JUNE 11, 2025
devin@illinoisbeef.com
I LLI NOI S B E E F
#38
CAT TLE CONCEPTS
MONTHLY N E WS
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Beef Foundation Scholarship Recipients
Beef Leadership Academy Graduates
The Illinois Beef Foundation recognized the scholarship recipients for the 2025 year. The Foundation awarded scholarships to the following individuals:
2023-2024 Graduating Class Ben & Sara Trygar Wilsonville, IL Rebecca Walker Altamont, IL Blake Rinkenberger Minier, IL Bailey Rogers Armington, IL Andres Olalde Sterling, IL Maddie & Joe Buckley Gilman, IL Cody Hadden Jacksonville, IL Jason Bedwell Medora, IL Jake Hlas Blandinsville, IL Blake Webel Champaign, IL
Ben Sellmeyer Maroa, IL Conley Schick Clinton, IL Kade Boatman Rockford, IL Kendall Boatman Rockford, IL Audrey Curtin Blue Mound, IL Abagayle Britton Olmsted, IL Drew Mickey Taylorville, IL Emma Whitaker Carthage, IL
2025 ANNUAL MEETING IBA MEMBERS COME TOGETHER FROM ACROSS THE STATE FOR THE 2025 ANNUAL MEETING AND AWARDS CEREMONY
Including three general and six breakout Dave Duzan retired from his position sessions, with nearly two hundred completing his two-year term, with cattlemen and women, and one fantastic Shannon Welsh of Blandinsville day, IBA hosted its 2025 Annual Meeting elected as the 2025-26 IBA President. and Awards Ceremony in Springfield. Larisa Willrett of Malta was elected to serve as Vice President. Duzan Every year the Association gears up for its reflected on his service sharing pride Annual Meeting & Awards Ceremony, aiming in the Association’s accomplishments to bring the best opportunities forward for and dedication to providing for the our members when it comes to educational beef industry and its members. IBA’s sessions, panelists, and speakers. The Executive Vice President, Josh St. 2025 event, hosted in the Exposition Peters provided an in depth look at building on the Illinois State Fairgrounds, how IBA has served since last year’s did just that, plus recognized producer meeting. Six new members were members who dedicate themselves to our elected to serve on the IBA board. IBA industry and association. also inducted two legendary Illinois Bright and early Tuesday morning, we cattlemen into the new Hall of Fame, kicked off the event with a biosecurity- naming Bill Frankenreider and Larry focused session from Sara Chaplin, DVM. Martin as this year’s honorees. Other general sessions included a panel The day concluded with the 2025 moderated by IBA EVP, Josh St. Peters, with IBA Awards Ceremony, where the legislators and IBA lobbyists. Discussion Association recognized dozens centered on a Spring session recap and of valued members and their upcoming topics producers should look achievements. The third class of Beef out for. Olivia Willrett then presented a Leadership Academy participants beef economy update for the third general graduated from the program (see session. above for class participants). Illinois Breakout sessions were sprinkled Beef Foundation named the 2025 throughout the day’s general sessions Foundation scholarship recipients in the upstairs lofts of the building. and hosted a silent auction and raffle In the east loft producers could find to raise funds for the scholarship direct to consumer marketing and risk program. IBA recognized a “Valued management presentations, plus a meat Industry Partner” or “VIP,” awarded to cutting demonstration by Dr. Bailey Harsh recognize industry professionals and of University of Illinois. In the west loft business partners who go above and profitability was discussed by Thaddeus beyond, putting their time and talents Tharp, Land O’ Lakes, and an expanded to work in support of the Association harvest panel included Dave Duzan, Dr. Paul and its missions. This year the VIP Walker, Josh St. Peters and Dan Haynes. Recognition award was presented to Finally, Merck’s Jake Hlas, Performanve Sara Benson of Merck Animal Health. Livestock Analytics’, Eli Slouha, and Read more about the VIP Recognition FerAppease’s, Joe Meggison, represented and all IBA Award winners, below. new technologies for the industry.
Merck Animal Health - Cartridges for Cash
Sara Benson and Jake Hlas of Merck Animal Health presented the Illinois Beef Foundation with a check for $10,00 as part of the Cartridges for Cash program. For every empty Ralgro or Revelavor cartridge turned in to Merck, they donated $0.25 back to the Illinois Beef Foundation. This year the donation program reached the maximum program donation.
Illinois Beef Foundation Silent Auction
The 2025 Illinois Beef Foundation Silent Auction and raffle raised nearly $5,000 for their scholarship fund. The Illinois Beef Foundation is a non-profit corporation and operates exclusively for educational and charitable purposes, most notably annual youth scholarships that help passionate juniors continue their education. This years Foundation Board included Joan Harrison, Anna Flikkema, Carol Lock, Jamie Martz, Paul Walker, Buzz Iliff and Sheryl Hopkins.
by Devin Bollman
Special Guests in Attendance Jerry Costello Director of the Illinois Department of Agriculture Special Guest with remarks Kristi Jones Deputy Director, Illinois Department of Agriculture Jeremy Flynn Chief of Staff, Illinois Department of Agriculture Liz Brown-Reeves, IBA Lobbyist Special Guest with remarks Kristin Rubbelke, IBA Lobbyist
Recognitions and Award Winners IBA “Valued Industry Partner” Sara Benson, Merck Animal Health
Outstanding Junior of the Year To recognize a member of the Illinois Junior Beef Association who exemplifies integrity, leadership and commitment to being active in Illinois’ beef cattle industry. Emma Taylor - Murrayville View her award winner video here. IBA Member of the Year To recognize a member of the Illinois Beef Association that continually goes above and beyond to support the efforts of the Association, and demonstrates a commitment to the Illinois cattle industry, and its people. Joan Harrison - Minier View his award winner video here. Environmental Steward of the Year To recognize a beef producer in Illinois whose natural resource stewardship practices protect the environment and contribute to productivity and profitability. Hanson Land & Cattle, Doug Hanson - Danforth View their award winner video here. Commercial Producer of the Year To recognize a beef producer in Illinois who exemplifies integrity, leadership and success in the production and promotion of the commercial cattle industry. Lidy Family Farms - Mulberry Grove View their award winner video here.
Sidney Stiers IL FFA State Reporter Special Guest, Dinner Invocation Johnna Fulcher Miss Illinois County Fair Queen
Seedstock Producer of the Year To recognize a beef producer in Illinois who exemplifies integrity, leadership and success in the production and promotion of the purebred cattle industry. Horsley Brothers - Galva View their award winner video here. Farm Family of the Year To recognize a beef producer family in Illinois who has done an outstanding job in the production and promotion of beef and exemplified leadership skills on the county and state level. The Hugh Moore, Jr. Family of Moore Shorthorns - Jerseyville View their award winner video here.
Special Thanks to: Master of Ceremonies Rod Stoll, Farm Credit Illinois Host of the 2025 Illinois Beef Foundation Silent Auction SC Online Sales Annual Meeting & Awards Ceremony Sponsors - Gold Sponsors Axiota, Farm Credit Illinois, Kent Nutrition Group, Land O’Lakes Finance Company, Neogen and Zoetis - Silver Sponsors Illinois Farm Bureau, Maurer-Stutz and Merck - Bronze Sponsors ProHarvest Seeds, Purina, Longhorn Cattle & Swine Confinements and Earlybird Fairview Sale Barn, Merck Animal Health, and Elanco