ILLINOIS STATE FAIR
RECAP OF THE ILLINOIS BEEF ASSOCIATION AT THE 2025 ILLINOIS STATE FAIR
by Devin Bollman
The Illinois Junior Beef Association hosted it’s annual membership meeting on August 5 in the Livestock Center. This year, the junior board implemented ‘Bingo’ into meetings activities by handing out bingo cards all morning for juniors to bring to the meeting for a chance to win prizes!
The IJBA Board reviewed the last year, including IJBA Photo Contest, Top 10 Winners, and more, while giving a 2025 Points Show Program Update, and announced 2026 Illinois Beef Expo dates.
Retiring Junior Directors included: Jack Jungmann, President (District I)
Kyle Eathington (District I)
Anne Dameron (District II)
Lauren Wolter (District III)
Audrey Curtin (At-Large) 2025-2026 Junior Directors
Toby Behrends, President (District I)
Grace Lemenager, Vice President (At-Large)
Emma Taylor, Secretary/Treasurer (District III)
Cody York, Beef/Show Promotions Co-Chair (District IV)
Myah Little, Beef/Show Promotions Co-Chair (At-Large)
Ella Eathington (District I)
Brooklyn Hulmes (District II)
Cole Rapp (District II)
Paige McCaskill (District III)
Ben Sellmeyer (District IV)
RIBEYE CORRAL - THANK YOU TO OUR VOLUNTEERS!
Illinois Beef Association promoted beef and raised funds at the 2025 Illinois State Fair with their concession sales at the Ribeye Corral, located inside the Commodity Pavilion across from the Grandstand. Thanks to dozens of volunteers from across the state who traveled to Springfield to work the Corral; IBA was successful at selling thousands of ribeyes, briskets, New York strips, burgers and Italian beef sandwiches, while connecting with thousands of visitors at this year’s fair.
John Brubaker Kayla Gallagher
Justin Lewis
Buzz Iliff
Craig Nafziger
Henry County Beef Association
Heather Kapinski
Sally Kiner
Jacksonville FFA
Paul & Denis Rice
Dan & Betty Haynes
Al Lyman
Lindsey Ryan & Friends
Whiteside County Cattlemens
Justin Rahn
Carol Lock
Darin Smith
Shannon Welsh
Trevor Maiers
Spangler Farms
Kurt Schnaffit
Ted & Julie Prehn
Bradley Wolter
Dave & Kellie Duzan
Farm Credit Illinois
Schuyler-Brown Cattlemen’s
Megan Torrance
Hadden Farms
IL Midwest Cattlemen
Mike, Lynn & Jamie Martz
Barb Lindsey Central FFA
Dalton Johnston
Heartland Beef Alliance
Crossroads Beef Producers
Matt Raben
Dwayne & Sue Schwarz
Fritz Meat & Processing
Kyla & Ashley Beutke
Joan Harrison
New Berlin FFA
Cori & Ada Malone
Malcom Head
Betsy Pech
Doug Hanson
Illinois Team Beef is Back - Abe’s Amble at ISF
The advisory committee, consisting of Jamie Martz, Johnny Reel, Deena Sledge, and Nichole Ring, debuted the program return on Sunday, August 17 during Abe’s Amble at the Illinois State Fair. A big congratulations goes out to Nichole Ring for winning her age division!
Applications to join the team will open on September 1, 2025 and close on October 31, 2025. If you are an athlete and enjoy the nutritional role that beef plays in your diet, you can submit an application to join the team. All abilities and experience levels are welcome!
DuQuoin State Fair
If you’re planning to attend the DuQuoin State Fair in southern Illinois later this week or next, be looking for IBA on the fairgrounds. This year we are the presenting sponsor of a new Livestock Exhibitor Hospitality Area in the revamped milking parlor; swing by for complimentary beverages and air conditioning between stops in the livestock barns! We are also proud to continue our support of the Junior Beef shows the last weekend of the fair. Also new this year, we’re sponsoring brisket dinners at the Farm-to-Fair Supper on Friday, Aug. 29, in conjunction with the Perry County Farm Bureau at DuQuoin.
For questions, advertising, or information on Cattle Concepts E-Newsletter, contact Devin Bollman devin@illinoisbeef.com | (217) 787-4280
Junior Heifer Results
Supreme Champion Heifer
Breckyn Bloomberg (Chianina)Woodford
Reserve Champion Heifer
McKlay Gensini (Maine-Anjou)Putnam
Third Overall Heifer
Land of Lincoln Champion Heifer
Bred & Owned Champion Heifer
Coehen Kirchner (Angus) - Ogle
Fourth Overall Heifer
Conley Schick (Low % Simmental)DeWitt
Fifth Overall Heifer
Ellie Drach (Simmental) - Livingston
Land of Lincoln Reserve Heifer
Ty Pezanoski (Hereford) - LaSalle
Land of Lincoln Third Overall Heifer
Bred & Owned Reserve Heifer
Brecke Barnard (Charolais)Champaign
Land of Lincoln Forth Overall Heifer
Ashton Dillow (Angus) - Pulaski Land of Lincoln Fifth Overall Heifer
Lilian Unger (Shorthorn) - Kankakee
IJBA Jackpot Show
Judge: Nick Anderson, Denison, IA
Cow/Calf Show Results
Champion Pair: Lindy Kane, AOB - Angus Reserve Champion Pair: Karson Bloomberg, AOBAngus Breeding Heifer Show Results
Champion Angus: Lauren Wolter, Aviston Reserve Angus: Logan Suits, Rantoul
Champion Charolais: Briggston Bertsche, Oneida, SD Reserve Charolais: Lacie Wernicke, Lena
Champion Chianina: Jenna Setchell, Ottawa Reserve Chianina: Jemma Dorsey, Moro
Champion Maine/Mainetainer: Ella Eathington, Avon Reserve Maine/Mainetainer: Jacqueline Schertz, El Paso
Champion Hereford: Addison Young, Lexington Reserve Hereford: Chezney Robb, Kinmundy
Champion Red Angus: Emery Dunn, Goreville Reserve Red Angus: Lauren Wolter, Aviston
Champion Shorthorn: Maci Beckman, Jerseyville Reserve Shorthorn: Kinlynn Dryer, Merna
Champion Shorthorn Plus: Brayden Goodbred, Lee Reserve Shorthorn Plus: Averie Johnson, Havana
Champion AOB: Isabella Forbes, Lena Reserve AOB: Reid Waier, Jerseyville
Champion % Simmental: Maddox Robb, Kinmundy Reserve % Simmental: Claire Dorsey, Moro
Champion Purebred Simmental: Adlee Haefner, Clinton Reserve Purebred Simmental: Ella Behymer, Mount
Grand Champion Overall Heifer: Ella Eathington (Maine/Mainetainer)
Reserve Champion Overall Heifer: Maddox Robb (% Simmental)
Third Overall Heifer: Lauren Wolter (Angus)
Fourth Overall Heifer: Jenna Setchell (Chianina) Fifth Overall Heifer: Adlee Haefner (Simmental re.
