Fodder is a term that has gained quite the popularity in the last couple of years. Fodder is defined as simple as microgreens for livestock. If you grow livestock one of the main keys to raising a healthy herd is having good quality food to feed them. Many farmers have been feeding their cattle or other animals very cheaply and not paying attention to the ingredients in the feed. Let’s be honest, cheap doesn’t mean healthy. Many consumers are becoming more conscious about the food that they buy. Consumers want a sustainable healthy option to feed their family as healthy as they can.
This is where fodder comes into play. Fodder is packed full of vitamins and minerals. It’s super simple to grow taking 2 pounds of dry seed. You can produce about 12 pounds of fodder in about 1 week. There are many options to grow fodder, the most common is in a plastic tote. However the concept is the same; you begin by laying the seeds in a thin layer across a flat surface. The next step is to make sure the seeds have a constant supply of water, as well as making sure the seeds don’t drown, while keeping them wet. Once this is done within 7-12 days you will have a biscuit of greens to feed to your livestock. Fodder has the ability to change the way we feed. Instead of focusing on the animals rate of gain, we can make sure we feed them a healthier diet to ensure a better end product, along with a better life. In return we will have a much healthier population.
Adding fodder to your feed regimen will improve the health of your livestock. Some farmers even charge more for the meat due to it being grass fed. Consumers like to buy stickers that make them feel good about the food they buy. Lots of those labels lie to the consumer but we as farmers can strive to raise the best products possible. It is our responsibility as the agriculture industry to educate and promote to the public about what goes into creating healthy food. Overall this means we need to feed our animals a healthy diet as well and care more about what goes into their bodies as well as our own.
Stepping into Western Illinois University in Macomb Illinois for the first time was a whirlwind for me and I fell in love immediately. I grew up in more of a rural area so there really wasn’t farmland or cows when you drive down the road. I wasn’t brought up on a farm or taught how to take care of the land. When I came here, I was taken by how passionate people are with this way of life. I come from a small house in Washington, IL. I grew up there with my grandma, grandpa, mother, and sister. My mom was a very proficient painter. Grandpa was a mechanic and grandma was a nurse. So, how did I get here?
This is me hanging out in grandma’s yard with the neighbor’s cats…
What brought me here?
I didn’t start out wanting to go into agriculture. This was an interesting journey for me. I have always wanted to help animals ever since I was a little girl. I was always welcoming the neighbor animals into Grandma’s house without her knowledge. She found out eventually when the neighbors would come knocking on her door. Aside from wanting to help animals, my grandma opened up another door as well. Grandma planted everything from flowers to her own vegetables and taught me how. I knew that I wanted to learn more about nature and the affects certain things have on animals or maybe even make natural medicine if possible. Being at Western has made me realize that this is the path that I want to take. It opens up a whole new world. I have learned so much already with animal sciences and there’s still so much more to learn. I am excited for what lies ahead of me.
Grandma, Grandpa, I
About the author
Hello there. My name is Adrionna Cole, and I am a senior here at WIU. I have a major in pre-veterinary medicine. I am from Washington, IL. I have lived here for practically my entire life. After I am done attending WIU. I hope to attend ISU to attain the rest of my education necessary to be a veterinarian. That is my dream goal, and I will continue to chase it.
Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS) is the the fancy long name for the disease. This disease causes reproductive failure, pneumonia and increased susceptibility to secondary bacterial infections. This ever-evolving disease affects the pork industry in both the commercial and show industry. While this disease has been around for some time it is always evolving and changing within the industries. For the future of pork production this is a topic that needs to be addressed.
Photo Cred: Pederson’s Natural Farms
What’s New?
Within the past few months of the new year there has been a new strain of PRRS migrating into the commercial pork and show industries. PRRS linage 1C RFLP pattern is what they are calling it, and it comes about by the swine having prolonged PRRS infection. This meaning that they have contracted the disease and have not been treated or have been on and off sick with PRRS. There has been some difficulty eliminating the disease since it is a new strain that nobody was ready for.
There are 2 distinct strains of PRRS with one coming Europe and one here in the United States. Both are currently in the United States and have many different viral variants. Between the 2 strains they are genetically different but clinically similar in terms of symptoms and reactions. These symptoms are periods of anorexia, fever, lethargy, depression, and respiratory distress or vomiting.
Photo Cred: U of I Veterinary Medicine
How Does This Affect Us and What We Need to Do.
With this new strain of PRRS it affects both the commercial and show areas of the swine industry. As far as preventative maintenance of the spreading of this disease is to ensure better biosecurity procedures than what we already have in place. This includes cleaning transport trucks, showering in and out, isolation from the heard, wearing plastic boots and changing clothes in between barn visits.
Vaccines and Technology
Within the past few months there is no know vaccine out yet for the new strain of PRRS, but according to my local vets around the area they are about 6-8 weeks out from getting a new vaccine. There is also new technology that is supposed to be coming out for commercial hog barns to help combat PRRS. It includes taking water and oxygen molecules from the air and turning them into hydrogen peroxide and hydroxyls that are distributed through and fogging machine. The swine will inhale these particles and get into their lungs and destroy the PRRS in the pig.
About The Author
Photo Creds: J. Marie Photography
Hello everyone, my name is Andy Bates and I am from Gilson, Illinois and currently a senior at Western Illinois University. I am majoring is Ag Science and minoring in Animal Science where I will attend another year at Western and graduate in May of 2025. I grew up on a small diversified livestock operation which included, a small commercial cow/calf operation, and raising purebred Duroc show swine. I grew up raising and showing swine since I could walk and having to hear about this new string of PRRS really got me worried since I am still deeply into this industry. I hope you enjoyed my blog and i hope that i brought a new perspective to the swine industry.
Growing up, school was the foundation for education and an area for personal development through human interaction. School teaches kids how to tie their shoes, color within the lines, and write their names. We form valuable connections at a young age that serve us purpose through every stage of life. School has taught me valuable lessons on sharing, time management through deadlines and goals, and adaptability. As I grew older, school evolved from a place of learning to an escape from the pressures of everyday life.
Photo Credit: Ashley Walton
To give you a little background, I grew up in a small town, Apple River, in Northwest Illinois. Apple River has a population of 333 individuals and serves as a purpose for the Illinois Central Railroad. My village was quiet, with only a post office and a local gas station; the nearest Walmart was within 40 minutes. Growing up, I learned that information spreads like wildfire and quickly becomes the talk of the town. Every morning, my brother and I would walk to the bus stop and wait for the bus to pick us up. The bus became an essential part of our lives as it was our only way to school since our parents struggled to support us financially. As we aged, my brother and I became aware of the hardships my family was experiencing and noticed a shift in their parenting styles. Due to my parents’ work requirements to meet financial ends, they missed milestones and significant accomplishments.
I shifted my attention to extracurricular activities and student involvement when I entered high school. I played on the basketball, softball, and volleyball teams and was a member of the National Honors Society, Servant Leadership, and student council. I became an influential part of the Warren FFA Chapter and served in multiple positions on the Illinois section team. In high school, the school district hired a high school agriculture teacher. The agriculture teacher, Sydney Groen, was a young college graduate nervous about her new role. Mrs. Groen adapted quickly to the challenges of teaching class, organizing agriculture events, and renovating the greenhouse. Her bubbly personality encourages classroom conversation and a hands-on approach that makes learning fun. She and I share a special connection for our love of agriculture. We spent countless hours planning FFA week, attending CDEs, and finalizing my record book. She took on a motherly role in my life and a way to distract my mind from the hardships my family was experiencing.
Left to Right: Sydney Groen & Megan Hynek Photo Credits: Kelsie Johnson
As graduation approached, I was consumed with anxiety, knowing that school would soon end. At every family event, I was bombarded with questions about college and the “what’s next?” School was the only thing I knew growing up, providing structure and stability with life’s uncertainties. Witnessing my parent’s struggles in factory jobs fueled my determination to pursue a degree in higher education. While I was sure of attending college, being the first in my family to do so weighed heavily on my mind. I sought guidance from the agriculture teacher on what she would do in my position. She arranged a college tour at Western Illinois University, where I learned about the agriculture program and its opportunities. After attending the Seven Cooperative Principal Program at WIU, I enrolled as a Leatherneck. In the Summer of 2021, I was accepted into Western Illinois University as an undergraduate to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture and a minor in Community Forestry.
Seven Cooperative Principals at WIU in 2019 Photo Credits: Sydney Groen
Over the last three years at Western Illinois University, I’ve acquired vital knowledge to prepare me for adulthood. WIU has provided me with educational opportunities, hands-on experiences, and lifelong connections. Near the end of my journey at Western Illinois University, I grappled with familiar pressures, as I had experienced during my high school years. However, this pressure has intensified, as now I carry the weight of expectations associated with having an education that guarantees “success.” Throughout our lives, we’ve been conditioned to believe that education leads to professionalism. Yet, transitioning from a structured school routine to navigating the professional world brings immense pressure to prove oneself. Entering college, I thought I could escape the pressure, yet as graduation approaches, it becomes increasingly clear that they only intensify. After relying on education as an escape throughout my life, the expectation to have it all figured out feels particularly overwhelming.
The next step in life after college graduation is embarking on your career. I plan to work for a forestry company specializing in sustainable agriculture practices. In the future, I aspire to specialize in either tree injections or tree inventory. My experience at Western Illinois University has equipped me with valuable knowledge and skills necessary to excel. Through coursework, hands-on experience, and conversations with industry professionals, I have gained insight into sustainable agriculture practices, adapting to new challenges, and effective communication.
Meet the Author
My name is Megan Hynek, and I am a Senior at Western Illinois University with a major in Agriculture Science and a minor in Community Forestry. I am the vice president of the Forestry and Horticulture Club and serve as a Residential Assistant for Corbin/Olson. I am a Leatherneck Success Leader (LSL) and a co-advisor for the Transfer & First Generation Committee. As an LSL, I am committed to improving the success of other Leathernecks by enhancing academic skills and creating campus connections. On campus, I am a proud member of the Women Who Lifts and the Ag- Vocators club.
I have spent my entire life in and around the city of Chicago. The closest I had come to farming prior to being a student here at WIU was having a garden in my backyard that I was very proud of. I have since learned the yields on my tomato plants were less than impressive. It was pretty humbling. I did not come to WIU under the same circumstances as many of my peers had, with the understanding of how important agriculture can be for a community. However, I did come here with the knowledge of how equally important a lack of agriculture can be for a community.
Chicago is a beautiful city that thrives with so much diversity. On the other hand, it is also one of the most segregated. The driving factor behind its segregation? The socioeconomic status of its residents. Most people associate being wealthy with materialistic things like big houses, nice cars, etc. But the most important, and usually most forgotten, is the opportunity to have access to health and wellness. It is a privilege to have access to foods for proper nutrition. It is a privilege to have opportunities for a better education. It is a privilege to have the support and resources to be successful. The communities that lack these necessities suffer the most. Agriculture can change that.
“Investing in the soil yields healthy plants; investing in the soul yields healthy people.”
Daron Babcock-Executive Director of Bonton Farms
Bonton Farms is located in Dallas, Texas. Their community has been plagued with poverty and they are using urban farming to change that. They don’t limit their dedication to the food they grow. They provide programs for the residents that focus on nutrition, housing stability, career mentorship, and education.
Photo Credit: Bontonfarms.org
There are a lot of organizations across the U.S. that carry the same values as Bonton Farms, but it isn’t nearly enough. This is what I hope to do with the education I receive here at WIU. It feels less like a career choice and more like a responsibility. A responsibility to my home and my neighbors, to use what I have learned here and improve the quality of life for the residents and the quality of our most significant resource, our food.
Learning about plant science and soil science will inevitably be useful in my future. But the most important thing I have learned here at WIU; be generous with what you know to be true and never pass up the opportunity for good karma.
Meet the Author
My name is Andrea Padilla. I am currently a sophomore at WIU. I am majoring in Agricultural Science with a minor in Plant Breeding and Genetics. I am from Chicago, IL. Outside of agriculture, I am involved in the LGBTQ+ organizations at WIU. After graduation, I plan on continuing my education in horticultural research. My career plans are to bring agriculture into urban areas and develop new generations of crops to maintain sustainability to combat the effects of climate change.
William James: “The greatest purpose of life is to live it for something that will last longer than you.” I never truly understood what the word legacy truly meant until my time at WIU begun. It became apparent my first day on campus WIU wasn’t just a University but a place where true legacies begin. The livestock industry alone is packed with WIU alums who have not only been influential but will leave lasting impacts. Their continued support is what keeps the WIU agriculture program standing. I hope one day that I can give back to the program that has already given so much to me.
The word legacy is widely used but many often don’t understand the true meaning. The Oxford Dictionary: “The long-lasting impact of particular events, actions, etc. that took place in the past, or of a person’s life.” After talking to alumni, professors, and supporters it is clear that their actions have changed WIU for the better. As you walk down the hall of the Livestock Center the walls are decorated in history dating back to almost a century ago. Little did they know the impact they would have on not only future students but WIU it self.
Events such as annual livestock judging competitions, livestock shows, and representing WIU at the National Barrow Show have blazed the trail to where we are today. Everyday we strive to be better than the day before. As Dr.Mark Hoge, WIU professor, remarks “Amateurs make decisions off of emotions while pros make decisions off commitments.” This quote speaks volumes, it’s a direct motivator that speaks to and relates to everyone here at WIU. Every current and past student has embraced this quote and exemplifies it in their own lives.
I want to contribute to this legacy and continue the Leatherneck way but also make it better. This year we made a goal for the Legacy Sale to generate 150,000 dollars, we not only met our goal but exceeded it. This took countless hours contacting past alumni, breeders, and businesses across the country. This speaks volume to the support WIU has as well as the dedication of the current students to succeed. Not only was our Legacy Sale a success but my fellow classmates and I are striving to improve other parts of WIU. For example my friends and I have been redoing a barn currently on school grounds. South Side, as we call, it started with a vision, it certainly has not been an easy task. But we have made it into a fully functional show barn for small ruminants. My favorite part is showing prospective WIU candidates what is possible with a goal and self motivation.
“South Side”
Co-founders- Adam Bensman and Coby Frey
Photo Credits: Paige Pence
Making the decision to come to Western wasn’t easy. Being seven and a half hours away from home certainty isn’t ideal. But there is no other place I would rather be. Everyday I am surrounded by like minded motivated individuals, and professors who push each other to get better every single day.
If you want to be apart of the Leatherneck legacy there is a link below.
Hello my name is Coby Frey. I grew up in Upper Sandusky, Ohio, exhibiting all 4 species but predominantly goats. My family and I own and operate Frey Livestock. My involvement in the livestock industry led me into livestock judging. This passion laid the foundation for going to Black Hawk East to continue livestock judging and building lifelong connections. I’m currently studying Ag Science at Western Illinois University, while continuing livestock judging.
Cagwin, a name that has always been impactful in the livestock industry when it comes to cattle; trimming feet, cattle dehorning/ chiropractic, to even capturing the essence of the hard work at shows. Blood runs thick, but the passion for the industry runs even thicker.
It all started with Donald Elwin Cagwin who found his love for cattle through the FFA organization in 1956. As a junior in high school, Donald drove to Colorado to purchase his first Shorthorn heifer from John Shuemin.
“Thats where it all started.” –Donald Elwin Cagwin
Captured in the photo taken by Unknown:
Bruce Brooks, Don Cagwin, Dave Greenhorn, and Brain Cates
Donald started like many others and got a taste for the ring. He started at his local county fair and from there went to state fair. Eventually this led to six plus national champions with his Shorthorn steers and heifers. From there, he went and worked for the National Shorthorn Association for two years and wound up managing Questing Hills Farm. He bought his own operation in 1970 and started building his legacy from there. Donald accomplished this success by buying whole herds and then selling majority and keeping the ones he saw fit for what he was trying to accomplish. He bought herds from all over, this is anywhere from Canada to Nebraska to Tennessee and so on. He held a sale anywhere selling from 50-60 head and kept selling and buying, keeping his herd size around 100 to 150 head.
Donald was the first person to bring Shorthorns over from Ireland. To import any Shorthorns from Ireland, you had to contact Donald. He traveled all over the world looking for the best; Australia, Italy, Ireland, Canada, and etc. Donald was also one of the first people to import full blood Chinana’s from Italy to Canada and traded the cattle there.
Through all this, Donald met his wife Kathleen Jewel Delaney. They had three children: Cindy, Jeffery, and Amanda. But that didn’t slow Donald down. It made the passion grow even stronger to have Cindy and Jeffery working with and beside him. Donald’s piece of advice is to upcoming cattlemen is to:
“I think buying groups rather than just individuals, then sort them around in your breeding program. Then you sell some and keep some is the way to go.” –Donald Cagwin
In the mix of growing up and watching his father fire his passion, Jeffery Donald Cagwin found a unique path of his own.
Photo taken by unknown of:
Jeff Cagwin Exhibiting a Grand Champion and Res. Grand Champion Heifer at his county fair.
Photo taken by Katelyn Turner of:
Jeff Cagwin in his natural habitat (trimming table).
Jeff started showing at the age of nine years old in 4-H, showing heifers and steers. He continued showing until he proved himself outside of the ring by dressing up cattle and working. That started on and off from 14 to 19 years old. During his travels, he started fitting for Jerry Talyor. Jeff and his crew took Mr. Talyor’s cattle to about every major state fair from Missouri to Iowa, and to Kentucky. They went to all of the bigger county fairs in Illinois. Basically, this meant being gone all summer long showing Shorthorns.
In the mix of working and traveling from state to state, Jeff had the opportunity and dedication to win Illinois State fair with his Shorthorn Land of Lincoln steer when he was 17 years old.
With Don always traveling, Jeff had to watch and learn when it came to maintenance work on their cattle. Trimming feet over the years from watching and practicing, Jeff became known for doing a heck of a job. He started trimming at 5 pm after chores and the trailers started rolling in. He did as many as he could until about 10 pm at age 16.
“Non-stop I’d do probably over a 100 head on a weekend.” –Jeffery Cagwin
On top of trimming feet, Jeff had one of the biggest fitting services at the time. Starting in 1983, he won numerous titles, Herdsman of the year, over 30 National Champions, over 5 Shorthorn Junior National Champions, plus having Grand Champion and Reserve Grand Champion at Junior Nationals two years in a row. Those National Champions consisted of Charolais, Sillars, and Shorthorns. Whenever they were at a show, he had anything from 15 to 40 head of cattle in his string and over 40 different owners.
Jeff worked at the M6 ranch in Texas, taking care of Charolais. They hired him to be in charge of the show cattle and all of the medical work for the 900 head they ran. That’s where he picked up the skill to dehorn.
“We went everywhere, wherever there was a show. Colorado to Louisiana, all the shows in Texas, to Missouri, about every State Fair. If there was a show we went to it, it was non-stop with the M6 crew.” –Jeffery Cagwin
After a while, Don wanted Jeff to come back home. So, they made a deal. If Don bought “Miss Bee” as a three-week-old calf he’d come back home. Miss Bee was out of a cow that Jeff and M6 Ranch made a National Champion. The three-week-old calf (Miss Bee) later went on to produce a bull calf (Be Cool). Be Cool put the Cagwin name more on the map. Jeff and Don syndicated Be Cool. From there on Jeff no longer considered himself a shorthorn guy. He was all in on Charolais cattle.
“We won numerous State Fairs with the Charolais. We hardly ever got beat. We had top selling bulls multiple years in a row in Denver, topped the Iowa Beef Expo sale 3-4 times.” –Jeffery Cagwin
In Virginia, Illinois, Don and Jeff got up to 40 head of Charolais and still carried on with his fitting service. Later on, Jeff moved to Peoria, Illinois, and got up to 200 head of Charolais. Through this transition, he wanted to keep furthering his knowledge of structure and how to structurally correct cattle from the ground up. He started researching and training to do chiropractic work. Jeff is now currently in Kickapoo, Illinois running around 150 head of Charolais. Still trimming feet and dehorning, on a normal day averaging anywhere from 18-25 head a day. While in heavy show season can vary, they come from all over the country and at any time of day or night.
Jeffery Donald Cagwin has three daughters: Brooke Lee (Cagwin), Kylie, and Ella. Who all have spent their fair share of time in the barns. Jeff is still going day in and day out not only trimming feet, dehorning, and chiropractic work, but also striving to keep his genetics one of a kind.
A passion started and turned into where he made his living.
Some may call him “the hoof God.”
Captured in the photo taken by Cindy Cagwin Johnston:
Kylie, Ella, Jeff, Brooke, and Brexton
As a third generation Cagwin, I am born with a passion of the agricultural industry. I want to give back to FFA and agriculture, which has done so much for my family. In order to do this, I plan to educate and give students the same chance to make an impact like my grandfather did. I cannot wait to, hopefully, inspire the future generations to go after their dreams and know the sky is the limit when it comes to paving their own road.
Meet the Author
Hi, my name is Ella Cagwin, and I am a Senior at Western Illinois University. I am majoring in Agriculture Education with a minor in Animal Science. I am involved in many different clubs on campus including: Ag Vocators, Hoof N’ Horn, Livestock Judging team, Ag- Council, Collegiate FFA /Ag Ed/ PAS club, Sigma Alpha, and hold numerous positions in those clubs. I am from Kickapoo, Illinois, where we raise purebred and commercial Charolais cattle. I have my own small engraving business, Cagwin Creations. I am so excited to further my passion for the livestock and agricultural industry!
“Success is no accident. It is hard work, perseverance, learning, studying, sacrifice and most of all, love of what you are doing or learning to do.” -Pelé
(Megan Jo Photography)
16 major show titles, 24 Ohio State Fair banners, 35 county fair banners, 18 belt buckles, over 20 trophies, and countless jackpot banners from all over the country across 4 different species. To me, what are they worth? The sad reality is most of them will end up in a cardboard box or stay hung up in my old show barn collecting dust. The memories that surround them will endure a lifetime, not the awards themselves. Special creatures, the people, the sacrifices, the miles driven, the failures, and the early mornings and late nights are what shaped me into who I am and established a reputation for myself. That is what I am going to miss the most about the show livestock industry.
My showing passion started when I was three years old. At three years old, I was exhibiting pigs at the county fair and struggled to get my pig out of the corner of the show ring. At the age of 13, I was a national show champion with more accomplishments to come. When I think back to my first few years showing, I had no idea how my future would turn out. When I was a little girl, I used to watch my competitors win in the show ring on a big stage without realizing that I would eventually do the same.
Every day, we make changes to some aspect of our lives. I had to change from focusing on one thing my entire life to suddenly letting go of it and discovering something else that sparked my life-long plans. I have no intention of leaving the livestock industry because I have always had a passion for it.
(Maggie McStay)
Along with my graphic design business, my passion for showing livestock has grown me into a livestock entrepreneur. I have had the fortunate opportunity to design advertisements and banners for the people I have met over the past few years. However, I have completely improved my goat business while managing those designs. I started breeding goats for county fairs, but now I sell them to families who want to show their livestock at state fairs and national shows. Without the support of my family and close friends who have helped me every step of the way, I would not have been able to accomplish this, nor could I continue to do it. They are my team.
(Next Level Images)
One of the greatest livestock leaders and enthusiasts once said, “Ordinary is contagious. If you hang around ordinary people doing ordinary things, guess what you’ll be? Ordinary as hell”. Mark Hoge entered my life not too long ago, but I had the opportunity to show livestock to him before he became my livestock judging coach. Not only is his quote true, but it has been relatable to me in my life. There is nothing ordinary about what my family and I have done and accomplished over the last few years. My family and I figured out who was going to be in our lives for the long run, and Cooper Bounds made that list quickly. His dedication and patience in not only teaching me how to be a better showman, but to be a better leader is how he joined our team. Putting together a team of talented people who are passionate about the same things can be quite difficult, but I am glad I’ve discovered the people I need in my life.
(Sara Beanblossom)
Hello, everyone. My name is Paige Pence. I hope you enjoyed reading about my journey to where I am in the livestock industry in my blog. My roots are in New Carlisle, Ohio. Over the last 11 years, my family and I have spent our time traveling the country together. I received my Associate’s Degree in Science at Lake Land College and I am currently a junior here at Western Illinois University studying Agribusiness. Once I graduate and receive my Bachelor’s Degree, I plan to move back home to raise competitive show goats and continue working with the youth in the livestock industry.
Showing, raising, and evaluating livestock is a profession most people aren’t familiar with. Every day people in the industry get up early, work late, grind, and trench through the highest of highs and lowest of lows. No doubt it’s a male-prominent industry and we undoubtedly love our guys who work hard every day to do the unthinkable for their families and our industry! However, there’s a big part of my heart that wants to believe women can do it on the big stage too! So, with that, I got to talk to one of the most respected women in the industry who has changed the standard! Melissa Grimmel Schaake and her husband Shane live in Manhattan, KS. They own and operate Grimmel Schaake Cattle Company, a Herford and Simmental Cattle operation! They both take great pride in giving back to junior organizations to help shape the next generation of livestock enthusiasts! Along with that, she owns Melissa Photography & Design. Melissa assists others through photography and videography, innovative graphic design, and creative marketing services! I gave Melissa a script of questions for her to answer about our industry and how young women get to where they want to be within the industry, wherever that might be!
Melissa and her husband Shane judging showmanship together at the 2023 Shorthorn Junior Nationals. (Abby at Cindy’s Livestock Photos)
Question 1: What do you think is the key to success for women in the livestock industry?
There’s no doubt that the livestock industry is male-dominated, but at the same time, I’ve learned that everyone appreciates passion, knowledge, and hard work – regardless if you’re male or female. I’ve never been one to think that I’m at a disadvantage because I’m a woman – maybe I don’t have the physical strength of a man, but I enjoy doing the tasks that most consider a man would do on the ranch – calving, breeding, syncing, mating selection, halter breaking, feed management, clipping, fitting, etc. I think it’s important for women to be who they want, to do what they want, and embrace the things they enjoy. One of my mottos is ” Be you, do you, for you”, and I believe there’s nothing better than being your true, authentic self.
I couldn’t agree more with this comment! At WIU Dr. Mark Hoge always tells us, that people lack passion. He says, if you get that one opportunity to do whatever you want, you better embrace every situation and do it as you’ll never be able to do it again! It doesn’t have to pertain to just evaluating livestock either, it could be any of the tasks Melissa mentioned. Success is defined in many ways by many different people. For me, I want more than anyone to be a well respected cattlewoman in the industry. Not only for my ability to market and evaluate cattle but for all the behind the scenes work as well.
Question 2: What does it mean to be an industry leader?
I think a good industry leader influences others through passion, motivation, and inspiration. I feel like I have a unique story in terms of being raised on a grain farm, and am considered a first-generation cattlewoman and not stemming from a rich history of cattle in my family. I am always honoring my roots and do my best to inspire others with similar stories, constantly having in the back of my mind what it took for me to get to where I am in the industry today.
The answer to this question is my favorite in the whole interview. I always hear discussions along the lines of women will never be able to have the opportunity of men if they don’t come from a well-known cattle background or livestock background for that matter. There are so many women and men in this industry that I personally look up to specifically for their background and how they got to where they are today. It’s interesting to hear different women’s perspectives on this topic, but having a similar story further inspires me that with hard work and dedication my passions and dreams will also turn into a reality!
Melissa fitting a hind leg. (Legacy Livestock Imaging)
Question 3: What did it mean to be named Herdsman of The Year in your respective breed?
This title has no doubt been a goal of mine for as long as I can remember, and something I did not think I would achieve before age 30. I was humbled just to be included within this year’s group of nominees – four men that I respect, admire, appreciate, and consider friends. It is rare for a female to win this title, so to receive this title validates my feelings that I’ve earned that respect as a cattlewoman within a breed that I love so well. I truly feel that earning this title is the pinnacle of my cattle career.
Perfect question to follow the previous one and such a motivating answer. Melissa was named Herdsman of The Year within the Herford breed, something she is incredibly passionate about. For her to come from the background she did and set an example for many young livestock enthusiasts at such a young age is absolutely incredible in my opinion!
Question 4: If you could advise a younger person what would it be and why?
Just go for it. I’m the type of person who would rather try and fail than never try and always wonder “What if”. You have one life – I know doing things in this industry can be intimidating, especially with the influence of social media, but do not be afraid to try new things, to put yourself out there, or to reach out to those you look up to for advice and wisdom.
Along with that, surround yourself with good people. Find those core people who want to help you succeed, who make you a better person, who value your dreams and ambitions, and who bring positivity to your life. I know that sounds simple, but throughout the years I’ve been blessed to meet some great humans who have helped me reach success, along with dealing with not-so-great humans and poor partnerships. I’ve learned a lot along the way, but some of my greatest achievements, greatest successes, and favorite memories involve those good people right next to me.
This interview has personally given me so much motivation to keep believing and working towards big aspirations. I’m not one to express my emotions or be big on social media, so writing this blog about something I believe in is beyond my comfort zone. I didn’t come from a strong cattle background and I didn’t always show the best stock. My family saw that I had a passion for this and they supported me as well as they could and I worked hard with what I had. It took one person to notice my hard work and give me an opportunity that absolutely changed my life.
As a young woman who is extremely passionate and strong-willed about cattle, there’s so much I want to accomplish! I have had the privilege to surround myself with some of the biggest industry leaders and best people in the business! Those people are the ones who have supported me and continue to support me through my endeavors. While this interview was taking a step out of my comfort zone, I’m so glad I did. I got to see inside a very well-respected, passionate, and determined woman in this industry, someone I hope I can do and be half of!
Meet the Author:
(Kamryn at Linde’s Livestock Photography)
Hi, my name is Mackenzie Neal and I’m a junior at Western Illinois University. I am getting a Bachelors in Agribusiness with a minor in Marketing! I am from Lewisburg, Ohio where we raise and show competitive show cattle. We also have two online sales a year where we market our cattle. I am extremely excited to finish my degree and take the next steps in life!
I am currently attending WIU to study Ag Education.
From: Taylorville, IL
How did my path cross with Ag?
Agriculture does an incredible job providing today’s youth with impactful opportunities full of community involvement and educational activities. My involvement in agriculture started in a blue corduroy jacket my freshman year of high school. From there I have accomplished many things in my personal and professional life that would not be possible if I did not have the role models in my life that I do. My high school FFA experience lit a spark of inspiration in my life that led me to explore more opportunities in agriculture.
I currently raise Southdown sheep. What started out as a 4H project has grown into a full-fledged sheep operation. After attending Lincoln Community College to study agriculture, I wasn’t quite sure what I wanted to do. Deep thought led me to decide that I wanted to pursue a career in Ag Education. I feel indebted to the agricultural industry, and I hope that I can inspire others in the same way that my role models in this industry inspired me. Fast forward to my experiences at WIU where I’ve been able to learn and grow in the agricultural education program. I am excited to be preparing for my student-teaching experience. This marks another important role change in my life.
Changing Roles.
As youth who are involved in agriculture continue to learn and grow they eventually outgrow some of their roles. One example from my own personal experience would be showing livestock. I loved showing sheep in high school. Although I didn’t collect many banners or buckles, I still learned and grew immensely as a person through my involvement in the stock show industry. As my time as a showman was coming to an end, I slowly transitioned from showman to my younger sibling’s (harsh but encouraging) showmanship coach. This is just one example of a role change. In life we are constantly learning and growing as humans. This means that our roles within agriculture change as well.
Photo Courtesy of Cindy and Caseelynn Cagwin
Just like any time we try something new in life, I was not great at the role of showmanship coach in my sister’s first year showing sheep. Something that I learned was that it was okay to ask for help. Many of the things I help my sister with local lamb breeders, coaches, or my parents taught me. I found myself recalling memories of when I learned something for the first time. This is usually when I start to feel old. I try my best to incorporate strategies, methods, and practical advice as needed when working with my younger sibling. Luckily, Sydnie is very eager to learn. I often overwhelm her with information because I am eager to share what my experience has taught me. Even though I bombard her with information, I am constantly surprised with how much she retains. I’ll admit sometimes the questions she asks stump me, and I find myself opening a book or making a phone call. Overall, I am glad I have the opportunity to practice being a role model for my younger sibling. This brings me to my final point. Much like showing gave me benefits other than an occasional ribbon or banner, being a role model offers everyone the ability to continue to develop their passion in agriculture while simultaneously ensuring the future gets their fair share of opportunities.
Staying Involved.
Even though our roles do change, this does not mean our involvement in agriculture has to end. It just means that we are growing into different roles within the industry. This can be a little more challenging at first; Seeing the success of those we encourage is enough satisfaction to easily justify the change. It really is an honor to share agriculture with others, especially younger generations. FFA Alumni programs, county Farm Bureau, fair board members, ring helpers, breed association volunteers,4H club leaders, stock show judges,…the list is ENDLESS. I want to encourage everyone to stay involved in agriculture. If you plan to work in the industry, that is awesome. I highly encourage you to. Even if you do not, that’s okay as long as you stay involved in whatever way you can. With the numerous opportunities out there to give back, there’s really no reason not to. Agriculture is never going anywhere. It is a worthwhile pursuit that operates on a worldwide scale connecting people all over the world. It encourages advancement while uniting everyone involved under a common goal. Networking and communication play a significant part in agriculture. This is to our advantage. It makes it easier than ever to reach out and learn how we can all get involved!
Western Illinois University School of Agriculture 