Grilling Up Success

The Tri-County Cattlemen’s Association is made up of cattlemen and cattle industry supporters in Henderson, McDonough and Warren counties. Led by a board of directors, the affiliation is well known in the west central Illinois area for grilling high quality steaks and burgers for private parties, banquets, picnics, open houses, field days, and more. In 2013 alone, the Tri-County Cattlemen’s Association fixed 5,525 ribeyes and 2,360 hamburgers for groups like the McDonough County Employees, Monsanto Learning Center, Avon FFA Chapter, Barn Crawl, Birkey’s Farm Store, Henderson County 4-H and Warren County Fair to name a few.

The money raised from these events and activities goes directly into the Tri-County Cattlemen’s Scholarship Fund, which is open to high school seniors in the three counties that plan to major in agriculture or pursue an agriculture career. Over the past several years the affiliate has given six $500 scholarships. The scholarship fund is also supported financially by an auction held each year at the annual banquet. The auction features items such as Cardinals baseball tickets, mineral feeders, semen packages, breeding services and artwork – which banquet guests can bid on to help support the scholarship program. The annual banquet is a great way for cattlemen and industry supporters to gather for an enjoyable evening! For the past several years the banquet has been maximum capacity at the Western Illinois University Grand Ballroom with entertainers such as Baxter Black, Tim Cavanaugh and Drew Hastings. The affiliate would not be where it is today if it weren’t for the support they have received over the years; in 2013, 113 sponsors graciously supporter their cause.

Tri-County Cattlemen's Association Board of Directors

All in all, the quality beef products the Tri-County Cattlemen’s Association provides for different events and activities throughout the year is promotion for the beef industry. The group encourages anyone that has a general desire to promote the beef industry and be involved to contact a board member for more information. Board member contact information is listed on the Affiliate Chapters page at www.illinoisbeef.com.