It's out of control!AG PRODUCER ALERT: Poison Hemlock Risk in Hay With hay season underway, be on the lookout for Poison Hemlock creeping into fields and hay bales. This plant is highly toxic to livestock—even in small amounts—and drying in hay does NOT remove its toxicity. • Poison hemlock contains toxic alkaloids that affect the nervous system • Animals may accidentally consume it when it’s baled into hay • Symptoms can include tremors, weakness, difficulty breathing, and sudden death How to Identify: • Tall plant (up to 6–10 ft) • Hollow stems with purple spots/blotches • White, umbrella-shaped flowers (similar to Queen Anne’s lace) • Musty or mouse-like odor when crushed Management tips: • Scout hay fields before cutting • Remove or control plants before they mature • Avoid baling contaminated areas One overlooked patch can turn into a serious livestock loss. Take the time to check fields now—it could save you major headaches later. Each plant can make as many as 38,000 seed that can persist in the soil for 3-5 years Feel free to share this to spread the word www.howellcountynews.com/agriculture/mow-or-spot-spray-poison-hemlock-now
From Cedarville!Please welcome Jon Sweeney of Cedarville, Ohio! He will be joining us in Texas to judge the ShorthornPlus Bred and Owned Bull show, ShorthornPlus Steers shows and ShorthornPlus Female show!
We are excited to Trailblaze to Texas in less than a month! What are you most excited for? #AJSA #shorthorn ... See MoreSee Less
With 396 exhibitors, 971 entries, and exhibitors traveling from 27 different states, the road to Texas is filling up fast. These trailblazers are saddling up and getting ready for an unforgettable Jr. Nationals experience! ... See MoreSee Less
We’re excited to welcome Joe Rathmann and Joelynn Rathmann from Smithville, Texas, to Abilene as two of our showmanship judges for Junior Nationals! We’re honored to have them joining us and can’t wait for a great week in the ring! ... See MoreSee Less
Meet our first Junior Board Candidate, Toby Behrends!
Toby Behrends is currently attending Black Hawk College East Campus, where she is pursuing an Associate of Science degree. After completing her associate degree, she plans to transfer to Oklahoma State University to study Animal Science and pursue a master’s degree in Beef Reproduction. Toby is a fourth-generation beef producer and a first-generation Shorthorn breeder who established her own Shorthorn herd in 2017. She has found success producing and showing competitive Shorthorn cattle at the state and national levels, including at Junior Nationals, the North American International Livestock Expo, and Cattlemen’s Congress. Toby is currently serving as president of both the Illinois Junior Beef Association and the Illinois Junior Shorthorn Association. She has also served as Illinois Junior Shorthorn Association treasurer and show chair. In addition to her Shorthorn involvement, she has held leadership roles in FFA and 4-H, including serving as president of her FFA chapter and her local 4-H club. Toby is passionate about mentoring younger exhibitors and helping them build confidence in fitting, showmanship, and livestock care. Her accomplishments include being named the 2025 Illinois State Fair Shorthorn Plus Breeder of the Year, Reserve Champion Shorthorn Heifer exhibitor, and 3rd Overall Beef Showman. She has also received the Illinois FFA State Degree, American FFA Degree, and numerous scholarships through cattlemen’s organizations and Farm Bureau groups. Toby is the daughter of David and Marinda Behrends of Sheffield, Illinois. “I have been honored to be a member of the Shorthorn family, and I want to ensure that everyone feels welcomed and valued,” Toby said. “With these experiences, along with my strong work ethic and passion for Shorthorn cattle, I am confident that I will be an asset to the AJSA.”
Meet Toby in the Illinois stalls at 6 p.m. on Tuesday June 23rd! ... See MoreSee Less
It's out of control!AG PRODUCER ALERT: Poison Hemlock Risk in Hay
With hay season underway, be on the lookout for Poison Hemlock creeping into fields and hay bales. This plant is highly toxic to livestock—even in small amounts—and drying in hay does NOT remove its toxicity.
• Poison hemlock contains toxic alkaloids that affect the nervous system
• Animals may accidentally consume it when it’s baled into hay
• Symptoms can include tremors, weakness, difficulty breathing, and sudden death
How to Identify:
• Tall plant (up to 6–10 ft)
• Hollow stems with purple spots/blotches
• White, umbrella-shaped flowers (similar to Queen Anne’s lace)
• Musty or mouse-like odor when crushed
Management tips:
• Scout hay fields before cutting
• Remove or control plants before they mature
• Avoid baling contaminated areas
One overlooked patch can turn into a serious livestock loss. Take the time to check fields now—it could save you major headaches later.
Each plant can make as many as 38,000 seed that can persist in the soil for 3-5 years
Feel free to share this to spread the word
www.howellcountynews.com/agriculture/mow-or-spot-spray-poison-hemlock-now
ID - weedid.missouri.edu/weedinfo.cfm?weed_id=69 ... See MoreSee Less
0 CommentsComment on Facebook
From Cedarville!Please welcome Jon Sweeney of Cedarville, Ohio! He will be joining us in Texas to judge the ShorthornPlus Bred and Owned Bull show, ShorthornPlus Steers shows and ShorthornPlus Female show!
We are excited to Trailblaze to Texas in less than a month! What are you most excited for?
#AJSA #shorthorn ... See MoreSee Less
0 CommentsComment on Facebook
The trail is growing bigger every mile!
With 396 exhibitors, 971 entries, and exhibitors traveling from 27 different states, the road to Texas is filling up fast. These trailblazers are saddling up and getting ready for an unforgettable Jr. Nationals experience! ... See MoreSee Less
0 CommentsComment on Facebook
We are excited to introduce Dr. Ryan Rathmann of Lubbock, Texas. He will be judging the E.D.G.E. show in Abilene!
Less than a month until we Trailblaze in Texas! ... See MoreSee Less
0 CommentsComment on Facebook
We’re excited to welcome Joe Rathmann and Joelynn Rathmann from Smithville, Texas, to Abilene as two of our showmanship judges for Junior Nationals!
We’re honored to have them joining us and can’t wait for a great week in the ring! ... See MoreSee Less
0 CommentsComment on Facebook
Meet our first Junior Board Candidate, Toby Behrends!
Toby Behrends is currently attending Black Hawk College East Campus, where she is pursuing an Associate of Science degree. After completing her associate degree, she plans to transfer to Oklahoma State University to study Animal Science and pursue a master’s degree in Beef Reproduction. Toby is a fourth-generation beef producer and a first-generation Shorthorn breeder who established her own Shorthorn herd in 2017. She has found success producing and showing competitive Shorthorn cattle at the state and national levels, including at Junior Nationals, the North American International Livestock Expo, and Cattlemen’s Congress.
Toby is currently serving as president of both the Illinois Junior Beef Association and the Illinois Junior Shorthorn Association. She has also served as Illinois Junior Shorthorn Association treasurer and show chair. In addition to her Shorthorn involvement, she has held leadership roles in FFA and 4-H, including serving as president of her FFA chapter and her local 4-H club. Toby is passionate about mentoring younger exhibitors and helping them build confidence in fitting, showmanship, and livestock care.
Her accomplishments include being named the 2025 Illinois State Fair Shorthorn Plus Breeder of the Year, Reserve Champion Shorthorn Heifer exhibitor, and 3rd Overall Beef Showman. She has also received the Illinois FFA State Degree, American FFA Degree, and numerous scholarships through cattlemen’s organizations and Farm Bureau groups. Toby is the daughter of David and Marinda Behrends of Sheffield, Illinois.
“I have been honored to be a member of the Shorthorn family, and I want to ensure that everyone feels welcomed and valued,” Toby said. “With these experiences, along with my strong work ethic and passion for Shorthorn cattle, I am confident that I will be an asset to the AJSA.”
Meet Toby in the Illinois stalls at 6 p.m. on Tuesday June 23rd! ... See MoreSee Less
0 CommentsComment on Facebook