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IBA Summer Conference Heads To Effingham
SPRINGFIELD, ILL.
With many Illinois cattlemen seeking ways to remain profitable and add value to their operation in today’s cattle business, producers are looking for information on how to manage a business in a dynamic and ever-changing industry environment surrounded by several hot-button issues. Cattlemen want to keep beef a mainstay in the consumer diet and remain viable in a regulatory environment.
To help beef producers successfully manage their livestock operations during these dynamic times, the Illinois Beef Association (IBA) will host its annual Summer Conference June 11-13 in Effingham, Ill. During the conference, regional and national industry leaders will closely examine some of the major interests and issues facing the industry: beef sustainability, consumer demands, policy and international trade issues, and emerging technology.
The Illinois Cattle Industry Leadership Summit kicks off the two-and-a-half-day event on June 11 with a tour of the animal health company, Elanco. This tour will take place at one of Elanco's facilities in Clinton, Ind., where participants will get to learn the development process of the product Rumensin. IBA members will then gather together for a reception and dinner hosted by IBA President Joni Bucher at the Tuscan Hills Winery in Effingham. This is a great opportunity to celebrate the beef industry with current and past leaders.
A day of networking and education follows on June 12 along with the IBA Annual Meeting and Awards Dinner. Conference speakers for the IBA Summer Conference Cattlemen's College include:
• Political Climate Change and the Beef Business
Jennifer Houston, 2019 NCBA President
Never has the political and social climate in the United States been so daunting to cattle producers. Deepen your understanding of the policy issues being discussed in Washington, D.C., that will directly impact your livelihood. Learn more about policies, players, and process and their potential impacts on the beef business.
• Opportunities for Illinois Agriculture and the Livestock Industry
Panel Discussion: John Sullivan, Director of Illinois Department of Agriculture; Mitch Schaben and Rich Clemmons, Illinois Beef Association lobbyists; Jill Johnson, Moderator
A new administration is shaping the political climate in Springfield and big ticket issues were the talk of the town during the 101st General Assembly's spring session. Learn more about the Illinois Department of Agriculture's priorities and get a deep dive into policies discussed in Springfield from IBA's contract lobbyists that represent IBA members in Springfield every day.
• Meeting Consumer Demands Related to Sustainability
Shawn Darcy, Director of Market Research at NCBA
Learn about customer expectations related to sustainability from beef retail and food service partners and why it is important to the beef value chain and your individual business. The panel will discuss successes, challenges and opportunities related to beef sustainability and answer your individual questions.
• Expanding Your Operation
Panel Discussion: Tim Maiers, Rick Dean, and Dave Lidy; Nic Anderson, Moderator
Access to resources like feed and transportation makes Illinois a great place to raise cattle and livestock operations are growing. However, the most difficult part when considering expansion in the beef cattle sector can often be figuring out where to start. A panel of cattlemen will discuss reasons for expansion on their farm, the steps they took to accomplish their goals, and what they learned that they wish they'd known when starting the process.
• Traceability, Blockchain and Technology on the Farm
Dr. Isaac Olvera, Commodities and Data Analyst
As technologies continue to evolve, consumers are demanding more from their food than ever before. With the click of a button or the swipe of a finger, new age consumers want to know the who, what, where and how their food was raised. Trust, transparency, and food safety are becoming more than just buzzwords, and technology is reshaping beef production, from ranch to rail.
• Cutting Demo: Fresh and Further Processing
Brandon Klehm, Meat Science Instructor & Meat Judging Coach at U of I; Representative from Illinois Meat Processors Association
Thinking outside the box is the approach meat scientists and meat processors are taking in their efforts to revolutionize the future of beef restaurant and retail cuts. Learn the latest in the end-product realm during this "hands on" carcass demonstration, and gain insight into how local processors merchandise the meat case and move more than just steaks and ground beef.
Aside from the opportunity to learn from leading cattle industry experts, participants will have the chance to network with agribusinesses and fellow beef producers.
The IBA Annual Meeting will be held on June 12 at 12:15 p.m. The awards banquet, sponsored by the Illinois Corn Marketing Board, will honor the IBA Farm Family of the Year, Seedstock Breeder of the Year, Commercial Producer of the Year, Environmental Steward of the Year and Outstanding Junior Member at 6 p.m.
Illinois agriculture industry tours are scheduled for June 13. South Central FS will be hosting the first tour stop at their new, state-of-the-art, multispecies feed mill. Participants will then head to Altamont for a grand tour of the family-owned purebred Simmental cattle and grain operation, Diamond A Farms. The participants will then get a behind-the-scenes tour of Larry and Blake Durbin's grain and beef operation where they will learn about cattle management and feed efficiency.
For more of a complete schedule and to register online, visit www.illinoisbeef.com. ∆
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