Every Day is Earth Day for Illinois Beef Farmers

For farmers, sustainability isn’t a once-a-year commitment; it’s a part of everyday life, and beef producers take pride in raising sustainable beef for their family and yours.

“What we learned on this farm and through going to a lot of events and other farms is that if a cover crop is good for the soil, then it’s good for the animal. And anything that’s good for the animal is usually good for the soil. That’s a simultaneous benefit.”

– Doug Hanson, Gilman, IL

“With rotational grazing, you make the cattle eat and utilize all of the ground a lot better. You can see from year to year how much better the soil’s health and fertility are when using cover crops and rotational grazing.”

– Wes Green, Atlanta, IL

“If the generational passing of the torch doesn’t continue, and we stop conserving the land — caring for it, watching for erosion, adding waterways where they’re needed, and moving cattle out of highly erodible areas — I do worry about what it will look like a generation or two from now. That concern is what inspired us to use rotational grazing. Rotational grazing, along with clipping and careful pasture management, has helped address many of the issues we historically saw in our cattle, especially during the summer heat.”

– Aaron McManaway, Altamont, IL

Illinois beef farmers are true environmentalists and have led conservation efforts for generations. By instilling sustainability principles on their farm, they can ensure its longevity for years to come.