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Illinois corn and cattle producers coexist well

An Illinois beef industry leader says cattle and corn farmers in the state complement each other very well, no matter what the market is. Illinois Beef Association Executive Vice President Reid Blossom says cattlemen are enjoying a strong market because of high demand and tight supply. He says beef producers also co-exist quite well with those in the state who grow corn.

“Feeding cattle in Illinois complements the production of ethanol and corn fuels by making use of those byproducts coming out of some of these ethanol plants, namely those distillers grains that can go into cattle rations,” said Blossom, in an interview with Brownfield Ag News.

The Illinois Corn Growers Association released analysis indicating the state’s economy ebbs and flows with the price of corn, a cattle producers biggest input. Blossom says the two facets of agriculture need each other and get along quite well.

“Because we complement each other so well within our industry, there’s always room in Illinois for corn producers and cattlemen to both get ahead at the same time,” he said.

Blossom adds that those who raise cattle and those who raise corn are often the same people.

AUDIO: Reid Blossom (5 min. MP3)