Illinois Beef presents 2024 awards

Illinois Beef Association recognized dozens of valued members and their achievements during the 2024 IBA Awards Ceremony at the annual meeting.

Illinois Beef Foundation named the 2024 Foundation scholarship recipients, and hosted a silent auction and raffle to raise funds for the scholarship program. IBA recognized a “Valued Industry Partner” or “VIP,” awarded to recognize industry professionals and business partners who go above and beyond, putting their time and talents to work in support of the Association and its missions.

This year the VIP Recognition award was presented to Barney Gehl of Zoetis. IBA presented the 2024 Membership Awards to the following individuals and families:

Outstanding Junior Member of the Year went to Kade & Kendall Boatman of Rockford.

IBA Member of the Year went to Justin Rahn or Mt. Carroll.

Environmental Steward of the Year went to Green's Diamond G Farm of Atlanta.

Commercial Producer of the Year went to MAC Cattle Co. of Payson.

Seedstock Producer of the Year went to Moore Land & Cattle of Jerseyville.

Farm Family of the Year went to the Keith & Brady Kramer Family of Kramer Farms in Farina.

Sara Benson of Merck Animal Health presented the Illinois Beef Foundation with a check for $9,293 as part of the Cartridges for Cash program. For every empty Ralgro or Revelavor cartridge turned in to Merck, they donated $0.25 back to the Illinois Beef Foundation.

The 2024 Illinois Beef Foundation Silent Auction and raffle raised nearly $6,000 for their scholarship fund. The Illinois Beef Foundation is a non-profit corporation and operates exclusively for educational and charitable purposes, most notably annual youth scholarships that help passionate juniors continue their education. This year’s Foundation Board included Dave Duzan, Joan Harrison, Scott Wetzell, Rick Dean, Jamie Martz, Paul Walker, and Sheryl Hopkins.