The
ILLINOIS HEREFORD BULLETIN
November/December 2023
CONTENTS November/December 2023
1
IHA MEMBERSHIP FORM
2
AHA FIELD STAFF LETTER
3
WINTER CLASSIC SALE
3
WORLD BEEF EXPO RESULTS
4
IJHA MEMBERS ATTEND FACES OF LEADERSHIP
6
A LIFE OF SERVICE
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
ADVERTISERS INDEX
PRESIDENT Kent Burns 618-521-3199
Baker Farms Bernard Show Cattle Ellis Farms Lorenzen Farms Lowderman Cattle Company Milligan Herefords Perks Ranch Torrance Herefords Miniature Hereford
TREASURER Buddy Edenburn 217-649-0108 MEMBERSHIP SERVICES Emily Bernard 815-992-8233 illinoishereford@gmail.com BOARD OF DIRECTORS Cody Crum, 217-248-7282 Jodi McMillan, 815-751-2293 Chad Benedict, 217-246-5099 Matt Anderson, 309-267-1410 David Biggs, 815-441-4354 Kim Carney-Rhodes, 217-899-4104 Jimmy Bernard Craig Crutcher Andrew Spinazola
BC BC BC BC BC BC BC BC BC
ON THE COVER Taken by Devin Bollman at IBA Member of the Year Betsy Pech’s farm near Lincoln. Story on page 6.
CONTACT To place advertisements or your latest Hereford news contact: Olivia Hoots Illinois Beef Association 2501 N 8th Street Springfield, IL 62702 217-787-4280 olivia@illinoisbeef.com www.illinoisbeef.com
ILLINOIS HEREFORD ASSOCIATION MEMBERSHIP FORM Annual Dues are $40
Phone: 217-820-0964 Email: Buddy Edenburn, IHA Treasurer 1764 E. US Hwy 136 Penfield, IL 61862 illinoishereford@gmail.com
Mail to:
Membership Year Applicable: Farm Name: Email: Your Name: Street Address: City: State:
Zip Code:
Phone: Website: Additional Information:
I hereby make an application for membership in the Illinois Hereford Association. Upon becoming a member of this organization. I agree to be governed by the Constitution and By-Laws of the Illinois Hereford Association and to abide by the rules of the American Hereford Association. Attached hereto is remittance of payment covering membership dues for the fiscal year of January 1 to December 31.
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November/December 2023 - Illinois Hereford Bulletin
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Letter from AHA Field Staff: Noah Benedict Illinois Hereford Association, It is with great pleasure that I invite you to the Inaugural IHA Winter Classic Sale on December 16th in Carthage, IL. This sale, hosted at Carthage Livestock Inc., has been a goal of the IHA’s for a few years now, and there is no better time to see it come to fruition. The state of Illinois has some of the most elite Hereford genetics in the country, and all of the consignors are excited to prove that fact on December 16th. This sale was not just a goal to get consignors a paycheck. While that is an important part of the business, this sale is about much more than that. This sale is about showcasing elite genetics within the state, providing a valuable opportunity for new breeders to start the Hereford herds, and helping young breeders develop a marketing platform. The Winter Classic Sale’s ultimate goal is to be around for a very long time to be an asset to both Hereford producers and commercial cattlemen in Illinois and its surrounding states. So, make plans to be in Carthage! I have screened the cattle already and this is an exceptional set that will add quality to anyone’s herd. We will highlight Bred Heifers and Fall Pairs in this sale, and I feel both categories offer the best cattle and freshest genetics that the state has to offer. There will be an IHA social the night before the sale as well. This will be a great time to visit with Hereford breeders across the state who are all in the same room. Keep an eye on your mailboxes for the December issue of the Hereford World, which will have a full-page ad highlighting the sale, and watch for the sale catalog to hit your mailbox at the end of November or the beginning of December! Please do not hesitate to reach out at any time about the sale or its offering. If you want a catalog, contact me with your address information, and we will make certain you receive one. I sincerely hope that everyone can attend and help kick off this great event! I am excited to see what this sale has in store for years to come. Noah Benedict AHA Territory 5 Field Staff 217-372-8009 noahb@hereford.org
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Illinois Hereford Bulletin -November/December 2023
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save the date... ILLINOIS HEREFORD ASSOCIATION WINTER CLASSIC SALE
DECEMBER 16th, 2023 carthage, il
world beef expo results
Junior Show
Open Show
Reserve Champion Hereford Female Calf Champion Hereford Female Calf Molly Biggs - SPIN HIGH SPIN 102L Molly Biggs - SPIN HIGH SPIN 102L Champion Senior Hereford Female Calf Reserve Champion Female Calf Bryar Fleisher Molly Biggs - HAPP CHARLENE STYLE 2325L LCC 0183 MISS PENNY 76K ET Reserve Grand Champion Female Reserve Champion Senior Hereford Female Champion Sr. Hereford Female Calf Calf Bryar Fleisher - LCC 0183 MISS PENNY 76K ET Elsie Manternach - HAWK MAE 2201 Reserve Champion Summer Yearling Reserve Grand Champion Hereford Female Hereford Female Riley Rhodes -PURPLE REIGN HB FLATLINE 108K Champion Summer Yearling Hereford Female Makenna Smith - PURPLE HB FINLEY 96K ET Grand Champion Hereford Female Reserve Champion Summer Yearling Champion Jr. Yearling Hereford female 4th Overall Supreme Heifer Hereford Female Blakley Storey - PURPLE L MAY TRUDY 200K ET Riley Rhodes - PURPLE REIGN HB FLATLINER Reserve Champion Jr. Yearling 108K Hereford Female Grand Champion Hereford Female Champion Bryar Fleisher -MKL LCC 308F MISS KIWI 103K Jr. Yearling Hereford female ET 5th Overall Supreme Heifer Blakley Storey - PURPLE L MAY TRUDY 200K ET Reserve Champion Jr. Yearling Hereford Female Bryar Fleisher -MKL LCC 308F MISS KIWI 103K ET www.illinoisbeef.com
November/December 2023 - Illinois Hereford Bulletin
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IJHA MEMBERS ATTEND FACES OF LEADERSHIP IJHA “ IJHAMEMBERS MEMBERS ATTEND ATTEND FACES FACES OF OF LEADERSHIP LEADERSHIP Sixty-seven junior members from 15 different states gathered in Columbus, Ohio, for the 2023 Faces Sixty-seven junior from 1515 different states Sixty-seven juniormembers members from different states of Leadership Conference, hosted by the National gathered in Columbus, Ohio, for the 2023 Faces gathered in Columbus, Ohio, for the 2023 Faces Junior Hereford Association, July 23-26. ofof Leadership LeadershipConference, Conference,hosted hostedby bythe theNational National Junior Hereford Association, July 23-26. The theme of the conference was “Prepare You for Junior Hereford Association, July 23-26. Your Future,” with threads of connecting consumer The theme The themeofofthe theconference conferencewas was“Prepare “PrepareYou Youfor for perspectives to the livestock industry, including Your Future,” with threads of connecting consumer Your Future,” with threads of connecting consumer touring and workinglivestock with the Ohio State University perspectives perspectivestotothe the livestockindustry, industry,including including meat science department, listening to speakers touring and touring andworking workingwith withthe theOhio OhioState StateUniversity University from allscience walks of the food industry sector and meat department, listening totospeakers meat science department, listening speakers enjoying exciting adventures at thesector Columbus from allall walks and from walksofofthe thefood foodindustry industry sector and Zoo and Zoombezi Water Park, and a barn dance to enjoying exciting adventures at the Columbus Zoo enjoying exciting adventures at the Columbus Zoo finish the event. and Zoombezi and ZoombeziWater WaterPark, Park,and andaabarn barndance danceto to finish the event. finish the event. “Leadership is influence, and we create that “Leadership isisinfluence, and “Leadership influence, andwe wecreate create that influence by building relationships,” said that Marlene influence by building relationships,” said Marlene influence by building relationships,” said Marlene Eick, 2023 conference speaker. The first day of the Eick, 2023 conference speaker. Thefirst first dayofofthe the Eick, 2023 conference speaker. The day event kicked off with two incredible presenters, event kicked off with two incredible presenters, event kicked off with two incredible presenters, Eddie Slowikowski and Marlene Eick. Like the theme Eddie Slowikowski and Marlene Eick. Likethe thetheme theme Slowikowski and Marlene Eick. Like ofEddie the conference and the different leadership skills of the conference and the different leadership of the conference and the different leadership skills learned, juniors were encouraged to rememberskills how learned, juniorswere wereencouraged encouragedtotoremember rememberhow how learned, juniors their influence impacts others. their influence impacts others. their influence impacts others. Slowikowski talked about, “The Seven 7 Steps Slowikowskitalked talkedabout, about,“The “TheSeven Seven77Steps Steps Slowikowski to Being a Leader,” and juniors invited to Being Leader,” and juniorswere wereinvited invitedto to toto Being aa Leader,” and juniors were
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Illinois Hereford Bulletin -November/December 2023
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The conference concluded with an ending keyn by NJHA Chairman, Tar Tut, and with dinner and dance at Rick Malir and Bonnie Coley-Malir’s hom
oatman.
Day two kicked off with a tour of the historic OSU participatewhich in somebrought hands-on the leadership activities. sausage and learned the importance of quality grades ootball stadium excitement of The Faces of Leadership conference is made He taught NJHA members the importance of by making our own steaks and doing a taste sensory,” uniors to the forefront, as they stood on the field perseverance and building relationships with others, said Boatman. azing up at the stadium seats. An even more special possible by the Coley-Malir Leadership Endowme said conference attendee and IJHA member, Kendall through the Hereford Youth Foundation of Amer momentBoatman. followed, as Gene Smith, OSU athletics The conference concluded with an ending keynote Malir and Bonnie Coley-Malir hosted byRick NJHA Chairman, Tar Tut, and with dinner and a the irector, spoke on leadership in young people, an attendees of this conference th Day two kicked off a with a tourof. of An the afternoon historic OSU dance at Rick Malir andyear’s Bonnie Coley-Malir’sthroughout home. nvestment he has made career football stadium which brought the excitement of event. Malir, president and founder of City Barbe pent with Select Sires Inc., tapped into what the The Faces of Leadership conference is made juniors to the forefront, as they stood on the field was one of the closingLeadership speakersEndowment, at OSU, and said possible by the Coley-Malir ndustry gazing searches for when hiring. up at the stadium seats. An even more special “Whatthe I hope youYouth can take from this conference, through Hereford Foundation of America. moment followed, as Gene Smith, OSU athletics Rick Malir and Bonnie Coley-Malir hosted the “On the second day of the conference we went dream just a little bit bigger, and to know that th director, spoke on leadership in young people, an attendees of this year’s conference throughout the investment a career An afternoon n a stadium tour he at has Themade Ohio State of. University and a lot of different opportunities out there.” event. Malir, president and founder of City Barbeque, spent with Select Sires Inc., tapped into what the stened to their Athletic Director, Gene Smith, about was one of the closing speakers at OSU, and said, searches for when hiring. The conference cultivates communication, ifferentindustry styles of leadership and what works best for “What I hope you can take from this conference, is to encourages teamwork and focuses on individual im. We then toured Select where we “On the second day ofSires the conference welearned went dream just a little bit bigger, and to know that there’s on athey stadium tour at The Ohio State University lot of different opportunities out there.” bout how started their business and howand their a development. listened to their Athletic Director, Gene Smith, about rogram works. The day ended with some fun at the The conference cultivates communication, different styles of leadership and what works best for ater park and dinner. To cap off the evening the encourages teamwork and focuses on individual him. We then toured Select Sires where we learned JHA Board of Directors lead a workshop titled about how they started their business and how their development. program works. The day ended from with some fun at the Building the Leadership Pipeline the State water park and dinner. To cap off the evening the evel,” said Boatman.
NJHA Board of Directors lead a workshop titled the Leadership Pipeline thepeople State “One of“Building the things I like to say aboutfrom young Level,” said Boatman.
hen I recommend them, is that they’re not afraid to ork,” said“One Brian House, program of the thingsvice I likepresident, to say aboutbeef young people when I recommend them, is that they’re not afraid to nd product manager for Select Sires Inc. “The work,” said Brian House, vice president, beef program fluence and hard work of the juniors in the NJHA are and product manager for Select Sires Inc. “The hat setinfluence them apart from others the career field." and hard work of thein juniors in the NJHA are what set them apart from others in the career field."
Day three concluded the conference with a tour Day threeUniversity concluded the conference with a tour f the Ohio State Department of Animal the Ohio State University Department Animal cience. of Members participated in rotationsofwhere Science. Members participated in rotations where hey learned about meat science and the importance they learned about meat science and the importance f the consumer. of the consumer.
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IJHA members who attended FOL:
IJHA members who attended FOL:
Denton Stapleton, Kade Boatman, Aidan
Denton Stapleton, Kade Boatman, Aidan Knobloch, Simon Shepard, Caden Perry, Knobloch, Simon Shepard, Caden Perry, Nolan Lee, Shawn Crutcher, Nolan Lee, Shawn Crutcher, MorganMorgan Richardson, Rhett Lehman, Trevor Crutch Richardson, Rhett Lehman, Trevor Crutcher, Clayton Stapleton, Kendall Boatman Clayton Stapleton, Kendall Boatman
November/December 2023 - Illinois Hereford Bulletin
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A Life of Service 2023 IBA Member of the Year’s Commitment to Education and Service has a profound Impact on the Beef Industry
T
By Sara McClendon
alk to anyone who knows Betsy Pech and you will hear a few words repeated: education, passion, determination and service. That is how she has shown up and made an impact in everything she’s done, from spending more than 30 years as an ag educator to serving in leadership roles within the Illinois Beef Association. It is also why she was honored as the 2023 Illinois Beef Association member of the year. Growing up on a Hereford farm her grandfather started in the 1930s and showing cattle from that herd through 4-H ignited a passion for beef production that has turned into a lifelong dedication to industry. “I grew up with two parents who were very involved in the community and volunteered tremendously,” Betsy says. “It was a small community. I watched my parents do these types of things. I feel like it is just like walking. It has always been my calling to be of service to others.” When Betsy was in high school, girls were not allowed in agriculture programs. However, she knew she wanted to pursue agriculture as a career. In the last two years of college, Betsy decided to follow the path to become an agriculture teacher. After receiving her certification, she applied for a teaching job and became the first female ag production teacher in the state of Illinois. She spent 35 years as an ag educator, 29 of which were at Hartsburg-Emden School District. “If she is passionate about something, she is all in,” Betsy’s husband, Randy Pech, explains. “The people in Hartsburg
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Illinois Hereford Bulletin -November/December 2023
and her students saw her commitment and her overwhelming love for the students. And they just fell in love with her. She was so involved and caring in their growth in the school. They knew that she was there for the long haul. That is the way she approaches any job she is asked to do. She is all in.” After retiring from teaching 9 years ago, Betsy attended an annual meeting for Illinois Beef Association. When a leadership opportunity opened up in her district, she ran for a position. Not too long after she was elected to the Illinois Beef Association board of directors, now serving on the executive committee and board of governors. It combines two of the things she loves - educating and serving others.
An Educator at Heart
“The 35 years I taught, I could not have written a better script for my career,” Betsy says. “There is just something there. Even today, if I can teach somebody something, that is my calling.” Betsy’s goal as an ag educator was not that every single student pursued a career in ag. Instead, she recognized, despite teaching in a rural district, many of her students did not come from the farm. So, she set off on a mission to educate her students about the industry so they could grow an appreciation for what was happening where they lived. However, for some students, Betsy’s passion was contagious. In fact, former student Meg Baer credits her own decision to pursue a career as an ag educator to Betsy’s hands-on approach to learning. Meg now teaches agriculture
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at Olympia Middle School in Stanford. “I try to model a lot of the things I do after Mrs. Pech, like giving my students hands-on experience,” Meg explains. “I would not be a teacher, if I did not have her.” Meg says Betsy’s classes focused on experiences for the students, which often resulted in her strongly encouraging students to step outside of their comfort zone. In fact, Meg remembers Betsy handing her the creed speech during her freshman year and telling Meg that she was going to deliver it, despite Meg’s hesitation. “She is still well known in Hartsburg for being involved in the community and getting the kids involved in the community,” Meg says. “We may not remember everything we learned, but we remember that she cared about us and cared about making us better.” During Betsy’s time as an educator, she was recognized with the Outstanding Ag Teacher award from the State of Illinois. She also received her honorary American Farmer Degree through FFA. Illinois State University awarded her with their highest honor in agriculture. She even had three students win a national title through the US Department of Agriculture, even though only ten of these titles were given out and Hartsburg-Emden was a small school, with around 75 students.
Passion for the Ag Industry
Betsy’s passion for beef production does not stop with her students. As an Illinois Beef Association board member, she looks for opportunities to provide educational moments to producers in her area. Through organizing informational meetings about topics like pasture management or encouraging the next generation to get involved in IBA, she is always looking for ways to spread knowledge. She notes the IBA board of governors represent the concerns of Illinois beef producers to legislators. In addition to working with both state and federal governments, Betsy says a large focus of the board’s work is to make sure producers are informed about regulation issues that might impact them. In addition to involvement with IBA’s board, Betsy serves the industry as president of the Heartland Beef Alliance. She was one of the original members of the IBA affiliate organization, and focuses now on providing programs that educate beef producers. “I am a teacher by heart,” Betsy says. “So, part of the mission of the Illinois Beef Association is not only promoting
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beef, but educating. And that is where I feel like I can shine.” Betsy also took over the day-to-day management of the Illinois Beef Association Ribeye Corral at the Illinois State Fair. She views it as an opportunity to educate consumers on the nutritional benefits of beef and how today’s farm families raise their beef with care for the animals. Through all of Betsy’s roles in the industry, Randy has been by her side. “I could not have done it without Randy,” Betsy says. “I do not give him enough credit for all that I do. I drag him along to a lot of places and he just shakes his head most of the time.”
Determination to Do the Right Thing
Jim Lindgren, Betsy and Randy’s neighbor, has known the Pech family for 25 years. He says when he first met Betsy, he could immediately see her passion. “The impression I had was how passionate she was for her job and how intent she was on making sure that everything was done right, ready to go and organized,” Jim says. “There are so many things you can say about Betsy. She works hard. And when she attacks something, she really goes after it and gets it done, and gets it right.” Jim notes that Betsy’s involvement in IBA is, like everything in her life, very hands-on. He says she does not just attend board meetings a few times a year, but comes back to her community and gets to work making changes. Another friend and neighbor, John Fulton, recalls Betsy’s tenacity to create a wide-range of opportunities for ag students, including her work to get a greenhouse added to the school, and development of a small engines program. She worked with the school board, not giving up until those opportunities were provided to the students. “She is a person of substance and is not going to give you suggestions without following through with it,” John says. “She is dedicated to it and wants it to be the best that she can make it. Betsy is kind of a one-woman show sometimes.”
Servant Leadership Drives Everything
The Pech family is driven by helping others in everything they do. Whether it is a neighbor, a student or an organization like IBA, Randy and Betsy always step up when needed. Warren Goetsch, a longtime friend of Betsy and Randy, recalls when the family helped clean up after a tornado caused damage in 1993. When high winds came through and
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caused damage more than a decade later, Randy and Betsy were back at work clearing trees and helping clean up. “One of the things that always strikes me is how Betsy is always there for her friends,” Warren says. “Any time there was a need identified, she would be there to help you out.” And for Jim Lindgren, the Pech’s have gone beyond just neighbors. After experiencing serious health issues for the past two years, Betsy and Randy have stepped up to help with Jim’s cow herd. They help with chores around Jim’s place, like offering hay when they are putting hay up for their own cows. It has made a major difference to Jim. “It is a small herd that was a show herd for the kids, but I would sure hate to give it up,” Jim says. “They help with things I cannot do anymore. If they were not there to do it, I would not be able to have my cow herd which would be hard on me.” However, Randy explains it is just part of who he and Betsy are. Helping out others comes naturally.
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Illinois Hereford Bulletin -November/December 2023
“We have always been committed to helping someone if they need a hand,” Randy explains. “We may almost be to the point of being intrusive in their lives if we want to help. That is the way we were raised. If someone needs a hand, we are there.” Betsy also has worked to instill the importance of volunteering in others. “Volunteerism is something I always preached to my students,” Betsy explains, “You have to volunteer to help your communities. They are not going to function without volunteers. This is something that I felt was a part of me. Whether through IBA or my church, or even in the community.”
Inspiring Others to Make an Impact
As Warren Goetch explains, yet another one of Betsy’s superpowers is getting others involved. “She is very good at showing people what can be done if they really try,” Warren says. “She is never afraid of putting in time or effort to make whatever she is doing successful. I think she is good at transmitting that attitude to others.” Betsy’s drive and determination inspires nearly everyone she comes into contact with, including her own family. “We have two daughters, Alicent and Colleen, and those girls are adopted,” Betsy says. “They have been the greatest joy in our life. Randy never showed cattle. So, when I came in to the picture it was, not a rude awakening, but an awakening for him. I told him we are going to get some show calves here and the girls are going to show. And they did through 4H and FFA.” Now, Betsy’s grandkids are showing through 4H at the county fair, including her youngest granddaughter, Hailey, who Betsy is keeping excited about the industry leading up to her first summer showing. Betsy’s relentless drive to help others through education and service is why she is the Illinois Beef Association 2023 Member of the Year. “My first thought was I am not old enough, but then I thought about it and realized I probably am,” Betsy says. “But for the short amount of time I have been on the board, somewhere along the line I must have caused an impact. My focus is education and promotion, and so I’m humbled, overwhelmed and just proud.” www.illinoisbeef.com
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Malcom 815-761-8462
James cell 815-761-1523