Outstanding County Award

PROCEEDS FROM FOOD BOOTH HELP FAYETTE COUNTY CATTLE FEEDERS support local youth

Every year during the Fayette County Fair in July, hundreds of people hang out at what’s known as the “gathering spot.” It’s a place to relax during the heat of the day, enjoy a tasty meal, chat with local policymakers and catch up on the latest fair results. About 25 picnic tables and fans are set up inside the building filled with an enticing aroma of freshly cooked burgers and steak sandwiches. “It’s a comfortable place to be and people migrate to it,” said Bill Sexten, a long-time farmer and cattleman who runs a cow-calf operation in the county. Sexten should know because he’s one of the many Fayette County Cattle Feeders Association members who help run the food booth, known as the Cattle Feeders Corral. Open for almost 12 hours a day, the food booth raises money for the local cattlemen’s group. This summer it brought in about $7,000 a day during the weeklong fair. Bill and other Cattle Feeders members are eager and proud to discuss how the proceeds are used. It’s an investment that they believe will allow the local beef industry to continue to grow and thrive. They’re investing in local youth as well as hope – that they are helping build the next generation of cattle producers and supporters. “Our main focus is increasing youths’ interest in the industry, and we do that by funding projects for them,” he said. “Beef steer projects are declining statewide and nationwide because it requires two things from people: time and money. We try to help out on the money end to support these kids with their projects.” Investing in the future of the local beef industry is the first of three goals of the Cattle Feeders. The association supports awards for youth during the county fair, provides banners for champions and awards scholarships to every high school senior who exhibits beef at the county level. To be eligible for the $500 scholarship, the seniors have to not only show cattle but attend college or tech school. All junior fair members who show also receive a monetary stipend, depending on how much money is raised at the food booth. The funds are announced and distributed during the association’s annual banquet in February, which typically draws about 200 people. The county beef queen also is crowned during the banquet and receives a $500 scholarship. Dozens of local corporate sponsors help out with funding and manpower for both the food booth and banquet. “I’ve had the honor of getting a scholarship from the Cattlemen’s Association. This has been very helpful in my college experience,” said Quinton Waits who is currently a student at Iowa State University. “I hope to eventually go on to vet school … and come back and serve my community and help put in all the effort that has been put in towards me to help serve the community as best I can.” Quinton’s words are music to the ears of his mother, Kris Waits, who has been a volunteer with the Cattle Feeders for eight years. Her daughter who also wants to be a veterinarian and is currently at Oklahoma State University received a $500 scholarship as a high school senior and an additional $500 when she was crowned beef queen. “It’s a wonderful program because it gives back to the community and is helping the beef industry survive,” said Kris whose husband, Daryl, owns and operates Fayette Veterinary Hospital in Washington Court House. “I definitely think we’re raising these youth to be ambassadors for the beef industry. We’re helping ensure the future of the industry.” The second goal of the Cattle Feeders is to connect the older generation with the younger so they can pass along their experience and expertise, said Randy Miller, the association’s treasurer. “Our association is a true community. It’s all about promoting and educating individuals about the industry,” Kris said. “We’re all from here and have common goals.” Meal vouchers provided to youth showing animals helps bring them into the food booth not only for a bite to eat but a conversation, Quinton said. “You can spend a little time finding someone you can eat with and talk to and it’s especially good getting to see the staff and talk to them and hear what they have to say,” he said. “They all enjoy everything that you do and I love the encouragement that I get when I come down here. I enjoy the family atmosphere.”

Story by Amy Beth Graves

“Beef steer projects are declining statewide and nationwide because it requires two things from people: time and money. We try to help out on the money end to support these kids with their projects.”

Having the opportunity to meet and talk with local policymakers who help run the food booth is the final goal of the Cattle Feeders. Those face-to-face interactions are critical in helping tell and shape the cattle and agricultural industries’ stories. “Our place is a draw for those who want to take advantage of politicians being there so they can make them aware of issues affecting our industry that they weren’t aware of before,” Bill said. A couple of hot topics over the years have been black vultures attacking livestock and definition of “waters of the United States.” “This is a way to advocate for the beef industry across the state,” Randy said. “The food booth provides an opportunity for all patrons to talk to an elected official about whatever they are concerned about.” All of these goals and results were cited as reasons why the Cattle Feeders Association received the Ohio Cattlemen’s Outstanding County Award, which recognizes the outstanding achievement, industry education and consumer promotion efforts of counties statewide. Activities, participation in OCA events, communication efforts, support of industry youth and a cohesive partnership are all areas of focus for award recognition. Over the years, Bill has served in various leadership positions with the Cattle Feeders and understands and appreciates the association’s efforts to recognize and inspire youth. “It’s a major investment to take an animal to the fair. If you’re doing it completely, it’s a 2 ½ to three year investment and $400 to $500 per year,” he said. “You’re raising kids and teaching them responsibility. That’s what it’s all about. You can’t get any better family time than when you raise an animal to show.”