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New Illinois Beef president focused on consumer demand

The new president of the Illinois Beef Association says he’s honored to take the reins of the organization.

Shannon Welsh, whose cow/calf herd is based in McDonough County, tells Brownfield, “I love cattle, and the cattle industry, and the cattle people. They’re the best, well any livestock people.”  He says, “But I think people need to give back and this is one way I can.”

He says cattle markets continue to push retail prices higher, so consumer outreach remains an organizational priority.

“Prices have never been any better. Every time you think you got a new high that’s followed by another one, and the demand has never been higher even with high prices, they’re still buying it.”  He says, “It’s a great product. The producers have done a great job promoting it and raising it to what the consumers like and raising the consumer awareness.  It’s just hard to beat beef.”

Welsh and his family also grow corn, soybeans, and hay on their western Illinois operation.

AUDIO:  Shannon Welsh – Illinois Beef Association