Meet the Fenner Family
May 12, 2026
Sara Clausen
Director of Communications
THIS BEEF MONTH, we’re introducing you to the Fenner family from Grinnell. Levi and Ashlee are raising their daughters to be cattlemen … and they’re catching on fast! Both Laikyn (11) and Abbi (13) are fairly new to the beef showing experience. They’re set to participate in the Poweshiek County Fair and are already spending every day with the calves they plan to show.
“My favorite part is combing and drying them during the fair,” said Laikyn.
“I learn a lot from the other people showing at the fair,” added Abbi. “It’s also really fun to hang out all day at the fair.”
The Fenners’ cow-calf operation has grown over the years. In fact, it’s more than doubled this year as they continue to refine their Simmental Angus herd. “The girls do all the evening chores for their calves,” said Levi. “Laikyn recently helped our vet deliver a calf by C-section too!”
Though Levi grew up with cattle, his daily focus has been on his auto repair business. But thanks to the growing interest of his family, he’s investing more time, energy and resources into the cow-calf operation.
“We purchased a new camera system this year,” he said. “If we can save one calf, the camera is worth it!” They’re also beginning to DNA test and record their calves with the American Simmental Association. “The fastest way to improve our genetics is to purchase specific embryos,” said Levi. “This is also the first year we will be implanting a portion of our herd.”
Pictured (left to right): Laikyn, Ashlee, Abbi and Levi Fenner from Grinnell.
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May is Beef Month!
As Iowans, we take our beef seriously. So seriously, in fact, we dedicate an entire month to celebrating our beef producers and the local restaurants cooking up their high-quality beef products.
Don’t miss out on all the excitement—visit iabeef.org and follow the Iowa Beef Industry Council on social media for a whole month of activities around the state!
Director of Communications
Passing a love of beef production to the next generation
THIS BEEF MONTH, we’re introducing you to the Fenner family from Grinnell. Levi and Ashlee are raising their daughters to be cattlemen … and they’re catching on fast! Both Laikyn (11) and Abbi (13) are fairly new to the beef showing experience. They’re set to participate in the Poweshiek County Fair and are already spending every day with the calves they plan to show.
“My favorite part is combing and drying them during the fair,” said Laikyn.
“I learn a lot from the other people showing at the fair,” added Abbi. “It’s also really fun to hang out all day at the fair.”
The Fenners’ cow-calf operation has grown over the years. In fact, it’s more than doubled this year as they continue to refine their Simmental Angus herd. “The girls do all the evening chores for their calves,” said Levi. “Laikyn recently helped our vet deliver a calf by C-section too!”
Though Levi grew up with cattle, his daily focus has been on his auto repair business. But thanks to the growing interest of his family, he’s investing more time, energy and resources into the cow-calf operation.
“We purchased a new camera system this year,” he said. “If we can save one calf, the camera is worth it!” They’re also beginning to DNA test and record their calves with the American Simmental Association. “The fastest way to improve our genetics is to purchase specific embryos,” said Levi. “This is also the first year we will be implanting a portion of our herd.”
Pictured (left to right): Laikyn, Ashlee, Abbi and Levi Fenner from Grinnell.
____________________________________________________
May is Beef Month!
As Iowans, we take our beef seriously. So seriously, in fact, we dedicate an entire month to celebrating our beef producers and the local restaurants cooking up their high-quality beef products.
Don’t miss out on all the excitement—visit iabeef.org and follow the Iowa Beef Industry Council on social media for a whole month of activities around the state!