IN THIS ISSUE: September/October 2026 1 1 2 2 3 4 5 6 10 12
BOARD OF DIRECTORS President: David Mool Vice President: Brad Evans Secretary: Clay Sellmeyer Business Manager: Doug Turner Past President: Carla Jurgenson Auxiliary Pres.: Cindy Anderson Junior Advisor: Stacy Lemenager Bureau County: Vaughn Kiner Central Illinois: Luke Lemenager Logan County : Carla Jurgenson Northern Illinois: Jarad Carroll Wabash Valley: Open Directors at Large: Eric McClure Aaron Schafer Travis Fruhling T J Curtin Chris Cassady Bodee Schlipf Brad Evans Tracey Rawlings Chad Horsley Sam Brumleve Scott Anderson Dan Naughton
Message from your President AAA Beef Leadership Institute All-American Angus Shows Eastern Regional Junior Angus Show Northern Illinois Preview Show Wisconsin State Fair Angus Show Raised by the Angus Community National Junior Angus Show Dillow Claims National Showmanship Illinois State Fair Junior & Open Shows
ADVERTISERS INDEX Ascent Angus BC Kiesewetter Angus IBC Kramer Angus IBC Lemenager Cattle IBC Lorenzen Farms IBC Panther Creek Ranch IBC Rhodes Angus IBC Sunnyhill Angus Farm IBC York Farms IBC
UPCOMING EVENTS Visit the Events page at www. illinoisangus.com for a list of other upcoming events and Angus sales this season.
CONTACT
To place advertisements or your latest Angus news contact: Olivia Hoots Illinois Beef Editor Illinois Beef Association 217-787-4280 olivia@illinoisbeef.com www.illinoisbeef.com
ON THE COVER
Anne Dameron smiles at the 2026 National Junior Angus Show.
Message from your President
W
ith the state fair in the rearview mirror and the fall calving process in full swing, we look back and hope everyone had an enjoyable experience again this year, it's always nice to catch up with fellow producers in attendance from throughout the state. With the junior show entries hovering right around 100 head we still struggle to retain but just a third of these females for the open show competition but realize it isn't just the Angus numbers that continue to fade overall, other breeds are experiencing the same circumstances. Yes, we understand many families have other priorities to address with school and work obligations, and we all know it’s a fact that there are just less cattle out in the country which is certainly reflected in the size of the U.S. cow herd. We have once again begun discussions on ways to potentially improve show attendance with the current leadership and look forward to solutions that could impact participation from a breeder's perspective as well as give those already in attendance additional options to showcase their animals. As was mentioned before the Illinois Angus Association intends to host a Female Sale later this year with details to follow, please reach out to sale management or any director with questions concerning this upcoming event. ILLINOIS ANGUS FEMALE SALE December 12th, 2026 11:00 AM CST | Fairview Livestock Market Selling Cow/Calf Pairs, Bred Cows, Bred & Open Heifers | Entries Due by 10/17/2026 SALE MANAGER - Jordan Hunter, JDH Auction Enterprises, 417-224-6296, coljdhsold@gmail.com
ILLINOIS ANGUS SALE COMMITTEE CHAIR - TJ Curtin, 217-825-3005
Your President, Dave Mool
In the News
dmool@icloud.com | (309) 275-0614
From Ranch to Retail: Continued Education Expands Perspective for Angus Producers Twenty-three Angus producers gathered in St. Joseph, Missouri, to begin a five-day journey across the Midwest, gaining an understanding of the cattle industry from start to finish through the Beef Leaders Institute (BLI). The trip, hosted by the American Angus Association® in collaboration with Certified Angus Beef and the Angus Foundation, gives producers a behind-the-scenes look at each The 2026 Beef Leaders Institute Class gathers outside of the American Angus sector of the beef industry. Participants began at Association’s headquarters in St. Joseph, Missouri, during one of their educational stops. the Association’s headquarters, touring the office Curtin pictured far left, Handsaker pictured third from left. and discussing commercial programs, genetics, and marketing services. The following days included tours at Tyson Fresh Meats beef packing plant in Sioux City, Iowa; Weborg Feeding Co. LLC in Pender, Nebraska; Buckhead Meat and Seafood in Northwood, Ohio; STgenetics in Tiffin, Ohio; and a Meijer retail store in Wooster, Ohio. The class also traveled to Certified Angus Beef headquarters in Wooster, Ohio, to spend time in the meat lab learning about beef fabrication and the ten science-based specifications of the Certified Angus Beef® brand. Participants cut and grilled their own Certified Angus Beef steak. Conversation flowed between newfound friends as they reflected on a full week. The group was diverse in operation type, size, and location, with participants from 14 states, two Canadian provinces, and Mexico. As the week ended, participants boarded their flights home with greater knowledge, new connections, and a renewed commitment to improving their herds and the Angus breed, all with the end consumer in mind. Beef Leaders Institute Class of 2026 Illinois participants included Joe Curtin of Stonington, Illinois, and Garrett Handsaker of Pearl City, Illinois. Applications for the 2027 Beef Leaders Institute will open in late fall to American Angus Association members between the ages of 25 and 45. www.illinoisbeef.com
September/October 2026 - Illinois Angus News
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All-American Angus Breeders Futurity Roll of Victory & Junior Shows Louisville, Ky. | June 14 | Judge: Jack Oattes, Ontario, Canada Photos by Next Level Images
Fourth Place Overall ROV Female
Fourth Place Overall Bred & Owned Female
Grand Champion Cow-calf Pair
Third Place Overall Owned Female
Grand Champion PGS Female
Show Dedication & Pioneer Breeder Award
Bred & Owned Senior Heifer Calf Champion
Premier Exhibitor
Core Annie Lu 575N Owned by Lauren Wolter
WHM Blackbird 5146 Owned by Lauren Wolter
Henning BCII Sandy 5004 Owned by Macie Carroll
WHM FCF Phyllis 570 Owned by Lauren Wolter
WHM Lady 5115 Owned by Lauren Wolter
Lauren Wolter
JC Blackcap 420 Owned by Macie Carroll
Jerome "Jerry" Theodore Helgren, formerly from Pekin, was posthumously honored, the award was accepted by his family.
PGS Heifer Division 1 Kramers Primrose 542 Owned by Benton Yandell
Eastern Regional Junior Angus Show
Hamburg, N.Y. | June 19-21 Judges: Shane Meier, Texas (B&O Heifers & Bulls, Cow-calf Pairs, Steers) & Charlie Boyd, Ky. (PGS Females) Photos by Next Level Images
Grand Champion Bred & Owned Female PVF SFA Missie 5096 Owned by Ashton Dillow 2
Grand Champion Owned Female SCC Heart N Soul 528 Owned by Ella Brooks
Illinois Angus News - September/October 2026
Bred & Owned Senior Champion Female BNF Saras Dream 2411 Owned by Claire Kuipers
www.illinoisbeef.com
Bred & Owned Senior Heifer Calf Champion PVF SFA Missie 5133 Owned by Ashton Dillow
Owned Junior Division 1 Champion Heifer Dameron Primrose 553 Owned by Claire Kuipers
Champion PGS Heifer Division 1 BRMLV BCA Lady 599 Owned by Claire Kuipers
Northern Illinois Junior Angus Association Preview Show Milledgeville, Ill. | June 28 | Judge: Ty Drach, Okla. Photos by Brodie Abney Photography
Junior Showmanship Champion: Beau Cassady Reserve Champion: Tyson Tessendorf
Intermediate Showmanship
Champion: Jocelyn Ruppart Reserve Champion: Eli Faber
Grand Champion Bred & Owned Female CK3 Hawk Sandy 7N Owned by Coehen Kirchner
Reserve Grand Champion Bred & Owned Female EA Believer N485 Owned by Eli Egan
www.illinoisbeef.com
Senior Showmanship
Champion: Allissa Martin Reserve Champion: Cylee Kirchner
Grand Champion Owned Female Dameron Sandy 5119 Owned by Beau Cassady
Reserve Grand Champion Owned Female CK3 Phyliss N11 Owned by Allissa Martin
Grand Champion Bred & Owned Bull Faber Bulletproof Arthur Owned by Ava Faber
September/October 2026 - Illinois Angus News
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Grand Champion Steer
Reserve Grand Champion Steer
Grand Champion Commercial Steer
Reserve Grand Champion Commercial Steer
CK3 Major A1 544 Owned by Coehen Kirchner
Owned by Ailissa Martin
Wisconsin State Fair Angus Show
West Allis, Wis. | August 15 | Judge: Justin Vehege, Mo. Photos by Next Level Images
EA Trump N59 Owned by Aden Egan
Owned by Jolee Meade
YOUR ADVANTAGE POWERED BY ANGUS
CONTACT YOUR REGIONAL MANAGER TO LOCATE ANGUS GENETICS SELECT MARKETING OPTIONS TAILORED TO YOUR NEEDS ACCESS AMERICAN ANGUS ASSOCIATION® PROGRAMS AND SERVICES
Grand Champion Bred & Owned Female CK3 Hawk Sandy 7N Owned by Coehen Kirchner
BUY THE ADVANTAGE. BUY THE POWER.
BUY REGISTERED ANGUS GENETICS. angus.org/angus-advantage
Tyler Murray, Regional Manager 515-341-3260 tmurray@angus.org Illinois | Indiana | Michigan |Wisconsin
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Illinois Angus News - September/October 2026
www.illinoisbeef.com
Raised by the Angus Community Illinois cattlewoman wins Junior Herdsman of the Year. By Jordan Lamb, Angus Communications Intern The familiar sight of a green coat, blonde hair and a welcoming smile has become part of the junior Angus experience for many exhibitors across the country. For Anne Dameron, those moments spent helping fellow juniors, caring for cattle and building relationships within the National Junior Angus Association (NJAA) culminated in being named the 2026 Tom Wells Junior Herdsman of the Year. Presented during the 2026 National Junior Angus Show (NJAS), the Tom Wells Junior Herdsman of the Year Award recognizes an NJAA member in their final year of eligibility who demonstrates exceptional dedication to cattle care and preparation while serving as a positive leader among their peers. Established in 2023 by the Wells family through the Angus Foundation, the award honors the legacy of Tom Wells, a passionate junior Angus member and Voted on by her peers, Anne Damersupporter of the NJAA. on, of Towanda, Illinois, was selected as the 2026 Junior Herdsman of the For Dameron, a Year, during the 2026 National Junior fourth-generation Angus Angus Show in Louisville, Kentucky. breeder and agricultural communications student at University of Illinois, the recognition reflects the people and the program that have helped shape her through her junior career. “The Angus community and the junior program mean everything,” Dameron said. “It’s really what raised me.” Long before she competed for banners of her own, Dameron was following family members through the cattle barns and learning the responsibilities of raising livestock.
Anne performs her NJAA Board duties during the 2026 NJAS.
While cattle first introduced her to the Angus breed, it was the people who made the experience meaningful. “Coming to the National Junior Angus Show and seeing everyone from across the country all together in one place is when it really clicked for me,” she shared. “It’s a feeling that you can’t experience any other time of year.” The annual gathering became more than a cattle show. It became a reunion of friends and a place where lifelong relationships were built. When NJAA members selected Dameron as the 2026 Tom www.illinoisbeef.com
Wells Junior Herdsman of the Year, the recognition carried special significance because it came from her peers. “Growing up in the NJAA, I’ve always been surrounded by incredibly hard workers, giving their all each and every day without ever needing any praise or recognition in return,” Dameron acknowledged. “To think that those equally dedicated and hardworking individuals considered me for this award is both humbling and a tremendous privilege.” The award includes a $500 Tom Wells Junior Herdsman Scholarship and a custom belt buckle to commemorate the achievement, but Dameron says the greatest rewards from her junior career cannot be measured by prizes or accolades. Like many NJAA members, her fondest memories revolved around the friendships forged during the countless summers spent at junior Angus events. “I know that I have lifelong friends coming out of this and people that I can always count on,” Dameron said. That sense of belonging has become one of the defining characteristics of the Angus community. While competitors may spend time battling for a banner in the ring, they spend just as much time cheering each other on behind the scenes. For Dameron, that balance between competition and camaraderie is what makes the Association special. As she prepares for her senior year of college and the next chapter beyond the junior program, Dameron says the lessons learned through the NJAA will continue to guide her future. When asked to describe her experience as a junior Angus member in a single word, her answer came without hesitation. “Invaluable. - I wouldn’t trade it for anything,” she said. “I've met the best people through this association, had the greatest experiences and it's developed me into a person I wouldn't be without the opportunities this association gave me.” For a young woman who has spent her entire life in the Angus business, the greatest take away is not a title or a banner. It’s the community that helped raise her, supported her and provided a place to belong. And that, she shared, is truly something invaluable.
September/October 2026 - Illinois Angus News
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Judges: Hannah Tolbert, Ken., Chance Myers, Mich., Wravenna Bloomberg, Ill., and Chuck Grove, Vir., judged the National Showmanship Contest. Kirk Stierwalt, Okla., judged the steers. JanLee Rowlett, Okla., and Hannah Rowlett McCall, Kan., judged Intermediate Showmanship. Cole Kaufman, Tenn., and Shirley Kaufman, Vir., judged Novice and Junior Showmanship. Donnie Robertson, Okla., and Barry Nowatzke, Ind., judged the Bred & Owned Show. Jack & Carter Ward, Mo., judged the Owned Females Show.
Supreme Bred & Owned Female, Robert & Marilyn Schultz and John & Lucille Patton Memorial Scholarships
Reserve Grand Champion Bred & Owned Female
Dameron Sandy 5116 Owned by Anne Dameron
Senior Heifer Calf Champion Division 1 Dameron Sandy 5127 Owned by Lydia Leake
Bred & Owned Young Cow-calf Pair Champion JC Blackcap 420 Owned by Macie Carroll
Grand Champion Steer TEF King Pin Owned by Connor Suits
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PVF SFA Missie 5096 Owned by Ashton Dillow
Illinois Angus News - September/October 2026
Premier Breeder Amelia Miller Prairie View Farm
Reserve Grand Champion PGS Bull WHM Captain Morgan 5164 Owned by Lauren Wolter
www.illinoisbeef.com
Grand Champion Owned Female PVF Blackbird 5012 Owned by Ashton Dillow
Senior Champion Female Division 1 CK3 Hawk Sandy M85 Owned by Colton Kies
Owned Junior Champion Heifer Division 5
Core Annie Lu 575N Owned by Lauren Wolter
Reserve Senior Champion Female Division 1
FCF Proven Queen 484 Owned by Brylie Roberts
Owned Junior Champion Heifer Division 4
PVF Proven Queen 5043 Owned by Caden Crain
Reserve Intermediate Champion Female Division 2
Lemenager Proven Queen N45
Owned by Logan Suits
www.illinoisbeef.com
Sweepstakes 30 Head or More Illinois Junior Angus Association
Junior Champion Heifer Division 7
UDE Queen Ruth 5005 Owned by Kesler Collins
Owned Junior Champion Heifer Division 1
PVF Proven Queen 5087 Owned by Ashton Dillow
PGS Reserve Heifer Division 3 WHM Lady 5115 Owned by Lauren Wolter
Reserve Junior Champion Heifer Division 6
Core Miss Queen 539N Owned by Kesler Collins
Reserve Intermediate Champion Female Division 3
UDE Queen Ruth 5036 Owned by Breckyn Bloomberg
Reserve Bred & Owned PGS Heifer Champion Division 3 Parr Bardolia 5P17 Owned by Anna Parr
September/October 2026 - Illinois Angus News
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Intermediate A Judging Contest Second - Macie Carroll
Miss AA Contestant
Ella Eathington - to compete in November
Intermediate A Showmanship Sixth Place, Curtner Bergman, Ninth Place, Connor Suits
Gary Brost LEAD Award Reese Anderson, Macie Carroll, Ella Eathington
Intermediate Graphic Design First Luke Short
Angus/Talon Graduate Scholarship Amelia Miller
Angus/Talon Undergraduate Scholarship Ella Eathington, Lauren Wolter, Drew Mickey not pictured
First Senior Angus Intermediate Quiz Bowl Team Foundation Creative Macie Carroll, Audrey Undergrad Writing Curtin, Claire Kuipers, Scholarship First Adam Stuckmeyer Claire Kuipers
Adam Miller
CAB First Place Intermediate Steak Team
CAB First Place Intermediate Roast Team
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Illinois Angus News - September/October 2026
www.illinoisbeef.com
Richard L. Spader $5,000 Scholarship Anne Dameron
Stan J. Prox LEAD Award Anna Parr
www.illinoisbeef.com
Woodlawn Farms $1,500 Scholarship Audrey Curtin
Mike McCravy/ MM Cattle Scholarship Reese Anderson
Gold Award Recipients
Illinois Recipients - Ella Brooks, Anne Dameron, Ashton Dillow, Reese Anderson, Adam Miller, Lauren Wolter
Iowa Junior Angus National Scholarship Audrey Curtin
Intermediate Photography Third Claire Kuipers
Third Team Sales
Pat Grote Cookoff Award
Intermediate Extemporaneous Speaking
Intermediate Career Dev.
Ben Musgrave, Claire Kuipers, Anna Parr, Luke Sellmeyer
Third - Claire Kuipers
Ella Eathington, Claire Kuipers, Addison Tebbe
First - Luke Short, Second - Claire Kuipers
September/October 2026 - Illinois Angus News
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Dillow Claims National Showmanship Title in Louisville Illinois junior earns prestigious honors at 2026 National Junior Angus Show. By Kyra Holt, Angus Editorial Intern Fifteen junior showmen from across the country stood representatives to compete nationally each year, and members in the center of Broadbent Arena. Filled with anticipation, have just one opportunity to participate during their junior they would soon learn who would earn the prestigious title of career. With limited spots and a one-time eligibility rule, the champion showman of the 2026 National Junior Angus Show. contest carries significant prestige and is considered one of For Ashton Dillow of Villa Ridge, years of dedication to the most competitive events in the industry. the show ring paid off in a single unforgettable moment. Contestants were evaluated by Wravenna Bloomberg of With junior members eagerly awaiting the results, her name Secor, Illinois; Chance Myers of Niles, Michigan; and Hannah was called as champion of the 2026 National Junior Angus Tolbert of Harrodsburg, Kentucky. Chuck Grove of Forest, Showmanship Contest. Virginia, served as surrogate judge for "This win is special to me because the contest. I went to my first junior nationals in These industry leaders faced the 2018, and I can remember sitting there challenging responsibility of evaluating watching the showmanship contest and an exceptionally talented group of I was like, ‘This is something I want junior members throughout the contest’s to do,’” Dillow said. “Now it’s finally multiple rounds. Judges assess each here, and I’m so glad that over the participant's proficiency in show ring years I’ve learned what I have from this etiquette and sportsmanship, animal association. I’m just thankful.” handling, proper equipment use and After being announced the winner, ability to follow directions. Dillow was immediately greeted with Following the initial four heats, 15 hugs and tears from her grandparents, showmen earn a spot in the final round, cousins and other supporters. where judges determine the top five “The first people that I saw after overall winners. they announced my name were my Joining Dillow in the top five was Brenna Bartlow (left) and Ashton Dillow (right) grandparents,” Dillow said. “They’ve second place winner, Brenna Bartlow, were the Illinois representatives at this year's raised me to be who I am, and I’m also of Illinois. showmanship contest. Dillow took home first place honors, and Bartlow second place. just so thankful for them. They do Each year the champion showman everything for me, and I wouldn’t be at NJAS is presented the Dean Hurlbut here without them.” Award, named after the man who organized the first Reflecting on her win, Dillow noted the achievement is National Junior Angus Showmanship Contest in 1967. exciting, but the people are the most valuable part of the Hurlbut coordinated the contest until his retirement from experience. the American Angus Association in July 2000, Through “It’s not about the wins and the banners,” Dillow said. “Yes, support from his family and memorial contributions, the they mean a lot, but at the end of the day, it’s the people who award continues to honor his legacy with a $500 scholarship are with you.” presented to the Champion Senior Showman and a $400 The NJAS showmanship contest requires participants to scholarship awarded to the Reserve Senior Showman. first qualify at the state level. Each state sends only two junior 10
Illinois Angus News - September/October 2026
www.illinoisbeef.com
make plans Now.
BE THE STATE’S UNDISPUTED BEST BEEF.
Start planning your 2026-2027 entries for the Illinois Beef Quality Showcase, presented by Illinois Beef Association. We’re looking for steers born in 2026 to be donated for the feeding contest which kicks off in November. We target a starting weight around 750 pounds, if possible. Last year’s contestants split more than $15,000 in prize money, along with bragging rights for the best beef production in the state! Awards are given for Top 5 Steers Overall, Top On-Feed Performance, and Top Carcass Performance. Cattle are placed on-feed in a program designed to gather real-time data, showcasing efficiency of the animals. The reporting analyzes how steers convert feed, including daily intake and rate-of-gain for days on feed. At the end of the cattle feeding period, all steers are harvested at a regional packer where carcass data is collected by the research staff and USDA inspectors. The steers are graded, evaluated for premium programs, and marketed on the grid to maximize performance data analysis. Producers have the opportunity to receive comprehensive on-feed performance and carcass data on their entry following the conclusion of the IBQS program. There is no cost to enter the contest, but cattle are a donation to the program with proceeds benefiting the IBA outreach and advocacy programs on behalf of producers in the state. Ask about our Illinois Corn partnership to help subsidize your calf donation for the contest. Contact the IBA office with questions: Paige Berkmeyer | (217) 787-4280 | paige@illinoisbeef.com | www.illinoisbeef.com IBQS Contest Chairman: Thad Tharp | (309) 333-8814 | tthaddeus88@gmail.com www.illinoisbeef.com
September/October 2026 - Illinois Angus News
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Illinois State Fair Junior Angus Show | Springfield | August 14 -15 Photos by Cindy’s Livestock Photography
Reserve Champion Heifer, Champion Land of Lincoln Champion Angus Owned by Ashton Dillow
4th Overall Heifer
Reserve Champion Bred & Owned Heifer
Reserve Champion Angus Owned by Lilian Unger
Third Overall Land of Lincoln Champion Angus Steer Owned by Connor Suits
Champion Bred & Owned Angus Owned by Coehen Kirchner
5th Overall Land of Lincoln Reserve Champion Angus Owned by Blakely Riley
Illinois State Fair Open Angus Show | Springfield | August 17 Photos by Cindy’s Livestock Photography
Grand Champion Heifer
Reserve Grand Champion Heifer
Champion Cow/Calf
UDE SARAS DREAM 5035 Owned by Brode Bergman
MUSGRAVE Forever Lady 233 Owned by Eli Musgrave
Grand Champion Land of Lincoln
Reserve Champion Division 3
Champion Division 2
APBxALL Phyllis 515 N Owned by Addison Bartlow
LEMENAGER Proven Queen Owned by Logan Suits
DAMERON Primrose 553 Owned by Claire Kuipers
Reserve Grand Champion Bull
KL Big Yeti K515 Owned by Patrick Kelly 12
ALL Phyllis 576N Owned by Lucy Boes
Senior Champion Bull PLUM CREEK Perspective 41 Owned by Matthew Ewing
Illinois Angus News - September/October 2026
Reserve Champion Cow/Calf
PVF Proven Queen 2122 Owned by Steven Rawlings
Grand Champion Bull RHODE High Roller 34 Owned by Preston Rhode
Herdsman Award Parr Family
www.illinoisbeef.com
Angus Breeders
LEMENAGER
CATTLE
Chuck, Tori, Curt & Grace Luke, Stacy & Paige 10098 N. 2200E 703 Hinshaw Rd. Fairbury, IL 61739 Hudson, IL 61748 Chuck Cell 815-867-7011 Luke Cell 309-261-0752 www.lemenagercattle.com
LARRY RHODES 217-473-5868 cell 217-854-5200 office
rhodesangus@royell.org
9350 Rte 108, Carlinville, IL 62626 | www.RhodesAngus.com
BULL & FEMALE SALE: FEBRUARY 20, 2027
Lorenzen Farms Chrisman, IL Adam Harms, Herdsman 217-369-3609 adamdharms@hotmail.com Steve Lorenzen: 217-822-2803
The Six Essentials: Disposition, Fertility, Weight, Conformation, Udder Quality, Hardiness
For sale! Fall bred heifers, show heifers, herd bulls, jr herd sires
Call, text, OR just stop by!
ASCENT ANGUS: 3326 ECR 1960N, Oakland, IL 619843 Chris & Mary Miller (217) 276-2542, millerchrisandmary@gmail.com Max JC Miller (217) 276-0778