Harsh Realities

10600 U.S. Highway 42 Marysville, Ohio 43040 Phone 614-873-6736 • Fax 614-873-6835 www.ohiocattle.org cattle@ohiocattle.org

Editor Elizabeth Harsh

Managing Editor Hanna Fosbrink

Ohio Cattleman magazine (USPA: 020-968, ISSN: 1543-0588) is published six times per year: Winter issue, mailed in January; Expo preview issue, mailed in February; Spring issue, mailed in April; Summer issue, mailed in July; Early Fall issue, mailed in September; and Late Fall issue, mailed in October; for $15 a year to OCA members only. It is dedicated to reporting facts about Ohio’s cattle including marketing, production and legislative news. All editorial and advertising material is screened to meet rigid standards, but publisher assumes no responsibility for accuracy or validity of claims. All rights reserved. Circulation for the issue is 3,080.

Published at Minster, Ohio 45865 by the Ohio Cattlemen’s Association, 10600 US Highway 42, Marysville, Ohio 43040. Periodical postage paid at Marysville, Ohio and at additional offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Ohio Cattleman, 10600 US Highway 42, Marysville, Ohio 43040. CHANGING YOUR ADDRESS: Please send old as well as new address to Ohio Cattleman, 10600 US Highway 42, Marysville, Ohio 43040.

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To schedule advertising write to: Ohio Cattleman, 10600 US Highway 42, Marysville, Ohio 43040, or call 614873-6736. All advertising material for the Summer Issue must be received by June 22, 2021.

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OCA Staff

Elizabeth Harsh Executive Director Ron Windnagel Director of Accounting & Operations Hanna Fosbrink Manager of Communications & Managing Editor Ashley Dentinger Manager of Consumer Programs & Digital Marketing Bailey Eberhart Manager of Member Services Karigan Blue BEST Program Coordinator Tiffany Arnett Administrative Assistant

By Elizabeth Harsh, Ohio Cattleman Editor

VOLUNTEERS OUR GREATEST ASSET

This year’s Ohio Beef Expo had special meaning given the cancellation of last year’s event and the challenges and uncertainties that followed throughout 2020. It hit home with me in an emotional moment just how fortunate we were during the Buckeye Hereford Queen Ashleigh Osborn’s excellent singing of the National Anthem at the start of their breed sale. In those moments of reflection, I was thankful for the many people who helped with the return of the Expo and for the opportunity to enjoy feeling normal again. OCA was proud to host the producer focused event that provided important farm income and retail opportunities for the cattle families and trade show exhibitors that participated. However, making Expo happen was not all that easy.

OCA worked diligently to secure an approved COVID plan that required postponing many traditional events and seminars for 2021. The difficulty of making Expo happen was further compounded as COVID forced the Ohio Expo Center to furlough most of their staff in 2020. OCA members responded to these challenges by volunteering their own time and equipment to do the set-up needed for each Expo building. Just another in a long list of reasons why I’m proud of our association and its members. These volunteers and the many others who serve on Expo committees are deeply appreciated for helping make this year’s Expo a reality. I’m proud too of our staff, the majority of whom had never been through an Expo but stepped forward to do all that was necessary and then some to host the event.

The Expo’s many sponsors should also be recognized for their support. Several doubled down on their sponsorships, sat on invoices for a year and sold items to benefits OCA’s work. Each gesture, big and small, was greatly valued. This issue contains a complete list of Expo sponsors as well as coverage of the breed sales and shows and the junior show.

Expo co-chairman Pam Haley and JL Draganic have announced they plan to step down from their roles. These tremendous volunteers have worked tirelessly to improve the Expo from one year to the next and should be recognized for their exceptional efforts.

In early March when it appeared we had Expo plans somewhat in hand, my constant reminder around the office was “there is life after Expo,” meaning OCA has lots of other balls in the air that we can’t drop. These include advocating for agricultural funding in the state budget and representing our members’ interests at the federal level. The shortage of cattle harvesting facilities across the state is also being addressed through an OCA work group. Their focus is on expansion opportunities and funding resources, as well as workforce development efforts to fill the labor shortage and training programs for current plant workers. Additionally, OCA has a member recruitment pilot program underway with some great partners at several feed stores throughout the state. But keep in mind, the greatest pilot programs ever can never replace the value of you asking your neighboring cattle producer to join OCA.

Planning is also underway for OCA events that will take place later this year like the Cattlemen’s Gala Celebration and Fundraiser Saturday, August 28 and new Cattlemen’s Academy educational programs that will start again in late summer and fall. Between now and then we look forward to the opportunity to travel the state and visit with OCA members once again.