Illinois Beef raises funds to support education, producer development

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — The Illinois Beef Association hosted a Cattlemen’s Gala celebration to raise money and mark the 10th anniversary of the Illinois Beef Foundation.

The evening raised more than $40,000 in funding to support scholarships and grants to fund educational pursuits for young beef producers in the state.

Nearly 250 IBA members and beef producers from across the state attended the Nov. 21 event, which included a formal dinner, live and silent auctions and a country music band performance.

“The gala helped ensure the scholarships will continue for many years to come,” said Joan Harrison, foundation board chairwoman. “It was a great night of fellowship, bringing together cattlemen with shared values to enjoy a wonderful prime rib dinner and awesome music.”

The foundation provides scholarships annually to eight young beef producers pursuing a college education. Applications for the college scholarship program are currently being accepted through Jan. 1.

Information on the scholarship program, including the application and rules, is available online at www.illinoisbeef.com.

One Cattlemen’s Gala evening highlight was a special presentation of $20,000 given to create the Jamie Willrett Young Leader Development Fund, in remembrance of a former IBA president and industry leader who passed in 2024.

The check was presented by Willrett’s wife, Larisa, who shared with participants her family’s wish in creating the memorial fund was to continue Jamie’s legacy of professional development and leadership in the cattle business.

“Jamie believed in giving back to the industry through grassroots organizations like IBA and the Illinois Beef Foundation. He was fortunate to experience a lot of development and education through his involvement in the state and national cattlemen’s organizations, and he always advocated for young producers to have the same kind of opportunities for learning and networking,” she said.

The fund will provide scholarship opportunities to young beef producers who are actively raising cattle as a business enterprise so that they can continue professional development through state and national beef industry programs. Additional information on the training and development funding will be available through IBA in 2026.

“The foundation gala was more than just a celebration, as it brought our beef community together to invest in the next generation of cattlemen and women,” said IBA President Shannon Welsh. “The money raised helps fund scholarships and educational programs that keep Illinois beef producers competitive, innovative and thriving.”