IBA welcomes St. Peters

The Illinois Beef Association (IBA) has announced Josh St. Peters is the new executive vice president of the organization.

St. Peters will lead all functions of the Association in this role. Reporting directly to the IBA board, he will develop and recommend policies, plans and programs to effectively meet the needs and challenges of the membership and to enhance the demand, growth and reputation of beef and Illinois' beef industry.

"We are happy and excited to have Josh St. Peters on board as our executive," said IBA President, Dr. Buzz Iliff, of Wyoming. "The Board of Governors is looking forward to working with him to take the organization forward."

St. Peters comes to IBA with 20 years of experience in ag marketing, communications and public affairs work. He is a former farm broadcaster and previously worked in communications for Illinois Farm Bureau. St. Peters' past experience includes management roles at Pioneer Hi-Bred and he was Vice President for advertising agency Osborn+Barr. For the last five years he has been executive vice president at The Context Network, a management consulting firm that works with agriculture companies around the world.

"Josh and his family are cattle producers in McLean County. It is great to continue IBA's tradition of hiring an executive with a vested interest in our great industry that has the strong leadership qualities and vast experience with which he brings to IBA", said IBA Vice President, Dr. Paul Walker, of Danvers.

St. Peters grew up in Bond County, where he was active in 4-H and FFA. He has been inducted into the Illinois 4-H Hall of Fame and is a past Illinois FFA Star in Agribusiness. Today he volunteers as Vice Chairman of the Illinois FFA Foundation.

St. Peters will assume full-time duties with IBA on March 1.