Legislative Day

Illinois Beef Association (IBA) members stormed Springfield March 13 and 14, to raise awareness about the organization and its stance on legislative policy. IBA members spoke with Lt. Gov. Shelia Simon, House Minority Leader Tom Cross, and Illinois Department of Agriculture Director Bob Flider as well as 15 House of Representative members and seven Senate members, most of whom serve on key committees overseeing agriculture, conservation and the environment.

IBA President Jeff Beasley was enthusiastic about the sharp questions that Illinois General Assembly leaders asked about IBA, its membership, and general views about regulatory issues facing cattle producers.

“Building relationships and maintaining those relationships with individuals that make decisions is a critical step in raising awareness about IBA and its members,” Beasley said.

IBA also partnered with the Illinois Pork Producers Association (IPPA) to host its annual reception the evening of March 13. New to this year’s event was the presentation of IBA’s “Friend of Beef” award among Illinois’ elected officials. Rep. Kay Hatcher was the award recipient for her diligence in sponsoring and passing a bill that helps cattlemen protect their pastures from invasive wildlife.

Make Dinner BOLD with Beef

March is National Nutrition Month and we’re celebrating with healthy, tasty beef! Research shows that beef as part of a heart-healthy diet can actually reduce cholesterol levels and that’s something worth celebrating! With 29 lean cuts and 10 essential nutrients, there’s no arguing that you can feel good about making lean beef the center of your plate, especially when surrounding it with fruits, vegetables, whole grains and dairy. Learn more about Beef in an Optimal Lean Diet (BOLD), and claim this heart-healthy, delicious recipe below as your dinner tonight!

Sirloin with Sugar Snap Pea and Pasta Salad

Total recipe time: 60 minutes
Makes 4 servings

Ingredients

• 1 boneless beef top sirloin steak, cut 3/4 inch thick (about 1 pound)
• 2 cups fresh sugar snap peas
• 2 cups cooked gemelli or corkscrew pasta
• 1 cup grape or teardrop tomatoes, cut in halves
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• Freshly grated lemon peel
• Chopped fresh parsley (optional)

Gremolata Dressing:

• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 teaspoons freshly grated lemon peel
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

1. Bring water to boil in large saucepan. Add peas; cook 2 to 3 minutes until crisp-tender. Drain; rinse under cold water. Combine peas, pasta and tomatoes in large bowl. Set aside.
2. Whisk Gremolata Dressing ingredients in small bowl until well blended. Toss 2 tablespoons dressing with pasta mixture. Set aside.
3. Combine 3 cloves minced garlic and 1 teaspoon pepper; press evenly onto beef steak. Place steak on rack in broiler pan so surface of beef is 2 to 3 inches from heat. Broil 9 to 12 minutes for medium rare (145°F) to medium (160°F) doneness, turning once.
4. Carve steak into thin slices; season with salt, as desired. Add steak slices and remaining dressing to pasta mixture; toss to coat evenly. Garnish with lemon peel and parsley, if desired.

Nutritional Information

Nutrition information per serving: 369 calories; 12 g fat (3 g saturated fat; 7 g monounsaturated fat); 5 mg cholesterol; 216 mg sodium; 31 g carbohydrate; 4.2 g fiber; 32 g protein; 1 mg niacin; 0.7 mg vitamin B6; 1.4 mcg vitamin B12; 4.4 mg iron; 46.5 mcg selenium; 5.3 mg zinc.

This recipe is an excellent source of protein, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, iron, selenium and zinc; and a good source of fiber.

IL Beef Expo creates a buzz

February buzzed by, literally and figuratively. Granted it has three less days than other months and it’s usually plagued by clouds, snow or rain and chilly winds, but we can always count on the beef industry to bring some heat to Springfield in February – heat in the show and sale ring.

The 25^th annual Illinois Beef Expo was held at the State Fairgrounds in Springfield Feb. 21-24. Cattle producers throughout the state braved a blizzard to support record-setting seedstock sales, attended a 77 exhibitor trade show, watched 375 youth exhibit 730 head of some of the best cattle in the country, enjoyed a ribeye sandwich, and more. IBA thanks all of the volunteers and participants that helped make the Illinois Beef Expo possible. Results will be in the upcoming March/April issue of Illinois Beef magazine can be viewed at illinoisbeefexpo.com.

The Illinois Beef Expo also created a buzz with the central Illinois media. Watch the video below as ABC News Channel 20 in Springfield covers the Illinois Beef Expo and speaks to IBA Executive Vice President Reid Blossom.

WICS NewsChannel 20 :: News - Top Stories - Illinois Beef Expo Comes to Fairgrounds

Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica, Inc. Becomes Sponsoring Partner for BQA Certification

The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) is pleased to announce that Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica, Inc. is partnering with the Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) program, and will be sponsoring the cost of BQA certification for American cattlemen and cattlewomen this spring.

The cost of BQA certification is normally $25-$50; however, between Feb. 11, 2013 and March 15, 2013, Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica, Inc. will defray the cost of the certification, making it free for producers.

“BQA provides cattlemen with the tools they need to produce the safest, highest quality beef in the world while also looking at ways to make their operations more efficient and productive,” said BQA Senior Director Ryan Ruppert.

Ruppert notes that BQA is the gold standard of livestock handling and animal welfare programs, and that Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica Inc.’s support of BQA certification demonstrates the company’s commitment to improving the industry and telling consumers about the sound production practices most cattlemen use every day. Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica, Inc. has also placed emphasis on managing herd health before problems arise to prevent issues and keep operations running efficiently.

The BQA has customized programs specific to cow/calf, stocker, feedlot or dairy operations. These easy to use modules teach sound management techniques they can apply to their operation. The cattle industry has embraced BQA because it is the right thing to do; but certified producers also report improvements in efficiency and increased profitability. It also helps cattle operations tell their story to consumers who might not understand all of the safety measures cattlemen take in producing the food on the table.

"We're proud to partner with BQA to bring this important certification program to more American cattlemen and dairy producers," said David Korbelik, director of cattle marketing for Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica, Inc. "Much like our Prevention Works approach to animal health, BQA is about monitoring and making incremental improvements throughout the life cycle to prevent disease and ensure a quality end product. We will also be working with the BQA to allow access to the training and certification program for animal health and veterinary students.”

Those interested in taking advantage of this BQA certification opportunity can go to www.BIVI-BQA.com. “It’s clear that Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica, Inc. is committed to helping consumers understand that beef is produced in a safe and humane manner,” said Ruppert. “This partnership will help producers learn about the latest industry advancements and demonstrate the ways they continue to provide a top-quality food product.”

For more information on the BQA program visit www.BQA.org. To complete the BQA certification process, visit www.BQA.org/team.

To learn more about the Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica, Inc. Prevention Works program, visitwww.bivipreventionworks.com. To learn more about Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica, Inc. visitwww.bi-vetmedica.com/cattle.

BQA Certification Signs

Beef Quality Assurance Certification Signs are available at the office. If your name is included in the list below contact the IBA office at 217-787-4280 and we will make arrangements to deliver your sign.

AC&S Farms

Acie Settle

Andrea Hosto

Ashley Decker

Bahl Livestock

Bailey Tait

Bluhm Farms

Bramel Farms

Caleb Maxedon

Camp Farms

Carls Farms

Chad L. Daugherty

Chelsie Schwarm

Chelsie Whitesell

Crockett Farm

Crum Cattle Company

Dallas Duncan

Darcie Rahe

Dau Farms

Dean Farms

Denham Family Farms

Dohm Farm

Duzan Angus

Earl & Steve Probst Farms

Gardner Farms

George J. Fandrich

Ginder Farms

Gross Livestock

Headley Angus

High Knoll Farms

Hockman Farms

Jane Cornell

Jeff Johnson Farms

J-Maker Dairy Farm

Jones Cattle Company

Jordan Bartels Cattle Farm

Kasey Farms

Kautz Farm

Kemme Farms

KPS Livestock

Lagerhausen Farms

Leder Farms

Leemon Stock Farm

Link Farms

Marie Lock

McClellan Farm

McGrew Cattle

Michael Arney

Miller Family Show Cattle

Nelson Angus

Niemann Farms

Oak Grove Cattle Farms x 2

Olson Farms

Ormiston Genetics

Patrick Killian

Peters Farm

Pfundstein Farms

Pieper Farms

Reichart Livestock

Repking Farms

Rincker Farms

Robert Hosto

Rod Limes Family Farm

Sara Plants

Schleich Cattle

Shippert Farms

Singer Farms

Smith Farm

Starman Cattle Co

Strohl Farms

Thiems Farm

Thomas Farms

Trevor Kuipers

Walk Farms

Wayne Wildermuth

Wesley A. Green

Wonder Land Ranch

Zach Fanning