Market access important for beef

With a tough farm economy, the Illinois Beef Association is trying to find ways to access markets and figure out what to feed this fall.

“There is a heavy focus on cover crops right now so we are happy cattle can take advantage of that cropping system and really aid in the environmental sustainability of agriculture,” said Jill Johnson, executive vice president of the Illinois Beef Association.

IBA is closely monitoring trade and was pleased to hear about the Trump Administration’s announcement of an agreement with Japan, which is the beef industry’s top export market.

Focuses of the IBA include policy and education for producers and building demand for beef.

The organization provides leadership development and scholarship opportunities for youth and conducts farm tours and advertising to raise awareness of beef.

IBA works with the Illinois Beef Expo to put on a big event each February which showcases the leading genetics in the state.

“Some of the best cattle and best genetics come out of Illinois from breeders here,” Johnson noted.

Illinois Beef Expo provides plenty of networking opportunities for producers.

More on IBA can be found at www.illinoisbeef.com, on Facebook or by calling the office at 217-787-4280.