JUNE 3, 2026
devin@illinoisbeef.com
I LLI NOI S B E E F
#52
CAT TLE CONCEPTS
MONTHLY N E WS
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| ILLINOIS BEEF ASSOCIATION | SPRINGFIELD, ILLINOIS | WWW.ILLINOISBEEF.COM |
Beef Leadership Academy Graduates
Beef Foundation Scholarship Recipients
2025 -2026 Graduating Class
The Illinois Beef Foundation recognized the scholarship recipients for the 2026 year. The Foundation awarded scholarships
Jessie Ahrens Strasburg, IL Ryder Flener Elizabethtown, IL Ty Halpin Gardner, IL Kaylie Huizenga Mendota, IL Elise Main Altamont, IL Ryan & Cori Malone Mackinaw, IL Logan McKeon Bloomington, IL Mikayla Peters Urbana, IL Megan Pierson Louisville, IL Wyatt & Ashley Stierwalt Atlanta, IL Megan Torrance Tuscola, IL
2026 ANNUAL MEETING
ILLINOIS BEEF PRODUCERS AND INDUSTRY MEMBERS GATHER FOR THE 2026 ANNUAL MEETING & AWARDS CEREMONY by Devin Bollman
About two hundred cattle producers Hanson presented on selecting made their way to Springfield for one forages, Dr. Dan Shike shared about fantastic day of educational breakout calving distribution and its impact and general sessions at the 2026 Illinois on the bottom line, and Laura Fidler Beef Association Annual Meeting and helped producers know how to cattle Awards Ceremony. market in a world of AI technology. The IBA Annual Meeting & Awards Shannon Welsh of Blandinsville Ceremony aims to bring the best was approved to carry on his IBA educational opportunities for its members Presidency for the 2026-27 year throughout the day with superior industry alongside IBA Vice President, Larisa panelists and speakers. The 2026 event Willrett, of Malta. IBA’s Executive Vice did just that, plus recognized members President, Josh St. Peters provided an who dedicate themselves to our industry in depth look at how IBA has served and association. since last year’s meeting, during the The day kicked off with a general luncheon and annual meeting midsession on various risk management day. strategies, such as LRP, presented by The day concluded with the 2026 Iowa State Field Extension Specialist, IBA Awards Ceremony, where the Joseph Lensing. Other general sessions Association recognized dozens included a special visit from National of valued members and their Cattlemen’s Beef Association CEO, Colin achievements. The fourth class of Beef Woodall, who gave an overview of the Leadership Academy participants state of the industry and NCBA. Plus, graduated from the program (see the final General Session of the day above for class participants). Illinois brought the topic of New World Screw Beef Foundation named the 2026 Worm back on the table with University Foundation scholarship recipients of Illinois veterinarian Dr. Jim Lowe giving and hosted a silent auction and raffle an informative overview of the industry to raise funds for the scholarship threat. program. IBA recognized a “Valued Breakout sessions were sprinkled Industry Partner” or “VIP,” awarded to throughout the day’s general sessions. recognize industry professionals and On the East side of the building producers business partners who go above and could learn more about bull management beyond, putting their time and talents from Extension Specialist, Travis Meteer, to work in support of the Association management of high-risk cattle from a and its missions. This year the VIP panel that included Dave Duzan, Katie Recognition award was presented Wernimont and Dr. Logan Douglas, and to Joe Meggison of FeraDiagnostics. supplementing trace minerals, also Read more about the VIP Recognition brought to producers by Katie Wernimont and all IBA Award winners, below. of Akralos. On the west side, Doug
Merck Animal Health - Cartridges for Cash
Jake Hlas of Merck Animal Health presented the Illinois Beef Foundation with a check for $7,392 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 2026 Illinois Beef Foundation Silent Auction and raffle raised nearly $4500 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, Carol Lock, Jamie Martz, Paul Walker, Buzz Iliff, James Toohill, Jake Hlas and Sheryl Hopkins.
Special Guests in Attendance Colin Woodall Chief Executive Officer National Cattlemen’s Beef Association Session Speaker A Word from NCBA CEO Amy Radunz Region III Vice President Federation of State Beef Councils Special Guest with Remarks Bill Graff State Executive Director Farm Service Agency Special Guest with Remarks Paige Sierens IL FFA State Sentinel Special Guest, Dinner Invocation Krista Phillips Miss Illinois County Fair Queen
to the following individuals: Macie Carroll Mt. Carroll, IL Ella Eathington Avon, IL Aidan Knobloch Buckingham, IL Lane Perry Paris, IL Kendall Boatman Rockford, IL Ellie Drach Pontiac, IL Grace Lemenager Fairbury, IL Conley Schick Clinton, IL
Recognitions and Award Winners
BA “Valued Industry Partner” Joe Meggison, Fera Diagnostics & Biologicals 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. Rebecca Walker - Altamont View her 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. Greg Thoren, Thoren Farm - Stockton 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. Schutz Livestock LLC - Roodhouse View their award winner video here. 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. York Farms - Palestine View their award winner video here. 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. Cody York - Palestine View his 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 Spangler Family of Spangler Farms Marietta View their award winner video here.
Special Thanks to: Master of Ceremonies Rita Frazier, Illinois Farm Bureau and RFD Radio Network Host of the 2026 Illinois Beef Foundation Silent Auction SC Online Sales Event Caterer Raber Packing Co. Annual Meeting & Awards Ceremony Sponsors - Prime Sponsors Fera Diagnostics & Biologicals, Kent Nutrition Group, Land O’Lakes, and ProHarvest Seeds - High Choice Sponsors Farm Credit Illinois, German Bliss Equipment, Merck, Hopedale AgriCenter, and Purina Animal Nutrition - Choice Sponsor Buchhiet, Earlybird Feed & Fertilizer, Eastern Missouri Commission Company, Illinois Farm Bureau, Maurer-Stutz, Inc., and Zoetis - Low Choice Sponsors Midwest Grass & Forage