United States-Aberdeen Angus award.
UNITED STATES-Cattle Breeds: Historic Angus Herd Awarded To Springlake Farm
The American Angus Association® congratulates Springlake Farm, Kingston, Ill., for continued ownership and production of Angus cattle for more than 50 years. Dale Rhode and family were presented a certificate signed by the Association’s president, Jay P. King, at the Illinois Angus Association Annual Banquet to honor this Historic Angus Herd achievement.
In 1959, A.J. Rhode and his son, Dale, paid $200 to W. Wilson King, Rock Falls, Ill., for their first Angus heifer. They loaded Edella 32 of Kinglore in their 1955 International pick-up truck and began their journey with Angus cattle. Other foundation females were purchased from Bureau County and Illinois Angus Association sales. Dale took over the diversified family farm after A.J.’s death in 1974.
Artificial insemination (AI) was introduced in the herd in the early1970’s and embryo technology in the late 80’s in order to improve genetics. The Rhodes market their Angus through local and state associations’ sales and private treaty. Dale and family go out of their way to help their customers make breeding decisions, AI their cattle, and groom them for upcoming shows. They have shown and sold heifers, steers and bulls that have competed successfully on the local, state and national levels.
Dale has been an active member of the Northern Illinois and Illinois Angus Associations, serving as president of both. His wife, Marilyn, has been the secretary-treasurer of the Northern Illinois Angus Association for several years.
Dale and Marilyn raised three children, Jeff, Tyler and Dawn. They were all active in the National Junior Angus Association (NJAA) and competed in junior shows and showmanship contests across the country. Each remain involved today with the 65 head cow herd by working cattle on the farm, competing in the showring and completing registrations and book keeping. The Rhodes have been blessed with grandchildren that have joined the NJAA and will continue the tradition of raising and showing Angus cattle.
The American Angus Association is the world’s largest beef breed organization, providing programs and services to thousands of commercial producers and nearly 33,000 active members nationwide. For more information on the Historic Angus Herd Award or the many programs offered by the Association, go to www.angus.org or call 816-383-5100.
