Illinois Beef Expo expands junior competitions, offers three live cattle sales

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — The Illinois Beef Expo is back Feb. 19-22 at the Illinois State Fairgrounds in Springfield.

With auctions featuring lots from top cattle operations throughout the state, a premiere junior beef show and a top industry trade show, this is a must-attend for all Illinois beef producers.

For beef producers, the three sales offer everything needed to support a growing herd. If you seek proven performance, the Illinois Performance Tested Bull Sale on Feb. 19 is a great place to purchase your next bull. The Multi-Breed Female Sale offers heifer calves for any seedstock breeder and even includes a set of ready-to-show females. Finally, The Collection genetics sale is a great opportunity to stock up on leading genetics from across the country, making you ready for breeding season.

A highlight for juniors this year is the expansion of new competitive programs taking place at the expo. Beyond the classic two-ring junior show, the livestock judging competition and the beef skill-a-thon contests, a few more programs will be opportunities for juniors to expand their skillset.

To begin, the Illinois Junior Beef Association will offer a photography contest prior to expo, where juniors will submit their best farm-themed photos from the past year to be judged and displayed at expo and in Illinois Beef magazine.

Also, the expo is bringing back the old tradition of cattle fitting contest on Feb. 20 in the Livestock Center. This is a great opportunity for juniors to be rewarded for their behind-the-scenes work and skill.

If you are an IJBA member, make sure to add the organization’s winter meeting to your calendar. It will precede the fitting contest at 2 p.m. Feb. 20 in the Livestock Center.

“I am beyond excited to offer extended junior programs at this year’s expo,” said IJBA Coordinator Devin Bollman. “This is what the expo has always been about — the betterment of the industry for not just today, but also the next generation.”