A nicely balanced and complete Exemplify son that offers strong growth projections and carcass merit. 48M ranks in the top 5% of the breed for $C.
MG Exponential 65N LOT 45
MG Exponential 51N LOT 34
A maternal brother to 48M and to 51N’s dam. Magnitude, owned by Grimmius Cattle Company and Linz Heritage Angus, ranks in the top 3% of the breed for calving ease direct and top 1% for $C. He sires attractive cattle with elite performance that have been the top performing and selling cattle in herds throughout the United States, including Linz.
An elite calving ease prospect with solid growth and carcass merit projections. 51N’s EPD profile ranks him in the top 4% for calving ease direct and top 15% for $C.
MG Jamison 52N LOT 35
Calved: Dec. 20, 2024
Sire: Basin Jamison 1076 | MGS: GDAR Leupold 298
A high performing bull with elite growth and carcass merit. 65N ranks in the top 1% for weaning and yearling weight EPDs.
A calving ease prospect that ranks in the top 15% of the breed for $C.
KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS HALL
213 S. Locust Street | Pana, Illinois 62557
Selling Purebred Angus Bulls out of these dams!
Rudow’s Blacksmith 669
Rudow’s Empress Pride 414
Several bulls will be calving ease.All of the bulls will be 50K tested.Selling bred heifers due to calve in Fall 2026. -
Rudow’s Enchantress 839 ONLINE BIDDING
Sires of the bulls include: Rudow’s Wholesome 953, OCC You Bet 800Y, OCC Zenith 620Z, THSF Lover Boy 33, Riverstone Vegas 49H.
26 Cattlemen's Gala & Fundraiser
On November 21, cattle producers and enthusiasts gathered in Springfield for the tenth anniversary of the Illinois Beef Foundation, created as a non-profit to engage in charitable activities.
Don't Let Winter's Cold Open the Door to BRD
Manage bovine respiratory disease this winter with cold stress management and animal husbandry.
32 Making Good Ones
A young producer's path to Illinois Performance Tested Bull Sale success is lined with good cattle and great people leading him along the way.
Turn
and
The
Read his story on page 32.
Photo by Devin Bollman of Joe Curtin at his farm in Stonington.
Shannon Welsh, Blandinsville President
IBA Board of Governors
Email: cowdynasty@yahoo.com
Larisa Willrett, Malta
Vice President
IBA Board of Governors
Email: lwillrett1313@gmail.com
Policy Division Checkoff Division
Directors
Chair: Joan Harrison
Vice Chair: Ted Prehn
Secretary/Treasurer: Justin Rahn
District 1
Justin Rahn, Mt. Carroll, justinrahn@hotmail.com
1st term expires: 2025 | 2nd term expires: 2028
District 2
Vacant
District 3
Doug Hanson, Danforth, dough@proharvestseeds.com
1st term expires: 2026 | 2nd term expires: 2029
District 4
Cody Lowderman, Macomb, codylowderman@yahoo.com
1st term expires: 2024 | 2nd term expires: 2027
District 5
Joan Harrison, Minier, joan.harrison16@yahoo.com
1st term expires: 2027 | 2nd term expires: 2030
District 6
Lisa Nafziger, Stanford, craig.lisa.nafziger@gmail.com
1st term expires: 2028 | 2nd term expires: 2031
District 7
Kevin Rose, Salem, krr1998@hotmail.com
1st term expires: 2024 | 2nd term expires: 2027
At Large Directors
Scott Wetzell, Tampico, sdwetz@gmail.com
1st term expires: 2026 | 2nd term expires: 2029
Trevor Maiers, Payson, tmaiers98@gmail.com
1st term expires: 2028 | 2nd term expires: 2031
Ben Lehman, Hanover, lehmancattle@gmail.com
1st term expires: 2028 | 2nd term expires: 2031
Dr. Cal Schafer, Galena, cal.schafer1952@gmail.com
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NATIONAL AVAILABILITY:
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Association Focus
Shannon Welsh, Illinois Beef Association President
2026 Illinois Beef Expo
I have three kids, and all of them have spent February days in Springfield at the Illinois Beef Expo. Sometimes it is wet and muddy, other times there is a foot of snow, and every few years we get a good amount of sun. It is February, what are we to do?
No matter the weather, Illinois Beef Expo is an essential for my family and me. We enjoy bringing our Simmental cattle down to show against our cattle friends and are thankful for the winter memories that are made there. I always enjoy stepping into the sales to chat with many IBA members and see what is offered this year. One of the highlights of the week is getting to catch up with those in our Simmental family at our Illinois Simmental Association Annual Meeting where we present yearly awards.
Later in this issue of Illinois Beef is a full run-down of all the things happening at this year’s Expo. We are making a few changes to the show – one major one being the switching of rings since the show will now take place in the Colosseum, and of course times are changing slightly again so be sure to note when you need to arrive, check-in, or when your breed shows. Our judges this year hail from Oklahoma and Wisconsin – Jerrod Arthur and Krisha Geffert, respectfully. Remember, all junior show exhibitors MUST be IJBA members, be sure check with IBA, or send in your $25 dues to the office. This year, juniors have EXTRA opportunities to look forward to thanks to our IJBA advisor, Devin Bollman’s, hard work. There is again a photo contest prior to Expo, and we are adding a fitting contest to the week’s events. Don’t forget to participate in the classic contests too, both judging
and skill-a-thon.
I would encourage all attendees to visit the three sales offered. The Illinois Performance Tested Bull Sale is a tradition to the Expo and is a great way to get a great bull for your herd. Later that day, The Collection frozen genetics sale is getting a new time so make sure to stick around after the IPT sale on Thursday. Finally, make sure to attend the ever-popular Multi Breed Female Sale for a great heifer in any breed.
Now, if you have not yet, this is a great time to get involved with your breed association, even for the first time. Four breeds – Angus, Hereford, Shorthorn, and Simmental, all have their annual meetings during Expo week. If you’re there for a sale or the junior show, make sure to get tickets through your breed’s association and attend one of these great events. They are great networking, and really friend-making, opportunities!
The Expo board and Illinois Beef staff are putting together a great event once again. It is another one you will not want to miss. Even if you do not need a new bull or female, or are not showing your prized animal, be sure to come walk the trade show for everything from equipment to western clothing, or catch the champion slap on Saturday or Sunday at the market animal and female shows. Pages 31-35 of this publication have additional information. See you there!
MEMBER AWARDS
This award recognizes an Illinois beef family that exemplifies industry involvement and leadership qualities. This family should have a strong commitment to producing highquality beef within the state and demonstrate a desire to propagate their operation through generational involvement.
COMMERCIAL PRODUCER
FARM FAMILY SEEDSTOCK BREEDER OF THE YEAR OF THE YEAR
This award acknowledges an exceptional cattle breeder within the seedstock sector of our industry. This operation should prioritize raising breedingquality progeny to be retained or marketed to other producers. Priority is given to operations that utilize innovative tools and technology to advance their herds. Purebred and commercial breeders are eligible.
This recognition honors an Illinois beef producer who is making a significant impact on the commercial sector of our industry. Qualities of relevance include operational savviness, integrity, and responsible cattle management. Operations may be involved in the acquisition, development, marketing, and or processing facets of the commercial beef cattle sector.
OUTSTANDING JUNIOR
ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARD OF THE YEAR OF THE YEAR
This award highlights an Illinois operation with exceptional resource stewardship practices. Thoughtful consideration is given to natural resource protection within their beef herd, and land use practices are regularly evaluated and improved. Herd management tools may include EQIP programming, rotational grazing, cover crop usage, manure management, and more.
This award recognizes an actively involved member of the Illinois Junior Beef Association. The ideal candidate demonstrates commitment, leadership, and a passion for the Illinois beef industry. Juniors from the commercial, seedstock, and showstock sectors are eligible for award honors. Tenure of involvement is taken into consideration.
IBA MEMBER OF THE YEAR OF THE YEAR
This award honors a member who continually goes above and beyond to support the efforts of the IBA. This person should be actively involved in the time leading up to their nomination, though a leadership position within IBA is not required. A demonstrated commitment to the Illinois cattle industry and its people is also taken into consideration.
VP Thoughts
Larisa Willrett, Illinois Beef Association Vice President
CattleCon, or Cattle Industry Convention and the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) Trade Show, some would say, is as exciting as birthdays or Christmas. As beef producers, there truly is no place better for industry connections and knowledge expansion. Illinois beef staff, board members and producers are in for another enjoyable time in Nashville, and may be there as you read this column.
General sessions are set to feature past NASCAR driver Dale Earnhardt, Jr., New York Times bestselling author Jon Acuff and award-winning songwriter Jimmy Yeary. Yet, beyond general sessions is the real meat of the week – from CattleFax sessions, Cattlemen’s College and Checkoff insights to another main reason we gather – policy and program meetings.
Illinois Beef representatives will be attending Checkoff and policy committee meetings throughout the week to help establish the direction NCBA staff and leadership will take in Washington, D.C., for the upcoming year.
For producer attendees, I hope you will take advantage of Cattlemen’s College included in your registration this year. Usually, it is a significant added cost, but the goal is to help all producers understand the current state of the industry from an operational perspective. There will be topics on artificial intelligence, efficiency, and succession planning, to only name a few.
The NCBA Trade Show is always indicative of the strength of our industry. If you need information about expansion, a new piece of equipment, connections with breed associations,
or even a new pair of boots, this is the place to get it.
As a former National Cattlemen’s Association staff member and a beef producer, I have attended countless CattleCons.
In addition to policy development, educational opportunities and the trade show, CattleCon provides a unique opportunity to network with others I wouldn’t otherwise see throughout the year. I get the opportunity to reconnect with college friends, allied industries connections from the “old days” and other state leaders.
There’s a lot of business that can get done just catching up with others in the hallways between meetings and during the many receptions and dinners.
Once they were old enough, we began taking our children to the convention so they could experience the scope of the beef business beyond Illinois. Through the years, they too, have made connections and had those hallway conversations.
I’m proud to pass that legacy down to my kids and am looking forward to seeing them at CattleCon. And this year, my high school age nephew and J. Willrett Farms employee is attending on the convention’s FFA/4-H Day. Can’t wait to show him the ropes!
Stay tuned for the March/April issue where our trip to Nashville will be recapped.
Sawyer and Olivia Willrett at the 2017 Cattle Industry Convention. Olivia wins a scholarship during Cattle Industry Convention. Pictured with Larisa, Jamie and Justis Willrett.
Larisa, Jamie, Justis and Olivia Willrett at a New Orleans Cattle Industry Convention.
Willrett when she worked for the National Cattlemen's Association before marrying Jamie and moving to Illinois.
FEBRUARY 19, 2026
UNDER THE LIGHTS IN THE ARTISANS BUILDING THURSDAY EVENING, FOLLOWING THE IPT BULL SALE AND TRADESHOW RECEPTION
food and beverages provided, join us for raffle giveaways
Executive Edge
Josh St. Peters, Illinois Beef Association Executive Vice President
Every year we fill this issue with great details leading up to the Illinois Beef Expo, and this copy is no exception. Be sure to check out all of the details, including many new features that have been announced for Illinois’ largest beef industry event.
One of the many great features of the 2026 Illinois Beef Expo is holding the Junior Steer and Heifer show in the newly remodeled Coliseum on the Illinois State Fairgrounds. We have also moved the trade show to an adjacent building, so that the cattle show and the tradeshow are just a few footsteps apart. It’s directly across the street from the building that’s home to our three featured sales of the Expo, the Performance Tested Bull Sale, the Multibreed Female Sale, and The Collection, our annual genetics sale. All the sales will be available online via CCi again this year.
Thursday evening we’re hosting a free reception with food and beverages for all attendees at the trade show, which will lead right up to that genetics sale. If you swing by the reception, you’ll have the chance to enter a drawing for several great gifts provided by our trade show vendors.
The decision to make these facility changes was made by Illinois Beef Expo’s board, which has grown in number since last year’s event. The Expo committee now includes a representative from each of Illinois’ purebred cattle organizations, along with two at large representatives who come from AOB and market cattle backgrounds. We also have board representatives from University of Illinois Extension as well as from the Illinois Beef Association Board of Governors. It’s an expanded group, and a dedicated team of volunteer men and women from the cattle industry, who’ve helped lock in plans for a bigger and better beef Expo this year.
Please plan to come to Springfield and join us and see for yourself how great this event has come together. We’ll be on the fairgrounds from Thursday, Feb. 19 through Sunday, Feb. 22, with a full schedule of fun events and exhibits to enjoy. We have brought back a fitting contest for juniors in 2026, as well, along with our skillathon and the livestock judging contest.
We also have a grand prize recognition planned at Expo
for our IBA Point Show winners in both the steer and heifer division. Generous support from B&B Livestock Supply and Trailers in Camp Point, Illinois, provides two beautiful Cimarron trailers to be awarded for one year of use to the hardworking youth who took top honors in the point show program.
Our Illinois Junior Beef Association leaders have come up with one additional feature of this year’s Expo that I think is a great testament to the kind of young people we are raising up in this industry. The last several years they have sought out a philanthropic opportunity while Expo is in Springfield, and this year they’re expanding their goal to a big opportunity to support local families in need. The IJBA group is hosting a canned food drive to benefit the Central Illinois Foodbank, and they are asking you to help the cause. If you plan to make the trip, please consider bringing along a sack of canned goods to support our junior leaders and help them make a big impact on the community with their donations. Looks for the signage around the Coliseum for the locations to drop off your canned food donations.
Extension Update
Travis Meteer, University of Illinois Extension Beef Specialist
Developing Heifers for Cow Longevity
Failure to develop heifers that can stay productive in the herd is a costly mistake. To help achieve successful heifer development, it is important to adopt an optimal mindset, not a maximal one.
If every heifer was to breed, undoubtedly fallout would occur as young cows. Short productive life as a mother cow lends little opportunity to recover a large investment in heifer development. Thus, focusing on reducing inputs while achieving acceptable pregnancy rates should be the focus of a successful heifer development program.
Heifer genetics and development need to fit the production environment. Maintaining short breeding seasons and continually selecting replacements from the front end of the calving season can help aid in developing heifers that match your production environment. It is important to account for age and weight when determining target weights for breeding.
Most literature shows heifers should be developed to 65% of mature body weight, although some have had success at slightly lower percentages. For example, consider the following scenario. Heifer Ranch maintains mature cows that weigh 1400 lbs., they calve on March 1st and their cows wean 45% of their body weight when the calf is 6 months old. This results in heifer calves that weigh 630 lbs. at weaning (180 days old). If they are bred to calve on March 1st at two years of age, then the weaned replacement needs to be fed to gain an additional 280 lbs. over the next 268 days (1.04 ADG) to weigh 910 lbs. at breeding. While we can debate optimal when it comes to these numbers and percentages, getting heifers to target weights should not be that difficult. I typically see more over-developed heifers than underdeveloped.
Gain patterns should be steady and avoid weight declines at breeding. A common challenge is substantial early weight gain due to creep feed or abundant milk production followed by a period of poor gains due to forage dormancy or harsh weather conditions. While heifers may achieve target weight, poor or declining pattern of gain can negatively impact pregnancy rates.
Some producers that are limit-feeding heifers should
consider adding an ionophore to the diet. This practice has been shown to aid in increased ADG and help heifers reach sexual maturity earlier on the same feed resources.
Pelvic area measurements and reproductive tract scores are key measures to be taken prior to breeding. They can aid in culling heifers that are not fit for breeding. I would not recommend implanting replacement heifers or purchasing implanted heifers for replacements. It is important to consult your veterinarian on necessary vaccinations and to administer these vaccinations at least 30-45 days prior to breeding. Always give proper mineral supplementation and make sure heifers have an individual identification to allow accurate record keeping.
Recent research (Henley et al. 2021) at University of Illinois has helped identify some significant management needs when developing heifers. First, research conducted at Dixon Springs Ag Center showed higher pregnancy rates for fall heifers grazing endophyte infected fescue when supplemented with a 50:50 mix of soybean hulls and DDGS when compared to heifers that were not supplemented. Supplemented heifers were better able to achieve target weight gains and supplementation helps mitigate symptoms of endophyte infected fescue. This research is consistent with previous research and helps reinforce the need for timely supplementation in fescue pasture-based systems.
Also, investigation (Ewing, K.P., 2024) using a posthoc analysis evaluating effects of age, body weight and the interaction of these two factors on heifer reproductive performance conducted by Dr. Shike’s group at University of Illinois showed that heifers developed under 56% of mature body weight and young heifer (<425 days old at breeding) had lower fertility and lower pregnancy rates. Additionally, it was more important for young heifers to have higher weights at breeding when compared to older heifers. Thus, keeping older heifers, those born earlier in the calving season can help increase pregnancy rates and reduce subsequent fall out as young cows. If you are keeping younger heifers, additional supplementation to achieve greater weight gain prior to breeding is likely necessary.
Sources:
1. Parker A Henley, Frank A Ireland, Igor F Canisso, J Lannett Edwards, Daniel W Shike, Effects of management system on beef heifer growth and reproductive performance, Translational Animal Science, Volume 5, Issue 1, January 2021, txaa209, https://doi. org/10.1093/tas/txaa209
2. Ewing, K.P. (2024) Nutritional and reproductive management considerations in the beef female. thesis. University of Illinois Library.
Gate Cuts
Paul Walker, Professor Emeritus, DI Walker Consulting
News from the Cattlemen's Beef Board (CBB)
As you prepare for the upcoming NCBA Meetings this year in Nashville, an important FYI for CBB attendees/ participants is the names and function of the Beef Checkoff Program Committees have changed. The past Consumer Trust, Domestic Marketing, International Marketing, Nutrition and Health, Safety and Product Innovation and Stakeholder Engagement Committees have been replaced with the Industry Information, Consumer Information, Promotion, Research, Producer Communication and Foreign/International Marketing Committees. [I will serve as the co-chair of the Research Committee]. This re-structuring brings the Checkoff Committees into closer alignment with the Beef Industry's New Long Range Plan (renewed every five years) and with the budget categories of the CBB. This change is intended to make authorized requests easier to evaluate, to facilitate budgeting approval requests, and to make reporting by authorized contractors easier.
The Long Range Plan helps the beef industry establish a common set of objectives and priorities. It communicates the industry’s strategic direction and provides insight into how the industry can serve its stakeholders by growing beef demand. Beef Checkoff initiatives are aligned to only certain objectives within the plan that align to the Beef Promotion and Research Act and Order.
The 2026-2030 Long Range Plan identifies six interconnected goals that represent what the industry wants to achieve:
Policy and Supply Chain Viability
The U.S. beef industry has a viable supply chain with the freedom to operate.
Sustainable Industry Outcomes
The U.S. beef industry produces environmentally sound, economically viable and socially acceptable products.
Public Engagement and Building Confidence
The public trusts and demands high-quality, safe and nutrient-dense U.S. beef.
Innovation, Science, Research and Continuous Improvement
The U.S. beef industry continues to innovate and improve, making the industry resilient, credible and successful in the long term.
Stakeholder Engagement
U.S. beef industry stakeholders align on production systems across segments to meet common consumer demands.
Animal Health and Food Safety
U.S. cattle and beef supply are healthy and safe.
To view the complete Beef Industry Long Range Plan, a plan summary or get more information visit BeefLongRangePlan.com.
Each of the CBB Checkoff Program Committees has a specific task. Accordingly, The Industry Information Committee reviews requests for funding that strive to promote an accurate understanding of the beef industry and help maintain a positive cattlemarketing climate. The Consumer Information Committee reviews requests that propose to strengthen beef’s image by proactively sharing nutritional data and positive messages with influential stakeholders, including media, food editors, dietitians, physicians and other key figures who shape consumer’s food knowledge. The Promotion Committee evaluates proposals that include advertising, merchandising and new product development, as well as training and promotional partnerships with restaurants and supermarkets that stimulate sales of beef and veal products. The Research Committee reviews requests for funding that provide the foundation for virtually all Beef Checkoff funded information and promotion by providing sciencebacked research in beef nutrition, beef safety and pathogen resistance (both pre-consumer and post-consumer). The Producer Communication Committee looks at requests that seek to inform producers and importers about how their Beef Checkoff dollars are invested through a variety of efforts and initiatives. Remember, every time a cattle producer sells cattle, or an importer sells cattle (or its equivalent in boxed beef) the $1-per-head National Checkoff assessment goes into effect. The Foreign International Marketing Committee evaluates proposals designed to develop international markets for U.S. beef through programs aimed at expanding market penetration, gaining new market access, improving global consumer perceptions and building trust.
The CBB is composed of 99 producers just like you who ensure our Beef Checkoff dollars are well spent. The CBB, just like the NCBA, is a grass-roots organization controlled by us for us.
See you in Nashville. Doc
Dr. Walker serves as a committee co-chair at the 2025 Cattle Convention in San Antonio this past February.
RS CONTENDER 2548M
ASA #4502234 | Born: 9/12/24
1/2 SM, 1/2 Angus HOMO BLACK, HOMO POLLED
RS ANTHEM 955N
ASA #4568661 | Born: 1/28/2025
RS ANTHEM 2692N
ASA #4568655 | Born: 1/19/2025 Purebred Simmental
NECESSITY 073N
#4568659 | Born: 1/27/2025
HOMO
RS NEGOTIATE 2538N
ASA #4568660 | Born: 1/30/2025 Purebred Simmental
•
LOT 18
LOT 17
NCBA Connections
Buck Wehrbein, NCBA President
NCBA's Landmark Victories in 2025
It seems every year, we say we are living in “unprecedented times,” but this past year has been especially unique for us in the cattle business. As I think about how many issues our industry has faced in 2025, I am extremely grateful that we have representation through NCBA.
We began last year with a new presidential administration coming into office, already a busy time, coupled with an emerging animal health threat from the New World Screwworm moving up from South America. NCBA hit the ground running by educating all the new officials at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the White House so they could begin working to stop the Screwworm’s march north. While the threat still remains, USDA has designated a location to start building a NWS sterile fly facility and the Food and Drug Administration has rolled out new products to treat NWS, both top priorities for NCBA. This year, we will continue encouraging USDA to expedite production of sterile flies so we can firmly push this pest away from our border.
This past year, NCBA secured passage of landmark tax legislation, which President Trump called the One Big Beautiful Bill. The bill was signed into law on July 4, 2025, after months of NCBA’s hard work to get the bill through Congress. The One Big Beautiful Bill delivered record tax
cuts to cattle producers, helping us keep more of our hard earned income. I am especially proud of the Death Tax reductions included in the bill, which will help farmers and ranchers transfer their land to the next generation and set them up for success.
Near the end of last year, NCBA delivered a new Waters of the United States (WOTUS) rule that ends decades of overreach and uncertainty on cattle producers. Cattle producers have suffered under shifting rules that made it difficult for us to make management decisions on our land.
The new WOTUS rule limits federal authority over small, isolated water features like stock ponds, prairie potholes or dry ditches. Once the Trump administration finalizes this WOTUS rule later this year, only water features that directly connect to a large lake, river or ocean will be regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The rule also protects WOTUS exemptions for prior converted cropland, waste treatment systems, and groundwater, making sure the federal government does not overreach into regulating these features. This is a tremendous victory for the cattle industry, and something NCBA has led the fight on for years.
As we enter 2026, I would be remiss if I didn’t mention that we are now in the U.S. semiquincentennial or the 250th anniversary of our nation since the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Despite all the issues we face, we can remember how blessed we are to live in this country with all the freedoms we enjoy. The American cattle industry has been feeding our nation for the last 250 years, and I am confident we will continue providing the highest-quality protein for the next 250 years and beyond. NCBA has been there to support our livelihoods since 1898 and, as we reflect on America’s history this year, I am also thinking about the value of having an advocate for our industry watching our backs every day.
We will have more policy updates to share at CattleCon in Nashville, Feb. 3-5. In addition to our grassroots policy process, CattleCon is a great way to get information on everything happening in Washington, D.C., network with vendors at the NCBA Trade Show, and learn about how NCBA is working for you. I hope to see you there!
Thank you for supporting NCBA and being part of the association that has fought for our rights for 128 years. We will continue proudly representing you for generations to come.
SPRING BULL AND FEMALE SALE
GUEST CONSIGNORS
Hillstown Farms
618-978-0531
JR Simmentals
217-248-8447
Reiny Way Acres
715-573-7891, Kent
715-573-7828, Marcus
Jeff and Justin Lewis
217-251-2400, Jeff 217-251-5020, Justin
Russell Land and Cattle
618-262-6509
Black
Travis Farms 618-843-5264
Huenefeld Simmental Farms 402-764-0981, Matt 815-238-6641, Steve Gen3 Genetics 865-254-2998, Emily 517-932-8621, Kollin Double
Roger Allen . . . . 715-684-9222 Dalton Lundy 502-727-6898
Larry Martin 217-433-0242
Greg Miller 608-778-8785
Doug Parke 859-421-6100
Drew Hatmaker 423-506-8844
Ryan Haefner . . . . 815-499-0522
Brandon Rutledge 217-369-6729
Emily Ivey-Johnson 865-254-2998
Bob Dwyer 309-337-1404
Nick Dwyer 309-337-6404
Affiliate News
Jo Daviess County Beef Association hosted their annual meeting on December 12 at Woodbine Bend. Over 100 attendees enjoyed a meal and some informative presentations. In addition, $31,500 in scholarships were awarded, board members were recognized and a Honda fourwheeler was auctioned off.
Tri County Cattlemen's Association will host their annual banquet on February 7 in Roseville.
Knox County Cattlemen's Association donated 500 pounds of 96/4 premium ground beef to Riverbend Food Bank in Galesburg to give back during the 2025 Christmas season.
Submitting Affiliate News
We know you are doing cool things in your affiliates! Submit recaps or upcoming event information to Annie Hadden at annie@illinoisbeef.com or call 217-787-4280. Please notify Annie with changes to affiliate officer teams, or call us if you need any assistance too.
TOP RECRUITER PROGRAM
A 2026 RENEWAL AND RECRUITMENT INCENTIVE PROGRAM FOR IBA MEMBERSHIP IN PARTNERSHIP WITH:
HOW TO BE ELIGIBLE:
BACK AGAIN!
• Must be a recognized affiliate by the Illinois Beef Association
• Must reach 75% of renewed or recruited IBA members within their respective county(ies) by March 1 of 2026 to be entered into drawing
• For every five new paid members, the affiliate will earn a bonus entry into the drawing
WHAT YOU WIN:
Out of all the affiliates that reach 75% renewed or recruited IBA members based on the 2025 membership roster, one will be drawn at random to win an all-expenses-paid trip to the Purina Animal Nutrition Center in Gray Summit, Missouri, for ten of their IBA producer members.
The winning affiliate will be allowed to select their event date from the list of Purina Research Farm event dates for their attendees.
Purina has partnered with IBA to offer this unique opportunity to IBA’s producer members to see what Purina Animal Nutrition is all about by seeing their 1,200-acre working research farm in Gray Summit, Missouri! While at the farm, producers will learn about topics including cow/calf nutrition, emerging technologies, matching forage resources, and so much more!
For questions about the Top Recruiter Program or IBA Membership, please contact: Devin Bollman, IBA Communications & Membership Manager 217.787.4280 | devin@illinoisbeef.com
In the Know
Beef Leadership Academy group meets IBA Board of Governors on first excursion, participates in leadership learning activities
The fourth cohort of the Beef Leadership Academy kicked off their program year in mid-December with a Personal Leadership training session facilitated by ADM Learning Systems Manager, Lauri Wagner. The in-depth dive into each participants individual personality assessment laid a strong foundation of which the remaining four Pillars will build upon. This session not only asked participants to look inward, but also challenged them to consider differing personalities and how to most effectively work within a team.
Following the formal training session, Beef Leadership Academy participants joined the IBA Board of Governors for a holiday celebration and supper in downtown Springfield. The following morning, BLA participants had the opportunity to sit in on an IBA Board of Governors meeting, where they met with their respective directors, and had a front row seat to the leadership opportunities available to them through the Illinois Beef Association. The cohort will reconvene in January for their first official immersive experience!
NCBA Supports Legislation to Expand Local Beef Sales
On November 6, the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association announced continued support for the Direct Interstate Retail Exemption for Certain Transactions (DIRECT) Act. This legislation introduced by Sens. Roger Marshall (R-KS), Tommy Tuberville (R-AL), and Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS) would increase marketing opportunities for smaller meat processors and give consumers more options to buy local beef.
“The cattle business benefits greatly from expanding marketing opportunities, and the DIRECT Act opens the door to the growing number of cattle producers who seek to grow their market across state lines,” said NCBA President and Nebraska cattleman Buck Wehrbein. “The increased market exposure for those cattlemen and women who are selling beef direct to consumers adds value and provides tremendous benefit for our farmers and ranchers.”
The DIRECT Act would allow state-inspected meat processors to sell beef across state lines, in limited quantities and through e-commerce, direct to consumers. The bill also protects food safety by ensuring a paper trail exists for tracing and containing potential food safety issues. Many of these direct-to-consumer marketing methods have rapidly increased in popularity during the last several years and consumers have recognized the convenience of buying local beef online.
BLA participants team up for a relationship-building exercise.
U.S. Meat Export Federation reports beef exports lowest since mid-2020
USDA has released red meat export data for September, which was delayed due to the recent government shutdown. As compiled by USMEF, September data showed a fairly steady performance for U.S. pork exports, matching year-ago value while down slightly in volume. But September beef exports were the lowest in more than five years, with shipments to China effectively halted and exports to other Asian markets also trending lower year-over-year.
The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) is conducting a Section 301 investigation of China’s implementation of the U.S.-China Economic and Trade Agreement, popularly known as the Phase One Agreement, with a public hearing set for Tuesday, Dec. 16. USMEF submitted comments to USTR detailing China’s failure to meet its Phase One commitments on red meat trade.
September beef exports were just 80,835 mt, down 22% from a year ago and the lowest since June 2020. Export value was $660.9 million, also down 22% and the lowest since February 2021. Even when excluding China, beef export volume fell 11% year-over-year, due in part to lower production.
January-September beef exports totaled 856,023 mt, down 11% from a year ago (and down 4% when excluding China). Export value was down 10% to $7.03 billion. Exports trended higher to leading value market Korea and to Central and South America, Hong Kong, the Philippines, the Dominican Republic, the Bahamas and Africa. But these gains were more than offset by the steep decline to China and lower shipments to Japan, Mexico, Canada and Taiwan.
Few bright spots in a difficult month for U.S. beef exports
Although beef exports to South Korea took a step back in September, shipments to the U.S. industry’s leading value market remained above last year’s pace through the first three quarters of the year. September exports totaled 14,810 mt, down 18% from a year ago, while value fell 20% to $139.3 million. January-September exports were 5% higher in both volume (177,717 mt) and value ($1.69 billion).
Beef export volume to Central America also trended lower in September (1,482 mt, down 27%) but value still increased nearly 10% to $16.4 million. Led by growth in Costa Rica, Guatemala, Honduras and Belize, January-September exports to the region increased 2% year-over-year to 16,002 mt, while export value soared 31% to $150.6 million. With an entire quarter remaining, export value to Central America is already approaching 2024’s full-year record of $160.2 million.
September beef exports to Mexico increased 5% from a year ago in value ($117.3 million) despite a 14% decline in volume (16,862 mt). Through the first three quarters of the year, exports to Mexico were down 11% to 154,694 mt, while value fell just 4% to $974 million. Although Brazil’s beef exports to Mexico peaked in June at about 16,000 mt, the presence of Brazilian beef remains substantial. The most recent data available is from November, with Brazil’s shipments to Mexico still approaching 9,000 mt. Brazil is now the largest supplier of beef muscle cuts to Mexico.
Other January-September results from U.S. beef exports include:
• September beef exports to Canada increased 2% from a year ago to 7,661 mt, while value climbed 13% to $73.7 million. January-September exports to Canada were 7% below last year in volume (71,858 mt) and 6% lower in value ($659.8 million).
• Beef exports to the Philippines trended higher in September, increasing 76% from a year ago to 1,815 mt, while value jumped 60% to $15.2 million. January-September exports increased 20% in volume (13,565 mt) and 10% in value ($106 million). Exports to the ASEAN were substantially lower in both volume (22,513 mt, down 27%) and value ($177 million, down 31%), but this was due in large part to lack of access to Indonesia. With shipments to Indonesia recently resuming, exports to the region could perform better moving forward. However, import licenses for 2026 have not been allocated and the additional U.S. beef plants have not yet been added to Indonesia’s eligible facility list, so uncertainty continues for next year.
• September beef exports to the Caribbean achieved a 7% increase in value ($20.5 million) despite a 10% decline in volume (2,220 mt). January-September results followed a similar trend, falling 5% to 23,151 mt but still climbing 12% in value to $231.3 million, with value growth led by the Bahamas, the Dominican Republic and Jamaica.
• Beef exports to Africa were also lower in September (870 mt, down 10%) but still increased 7% in value to $1.6 million. Led by growth in Cote D’Ivoire, Morocco and Gabon, January-September exports to Africa increased 11% to 9,637 mt, while value climbed 30% to $16 million. Beef variety meats account for 94% of total export volume to Africa and about 80% of export value.
• Although Japan remains the leading volume market for U.S. beef exports, September shipments declined 12% from a year ago to 17,018 mt, while value fell 16% to $121.8 million. Through September, exports to Japan were down 4% from a year ago at 181,487 mt, valued at $1.34 billion (down 8%).
• September beef exports to China sank to just 556 mt, down 96% from a year ago, valued at $2.5 million (down 98%). Through September, exports to China fell 57% to 57,050 mt, valued at $486.7 million (down 58%). China is now Australia’s largest destination for grain-fed beef exports, with shipments to China up 55% to 132,000 mt from January through November.
• September beef export value equated to $337.21 per head of fed slaughter, down 18% from a year ago, while the JanuarySeptember average was down 5% to $393.25. Exports accounted for 10.9% of total September beef production and 8.8% of muscle cuts, down significantly from the respective September 2024 ratios of 13.8% and 11.3%. For January through September, exports accounted for 12.9% of total beef production and 10.7% for muscle cuts, each down about one percentage point from a year ago.
Illinois Beef Quality Showcase open house to be held March 3
The Illinois Beef Quality Showcase Open House will take place at the University of Illinois on Tuesday, March 3. The afternoon event will include a chance to hear from industry speakers, receive updates on steer competition progress, and view animals on feed at the farm.
There will be a limited number of tickets available for IBQS participants and sponsors to stick around for an evening of Fighting Illini men's basketball. It is the last home game of the season as Illinois hosts Oregon, and you won't want to miss the opportunity to see the Illini win before they kickoff March Madness!
Be sure to RSVP today to save your seat for the IBQS Open House program and the Fighting Illini basketball game! Please send an e-mail to accounting@illinoisbeef.com to let us know you plan to attend.
New Dietary Guidelines Emphasize Beef’s Place in a Healthy Diet
The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) welcomed the release of the 2025-2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGAs). The updated DGAs nearly double the recommended daily amount for protein intake, increasing it to 1.2-1.6 grams per kilogram body weight, depending on your age group and individual caloric needs. The document focuses on building a healthy diet around whole foods, limiting highly processed foods and added sugars, and prioritizing protein at every meal like nutrient-dense beef. Red meat is specifically mentioned as a healthy source of protein in a varied, balanced diet.
“As a mom, I understand the importance of eating nutritious wholesome protein and as a rancher, I see the hard work that goes into providing the best possible food for our communities. The updated and simplified Dietary Guidelines will help more families like mine learn the facts about beef’s nutritional value and make the best decisions when they’re shopping for a nutrient-rich, whole, and delicious protein,” said Kim Brackett, an Idaho rancher and NCBA vice president. “Beef provides high amounts of protein plus nine other essential nutrients like iron and B vitamins, and gold-standard clinical studies have consistently shown that it is easy to incorporate beef into a balanced, heart-healthy diet. We appreciate Secretary Rollins and Secretary Kennedy underlining the role of beef as an important part of a healthy diet.”
The Dietary Guidelines released today are simplified and more consumer-friendly than previous cycles. The streamlined approach taken by Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins and Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. keeps science-backed recommendations at the heart of the DGAs, but makes them far more practical for the families, caregivers, school administrators, and medical professionals who are making decisions every day about what to feed our children, seniors and Americans of all ages. Other recommendations in the DGAs include:
• Incorporate beef tallow and other healthy fats into the cooking process.
• Use healthier cooking methods like baking, broiling, roasting, stir-frying, or grilling, all of which can be used with the wide variety of retail beef cuts available to American families.
• Introducing nutrient-dense foods like meat during infancy and early childhood to support growing children.
Although much discussed in recent months, the DGAs do not make any changes to the existing recommendation that saturated fats should not make up more than 10 percent of daily calories. The guidelines do note that healthy fats are a natural part of real foods like meat, and these fats support many important functions in the body like nutrient absorption.
“As Americans face the double burden of being overfed and undernourished, they are searching for reliable, affordable solutions to meet their nutritional needs and personal preferences. Thankfully, there are a wide range of beef options in the marketplace,” said Registered Dietitian and nutrition scientist Dr. Shalene McNeill, executive director of nutrition science for NCBA. “On a per-gram basis, beef offers more nutrient value that many other animal and plant options. Incorporating beef in the diet can help support the overall health and well-being for all Americans.”
USDA Names Appointees to the Illinois Farm Service Agency State Committee
The USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) recently announced the appointment of five leaders in agriculture to serve on the Illinois USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) state committee.
Members of the FSA state committee are appointed by Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins and, in support of the Trump Administration’s Farmers First commitment, members of the FSA state committee are responsible for the oversight of farm programs and county committee operations, resolving program delivery appeals from the agriculture community, maintaining cooperative relations with industry stakeholders and keeping producers informed about current FSA programs.
The individuals appointed to serve on this committee for Illinois are:
George W. Obernagel, Chair (Waterloo) - Obernagel owns and manages a large agricultural operation that includes acreage in Illinois, Nebraska, and Arkansas. The operation produces purebred Angus cattle and diverse row crops. He previously served as a member of the Illinois FSA state committee during the first Trump Administration.
Alan G. Lyman, Member (Cambridge) – Lyman is president and general manager of a multigenerational family farm producing corn, soybeans, and feeder cattle. He has held leadership roles in county, state, and national agricultural organizations, including the Illinois Beef Association and National Cattlemen’s Beef Association
Cindy J. Myer, Member (Lerna) – Myer manages a grain crop operation and works with tenant farmers across multiple counties. Myer previously served as a member of the Illinois FSA state committee from 2001 through 2008.
Frederick W. Nessler, Member (Springfield) – Nessler manages land in Illinois and Texas used for hay, grazing, and row crops. He is the founder of Prairie Cross Christian Ministries and supports youth livestock education.
Garry L. Niemeyer, Member (Auburn) – Niemeyer is a thirdgeneration farmer in Sangamon County for over 50 years. Niemeyer is past president of Sangamon County Farm Bureau where he served on the farm supply board. He is also a past President of the National Corn Growers Association.
“These individuals, selected by Secretary Rollins in partnership with key stakeholders in each state, are held in high regard in the agriculture industry and are entrusted to ensure FSA programs are delivered in a manner consistent with federal farm policy and in the best interest of all agricultural producers in their state,” said FSA Administrator Bill Beam. “Their appointment to the FSA state committee is a testament to their standing in the industry and their dedication to the agriculture industry, rural America and President Trump’s America First, Farmers First policies.”
Graff, Obernagel, Lyman and Nessler are each active beef producers on their farming operations, in addition to being members of the Illinois Beef Association.
FSA helps America’s farmers, ranchers and forest landowners invest in, improve, protect and expand their agricultural operations through the delivery of agricultural programs for all Americans. FSA implements agricultural policy, administers credit and loan programs, and manages conservation, commodity, disaster recovery and marketing programs through a national network of state and county offices and locally elected county committees.
IBA Member Bill Graff was appointed by the Trump Administration to serve as the state executive director of the USDA FSA in Illinois.
Beef Quality Assurance Trainings & Certifications
Illinois Cattlemen get BQA certified.
One to two times a year IBA staff and others spend two weeks traveling around the state to host Beef Quality Assurance meetings where cattlemen are trained and certified through the BQA program.
This December, IBA staff and University of Illinois Beef Extension Specialist Travis Meteer collectively traveled to six different locations from December 2-11 doing these lessons and feeding attendees a delicious meal. IBA hosted meetings in the following towns - Teutopolis, Elizabeth, Greenville, Congerville, DeKalb, and finally, Fairview.
Look through this photo gallery to see the fun and educational time had by all. If you were not able to attend one of the meetings but need to renew your BQA certificate, call our office to see how you can become trained online at bqa.org - (217) 787-4280.
Cattlemen's Gala & Fundraiser
Celebrating ten years of the Illinois Beef Foundation, created to support the improvement of the beef industry.
On Friday, November 21, cattle producers and enthusiasts gathered in Springfield at Poe's on the Hill for the tenth anniversary of the Illinois Beef Foundation, created in November 2015 as a non-profit to engage in charitable activities, with the primary purpose of awarding college scholarships. The anniversary celebration was an opportunity for celebrating scholarship recipient successes, further donations, delicious prime rib, and dancing as the band Brushville played the night away.
The Foundation recognizes the incredible talent of young, beef industry enthusiasts and helps them achieve their educational goals. To be eligible, applicants must be a fulltime college student or high school senior and from a family that is an IBA member actively involved in beef production. As the clock ticked to five o'clock on Friday night, producers strolled in dressed to the nines. Fellowship between cattlemen and women commenced, and each took time to bid on silent auction items like wine and whiskey, farm products, jewelry and more.
Once it was time for the program to start, family and friend groups gathered at their tables. The Foundation was thankful to all ticket holders for their attendance, and many even sponsored a table. IBA Membership and Marketing Communications Manager, Devin Bollman, and staff liaison for the Foundation, gave opening remarks thanking everyone for their generosity toward the Foundation and the beef industry's next generation of producers. After, producers enjoyed the dinner and a dessert of iced sugar cookies shaped like cattle, Illinois, boots and more.
Following, the live auction commenced. The offerings included a beef processing at Raber Packing Company, continuous panels donated by Tharp Auction Service, an embryo donation from Dameron Angus, embryos from Adcock Land and Livestock, a guided deer hunt, tickets to a Cody Johnson concert with signed merch, mystery boxes and preferred stalling at Illinois Beef Expo.
"The Gala helped ensure that the scholarships will continue for many years to come," said Foundation Board Chairwoman, Joan Harrison. “It was a great night of fellowship, bringing together cattlemen with shared values to enjoy a wonderful evening with awesome music.”
One highlight was a special presentation of $20,000 given to create the Jamie Willrett Young Leader Development Fund, in remembrance of a former IBA President and industry leader who passed in 2024. The check was presented by Willrett’s wife, Larisa, who shared with participants her family’s wish in creating the memorial fund was to continue Jamie’s legacy of professional development and leadership in the cattle business.”
“Jamie believed in giving back to the industry through grassroots organizations like IBA and the Illinois Beef Foundation. He was fortunate to experience a lot of
development and education through his involvement in the state and national cattlemen’s organizations, and he always advocated for young producers to have the same kind of opportunities for learning and networking,” Larisa says.
The fund will provide scholarship opportunities to young beef producers who are actively raising cattle as a business enterprise so that they can continue professional development through state and national beef industry programs. Additional information on the training and development funding will be available through IBA in 2026.
After every generous donation of the night, attendees were rewarded with good conversation and a lively performance from the band Brushville, some attendees even swung their dates around the dance floor. It was an anniversary celebration to remember, especially with the generosity of the attendees to not only pay to sponsor the night but also bid on the silent and live auction items. Although this is not an every-year event, the Foundation committee hopes it will aid future generations of beef enthusiasts and build a foundation for them financially.
“The foundation gala was more than just a celebration, as it brought our beef community together to invest in the next generation of cattlemen and women,” says IBA President, Shannon Welsh. “The money raised helps fund scholarships and educational programs that keep Illinois beef producers competitive, innovative and thriving.”
BACKED BY EXPERIENCE
LIVESTOCK MARKETING EXPERTISE
From backgrounders to finishers, UPI’s cattle marketing team knows what drives today’s market and what keeps producers competitive.
Our experience works for you—helping you market efficiently, maximize value, and protect your future.
Your local UPI Illinois markets:
• Shelbyville
• Salem
RISK MANAGEMENT SOLUTIONS
Market volatility is unpredictable—your protection shouldn’t be. UPI’s Risk Management Solutions give cattle producers the tools to safeguard revenue, stabilize margins, and plan with confidence.
UPI Risk Management services include:
• Feeder Preference Marketing Agreement
• Forward Contracting
• Long-term Marketing Arrangements
• Livestock Insurance
• Rainfall Index (Pasture, Rangeland and Forage Insurance)
• Daily market report and analysis Learn
SERVING OUR MEMBERS AND PROMOTING
YOUR 2026 MEMBER BENEFITS
Being an IBA member has its perks. IBA partners with several companies to offer its members cost savings and this year, we’ve added more!
• Yearly subscribtion to IBA’s bi-monthly magazine, Illinois Beef
• Producer members receive preferred pricing on magazine advertsing
• Discounted Air Evac membership fee for affinty pricing
• Partial funding of consultation services with Funktioneering ($100 value)
• Assistance with applying for EQIP dollars, building permits, and siting new or expanded projects
• Access to Performance Livestock Analytics Cattle Krush program
• $150 off Frank & West Environmental Engineering Services
• Preferred rates to subscribe to a smart phone app based cattle market information service
• Option to be listed in the IBA member-only Local Beef Directory
• Discounts on Equipment at Bush Hog ($250) and Buchheit IL (10%)
• Extended rates at the Ramanda Springfield North and Northfield Inn & Suites
• Special discounts and promotions with feed companies
Junior Member Benefits
• Two seasonal issues of Illinois Beef
• Opportunity to participate in educational and leadership events
• Participation in IJBA Points Show program
• Scholarship eligibity given by Illinois Beef Foundation
• Opportunity to vote for or serve on the IJBA Board of Directors
Collegiate Student Member Benefits
• Dual IBA/NCBA Membership
• Full access to IBA Producer member benefits
• Internship opportunities with IBA and NCBA
• Scholarship opportunities from IBA and NCBA
• IJBA eligibility (students 21 or under)
Renew online, over the phone, or by mailing in a form
DON’T LET WINTER’S COLD OPEN THE DOOR TO BRD
Manage bovine respiratory disease this winter with cold stress management and animal husbandry.
Winter weather isn’t just tough on producers — it’s tough on cattle, too.
“There are reasons why we see more BRD challenges in cold and damp conditions,” said Nathan Meyer, DVM, Ph.D., Boehringer Ingelheim. “It really comes down to stress. When animals are stressed, they’re less able to fight off infections as effectively as they would under more ideal conditions.”
Bovine respiratory disease (BRD) remains the costliest disease impacting U.S. beef cattle.1 The brisk winter months are the perfect time to reevaluate management practices to improve animal health, comfort and BRD control.
Prioritize husbandry during winter
Good animal husbandry is a crucial component of cold stress management.
“Muddy, cold and wet conditions can really draw heat out of an animal,” said Dr. Meyer. “Not only does mud make it harder for cattle to stay warm, but it also increases their nutrient needs, because it takes more energy just to move around, eat and drink.”
When cattle are putting a lot of energy toward staying warm, they become more susceptible to disease challenges. Windbreaks, plenty of quality bedding and clean, dry areas can minimize the impact of the damp and cold temperatures.
Maintaining appropriate stocking density can also reduce
the risk of disease spread. BRD is a communicable disease, and is easily transmitted from animal to animal. Giving animals the room they need slows down fast-spreading illness and keeps animals more comfortable.
Support cattle through nutrition
Providing a balanced diet that meets or exceeds nutritional requirements is critical during extremely cold conditions. Nutritional support keeps animals warm, and also supports their overall health and immune function.
For every degree below an animal’s lower critical temperature (LCT) — the lowest temperature they can comfortably experience — their energy requirements increase by 1%.2 Depending upon body condition score and thickness of winter coat, cattle may have an LCT around 18 to 20 degrees Fahrenheit.3 Providing extra feed and ample bedding during a storm or cold snap will set cattle up to better handle the added stress.
Access to sufficient quantities of clean water is one critical nutritional component to keep in mind. “Keep an eye on recharge rates, and break ice when necessary,” emphasized Dr. Meyer. He added, “Testing water periodically is also important to ensure there are no high levels of minerals or harmful bacteria.” The importance of monitoring both water quantity and quality cannot be underestimated, as deficiencies in either can compromise cattle health.
References
To minimize long-term lung damage and the production setbacks of BRD, look for early signs of illness in your cattle: depression, low appetite, abnormal respiration and high body temperature.
Detect BRD early for best treatment outcomes
Even with the best prevention and husbandry measures in place, BRD can sometimes bypass defenses. When it does, early detection and treatment intervention is essential to minimizing long-term lung damage and production setbacks.
“I’m a fan of the DART acronym when it comes to identifying early signs of sick cattle,” said Dr. Meyer. “Depression, low Appetite, abnormal Respiration and high body Temperature are key indicators caretakers should watch for.” Correctly identifying sick cattle within a group can require a trained and experienced eye. He encourages managers to provide routine training for employees, to help them recognize signs of illness and evaluate whether BRD treatment is needed.
“The sooner we can intervene against BRD, the more likely we are to have successful treatment,” stated Dr. Meyer. He notes that not all antibiotics are created equal, and that producers should collaborate with their veterinarians to select products tailored to their herds’ needs. Dr. Meyer recommends choosing a fast-acting, long-lasting antibiotic with broad pathogen coverage to effectively combat BRD infections.
“Working with your veterinarian to establish a health plan is vital,” concluded Dr. Meyer. “They bring valuable insights from working with multiple operations, and have access to the latest research to help tailor effective strategies for your herd.”
1. Taylor JD, Fulton RW, Lehenbauer TW, et al. The epidemiology of bovine respiratory disease: What is the evidence for predisposing factors? Can Vet J 2010;51(10):1095–1102.
2. Wyffles SA, Dafoe JM, Parsons CT, et al. The influence of age and environmental conditions on supplement intake by beef cattle winter-grazing northern mixed-grass rangelands. J Anim Sci 2020;98(7):skaa217. doi: 10.1093/jas/skaa217.
3. Hartman D. “Cold stress and beef cattle.” Penn State Extension. Accessed January 6, 2025. https://extension.psu.edu/cold-stress-and-beef-cattle
MAKING GOOD ONES
A young producer's path to Illinois Performance Tested Bull Sale success is lined with good cattle and great people leading him along the way.
Story by Olivia Hoots, Photos by Devin Bollman
Joe is never afraid to try and tackle something,” says Mike Callan, owner of Callan Farms, Inc. in Stonington. He is referring to Joe Curtin, who worked on his farm for over ten years, beginning as an intern when Joe was a junior in high school and, through the growth of his skillset, eventually became Mike’s herdsman. During his time working for Mike, he was growing his own herd – eventually being able to go full-time on his own cow/calf operation, Joe Curtin Cattle Company. Now, Joe has become well known for his purebred Angus bulls at the Illinois Performance Tested Bull Sale held during the Illinois Beef Expo every February.
Growing requires hard work and good stock
Joe is the youngest son of nine children to his parents Fred and Mary Curtin. The family has spent much time involved
in the cattle industry and Joe knew when he was a little kid he would one day raise cattle for himself. He used to study every catalog that would come in the mail.
Following high school, while still hard at work at the Callan operation, Joe bought his first cow-calf pair. He remembers driving through some snow with his high school friends to pick it up. “She is a 004 daughter out of a 1407 cow,” Joe describes. He bought her from another Illinois Angus producer, Joel York.
The heifer calf he bought alongside that first cow is still a part of his herd and calved this summer – she is fifteen years old. “She is the matriarch of the herd,” Joe says. “Ninety percent of my herd goes back to her.” He likes to build his genetics from within his herd.
Just to clarify – Joe’s an Angus guy. “I like Angus cattle,
and the Angus community,” he says. “My grandpa was an Angus guy, then my dad, and then my brother.”
Now, Joe has 25 fall pairs with a mix of pastures and hay fields. He enjoys going from pasture to pasture each day doing chores and feeling grateful for the operation he has worked to grow.
From his first cow to the cattle he raises, or buys, today, Joe elevates a few specific phenotypic traits, including structure and then utter quality. Genotypically, Joe values the accuracy EPDs provide in terms of performance.
Learning from and working for others
Joe would tell you he was able to improve his operation because of the help given to him along the way. From clipping cattle for multiple different operations and being at shows, to
spending years on an operation, He has been around enough cattlemen to know diverse ways of cattle raising.
Lessons he learned from Mike specifically include checking, pulling, mixing rations, and other common practices, Joe says. Early on Mike could tell Joe was willing to learn and “not afraid of work.” Which helped give him a humble ability to listen when taught.
Mike says Joe is “a force to contend with,” stating he has incorporated the experiences gained at Callan Farms into his operation. “He is good with his dollar and very intelligent,” he says. He also adds that his ability to self-teach, for example, mechanics, is impressive.
“You want them to buy your bull, not your feed pan,” Mike once told him. Joe explains that you do not want your animals to get too fat but instead focus on good weights and
overall quality, not just size. Lessons like this come from seasoned producers.
Joe’s mom Mary testifies to the help others have given him over the years. “His friends are there in a heartbeat, from all around the country,” Mary says. “I am thankful for the people who have helped my youngest son in his dream.”
Another producer Joe has learned from is Marvin Kramer of Kramer Angus, too. He has bought cattle from him and sometimes puts females back in the Kramer Angus sales as well. He has also been clipping Marvin’s cattle for years, preparing them for the sales.
“He is an honest, hardworking man that loves the cattle business,” Marvin says. “A pleasant person to be around and has used a lot of our herd bulls over the years.” He says Joe’s herd continues to make huge improvements, saying it is a testament to doing things right and keeping good records.
“He is making a good name for himself in that IPT sale,” Marvin says.
Performance is a tradition
Joe remembers when his own dad and grandfather would put bulls in the long-held tradition of the Illinois Performance Tested Bull Sale. Then, once he was growing his own operation, Travis Meteer, who was just starting out managing the sale, Mike, who used to put in a dozen bulls himself, and others encouraged him to put bulls in the sale. He first had bulls in the sale in 2013 and has only missed one year since then.
Joe is focused on the sale as an opportunity for growth and improvement from year-to-year. “The cattle have gotten more valuable,” he says. He is thankful customers remember the quality of the stock he enters.
If you ask him what he looks for to put into the sale, Joe prefers an 18-month-old bull because of the likeliness it is ready to run on cows. Important EPDs for him include birth weight, and other weights, $Cs and other dollar values.
He stays away from extremes on EPDs because often that is not what commercial producers who buy his cattle are looking at, but he still values the maternal EPDs. Also, because he sells commercial cattle, he values terminal values too, in terms of carcass quality and growth rate.
Before choosing which bulls to put in the sale he considers scrotal circumference, management numbers, hair shed, health scores, foot, claw and ankle scores, and docility. Milk, teat and functional longevity scores are also considerations.
If anyone is an advocate for the IPT Bull Sale, it is Joe. He would like to see the tradition continue to support new and seasoned producers and promote quality performance.
“That is the biggest day of the year in my mind,” Joe says. It helps him meet with other producers and compete with current quality standards to go back and try better each year.
Looking ahead
While Joe may be looking ahead, he prefers to focus on the present. “I have a goal of 50 breeding age cows, right now I’m at 40,” Joe says. While this will require him to sell more cattle, he hopes his reputation at the IPT Bull Sale will help with that.
This reputation, partnered with his commitment to the February sale and his friendships across the Illinois Angus and commercial industries, surely earns him a spot among committed breeders. Our industry is a success because of producers like Joe, who get up every day committed to excellence in their fields.
GENER AL RULES
Beef Expo Beef
2026 2026
JUNIOR SHOW RULES OVERVIEW JUNIOR SHOW RULES OVERVIEW
Please visit www.illinoisbeefexpo.com for complete junior show rules prior to attending the show.
Illinois Beef Expo will have two rings Ring A will be open to Illinois exhibitors only Ring B will be open to all Illinois and out-of-state exhibitors All exhibitors in Ring A must be Illinois residents, currently enrolled or a graduate of an Illinois K-12 school, and their cattle must be maintained in Illinois
All exhibitors in both rings must be Illinois Beef Association Junior members Annual dues are $25 per member Exhibitor ’ s membership will be verified at check-in and dues can be paid when picking up exhibitor numbers or online at https://membership illinoisbeef com/producerform
Exhibitors must be at least 8 years of age and under 22 years of age as of Januar y 1, 2026
This is a prospect show open to heifers born after September 1, 2024, or steers born after Januar y 1, 2025
Junior show cattle and tack are allowed to begin arriving on the fairgrounds at 4:00pm on Wednesday, Februar y 18, 2026 for all barns except Barn 14 Barn 14 will open to junior show cattle and tack on Thursday, Februar y 19 at 4:00pm No junior show cattle or tack are allowed to arrive prior to these times No cattle or tack allowed in Barns 20A, 20B, 21, 16A, 16B, 19, 114, Junior Cattle Barn, Junior Swine Barn, Junior Sheep/Goat Barns
ENTRIES & CHECK-IN
All exhibitors MUST pre-enter virtually for the 2026 Illinois Beef Expo A link to the virtual entr y form will be posted on the Illinois Beef Expo website and Illinois Beef Expo Facebook page
Early virtual entr y forms will be open from Monday, Februar y 2, 2026 at 8:00am until Tuesday, Februar y 17, 2026 at 11:59pm Early virtual entries are $65/head per ring
Late virtual entr y forms will be accepted for an increased fee until Friday, Februar y 20, 2026 at 10:00am Late entries are $100/head per ring
All animal and owner information will be checked on registrations upon entr y submission Original registration papers will not be required to be present at the 2026 Illinois Beef Expo, as long as all entr y information matches what is registered online with each breed association Show management and the Illinois Beef Expo committee reser ve the right to verify tattoos on any and all entries
All animals must be shown by the exhibitor in whose name they are checked in All heifers must have health papers from a veterinarian Steers are not required to have health papers
In-person check-in will occur on Thursday, Februar y 19, 2026 from 4:00pm-6:00pm and Friday, Februar y 20, 2026 from 9:00am-1:00pm
All steers, market heifers and commercial heifers must be present to weigh Breed heifer exhibitors do not need to bring their breed heifers to the check-in process
BREEDING FEMALES
Registered heifers will be shown by age- youngest to oldest All commercial breeding heifers will be shown by weight- lightest to heaviest Heifer classes will be offered for any breed that has at least ten (10) head Registered females with less than 10 head per breed will show in the All Other Breeds division
MARKET ANIMALS
All market animals will be shown by weight, including market heifers, lightest to heaviest Steer classes will be offered for any breed that has at least 10 head Registered steers with less than 10 head per breed will show in the All Other Breeds division Steers without registration papers will show as crossbreds
SHOW ORDER
Saturday, Februar y 21, 2026-
Market Show Ring A will begin at 8:00 AM Ring B will begin following the conclusion of Chi steers in Ring A: Chi steers, Hereford steers, Angus steers, Maine steers, Market heifers, Shorthorn steers, Simmental steers, Shorthorn Plus steers, Any breed not previously mentioned with at least 10 head checked-in, AOB steers, Crossbred steers, Ring A Top 5 Market Animals, Ring B Top 5 Market Animals
Breeding Heifer Show Ring A will start 30min after the conclusion of Ring B Top 5 Market Animals Ring B will begin following the conclusion of the Red Angus heifer show in Ring A: Red Angus heifers, Angus heifers, Charolais heifers, Commercial heifers
Sunday, Februar y 22, 2026-
Breeding Heifer Show Ring A will begin at 8:00 AM Ring B will begin following the conclusion of Division 1 of the Simmental heifer show: Simmental heifers, Limousin/Lim-Flex heifers, %Simmental heifers, Hereford heifers, Chi heifers, Horned Hereford heifers, Shorthorn heifers, Maine heifers, Shorthorn Plus heifers, Mainetainer heifers, Any breed not previously mentioned with at least 10 head checked-in, AOB heifers, Ring A Top 5 Breeding Heifers, Ring B Top Five Breeding Heifers
Photography Contest
Sponsored by Illinois Beef Magazine
The Illinois Junior Beef Association is hosting a photography contest in conjunction with the Illinois Beef Expo. The purpose of this contest is to give IJBA members an opportunity to increase their photography skills through creativity behind the lens.
Categories
Cattle
Photographs that highlight cattle on the farm, ranch, or at a livestock event. Cattle should remain the dominant focus of the picture.
Cattlemen
Photographs that show people involved in activites on the farm, ranch, or at a cattle-focused livestock event.
Age Divisions
Junior Ages 8-13
Intermediate Ages 14-17
Senior Ages 18-21
Entries
Cost
Free to all IJBA Members
Deadline to Enter February 13, 2026
IJBA Winter Meeting
Friday, February 20 at 2 p.m., Livestock Center
IJBA Board of Directors will host all juniors members for announcements and updates, including 2025 Top 10 Points Program winners, Photography Contest winners, Foundation Scholarship recipients, and new programs, along with prize giveaways & more!
Scan QR for entry form and rules
ADD IJBA ON SNAPCHAT! @ILJUNIORBEEF
IJBA Service Project
The Junior Board is hosting a canned food drive during 2026 Illinois Beef Expo! Canned foods and items can be dropped off during junior show check in February 19-20
IJBA PRIZE DRAWING ALL WEEKEND LONG THROUGHOUT JUNIOR SHOW
BE SURE TO ATTEND IJBA MEETING TO BE ENTERED!
JERROD ARTHUR JERROD ARTHUR
STILLWATER, OK STILLWATER, OK
JUNIOR SHOW JUDGES
Jerrod Arthur is a native Oklahoman and 3rd generation cattlemen. Jerrod attended Oklahoma State University in Stillwater, OK and started Lucky Strike Show Cattle which he has owned and operated for the last 19 years. Jerrod focuses on providing high-quality show steers and heifers to 4-H and FFA exhibitors throughout the nation and has helped exhibitors see success at all levels. He and his wife, Blayne, run around 200 purebred and club calf females and raise both fall and spring borns in Oklahoma. Jerrod and Blayne have two children, Kelton and Kennedy.
KRISHA GEFFERT KRISHA GEFFERT
REEDSBURG, WI REEDSBURG,
Krisha Geffert resides in Reedsburg, Wisconsin where her and her husband Shea own and operate Geffert Cattle Company. She is currently employed as a show feed specialist for ADM Animal Nutrition. Krisha was a member of the national champion livestock judging team at Butler Community College and the Reserve National Champion Livestock Judging Team at Colorado State University where she majored in Animal Science and Ag Business.
JUNIOR CONTESTS
JUDGING CONTEST - FRIDAY AT 9:00 A.M.
The contest is open to both 4-H and FFA teams, consisting of no more than four members, with the top three scores representing the total team score. All team members will be eligible for individual competition.
A contestant must be a 4-H or FFA member to be eligible. A team or individual may be entered in either the division, but not both. Divisions: 4-H Juniors (8th grade and under) or (Seniors grades 9-13), FFA
Registration is at 8:30 a.m., a fee of $10 should be paid then.
Contest Format: There will be six placings classes. Heifers and steers of any age from as many breeds as possible will be used for the classes. Each class will be 10-12 minutes in length. There will be three sets of questions asked on each of two to three classes.
The officials will be a committee of three, to be announced at the contest.
BRING A PENCIL AS THIS IS A SCANTRON CONTEST.
Organized by Blake Bloomberg and the Black Hawk East Livestock Judging Team. Please call 309-854-1835 with questions.
SKILL-A-THON - FRIDAY FROM 12-3:00 P.M.
The purpose of this event is to create an educational activity at the Illinois Beef Expo, which promotes youth development and personal growth through increased knowledge of the beef industry.
Age Groups: Juniors (10 and under), Intermediate (10 to 14), Seniors (15 and over)
Senior and Intermediate Contest Format: Breed ID, Feedstuff ID, Quality Assurance, Beef Anatomy, General Beef Knowledge Written Test
NEW FOR 2026: FITTING CONTEST
When: Friday at 3:30 p.m.
Where: Livestock Center Show Ring
*Sponsored by Sullivan Supply
Winter Warm-Up Winter Warm-Up
| Dec. 12-14 |
Grand Champion Female
Both Rings
Champion Mainetainer Owned by McKlay Gensini
Third Overall Both Rings
Champion Commercial Owned by Avery Seys
Reserve Grand Champion Ring A
Champion LimFlex Owned by Charlie Jones
Fourth Overall Ring A Angus Owned by Max Dameron
Both Rings
Reserve Grand Champion Ring B
Champion Angus Owned by Mabrey Schick
Fifth Overall Ring A
Champion Simmental Owned by Mabrey Schick
Fifth Overall Ring B
Third Overall Both Rings
Champion Commercial Owned by Avery Seys
Champion Maine Anjou William Miller
Junior Skill-a-thon
Lakeland College
Pictured: Reserve Champion, Third Overall
Third Overall Ring A Champion Commercial Owned by John Nightingale
Intermediate Skill-a-thon
Pictured: Grand Champion, Third Overall, Fifth Place, Fourth Place
Fourth Overall Ring A Champion Angus Owned by Max Dameron
Novice Showmanship
Springfield
Judges: Ryan Johnson, S.D., Dillon Sheiss, Ind., and Ty Knodle, Ill. (showmanship) | Photos by: Cindy’s Livestock Photos
Pictured: Grand Champion, Reserve Champion, Third Overall
Brings the Heat Brings the Heat (and
Grand Champion Both
Rings
Champion Maine
Owned by Hunter Heckman
Third Overall Ring A
Champion Commercial Owned by John Nightingale Chianina
Reserve Grand Champion
Ring A, Fifth Overall Ring B
Champion Crossbred
Owned by McKlay Gensini
the snow)
Reserve Grand Champion
Ring B, Fourth Overall Ring A
Fourth Overall Ring A
Champion Angus Owned by Max Dameron
Third Overall Ring B Charolais McKlay Gensini
University of Illinois Hoof 'N' Horn Club
Third Overall Ring A
Junior Showmanship
Champion Commercial Owned by John Nightingale
Overall
Fourth Overall Ring A
Third Overall Ring B
Champion Angus Owned by Max Dameron
Champion Crossbred
Owned by Charlie Jones Crossbred Charlie
Fourth Overall Ring B
Reserve Champion Maine Owned by Cole Caldwell
Third Overall Both Rings
Fifth Overall Ring A
Champion Commercial Owned by Avery Seys
Reserve Champion Maine Aliana Hankes
Senior Showmanship
Pictured: Grand Champion, Reserve Champion, Third
Pictured: Grand Champion, Reserve Champion, Third Overall
Pictured: Grand Champion, Reserve Champion, Third Overall
Checking in with the Checkoff .
Beef in Diet Trends
The New Year offers some good news for beef producers as the rise in demand for “protein-centric” diets appears to be a real thing.
Menu trends, from a new report from Datassential, a foodservice market research firm, finds that foods high in fiber, greater interest in animal proteins and tea-based cocktail alternatives are among the top trends shaping 2026.
The findings come from the company’s 2026 trends report, which combines insights of more than 350 operators and 1,000 consumers.
Producers have GLP-1 medication use to thank. It’s on the rise and consumers are increasingly interested in gut health benefits, i.e. fiber, as well as more protein. The report found consumers shifting back to animal meat products like beef, poultry and pork. Consumers cited animal meat as being more natural, versatile and craveable as the top reasons they prefer it over plant-based products. Some 67 percent preferred animal meat to plant-based products and 72 percent stated animal meat is more satisfying than plantbased.
Restaurants and health care providers have taken notice as well with chains introducing GLP-1 menu options that are high protein. Look for marketing that advertises high-protein items that support muscle mass, are highly satiating and boost metabolism. Cleveland Clinic states that incorporating beef into a GLP-1 diet can be beneficial as it provides essential nutrients and supports muscle maintenance. The clinic also recommends balancing intake with other nutrient-
dense foods to ensure a balanced diet.
Celine Reyes, a registered dietitian coach with Revolution Physical Therapy and Weight Loss in Chicago, typically recommends protein to her clients.
“Beef is a great, complete protein, and a good source of iron,” she said, “Of course, you want to eat it in moderation, but it can still be part of a healthy diet. We recommend moderation because saturated fats can cause inflammation.”
She recommends strategies of choosing 90 percent ground beef over 70 percent, choosing leaner cuts and trimming any visible fat.
“I feel like beef will always be popular, and I almost think with the new Administration, beef’s popularity has gone up with what’s being said about beef tallow and saturated fats not being so bad.”
U.S. meat consumption overall (meat, poultry, animal protein) increased from 109 kg to 117 kg per capita between 2018 and 2023, with projections toward 122 kg per capita by 2027, according to Feedstuffs.
If you’re looking for a great recipe to fill your holiday plate, try this Beef Tenderloin with Rosemary and Chocolate from Ellie Krieger, a registered dietitian and author of “The Food You Crave”. Krieger writes the touch of grated chocolate or cocoa adds complexity to a red wine sauce. The sauce doesn’t taste chocolatey, rather it has a full-bodied flavor. The recipe can be made with any cut of roast beef or steak, and the sauce can be prepared a day ahead.
Illinois Beef Association
State and National Beef Promotion and Research Programs
Information is required by 7 CRF 1260.201. Failure to report can result in a fine. Information is held confidential per 7 CRF 1260.203.
Today’s Date ID Number (if known)________________________
Seller’s Name
Seller’s Signature
Buyer ’s Name
Buyer ’s Signature
Both the seller & the buyer are responsible for making sure that the $1.50 per head assessment is collected and remitted to the Illinois Beef Association.
Date of Sale
Total Number of Cattle Sold: X
*State of Origin
$1.00 per Head Federal Checko = Total Checko Payment for Federal and State
$0.50 per Head State Checko =
Person remitting form : Seller Buyer Phone Number:
*If the cattle purchased came from another state within the last 30 days, indicate from which state the cattle were purchased.
Send Report and Remittance to:
For additional information: call 217- 787- 4280or email dan@illinoisbeef.com
The Illinois Beef Association (IBA) collects the Illinois Beef Checko in accordance with the Illinois Beef Market Development Act. IBA also collects the national beef checko ful lling its role as the Quali ed State Beef Council for Illinois as designated by the Cattlemen’s Beef Board.
Team Beef Illinois is comprised of athletes from around the state who recognize the nutritional benefits of beef and the vital role highquality protein plays in their training regimen. These athletes will serve as an advocate for the beef industry, and will actively engage in informative dialogue to help educate those seeking more information about beef.
Team members must complete at least two races wearing their Team Beef Illinois jersey, so be sure to follow along the twenty-three athletes as they complete in 2026! Follow along with
Tips For A Heart-Healthy Lifestyle
Did You Know ? More than 30 scientific studies support the role of lean beef in a heart-healthy diet and lifestyle.1 A protein powerhouse, lean beef also provides 9 other essential nutrients that support good health, from weight management and energy metabolism to immune system and bone health.2-4 When making heart-healthy lifestyle changes, consider these
#3
Go lean. While ~65% of beef cuts in the meat case are lean, look for cuts with “loin” or “round” in the name to simplify choosing lean beef –think: Sirloin, Tenderloin, Top Round. When choosing ground beef, look for “lean” or “extra lean,” 93% lean or higher. Fun Fact: Save calories by straining off fat after cooking ground beef.
#2
Keep portion size top-of-mind. A 3 oz portion of cooked lean beef is about the size of a deck of cards, and provides about 25 grams of protein, plus iron, zinc, B vitamins and more in about 175 calories.2
Savor the flavor. Beef’s savory flavor, rich aroma, and tenderness makes it simple and delicious to enjoy without added salt. Add extra flavor with onion, garlic, herbs, spices, citrus, and vinegars. Fun Fact: Beef is naturally low in sodium—great news for maintaining healthy blood pressure!
#4
Build a balanced plate. Beef is a flavorful, satisfying complement to fruits, vegetables, low-fat dairy, and whole grains–all part of a heart-healthy diet.5 Look for American Heart Association® Heart-Check certified recipes (like the one on the back of this handout) for delicious and creative culinary inspiration.
Get active. Maintaining lean muscle and a healthy weight is an important aspect of cardiovascular health. Most Americans should aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity per week. Research also shows higher-in-protein diets can help build and preserve muscle during weight loss.6
REFERENCES:
1. McNeill SH. Inclusion of red meat in healthful dietary patterns. Meat Sci 2014;98:452-460. 2. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service. FoodData Central, 2019. (Number: 13364). 3. Shams-White MM, Chung M, Du M, Fu Z, Insogna KL, Karlsen MC, LeBoff MS, Shapses SA, Sackey J, Wallace TC, et al. Dietary protein and bone health: a systematic review and meta-analysis from the National Osteoporosis Foundation. Am J Clin Nutr 2017;105(6):1528-43. 4. Bauer J, Biolo G, Cederholm T, Cesari M, Cruz-Jentoft AJ, Morley JE, Phillips S, Sieber C, Stehle P, Teta D, et al. Evidence-based recommendations for optimal dietary protein intake in older people: a position paper from the PROT-AGE Study Group. J Am Med Dir Assoc 2013;14(8):542- 59. 5. American Heart Association. Heart Healthy Lifestyle. https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living. Accessed 12.16.21. 6. Clina JG, Sayer RD, Pan Z, Cohen CW, McDermott MT, Catenacci VA, Wyatt HR, Hill JO. High- and normal-protein diets improve body composition and glucose control in adults with type 2 diabetes: a randomized trial. Obesity (Silver Spring) 2023;31(8):2021-30
#1
#5
Tip: Your lady wants steak for Valentine's Day dinner!
BEEF CHECKOFF 2026 PROGRAM FUNDING
FROM RESEARCH TO RETAIL: WHERE 2026 INVESTMENTS GO
Every time a beef producer sells cattle, or an importer sells cattle (or its equivalent in boxed beef), the $1-per-head national Beef Checkoff assessment goes into effect, funding programs in promotion, research, consumer and industry information, foreign marketing and producer communications. For fiscal year 2026 (October 2025–September 2026), Beef Checkoff dollars are invested across six program areas, with work carried out by nine contracting organizations and three subcontractors. Each September, eligible organizations present proposals – referred to as Authorization Requests, or “ARs” – to the Beef Promotion Operating Committee (BPOC), a diversified group comprised of 10 members of the Cattlemen’s Beef Board and 10 directors of the Federation of State Beef Councils. Within these program areas, ARs request funding to support marketing and education projects lasting one year, as well as research projects spanning three years.
INDUSTRY INFORMATION
MI
2026 Funding: $35,000
NIAA
Strives for an accurate understanding of the beef industry and helps maintain a positive cattle-marketing climate.
Administers the Veal Quality Assurance (VQA) program and fosters public awareness regarding VQA’s positive impact on animal well-being.
2026 Funding: $75,000
NCBA
2026 Funding: $2,100,000
Promotes responsible antibiotic use and combats antimicrobial resistance by maintaining consistent scientific collaboration between the animal agriculture and human health sectors.
Protects beef’s reputation by proactively managing issues and crises while equipping producers with science-based tools like Beef Quality Assurance to ensure beef is safe, high-quality, and responsibly raised.
CONSUMER INFORMATION
MICA/NEBPI*
2026 Funding: $1,000,000
AFBFA
Strengthens beef's image by proactively sharing nutritional data and positive messages with influential stakeholders, including media, food editors, dietitians, physicians and other key figures who shape consumers' food knowledge.
Leverages credentialed health professionals to share clear, science-based messages to build consumer confidence in beef and reinforces its position as an essential, nutrientrich protein of choice among Northeast consumers. Also, fosters relationships with athletic partners to reinforce beef’s role in supporting strength, endurance and energy.
2026 Funding: $705,000
NCBA
2026 Funding: $6,000,000
Provides science teachers with immersive experiences and high-quality instructional classroom units and assessments that enable educators to teach science through the lens of beef production.
Increases consumer awareness of the Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner. brand campaign and positions beef as the number one protein with restaurants, culinary leaders, grocery stores and other markets.
PROMOTION
Includes advertising, merchandising and new product development as well as training and promotional partnerships with restaurants and supermarkets that stimulate sales of beef and veal products.
MI/ NYBC*
Empowers consumers with innovative approaches to access and purchase veal, elevating their veal-eating experiences through creative meal solutions that maximize taste, value and versatility.
2026 Funding: $235,000
NCBA
Connects directly with consumers to promote beef through the iconic Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner. brand. Through beef marketing and merchandising, Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner. educates and inspires consumers to purchase, prepare and enjoy beef.
2026 Funding: $9,000,000
RESEARCH
Provides the foundation for virtually all Beef Checkoff-funded information and promotion by providing science-backed research in beef nutrition, beef safety and pathogen resistance.
MF
Conducts science-based research on post-harvest beef safety to maintain and bolster consumer trust and grow beef demand.
2026 Funding: $650,000
NCBA
Works alongside universities and institutions to conduct high-quality scientific research on beef’s nutritional benefits, pre-harvest research, product quality and technical expertise, sustainability research, and consumer market research.
2026 Funding: $8,000,000
USCA/KSA
Tracks monthly U.S. consumer preferences, views and demand for meat with separate analysis for retail and food service channels.
2026 Funding: $650,000
PRODUCER COMMUNICATIONS
Informs producers and importers about how their Beef Checkoff dollars are invested through a variety of efforts and initiatives.
CBB
Communicates to producers where their Beef Checkoff dollars are spent through The Drive newsletter (printed and electronic versions), media relations, attendance at producer meetings, social media and other initiatives.
2026 Funding: $1,800,000
FOREIGN MARKETING
Develops international markets for U.S. beef through programs aimed at expanding market penetration, gaining new market access, improving global consumer perceptions and building trust.
USMEF
Maximizes market access for U.S. beef around the globe, develops demand among new and existing buyers overseas and increases the value of the entire carcass through export support.
2026 Funding: $7,900,000
CONTRACTOR KEY
AFBFA
American Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture
CBB
Cattlemen’s Beef Board
KSU*
Kansas State University
MF
Meat Foundation
MICA
Meat Import Council of America
NCBA
National Cattlemen’s Beef Association
NIAA
National Institute for Animal Agriculture
MI
Meat Institute
NEBPI*
Northeast Beef Promotion Initiative
NYBC*
New York Beef Council
USCA
United States
Cattlemen’s Association
USMEF
United States Meat Export Federation
*=Subcontractor
Junior Corner Junior Corner
Make Every Bite Count With Beef
Lean beef helps fill critical nutrient gaps for healthy growth and development.3,4
Protein Supports Performance:
Adolescents
Research shows regular beef consumption helps a greater percentage of adolescents meet nutrient adequacy for:3
Iron Folate Riboflavin Thiamin
Vitamins B6 & B12 Zinc Calcium
Copper Niacin Phosphorus
Building Balanced Plates with Beef
14–18 need 5½–7 oz of high-quality protein daily to support growth, red blood cell production, immune health, and overall performance.4,5
Tips to Help Kids Grow Strong Minds and Bodies
development—however, many kids aren’t getting enough of these important nutrients.1 Beef has key nutrients that can help fill these gaps.2
Meal-Planning Made Easier:
Assign themes to days—like Meatloaf Monday or Taco Tuesday—to simplify decisions
Choose 1–2 proteins for the week and use in multiple meals
Double your recipes and freeze half for busy days Let kids choose fruits and veggies—they’ll be more excited to eat them
Building a Healthy Breakfast with Beef
PREP THE BEEF MIX:
Combine Ground Beef, sage, garlic powder, onion powder, salt and crushed red pepper in large bowl, mixing lightly but thoroughly.
MAKE A MUG
MEAL:
•
•
• Toppings (optional):
cream, salsa, sriracha, ketchup, salt and pepper to taste
Heat large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add beef mixture, cook 8 to 10 minutes, breaking into ½-inch crumbles and stirring occasionally. Remove skillet from heat; let cool 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Evenly divide beef and chopped vegetables into eight food-safe, quart-size plastic bags. Close securely and refrigerate up to 4 days.
For each serving, spray one 6 to 12-ounce microwave-safe mug or bowl with non-stick cooking spray. Add 1 egg and 1 tablespoon water; whisk with fork. Stir in 1 bag refrigerated beef-vegetable mixture.
Microwave, uncovered, on HIGH 30 seconds. Remove from oven; stir. Continue to microwave on HIGH 30 to 60 seconds or until egg is just set. Stir. Top with cheese. Let stand 30 seconds or until cheese is melted. Season with salt and pepper, if desired. Serve with Toppings, if desired.
Royal Oaks Cattle Company, Stanford Craig Nafziger - 309-824-6237
Marvin Schnitzler, Elizabeth
IN THIS ISSUE:
January/February 2026
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
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
Angus bulls at Joe Curtin Cattle Company in Stonington. Photo by Devin Bollman.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Visit
AAA Regional Manager Message
Greetings everyone,
I’d like to take a moment to introduce myself and share a bit of my background. My name is Tyler Murray, and I joined the American Angus Association last March as the Regional Manager for Region 4, which includes Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, and Wisconsin. I graduated from Iowa State University in May 2025 with a degree in Animal Science, and I grew up on an Angus cow/calf operation in northern Iowa.
As we look ahead, several new rules will go into effect on January 1, 2026, and I want to highlight a few key updates.
Junior Angus Show Age Requirements
The age requirements for participating in Junior Angus Shows have been updated. Juniors must now be 7–21 years old as of January 1 of the current year. This change accommodates birth dates from January 1, 2005, through December 31, 2018. Exhibitors must also hold a Junior, Regular, or Life membership with the American Angus Association.
Sibling Multi-Ownership
A new rule now allows multi-ownership of animals between siblings, provided the ownership is established by the ownership deadline and all siblings meet NJAA age requirements.
• Bred-and-Owned animals must still meet breeder, first-owner, and continuous-ownership rules.
• If Sibling A is listed as the breeder and first owner, they may exhibit the animal in the Bred and Owned division.
• If Sibling B is added as an additional owner, they may only show the animal in the Owned division.
• Multi-owned Bred and Owned animals cannot be shown as a bred and owned animal and an owned animal at the same NJAA sponsored show.
• A maximum of three owners may be listed on registration papers.
Embryo Transfer Donor Dam Testing Requirements
I also want to draw attention to Rule 104, Section D of the Breeder’s Reference Guide. For all Embryo Transfer Donor Dams born on or after January 1, 2023, a full suite of commercially available genetic condition tests monitored by the American Angus Association will be required before registering calves resulting from embryo transfer.
If you have any questions about marketing your cattle or general operational topics, please don’t hesitate to reach out. I’m always happy to help.
All the best,
Tyler Murray
In the News
By Jessica Hartman, Angus Communications
American Angus Association® concluded a successful fiscal year in which registrations totaled more than 300,000 for the 11th consecutive year and were up nearly 2.4% from the year prior. Regular and junior memberships totaled 21,467. Leading seedstock sales during a record year in the cattle markets, registered Angus bulls and females both garnered high-dollar prices. Bulls averaged $8,395 and females bested that by $41, an increase of $1,200 and nearly $1,600 respectively compared to last year. Demand supported the
Consigned by Sydenstricker Genetics
Selling 3 IVF Embryos sired by EXAR Anticipation 4836B
Here is an opportunity to purchase embryos that are maternal sibs to the $160,000 Sydgen Lady 5057 purchased by Express Ranches and Pollard Farms and the $66,000 valued Sydgen Stability 4577 purchased by Brinkley Angus and Mead Farms in the 2025 Sydgen Sale. 1506 came to Sydgen as the $50,000 third top-selling open heifer in the 2022 Pollard Farms Production Sale. The sire of these embryos EXAR Anticipation 4836B was the top selling bull in the 2025 Big Event Sale at Express Ranches as he sold for $400,000 for half interest to Edisto Pines and Circle F Farms.
Consigned by Frank-Hazelrigg Cattle Co. and Basin Angus Ranch
Offering a conventional ET Flush to the bull of the buyer’s choice with a guarantee of 6 embryos with no cap. All flush and semen costs are the responsibility of the buyer. Offering an unprecedented opportunity to flush the one and only full sister to FHCC Foundation 1558 to the bull of your choice. Top 1% $Combined genetics with impressive phenotypic quality that matches her brother. One of her first progeny by Basin Safe Deposit was a $25,000 featured bull selected by Mead Farms in the 2025 Basin Angus Ranch Bull sale. Blackcap Lady 1527 embryos by Pollard Hennessey were among the most popular matings in our Fall 2025 Elite Embryo Auction achieving a winning bid of $2,900 per embryo. After exclusively doing IVF work with 1527, we recently switched her to conventional embryo transfer where she produced 18 high quality embryos in her first flush.
Consigned by Upchurch Angus
Offering an IVF Flush with a guarantee of six to eight embryos; anything after eight will be at a pro-rated cost. Buyer is responsible for semen and flush costs. Also selling 3 IVF Embryos sired by Coleman Maternal Balance 3734 Here is an opportunity to acquire a flush by the $20,000 Upchurch Angus donor Coleman Donna 9283. 9283 is an elite high $M female that ranks in the top 1% for $M. She has progeny production record of WR 2@106 and YR 2@105. She is a direct daughter of the legendary donor Coleman Donna 0308. Her full sister Coleman Donna 9286 was a feature in the 2023 Your Maternal Source Sale and one-half interest sold for $30,000 to Southall Angus, TN. Maternal sisters to the dam include Coleman Donna 8216, who was the $150,000 one-half interest feature of the 2024 Your Maternal Source Sale going to Jocko Valley Ranch of Montana.
Consigned by Ward Bros Cattle
This February female is an attractive daughter of the past ROV Show Bull of the Year Executive Decision 2219 and her dam, WB Princess 137, was selected as the Reserve Division Champion at the 2023 NJAS. This Princess female combines two great cows, Pebbles and CCC Sara’s Dream 5116. There is purple all throughout this pedigree!
Consigned by MW Cattle Co
If you are looking for a competitive Intermediate division show heifer keep your eyes on this one, she is STOUT and stylish! Resulting from an embryo purchase made from Reed Genetics, this pedigree needs no introduction. BNWZ Dignity 8017 backed by the famous Sandy cow family after her show days are over, she will be a fun breeding piece!
Consigned by Thummel Angus
One thing about Thummel Angus consignments is you always find cow power in their pedigrees. TA Achievement 436 is no exception to that rule. He has three close dams in his pedigree who produced through ten years of age. They consistently calved towards the beginning of calving season and produced progeny vital to their operation. He was the Division 4 Reserve Champion PGS Bull at the 2026 Cattleman’s Congress.
sale of cattle at a higher dollar, and an increase in the number of head sold in the same period.
"We are fortunate to not only enjoy this historic market, but do it as a leader in the industry. That is not something we take lightly," said Mark McCully, chief executive officer of the Association, while addressing the membership at the 2025 Angus Convention in Kansas City. "We have a responsibility to continue to improve the Angus breed by supporting our producers." McCully said the Association remains focused on the continued success of the Angus breed through programs, tools and resources that help producers meet their individual operation’s goals, including improvements to its toolkit for members.
As a result of years of data collection and research, the Association released three new expected progeny differences in 2025: Functional Longevity (FL), Teat Size (Teat) and Udder Suspension (UDDR). Alongside the release, Angus Genetics Inc. updated the Maternal Weaned Calf Value ($M) and Combined Value ($C) dollar value indexes ($Values) to account for the three new maternal EPDs. At the close of the 2025 fiscal year, there were more than 433,000 combined scores for teat size and udder suspension and 8.9 million records collected from 2.1 million females behind FL.
To better communicate the value of registered Angus genetics and allow for a direct comparison to sires’ $Values, AGI® added $Values to their genetic testing product for commercial females, GeneMax® Advantage™. The update creates a common language, so both buyer and seller can make direct comparisons and more easily evaluate a given bull’s genetic potential to meet the goals of a commercial herd. These tools are possible thanks to decades of data collections efforts by Association members, who have built the largest single beef breed database. In an ongoing effort to maintain the database and best characterize the current Angus population through data collection, Angus Herd Improvements Records (AHIR®) launched a new program to recognize members committed to that effort. During its inaugural year, 129 herds earned Data Driven Herd recognition. AHIR also saw a 16% increase in enrollment in Inventory Reporting.
The close of fiscal year also marked one year of a partnership between AngusLink SM, National Beef Packing Co., LLC (NBP) and U.S. Premium Beef, LLC. In a first-of-its-kind program, producers selling to USPB earned premiums based on the genetic merit of their cattle, as measured by the AngusLink Genetic Merit Scorecard SM. Looking at data from August 2024 through mid-February 2025, over 44% of cattle that have qualified for the program have graded Prime; compared to industry average of 11% Prime. Qualifying cattle have averaged more than $200 per head premium over selling in the cash market. The partnership’s success has been a testament to the AngusLinkSM value-added program. Since 2019, premiums paid out total $94.5 million. Over the last year, more than 287,000 cattle have been enrolled in AngusLink, resulting in producers earning an average premium of $20.92 per hundredweight. Nearly 19,000 registered Angus bulls were represented in FY 2025.
Driving a growing demand for Angus genetics, Certified Angus Beef sold 1.235 billion pounds of branded beef with 17,000 licensed partners worldwide, the 10th consecutive year above 1 billion pounds. Engaging producers across the industry, Certified Angus Beef concluded the second year of its Raised with RespectTM campaign having facilitated the Beef Quality Assurance certification of more than 1,600 ranchers.
Serving the advertising and communications needs of members, Angus MediaSM created more than 19,000 custom sale book pages. In the past year, the Angus Journal® printed 948 news articles, and the Angus Beef Bulletin® provided commercial readers with 239 industry news articles. Downloads for the publications’ podcasts neared 140,000.
The Angus Foundation continues to expand its reach/support of youth, education and research, awarding $395,500 through scholarships, with members donating over $660,000 in unrestricted funds and $5,517,260 in additional donations/grants.
The Fund the Future campaign, which contributes to the unrestricted Angus Fund, had 18 donors and raised more than $81,000 through the sale of donated lots.
To view the 2025 Association’s Annual Report and financial report, visit https://bit.ly/AAA_AnnualReport25.
Ashton Dillow earns Bronze and Silver Awards
Ashton Dillow, Villa Ridge, the 20-year-old daughter of Robert and Susan Spaulding, has earned the National Junior Angus Association’s Bronze and Silver awards. She is a member of the NJAA and the Illinois Junior Angus Association. She has participated in state, regional and national shows and showmanship contests. At the National Junior Angus Show, Dillow participate in the 2019 mentoring program. Dillow has also submitted DNA samples for Genomic Profile Testing through Angus Genetics Inc. and has consigned cattle to the PVF Fall and Spring Production sales.
The Bronze and Silver awards are the first two levels of the NJAA Recognition Program that began in 1972. Junior Angus breeders must apply for the award, then meet point requirements in many areas of participation before receiving the honor. Applicants are evaluated in areas of junior Angus association activities and leadership, participation in showmanship, contests and shows, using performance testing to improve their herd and their progress in producing and merchandising Angus cattle.
New Program Highlights Data Collection Commitment of Angus Producers
American Angus Association recognized Data Driven Herds at the 2025 Angus Convention
By Jessica Hartman, Angus Communications
The American Angus Association recognized its inaugural class of Data Driven Herd recipients during the 2025 Angus Convention. The program, launched this summer, aims to recognize members who carry on the Association’s, and more specifically Angus Herd Improvement Record’s, long history of phenotypic data collection.
The Association manages the largest single beef breed database in the world and offers a suite of selection tools available to all registered Angus genetics users that would not be possible without the support of the member-built database. Members can earn Bronze, Silver or Gold level recognition annually by submitting a minimum of 8-12 traits of their choosing on a corresponding percentage of their herd to AHIR. The number required for each trait is determined by the member’s cow inventory as part of the Inventory Reporting program and on a percentage of what is reasonable to collect for each individual trait. For example, scrotal requires a minimum of 20% while birth weight’s minimum is set at 75% of the cow inventory.
Data Driven Herds will be recognized annually as part of Angus Convention and listed on Angus.org. On Saturday, November 1, the twenty gold level herds were presented with plaques on stage in front of their peers at the convention’s awards dinner. Bronze and silver herds will also receive plaques. In addition, all qualifying herds have use of the year level logo for marketing and promotion of their breeding program. This year, two Illinois breeders were recognized as bronze herds — Bremer Bros in Metropolis, and Rahe Family Angus in Bluffs.
Members interested in earning 2026 Data Driven Herd recognition and are primarily spring-calving herds, should enroll in Inventory Reporting by January 15, 2026. Primarily fall-calving herds can enroll between May 1 and July 15 of next year. However, members can begin submitting data at any time during the fiscal year which runs from October 1 to September 30. Learn more about the complete program requirements of Inventory Reporting and Data Driven Herd at Angus.org/ahir.
Roll of Victory winners awarded at the 2025 Angus Convention
Angus cattle carry the tradition of excellence in the show ring, displayed across the country year after year. The Roll of Victory Show Program was created in 1984 to recognize show-winning animals, their sires, dams, breeders and owners.
The 2024 to 2025 ROV show program included 16 shows — six Super ROV shows and 10 additional ones. "Points for these shows are accumulated within the season. The ROV program continues to showcase the top Angus show cattle in the country as they compete for top honors every year," said Caitlyn Brandt, director of events and junior activities. "We congratulate the winners on their achievements."
2024-2025 ROV award winners from Illinois include:
Reserve Show Bull of the Year: HB Expectation 3012, owned by Horsley Bros of Galva, Illinois, and Wilson-Good Cattle Company of Dora, Missouri
Reserve Sire of the Year: STAG Good Times 201 ET, owned by Prairie View Farm of Gridley, Illinois; Griswold Cattle Company of Stillwater, Oklahoma; and May Cattle Company of Mineral Point, Wisconsin
Reserve Champion Senior Heifer Calf of the Year: SCC Phyllis 3110, owned by Ella Brooks of Prophetstown, Illinois
Reserve Champion Junior Bull of the Year: HB Expectation 3012, owned by Horsley Bros of Galva, Illinois; and Wilson-Good Cattle Company of Dora, Missouri
Champion Get-of-Sire of the Year: Destinys American Style 304, owned by Morgan Lea Hutchins of Pittsfield, Illinois; and Willis Angus Farm of Coal City, Illinois
Reserve Champion Get-of-Sire of the Year: STAG Good Times 201 ET, owned by Prairie View Farm of Gridley, Illinois; Griswold Cattle Company of Stillwater, Oklahoma; and May Cattle Company of Mineral Point, Wisconsin
Champion Junior Get-of-Sire of the Year: Destinys American Style 304, owned by Morgan Lea Hutchins of Pittsfield, Illinois; and Willis Angus Farm of Coal City, Illinois
Reserve Champion Junior Get-of-Sire of the Year: STAG Good Times 201 ET, owned by Prairie View Farm of Gridley, Illinois; Griswold Cattle Company of Stillwater, Oklahoma; and May Cattle Company of Mineral Point, Wisconsin
KramerFarms
2026 Illinois
Performance Tested Bull Sale
February 19 | 11:00 a.m. | Springfield
Kramer Farms Craftsman 2413
Reg # 21132923 | Born 08/17/2024
Connealy Craftsman x Kramer Farms Blackbird 2036
CED BW WW YW $C +7 -1.9 +57 +103 +317
Kramer Farms Keystone 2445
Reg # 21226673 | Born 12/02/2024
Basin Keystone 2021 x Kramer Farms Blackbird 2250
CED BW WW YW $C +7 +1.0 +77 +141 +313
Registered Angus Cattle
Scan the QR code to connect with us and watch videos of our offerings!
Wabash Valley
Angus Association
Annual Sale
March 15 | Harrisburg
cow/calf pair
Kramer Blackcap Lady 1821 & 2530
Reg #19205458 & 21455970 | Calved 09/13/2025
1821: Musgrave Sky High 1535 x KF Blackcap Lady 283
2530 Sire: Kramers G Fund 175
*1821 COW BRED AI TO BOYD BELLRINGER, DUE SEPTEMBER 2026
*1821 COW RECORDS IMPRESSIVE PROGENY RATIOS-W/R 4@105 AND Y/R 2@105
bred cow
Kramer Farms Erica 2148
Reg # 20389996 | Born 12/18/2021
Tehema Patriarch F028 x Erica of Ellston R209
*2148 COW BRED AI TO SAV MAGNUM 1335. DUE APRIL 2026
bred heifer
Kramer Farms Blackbird 2415
Reg # 21132916 | Born 08/19/2024
Kramers G Fund 175 x Kramer Farms Blackbird 378
*FROM THE HEART OF OUR REPLACEMENT GROUP.
*THIS FEMALE RECORDED AN INDIVIDUAL W/R OF 109.
*BRED TO KRAMER FARMS JAMESON 2423, DUE SEPTEMBER 2026
Show Results
North American International Livestock Exposition
West Allis, Wis. | November 16-18 | Judges: Brandon Callis, Okla. (juniors), and Matt Leo, Calif. (open)
Photos by Linde's Livestock Photos
Reserve Champion Owned Junior Heifer
Champion Division 2
PVF Proven Queen 5043
Owned by Caden Crain
ROV Reserve Senior Champion Bull
HB Expectation 3012
Owned by Horsley Bros, Ill., & Wilson-Good Cattle Company, Mo.
ROV Junior Heifer Calf Champion
Champion Division 3
PVF Blackbird 5012
Owned by Ashton Dillow
ROV Senior Bull Calf Champion
Rhode High Roller 34
Owned by Preston Rhode
ROV Reserve Sire of the Year
STAG Good Times 201 ET
Owned by Prairie View Farm, Griswold Cattle Co. and May Cattle Co.
February 20 • Illinois State Fairgrounds
We are excited to host the third annual banquet for the Illinois Angus Association on February 20, 2026, at the Illinois Building on the Illinois State Fairgrounds in Springfield, Illinois.
Schedule: 12:30 - Board Meeting
2:00 - Annual Meeting
5:30 - Happy Hour
6:00 - Supper catered by Poe’s on the Hill.
LEMENAGER CATTLE
Luke, Stacy & Paige 703 Hinshaw Rd. Hudson, IL 61748
Luke Cell 309-261-0752
Chuck, Tori, Curt & Grace 10098 N. 2200E Fairbury IL 61739
Chuck Cell 815-867-7011 www.lemenagercattle.com
217-473-5868 cell 217-854-5200 o ce rhodesangus@royell.org
9350 Rte 108, Carlinville, IL 62626 www.RhodesAngus.com
The ILLINOIS BULLETIN
January/February
PRESIDENT
Craig Crutcher
815-289-2855
VICE PRESIDENT
Travis Meteer
217-430-7030
MEMBERSHIP SERVICES
Noah Benedict
217-372-8009
nojo1132@gmail.com
TREASURER
Buddy Edenburn 217-649-0108
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Andrew Spinazola - 309-313-2191
Jimmy Bernard - 779-771-4687
Chad Crane - 815-712-5739
Yale Young - 815-867-7333
Lucas Stumpf - 618-830-0971
Tammy Boatman - 770-354-4195
Mark Stephens - 217-825-7913
Matt McCaskill - 217-779-0775
Corey Perry - 217-294-2934
ON THE COVER
HAWK Priya 11M ET, exhibited by Ty Pezanoski(left), was the Grand Champion Female at the NAILE Junior Hereford Show in November.
Scan the QR code with your phone camera for an online version of our directory.
PRESIDENTIAL PERSPECTIVE
The calendar has been changed on the wall. The spring calving cows have started their calving season and it looks like they have an opportunity to keep paying their way. The markets have stayed strong and I feel that they will continue for quite some time.
There are lots of exciting times coming in the cattle industry. Many cattlemen have attended the Cattleman’s Congress and the National Western Stock Show. We have another big event coming with the Illinois Beef Expo. Remember that there are activities happening every day at this event and you can always learn something when you keep your eyes and ears open. One of the highlights for me is the Annual Meeting and Social. This will be held Saturday night, February 21st, and was very well attended last year.
We will be looking forward to seeing everyone in Springfield for a very active week. It always feels like more of a family reunion to me than going to another cattle event. I have been fortunate to have grown up with very deep roots in the Illinois cattle industry, and I feel blessed to watch my kids' passion grow every year within the same group of families that I did.
-Craig Crutcher
CATCHING UP WITH CORBIN
Hello All,
I trust the holiday seasons have treated everyone well and time was well spent with family and friends. Yet, if you all are like we are on our operation, the expecting mothers did not seem to show much regard for holiday dates when dropping early calves as calving season has begun.
First, we are coming off the heels of an extremely successful run with the IHA Winter Classic Sale December 13th as well as the Carthage Livestock Hereford-Influenced Feeder Calf Sale that took place January 3rd. My biggest takeaway has been that Hereford breeders continue to raise the bar for quality and attention to detail with their breeding programs. The most notable proof of this came from the results of the 2025 Winter Classic Sale; the sale average saw an almost $1,300 per lot increase in average while having an additional 10 lots over last year. This does not simply happen by chance, but rather by breeders committing to raise the bar and offer some of the best they have to offer. The strength of the Hereford breed has always been its people, and from what I’m seeing in the field, that foundation is as solid as ever.
Cowles, American Hereford Association Territory 5 Field Staff
As always, our staff kicks off the new year with a strong start. By the time you read this article, we will likely have concluded the 2026 Cattlemen’s Congress and be into the National Western Stock Show before heading to Fort Worth at the end of January. With all the shows and sales that will be taking place, be sure to follow along on social media and the AHA website for updates on the results of all.
If I can assist in any capacity as we move forward into the new year, please feel free to reach out. My role is to be a resource, so please let me know how I can do that for you and your operation. Looking forward to more opportunities to connect at sales, shows, and other events in 2026!
Best Regards,
-Corbin Cowles
Craig Crutcher, Illinois Hereford Association President
Corbin
WORLD HEREFORD CONFERENCE
JOE ELLIS TO SERVE AS AHA DIRECTOR
Joe Ellis, Chrisman, operates Ellis Farms Beef Genetics, a three-generation family business, which raises row crops and cattle to support four family households. Hereford cattle have always been the operation’s primary focus. Today, the family runs 200 momma cows. Joe and his wife, Lauri, have three daughters: Audrey, Hannah and Lauren.
The Ellis family has raised registered Herefords for 143 years. The first registered stock were brought into the family operation as a wedding gift in 1883: two cows and the imported sire, Beekjay Hero. The EFBeef program provides seedstock genetics to the commercial cow-calf producer and purebred sector. EFBeef genetics have been utilized on four continents and nearly all 50 states. They strive to produce a low-cost female with high fertility, which will thrive on fescue grass pastures, while also making a steer of the highest value that garners carcass weight and yield and quality grade incentives. The operation emphasizes producing a pound of beef more efficiently than prior generations through feed intake testing. EFBeef invests significant time and resources gathering genetic information each year. They’re committed to providing commercial cow-calf producers with additional data to help make decisions when marketing offspring sired by EFBeef bulls.
Pictured is the 2025-26 AHA Board of Directors. Back row: Jim Coley, Tennessee; Joe Ellis, Illinois; Austin Snedden, California; Joe Dan Ledbetter, Texas; Danny Fawcett, South Dakota; and Scott Sullivan, Arkansas. Front row (l to r): Grant McKay, Kansas; Bryan Blinson, North Carolina; Cindy Pribil, Oklahoma; Jim Williams, Nebraska; Jerry Delaney, Minnesota; and Jack Ward, AHA executive vice president.
EFBeef is a two-time winner of the Beef Improvement Federation Seedstock Producer Honor Roll of Excellence. Joe’s parents, Phil and Joyce, previous directors of the AHA, were recently inducted into the Hereford Hall of Fame. EFBeef has been named the Illinois Hereford Breeder of the Year multiple times, along with being the winner of the Illinois Beef Seedstock Breeder of the Year and winning multiple grand championships at the national show in the ’70s and ’90s. EFBeef has received multiple honors and designations from the AHA and American Polled Hereford Association for Sires of Distinction, CHB SOD, Gold Seal Sire and Gold Trophy Sire.
Joe is retired from a career in the material handling industry. He currently serves as treasurer and is a past president of The Vermillion RISE, a 7,000-acre redevelopment of a former World War II Army base. He’s served on the County Area Plan Commission, Board of Zoning Appeals and is serving his 18th year as treasurer of the Hopewell Friends Meeting. Joe has served on the nominating committee for AHA Board candidates and the committee for genetic evaluation updates. He was a member of the 2005 Young Cattlemen’s Conference and was active in the APHA youth program during the 1980s. He will now serve a four-year term as director on the AHA board as decided at the 19th annual World Hereford Conference held October 22-26 in Kansas City, Missouri.
“Today’s growing demand for Hereford genetics is the result of breeders’ dedicated commitment to genetic improvement with the needs of commercial producers in mind,” says Jack Ward, AHA executive vice president, regarding Joe and the other two Hereford producers that were recently elected as directors. “However, current breed opportunities are also the result of the selflessness and foresight of the men and women who have guided the AHA over time for the benefit of Association members. The new Board members, like those they join, have proven their dedication to the Hereford breed across decades.”
ONE OF TWO EE RANCHES SCHOLARSHIPS AWARDED TO KADE BOATMAN
Kade Boatman, Rockford, Illinois, is one of two Hereford juniors awarded a $5,000 EE Ranches Scholarship from the Hereford Youth Foundation of America. The other scholarship was awarded to Emma Ballinger of Kentucky. On October 24, during the Shaping the Breed’s Future: Young Breeders Competition and HYFA Scholarship Awards
Luncheon on presented by VitaFerm®, HYFA and its donors awarded $165,500 in scholarships to 27 National Junior Hereford Association members to help support their higher education goals.
A freshman at Lake Land College, Boatman is receiving his agricultural transfer credentials, while being an active member of the livestock judging team. He is currently most interested in a career in auctioneering and animal genetics. “Not only am I interested in them, but I also see how they are beneficial toward the future of agriculture, which is what I am most passionate about,” Boatman says.
EE Ranches, Texas, sponsors two $5,000 scholarships each year through HYFA, made possible by Jo Ellard and her late husband, Bill, of Texas. EE Ranches was one of HYFA’s first scholarship endowments, and the funds awarded over the years have assisted many young people achieve their goals.
“The quality of the applicants and the quality of their statements were first rate, making the selection of the recipients a very difficult task for the selection committee. More importantly, the quality of the applicants ensures they will be leaders who will position agriculture to meet the challenge,” says George Sprague, HYFA vice president and scholarship committee chair.
The scholarship fund serves as the bedrock of HYFA, and countless youth benefit from its mission. For years, these scholarships have been lighting the way for youth in the Hereford breed.
LEMENAGER AWARDED NORTHEAST REGION POLLED SHOW FEMALE OF THE YEAR
Regional Hereford show bull and female of the year winners, along with premier exhibitor awards, recognize Hereford breeders and exhibitors who present their cattle at the national level. To earn the coveted bronze cattle trophies, exhibitors collect points throughout the year by showing at national and regional events. Points were calculated throughout the 2024-25 show season, which ran from May 2024 through April 2025.
This year, Paige Lemenager of Hudson, Illinois, was awarded the Northeast Region Polled Show Female of the Year on October 26 in Kansas City following the National Hereford Show champion female drive of the American Royal.
$5,000 PERKS RANCH SCHOLARSHIP AWARDED TO MEINHARDT
Rylie Meinhardt, Onaga, Kan., was awarded the Perks Ranch Scholarship from the Hereford Youth Foundation of America.
Meinhardt, a sophomore at Kansas State University, is pursuing a degree in animal science and industry. Aspiring to a career in advocacy and communications, she believes the first step to effective representation is a strong understanding of the industry itself.
The $5,000 Perks Ranch Scholarship, awarded by HYFA, honors the Perks Ranch of Illinois and highlights Doug Perks’ legacy and leadership during his time on the HYFA board of directors. He helped lead the $5 million capital campaign, which laid the groundwork for the foundation’s pillars — scholarships, leadership, education and research.
HYFA directors, Ray Ramsey and Bruce Everhart, join Kade Boatman, Rockford, Illinois, and Emma Ballinger, McKee, Kentucky, the 2025 EE Ranches Scholarship recipients, during the award ceremony at the 2025 World Hereford Conference coinciding with the AHA Annual Meeting.
Northeast Polled Show Female of the Year was KJ 746D Coco Carmel 32L ET owned by Paige Lemenager of Hudson.
Rylie Meinhardt (center) was presented the Perks Ranch Scholarship by Tammy Boatman and Wade Perks of Perks Ranch.
AMERICAN ROYAL NATIONAL HEREFORD SHOW | KANSAS CITY | OCTOBER 25-26
Open Reserve Grand Champion Female
Champion Junior Yearling Female
HAWK Priya 11 MET
Owned by Ty Pezanoski
Junior Reserve Grand Champion Female
Champion Junior Yearling Female
HAWK Priya 11 MET
Owned by Ty Pezanoski
Junior Reserve
Champion Spring
Heifer Calf
WILDCAT Versace 5068 ET
Owned by Brady Jones
Open Grand Champion Bull
Champion Senior Bull BK PreGame 9113L
Owned by Hawes Cattle, Texas; Jeff Paulsen, Iowa; and Garrett Post, Shabbona, Ill.
Junior Reserve
Champion Junior
Heifer Calf
WILDCAT Prosperity 5027 ET
Owned by Lauren, Brady and Nick Jones
REMINDER: All steers will be required to be parent verified to both the sire and dam; therefore, a DNA profile of the steer, the sire and the dam must be completed through the official AHA lab by the entry deadline. To request a DNA kit for your animal, access your MyHerd or contact AHA customer service. The IJHA follows all rules and guidelines put forth by the American Hereford Association unless otherwise stated
Headquarters:
Holiday Inn Express & Suites
Group Block Code: JHA
102 Holiday Ln Salem, IL 62881
618-740-0913
Cutoff deadline: 5/18/2026 for group rate $139 00
2 0 2 5 - 2 0 2 6 I J H A B O A R D
President: Kade Boatman
Vice President: Connor Rhoads
Secretary: Kendall Boatman
Treasurer: Rhett Lehman
Director of PR: Ella Bane
Directors:
Morgan Richardson
Aidan Knobloch
Nolan Lee
Faith Benedict
Ella Crane
Cora Belle Chapman
Allie Anderson
IHA WINTER CLASSIC SALE RESULTS
45 total lots; Average $5,615
• 2 bulls averaged $4,450
• 5 spring cows/choice pairs averaged $6,010
• 8 fall cow/calf pairs averaged $5,906
• 30 bred heifers averaged $5,550
High-seller commanded $10,250, a bred heifer consigned by Lorenzen Farms.
Webel’s Wanderings Webel’s Wanderings
Please consider this your formal invitation to the 2026 Illinois Simmental Association Annual Meeting and Banquet to be held February 20, 2026 at the Artisans Building of the Illinois State Fairgrounds during the Illinois Beef Expo. Banquet will start at 6 p.m. sharp with social time and food line starting at 5:30 p.m.
Those who have been involved in our organization for this past year know that we considered a lot of input about whether the Beef Expo was the right place and time for a banquet or if other options were worth considering. After careful consideration, your board has elected to continue to make the banquet a part of the Beef Expo weekend. The change in the cattle show schedule away from Friday made that decision even easier. We are all busy people, but it is worth your time to get involved in our organization and support our juniors in their efforts.
We are bringing back the live genetics auction, offering some of the top sires in the breed and anticipate having that semen on site for you to take home with you that night, so bring your tanks and checkbooks! All proceeds go to support Junior Activities throughout the year.
Hope to see you in Springfield!
2026 Dates to Remember
February 20 - Illinois Simmental Association Banquet and Annual Meeting - 6 p.m. at IBE.
June 6-7 - Illinois Junior Simmental Association State Preview Show - Jacksonville
June 10-13 - AJSA Eastern Regional Classic - Lebanon, Indiana
July 4-10 - AJSA National Classic- Grand Island, Nebraska
August 13-16 - Illinois State Fair Cattle Shows
Thanks for your time,
- Joe
Joe Webel, ISA President (217) 621-7362 | joe.webel@gmail.com
Purebred Breeders
Advertiser’s Index
Illinois Beef, printed bi-monthly, is the official publication of the IBA. It serves as the voice of Illinois’ 12,000 beef producers.
20976416 | Culmination x NIAGARA
The leading sire and top sale feature from the Spring 2025 Connealy Angus Sale offers balanced EPDs in a six frame package. Few sires in the breed offer a more complete EPD profile than CORNHUSKER. He ranks in the top 25% or better for 16 different traits!
Connealy Angus, NE and Stellpflug Cattle Co., WY
SQUARE DEAL 7AN773
20509700 | Fair-N-Square x Step Ahead
7AN861 20909438 | Gable x Compass
PURSUIT offers the complete package of phenotype, genetic merit and maternal excellence! He is one of the sires that offers over 155 YW and 120 $M. PURSUIT delivers extra performance without increasing cow size.
Poss Angus, NE and Stellpflug Cattle Co., WY
MONEY MAKER 7SM153
3978845 | Eagle x Beacon
No matter how you look at it, MONEY MAKER is a sire that will add profit to any operation! He is a genetic outlier for all traits and will move your herd forward. He boasts exceptional genetic merit, added power, foot quality, and fluid and flexible mobility.
Bielenberg Simmental, IA and Heartland Simmentals, IA
Deep Creek Angus Ranch, SD and Bruner Angus Ranch, ND
