2025 Expo Mag Low Res Web by ohiocattle

Ohio Cattleman

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 Hannah Weymouth

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 3,166.

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.

Advertising

To schedule advertising write to: Ohio Cattleman, 10600 US Highway 42, Marysville, Ohio 43040, or call 614873-6736. All advertising material for the Spring Issue must be received by April 2, 2025. Ohio Cattleman Advertising Rates

Full Page $460 2/3 Page $345 1/2 Page $260 1/3 Page $175 1/4 Page $145 1/8 Page $105 Business Card $65 Classified Ad $50 Four Color $270 One Additional Color $90

Ohio Cattlemen’s Association members will receive a 10% discount when advertising their farm products, such as cattle, hay, corn, etc. ...

Call today to place your ad: 614-873-6736

OCA Staff

Elizabeth Harsh Executive Director

Ron Windnagel Director of Accounting & Operations

Hannah Weymouth Manager of Communications & Managing Editor

Kelly Keirn Manager of Consumer Program & Digital Marketing

Zane Gross Manager of Member Service & Industry Education

Anna Gest Manager of Nutrition Education Programs

Tiffany Arnett Office & Project Manager

Morgan Hoppes Manger of Youth Education & Development Programs

OCA NEWS & VIEWS

In Our Transformation Era

By Lindsey Hall, OCA Vice President

In 2024 the OCA experienced some exciting milestones. Just a few of the most memorable moments for me would be:

• We had our largest Ohio Beef Expo EVER in regards to the number of trade show and cattle exhibitors, as well as cattle sold and exhibited.

• Renovations on the Ohio Expo Center are officially underway, marking the beginning of new opportunities for bigger and better events and new memories to be made for our cattle families.

• Hosted one of our strongest OCA Replacement Heifer Sales thanks to a high quality offering and strong cattle markets.

• Ended the fiscal year with a significant increase in OCA members, as well as, AIC members compared to 2023. This indicates that producers and industry partners continue to understand the value and importance of an OCA membership.

But perhaps the most exciting events would be the hiring of a new Manager of Youth Education & Development Morgan Hoppes and our new youth programs. By bringing Morgan on board and thanks to an outstanding group of kids that embraced thinking outside the box, I think it is safe to say the OCA has entered its “Transformation Era”.

Thanks to the generous support of Bonnie Coley Malir and Rick Malir the founders of City Barbeque, our OBYC Leadership Team has been given the opportunity to hit the ground running with their new, fresh ideas. Not content with sitting idle, our leadership team has already set into motion the start of a state-wide Fed Cattle Carcass Contest and a series of Beef Youth Days held in conjunction with OSU Extension and 4-H, to promote additional learning and networking opportunities for young people who are passionate about beef cattle. There are also plans to bring back a leadership conference in the near future!

I could not be more appreciative of this group of young people who have bonded over their passion for cattle, being better industry stewards, and transforming our youth programs to make them an invaluable experience in preparing our next generation to succeed in the beef industry. As a product of some of the most impressive youth organizations, one of them also being the OCA’s BEST program, I owe most of what I have today to those organizations and the experiences I gained while being a member. The young people of Ohio’s agriculture industry, especially the beef industry, are some of the very best and brightest. OCA recognizes this and has doubled down to better serve the future leaders of our industry. We feel confident that the newly debuted Ohio Beef Youth Council will help catapult our young people to even bigger heights and encourage them to continue to be active in the organization that provided such opportunities.

Regardless if you are a business in the ag sector, a commercial cattleman, or a young person just getting started, this program will impact you in some way. These are exciting times and we are eager to see how this program will transform in the coming year. So let’s sit down, buckle up, and enjoy the ride!

OCA Officers

President • Mark Goecke

419-233-3101, goeckefarms@gmail.com

Vice President • Lindsey Hall 937-763-8115, lindseycgrimes@gmail.com

Treasurer • Linde Sutherly 937-875-0670, linde@lindeslivestockphotos.com

Past President • Tom Karr

740-591-9900, tom@karrcontracting.com

OCA Directors

Shane Riley Director At-Large Washington C.H. • Term expires 2026 740-572-2044, shane.rileywch@gmail.com

Joe Foster Director At-Large

Gallipolis • Term expires 2027 740-379-2580, hjfoster25@yahoo.com

Frank Phelps Director At-Large Belle Center • Term expires 2025 937-539-1442, frankph@watchtv.net

Jaymes Maciejewski District 1

New Bavaria • Term expires 2026 309-222-0850, jaymes.maciejewski@gmail.com

Andy Lohr District 2

Bucyrus • Term expires 2027 419-569-3613, andylohr61@gmail.com

John Ferguson District 3

Chardon • Term expires 2025 440-478-0782, john@fergusonshowcattle.com

Tyler Humphrey District 4

Harrod • Term expires 2026 419-230-3450, humphreyag@gmail.com

Jared Thomas District 5

Plain City• Term expires 2027 614-989-1397, jtfarms95@gmail.com

Kirsten Nickles District 6

Wooster • Term expires 2025 330-345-0477, KNickles@certifiedangusbeef.com

Joe Grubbs District 7

Kensington • Term expires 2026 330-771-0767, jgrubbs0608@gmail.com

Linde Sutherly District 8

New Carlisle • Term expires 2027 937-875-0670, linde@lindeslivestockphotos.com

Jim Jepsen District 9

Amanda • Term expires 2025 614-560-5919, jepsen.drfarms@gmail.com

Austin Cole District 10

West Alexandria • Term expires 2026 937-620-6584, austin.cole31@yahoo.com

Ryan Bapst District 11

Waverly • Term expires 2027 740-835-9789, ryanbapst@gmail.com

Dale Taylor • District 12

Bidwell • Term expires 2025 740-709-6461,daletaylorfarming@gmail.com

HARSH REALITIES

Great Times

By Elizabeth Harsh, Ohio Cattleman Editor

It’s a great time to be in the cattle business! That was the take-away message from nearly every speaker and every session at this winter’s OCA annual meeting and at CattleCon 2025 in San Antonio. A stabilized cowherd, reduced inventories and near-record consumer beef demand resulted in higher cattle prices in 2024 and the forecast is for more of the same to continue in 2025.

To most cattle producers, this is not news. Many of us have enjoyed last year’s cull cow checks and fed cattle record highs but it’s good to hear others validate it and confirm that it is not likely to change in the next few years.

This magazine contains lots of sound management information to guide cattle producers to make decisions now during these market highs that will better protect them in the future during weather events and market volatility that’s always sure to come.

According to USDA’s Ag statistics, as of Jan. 31 Ohio’s beef cow numbers were 280,000 head, down two percent from the year before but beef replacement heifers increased nine percent to 60,000 head. That compares to the U.S. beef cow herd at 28 million head, 150,000 head below last year and 3.5 million head from the 2019 cycle highs.

Marketing analysts CattleFax reported that beef prices continued their upward trend in 2024, averaging $8.01/lb., the second-highest demand level in history. They also noted that while beef demand may ease slightly in 2025, retail prices are still expected to rise to an average of $8.25/ lb. Even economic pressures have not discouraged consumers from continuing to pay premiums for higher-quality beef of choice grade or higher.

It would be easy to say job well-done and celebrate this success, but the cattle industry operates in cycles, and we know things will change. That’s why OCA will make the most of the opportunities ahead to continue its work at the Ohio Statehouse and with Congress to advance policies in 2025 that help improve the business climate and give beef producers more opportunities to increase the profitability of their operations.

All this means the upcoming Ohio Beef Expo is positioned to be the biggest and best one yet. There are several new things in place for this year including a new day, Thursday, for the Expo’s judging contest. On both Saturday and Sunday, the junior show will feature a second ring only for Buckeye Breeder Series registered steers and heifers, Ohio’s bred, born and raised program. The seven seedstock sales have posted their catalogs online highlighting some great sale animals that will add value to anyone’s cattle operation. The trade show is once again sold-out and exploring expansion opportunities.

It really is a great time to be in the cattle business, even when the weather and the mud are at their worst! We look forward to seeing you at the Ohio Beef Expo, March 13-16!

•

2025 Off to the Races

By Garth Ruff, Beef Cattle Field Specialist, OSU Extension

“They’re coming around the stretch and heeeere they go!” Over the past couple of summers, I have found myself chauffeuring my parents to several county fairs watching the harness racing programs. While I am not a horseman by any means (that’s my father to some degree), I do enjoy watching them race. Most of the time it’s a fast paced competition, and usually a thrilling finish, unless the horse I wagered $2 on ends up off stride and out of the money.

So far this cattle market in 2025 has been that kind of exciting, with every week as of late setting a track record. Who would have ever thought we would see feeder cattle worth $1,600 to $1,800 and fed cattle selling around $2.20? And at the time this was written, it looks like we haven’t seen the high, and expectations are that the beef cow inventory will be lower yet for the sixth consecutive year.

Now is the prime opportunity for cattle producers to think about the long game for the rest of 2025 and beyond. Here at almost the quarter pole of the year there are few things producers need to consider. Buy good bulls, as Roger Huston, the track announcer at the Morgan County Fair and Little Brown Jug would say “Don’t get shutout! Wager now!”. Take some of the profit from the 2024 calf crop and invest in the future of your herd. A bad bull buying decision takes about 12 years to recover from. With the prices calves have sold for since last fall, squirrelling away a percentage of each head sold should have some buying power come bull sale season.

As forage greens up, give your grass a grade, especially if you were in an area of long term drought last year. In order to maintain cow numbers, don’t gamble on forage this spring. Turning out too early will only set the grass growth back if it was short going into winter. Summer annuals may be an option to supplement forage coming out of the drought. Hedge your risk. I know I have mentioned this before, but given the value of calves today it is worth repeating. As we head toward the finish line with calves being born in 2025, considering their potential value, I do believe risk management practices such as Livestock Risk Protection or some sort of plan will

prevent some angst if the pace of this market slows down.

The quarterly cattle on feed report showed 1% fewer cattle in feedlots than in January 2024. The January 1 cows and calves inventory report has yet to come out, but as already mentioned, there is no indication of much expansion/heifer retention at the current time. Heifer

retention will put further strain on fed cattle supplies.

Hold on to the edge of your seat for a wild ride for a while. Think about how to reinvest any profit, and have a plan should for any reason this market break stride. Hope to see many of you at the 2025 Ohio Beef Expo and as always Eat Beef.

Ohio Beef Expo Sale Show: Friday, March 14 at 10am

Sale: Saturday, March 15 at 9am

BUCKEYE BEEF BULLETIN

Return on Investment; Is it the same today?

By Stan Smith, OSU Extension Field PA, Fairfield County

Each year as I work through the pile on my farm desk at tax time, I come across the first Supervised Occupational Experience project book I completed when I began Freshman Ag. Considering what we’ve sold cattle for this past year, this time it really caught my eye.

That old Livestock Production Enterprise record book showed that I purchased two Hereford crossed steers in November 1965 for less than a quarter a pound, totaling just over $100 each. I sold them eight months later for about $260 each. As I think about some fed cattle in Ohio auction barns recently selling for $3,000 or more, and quality feeder calves commonly bringing $1,500 plus, I wonder if perhaps it’s time to take a fresh look at return on investment in the beef cattle industry and the value it represents during this time in the cattle price cycle.

Return on investment, or what is commonly known as ROI, has always been at the forefront of any purchase decision made by profitable and forwardthinking businesses. Agriculture is no different. If the investment isn’t going to return more than its cost, why do it?

The consideration that might make those ROI decisions unique for agriculture is it takes additional labor to turn many new investments into profit, and finding underutilized labor standing around the farm might not be realistic. That said, during this time when fed cattle are at historically high values, perhaps it’s time to look again at ROI and the value the investment in some of the labor-intensive management practices that quickly come to mind can return to the operation.

With breeding season approaching, the first one I think of is a breeding soundness exam (BSE) for the herd bull. When the virtues of a BSE are mentioned, countless times over the years the response has been, “he got them bred last year.” Hearing that, I must ask . . . last year did your bull drag through

mud during early Winter and then stand through windchills that were minus double digits for days?

Depending on when, where and how many you have performed, a BSE might cost $50 to $150 dollars per bull. But as we look at ROI today, consider that for every cow the bull might not get settled on the first service we’ll have a calf that’s 21 days younger at weaning time. That later born calf will have likely gained ~40 pounds less than contemporaries born from the first service, at a value of $3+/dollars for each of those pounds. ROI on a BSE might be at an all-time high today!

While we’re on the topic of getting calves born in a timely fashion and optimizing total weaning weight, let’s talk about the cost of estrus management or synchronization. Any time estrus synchronization is mentioned, thoughts immediately turn to artificial insemination. While the opportunities afforded by individually creating matings to the best bulls in the world through an artificial insemination program are undeniable, it is not something all cattlemen choose to do. Regardless, perhaps the greatest benefit to estrus synchronization is the ability to maintain a tighter calving season regardless of using artificial insemination or the natural service of a bull. The financial benefits of maintaining a tighter calving season come in multiple forms.

First and foremost, as alluded to earlier, a tighter calving season that gets more calves on the ground earlier results in additional total pounds at weaning. Each calf born a 21-day cycle earlier likely results in an additional 30 to 50 pounds of marketable calf weight . . . at a value these days of $3+/- per pound.

The second opportunity a tighter calving season affords is greater numbers of similar weight calves to market in groups. Data shared by University of Kentucky economist Kenny Burdine

has shown an $11 per hundred weight advantage when calves could be marketed in groups of at least 5 head as opposed to singles. When that group of calves grows to 10 head, the advantage becomes $15/ hundred weight. As Burdine goes on to point out, combining the advantages of the extra weight realized by calving a cycle earlier with the additional value gained when selling in a larger group can easily exceed $100 per calf. All things considered, ROI on a $15 CIDR and a couple trips through the chute might also be at an all-time high!

Considering the value of cull cows, the cost of feed, the opportunity to pregnancy check cows and the potential cost savings of timely culling the opens, present another ROI benefit that shouldn’t go unnoticed. The costs of keeping an open cow can easily range from $400 to perhaps $800 per cow retained in the herd, and not culled. At the same time culls are commonly bringing well over a dollar per pound. Depending on the method of confirming pregnancy that’s employed, pregnancy checking comes at a cost ranging from only $4 to $35 per head. Once again, ROI on confirming a pregnancy has likely reached an all-time high!

I’ve only touched on a few of the potential practices that would likely show a positive ROI. We could also talk about the returns on a good mineral program, testing forages and proper nutrition, quality genetics, more intense pasture management, castrating bull calves or incorporating a vaccination program into the calf marketing plan.

Considering the value of cattle today, and the values projected for the foreseeable future, there’s no better time than now to take a fresh new look at some of those practices that in the past maybe we didn’t recognize as valuable investments.

INDUSTRY INSIGHTS

Round-the-clock Monitoring at your Fingertips

By Bekah Meller, Select Sires Member Cooperative CowManger Specialist

CowManager® offers beef producers that additional set of resources to help achieve the reproductive and health goals of the herd both effectively and efficiently. This ear tag sensor offers today’s producer the latest in technology to focus on fertility, rumination, activity and temperature, making the system one of the most resourceful “employees” on the farm.

Size doesn’t matter, when it comes to CowManager, both small and large herds can all take advantage of the technology. Individual cow information is always available and always updating as long as the routers are appropriately placed within range of both the ear sensors and the farm computer system. You will receive all the data on your computer with Wi-Fi connection or straight to your smart phone. Your SSMC CowManager specialists are pros at working with our member-owners to determine the best set-up for your operation and herd management considerations will provide clean data.

With the MultiView function, important data is made available to multiple parties. Everyone who works with the herd can have access to the information and alerts. You can share with your veterinarian, employees and reproductive specialist. Together, your team can integrate this information to efficiently identify and treat or breed individuals based on your herd’s parameters. The reproductive specialist or your A.I. technician can gather fertility insights based off of estrus activities from noncycling, cystic, to possible pregnant cows. Heat alerts help determine

the ideal time of insemination. Our data shows that after receiving a heat alert, inseminating 10 to 22 hours after receiving an alert is the most ideal. Gather insights by reviewing real-time herd data and monitoring eating and rumination responses to feed changes. You can utilize your time more efficiently by focusing on the cows who need the attention, versus trying to get eyes on every cow. The multifunctionality of the CowManager technology helps everyone on the operation make better use of the real-time information and man hours.

Working with your reproductive specialist to synchronize the herd and breed in a tight window can be enhanced by CowManager. The fertility module can let you know which animals need bred prior to timed artificial insemination (TAI) and help validate non-responders to the TAI protocol. Fertility insights generated from CowManager can help identify cows that are suspect pregnant or had an unsuccessful insemination event due to another estrus event. This can allow for regrouping of animals for breeding or a second A.I. service for your most genetically superior females. Utilizing the data to make informed decisions for your next calf crop can put dollars in your pocket.

New and long-term subscribers of the CowManager system have access to the latest version of the software. The system routinely updates the user portal and mobile app as part of their standard service. The latest software update is the CowManager Dashboard. This dashboard is an

easy-to-use visual representation of real-time data to simplify your daily routine. All relevant alerts and insights are displayed in one place through various widgets, including the CowManager Insemination Window. The drag-and-drop dashboard is fully customizable and displays information from all modules conveniently in one place. Users can make their own overview of the information that’s most important and deep dive into cow data with just a single click. All alerts that require attention are available at just a glance.

Your Select Sires Member Cooperative CowManager Specialist will be with you every step of the way from purchase, install and support. Contact your local CowManager specialists to learn more about the highly affordable payment options and the lifetime warranty guarantee. Our local team works with CowManager to monitor and support all of the systems we install. CowManager is an efficiency enhancer on the farm.

Interested in learning more about these programs?

Contat Select Sires Member Cooperative CowManager Specialsts Scott Winchell swinchell@ssmcoop.com | (330) 464-9398 Bekah Meller bmeller@ssmcoop.com | (419) 966-0810

COMMERCIAL CATTLEMAN OF THE YEAR Red Hill Farm

TAKING ADVANTAGE OF ALL BEEF HAS TO OFFER

When it comes to getting a premium for his cattle, Randy Raber doesn’t hesitate to mix things up. A couple of years ago he started implementing changes to his cattle operation, Red Hill Farm, in eastern Ohio so he could tap into a new market. The decision was prompted by some changes in the all natural meat companies where he was selling his cattle.

“On the natural side, some of those switched to grass fed and we’re not really into that as much. They didn’t need as many cattle and for a short time we were selling cattle on the open market – about six to eight months – and we were looking for different avenues to get a premium for our cattle,” he said.

That new opportunity was with Pineland Farms Natural Meats, which requires its participating farms to fulfill the requirements of the Global Animal Partnership. In order to be GAP certified, producers are audited to verify that they are meeting the three components of the program’s animal welfare and sustainability criteria. One of Pineland’s biggest customers is Whole Foods.

“We’re still selling some in the natural meat market to Meyer Natural Meats and JBS because those cattle can be on slatted barn floors and still be considered natural meats,” Randy said.

Randy’s cattle operation got its start after he graduated from Ohio State University’s Agricultural Technical Institute. It was a shift from the family’s original plan to grow the dairy side of the farm that his father started in the 1980s. With so much pasture on the Guernsey County farm, Randy thought it made sense to add a cow-calf herd. As the beef side of

the operation grew, the dairy herd was thinned out.

Today the family has about a 1,000head commercial Angus crossbred cow-calf operation and feeds out about 850 head. The cattle operation is just one part of the family’s business. They also own and manage two nearby restaurants and have a growing freezer beef business. The farm consists of thousands of acres of pasture, farmland and wooded lots. Managing that much acreage, cows and restaurants keeps the family busy.

Over the last few years, Randy’s sons, Nathan, Jonathon and Casey, have become involved in the family operation, which is managed by a trust fund. The family was able to greatly expand its businesses, thanks to proceeds from oil and natural gas exploration. Randy runs the trust, Nathan is in charge of the cattle feedlot, Jonathon manages the crops and maintenance and Casey, who joined full-time a couple of years ago, runs the cow-calf side of the operation.

“This truly is a family operation. It’s great to have all three sons back working here and being together as a family. We’re fortunate that we have great hired help, too,” Randy said.

In 2009 the family got into the restaurant business when it bought a local restaurant, the Bear’s Den Steakhouse, that had gone out of business. It was the perfect match for the family. Before the purchase, they had been selling custom meats to restaurants and grocery stores in the Cleveland area. Now they were able to offer ”pasture to plate” by selling beef raised on their farm in their own community. The sit-down restaurant features highend steak cuts of Wagyu. The family’s other restaurant, 360 Burger, is casual

Story by Amy Beth Graves

and mainly consists of hamburgers, hot dogs and milkshakes.

“During the COVID pandemic, the restaurant side plummeted when things were closed up but fortunately it didn’t phase Burger 360 too much because of the orders to go,” Randy said. “We were able to increase our sales numbers on burger and raw products then and that really helped make up for the loss from the Bear’s Den, which went backwards because it’s a dine in place.”

It was also during the pandemic that consumers became more interested in buying local meat. The Rabers had already been selling some freezer beef but it went up after the pandemic. Today, they sell about three cattle a month for freezer beef. Every week four are processed to supply their restaurants.

Over the last couple of years, the family has started doing artificial

insemination as it works to bring in better genetics to raise heifers for replacements. Their backgrounding operation has also grown recently.

“It’s much more extensive now,” Randy said. “Before it was only half of the herd and we were selling some as calves instead of the finished product. Now we’re able to finish all the cattle and eliminate selling them to the middle person to finish them. We can say all are born and raised on the farm.”

Sustainability and conservation have long been important for the Rabers, and in 2013 they were awarded the state’s Conservation Farm Family award. They do no-till on all their crop acres and have added cover crops with a goal of 100% after harvest. They also inject 90% of their manure into the ground to reduce runoff and odor.

Randy has been active with the Ohio Cattlemen’s, Farm Bureau, county fairboard and Coshocton

Grain Company. Because he knows how important it is to show consumers where their food comes from, he’s invited groups to the farm to check out the cows, including the local FFA and co-ops.

“There’s such a disconnect with the consumer that we do what we can to educate more people about what we do and why,” he said.

Future plans are to continue to grow the cattle herd and possibly add another backgrounding lot. The Rabers were recently honored with the Ohio Cattlemen’s Commercial Cattlemen of the Year award. For Randy, it was a sign that the family is continuing to move in the right direction.

“We were very pleased and honored to receive that award,” he said. “We never dreamed that we’d get to this point. This award and our progress is big for us.”

OHIO BEEF EXPO SPECIALS

PRIVATE TREATY OFFERING • FIRST COME, FIRST SERVED AVAILABLE FOR PICKUP DURING THE OHIO BEEF EXPO

SIRES OF SEMEN OFFERED • 80+ EMBRYO MATINGS

Semen & Embryos

OCA ELECTS NEW OFFICERS

The Ohio Cattlemen’s Association (OCA) board of directors recently elected officers for 2025.

The 2025 officers and executive committee are as follows:

President – Mark Goecke, Allen County

Vice President – Lindsey Hall, Highland County

Treasurer - Linde Sutherly, Clark County

Member at-Large – Frank Phelps, Logan County

Past President – Tom Karr, Meigs County

The Ohio Cattlemen’s Foundation also elected new officers. Those officers are:

President - Tom Karr, Meigs County

Vice President - Jim Jepsen

Fairfield County

Secretary & Treasurer - Elizabeth Harsh, OCA Executive Director

Also, at the reorganizational meeting, retiring directors Jason Dagger, District 5 Director and Jim Rogers, At-Large Director were recognized for their years of service and dedication to the association and beef industry.

Elected officers Mark Goecke, President; Lindsey Hall, Vice President; Linde Sutherly, Treasurer; Frank Phelps, Member At - Large.

BURGETT ANGUS FARM

Investing in Beef Promotion, Nutrition, Education & Research DRIVING THE DEMAND FOR BEEF

REVIEWING 2024 BEEF CHECKOFF INVESTMENTS

The Ohio Beef Council (OBC) recently hosted a successful Lunch and Learn event designed to update producers and youth on the latest Beef Checkoff programs and resources. The event brought together industry stakeholders for an informative session focused on Ohio’s 2024 checkoff investments.

Attendees had the opportunity to engage with OBC board members and staff, who managed various stations throughout the event. Nutrition, social media and youth education were among the station topics offering an in-depth look at how checkoff funds are utilized to benefit the Ohio beef industry.

In addition, OBC introduced a new video that highlighted the impactful work of Beef Checkoff programs in 2024. The video featured key projects and initiatives funded by checkoff investments, giving attendees a comprehensive view of the value these programs bring to producers across the state.

The new event was successful in accomplishing the council’s goal to keep stakeholders informed and engaged on the Beef Checkoff program.

2024 E-COMMERCE RESULTS SELL BEEF

OBC and the Beef Checkoff extended the end of summer Beef. It’s What’s for Dinner e-commerce campaign at the state level in 2024. The tailgating campaign with a national club store reached 524M households and resulted in a $35 incremental return on ad spend (ROI) at the national level.

in traceable/attributable beef sales and resulted in an ROI of $209 in attributable beef sales.

OBC will continue to participate in e-commerce campaigns this spring.

SOUPER BOWL SEASON

In partnership with Kroger, OBC celebrated National Soup Mouth in support of ABC6’s annual Souper Bowl of Caring campaign. This partnership highlights the importance of nutritious meals while encouraging the community to support local food banks during the Super Bowl season.

As part of the initiative, Anna Gest, registered dietitian and OBC Manager of Nutrition Education Programs demonstrated how to prepare a delicious and hearty Classic Beef and Barley Soup. During the live TV segment, Anna shared valuable insights into the health benefits of incorporating beef into a balanced diet, underscoring why beef is an excellent choice for fueling an active and healthy lifestyle.

EAT MOVE GROOVE WITH BEEF

OBC was proud to sponsor a series of free community workshops recently held in Kettering, Ohio. These workshops were led by Susie Kundrat, MS, RDN, LDN, a renowned nutrition and wellness expert, and author of Eat Move Groove: Unlock the Simple Steps to Lifelong Nutrition, Fitness & Wellness. Kundrat, a registered dietitian, educator, and clinical professor emerita with the University of Wisconsin-

Milwaukee College of Public Health, presented four workshops that provided practical, science-based advice for living a healthier and more active life. These engaging sessions were designed to help participants incorporate simple steps to improve their daily nutrition, fitness, and overall well-being.

The workshops included healthy snacks including beef jerky and roast beef wraps as the main course.

2025 OHIO BEEF COUNCIL MARKETING PLAN RELEASED

OBC published its FY25 marketing plan, providing insight into Beef Checkoff investments for the new year. The Beef Council’s mission is to engage with Ohio’s producers and consumers to strengthen the demand for beef. This is accomplished through an integrated state and national marketing partnership to grow consumers’ trust in beef production. OBC will focus on four demand drivers of Nutrition, Raised and Grown, Eating Experience, and Convenience/Versatility. The complete FY25 Marketing Plan can be found on ohiobeef.org. One purpose of sharing the marketing plan is to provide transparency to Ohio’s beef producers who invest in the Checkoff.

Stickel, Bowling Green, Chairman

Becky Reed, Springfield, Vice Chairman

Stan Smith, Canal Winchester, Treasurer

Mandy Atterholt, Loudonville

March 13-16, 2025 | Ohio Expo Center

CHECK OUT THE EXPO PROGRAM FOR MORE DETAILS ON:

SCHEDULES

TRADE SHOW EXHIBITORS

SCHEDULE

March 13-16, 2025 | Ohio Expo Center

**No cattle are permitted on the fairgrounds before 7:30 a.m.**

Noon - 5 p.m. Trade Show Large Equipment Move-in

**Arrival deadline for all breeds selling Friday, March 14

THURSDAY, MARCH 13

8 a.m. - 9 a.m. Judging Contest Check-in & Packet Pick-up, Lance’s Trailer Sales Coliseum

8 a.m. - 12 p.m. Trade Show set up for large indoor equipment

9 a.m. Breeds Check-in Begins, Breeds Building

10 a.m. Judging Contest Begins, Lance’s Trailer Sales Coliseum

10 a.m. Arrival deadline for all breeds selling Saturday, March 15 and others

12 p.m. - 3 p.m. Trade Show set-up outdoor & small indoor displays

12 - 5 p.m. Cattlemen’s Learning Center Sessions, Voinovich Building

2:30 p.m. Judging Contest Awards, Lance’s Trailer Sales Coliseum

3 - 6 p.m. Trade Show Open, Voinovich Building

4 - 8 p.m. Junior Show Check-in, Gilligan Complex 7:30 p.m. The Social, Hilton Columbus/Polaris

FRIDAY, MARCH 14

8 a.m. - 11 a.m. Junior Show Check-in, Gilligan Complex

8:30 a.m. - 6 p.m. Trade Show Open, Voinovich Building

9 - 11 a.m. Cattlemen’s Learning Center Sessions, Voinovich Building

9:30 a.m. Youth Beef Quality Assurance, Lance’s Trailer Sales Coliseum

10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Genetic Pathway Open, Breeds Building

10 a.m. Mini Hereford Show, Cooper Arena

11 a.m. Junior Showmanship, Lance’s Trailer Sales Coliseum - 2 rings

12 p.m. Online Feeder Cattle Sale, Voinovich Building

12:30 p.m. Hereford Show, Cooper Arena

Shorthorn Parade, Cooper Arena

1 p.m. Murray Grey Show, Breeds Building

2 p.m. Angus Parade, Cooper Arena

3 p.m. Aberdeen Angus Sale, Voinovich Building

4 p.m. Red Angus Sale, Voinovich Building

4: 30 - 5:30 p.m. Cowboy Happy Hour, Voinovich Building

5 p.m. Shorthorn Sale, Voinovich Building

5 - 6 p.m. Junior Show Check-in, Gilligan Complex

SATURDAY, MARCH 15

8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Junior Market Animal & BBS Show, Lance’s Trailer Sales Coliseum

8:30 a.m. - 6 p.m. Trade Show Open, Voinovich Building

9 a.m. Mini Hereford Sale, Voinovich Building

10 a.m. Hereford Sale, Voinoivch Building

10 - 11 a.m. Junior Show Check-in, (Heifers Only), Gilligan Complex

10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Genetic Pathway Open, Breeds Building

11:30 a.m. Simmental Sale, Voinovich Building

2 p.m. Angus Sale, Voinovich Building

3:30 p.m. Maine Anjou Sale, Voinovich Building

4 - 5 p.m. Cowboy Happy Hour, Voinovich Building

6 p.m. deadline Junior Show Check-in for Expo Sale Heifers,Gilligan Complex

SUNDAY, MARCH 16

8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Junior Heifer Show & BBS Show, Lance’s Trailer Sales Coliseum

8:30 a.m. - 2 p.m. Trade Show Open, Voinovich Building

9 a.m. - 12 p.m. Cattlemen’s Learning Center Sessions, Voinovich Building

Friends of the Beef Expo Award

Shane Geer & Bob Kern

HerdPro and the Ohio Cattlemen’s Association have maintained a positive relationship since the inception of the company in 2012. Through this partnership, HerdPro has been involved with several events hosted by the Ohio Cattlemen’s Association, particularly the Ohio Beef Expo. Their ongoing support has played a crucial role in ensuring the success of the Ohio Beef Expo each year. While all HerdPro employees contribute, co-owners Shane Geer and Bob Kern have proven to be pivotal figures and incredible assets to the Expo.

HerdPro began in a small garage in Northern Ashland, Ohio, where they built their first products. Since then, the company has expanded to a larger, more efficient manufacturing plant producing a variety of livestock equipment. HerdPro is committed to providing quality, strength, and professionalism in their products, with a strong focus on both full-time and part-time farmers. The company’s meticulously crafted and customized equipment guarantees functionality and safety in livestock handling and feeding, regardless of livestock size—whether cattle, bison, goats, sheep, or any other species. Shane Geer and Bob Kern, co-owners of HerdPro, bring years of manufacturing and farming experience to the company, continuously creating new ideas and designs to better serve the needs of farmers.

Through their support of the Ohio Beef Expo, HerdPro showcases their products in the indoor trade shows, displaying various types of livestock equipment such as feeders, gates, chutes, scales, etc. Throughout the entire week of the Expo, HerdPro plays an essential role by donating chutes and scales for both the junior show and seedstock shows and sales. Geer and Kern, along with other HerdPro employees, attend the Expo throughout the week, fulfilling various roles. These include supporting the HerdPro trade show booth and engaging in Ohio Cattlemen’s Association-hosted events, such as the Social Event, PAC Auction, and Cowboy Happy Hour.

Geer emphasizes the significance of the Ohio Beef Expo to Ohio’s agricultural industry, describing it as the “Super Bowl” of all events that HerdPro attends. He explains that the Expo is a time when everyone—from cow-calf producers consigning in a sale to junior show exhibitors, to trade show attendees of all ages— come together for one cause: to strengthen the agricultural industry and stay connected. The Ohio Beef Expo provides HerdPro’s entire team with the opportunity to engage with both new and long-time customers from across the state. Geer notes that the Expo is vital for HerdPro’s ongoing connection with farmers and producers in Ohio.

“The Ohio Beef Expo is a signature agricultural event in Ohio and the Midwest that brings together all facets of the industry. It showcases a diverse range of participants and encourages others to get involved. HerdPro is proud to be part of this important event and looks forward to many more years of involvement to come.”

— Shane Geer, HerdPro Co-owner

PRE-ORDER. PICK UP. SAVE.

Pre-order Conventional or through your local sales rep by Friday, March 7th to receive FREE DELIVERY to the 2025 Ohio Beef Expo, and receive FREE SHIPPING for all walk-up orders placed at the show!

The Ohio Cattlemen’s Association (OCA) Allied Industry Council is a business partnership that supports educational efforts and leadership opportunities for cattlemen to advance Ohio’s beef cattle industry.

Ag Credit

David White 419-435-7758

Derek Snider 419-675-2303 www.agcredit.net

Ag-Pro

Ben Butcher 740-653-6951 www.agprocompanies.com

Alligare, LLC

Jeff Clark 304-992-6195

Brett Jones 334-748-0048 www.alligare.com

Baird Private Wealth Management

Patrick Saunders 740-446-2000 www.patricksaundersfc.com

Bane-Welker Equipment

Makayla Eggleton 937-206-1653 www.bane-welker.com

Boehringer-Ingelheim

Brent Tolle 502-905-7831 www.boehringer-ingelheim.com

Britespan Building Systems

Lawrence Cole 419-540-3557 www.britespanbuildings.com

Burkmann Nutrition

Brent Williams 859-236-0400

Kasey Gordon 859-236-0400

Tom Hastings 859-236-0400

Austin Sexten 859-236-0400

Dr. David Williams 859-236-0400 www.burkmann.com

Cargill Animal Nutrition

Elaine Riechard 937-770-2820

Anna Taylor 701-220-9387 www.cargill.com | www.sunglo.com

Centerra Co-op

Don Daniels 440-476-6125 www.centerracoop.com

Central Life Sciences

Kenley Rogers 330-465-9225 www.centrallifesciences.com

CLA-CliftonLarsonAllen LLP

Bill Scott 419-213-5265

Travis Reamsnyder www.claconnect.com

Cornerstone Veterinary Services, LLC

Amgad Riad 567-510-4340 www.mycsvets.com

Corteva AgriScience

Rachel Walker 270-995-9541 www.rangeandpasture.com

D&J Sales and Services

Jon Jones 740-391-1246 www.djsalesandservice.com

DHI Cooperative, Inc.

Brian Winters 1-800-DHI-COOP

Tim Pye 912-682-9798 www.dhicoop.com

Elanco Animal Health

Jon Sweeney 515-249-2926

Jim Stefanak 330-298-8113 www.elanco.com

Farm Credit Mid-America

Scott LaGuire 419-733-9796

David Sanders 740-335-3306

Evan Hahn 567-215-7367

www.e-farmcredit.com

Farm Science Review

Nick Zachrich 614-514-9577

Ali Friesen 614-292-4278 www.fsr.osu.edu

Ferguson Cattle Company

Formasters

John Ferguson 440-478-0782

Lindsey Rowland 440-478-0503

Ryan Rowland 440-226-4018

www.fergusonshowcattle.com

Four Star Veterinary Service

Taylor Engle 419-305-7494

Bryant Chapman 419-953-4523

Trey Gellert 419-953-4523

www.4starvets.com

Heartland Bank

Matthew Bucklew 614-475-7024 www.heartland.bank

Heartland Feed Services

Celina 419-586-7443

Minster 419-628-2367

St Anthony 419-942-1148

St Henry 419-678-2348

www.heartlandfeedsrevices.com

Heritage Cooperative

Dale Stryffeler 330-556-8465

David Monnin 914-873-6736

www.heritagecooperative.com

Highland Livestock Supply Ltd.

Curt & Allison Hively 330-457-2033

www.highlandlivestocksupply.com

Hubbard Feeds

Jordan Gilbert 937-670-4231

www.hubbardfeeds.com

ICAP Crop Insurance

Joanie Grimes 937-763-1198

Lindsey Hall 937-763-8115 www.icapcrop.com

J Star Equipment

Bradley Fennewald 567-2037998 www.jstarequipment.com

Kalmbach Feeds

Jeff Neal 419-356-0128

Kyle Nickles 419-294-3838

Cheryl Miller 419-294-3838

www.kalmbachfeeds.com

Kent Nutrition Group

Patrick Barker 513-315-3833 www.kentfeeds.com

M.H. Eby Inc./Eby Trailers

Kirk Swensen 614-879-6901

Steve Rittenhouse 614-879-6901

J.R. Kaverman 740-956-0623 www.mheby.com

McArthur Lumber & Post

Stan Nichols 740-596-2551 www.totalfarmandfence.com

McGuire Wholesale

Virgil Jennings 800-860-3744

Dave Bishop 800-860-3744

Keith Montgomery 800-860-3744

Duane Wilson 800-860-3744

Tessa Briggs 800-860-3744 www.mcguirewholesale.com

Merck Animal Health

Seth Clark 330-465-2728

Dave McElhaney 724-494-6199 www.merck-animal-health-usa.com

Murphy Tractor

Eric Bischoff 614-876-1141

Brent Chauvin 937-898-4198 www.murphytractor.com

Nationwide Insurance

Shawnda Vega 614-329-4500 www.farmagentfinder.com

Neogen

Calvin Bontekoe 810-730-6131 www.neogen.com

Nexus Marketing

Holly Fleck 419-953-2295

Pat Lampert 419-953-0546

Chad Leffel 567-204-7846 www.nexusmarketing.com

Ohio CAT

Linda Meier 614-851-3629

Brian Speelman 614-851-3629 www.ohiocat.com

Ohio Angus Association

Jacy Bapst 740-648-6531 www.ohioangus.org

Ohio Penal Industry

William Bierbaugh 614-214-8916, Robert Caplinger 614-531-8291 www.opi.ohio.gov

OSU Large Animal Services

Eric Gordon 937-642-2936

Kevin Jacque 937-642-2936

Shaw Perrin 937-642-2936

Kristin Smith 937-642-2936

Alissa Wilhelm 937-642-2936 www.vmc.vet.osu.edu

PBS Animal Health

Lisa Lautzenehiser 330-834-2009

Kevin Warrene 800-321-0235 www.pbsanimalhealth.com

Pik Rite, Inc.

Paul Novack 570-523-8174 www.pikrite.com

Priefert Ranch Equipment

Steve Campbell 903-434-8973

Nate Aguredakes 330-868-1181 www.priefert.com

Purina Animal Nutrition

Cy Prettyman 470-360-5538

Kira Morgan 812-480-2715

Doug Phillips

Kylie Ewing Crisler www.purinamills.com

Quality Liquid Feeds

Joe Foster 614-560-5228 www.qlf.com

Reed & Baur Insurance Agency

Jim & Paula Rogers 866-593-6688 www.reedbaurinsurance.com

Richfield Industries

Tom Campbell 810-516-7779 www.richind.com

Rodoc Leasing & Sales

Roger Miller 419-692-5881

Braytan Kruse 419-394-4408

Tony Rieman 419-348-0644

Abby Snyder 937-869-9712

Bryan Hoersten 937-503-7979 www.rodoc.com

Sakura Wagyu Farms

Tori Grafton 614-809-1089

Chad Adams 402-533-2030

Lawrence Adams 402-440-0924

Francis Pang 330-323-0960

David Sahr 740-817-3261 www.sakurawagyufarms.com

Saltwell Western Store

Sally Puzacke 330-343-0388 www.saltwellwesternstore.com

Sedgwick

Tony Sharrock 614-376-5450

David Deyo 614-376-5401 www.sedgwickcms.com

Select Sires Member

Cooperative

Rachael Billups 937-527-5230

Joanna Frankenberg 614-8785333

Kevin Hinds 614-878-5333

Jim Ray 614-205-7176

Julie Ziegler 614-878-5333 www.cobaselect.com

ST Genetics

Aaron Arnett 614-947-9931 www.stgen.com

Straight A’s

Nikki McCarty 330-868-1182

Nate Aguredakes 330-868-1182 www.ranchcity.com

The Wendt Group

Kevin Wendt 614-626-7653

Dale Evans 260-894-0458

Nick Cummings 740-572-0756

Tyler Wilt 740-572-1249

Wesley Black 740-572-1670

W.J. Fannin 614-395-9802 www.thewendtgroup.com

TransOva Genetics

Emily Warnimont 712-722-3586

Lacey Murray 712-722-3586

Amber Clark 712-722-3586

Sabrina Clark 712-722-3586 www.transova.com

Umbarger Show Feeds

Jackson Umbarger 317-422-5195

Eric King 419-889-744 www.umbargerandsons.com

United Producers, Inc.

Jake Osborn

Sam Roberts 614-890-6666

Hannah Carter 614-433-2190 1-800-456-3276 www.uproducers.com

Vytelle

Zach Bartenslager 304-661-6331

Kara Schmidt 443-974-2067

Rodney Schoenbine 330-4649793 www.vytelle.com

Weaver Leather Livestock

Angela Kain 330-674-1782

Lisa Shearer 330-674-1782 www.weaverleather.com

WM. E Fagaly & Son Inc.

Ryan Gries 513-678-1042

Chris McConnell 513-667-7444 www.fagalyfeed.com

Welcome

Zimmer Tractor

Jason Beckner 513-615-3238

www.zimmertractor.com

Zoetis Animal Health

Laura Homan 320-293-2184 www.zoetisus.com

CATTLEMEN’S YOUTH RAISE MONEY FOR RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE CHARITIES OF CENTRAL OHIO

The Ohio Cattlemen’s Association (OCA) BEST Program for youth ages 8-21 years co-hosted the Celebrity Showdown at the Clark County Cattle Battle along with a live auction to benefit Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Ohio (RMHC). The Clark County Cattle Producers sponsored the event.

The Celebrity Showdown was hosted at the Champions Center in Springfield, Ohio on Jan. 24, 2025. For this event, youth were responsible for raising a minimum of $100 for the opportunity to dress up their cattle and present them to the celebrity judge. This year’s judge was the local Buckeye Man, Larry Lokai. Through donations from family, friends, their local community, and members of OCA, youth participating in the Celebrity Showdown raised over $4,000 for the show.

Austin Sutherly, Clark County and the Laber siblings, D’lelah, Patton, and Denver, Highland County, dressed as Kansas City Chiefs, Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift and took the lead fundraising with a total of $1,865 raised. The other teams/participants with the highest fundraising numbers

were Adaline Dickson, $500, Bailee Smith, Leah, and Ruby Weiser, Knox County, $410, and siblings, Luke and Kaylee Jennings, Clermont County, $200.

The overall Celebrity Showdown winner chosen for having the best costume by the Buckeye Man was Kasen Cole, Preble County, who was dressed as OSU Football defensive end, Jack Sawyer.

Additionally, a live auction was held with numerous items selling, and thanks to the many generous supporters, $6,500 was raised.

Incentive prizes will be awarded to the community service top fundraisers at the OCA BEST Program Awards Banquet on May 3, 2025. Donations to RMHC will continue to be accepted after the Celebrity Showdown until the BEST Banquet. Anyone can donate conveniently online at www.ohiocattle.org/best/ community-service. Donations can also be attributed to a BEST participant’s name through the online donation form. Online contributions must be made prior to May 3, 2025 to be credited to a BEST participant’s cumulative fundraising total for the year.

Ohio Angus Report

44552328 KCF Bennett Monument x Boyd 31Z Blueprint 6153 30 outstanding Hereford bulls sellBig-time herd sires and excellent “Baldy Makers”!

WHERE

MATERNAL MATTERS

FAMILY OWNED FOR OVER 125 YEARS!

· Focusing on a MATERNAL BASE to produce BULLS that will ADD VALUE TO OUR CUSTOMERS BOTTOM LINE – Combining Maternal with Performance and Carcass Traits! A PROGRAM ENROLLED IN MATERNAL PLUS AND TARGETING THE BRANDS! Our Angus bulls offer a $M value among the breed’s elite 1%. Assisting with CUSTOMER MARKETING OPTIONS! First Breeding Season Guarantee on Every Bull!

OBC WELCOMES NEW PRODUCERS TO THE BOARD

Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA) Director Brian Baldridge announced in Dec., 2024 the following new appointments to the Ohio Beef Council (OBC) Operating Committee. Congratulations to Emily Chester, Oregonia, Ohio; Rose Hartschuh, Sycamore, Ohio; and Ben Klick, Navarre, Ohio. Re-appointed to additional terms were Bill Sexten, Washington Court House, Ohio and Ben Seibert, St. Marys, Ohio.

At the Jan. board meeting, Erin Stickel was re-elected Chairman; Becky Reed, Springfield, Ohio was re-elected Vice Chairman and Stan Smith, Canal Winchester, Ohio was re-elected as Treasurer. Jake Osborn, Lynchburg, Ohio was re-elected as the Federation Checkoff Director for OBC.

Bret Layman, Johnstown, Ohio; Allan Robison, Cable, Ohio; and Kris Vincent, East Canton, Ohio completed their terms in Dec. 2024. OBC thanks them for their leadership and service as a beef council member.

OBC engages with consumers to strengthen the demand for beef and promotes a profitable and growing beef industry. It is part of a coordinated state/national marketing effort funded by beef producers through the beef checkoff program. OBC collects the $2 per head beef checkoff each time cattle are sold. Fifty cents of the federal dollar is invested in national beef demand building programs by the Cattlemen’s Beef Board. The remaining fifty cents and the state $1 are invested in Ohio by the OBC. The organization is directed by a 15-member Operating Committee of cattlemen and women appointed by the Ohio Department of Agriculture, representing the state’s beef, dairy and veal producers.

The Ohio Beef Council is also excited to announce the digital Beef Passport is active again in 2025. This free mobile-exclusive digital Beef passport allows visitors and locals to check in at partnering restaurant locations to experience signature beef dishes and redeem loyalty points from May thru September. The more points you collect the better chance you have to win a prize at the end of the program.

OBC would like to have partnering restaurants across all of Ohio and are looking to you for help. Where are your favorite locations for a great beef breakfast, lunch, or dinner? Do you have connections to restaurants that would like to participate? Send them to Kelly Keirn at kkeirn@ohiobeef.org or give her a call at 614-873-6736.

Let’s help Ohioans experience the best

of beef!

OBC Executive Committee from left to right: Becky Reed, Vice Chairman; Erin Stickel, Chairman; Stan Smith, Treasurer, Not Pictured Jake Osborn Federation Checkoff Director.

Ohio Beef Council members from left to right: Bill Sexten, Ben Seibert, Ben Klick, Rose Hartschuh, and Emily Chester.

Erin Stickel, OBC Chairman recognizes retiring OBC Operating Committee member Kris Vincent, Stark County.

Erin Stickel, OBC Chairman recognizes retiring OBC Operating Committee member Allan Robison, Champaign County.

SPRING INTERNS READY TO PROMOTE BEEF

Four college interns joined OCA and OBC this Spring to take on events like the Ohio Beef Expo, Beef 509, and Cattlemen’s Academy while learning about Ohio’s beef industry. These students will learn skills to assist in their future career goals and will network among industry affiliates.

Maura Baumer, Minster, Ohio is serving as a Public Relations intern. Baumer has grown up showing goats and rabbits through 4-H. She is the CFAES Representative for the Buckeye Dairy Club, a member of the CFAES Student Council, and a member of the Ag Systems Management Club.

Baumer is currently a junior at The Ohio State University pursuing her bachelor’s degree in agricultural communications with a minor in production agriculture. Upon graduation, Baumer plans to continue working in the agricultural industry, focusing on marketing and communications.

She is looking forward to networking with beef producers in the industry and enhancing her knowledge about Ohio’s beef.

Ashley Tate, Shreve, Ohio is also serving as a Public Relations intern. Tate grew up on her family’s grain operation, raising beef cattle. She was heavily involved in 4-H, FFA, and Junior Fair Board.

Tate is currently a senior at The Ohio State University pursuing a

bachelor’s degree in agricultural communications with a minor in Agribusiness. After graduation, Tate plans to work in the agriculture industry in a strategic communications or marketing role.

She is looking forward to deepening her knowledge about the beef industry and developing relationships with producers.

Baumer and Tate’s primary responsibilities throughout their internship this semester will include assisting in event press releases, Expo social media, event planning, event photography, website updates, and more.

Libby Grossniklaus, Burbank, Ohio is serving as a Youth Activities intern this semester. Grossniklaus grew up in Wayne County, where she was actively involved in 4-H, FFA, Jr. Fair Board, and 4-H camp counseling. She showed cattle in the BEST Program for five years, which strengthened her knowledge and passion for agriculture.

Grossniklaus is a senior at The Ohio State University pursuing a bachelor’s degree in agricultural communication with a minor in agribusiness. After graduation, she looks forward to applying her experience in communications and agriculture to future opportunities in the industry.

Grossniklau is looking forward to the opportunity to stay involved in the industry by assisting with shows and working behind the scenes.

Sydney Kleman, Ottawa, Ohio is also serving as a Youth Activities intern. Kleman was raised on her family’s show cattle operation and has continued that legacy growing the operation and adding a small herd of show goats. She has been thoroughly involved in agriculture through 4-H and FFA.

Kleman is currently a senior at the University of Findlay pursuing a bachelor’s degree in animal science with an industry focus and a minor in business management. After graduation, Sydney’s goal is to educate the youth and general public about the necessity of agriculture and influence all operations from small hobby farms to big production operations. Her plan is to engage in a role in agriculture sales and marketing. She is looking forward to working with the OCA BEST program and developing the next generation of leaders.

Grossniklaus and Kleman will work together focusing on the OCA BEST program where they will assist in the administrative duties, BQA certifications, and creating social media posts. Additionally, they will help foster the next generation of industry leaders and help coordinate the Ohio Beef Expo Junior Show, which includes fundraising and show management.

Maura Baumer Public Relations Intern

Ashley Tate Public Relations Intern

Libby Grossniklaus Youth Activities Intern

Sydney Kleman Youth Activities Intern

THE CHIPPEWA VALLEY HIGHLIGHTS

• Select offering of 35 yearling bulls

• Private treaty for your convenience! Select now with free housing through April 15th

• Bulls will have passed a stringent breeding soundness exam before pick-up

• Vaccinated, wormed, ready to go to work

• Specializing in calving ease bulls without sacrificing pounds at weaning

• Guaranteed free of all known genetic recessives

• Additional sire groups include: E&B New Addition 608, GB Fireball 672, SydGen Bonus 8084, BJ Surpass, Musgrave Cracker Jack, Poss Rawhide

CattlemenCattlemen FOR

ANNUAL FALL FEMALE SALE

October 4, 2025 • Zanesville, OH

Selling 75 Angus & SimAngus Females

Request a catalog on our website today!

Connealy Craftsman

HPCA Veracious

Crawford Guarantee 9137

Doc Ryan

Haynes Force 9115

Baldridge Gibson G859

OCA HOLDS SUCCESSFUL ANNUAL MEETING & AWARDS BANQUET

The Ohio Cattlemen’s Association (OCA) held its Annual Meeting and Awards Banquet on Feb. 1, 2025, at the Hilton Polaris Hotel, Columbus, Ohio. Cattlemen and women from across the state gathered to engage in important association business, hear updates from many industry partners, and recognize the recipients of several prestigious industry awards.

The event was made possible by the following sponsoring partners: Ag Credit, Heartland Feed Services, Foster Farms, Austin & Lindsey Cole & family, and Nexus Marketing.

The day started with the launch of the new Ohio Beef Youth Council (OBYC). The council is a youth education initiative created to serve the families and youth of Ohio’s beef industry and invest in the next generation of industry leaders. This initiative, funded by the Beef Checkoff and OCA, will provide youth with the tools to become more effective industry leaders and inspire them to continue their engagement in Ohio’s beef industry as adults. The eight youth leaders for the council unveiled the OBYC structure and its first programs and recognized council sponsors Bonnie Coley Malir and Rick Malir founders of City Barbeque.

OHIO CATTLEMEN’S ASSOCIATION

Annual Meeting & Awards Banquet

FEBRUARY 1, 2025 COLUMBUS, OHIO

The Ohio Beef Council sponsored lunch to introduce their 2024 video annual report that highlighted Beef Checkoff investments to build beef demand. The luncheon included five stations that featured various aspects of the checkoff and its programs.

Colin Woodall, CEO of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA), joined members to present an industry update on policy issues and highlights from the NCBA Federation’s role as a contractor to the beef checkoff. Several elected officials attended the meeting as well including U.S. Senator Bernie Moreno, Ohio Representatives Rodney Creech and Bob Peterson, and Ohio Senators Kyle Koehler and Tim Schaffer.

OCA President Mark Goecke of Allen County led the OCA Annual Meeting. The first order of business was awarding the association’s Top Hand members. The OCA Top Hands are awarded for recruiting five or more OCA members throughout the year. This year’s awards were sponsored by Purina Animal Nutrition and Quality

Liquid Feeds. The following were the Top Hands for 2024 Joe Grubbs, Carroll County was the top recruiter. Additional Top Hand winners were Austin Cole, Preble County; Glen Feichtner, Crawford County; John Ferguson, Geauga County; Mark Goecke, Allen County; Lindsey Hall, Highland County; Jessica Helsinger, Preble County; Andy Lohr, Crawford County; Frank Phelps, Logan County; Dave Puthoff, Auglaize County; Bill Sexten, Fayette County; Erin Stickel, Wood County; Linde Sutherly, Clark County and Fred Voge, Preble County. Following the Top Hand awards, members heard updates from several industry partners. OCA members then voted on the association policy for 2025.

The Ohio Cattlemen’s Foundation (OCF) also held its annual meeting to award over 25 scholarships to beef industry youth who have aspirations of pursuing careers in the agriculture and beef industry. These scholarships were made possible through the Cattlemen’s Gala, sales from the Ohio

beef license plates, funds raised from the putt-putt course at the Ohio State Fair, and generous donors such as Saltwell Western Store, the Noah Cox Memorial Fund, and the Ohio Cattlewomen’s Association.

The following are the 2024 scholarship recipients:

Cattlemen’s Gala Scholarships

Megan Becker, Washington County

Harrison Blay, Portage County

Marissa Graham, Licking County

Isabel Hiles, Pickaway County

Kaylee Jennings, Clermont County

Maria McIntosh, Champaign County

Delaney Moore, Fairfield County

Cheyenne Myers, Stark County

Rachel O’Reilly, Geauga County

Celeste Rummell, Tuscarawas County

Katelynn Wallace, Miami County

Emma Yochum, Highland County

Tagged for Greatness Scholarships

Josh Dickson, Licking County

Carter Lampe, Wood County

McKenzie Pitcock, Muskingum County

Samantha VanVorhis, Wood County

Cattlemen’s Country Club Scholarships

Delaney Chester, Warren County

Charity Moore, Montgomery County

Erica Patterson, Hancock County

Anna Scheurman, Coshocton County

Noah Cox Memorial Scholarships

Megan Garrison, Belmont County

CattleWomen’s Association Scholarships

Delaney Moore, Fairfield County

Bill Tom Memorial Scholarship

Sydney Kleman, Putnam County

Bill Tom Success Grant

Ryan Bowsher, Allen County

During the Awards Banquet, attendees celebrated the achievements of their fellow cattlemen. The seven awards presented were as follows:

Outstanding County

Wood County Beef Producers

2025Congratulations Award Winners!

Colin Woodall, NCBA CEO attended the Annual Meeting & Awards Banquet where he visited with members and presented an industry update on policy issues.

Young Cattleman of the Year Garrett Stanfield

Environmental Stewardship Award

Twin Oak Farms, LLC - Workman Family

Commercial Producer of the Year Red Hill Farm

Seedstock Producer of the Year Ferguson Cattle Company

FEEDBUNKS

• Feedbunks

•

• 3/16

10’ & 20’ FEEDBUNKS

• Produced from 10 Gauge Hi-Strength steel .130

•

GROSS JOINS OCA AS MANAGER OF MEMBER SERVICES & INDUSTRY EDUCATION

Zane Gross III of Ashland, Ohio was recently named the Manager of Member Services & Industry Education for the Ohio Cattleman’s Association (OCA) and Ohio Beef Council. His responsibilities include implementing membership marketing efforts, member services and revenue development activities, including event sponsorships and advertising sales and engaging with industry partners and OCA Members. Ohio Beef Council educational responsibilities include checkoff communications, quality assurance and youth education programs.

Gross leaves his current position as the Operations Manager & Sales Lead for E. R. Boliantz Packing Co. He is a 2017 graduate of The Ohio State University and a meat science expert. Through his role at Boliantz, he worked closely with area cattle feeders and served as the Ashland County Cattlemen’s Association president.

Gross was the 2021 recipient of the OCA Young Cattleman of the Year award and attended the NCBA YCC leadership program. He, and his wife, Courtney, and their three young children, own and operate Buckeye Creek Angus, a growing seedstock operation.

OHIO BEEF YOUTH COUNCIL PROGRAMS ANNOUNCED

The new Ohio Beef Youth Council (OBYC) was rolled-out on Feb. 1 in conjunction with the OCA Annual Meeting & Awards Banquet. The OBYC is a youth education initiative created to serve the families and youth of Ohio’s beef industry and invest in the next generation of industry leaders. Funded by the Beef Checkoff and OCA, it provides youth with the tools to become more effective industry leaders and inspire them to continue their engagement in Ohio’s beef industry as adults.

The council’s initial eight youth leaders led the program. They recognized OBYC sponsors Bonnie Coley Malir and Rick Malir founders of City Barbeque. They explained the council’s structure and announced the first two OBYC programs, the Fed Cattle Carcass Contest and a series of Beef Youth Days held in conjunction with OSU Extension and 4-H.

All youth who attended Feb. 1 will receive regular newsletters via email with details on upcoming programs and events. The first Beef Youth Days will be held May 17 in Columbus on the OSU main campus and May 31 in Wooster on the ATI campus. For more information contact cattle@ohiocattle.org or 614-873-6736.

Zane Gross, Ashland, Manager of Member Services & Industry Educatiom

Agricultural professionals panel pictured from left to right. Garrett Stanfield, Adams County; Kirsten Nickles, Ashland County; Lindsey Hall, Highland County; Zane Gross, Ashland County

Demand Driven BEEF

Maplecrest Showcase J3250 (20938705)

BD: 9/19/23 n Angus Sire: Hart Showcase

Maplecrest Rawhide J3199 (20933009)

BD: 8/18/23

Sire:

From birth to harvest, genetic improvements have driven beef demand and enabled producers to take advantage of one of the most bullish cattle markets in a generation. Pricing signals originating at the meat case confirm our consumers’ appreciation for higher quality beef, and encourage producers to continue to improve quality across the entire production space. Maplecrest Farms is focused and committed to meeting the demand for genetic excellence and high quality beef.

(4309134)

BD: 8/27/23 n Sim-Angus Sire: WHF Entourage H450

ABERDEEN ADVANTAGE SALE

2024 High Seller

SEEDSTOCK PRODUCER OF THE YEAR

Ferguson Cattle Company

Story by Amy Beth Graves

Planning for Ferguson Cattle Company’s production sale is a yearlong process that starts the day after its sale ends.

“The sale may be 364 days away but we’re already thinking about how in a couple of months we need to have the breeding choices down. We’re figuring out what animals are going to what sale and strategically placing them for the year,” said John Ferguson whose family runs the Geauga County farm.

Proper planning and communication are critical for John who not only helps run the family farm but owns and manages a tool and die shop and a roll forming company that he started years ago. He is also a partner in two childcare facilities.

“I’m not on the farm on a daily basis but I’ve got very good people who work for me and that I can rely on,” he said. Like many other cattle producers, the seedstock operation got its start with John’s children’s 4-H cattle projects in the mid 1990s.

“After the first year, I saw people paying a lot of money for steers and decided to go in a different direction.

We decided to focus more on heifer and breeding projects. We had a pretty good group of heifers and evolved from that,” he said.

Today Ferguson Cattle Company has about 180 Angus and Simmental brood cows, 100 heifers, 120 calves and 20 bulls. The Fergusons are recipients of this year’s Ohio Cattlemen’s Seedstock Producer of the Year award.

“We were elated. It’s very enriching to get an honor from your peers. We do this because we love it. It took me by complete surprise,” John said.

John has felt drawn to life on a farm ever since he was a child. At age 6 his father died, leaving his mother with three young children to raise. John spent a lot of time at his grandparents’ farm in Lake County. In 2007 he bought a long-time beef farm and focused on raising Angus and Simmental seedstock.

“The farm brings me back to family. It’s very relaxing and grounding,” he said.

In 2017, John’s daughter, Lindsey Rowland, returned to the farm after graduating college, and he bought

another nearby farm to expand their operation. Lindsey manages the farm and Scott Lehman is the herdsman.

“She is a very, very hard worker and a very good record keeper. She’s in charge of three older men and the younger people who work for us in the summers and winters from Ohio State University’s internship program. She can do anything they can,” John said.

For years, Ferguson Cattle Company has had success in the showring with over 100 state and national winners.

“We like to cross Angus with Simmental and were one of the first to bring a half-blood and sell it at the Ohio Beef Expo. Multiple times we’ve been the high sellers at the Ohio Beef Expo and in Oklahoma,” John said.

The Fergusons have been involved with production sales for about 20 years and in 2017 they started their own sale called the Rare Vintage Sale, which is held in October. The family built a showbarn facility with heated floors for the sale.

“We were tired of dragging cattle all over and since we started having most of our animals in those sales, we asked

why we were doing this and started our own. In the age of online sales there’s not as many production sales and it takes a village to put those on,” John said.

That sale features calves born the previous year in the fall, which is a draw for some buyers, John said.

“What sets our sale apart from others is that our animals are a little older than others who calve in March,” he said. “One of our fortes is that when we sell a bred, she’s a little bit more mature than most, which means they’ll breed back quicker. We have a lot of repeat customers because of this.”

John credits embryo transfers for helping the operation’s bottom line and reputation for quality seedstock.

“Embryos are a big thing for us. We put in over 200 per year,” he said. “They’re a great way to improve genetics. We’re constantly buying top genetics all over the country.”

Over the years, the Fergusons have made a lot of improvements to their farm. They converted unusable land into pasture, provided drainage, added ponds and cleaned up the land and forest. They have an alfalfa mix in the fields and have started adding sorghum and sedan grass so they can get more tonnage. They’re also adding triticum, which is like winter wheat but more tender and can be baled, wet wrapped or grazed.

“We do a good job of rotational grazing and have water in pie pastures where water is not centrally located and rotate around clockwise so the water is in the center of the fields. That way we’re getting the most out of our property and the cattle are not walking their gain off,” John said.

The family’s goals are to increase their sales, teach the younger generation about the value of raising cattle and agriculture and be good stewards of the land. John’s long-term goal is that the farm remain sustainable for generations to come.

“Farming is very relaxing for me and I get to be with my family out there. My daughter and I travel to so many farms and sales in the West. She has a 2-yearold and he’s gone with us since he was 11 months old,” John said. “They always say farming is a labor of love. We chose this type of life because we love doing it.”

Bogie Greene Acres

Chris Smith (513) 404-6100 (513) 403-5221 facebook.com/bogie.acres

Cluxton Family Show Cattle

Je & Jared Cluxton (937) 213-1252 (937) 618-2066

Cummings Cattle

Brian Cummings (937) 763-0633 (937) 763-5142 cummingscattle.com

Hamilton Cattle

Erik Hamillton (937) 603-7804 (937) 403-8181 facebook.com/hamiltoncattle.oh/

Long Hall Cattle

Clint & Kelly Hall (606) 782-1981 (937) 763-0931

Manning Show Cattle

Bob Manning

Jason Manning (513) 505-0756 (513) 309-9655

Osborn Show Cattle

Jake & Wendy Osborn (937) 725-5687 osbornshowcattle.com

S&N Livestock

Nathan (Bubba) Vogel

Seth Vogel (513) 256-8370 (937) 798-0689 snlivestock.com

The Only Herbicide to Control Weeds and Protect White Clover

Meet NovaGraz™ herbicide.

NovaGraz™ herbicide is a ground breaking weed control solution that enables producers to preserve white clover and annual lespedeza while providing enhanced broadleaf weed control. That means reaping the benefits of white clover in pastures with improved forage quality and animal performance benefits.

For More Information about Corteva Agriscience Range & Pasture Products Contact:

Rachel Walker Range & Pasture Specialist rachel.walker@corteva.com Mobile: (270) 995-9541

To find your local Corteva Range and Pasture Specialist visit rangeandpasture.com/specialist

CALENDAR of EVENTS

PARTING SHOTS

The Ohio Cattlemen’s Foundation presented the inaugural Bill Tom Scholarship & Success Grant at the 2025 Annual Meeting. Tom’s family attended and presented the awards to the receipients in his memory.

U.S. Senator Bernie Moreno attened the OCA Annual Meeting & Awards Banquet. He talked with members and provided an update on the recent actions that have been taken in Washington D.C.

Several Ohioans attended the Cattle Industry Convention and NCBA Trade Show in San Antonio, TX.

Keep your cows cool, calm and collected this summer with Blueprint® and ClariFly®

Proven Results:

• +20.2 lbs/head weaning weight

• +33.6 lbs/head yearling weight

Defend Against Flies:

Stable flies, horn flies, house flies, and face flies impact cattle performance.

Stop Weight Loss. Boost Performance. Talk to your dealer on how you can save today!

KEEP

CALVES PERFORMING WITH CRYSTALYX

Support feed intake, efficiency and average daily gain at weaning through the consistent consumption of CRYSTALYX stress products. Proper nutrition is the first step toward reducing stress induced sickness.

Buyers of the leadoff Bull and Female from each breed sale will receive a free 60# Crystalyx Brigade Stress Tub.

Pickup your gift at the Hubbard Feeds tradeshow booth after the respective sale.

STRESS TUBS

Use our triple threat combo with your market steer or market heifer to maximize your show ring results during the last 100 days. Mega Champ® is the ultimate cool-room feed for the summertime. Its combination of barley and spelts helps keep them fresh and full while maintaining an ideal finish over their ribs. Our Stress

Tubs provide all of the vitamin/trace mineral they require, with an extra heap of potassium, to prevent shrinking under stress. Top it all off with Hair Magic Plus®, our best resource for growing a healthy coat of hair for the show ring. HM+ is melatonin-free and safe for bred heifers! ®