficiency is a problem in Illinois. Selenium and Vitamin E are generally used in conjunction to supplement against Se deficiency. This is because both Se and Vit. E work along the same lines in the body to prevent hydroperoxides. Administering Se and Vit. E together is a good supplementation strategy to combat Se deficiency.
Mineral Consumption
It is important to not overlook the obvious. Even the correct mineral formulation doesn’t solve the problem if the animal doesn’t consume it. Make sure you are monitoring consumption. Most mineral supplements are formulated to deliver appropriate nutrition at 4 ounces per head per day. A 50lb. bag of mineral should last 20 cows about 10 days. Moving the mineral feeder closer to the water source, the animal’s path, or shade can increase mineral consumption.
Solutions and Summary
Producers can utilize minerals that incorporate organic forms or chelates to help resolve major issues with mineral interactions. Injectable minerals are also a potential solution. However, the key is to know what is deficient and how that deficiency is occurring. Getting rid of an excess will be much more economical than purchasing expensive minerals.
When formulating your mineral nutrition program it is crucial that you are aware of these mineral interactions. Understand that feeds and water can be playing a major role in mineral nutrition of your cattle. Excess can cause deficiency. Consult your nutritionist or Extension specialist for more information on mineral nutrition.
Gate Cuts
Paul Walker, DI Walker Consulting
Preconditioning and Receiving Diets
I have spent a lifetime feeding cattle. I began feeding show steers around 16 years of age in 1966 — before that my feeding program was whatever my father told me to feed. I spent 33 years teaching nutrition and cattle management classes and conducting beef cattle nutrition research. I have enjoyed writing nutrition articles and providing nutrition consultation for feedlots and cow-calf producers for 45 years.
I write this prelude to state the following: the longer I feed cattle the more I realize that starch in creep diets, preconditioning diets and receiving diets is our enemy, not our friend, and the primary source of starch in these cattle diets is shelled corn or the corn grain in corn silage.
High starch intake leads to lower rumen pH values and eventually to rumen acidosis. Rumen acidosis results in variable feed intake, cattle going “off-feed” and sometimes founder. In preconditioning diets and in receiving diets, lower rumen pH values, rumen acidosis and variable feed intake can increase morbidity — respiratory illness, increased antibiotic treatment, etc. — and sometimes can increase mortality. Even in feedlot finishing diets, increased starch content — shelled corn inclusion above 45% dry matter intake — can, and does, often lower rumen pH, increase rumen acidosis, increase intake variability, especially at heavier weights, and may tend to limit harvest weight by decreasing the length of time cattle can be fed. One of the primary reasons we can feed cattle to 1400 –1500 lb. harvest weights is due to increased distiller’s grains (DSG) inclusion rates in finishing diets. Feeding DGS at inclusion rates up to 45% of the diet dry matter (DM) minimizes starch intake, improves rumen health and results in similar average daily gains, feed efficiency and carcass cutouts as higher shelled corn (SC) inclusion rates.
Research we conducted years ago at Illinois State University observed that steers fed receiving diets containing DGS, soyhulls and/or wheat minds had reduced morbidity and lower mortalities than steers fed receiving diets containing higher levels of shelled corn. My favorite
preconditioning diet and receiving diet is composed of a concentrate containing 50 percent corn gluten feed (CGF) and 50 percent soybean hulls (SH) fed with free choice consumption of grass hay. If a TMR is utilized, small grain haylage can substitute for long stem grass hay. I am a fan of utilizing the cover crop cereal rye harvested as ryelage for use in these diets. The CGF/SH concentrate (Table 1) contains 17.3% crude protein (CP) and 1.21 mcal per lb of ME, more than enough to meet the requirements — 15.2 percent CP and 1.18 mcal of ME — for a 400 lb. steer gaining 3.0 lb. per day. A CGF/SH diet will meet the calf’s P and K requirements but will not meet the Calcium requirement. Therefore, any premix added to the ration should contain added Calcium. An important point to consider regarding this diet is it costs only $8.75 per lb. Any diet containing SC will cost more. Table 2 shows that on July 15 when I wrote this article, SC cost $12.18 per lb. of DM when SC was priced at $6.00 per bu. Another important point shown in Table 2 is that DDGS is almost always too expensive to include in cattle diets when compared to other feedstuffs such as CGF, SH, MWDGS, WDGS and even SC.
If the diet you are currently using to precondition calves prior to weaning, or the diet you currently utilize as a receiving diet cost more than the CGF/SH concentrate shown in Table 1, you can do better, or utilize a more effective diet. Regarding the use of corn silage in receiving diets, today’s corn silage contains more corn grain than the corn silage we fed 30 to 50 years ago. A typical yield today of 240 bu. of corn grain at 24 tons of corn silage per acre results in 10 bu. of corn grain per ton of corn silage. Compare this to 125 bu. of corn grain and 20 tons of corn silage per acre in 1975 resulting in 6.25 bu. of corn grain per ton of corn silage. That can be a good thing as corn grain increases the energy density of corn silage. However, a receiving diet using corn silage as part of the daily ration results in higher total starch content of the diet, and calves are great sorters.
TABLE 1: COMPOSITION OF
Calves can sort the corn grain from the silage at the bunk, so one calf may consume more corn grain than the next calf. This results in ration variability. Ration variability results in rumen acidosis and what comes with it. Increased starch content of corn silage results in rumen acidosis and what comes with it too. Therefore, my recommendation is to avoid corn silage in receiving diets, which is at least the first 28 days in the feedlot. Actually, my recommendation is to avoid corn silage in the diet of incoming calves for the first 60 days
in the feedlot.
Feedstuffs such as DGS, CGF, SH and small grain haylage contain relatively little soluble starch compared to corn grain. While corn silage on a total basis contains relatively little starch, young calves can separate the corn grain from the forage material at the bunk, resulting in individual calves eating too much starch. The great thing about feeding cattle is we have so many feedstuffs we can utilize - just one of the things that makes the cup half full and rising.
FEEDSTUFF
DDGS = dried distillers grains with solubles
MWDGS = modified wet distillers grains with solubles
WDGS = wet distillers grains with solubles
DM = dry matter
SH = soybean hulls
SC = shelled corn
TABLE 2: COST OF FEEDSTUFFS JULY 15, 2022
Affiliate News
The Heartland Beef Association hosted their annual industry tours on July 22. Twenty Heartland Beef members participated in tours to Interglobe Sire Services and the Illinois State Univeristy Beef Farm.
Crossroads Beef Producers hosted their 6th Annual Taste of Beef event at the Effingham County Fair on August 3. Nearly 100 lbs of steak was cooked and sampled for fairgoers, 4-H kids, parents and auction buyers. They also hosted their summer meeting with The Equity on July 21st. It was a huge success with roughly 80 people in attendance.
Henry County Beef Association assembled consumer education bags with a list of local producers, handouts on what to expect when buying beef directly from producers, information on specific cuts, and beef sticks. There were bags for kids, too! A grand prize of a $275 gift certificate was awarded to one winner to purchase beef.
Union County Cattlemen sponsored the beef show winners at the Union County Fair in Anna, Illinois. They awarded the grand and reserve grand champion heifer and steer exhibitors with monetary donations.
Tri-County Cattlemen hosted a summer beef tour that included tours at Grateful Graze and Staker Acres, a ribeye dinner and entertainment from Madd Hoss Jackson.
In the Know
IBA Members Host Practical Farmers of Iowa Field Day
On Thursday, August 4, Practical Farmers of Iowa hosted a field day at R & H Land and Cattle, owned by Illinois Beef Association board member Justin Rahn and his wife Ellen. IBA President Dr. Paul Walker and two members of IBA staff were there among roughly 30 attendees. The focus of the meeting was on cover crops and best practices in relation to them. Topics of discussion included the importance of diversity when striving for maximum nitrogen and how the various cover crops benefit both soil and cattle health in a variety of ways.
IBA Member Bill Graff Named Chairman Of Farmers for Salvi Coalition
Republican U.S. Senate nominee Kathy Salvi announced recently that Illinois agricultural and farming leader Bill Graff will serve as Chairman of her Senate Advisory Council on Agriculture and Agribusiness (Farmers for Salvi).
Kathy Salvi said: “I am honored to have Bill Graff leading our campaign’s Advisory Council on Agriculture and Agribusiness. Bill’s tremendous experience, which includes twice leading Illinois’ Farm Service Agency, will be key to building strong relationships with our agricultural community and to formulating policies that will help our state’s farmers thrive. I am looking forward to working with Bill to galvanize support in Illinois’ agricultural community and to be a pro-agriculture voice who speaks for Illinois farmers in Washington.”
Bill Graff said: “I am proud to join Kathy Salvi’s growing campaign for U.S. Senate as Chair of her campaign’s Advisory Council on Agriculture and Agribusiness. Since entering the race, Kathy has made revitalizing Illinois’ farming and agribusiness community a cornerstone of her campaign. I know that with Kathy Salvi representing Illinois in the U.S. Senate, Illinois farmers will be heard loud and clear each and every day in Washington, D.C.”
Bill Graff has been a leader in Illinois agriculture for more than 40 years, first as a successful self-employed farmer and cattleman, then serving both presidents George W. Bush’s and Donald J. Trump’s administrations as Illinois State Director
for the Farm Service Agency (FSA) of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). As State Director of the FSA, Graff supervised 600 full-time employees, located in 94 offices throughout the state, and oversaw an administrative budget of more than $200 million a year. Illinois’ FSA is among the largest in the nation, with more farms (179,000) and program participants (379,000) than any other state.
Bill Graff (center) visiting with Illinois officials during the Ag Day breakfast at Illinois State Fair.
Editor’s Note: Betty Haynes Joins Prairie Farmer
This is the final issue of Illinois Beef magazine for Editor and Publications Manager Betty Haynes. She has wrapped up her work at Illinois Beef Association, for a new position editing and writing agricultural news at Prairie Farmer magazine. Haynes, a beef producer and farmer from Petersburg, has been an exceptional contributor to the communications and marketing efforts of IBA during her years here. She first joined the association several years ago in our communications role and transitioned to editing the magazine and developing promotional materials a year ago.
In the summer of 2022, her work as Illinois Beef editor and photographer was recognized nationally by the Ag Communicators Network at their annual Ag Media Summit.
We look forward to seeing Betty’s beef storytelling continue under her new byline at Prairie Farmer. Betty, along with her husband Dan and their daughter, Clare, plans to stay involved in the association through new avenues as an IBA member and beef producer in Menard County.
Requests and questions for Illinois Beef magazine can now be directed to josh@illinoisbeef.com or olivia@illinoisbeef.com.
Regenerative Agriculture is about Direction over Perfection
by Jeff Goodwin, Jim Johnson and Hugh Aljoe of the Noble Research Institute
In today’s agricultural climate of fluctuating markets, erratic weather patterns and growing social restlessness, the resolve of the American farmer and rancher has never been more tested. As stewards of the nation’s private working lands, many progressive producers are working to mitigate those uncertainties by refocusing efforts on the foundational building block of their operation: the soil resource. For most agricultural enterprises, success and long-term viability ultimately hinges on soil health.
For decades, the agriculture industry has focused, studied and ultimately understood the physical and chemical characteristics of our soil resource. However until recently, little emphasis has been placed on the biological constituents and their importance in a healthy, functional soil. As researchers work to better understand the complexities of soil health, further understanding tends to lead to more questions. Noble Research Institute has recently focused efforts to gain critical insight into these soil health questions and help producers understand their impacts. Today, Noble Research Institute is poised to deliver producer-focused solutions in the area of regenerative agriculture.
WHAT IS REGENERATIVE AGRICULTURE?
To us, regenerative agriculture is the process of restoring degraded soils using practices based on ecological principles. Regenerative agriculture promotes:
• Building soil organic matter and biodiversity.
• Healthier and more productive soil that is drought- and flood-resilient.
• Decreased use of chemical inputs and subsequent pollution.
• Cleaner air and water.
• Enhanced wildlife habitat.
• Capturing carbon in the soil to combat climate change. Regenerating the land is achievable, but there is no set formula.
Regenerative agriculture is a process or a journey, not a destination.
Foundationally, it begins with an understanding that the soil, plants, animals and humans are all connected, meaning every decision must work with this natural system and not in spite of it. Regenerative agriculture requires more focus on the positive direction of ecological trend rather than a
perfected set of standardized rewards.
PRINCIPLES, NOT PRACTICES
Regeneration is addressed by following principles that rebuild processes from the ground up rather than focusing on specific singular management practices. Maintaining a solid foundation with healthy soil is the cornerstone to any agricultural enterprise. Soil health is the cornerstone of regenerative agriculture and is often defined as, “the continued capacity of the soil to function as a vital, living ecosystem that sustains plants, animals and humans.” We often think of “soil health management” as a new strategy but it’s actually not. For instance, in 1949, Aldo Leopold in A Sand County Almanac stated, “Land, then, is not merely soil; it is a fountain of energy flowing through a circuit of soils, plants and animals.” Healthy soils with effective nutrient and hydrologic cycles were functioning well before man decided to manage them. However, agriculture in the early 1900s tended to focus more on plowing up the prairie soils with industrial technology and machinery rather than its ecology, thus soils were largely viewed as a medium to grow crops. For some, the Dust Bowl of the 1930s changed the perception or view of the soil. Fast forward to now and a lot has changed in how we “view” the soil. What has not changed is our responsibility as land stewards.
REDUCING FEED, INORGANIC FERTILIZER AND FUEL OUT OF NECESSITY
For more than a decade, a regenerative movement has been taking the agriculture industry by storm. However, this movement was not born in a laboratory nor was it born by legislation. It was born by farmers and ranchers who wanted to do things differently. Sixty years ago, the agricultural industry was operating on cheap feed, cheap fertilizer and cheap fuel. During that time period, our industry and our science, focused on the chemical and physical characteristics of soils with little to no consideration of soil biological interactions. During this period, the prices of inputs eventually increased to the point at which they became unsustainable for many operations. Some farmers had to make a choice: continue doing what we have always done or find new ways to farm. Born out of equal parts necessity and frustration, some farmers began to experiment with farming techniques that limited the use of feed, inorganic fertilizer and fuel. They began to see that limiting or eliminating tillage reduced their fuel bill and using an ageless practice of “cover crops” began to keep the ground covered and provided numerous benefits to the soil. In essence, they were building a foundation of principles that we follow today in managing healthy soils.
KNOW YOUR FARM OR RANCH
When applying these principles, it is important to also operate within your context. Know your environment and understand that no two farms or ranches are the same. The same could be said for ecological regions and major land resource areas. These principles should be applied within the context of each individual farm or ranch. Practices that provide positive results in North Dakota may not be the same combination of practices that are effective in Oklahoma. The aforementioned principles should be applied as strategies to guide the application of individual management practices. The practices (no-till, cover crops, etc.) are simply tools used to implement the principles.
LOOKING FOR TOOLS
We begin to implement these principles into our operating plans, we look for tools to help us achieve these goals. Cover crops are commonly utilized in agronomic systems to meet several management goals, such as keeping the ground covered and adding biological diversity. Cover crops are an incredible tool and can be utilized to directly
6 soiL HeaLtH PriNCiPLes
or indirectly meet any or all of the soil health management principles. Many producers have been utilizing mixedspecies cover crops in cropland and pasture systems to increase diversity, increase organic matter, increase soil microbiological function, etc. However, with that said, you will notice that simply planting cover crops is not one of the principles. Cover crops are facilitators; they facilitate the producer’s ability to follow the soil health principles.
SOIL HEALTH INFLUENCES WATER, PLANTS, MINERALS AND ANIMALS
The primary goal of regenerative agriculture should be to improve soil health as it is a foundational precursor to the proper function of many ecological processes. The health of our landscapes and soil are interdependent. Our land’s condition is characterized by the functioning of both the soil and plant communities. Following these principles will allow the site’s production, health of the soil, and mineral and water cycles to greatly improve, ultimately creating an opportunity to regenerate the landscape.
These soil health/regenerative management principles were set forth to achieve specific goals. They are based on harnessing the power of biologic interactions between plants, soil microbes and all other soil life. These principles build soil aggregation, which further builds structure. These principles have proven the path forward for many progressive farmers and substantiated that conventional farming is not the only way. The following soil health building principles were developed by farmers, for farmers.
1. KNOW YOUR CONTEXT: Successful regenerative ranchers know their context — their individual situation. This is their climate, geography, resources, skills, family dynamics, goals and any other factor that will influence themselves and their operation. They understand how the ecosystem processes function on their land, which enables them to work with those processes. They know what’s available to them to work with, and they apply the rest of the soil health principles in ways that align with and make the most of what they have for the benefit of the land, their profitability and their quality of life.
2. COVER THE SOIL: Soil health cannot be built if the soil is uncovered or is moving. Using dedicated plants for grazing, cover crops and crop residue minimizes bare ground and builds soil organic matter. Plant cover further protects the soil from erosion and serves as a barrier between the sun and raw soil, preventing escalated soil temperatures that can destroy soil microbial life.
3. MINIMIZE SOIL DISTURBANCE: Mechanical soil disturbance, such as tillage, alters the structure of the soil and limits biological activity. If the goal is to build healthy, functional soil systems, tillage should only be used in specific circumstances. However, tillage is not the only disturbance. Grazing, fire, pesticide applications, etc., are all disturbances. For this reason with grazing lands, some might use the term “optimize disturbance” to ensure that the timing, frequency, intensity and duration of these management activities are implemented in a planned manner mimicking what would occur naturally in the absence of man.
4. INCREASE PLANT DIVERSITY: Increasing plant diversity creates an enabling environment and catalyst for a diverse underground community. In nature, we find grasses, legumes and forbs all working together in a native, diverse rangeland setting. The complex interactions of roots and other living organisms within the soil defines the soil’s water holding capacity, affects carbon sequestration and enables nutrient availability for plant productivity.
5. MAINTAIN CONTINUOUS LIVING PLANTS/ROOTS: A living root in the ground year-round is required to keep the soil biology processes working, no matter the season. Soil microbes use active carbon first, which comes from living roots. These roots provide food for beneficial microbes and spark beneficial relationships between these microbes and the plant.
6. INTEGRATE LIVESTOCK: Research, practical application and common sense tell us the same thing: livestock are a necessity for healthy soils and ecosystems. The Great Plains evolved under the presence of animals and grazing pressure. Soil and plant health is improved by proper grazing, which recycles nutrients, reduces plant selectivity and increases plant diversity. As with any management practice, grazing is a tool that requires intentional application.
Calf scours are not inevitable. A strong prevention program is non-negotiable. Dependable scour prevention is essential for calf welfare, employee morale and business profitability. The immune system’s response to vaccination is variable and unpredictable. That’s why giving preformed antibodies instead of re lyin g on a vaccine to s timulate an tibod y pr oduction is so important. I’m all for removing uncertainties. So yes, I stand by this product. (And no, I’m not.)
Marissa Hake, DVM
Calf Vet
Commercial Cramers Go
How IBA Commercial
Producers of the Year Cramer Family Farms have built traditions for over 50 years.
by Olivia Hoots
It was Missouri State Fair 1978 when Ron Cramer flung some manure on young Shannon Simpson’s reserve champion Angus bull, accidentally of course. Both happened to be exhibiting cattle at the show that year and this humorous chance meeting began their journey to becoming IBA’s 2022 Commercial Producers of the Year. Since then, Ron and his now wife, Shannon, have worked hard to build an operation that fits their family.
Dairy
Roots
Ron grew up on a dairy farm but entered the beef business with his dad and brother in 1970 when they bought 25 bred heifers to add to the 235 acres of land purchased in 1968. In reflection of this period Ron stated, “I was 18 years old and didn’t know what fear was.” They ended up losing their first calf, and were worried, but had “twenty-four live ones and everything was fine.”
By 1971 they began implementing artificial insemination, continued with the technology, obtained acres, bought more cattle, and grew their overall operation as a result.
At that time, Ron was also breeding and selling club calves. He worked at a variety of shows and sales, and met many people who have influenced his philosophies of the cattle business.
Building
an Operation
It all began at the age of 15 when Ron was still showing dairy cattle. His years in the show barn gave him not just values he holds today, but also his wife Shannon and many of his friends throughout the years. Long-time friend Cimeron Frost recalls Ron’s help at the sale barn. “He was always a good worker and always willing to contribute energy and thoughts about how sales were going and how they could be done better,” Frost said.
During the early years of Ron and Shannon’s marriage, they ran an Angus cow-calf operation as well as a commercial operation.
Throughout the years the operation has changed and grown many different types of agriculture commodities, though cattle have always been the family’s top priority. They’ve raised hogs and various crops as well. “It’s always a balance,” Shannon said.
The Cramer’s focus was on keeping a balance since inflation in the 1980s proved a challenging time for many farmers. Ron’s advice to farmers who might face something like that in the future is to “knuckle down, have grit and keep going.”
By the 1990s Ron and Shannon found success elsewhere. They decided to participate in the carcass contest at the Illinois State Fair. It was more about rate of gain for them at the time, and they were interested in seeing what genetics were performing better within the finished product. “Show steers aren’t the same as carcass steers,” Shannon said. One year they went away with a champion carcass and three others in the top five.
The contest caused them to reevaluate their operation and transition toward a more commercial operation. Shannon said it was the direction they needed to go.
For Ron, it begins with good females and finds success with good bulls. One animal they credit to much of their success is PS Power Play. Ron characterizes this bull as once being “the heart of the herd.” Overall success was found in matching with successful carcass bulls, making the operation what it is today.
The Next Generation
One thing the family can attest to is the value of both the cattle and people which are needed to make a successful operation. Ron and Shannon have two children, Emily and Lonnie, who also have kids of their own and are still very involved with their parent’s way of life. “That’s what you do all this work for, so your kids have something,” Shannon said.
Lonnie Cramer has been involved with the operation since he could walk. His philosophy for the future of the farm isn’t to simply take it over one day, but to add to it and
PS Power Play
Photo from Sire Buyer
help it grow. He’s had the privilege of watching the farm change through the years. ”To be in this business you’ve got know everything - business, marketing, growth. What pieces you don’t know you have to find someone that does know,” Lonnie said.
The farm is at its heart a cow-calf operation that expanded into backgrounding and feed lot practices. Lonnie also does custom work producing 12 to 15 thousand tons of feed, round baling and farming two thousand acres of row crop and pasture maintenance.
One can imagine an individual with as many experiences as Lonnie may have some advice. Here’s what he says:
Hard work - you can do so much with that in any industry. If you know how to work and be reliable and teachable, you can do anything.
- Lonnie Cramer
Farm Values
The values of hard work, wisdom and family have built Cramer Family Farms into what it is today. That’s why the Illinois Beef Association was pleased to award them with Commercial Producer of the Year at their annual summer conference.
In reflection, Ron said, “It’s quite an honor, this has been 55 years in the making.”
Lonnie plans to keep up with his father and grandfather’s traditions. “This isn’t something you do for the money or the glory of any sort. It’s something you must love to do, or you are not going to get out of bed and go do it,” he said. “Keep feeding the people, that’s what we’re about,” Shannon said.
For Lonnie the farm is a way to show consumers why agriculture is important, while also teaching his kids how they can expand and grow.
People matter, that’s why the farm matters so deeply to the Cramers — lt’s their family, the people they feed and the mundane things that keep them going daily. “There are a lot of good days-baby calves running as the sun shines, fat calves leaving proving you worked hard, the smell of fresh dirt and corn harvest in the fall,” Lonnie said.
Remembering Doug Parrett
Dr. Doug Parrett, age 71, passed away unexpectedly, Friday, August 26, 2022.
Doug was born June 22, 1951 and raised on The Parrett Family Farm in Mahomet, Illinois. He was the second of three children of Harold and Thelma Parrett.
He had a happy childhood, during which the seeds were sewn for his strong faith and work ethic. He attended Mahomet schools where he played football and basketball, while also helping his dad with farming and everything involved with raising livestock. He earned his Bachelor’s degree from the University of Illinois in 1973 and went on to earn his Master’s and Doctoral degrees from the U of I.
Doug accomplished many things in his 49-year academic career at the U of I. He was an award-winning teacher, an Extension Beef Cattle Specialist, a research collaborator, a legendary Meats and Livestock judging coach, a worldrenowned beef cattle judge and two-time interim department head. Most important to Doug was mentoring students and being a positive guiding influence in their lives. He had a unique and special ability to connect with people wherever he was, make them feel important and provide meaningful and impactful advice.
In 1976 he met the love of his life, Susie Limacher. They married in December of 1979 and began raising a family in Champaign. Doug was a devoted husband and an extremely involved Dad who loved raising his children, John and Annie, with Susie. Doug was tremendously proud of his children’s academic, athletic and life accomplishments. He was a passionate coach and fan of their athletic teams and never missed a chance to play sports with them. Family games of H-O-R-S-E were known to be highly competitive. He coached Annie’s basketball teams to many winning seasons and state tournament appearances. He loved the game of golf, and his favorite place in the world was on any golf course with John. As his children grew and had children of their own, he embraced the role of grandparent to his six grandchildren who adored spending time with their “Bumpa.” Doug was always a humble man until he started bragging about his family. He was totally devoted to and proud of them.
Doug was predeceased by his parents and his sister, Julie Anderson.
He is survived by his loving wife, Susan Louise (nee Limacher) of Champaign; two children, John Taylor
(Crystal) of Chicago, Annie Louise (Brett) Schnepper of Champaign; grandchildren, Whitney, Ryan, Claire and Russell Parrett of Chicago, Emma and Julia Schnepper of Champaign; beloved brother, Tom (Cheryl) Parrett of Mahomet and many dear cousins, nieces and nephews.
He was deeply loved and will be remembered for his faith, wisdom, knowledge, expertise, wit, positive attitude, gentle nature and his love of his family, friends and the University of Illinois.
Doug’s family has established an endowed scholarship fund in his name. In lieu of flowers, they have requested memorials be directed to the University of Illinois Foundation, Department of Animal Sciences, for the Dr. Doug Parrett Memorial Scholarship Fund. Please send to the University of Illinois Foundation, Harker Hall, 1305 W. Green Street, Urbana, IL 61801. Contributions may be made online at www.giving.illinois.edu. Include the Fund name in the “Other” field of the giving form.
Dr. Parrett’s contributions to the Illinois beef industry leave a profound legacy. He was a man of great character and leadership, in the classroom, in the show ring and in his work with producers and students across our state. He was a long-time member of the Illinois Beef Association and gave countless hours of service on the State Checkoff Beef Research Committee, helping shape programs and grant opportunities that will continue to benefit our cattle operations across the state for many generations.
DP was an icon and is truly a legend in our business. He will be dearly missed by all who knew him and had the privilege of working with him or learning from him.
The Art of SEEDSTOCK The Art of
by Joli Hohenstein
Editor’s Note: University of Illinois Professor Emeritus Doug Parrett was interviewed in the summer of 2022 before he passed away on August 26. IBA extends condolences to his family and many friends.
Art Farley thought the IBA Seedstock Breeder of the Year was just an award. He was pleased to be nominated, but for Art the cattle business is more than just breeding. So when IBA told him the award was about more than just raising good livestock, that got his attention. For Art, cattle are a business, but growing the cattle industry and its number of members right along with it are his passion.
The IBA Seedstock Breeder of the Year award recognizes individuals who exemplify integrity, leadership and success in the production and promotion of the purebred cattle industry. That, industry members say, is Art. “He is just a
genuinely good person, very humble,” says Stan Tarr. “He raises pretty elite cattle, but he’s also interested in helping young people and families get started showing cattle. I’ve seen him do that more than once.”
In fact, that is something Art credits for his success — surrounding himself with good people. “My dad was the main support, and he was also a support in that he let me go and let me manage the way I thought it needed to be done,” he explains. “I had more of a passion for the breeding side of things than my dad.”
Professor Emeritus and Beef Cattle Specialist Dr. Doug Parrett saw that in Art firsthand at the University of Illinois.
“He was on one of my earliest judging teams,” he says. “You could sense this was something he wanted to commit to do. He had a passion for it.”
When Art founded C-MOR Beef Farms he was already taking a different path because he grew up around the Angus breed. He was also a one-man band with only a hired man to help with row crops. “I wanted to pave our own way,” he says. “The Simmental breed offered a lot more muscle, and you didn’t have to give up the maternal value. They gave you hybrid vigor and added performance.”
That background positioned Art nicely for success, Parrett says. “He understood live animal carcass and feeding way better than others in their twenties. He was always a balanced trait breeder with lots of understanding. From the beginning he said, ‘I want to raise really good ones, not just good ones.’”
With that mission as a compass, and using some of his Angus as a half-blood base, C-MOR was off and running. They AI’d the first black bull they used and got some really good crosses in the early ’80s. “In five years, we went from yellow to white to some pretty good black ones,” Art says. He cannot explain why, but black Simmentals just spoke to him. Call it instinct. By 1985, he was doing his first steer show with a black animal.
This visionary quality led IBA members to call Art a pioneer, which shocks him. In his typical humble fashion, Art’s only comment was, “It’s hard when you’re going after something that didn’t exist. I wanted the black and I had to sacrifice a few things and then continue to refine to get there.”
C-MOR grew to become a leader not just in the state but in the nation, raising champions and winning at shows continuously. They won nine state fairs with a female, and
took the Pen of Three heifers at the National Western Stock Show in 2016. In 2002, Grand Cherry took top honors, and then her first heifer calf came back and won again two years later. “I don’t think anyone has ever done that,” Art says. Black Simmentals from C-MOR had become the standard.
Still, even with that landmark, Art would not consider establishing black Simmentals in the state to be his biggest accomplishment. “Hopefully, I’ve had some impact on people who come after me to raise Simmentals and any breed,” he says. “I hope part of my identity is that of Barnabas in the New Testament — the son of encouragement.”
By all accounts, Art’s reputation tells that story. “Art is just a very honest, easygoing person. He is the guy who is very engaged in helping young people. He will go out of his way to help them,” Parrett says. “I hear that over and over about him.”
Thanks to that passion for helping up-and-coming cattle producers, his neighbors Brian and Brenda Blackford and their four kids became like family to the Art. When Art ran the Pride of the Prairie sale for 10 years, Josh Blackford was his right-hand man. “They’ve been by my side through all of this,” he says. “Josh has kids of his own now, and I’m going to watch them show.”
When young producers ask Art how to get started, he gives an unexpected response: don’t start at the beginning. “I say start at the end; set your goals and then you can figure out how to get there,” he says. “You’ve got to have some goals; it’s better if they’re realistic. You’ve got to have a passion; it goes hand in hand.”
Beef Highlights Highlights 2022Illinois State Fair Illinois State Fair
Univeristy of Illinois’ meat judging coach, Brandon Klehm, puts on a cooking demonstration with team of students.
IBA Policy Director Wes Hornback and his wife, Sara, of Sunset Acres Beef represented the Local Beef Directory at the GSI Grain Bin.
illinois beef leadership academy class of 2023 connects with iba & ncba members
iba leaders participate in media interviews
NCBA Operating Committee Member, Al Lyman, chats with leadership academy participant Adam Harms and IBA members Jamie and Justin Martz during the Illinois Beef Leadership Academy Social.
IBA President, Dr. Paul Walker, and Vice President, Dave Duzan, took part in discussing the current cattle market with Rhiannon Branch of Brownfield Ag News.
Sarah Michaels of WAND-TV interviews IBA’s Farm Family of the Year’s Larisa Willrett.
IBA President, Dr. Paul Walker, and IBA Vice President, Dave Duzan, talk to Illinois AgriNews Editor Tom Doran during Ag Day.
iba well-represented at isf ag day breakfast
IBA
Executive Board and Farm Family of the year took part in Ag Day comradery.
State Representative Chris Miller, Bill Graff, Congresswoman Mary Miller, State Senator Darren Bailey.
IBA Farm Family of the Year, the Willrett Family, recognized during Ag Day Program.
Illinois Beef Association was pleased to be represented by both executive committee members and staff at the Ag Day breakfast.
IBA Policy Chair, Shannon Welsh, enojoying the Ag Day breakfast.
iba leadership advocates on behalf of members
IBA was represented at farmer leader events such as the one pictured here with IBA Policy Director Shannon Welsh, IBA Members Dan and Betty Haynes, IBA Membership and Communications Manager Devin Bollman, IBA Vice President Dave Duzan, IBA Member Services Coordinator Olivia Hoots and IBA President Dr. Paul Walker. Also pictured are state representative and IBA member Charlie Meier and farmer leaders.
Miss Illinois County Fair Queen stops by the Ribeye Corral for a brisket sandwich.
State Senator Darren Bailey eats at Ribeye Corral with IBA President, Dr. Paul Walker, and IBA Vice President Dave Duzan.
beef youth hold membership meeting at isf
One hundred and five young cattlemen and women gathered at the Illinois State Fair for the annual meeting of the Illinois Junior Beef Association. During the meeting, IJBA members heard from Chris Utegg regarding the upcoming World Beef Expo in February of 2023. Junior Director, Lauren Wolter, led the juniors in an engaging icebreaker where they utilized listening and speed to compete in the ‘cup game’. IJBA membership made some updates to the association’s bylaws, allowing for a second at-large director position on the junior board. The junior board recognized outgoing junior directors, Garrett Rhode of Carlock and Cody Knodle of Fillmore, and then went on to elect new board members, including Grace Brown of Flanagan, Audrey Curtin of Blue Mound and Dellana Muck of Caledonia.
District 1
Kyle Eathington Avon, Ill.
Son of Kevin and Patricia Eathington Freshman at University of Illinois – Animal Science
District 3
Adam Miller
Gridley, Ill.
Son of Alan and Theresa Miller Senior at El Paso Gridley High School
At Large
Dellana Muck
Caledonia, Ill.
Daughter of Dale and Suzette Muck Freshman at South
Dakota State UniversityAgronomy
Tyler Lee Durand, Ill.
Son of Scott and Casey Lee Freshman at Lakeland College – Ag Transfer
Lauren Wolter
Aviston, Ill.
Daughter of Bradley and Kimberly Wolter Senior at Breese Central High School
Audrey Curtin
Blue Mound, Ill.
Daughter of TJ and Megan Curtin
Junior at Taylorville High School
District 2
Paige Lemenager Hudson, Ill.
Daughter of Luke and Stacy Lemenager Freshman at Lakeland College – Ag Transfer
District 4
Grace Arnold Clinton, Ill.
Daughter of Sam and Katy Arnold Junior at Oklahoma State University – Animal Science
Grace Brown Flanagan, Ill.
Daughter of Jim and Christine Brown Freshman at Joliet Junior College – Ag Transfer
Paige Van Dyke Louisville, Ill.
Daughter of Jon and Katrina Van Dyke Junior at Oklahoma State University – Ag Communications with a minor in Special Education
PRESIDENT
Grace Arnold, Clinton
Vice President
Paige Lemenager, Hudson
Secretary
Paige Van Dyke, Louisville
Beef/Show Promotions Chair
Lauren Wolter, Aviston
22nd master showmanship contest winners announced
Sixty young livestock exhibitors vied for the title of “Grand Champion Overall Master Showman” on Aug. 12 during the 2022 Illinois State Fair Master Showmanship Contest.
The exhibitors, who were the winners of their respective 4-H county contests, showcased their skills and knowledge of animal husbandry at the Illinois State Fairgrounds.
This prestigious competition invites 4-H members ages 14-18 years to display their showmanship skills across three species – beef, sheep and swine. The 4-Hers were judged on their ability to handle each animal, knowledge of the species and animal husbandry, as well as overall showmanship skills.
Three winners were named for each species and scores for all three species were tallied to determine the top ten winners overall. This year’s contest winners are:
Grand Champion Overall Master Showman — Carter Hoge of Good Hope, representing McDonough County. He is the son of Mark and Katie Hoge.
Reserve Grand Champion Overall Master Showman — Taylor Crouch of Maroa, representing Macon County. She is the daughter of Cassie and Jeremy Crouch.
Third Place Overall — Lauren Mohr of Carlock, representing McLean County. She is the daughter of Brian and Jill Mohr.
Fourth Place Overall — Kyle Bird of Princeville, representing Peoria County. He is the son of Josh and Kim Bird.
Champion Beef Division — Carter Hoge of Good Hope, representing McDonough County. He is the son of Mark and Katie Hoge.
Reserve Champion Beef Division — Kyle Bird of Princeville, representing Peoria County. He is the son of Josh and Kim Bird.
Third Place Beef Division — Sophie Trainor of Tower Hill, representing Shelby County. She is the daughter of Chuck and Ellen Trainor.
Nearly $8,000 worth of prizes donated by sponsors were awarded this year. First, second, and third place overall winners received $500, $400, and $300 cash (respectively), a new show box and other various prizes. Fourth and fifth place overall received a $200 and $100 cash (respectively) and an embroidered boot bag. Sixth through 10th place overall winners received a $25 gift card and a Bluetooth speaker.
Each species division winner received a $100 gift card and a zero-gravity chair. Each contest participant received a t-shirt, bucket, and $25 gift card.
guyer steer tops isf sale of champions
Ashtin Guyer meets Governor JB Pritzker, Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton and First Lady MK Pritzker.
Grand Champion Steer exhibitor, Ashtin Guyer, presents her project at the Sale of Champions on August 16.
Ashtin Guyer in the Illinois State Fair Coliseum.
Bidders ready for the sale of champions to begin.
Ashtin Guyer celebrates her champion steer with sister, Nalaney Guyer.
SHOW RESULTS
2022 Illinois Junior Beef Association Jackpot Heifer Show
Other Awards: Reserve Champion Land of Lincoln, Conley Schick; 3rd Overall Land of Lincoln, Bryce Clayton; 4th Overall Land of Lincoln, Carter Hoge; 5th Overall Land of Lincoln, Aiden Knobloch; Reserve Champion Bred & Owned, Ashlyn
4th Overall Land of Lincoln Reserve Champion Hereford
Shown by Aidan Knobloch
5th Overall Land of Lincoln Champion Land of Lincoln Simmental
Shown by Cody Knodle
Other Winners: Champion Shorthorn, Josie Wiggim; Reserve Champion Shorthorn, Casen Huls; Champion Simmental, John Lukach; Reserve Champion Simmental, John Nightingale; Champion AOB, Adam Miller; Reserve Champion
AOB, Madeleine Hanson; Champion Shorthorn Plus, Mackenzie Engel; Reserve Champion Shorthorn Plus, Madeline Nightingale; Champion Maine Anjou, Sam Nightingale; Reserve Champion Maine Anjou, Abby Clapp
2022 Illinois Governor’s Sale of Champions
Springfield | August 16
Photos by Cindy Cagwin-Johnston
To show our support of tomorrow’s beef leaders, IBA presented additional award money to both Ashtin and Kade.
Grand Champion Steer
Shown by Ashtin Guyer
Also pictured: Miss Illinois County Fair Queen, IBA President Dr. Paul Walker, Governor J.B. and First Lady M.K. Pritzker, Delane Guyer (grandfather to Ashtin)
Reserve Grand Champion Steer
Shown by Kade Gensini
Also pictured: IBA President Dr. Paul Walker, Miss Illinois County Fair Queen
DISTRICT SHOW
Series Finale
2022 Illinois District Show Series Finale
Farmer City | August 21 | Brad Hanewich, Tucker Marrs, Dan Shike
Reserve Grand Champion Heifer
Low % Simmental
Grand Champion Heifer
Reserve Grand Champion Steer
Grand Champion Steer
Photos by Cindy Cagwin-Johnston
Angus
Shown by Ella Eathington, Fulton Co.
Shown by Addison Fidler, Fulton Co.
Crossbread
Shown by Morgan Huls, Champaign Co.
Crossbread
Shown by Kyle Eathington, Fulton Co.
Photo by Abby @ Cindy’s Photos
DUQUOIN STATE FAIR
Junior Show Results
2022 DuQuoin State Fair Junior Steer Show
DuQuoin, IL | September 5 | Curt Rincker, Ill.
Steer Results
Angus Champion
Walter Crank
Hereford Champion
Parker Lewis
Shorthorn Champion, 5th Overall
Abagayle Britton
Reserve Grand Champion Steer
AOB
Shown by Colby Metzger
Simmental Champion
Parker Lewis
AOB Reserve Champion, 4th Overall
Sophie Trainor
Crossbred Reserve Champion, 3rd Overall
Kinlynn Dryer
Grand Champion Steer
Crossbred
Shown by Waylon Paulek
2022 DuQuoin State Fair Junior Heifer Show
DuQuoin, IL | September 3 | Randy Allen
Heifer Results
Angus Champion, Reserve Grand Champion
Lauren Wolter
Hereford Champion
Shelby Siemer
Shorthorn Champion
Maddox Reedy
Simmental Champion
Luke Gilbert
Low % Simmental Champion, Grand Champion
Claire Dorsy
AOB Champion
Tristen Hale
Make Every Bite Count with Beef
The American Academy of Pediatrics recognizes key nutrients found in beef are essential to support growth and cognitive development during the early years – yet less than 10% of infants eat beef in the first twelve months of life.1-3 The 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans encourage parents to choose nutrient-dense foods, like beef, to make the most of every bite for their infants and toddlers.4
Essential Nutrients in Every Beef Bite
Essential for physical growth and development
Essential for growth, cognitive development, appetite regulation, and immune function
Vital for development of brain and nervous system VITAMIN B6
Beyond its nutrient benefits, every bite of beef delivers new flavors and textures to support a growing infant’s:1,4
Parents and caregivers are encouraged to consult a physician or health care provider with questions about starting solid foods
1. American Academy of Pediatrics Committee on Nutrition. Pediatric Nutrition. 7th ed. Elk Grove, IL: American Academy of Pediatrics, 2014.
2. Roess AA, et al. Food Consumption Patterns of Infants and Toddlers: Findings from the Feeding Infants and Toddlers Study (FITS) 2016. J Nutr 2018;148(suppl_3):1525S-35S.
3. Schwarzenberg SJ, et al. Advocacy for improving nutrition in the first 1000 days to support childhood development and adult health. Pediatrics 2018;141(2).
4. U.S. Department of Agriculture and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2020-2025. 9th Edition. December 2020. Available at DietaryGuidelines.gov.
5. USDA, Food and Nutrition Service. Infant Nutrition and Feeding Guide: A Guide for Use in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) [FNS-826]. 2019.
6. Committee DGA. Scientific Report of the 2020 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee: Advisory Report to the Secretary of Agriculture and the Secretary of Health and Human Services. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Washington, DC, 2020.
7. Butte NF, et al. Nutrient intakes of US infants, toddlers, and preschoolers meet or exceed
Supports brain development and producing healthy red blood cells
Essential for physical growth and development
Iron intake continues to drop - despite the critical role iron plays in brain development.7-11 By 6 months of age, a baby’s iron stores are depleting while their iron requirements are increasing substantially. Adding beef, a good source of iron, as a first food can help fill the gap.12, 13
dietary reference intakes. J Am Diet Assoc 2010;110(12 Suppl):S27-37.
8. Fox MK, et al. Feeding infants and toddlers study: What foods are infants and toddlers eating? J Am Diet Assoc 2004;104(1 Suppl 1):s22-30.
9. Bailey RL, et al. Total Usual Nutrient Intakes of US Children (Under 48 Months): Findings from the Feeding Infants and Toddlers Study (FITS) 2016. J Nutr 2018;148(9S):1557S-66S.
10. Hermoso M, et al. The effect of iron on cognitive development and function in infants, children and adolescents: a systematic review. Ann Nutr Metab 2011;59(2-4):154-65.
11. Prado EL, et al. Nutrition and brain development in early life. Nutr Rev 2014;72(4):267-84.
12. Krebs NF, et al. Effects of different complementary feeding regimens on iron status and enteric microbiota in breastfed infants. J Pediatr 2013;163(2):416-23.
13. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Nutrient Data Laboratory. FoodData Central. 2019. Available at fdc.nal.usda.gov (Beef composite, cooked - FDC ID: 170208, NDB Number: 13364).
14. Institute of Medicine. Dietary Reference Intakes for Vitamin A, Vitamin K, Boron, Chromium, Copper, Iodine, Iron,
VITAMIN B12
IN THIS ISSUE:
September/October 2022
President: David Jenkins
Vice President: Carla Jurgenson
Secretary: Aaron Schafer
Business Manager: Doug Turner
Past President: Joel York
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
Lee Stremsterfer
ON THE COVER
Photo taken at the Illinois State Fair by Devin Bollman.
LEAD 2022 – Angus Takes the Triple Crown
National Junior Angus Association (NJAA) members gathered from all corners of the country for the Leaders Engaged in Angus Development (LEAD) conference from July 28 – 31 in Lexington, Kentucky. Juniors experienced a weekend full of farm tours and leadership workshops while making lifelong connections within and beyond the Angus community.
The LEAD conference is designed to expose NJAA members to different parts of the industry by visiting new regions of the country every year. This year, juniors learned about the agriculture industry in Kentucky and related career opportunities. Additionally, juniors grew their leadership skills through workshops and engaged in networking activities.
The weekend kicked off with break out sessions led by the National Junior Angus Board that challenged attendees to be bold leaders through interactive games and workshops. Juniors also visited Boyd Beef Cattle and Branch View Angus where members learned about different cattle operations, freeze branding and how to use electronic identification in cattle. James Coffey of Branch View Angus emphasized the advantage juniors have by being raised in the cattle industry.
“Whether you stay in the industry or you go into something different, you will always have an agriculture background that will serve you the rest of your life,” Coffey said. “I encourage every NJAA member to leverage that agriculture upbringing to future success.”
Attendees were also introduced to a variety of industries in the state covering careers within and beyond the cattle sector. The group visited the Keeneland racetrack, Blue Grass Stockyards, Hallway Feeds and Tarter Industries. Tours provided valuable learning opportunities that showed juniors different facets of the agriculture industry.
The LEAD conference wrapped up with speaker A’ric Jackson who spoke about different leadership styles and the importance of using individual strengths to make an impact. As attendees reflected on the eventful week, former NJAB Chairman Alex Cozzitorto reminded the group of the value of attending the LEAD conference.
“By attending the LEAD conference, you are investing in learning the leadership skills that are going to put you ahead in life and help you become future industry leaders,” Cozzitorto said.
The LEAD conference provides priceless educational and leadership experiences to young cattlemen and women thanks to the support of the Angus Foundation and generous Angus donors.
Pictured front row from left are Eric Schafer, Owaneco; Max Dameron, Towanda; Lizzie Schafer, Owaneco; Ella Brooks, Prophetstown; Anne Dameron, Towanda; Reese Anderson, Chrisman; Addison Bartlow, Monticello; and Jack Dameron, Towanda. Back row from left are Charles Parr, Mason City; Allie McKinney, Wayne City; Audry Curtin, Blue Mound; Brenna Bartlow, Monticello; Lauren Wolter, Aviston; and Emily Brooks, Prophetstown. A total of 100 juniors from 26 states and Canada attended the conference, “Angus Takes the Triple Crown,” where they enhance leadership and interpersonal skills while learning more about the beef industry. Photo by Peyton Schmitt, American Angus Association.
Show Results
2022 National Junior Angus Show
Kansas City, MO. | July 2-9
Angus/Talon Undergrad Scholarship $5000
Lizzie Schafer, Eric Schafer
Gary Brost Lead Awards
Janet Castle Crystal Award
Angus Foundation Undergrad Scholarship $2000
Paige Lemenager, Amelia Miller
American Angus Auxiliary Scholarship
2nd Place Senior Team Sales
1st Intermediate Career Development
Stan Prox Lead Award
1st Place Team Fitting
1st Intermediate Skill-A-Thon
1st Intermediate Extemporaneous Speaking
Photos by: Pearl’s Pics
Lauren Wolter
Morgan Hutchins, Charles Parr
Lizzie Schafer
Adam Miller, Cody York, Charlee Jones, Jack Dameron
Lauren Wolter
Emily Brooks, Jordi Oliver, Laney Stephens, Lauren Wolter
Lauren Wolter
2nd Junior Quiz Bowl Team
Madaline Bergmann, Ella Eathington, Macie Bartlow, Claire Kuipers
Lauren Wolter
Lauren Wolter
3rd Intermediate Prepared Public Speaking
2nd
Senior Prepared Public Speaking
1st Jordi Oliver, 2nd Laney Stephens
1st Intermediate Creative Writing
1st Intermediate Graphic Design
Other Winners: Gold Awards, Eric Schafer & Tanner Mickey; Senior Auctioneering Contest, Jordi Oliver; 2nd Junior Extemporaneous Speaking, Ella Bane; 1st Interview Beef Science Poster, Bria Tebbe; 3rd Intermediate Landscape Photo, Drew Mickey; 1st Junior Steak Cookoff Team, Blake Wolter, Braden Bartlow, Ella Bane, Ella Eathington, Grayson Leake, Charlee Jones; 1st Intermediate Steak Cookoff Team, Reese Anderson, Anne Dameron, Max Dameron, Ella Brooks; 2nd Junior Burger Cookoff Team, Macie Bartlow, Curtner Bergmann, Claire Kuipers, Kelson Kuipers, Maddy
Owen Crutcher, Charlie Kent, Corbin Perry, Blakely Storey
Dellana Muck
PEEWEE DIVISION HIGH INDIVIDUAL
HEREFORD BOWL
DIVISION 1ST PLACE TEAM
PEEWEE DIVISION 2ND PLACE INDIVIDUAL
DIVISION HIGH INDIVIDUAL
INDIVIDUALS
SENIOR
Molly Biggs, Morgan Richardson, Kira Sayre, Nick Torrance
SENIOR
Nick Torrance
JUNIOR DIVISION HIGH
(tie)
Ella Bane
JUNIOR DIVISION 2ND PLACE TEAM
Ella Bane, Cora Chapman, Addison Duis, Daniel Richardson
Charlie Kent
Blakely Storey
SCHOLARSHIPS & RECOGNITION
BUCKEYE/BLUEGRASS SCHOLARSHIP
GOLDEN BULL ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
HYBRID EXTEMPORANEOUS SPEECH
SENIOR DIVISION
2nd Place — Dellana Muck
JOHN WAYNE MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
FUTURE PROFESSIONALS CONTEST
SENIOR DIVISION
1st Place — Molly Biggs
Lauren McMillan
Lauren McMillan
Molly Biggs
BUD SNIDOW AWARD
Paige Lemenager
SHOWMANSHIP CONTEST
SALES ACADEMY CONTEST
Lauren McMillan
Noah Benedict
2022 Junior National Hereford Expo
Louisville, KY | July 16-22
Photos provided by American Hereford Association
Division 2 Reserve Champion Bred & Owned Bull
Shown by Kendall & Kade Boatman
Champion Bred & Owned and Reserve Grand Champion Cow/Calf Pair
Shown by Ella Bane
Division 7 Champion Bred & Owned Heifer
Shown by Riley Rhodes
Reserve Grand Champion Bred & Owned Steer
Shown by Aidan Knobloch
Grand Champion Owned Polled Heifer
Shown by Paige Lemenager
Division 2 Reserve Champion Bred & Owned Steer
Shown by Hunter Wexell
Division 3 Champion Owned Horned Heifer
Shown by Stetson & Blakely Storey
Division 10 Champion Owned Polled Heifer
Shown by Addison Young
Class 31 Bred & Owned Heifer
Shown by Reid Allen
Class 42 Bred & Owned Heifer
Shown by Kendall & Kade Boatman
Class 57 Owned Horned Heifer
Shown by Ava Gilbert
Class 63 Owned Polled Heifer
Shown by Reid Allen
Class 99 Owned Polled Heifer
Shown by Lauren McMillan
Division 1 Reserve Champion Owned Polled
Division 12 Reserve Champion Owned Polled Heifer
Premier Adult Breeder
by Hawk Livestock
Heifer
Shown by Ella Bane
Shown
Shown by Denton, Clayton, Houston Stapleton
Ninety-two junior members from 22 different states and Canada all gathered in Billings, Montana, for the 2022 Faces of Leadership conference, hosted by the National Junior Hereford Association (NJHA) on August 3-6. The theme of the conference was “Sky’s the Limit,” hosting tours of Hereford operations in the big sky country, inspirational and educational keynote speakers, sessions hosted by the NJHA Board of Directors, tours of the iconic Public Auction Yards (PAY’s) and fun adventures that included white water rafting on the Yellowstone River.
A highlight of the event was hearing from legendary owner/operator of PAY’s, Joe Goggins. He fielded difficult questions posed by the Hereford juniors about the future of the industry and the best ways to continue to be progressive and forward thinking. “We have made cattle on the North American continent much better,” said Goggins. “If you outwork your competition then the sky’s the limit for this generation moving forward.”
Insightful leadership lessons were also provided by the keynote speakers. Amanda Radke kicked off the first afternoon, with an emphasis on being leaders in the industry and sharing our ag story with the public. “More important than your passion is to find your purpose,” said Radke. “Passions can change, but your purpose will not.” This purpose driven life was emphasized in the tours of the Hereford operations.
The first evening was spent at Mohican West Polled Herefords in Laurel, Montana, where junior members had the opportunity to see MOHICAN BLUEPRINT 69B. The next day included a tour of ORIgen in Billings, Montana, where juniors saw the different ways the company manages bulls and provides opportunities for seedstock and commercial producers. Following this the attendees traveled to L Bar W Cattle Company in Absarokee, Montana. There they heard from McKenzie Johnston of Nebraska before exploring the cattle on a hayride. This operation provided high quality viewing of Line 1 Hereford females as well as a strong line of F1 Hereford-Angus cross cattle.
The NJHA Board of Directors had been preparing for the event for the months leading up to the days in Montana, and hosted workshops throughout the week for the attendees. Workshops ranged from a personality test to assist with determining their different leadership strengths, as well as the different lessons that assist with change and learning your individual habits, rituals and patterns.
The closing keynote speaker, Cheryl Mitchell, joined the attendees during the entire event, participating in each tour and activity, as well as coaching the NJHA Board of Directors on the proper way to host their workshops. By attending all of the different aspects of the conference, she was able to bring highlights of the week into her keynote using the white water rafting as an analogy, the tours as learning material and the speakers as inspiration.
“Your mind is the most powerful organ that you have,” said Mitchell, as she emphasized the importance of being a good leader and taking care of your body, mind and spirit, in order to lead others. “It is where you win and lose every decision, every choice in your life. From the minute you get out of bed, you make 35,000 decisions each day all within your mind. So how are you using it and strengthening it?”
The Faces of Leadership conference is supported by the Hereford Youth Foundation of America (HYFA) and the Rick and Bonnie Coley-Malir Endowment. The 2023 conference will be hosted in Malir’s hometown of Columbus, Ohio. Stay tuned for more information regarding next year’s conference.
Clayton Stapleton, Denton Stapleton, Shawn Crutcher, Rhett Lehman, Kade Boatman, Simon Shepard, Kendall Boatman, Lauren McMillan, Morgan Richardson
The National Junior Hereford Association (NJHA) is excited to bring an additional five members of staff to assist with the 2022 VitaFerm Junior National Hereford Expo (JNHE) in Louisville, Kentucky. These five individuals are the JNHE Ambassadors and will be joining for the month of July in a mini-internship focused on all aspects of preparation, follow-through and post-production of event management.
This team arrived in Kansas City, Missouri, on July 6, and will be assisting with JNHE festivities until July 28. One 2022 JNHE Ambassador, Emerson Tarr, hails from Le Roy, Illinois.
Emerson Tarr, Le Roy, Illinois, will be entering her sophomore year at Lake Land College, studying agriculture transfer and pursuing a degree in agriculture communications. Emerson is a member of the livestock judging team, vice president of the agriculture transfer club and a member of the student ambassador team. Emerson has grown up raising and showing Simmental cattle and has attended various state, regional and national shows. The Simmental breed has brought many leadership opportunities for Emerson, including serving as the Illinois Junior Simmental Association president and recently being elected to the American Junior Simmental Association (AJSA) Board of Trustees. Her favorite part of the AJSA National Classic is the mentor-mentee program where she helps young exhibitors have a fun and successful junior national experience. Emerson looks forward to expanding her horizons beyond the Simmental breed and is excited to spend the summer with Team Hereford.
Show Results
2022 Illinois State Fair Junior Show
Springfield | August 11-13
Photos by Cindy Cagwin- Johnston
5th Overall Land of Lincoln Female
Shown by Aiden Knobloch
Grand Champion Land of Lincoln Female
Champion Polled Hereford Female
Shown by Paige Lemenager
Reserve Champion Horned Hereford Female Shown by Kendall Boatman
Reserve Grand Champion Aged Cow-Calf
Shown by Reece Entwistle
Reserve Champion Polled Hereford Female Shown by Ella Bane
3rd Overall Land of Lincoln Steer Champion Hereford Steer Shown by Reece Entwistle
4rd Overall Land of Lincoln Steer Reserve Champion Hereford Steer Shown by Aiden Knobloch
2022 Illinois State Fair Open Show
Springfield, Ill. | August 13-15
Champion Horned Female
Perks 1502 Mary Jo 1002
Kendall Boatman
Reserve Champion Horned
Female
HL Boy Jawanda 092J
Stetson Storey
Reserve Champion Horned
Bull
YCC Mr. Diesel 2006
Addison Young
Reserve Champion Polled
Female
Purple Lavish 80J
Lauryn Mool
Champion Horned Bull
SLC Bar S Mr 49C Dynamic 113ET
Cory Stumpf
Premiere Herdsman
Jimmy Bernard
Champion Polled Female
RGR Purply Janet 150J
Ella Bane
Champion Polled Bull
Perks 2TK 5101 Jabari 1122 ET
Kendall Boatman
Reserve Champion Polled Bull
WRB Shiner 1222
Brent Behrends
Photos by Cindy Cagwin- Johnston
President’sNote President’sNote
Wow, the last two months have been very busy for anyone involved with the Illinois Simmental Association. It all started with the American Junior Simmental Association National Classic, then July flew by running up to the Illinois State Fair and summer finished up last weekend with the district shows. Summer seems to go by faster every year and with a lot going on it flies by.
Our association hosted the AJSA National Classic in Madison, Wisconsin, from June 24 to June 30. What a great event this was with 130 head of cattle and 80 juniors from Illinois attending the event. The amount of time and preparation that went into this was astounding. Our three coordinators Sherry Adcock, Jennifer Tarr and Dr. Paul Walker were instrumental in running this show smoothly and without hardly any problems. They were assisted by the new AJSA Junior Advisor Mia Bayer and the AJSA Board of Directors. The whole undertaking of this event could not have happened without the countless volunteers from our great state. There are far too many people to mention or thank in one small page, but I can say I got to work with, laugh with, and finally sit back and relax with, some of the best people that I am proud to call friends. This week is filled with contests and cattle shows for kids from all over the country. Parents are a big reason a show like this can occur. The kids are very busy all week and, without the parents helping to take care of the cattle, none of this could happen. This is truly a family event. Once again the Illinois kids had a great week. In any one of the contests or the cattle shows there was always a great representation of Illinois kids in the top 20. For me it was a proud moment to know I am part of the Illinois Simmental Association.
Next we moved on to the Illinois State Fair. On Thursday, August 11, Simmentals dominated the performance cow-calf show. Champion two-year-old cow was the percentage Simmental and reserve champion was the purebred Simmental. Next, the aged cow division was won by another percentage Simmental. It was a great start to the week. Friday, in a very competitive junior heifer show, the percentage Simmental heifer was 4th Overall. Finally, Sunday came and everyone was excited and ready for the two open shows. Dr. Scott Schaake, Kansas, evaluated both the purebred and percentage Simmentals this year. As always there were some very high quality heifers and bulls exhibited on show day. Congratulations to all of the participants.
Personally, my days at the state fair are spent in barn O. The fun and laughs are always plentiful. However, it is not only barn O, lots of great friends are next door in barn P, and also out in the pole barns. If you can not find someone to talk to or laugh with in one of these spots you are not trying very hard. Every year I have new memories that will last me a lifetime. Thank you friends.
On Aug. 20 and 21 we were lucky enough to compete in the State District Show. With a little help from some good friends, Lynnette and I went from Ottawa on Saturday morning, up to a concert in East Troy, Wisconsin, then back to Farmer City for Sunday’s district finale. Dr. Wes Keller and his crew have made this district show weekend a great event. They have door prizes for all the exhibitors in Saturday’s show. If you were lucky enough to make it to Sunday’s show it was a real treat to circle the ring while the announcer talked about you and your heifer or steer. Putting all 20 head in the ring and knowing anyone has a chance was really exciting. Thanks Wes!
Well, like I said, summer seems to fly by faster every year. When this comes out fall sale season will be under way. We are not doing a sale at the Illinois Beef Expo this year. It was just getting smaller and smaller every year. We are going to do a sale in December with Bob Dwyer at the Carthage Sale Barn. More details will be coming soon. Good luck to everyone this fall with their sales and also have a safe start to harvest.
- Scott
Scott Frederick, ISA President
Show Results
2022 Illinois State Fair Junior Show
Springfield | August 11-13
4th Overall Heifer
Champion Low % Simmental
Land of Lincoln Reserve
Grand Champion Heifer
Champion Simmental Heifer
Land of
Champion Simmental Steer
Reserve Champion Simmental Heifer
Simmental
Reserve Champion Simmental Steer
Reserve Champion Low % Simmental Heifer
Shown by Kade Gensini
Shown by Nalaney Guyer
Land of Lincoln 5th Overall Steer
Champion
Lincoln
Shown by Cody Knodle
Shown by Conley Schick
Shown by Kyle Eathington
Shown by John Nightingale
Shown by John Lukach
Photos by Cindy Cagwin- Johnston
Shown by Tyler Miller
2022 Illinois State Fair Open Show
Springfield, Ill. | August 13-15
Photos by Cindy Cagwin- Johnston
Reserve Champion
Simmental Female
Gracyn Welsh
Premiere Simmental Herdsman
Cole Glick
Premiere Low % Simmental Herdsman
Conley Schick
Champion Simmental Bull
Jasper Tarr
Grand Champion %
Simmental Female
ALL Phyllis 198J
Paisley Schick
Champion % Simmental Bull
RB2C Indisputabel 105J
James Johnson
Champion Simmental Female
Conley Schick
Res. Champion Simmental Bull
Alex Behymer
Reserve Champion %
Simmental Female
JSUL Dat Dega 105 3J
Claire Dorsey
Reserve Champion %
Simmental Female
HDDN Ave 190J
Luke Hadden
Purebred Breeders
Illinois Beef, printed bi-monthly, is the official publication of the IBA. It serves as the voice of Illinois’ 12,000 beef producers.