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“We can have a lot more cattle comfort here if we use these barns instead of if they were out on the open range.”

Lynn Martz
Cattle Farmer

Name: Lynn Martz
Location: Maple Park, Illinois
Years farming: We started farming in 1979.
My family: My husband is Mike. Our son Justin recently joined our farm, and he and his wife Jamie have a son, Jaxson. We also have a number of other family members who work on the farm, including my brothers and father. It’s great to be able to work with that many members of our family.
How I came to be a farmer: Our farm partnership was formed in 1979 by my parents and brothers. Mike and I managed the farm cattle back grounding operation in Wisconsin for nine years, but moved here to the main operation in 1988 to help out as the farm grew. And since 1996, I’ve managed the crop side of our farm.
The best thing about being a farmer: I love seeing the fruits of our labor. Though weather and markets can be challenging at times, it is very rewarding to see our accomplishments.
My personal philosophy on farming: We produce high-quality grain and beef, with production practices that protect our environment.

Beef Production in Illinois and the United States

• Beef cattle can be found on about 23 percent of Illinois farms.
• Hilly areas in northwestern and southern Illinois that are not suitable for growing crops provide excellent pasture for animals.
• Beef is the leading protein in the United States. The average per capita consumption is around 66 pounds.
• There are more than one billion cattle in the world. The United States has less than 10 percent of the world's cattle inventory, but produces nearly one-fourth of the world's beef supply.
• Cattle weighing 1,000 pounds will produce about 1,600 hamburgers.
• More than 40 percent of beef sold in the United States is ground beef.
• The most tender cut of beef is beef tenderloin (think Filet Mignon).
• Legend has it that the first hamburger was served at a small café in Athens, Texas, during the 1880's.
• Nearly nine out of 10 U.S. households will eat beef at home in the next two weeks - that's 251 million people.
• Male cattle are called bulls. Females, prior to giving birth, are called calves or heifers.
• A cow has one stomach with four different chambers, which is why many people say that a cow has four stomachs.
• Columbus brought cattle with him on his second voyage to the New World in 1493.

For more information about cattle farming in Illinois, please visit the Illinois Beef Association.

Ask your questions or start a conversation with Illinois Farm Families at www.watchusgrow.org

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