SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — More than 150 young cattle exhibitors from across the state gathered for their annual meeting and to elect new junior leaders for their statewide beef cattle organization.
Members of the Illinois Junior Beef Association were in Springfield to participate in showmanship, market class and breeding stock competitions at the Illinois State Fair.
“The cattle shows are an exciting feature of Illinois State Fair’s history and tradition. Having hundreds of youths in Springfield to continue this legacy was a great testament to the strength of our beef cattle industry across the state and showcases the strong future we’ll have through their dedication and commitment to producing exceptional cattle,” said Josh St. Peters, executive vice president of the Illinois Beef Association, IJBA’s parent organization.
During their meeting, IJBA members elected nine young people to serve for the next year as their Board of Directors.
The 2021-2022 IJBA leadership team includes:
• Kyle Eathington, 17-year-old son of Kevin and Patricia Eathington, of Avon in Fulton County. Eathington attends Spoon River Valley High School.
• Tyler Lee, 17-year-old son of Scott and Casey Lee of Durand, in Winnebago County. Lee attends Durand High School.
• Paige Lemenager, 17-year-old daughter of Luke and Stacy Lemenager of Hudson, in McLean County. Lememager attends Normal Community West High School.
• Garrett Rhode, 20-year-old son of Tyler and Melissa Rhode of Carlock, in McLean County. Rhode attends University of Illinois.
• Lauren Wolter, 16-year-old daughter of Bradley and Kimberly Wolter of Aviston, in Clinton County. Wolter attends Central Community High School.
• Cody Knodle, 21-year-old son of Mark and Julie Knodle of Fillmore, in Montgomery County. Knodle attends Kansas State University.
• Paige Van Dyke, 19-year-old daughter of Jon and Katrina Van Dyke of Louisville, in Clay County. Van Dyke attends Lake Land College.
• Grace Arnold, 19-year-old daughter of Sam and Katy Arnold of Clinton, in DeWitt County. Arnold attends Lake Land College.
• Adam Miller, 16-year-old son of Alan and Theresa Miller of Gridley, in McLean County. Miller attends El Paso-Gridley High School.
Selected from the board for Executive Committee positions are president, Garrett Rhode; vice president, Grace Arnold; secretary, Paige Van Dyke; and promotions chair, Cody Knodle.
IJBA represents more than 750 young people, ages 8 to 21, active in the promotion, development and exhibition of Illinois’ beef industry.