Cattlemens Webinar Series: End of Year Tax Strategies for Cattlemen

Register Now for the free webinar on Dec. 9, 2014!
6:00 p.m. Mountain (MST)

When the clock strikes midnight on December 31st, there are very few options that taxpayers have to reduce their tax bill. With higher revenue this year and many unknown tax changes that may or may not be passed by Congress, it is important to understand the strategies that producers in agriculture have to keep Uncle Sam out of their pocket.

Presentation Descriptions:

Larry Kopsa, CPA

Larry Kopsa, CPA is a member of the firm Kopsa Otte located in York, Nebraska. As a principal in the 28 person firm, he is involved in all aspects of the practice with an emphasis on tax planning, succession planning and business consultation, along with firm management. Besides serving on the board of directors of the Nebraska State Chamber of Commerce, Larry is active on numerous local, state and national organizations. He is a frequent speaker, has authored numerous articles for various magazines, and also serves as an adjunct professor at York College teaching Income Tax courses.


Colin Woodall, NCBA Senior Vice President, Government Affairs
and Kent Bacus, NCBA Associate Director, Legislative Affairs

NCBA is focused on addressing tax extenders during the lame duck session of Congress and will focus on tax reform in 2015. Priorities for the lame duck include reinstating Section 179 expensing and 50 percent Bonus Depreciation to 2013 levels, as well as extension of the Conservation Easement Tax Credit and key Charitable Deductions. During the webinar we will also discuss upcoming tax reform efforts for 2015 and key provisions NCBA supports like estate tax (Sec 2032A), cash accounting, depreciation schedules, 1031 Like-Kind Exchange. Tune in and learn about these important tax provisions and how they may impact your operation.

Register Now

Attend American Forage and Grassland Council Annual Conference

The American Forage and Grassland Council (AFGC) Annual Conference is scheduled for Jan. 11-14 at the Hilton St. Louis Frontenac near St. Louis, Mo. The conference brings forage producers, researchers and industry representatives from across the country to share forage related research and information. 

Jan. 11 begins with the AFGC board of directors meeting. However, the main conference begins at 8 a.m., on Monday, Jan. 12 with the keynote speaker, Dr. Temple Grandin, a nationally known consultant to the livestock industry, presenting Tips for Low Stress Cattle Handling. Additional topics on Monday include: Hay Preservatives & Additives: Are they Economical?; Keys to Success When Making Baleage; Can I Afford to Spray for Weeds, and other topics. Tuesday, Jan. 13 the agenda includes several workshops on the following topics: Using Cover Crops to Expand Your Livestock Operation; Recent Improvements in Cool Season Grasses; Baleage Fundamentals and Using NIRS as a Tool for Better Forage Management. The conference concludes on Wednesday, Jan. 14 with several sessions focusing on Plant Breeding and NIRS and Forage Quality & Using NIRS Nutrition Results.

The Conference will also include a commercial exhibit area, poster presentations, Emerging Scientist Competition, numerous networking opportunities and other activities.

A complete program agenda and preregistration information is available at http://www.afgc.org/. Early registration is due by Dec. 31 and one-day registrations are available. The AFGC Conference is co-sponsored by the Missouri Forage and Grassland Council and the Illinois Forage and Grassland Council.

AFGC is an international organization comprised of twenty affiliate councils in the United States and Canada with a total individual membership of about 2,500. Their primary objective is to promote the profitable production and sustainable utilization of quality forage and grasslands. Members represent members the academic community, producers, and private industry. Together, they unite in a common cause to promote and develop the forage industry.

BQA: Capturing value through quality beef

Cattlemen have a long-standing commitment to quality beef. Now, they can step up that commitment by participating in the checkoff-funded Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) program and participate in Illinois Beef Association (IBA) sponsored training and certification sessions.

Delivering a quality beef product to the consumer requires more than just superior genetics – trustworthy handling practices are the link that assures consumer satisfaction.

BQA is important to the cattle industry as it gives producers a set of best practices for producing a safe and high-quality beef product. It also gives consumers the assurance that the beef they eat is both healthy and wholesome.

The program covers best management practices such as proper handling and administration of vaccinations and other products, better cattle handling principles, profit tips, and insight to consumer preferences.

“Many producers leave with a sense of validation of the bulk of their practices, but an exited feeling that they have picked up on a few tips that can give them a competitive advantage in the beef market,” said Travis Meteer, state BQA coordinator. “BQA certification serves as hard evidence to the effort and level of care animals receive day in and day out. BQA approved practices lead to a safe, wholesome product that consumers demand. We have all made the comment – what is best for the animal is best for our bottom line. If you are talking the talk then BQA is walking the walk.”

Curt Rincker, a Simmental breeder from Shelbyville, places a lot of value on the BQA program because it was designed by cattlemen for cattlemen and has the research and results to back it up.

“When I realized the improvements made in recent beef audits due to injection sites, I felt it was equally important for the cow-calf sector to also apply the same beef safety practices,” Rincker said.

Rincker’s education through the BQA program has enhanced his day-to-day management practices and enhanced animal well-being on his farm.

“I’ve made a real effort to follow proper injection site guidelines along with more frequent needle and syringe changes during routine vaccinations,” he said. “Practicing more patience in cattle handling procedures and an improved understanding of cattle movement through the BQA program, not only takes stress off of my cows, but takes some stress off of me to. It’s a win-win for all on my farm.”

According to Buzz Iliff, Wyoming Vet Clinic veterinarian, the industry has seen good evidence that a calmer animal stays healthier and provides a much better product in the tenderness of the meat.

“From personal experience, it is gratifying to see producers adopt and follow BQA guidelines and improve their operations,” Iliff said. “More importantly, keeping good treatment records and strictly following withdrawl times on any antibiotics and medications will insure a safer product.”

At the end of the day, the consumer is the industry’s demand driver. If that consumer is willing to open up their wallet, as an industry, we need to produce a consistent product that gives the beef buyer a great eating experience time and time again.

Even at beef’s current high retail prices, John Lundeen, NCBA senior executive director of market research, said consumers are willing to pay the price, but expectations for quality have also risen.

“The checkoff-funded Consumer Beef Index study measures demand drivers and we see taste topping the charts with safety and value following close behind,” Lundeen said. “Those characteristics along with confidence in the beef industry’s production practices are often how consumers describe quality.”

He added that consumers are stepping up to the case and purchasing the product because cattlemen have done a great job to continuously improve their production practices. But, it can’t stop here – the industry is in a strong point now, but producers need to continue to invest in education and keep the momentum going.

“Without a doubt the end-result of all of the BQA guidelines and practices that we as BQA certified producers use, is a safer end-product for our beef consumer. Being BQA certified is the right thing to do and has continued to improve the perception of beef from gate to plate,” Rincker said.

Cattlemen are invited to attend BQA training sessions this winter sponsored by the IBA to learn about the latest best management practices and become BQA certified. There is a $25 registration fee payable at the door to cover the cost of meals and training materials and reservations are encouraged by contacting the IBA at 217-787-4280.

The meetings will begin at 6 p.m. with a meal followed by the training session.

Dates and locations are:

•          Dec. 2, Litchfield, Lincoln Land Community College Arts & Technology Building –               Multipurpose Room
•          Dec. 4, Quincy, Adams County Farm Bureau Building
•          Dec. 9, Paris, Edgar County Fairgrounds – Multipurpose 4-H Building

Striving to Sustainably Feed the World: 2014 Illinois Commodity Conference

The 2014 Illinois Commodity Conference is set for Nov. 25 at the Marriott Hotel & Conference Center in Normal. The conference represents a great opportunity for farmers in Illinois to see coalition-building and how the state agricultural commodity organizations are working together to improve agriculture as a whole. 

Striving to sustainably feed the world is the main focus of the conference with breakout sessions geared toward the environment and regulations, markets, and other hot-button issues. Following lunch and an annual awards ceremony, the conference keynote speaker, Rob Meyers with PepsiCo, will discuss his company’s push toward sustainability - what their customers want, how they define sustainability and their marketing initiatives, and how farmers will be involved and impacted.  

Agenda:

7:30 a.m. – Registration Opens
8-10 a.m. – ICGA Annual Meeting
10:00 – 11:00 a.m. – A Spoonful of Sugar Helps the GMOs 
Go Down, Richard Levick
11:15 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. – Breakout sessions
          Farmers Needed: Field to Market – Rod Synder
          Water Quality Control – Caroline Wade, Mike Plumer
          The Intersection of CAFO and WOTUS – Lauren
Lurkins, Ted Funk
12:15 p.m. – Lunch
12:45 p.m. – Awards Ceremony 
         John Sullivan honored with Friend of Ag Award
1:15 – 2:15 p.m. – Rob Meyers, PepsiCo
2:15 – 2:30 p.m. – Wrap up with Association Leadership
2:30 p.m. – Ice Cream Social

Registration and a fee is required. Register prior to Nov. 15 - $65 and after Nov. 15 - $90. Contact the Illinois Beef Association for help with registration at 217-787-4280.

2015 Cattle Industry Convention and NCBA Trade Show Registration Opens Today

Registration for the 2015 Cattle Industry Convention and National Cattlemen’s Beef Association Trade Show is underway. The 117th Annual Convention will be held in San Antonio, Texas, Feb. 4-7, 2015. Advanced registration is open until Jan. 10, 2015.

Convention participants will hear from industry leaders, gather insight on industry trends, and enjoy an evening at the Cowboy Comedy Club & Mustache Bash After-Party. NCBA President Bob McCan said this convention is a must for everyone involved in the cattle industry.

“The Cattle Industry Convention is the oldest and largest, national convention in the cattle business,” McCan said. “It is a unique opportunity to join other leaders in the industry to network, discuss policy, and visit with the many trade show participants. Plus, San Antonio is a hard location to beat!”

In addition to access to all of the 2015 convention events, registrants for the full convention will receive a 50 percent off coupon for Roper and Stetson apparel and footwear at the NCBA Trade Show.

To register for the 2015 Cattle Industry Convention and NCBA Trade Show, visit www.beefusa.org or e-mail meetings@beef.org.

Follow us on Facebook and join the conversation on Twitter at #beefmeet

NCBA now Accepting Internship Applications for 2015 Cattle Industry Convention

The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association is accepting applications for internships during the 2015 Cattle Industry Convention in San Antonio, Texas, Feb. 4-7, 2015. The deadline to submit an application is Oct. 6, 2014.

This year will mark the 117^th Cattle Industry Convention, which is the oldest and largest convention for the cattle industry. The convention and trade show create a unique, fun environment for cattle industry members to come together to network and create policy for the industry.

“This convention brings leaders from across the industry together to network and discuss issues important to the beef industry,” said NCBA Public Policy Analyst Mallory Gaines. “Along with helping to see the convention run smoothly, students will be provided time to maximize their opportunities to network and learn throughout the week.”

The annual Cattle Industry Convention boasts over 5,500 attendees and a trade show with more than 250 booths. Interns are offered a unique, behind-the-scenes experience of setting up the trade show, manning the NCBA Political Action Committee booth, assisting with the NCBA-PAC auction, helping members vote on NCBA policy, working with the media and helping to guide cattlemen and cattlewomen to convention events.

To apply, interested college juniors, seniors or graduate students should submit the convention internship application, a college transcript, two letters of recommendation and a resume to internship@beef.org. More information and the internship application are available on NCBA’s website.

FREE BQA Certifications from Sept. 1-Oct. 31

For the third time, Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica, Inc. (BIVI) is supporting the checkoff-funded Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) program by sponsoring all online certifications this fall for producers who enroll from Sept. 1-Oct. 31.

Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica, Inc. BIVI will pick up the $25-$50 certification fee for beef or dairy producers who are interested in becoming certified or recertified during this period. Visit www.BQA.org/team to take advantage of the open certification period.

The BQA program is important to the cattle industry as it gives producers a set of best practices for producing a safe and high quality beef product. And for dairy producers, this offering is also beneficial as a large percentage of dairy calves and market cows make their way into the food chain.

The BQA certification modules are customized to fit the specific needs of each segment of the cattle industry – cow-calf, stocker, feedyard and dairy operations. The program covers best management practices such as proper handling and administration of vaccinations and other products, eliminating injection site blemishes, and better cattle-handling principles.

“One of the challenges that beef producers face is having all of their employees become BQA-certified,” says Dr. Jerry Woodruff, Professional Services Veterinarian with Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica, Inc. “Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica’s partnership with BQA helps offset some of those expenses, and we encourage producers and their employees to use the web-based training programs.”

More than 11,000 producers have taken advantage of Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica Inc.’s BQA certification partnership. Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica Inc.’s partnership also includes financial support of the Beef Cattle Institute at Kansas State University, which developed the certification module.

To become BQA certified, or learn more about the program, visit www.BQA.org/team.

EDGE Conference Gives Youth a Look into the Beef Industry

Professional development, cattle, networking and fun highlighted the 2014 EDGE Conference June 9 in Urbana at the University of Illinois (U of I). More than 60 individuals participated in this event, hosted by the Illinois Junior Beef Association (IJBA).

Katelyn Jones-Hamlow, recruiter for the U of I Department of Animal Sciences kicked off the event with her message about career opportunities in the beef industry and how to prepare for an education in agriculture. Travis Meteer, U of I Beef Extension Specialist; Christy Couch Lee, CeeLee Communications; and Tonja Egan, U of I veterinary medicine student served as the careers in agriculture panel and shared their passion for working with the beef industry.

Conference participants sharpened their social media skills by live tweeting from the event with Holly Spangler, Prairie Farmer, as she shared the dos and don’ts of agriculture industry advocacy. Aspiring photographers learned how to command their camera from Christy Couch Lee. Jennifer Shike, U of I College of ACES Director of Communications and Marketing, shared the importance of public speaking.

A highlight of the event was the opportunity to participate in hands-on workshops in the Meat Science Lab to learn about carcass grading, beef cuts and fabrication methods, and beef safety. The group also tour the Beef Research Center and learned for U of I faculty and graduate students about the latest beef research methods.

Workshop and plot tour will highlight growing prairie plants for forage, bioenergy, and conservation

A workshop and plot tour on July 8 in Decatur will provide an opportunity to learn from the experts about growing native warm season grasses for forage or bioenergy and also for environmental benefits including wildlife habitat, clean water, and soil conservation. The workshop will start at noon and conclude at 5 p.m.; the plot tour will start at 6 p.m. and end at 8 p.m.  Attendees are welcome to come to the workshop, the plot tour, or both.

Workshop speakers include Ed Ballard, retired University of Illinois (U of I) Extension Animal Systems Educator, discussing warm season forages; D. K. Lee, U of I Assistant Professor of Crop Sciences, on research to improve bioenergy grasses; and Cristina Negri, Argonne National Laboratory, on sustainable bioenergy landscapes. Carol Williams, University of Wisconsin, will discuss the newly-formed Midwest Conservation Biomass Alliance. The workshop will also include project updates, additional talks on production and use of biomass crops, and a panel of producers discussing their experience with prairie plants grown for forage.

     

The tour of the Prairie for Bioenergy demonstration plots will allow participants to see a variety of warm season grasses and talk to producers, scientists, and educators about use of prairie plants for forage, bioenergy, and conservation. A soil pit will provide a look at the root system of the plants that helped form the fertile prairie soils of Illinois. The Agricultural Watershed Institute (AWI) established these plots on land owned by Caterpillar Inc. and managed by Soy Capital Ag Services.  

The workshop will be held in the National Sequestration Education Center on the campus of Richland Community College. Sign-in and networking will start at 11:30 a.m. Lunch will be provided.

The starting point for the plot tour is a designated area in Caterpillar’s D Parking Lot, which should be entered through the gate on the south side of Hubbard Avenue just east of 27^th Street.  Caterpillar will provide shuttle service to the tour stops.  This event is sponsored by AWI, U of I Extension, and the Illinois Biomass Working Group.

Both the workshop and the plot tour are free and open to the public. Advance registration for the workshop is required to ensure availability of food and printed materials. To register or for further information, call or e-mail Tim McMahon at AWI by July 3 at 217-877-5640 or email tmcmahon@agwatershed.org.  

Farmland Documentary is Coming to Illinois

Academy Award-winning filmmaker James Moll’s new feature length documentary, Farmland, will be released nationally yesterday, with a special advance screening of the film hosted by the Illinois Farm Families coalition at AMC River East Theatre in Chicago.

Farmland offers viewers an intimate and firsthand glimpse into the lives of six young farmers and ranchers across the U.S. chronicling their high-risk-high-reward jobs, and their passion for a way of life that has been passed down from generation to generation, yet continues to evolve.

“In Farmland, audiences will hear thoughts and opinions about agriculture, but not from me, and not from a narrator,” Moll says about his film. “They’re from the mouths of the farmers and ranchers themselves.”

The film will be shown to the public for a week starting May 2 at the AMC River East Theatre in Chicago. Other Illinois locations will follow at a later date.

For more information, visit www.FarmlandFilm.com.

“With the average American several generations removed from farm life, we hope that this film finds a wide audience of those interested in where their food comes from,” said Reid Blossom, IBA executive vice president. “The six farmers in the film discuss many misconceptions about agriculture. Illinois farmers and agriculturists can expand this conversation by promoting Farmland to others.”

Giving Youth the EDGE

The Illinois Junior Beef Association (IJBA) is looking to give youth the edge needed to excel both professionally and personally for a future in the cattle and agriculture industry. The IJBA EDGE Conference is open to all juniors ages 8-21 at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign on June 9.

The EDGE Conference is designed to give youth the opportunity to learn more about the beef industry and sharpen skills needed for a future education and career in agriculture.

“We are excited to bring this educational conference to youth interested in the cattle business,” said Jill Johnson, IBA director of communications. “It's a chance for juniors to network while developing leadership potential and an awareness of information and issues facing the beef industry.”

Youth will attend sessions geared toward education and careers in the beef industry. They will learn tips on how to be an effective communicator and advocate from Christy Lee, photographer and owner of Cee Lee Communications, and Holly Spangler, associate editor for Prairie Farmer.

A carcass grading and beef safety skills lab will be conducted at the U of I Meat Science Lab. Participants will also tour the Beef Research Center learn from graduate students about opportunities to help conduct research at the student level.

Conference space is limited, and registration is required by May 15.

The registration form is available online at www.illinoibeef.com. For more information, contact Jill Johnson at 217-787-4280 or jill@illinoisbeef.com.

A schedule follows:

8:00-8:30 a.m.: Registration & Breakfast - U of I Meat Science Lab

8:30-8:45 a.m.: Welcome and IJBA Overview

8:45-9:15 a.m.: College 101
                All you need to know about preparing for an education in the agriculture industry and beyond

9:15-10:00 a.m.: Doing What You Love, Loving What You Do—Careers in Agriculture Panel

10:00-10:45 a.m.: Sizing up Social Media

                Utilizing Social Media for Advocacy with Holly Spangler 

10:45-11:30 a.m.: Speeches Worth Saluting
                Public Speaking Workshop

11:30-12:15 p.m.: Commanding the Camera
                Photography Workshop with Christy Couch Lee 

12:15-1:00 p.m.: Lunch

1:00-3:00 p.m.: Making the Grade—Evaluating Beef Carcasses and Beef Safety Demonstration

3:15-4:30 p.m.: What’s New with Research—Beef Research Farm Tour

Calling all Young Beef Leaders

Entering the beef industry in a time of diversity and opportunity is exciting. Global challenges in agriculture are exploding. Whether it be the growth and debate of genetically modified organisms or food safety and animal welfare, young beef industry enthusiasts have the opportunity to make an impact and convey a message.

The industry needs young cattle enthusiast that can grow and thrive in an ever-changing industry and it’s the mission of the Illinois Beef Association (IBA) Young Beef Leaders to shape our industry’s future leaders.

“Young beef enthusiasts are our future, and it is important to expose them to all segments of the business,” said Shelia Stannard, IBA director of industry programs. “We hope this Young Beef Leader Training Program will give more of our producers a big picture perspective of the beef industry while providing leadership development and networking opportunities.”

Through a series of field days designed to expose members to all aspects of the industry, the IBA offers Young Beef Leaders the opportunity to further explore our business, gain essential information and network with fellow IBA members. This program offers participants the opportunity to visit leading agribusinesses and learn from industry experts. Through the development of Beef Checkoff programs, Young Beef Leaders can engage and educate consumers about the nutritious product cattlemen produce and the beef farmer’s commitment to animal care and the environment.

For an individual to participate in the Young Beef Leaders training program, he or she must be an IBA member between the ages of 21-40 and submit an application to the IBA by May 15. The application and a schedule of events can be found on the IBA website, www.illinoisbeef.com.

IJBA Board of Directors Attend YBIC

The Illinois Junior Beef Association (IJBA) Board of Directors attended the 2014 Youth Beef Industry Congress (YBIC), March 27-29 in St. Louis, Mo. The biennial event gathered more than 125 junior members of national beef breed associations and state cattlemen organizations.The 2014 YBIC was offered thanks to the following sponsors: Purina, the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, Allflex®, GeneSeek and Ranch House Designs. 

“The YBIC conference is a great opportunity for the IJBA Board of Directors to create relationships amongst fellow beef leaders and industry professionals who will help them lead to a better future,” said Jill Johnson, Illinois Beef Association director of communications. “The junior board today will be the beef industry leaders of tomorrow, and we need to prepare them with the adequate knowledge and experience to make them successful.” 

While attending YBIC, IJBA Directors met with GeneSeek representative Gary Felger, toured the Monsanto world headquarters, and visited Purina’s Longview Animal Nutrition Center. They also learned about the importance of beef feed efficiency from Jared Decker, University of Missouri, and Megan Von Emon, Iowa State University. Motivational speaker, Eddie Slowikowski, taught attendees the importance of living each day to its fullest and becoming a confident leader. 

In addition, participants were given time to share ideas about how to improve their respective groups and better serve their memberships. They also discussed current issues facing agriculture and how to be a positive leader in all aspects of their lives. 

Pictured L to R: Tyler Pokojski, Zadok Graff, Marie Lock, Kagney Collins Mary Kline, and Taryn Adcock

IJBA Directors participating in the event were: Marie Lock of Avon, Taryn Adcock of Assumption, Tyler Pokojski of Centralia, Kagney Collins of Flanagan, Zadok Graff of Middletown, and Mary Kline of LeRoy.

IBA seeks nominations for YCC program

With the beef industry changing so rapidly, identifying and educating leaders to help guide and strengthen the industry has never been so important.

The Illinois Beef Association (IBA) partners with the National Cattlemen's Beef Association (NCBA) to see that leadership development for both organizations is successful. That is why IBA is committed to sending delegates each year to NCBA's Young Cattlemen's Conference (YCC).

The YCC tour has proven to be an effective vehicle in identifying and developing potential leaders. More than 950 cattle producers have graduated from the YCC program since its inception in 1980. Many of these alumni participate in committees and councils, and serve on boards of directors.

This program has become the cornerstone of leadership training in the beef cattle industry. Dates for 2014 are May 29 - June 5.

Each year, IBA sends a representative on the YCC trip. Representatives must complete the nomination process and applications will be reviewed by the IBA Awards Committee. Applications are due April 1 and can be downloaded at www.illinoisbeef.com. Contact Jill Johnson at 217-787-4280 or jill@illinoisbeef.com with questions.

Learn more about the YCC program.

Illinois Beef Expo provides educational experiences for college students

As one of the biggest cattle events in the state, the Illinois Beef Expo not only offers competitive youth cattle shows, but also provides educational experiences for college students.  

Sophomore students enrolled in the Applied Science Program at Illinois Central College in East Peoria participate in a hands-on exercise that supplements the classroom lecture of the Ruminant Animal Production class taught by Grant Grebner. Real-world application to the course objectives is a valuable learning tool for students in this program.

“I wanted to develop a class project that fit my lecture about animal selection and genetic improvement through selection,” Grebner said. “The performance data collected on the bulls consigned to the Illinois Performance Tested (IPT) Bull Sale is the perfect model for what I’m trying to teach my students.”

Grebner breaks the class into pairs of students and each group is given a scenario outlining what they are looking for in their next herd bull. They are also given a budget that represents what the cattlemen buying bulls from the sale face with regards to bull buying limitations.

“We look at the expected progeny difference (EPDs) posted on the IPT Bull Sale website for a couple of weeks prior to the sale and the students are instructed to pick out their top five bulls based off of their scenarios,” Grebner said. “I reinforce to my class that although the genotype of the animal may be an indicator of their breeding ability, the animal still must be able to function. So, in order for them to make the best selection for their project scenarios, the students attend the IPT Bull Sale during the Illinois Beef Expo in Springfield to look over the bulls and make a mock purchase based off of the needs of their ‘herd’.”

At the conclusion of the project, the students write a report of what bull they selected and why. Grebner said sometimes the students aren’t able to afford a bull of their choice and go home with an empty trailer.

This learning experience benefits students by applying the knowledge they gained on the use of EPDs and requires critical thinking and decision making skills.

ICC students study the IPT Bull Sale program as they view live lots in the sale ring.

The IPT Bull Sale also provides agriculture students from John Wood Community College (JWCC) in Quincy the chance to help with the sale’s check-in process. Students are an integral part of the processing crew and help load out the bulls at the conclusion of the sale.

Travis Meteer, IPT Bull Sale manager said, “The students from JWCC are great help and the process gives them a different perspective of the beef industry. They get to interact with the some of the top performance bull breeders in the state and gain a better understanding of what it takes to raise and market cattle.”

JWCC students assist with IPT Bull Sale check-in.

The Illinois Beef Expo is host to educational contests that are organized by college agriculture programs.

Black Hawk College – East Campus (BHE) in Galva has coordinated the Illinois Beef Expo livestock judging contest for the past 25 years.

“Organizing the contest gives our BHE agriculture students the opportunity to work an event and experience the kind of responsibility it takes and the pressure that comes with being behind the scenes. It’s great experience for them to leave campus and have to coordinate travel and contest logistics, and learn to be prepared, but also flexible for the day of the event,” said Lee Denzer, BHE agriculture professor.

Carson Goff of Hopedale has participated in the Expo judging contest for the past three years and said she enjoys the competition and meeting other people with her similar interests throughout the state, while learning more about what the college has to offer.

The BHE students also help with show cattle check-in, help line-up cattle and work in the showring. Denzer said this is a valuable experience for the students because they learn to deal with a fast-paced and sometimes stressful situation and have to learn to adapt to the hustle and bustle of the Expo.

Illinois Beef Expo livestock judging contest

The Illinois Beef Expo quiz bowl is organized by Lake Land College in Mattoon. The purpose of this event is to promote youth development and personal growth through increased knowledge of the beef industry, and to encourage more young beef producers in agriculture while improving their decision-making abilities.

Olivia Claire of Watseka has participated in the contest for the past four years and won the senior division this year. She appreciates the Expo’s offering and LLC’s coordination of the contest because it improves her knowledge of the beef industry and gives her the opportunity to learn new information that she can apply to her family’s commercial cow herd.

Jon Althaus, LLC agriculture division chair said, “It’s important to give the students at Lakeland real-world experience and organizing a cattle industry event gives them several skills that will help them in the future. The quiz bowl not only teaches our students real-world lessons, but it also gives the participants a cattle producer’s perspective on decision making in terms of breeds, feed, equipment, and basic management.”

Youth compete for top awards in Illinois Beef Expo Livestock Judging contest

On Feb. 22, 4-H and FFA teams vied for champion honors in the Illinois Beef Expo Livestock Judging Contest in Springfield. The winning FFA team was Pearl City FFA. The winning 4-H team was Henry/Stark.

Contestants judged six classes of livestock containing four animals each. Classes included both breeding and market beef animals. In addition, contestants answered questions on three classes.

Overall FFA team placings are as follows:
5th - Pearl City FFA
4th - Newton FFA
3rd - Lewiston FFA
2nd - Cambridge FFA
1st - Illini West/Rockridge/Liberty FFA

Pictured l to r: Taylor Johnson, Rylee Derrer of Illini West/Rockridge/Liberty FFA

Overall Top 10 FFA individual placings are as follows:
10th - Paige Kannall, Highland
9th - Andrew Baer, Tremont
8th - Katie Krumholz
7th - Taylor Johnson, Illini West, Rockridge, Liberty
6th - Tyler Lentz, Illini West, Rockridge, Liberty
5th - Jacob Lidy, Newton
4th - Rylee Derrer, Illini West, Rockridge, Liberty
3rd - Megan Reed, Cambridge
2nd - Kaitlyn Hildebrand, LaMoille
1st - Jacob Postin, Lewistown

Pictured l to r front row: Hildebrand, Reed, Lidy. Back row: Johnson, Krumholz, Kannall

Overall 4-H team placings are as follows:
5th - Knox Co.
4th - Mercer Co.
3rd - Marion Co.
2nd - McLean Co.
1st - Henry/Stark

Overall Top 10 4-H individual placings are as follows:
10th - Morghan Davison, Geneseo
9th - Mason Flack, Knox Co.
8th - Carson Goff, McLean Co.
7th - Matt Marion
6th - Jacob Hinshaw, McLean Co.
5th - Cole Thomas, Mercer Co.
4th - Layna Bond, Franklin Co.
3rd - John Gellerman, Sangamon/Menard
2nd - Adrian Austin, Marion Co.
1st - Adam Gradert, Henry/Stark

Pictured l to r front row: Gradert, Austin, Gellerman, Bond, Thomas. Back row: Goff, Flack, Davison

Overall Top Ten individuals Junior 4-H Division:
10th - Anna Hannon, Jasper Co.
9th - Clayton Miller, St. Elmo
8th - Case Hennenfent, Knox Co.
7th - Ann Weber, Mercer Co.
6th - Sawyer Schlief
5th - Tori Allen
4th - Kinze Goodman, Jasper Co.
3rd - Evan Wynne, Mercer Co.
2nd - Eric Schafer
1st - Sheridan Hank, Mercer Co.

Pictured l to r front row: Hank, Wynne, Goodman, Allen. Back row: Weber, Hennenfent, Hannon

Youth compete for top awards in Illinois Beef Expo quiz bowl contest

The Illinois Beef Expo has a long standing tradition of emphasizing youth education. On Feb. 22, youth vied for champion honors in the Illinois Beef Expo quiz bowl in Springfield. Olivia Claire of Watseka took top honors in the senior division and Wyatt Claire of Watseka won the junior division.

The purpose of this event is to promote youth development and personal growth through increased knowledge of the beef industry, and to encourage more young beef producers in agriculture while improving their decision-making abilities. The contest consisted of two phases; skillathon work stations and management tests. A cumulative total of both phases determined the winners.

Top Five placings in the Senior Division are as follows:

5th - Katie Miller, Cambridge

4th - Katie Krumholz, Eureka

3rd - Kaylie Huizenga, Morrison

2nd - Jacob Lidy, Newton

1st - Olivia Claire, Watseka

5th - Katie Miller, Cambridge; 4th - Katie Krumholz, Eureka; 3rd - Kaylie Huizenga, Morrison; 2nd - Jacob Lidy, Newton; 1st - Olivia Claire, Watseka; Alan Adams, IBA President

Top Five placings in the Junior Division are as follows:

5th - Dalton Engel, Galesburg

4th - Addison Keltner, Pearl City

3rd - Connor Travis, Olney

2nd - Brayden Freeman, Winchester

1st - Wyatt Claire, Watseka

5th - Dalton Engel, Galesburg; 4th - Addison Keltner, Pearl City; 3rd - Connor Travis, Olney
2nd - Brayden Freeman, Winchester; 1st - Wyatt Claire, Watseka; Alan Adams, IBA President

FREE BQA Certification for Producers

Are you doing your part for the beef industry by earning your BQA certification? Well, if you aren’t certified, have we got a deal for you!

For a second year, your checkoff-funded Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) program is giving you the chance to become certified for free thanks to a partnership with Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica, Inc. (BIVI) and the Beef Cattle Institute (BCI) housed at Kansas State University. The cost of BQA certification is normally $25 to $50; however, from Feb. 3, through April 15, 2014, Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica, Inc. (BIVI) will defray the cost of the certification or recertification, making it free. Visit www.bqa.org/team or www.BIVI-BQA.com to get started.

“BQA provides cattlemen with practical management tools they need to produce safe, high-quality beef for our consumers, says Ryan Ruppert, senior director of Beef Quality Assurance. “BQA also helps discover practices which can improve efficiency and ultimately, profitability.”

The BQA online programs are customized for cow/calf, stocker, feedlot and dairy operations. Developed and managed by the independent Beef Cattle Institute, these easy-to-use modules teach sound management techniques that can be applied to their operations. They also help cattle operations tell their story to consumers who might not understand all of the safety measures cattlemen take in producing the food on the table.

Steering Your Ship Through Rough Waters - Lessons on Leadership

Keynoting the opening general session of the Cattle Industry Convention and NCBA Trade Show was Captain Richard Phillips, the inspiration for the movie Captain Phillips, starring Tom Hanks. The movie is based on Phillip's book A Captain's Duty: Somali Pirates, Navy Seals and Dangerous Days at Sea, a fascinating and suspenseful recounting of the first hijacking of a U.S. ship in more than 200 years.

It's the incredible story of a regular man who found the courage to lead his ship and save his crew while besieged by Somali pirates for five days. Phillips not only shared his compelling story as a "floating CEO" in charge of the day-to-day operations of a multi-million dollar ship and its crew, he also drew lessons from the dramatic events that can help you survive and thrive. He discussed the vital importance of leadership and teamwork, combined with a belief that power and potential of yourself and your team, as seen through the eyes of an unassuming hero who conquered one of the world's most extraordinary challenges.

Captain Phillips' Key Takeaways:

1. A successful leader must always hope for the best, but also plan for the worst.

2. As a manager, take care of the little things/details. The small things that go ignored can often become the crisis.

3. A dedicated and focused team can solve any problem.

4. Commit yourself to see a situation through - don't quit or give up.

5. You are much stronger and can do more than you think you can.

6. When you are in a tough situation, it's best to pray for stength and patience rather than rescue.