Sheiss Elected IBCA President
Published: Friday, January 19, 2024
The 2021 Outstanding Cattleman stepped into the role of Indiana Beef Cattle Assn. president last Saturday in Indianapolis. The South Whitley cattlewoman charged IBCA members with two challenges for 2024: interact with leadership and recruit members.
Kelley Sheiss did not take the traditional path to get to the leadership position. A native Pennsylvanian from the suburbs, Sheiss wasn't very familiar with the farm scene.
"I didn't grow up around any animals," she said. "But my dad always indulged in my love for animals."
She traces her passion for the beef industry back to the Elizabethtown Fair in Pennsylvania and wandered into the cattle barn on show day.
"We just stood there. And I was in awe," she said. "I was jealous, because I didn't know how those kids got to do that, and I didn't know how those people got to be there with those animals. And I thought they were so fortunate to be able to be there."
Ever since that day, she has worked to become a part of the cattle industry, studying animal science in college and relocating to Indiana to help run a beef farm.
After over 40 years, Sheiss returned to the Elizabethtown Fair with her family and bred and sold the grand champion steer this past summer.
"So, when I stand up here and give you a challenge today, I build upon our past presidents. I build upon Joe Duncan, who told you to tell your story and I build upon our past president Jeff Sherfield, about recruiting just one member. A challenge is just as good as the members who accept it," she said.
Member involvement results in the investment in their values and needs. Challenge the IBCA staff to better their programs and initiatives, she said. And find that person who is interested in the beef industry but doesn't know how to get involved and help them. Introduce them to IBCA. They don't have to be from an agricultural background to have a positive impact on the industry, Sheiss said.
"A year ago we stood here with a lot of unknowns," she said, referring to the departure of several staff members. This year, IBCA plans to come back strong.
"Our mission is to build a better beef business for Indiana. And when you challenge us, and when I challenge you to grab onto those youths and keep them involved, we continue to do that," she said. "We are only as good as the challenges we choose to accept."
Other officers elected during the IBCA business meeting were: president-elect, Keegan Poe of Franklin; vice president, Dr. David Dixon of Rensselaer; and treasurer, Andrew Stewart of Greensburg.
In other news, State Veterinarian Dr. Bret Marsh announced that Indiana is No. 1 in the nation for veal and duck production, No. 2 for egg production, No. 3 in turkeys by the pound, No. 5 in swine and No. 15 in milk production nationwide. In 2024, he plans to focus on preparing the swine industry for any possible African swine fever outbreak and increase the number of large animal veterinarians across the state. He also plans to have more communication with veterinarians concerning the scope of their operations. Three new positions have opened in the state veterinary team.
Indiana State Department of Agriculture Director Don Lamb declared that part of his mission is to change how people think about soil conservation.
"Soil conservation is not a cost, it's an economic development," he said.
He also said he plans to keep more beef in the state, as 95% of Indiana beef leaves the state for processing.
Finally, members received a report from one of their initiatives, an annual bull testing program known as IBEP. The Indiana Beef Evaluation Program reported that 241 bulls tested with 101 selling in 2023. Eleven percent went out of state. A total of 160 bulls were tested in the 2023 winter. It was determined that winter tests are more in-state than summer tests.
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