Ohio Cattleman - Summer 2022

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 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 3,086.

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 614-873-6736. All advertising material for the Early Fall Issue must be received by Aug. 10, 2022 Cattlemen’s Association a 10% their farm such as cattle, hay, corn, etc. to place your ad: 614-873-6736

State Fair Time

By Elizabeth Harsh, Ohio Cattleman Editor

It’s state fair time. For many of Ohio’s beef industry youth their county fair and the state fair are what they look forward to and work hard for all year long. This year is especially meaningful as it marks the first full state fair in three years and as a result many fair enthusiasts feel like all is right with the world once again.

For OCA a full fair includes a return to operating two beef stands the Steak Barn and Taste of Ohio Café on the fairgrounds. OCA welcomes a new beef foodservice partner Graze On Catering owned by the Muir family, OCA members from Auglaize County, and appreciates the many volunteers who have signed up to work a shift and help promote beef.

A full fair also means that the Commercial Cattle Show and carcass contest will once again take place under the viaduct. The pens of three steers and heifers entered in the live show by some of Ohio’s finest cattle feeders represent one of the few remaining shows of this type held at a state fair anywhere in the country and OCA is pleased to support it.

The 2022 Ohio State Fair will also include a return of the Dean’s Charity Steer Show following its successful debut in 2019. OCA is proud to continue its partnership with The Ohio State University College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES) and Telhio Credit Union to host this event that benefits Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) of Central Ohio. It will take place Tuesday, August 2 from 2–4:30 p.m. in Cooper Arena. The show features 11 teams consisting of a celebrity exhibitor, with most teams also having a local media personality, as well as an experienced 4-H and OCA BEST livestock family and their steer.

In addition to showing a steer during the charity steer show, the teams will also compete to see who can raise the most money for RMHC through both online donations and a sale following the show. The sale will follow the same procedures as a typical livestock sale, but without the actual transfer of livestock. More details on the event are available in this issue and online.

Special thanks to BEST and 4-H members: Own Bailey, Wayne County; Ashton Bain, Highland County; Kendall Bishop, Clark County; Madisyn Brandt, Tuscarawas County; Maddox Cupp, Fairfield County; Kyleigh Hatfield, Muskingum County; Mason Love, Fairfield County; Rachel O’Reilly, Geauga County; Shayla Sancic, Stark County; Rees Toler, Gallia County; Karissa Treadway, Warren County and their families for providing their animals, expertise and passion for this important cause!

The state fair also creates an experience for consumers to learn more about agriculture. Through the beef checkoff, the Ohio Beef Council is responsible for several educational exhibits around the fairgrounds that provide information for all ages on how beef gets from pasture to plate. New this year the beef council will participate in the Land and Living building and through an interactive display explain what sustainability means to beef farm families.

Included in this issue is a complete schedule of the state fair beef shows. Good luck if you are exhibiting and if not, plan a trip to take in all the fair offers. My advice, wrap up your state fair visit by stopping at the Beef Store in the beef barn to purchase a new hat or beef shirt and be sure to enjoy a hot-off-the-grill ribeye or burger.

OCA Officers

President • Tom Karr 740-591-9900, tom@karrcontracting.com

Vice President • Bill Tom 937-694-5378, btom@uproducers.com

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

Past President • Aaron Arnett 614-947-9931, aaronarnett16@gmail.com

Beef by the numbers

By Tom Karr, OCA President

As we approach the middle of summer, it’s time to continuously evaluate our spring calf crop. As a seedstock producer, I’m always looking for the bull prospects and especially the replacement heifer selections that are worthy of a career being part of a cow herd.

OCA Directors

Shane Riley Director At-Large

Washington C.H. • Term expires 2023 740-572-2044, rfsc2014@yahoo.com

Jim Rogers Director At-Large

Logan • Term expires 2023 740-591-7311, jrogers@reedbaur.com

J.L. Draganic Director At-Large

Wakeman • Term expires 2022 440-821-6576, paintcreekcattle@gmail.com

Jaymes Maciejewski District 1

New Bavaria • Term expires 2023 309-222-0850, jaymes.maciejewski@gmail.com

Andy Lohr District 2

Bucyrus • Term expires 2024 419-569-3613, andylohr61@gmail.com

John Ferguson District 3

Chardon • Term expires 2024 440-478-0782, john@fergusonshowcattle.com

Mark Goecke District 4 Spencerville • Term expires 2023 419-233-3101, goeckefarms@gmail.com

Jason Dagger District 5

Cable• Term expires 2024 937-604-8820, jason.dagger@rwe.com

Pam Haley District 6

West Salem • Term expires 2022 419-853-4657, phaley@haley-farms.com

Brad Thornburg District 7

Barnesville • Term expires 2023 740-310-9196, thornburgcattle@yahoo.com

Linde Sutherly District 8

New Carlisle • Term expires 2024 937-875-0670, linde@lindeslivestockphotos.com

Jim Jepsen District 9

Amanda • Term expires 2022 614-560-5919, jepsen.drfarms@gmail.com

Sarah Ison District 10

Moscow • Term expires 2023 513-314-5382, sarah.ison01@gmail.com

Lindsey Hall District 11

Hillsboro • Term expires 2024 937-763-8115, lindseycgrimes@gmail.com

Luke Vollborn • District 12

Here in Southeastern Ohio, there is no shortage of quality pastures. Hope fully that will continue through the fall. Our long term forecast is for normal precipitation. If your weatherman isn’t any better than mine, he is only accurate 50% of the time and is secure in his employment. In any other job, he would have been terminated after three months.

With an accounting background, I am always intrigued with statistics espe cially when it relates to cattle. The 2022 U. S. Beef Statistics have been recently released and contain some interesting information.

Ohio ranks 29th in the total number of beef cows at 312,000. We are 10th in the number of cow/ calf operations, which is a 6.8% increase over 2021. We are 23rd in the U.S. for cow/calf inventory, 16th for the number of cattle on feed, 30th for cattle/ calf sales, 37th for average size of operation at 59 head and 22nd in cash receipts at $646,504,000.

In the five year beef cow herd expansion numbers, Ohio ranks 5th with a 24,000 head increase, just short behind the big boys - Oklahoma at 1st, Cal ifornia coming in 2nd, Texas at 3rd and Nevada at 4th. Despite these herd expansion numbers, at the end of the five year numbers we are still at the small est beef and dairy cow herd numbers since 2016 - 30.1 million. If you haven’t filled your freezer with beef, now would probably be a good time. And don’t forget to tell your non-farm neighbors as well.

The number missing from the report I read was the number of cattle per square mile. I’m sure Ohio would be in the top 10.

U.S. cattle operations by segment are interesting. 82.6% are cow/calf/seed stock, 8.3% stocker/grower, 6.2% dairy and 2.9% feedlot.

The U.S. continues to be the largest beef producer at 21.9% of world pro duction followed by Brazil at 16.3%. China is a surprising 12% and will be our 3rd largest importer for 2022 if the current pace continues. They have a large population to feed with problems ahead as ominous food shortages are con stantly in the news.

On a local note, if you have not attended one of our past Gala events, you are missing out on a great dinner with beef at the center of the plate, of course, with the company of like-minded people and all for a great cause. I hope you will register and join us for an enjoyable evening at the Delaware County Fair grounds on Aug. 27, 2022. More information on the Gala is included in this issue and you can register online or by calling the office. See you there!

Bidwell

• Term expires 2022 740-441-5740, vollborncattle@yahoo.com

MASSIVE VERSATILITY. MAJOR VALUE.

Feed, facilities & technology - don’’t just wing it

By Garth Ruff, Beef Cattle Field Specialist, OSU Extension

Summer is here, spring born calves are growing, breeding season is upon us, first cutting hay is on the downhill slide for many. Weather permitting, the busy season is here for many cattle producers here in Ohio. While the bulk of the next few months will be filled with hay making, county fairs and beef on the grill, let’s not forget that summer is still an important time for cow-calf and fed cattle producers.

For cow-calf producers, summer is the opportunity to consider imple menting any pre-weaning calf man agement or health protocols that have the potential to add value to this year’s calf crop that is on the ground. Having a plan to add value and manage calves is often better than “just winging it” come weaning time this fall.

As we enter the heat of summer something a bit unconventional to consider is potentially feeding hay to combat the summer slump in pas ture production. Several producers across the state have a surplus of hay from last winter. Considering that extra carryover and knowing that first cutting grass hay made this year was made later than ideal, there could be an opportunity to utilize some of that lower quality forage here in July and Aug., especially if it would happen to turn dry.

In the cattle feeding business, there seems to be some opportunity as well. Dr. Glynn Tonsor, Livestock

Marketing Specialist at Kansas State, is forecasting positive net returns to fed cattle marketed this fall and into 2023. While the markets are subject to changes, now may be a good time to evaluate feeding and management programs and see if there are oppor tunities to make decisions that will improve efficiency.

Generally, there are a few ways to increase efficiency within an existing feedlot production system - feed, facil ities and technology. Feed is probably the one that gets the most attention, given it is the major input cost in cattle feeding. We can have hours long conversations about feed cost and diet composition. When the cost of corn is high, these types of discussions are more common and usually revolve around replacing corn in the diet with another feedstuff. Even though an alternative to corn may be cheaper on a per pound basis to purchase, it may not be any more cost effective to feed depending on nutrient value to the animal.

Feed processing is another point of discussion and is even more pertinent when utilizing a self-feeder (AKA steer stuffer). Corn particle size is one of the first things I look at when making a feedlot visit. If the feed in the bunk looks like hog feed, the corn is too finely ground. At most, corn should be cracked into 3-5 pieces and whole corn is often more efficient and cost effective than finely ground corn.

From a facilities perspective, venti lation and air quality should be a focal point. Here in Ohio where cattle are fed in all kinds of structures includ ing old hip-roof barns, pole buildings and monoslope designs, ventilation is highly variable from one farm to the next.

We have been discussing venti lation at the past few winter feedlot programs and depending on the barn can help with ventilation design. One of the best resources available are the Midwest Plan Service guides housed at Iowa State University. These guides show multiple aspects of feedlot design for multiple types of existing facilities.

Other avenues to look for efficiency are technology and timely marketing. Implants, ionophores, and beta-ag onists are all examples of the cattle feeding technology that has been tested over the years. Marketing cattle when they are finished is key. Feeding to extreme heavy weights reduces ef ficiency and cattle may be discounted for yield and heavy carcass weights.

Those are several examples of conversations I have had with cattle feeders as they look to increase net returns to their operations. As further questions arise, we at OSU Extension are glad to help. Enjoy the summer season, stay cool, keep hydrated and eat beef.

Summer’s here, step-upthose pasture management practices!

By Haley Shoemaker, OSU Extension AGNR Educator, Columbiana and Mahoning Counties

It can be tempting to set pasture management on cruise control once summer rolls around – plants are still lush and green from the springtime, and tasks such as making hay tend to bump grazing rotations down the priority lad der. However, if a producer has grazed for any amount of time, they know all too well the impact hot and dry weather can have on a forage stand if managed improperly. As the traditional July heat builds and we head into a period of slower growth and increased recovery time for our pastures, there are some tried and true management practices that can maintain pasture productivity and success for grazing seasons to come.

1. Resist the urge to overgraze

There’s a long-held principle within the grazing community known as “take half, leave half”. In essence, this means that grazing should ideally begin once a pasture reaches an average of 8-10 inch es of plant height. Once that forage is grazed to approximately 4 inches (think pop can height), cattle should be moved to the next pasture. One of the primary benefits here is the preservation of root mass – when at least half of the leaf area of the plant is left, photosynthesis can still occur, and plants have the chance to continue growth.

Allowing cattle to overgraze and remove excessive amounts of leaf area not only leads to decreased root mass and energy reserves within the plant, but also leads to increased soil temperatures, which can prove especially challenging for our cool season grasses. Essen tially, when a grazing system works as it should, the leaf acts as the barrier between the sun and soil, taking up

sunlight as needed, and providing shade and helping to prevent evaporation of soil moisture.

2. Keep it moving…but not too fast

We’ve probably all felt the urge to speed up our rotation when the days are long, hot and dry. Yet, while moving cattle through pastures at a slower pace during these periods may seem coun terintuitive, it is actually recommended in order to give plants adequate time to rest and recover. The key to avoid grazing yourself out of pasture space is to first determine the number of lots or paddocks needed. There are a multitude of calculations and formulas dedicated to just this topic, however in this case number of pasture breaks can be calcu lated by dividing the days of rest needed for recovery by the number of days cattle will spend grazing + 1. Studies have shown that pastures tend to need upwards of 35 days to fully recover to proper grazing height during the sum mer months, and that beef rotations may last anywhere from 3 to 5 days in length. However, the days needed to graze to 4 inches can vary slightly between herds depending on development stage of cattle grazing and size of the paddock. All this considered, it is still import ant to remember that even the best laid plans are subject to weather patterns and the ability of our pastures to recov er during those dry spells, even with appropriate recovery time. If it becomes evident that turning cattle out according to the grazing schedule will cause un necessary stress to the pasture or lead to overgrazing, stored forage or a sacrifice lot may need to be fed or utilized in order to meet nutritional needs.

3. Use summer to plan ahead for fall and winter grazing

The benefits of grazing don’t have to end in Aug. – in fact, that’s when our pastures can work on getting their “second wind.” Stockpiling, the prac tice of allowing forage to build up for use during the winter months, requires a little pre-planning on the producer’s part, however can pay off in the long run through less reliance on stored forage throughout those cold months, and more bang for your buck in terms of pasture usage. The key to successfully setting up your pastures for stockpiling is to remove cattle before the cold sets in and before pastures go dormant –typically in the early to middle parts of August. When the cattle are pulled off, this can serve as the “last pass” for the season, or if needed, pastures can be clipped down to 3-5” to spur the regrowth needed for stockpiling. It is worth noting that forage variety does matter when considering the timing of grazing stockpiled forages. Common pasture grasses such as orchardgrass or tall fescue can hold up into the early winter and beyond, whereas legume spe cies such as alfalfa or red clover are not as tolerant of sustained cooler tempera tures and should be grazed during fall.

Summer is a busy time on all fronts but investing in your pastures during these months can save time and precious dollars down the road in the form of reduced feed costs. After all, everything needs to pull its weight in some way on the farm, so why not do yourself a favor, and set up your pastures to work for you?

WIDE VARIETY OF ENVIRONMENTAL PRACTICES HELP SUSTAIN, IMPROVE STEWARDSHIP AWARD Diven Springs Farm

Story By Amy Beth Graves

With every spring rainfall and winter snow melt, the Kislings sigh in relief. For years they battled the muddy seasons in Ohio. Cows would struggle to get through the mud and tear up the land. Physically getting to the cows to feed them was becoming a dreaded chore.

“From the winter through the spring there was a lot of mud and water. The cows were belly deep in mud. We were constantly dealing with manure and mud. We started with eight cows and when we jumped up to 40 rather quickly, we quickly outgrew our facilities. We knew we needed to update to get the cows in better condition,” said Brett Kisling who helps run Diven Springs Farm with his brother, Kyle, and father, Rick. The Kislings raise and sell Maine-Anjou and Simmental show heifers, breeding stock and steers.

Kyle agreed, saying areas of the Highland County farm looked like a “disaster zone.”

“It was frustrating more than anything else. Where we were feed ing didn’t have any driveways and we were making ruts in the road, which made it challenging to feed,” he said. “The mud was causing health issues, especially during calving when they were having issues getting around. We hated going out and feeding them because it was so hard to get to them.”

A few years ago, the Kislings applied for an Environmental Quality Incentives Program grant through the Natural Resources Conservation Pro gram. Receiving that grant made the biggest difference for the farm located near Hillsboro.

“In Ohio we don’t have the luxury of frozen or solid land all year. We

were constantly slopping through mud. A lot of things we had planned to do but it would have taken us much longer. Getting the grant was a major boost for us to get a lot done much more quickly. We were able to get things done in three years instead of 10 years,” Rick said.

The Kislings worked with their local Soil & Water Conservation Office to figure out the best ways to keep water underground to protect the topsoil and reduce erosion at the two farms where they run cattle and raise hay. All three have full-time jobs and said working with SWCD was key to filling out the grant and determining the best environmental practices. It helped that the SWCD office was conveniently located next to the family business, Rick’s Hometown TV & Appliance, where both Rick and Kyle work full-time.

“SWCD was very helpful in draw ing up the plans and made multiple visits to help determine where the drainage should go and what slope was needed. They were very easy to work with,” Kyle said.

Over the past three years, the Kislings have put in six feed pads at the two farms to keep the animals dry and store manure until it can be spread. Sacrifice lots were set up in areas where runoff would be minimal and less likely to enter nearby water ways. Driveways to feeding areas were established and consisted of geotextile fabric and stone.

“Having the fabric under stone is key because it keeps mud from pump ing up through the stone,” Rick said. “We discovered that in 2000 when we built the barn and put stone down. We had big size rocks and erosion took them away. With the geotech fabric, the stone stays in place and you’re not adding stone every year. We put this in everywhere we had to travel with equipment and around heavy use areas like the feeding areas or tire waterers.” Because Highland County is hilly, ero sion was a constant battle, especially at the smaller farm, which previously was used as a background cattle feedlot.

“There were areas where there were six feet of washout. The erosion was really bad and the ditches erod ing away. We needed to get it under control,” Rick said.

The Kislings installed thousands of feet of tile and shaped waterways to try to keep the water underground or slow it down. They put in crossings at wet areas where they needed to move equipment, which helped prevent the land from being torn up. Future plans are to fence out some of the water ways, which will help keep nutrients out of the water.

“Our goal has been to keep the water underground and get it to the creek so it’s not taking valuable top soil. In southern Ohio, we don’t have a lot of topsoil to give away and we want

to keep it in place,” Brett said.

The Kislings are pleased with their environmental and conservation measures. Even though it’s only been a couple of years, they’re already seeing a difference with their animals.

“The cows seem to be in better condition because they’re not always fighting the mud and it’s much easier for them during calving,” Kyle said. “It’s also made our practice more efficient and much easier for us to get to the cows.”

The family was proud that their efforts were recently recognized when they received the Ohio Cattlemen’s Environmental Stewardship award. They did a lot of the physical labor themselves and funded part of the project themselves.

“We know our ag industry is always under fire, and we want to get across that farmers care about the land and their cattle. We want to raise con sumer awareness of how we raise our cattle and that they have good living conditions,” Kyle said.

Diven Springs Farm, named after a nearby road, got its start in 1999 when Brett and Kyle started showing cattle. The family went from 5 acres to 55 and has continued to add land over the years. From the beginning, the two brothers enjoyed showing Maine-An jous and still have some genetics from their original show heifers.

“We started buying calves to show and it snowballed from there,” Kyle said. “We liked showing the

Maine-Anjous because we felt we could be more competitive with them. We also liked their stoutness and mothering ability.”

Today, the family has 45 head of Maine-Anjous and Simmentals with many retained except for the occasion al one bought from Jones Show Cattle. The animals are sold mostly through private treaty but the family may venture back into online sales this fall. Their short-term goal is to improve the quality of the herd and focus on growing more hay, which helps fund the cattle operation.

Rick described his role on the farm as “keeping things in line.”

“I pay the bills and make sure we’re on the top side financially. It’s been a struggle at times. We started out in debt but we’ve grown with the hay and straw and that has helped our profitability and sustainability,” he said.

Over the years, Rick has realized how much raising cattle helped make his sons more well-rounded. Both went on to become FFA presidents at their high school and raising the ani mals for show taught them important life lessons that they are now passing along to their children, he said.

“They learned a lot from the activities they did at junior nationals and it helped them grow. They had to take a calf and sell it to somebody and learn how to work with other kids for quiz bowls,” he said. “FFA was a great part of their development of love for farming and the ag business.”

Brett, who works full-time manag ing Carr Farms, said helping man age two farms is tiring at times but worthwhile.

“It’s very rewarding to work on the farm and peaceful to see the cows out in the pasture,” he said. “We care about the land and the animals and love doing what we do. Our goal is to have forward thinking minds and find a solution for whatever issues we face. We want to grow the farm for the next generation.”

PLAN NOW FOR TENTH ANNUAL OCA REPLACEMENT FEMALE SALE

The 2022 date for OCA’s tenth an nual Replacement Female Sale will be Friday evening, Nov. 25. The sale will be held at the Muskingum Livestock Auction Co. in Zanesville, Ohio and will begin at 6 p.m.

Why discuss a sale that is several months away?

The middle of the 2022 breeding season is an excellent time to evaluate your herd and consider marketing de cisions for the fall. Young, high quality cattle backed by solid genetics are in demand with potential buyers. Year ling heifers bred artificially to proven calving ease sires are very marketable. A shorter breeding season that results in a tighter calving window has also proven to be popular with potential buyers. As we think about that tight breeding season, consider those Jan. to early May calving females as potential consignments and breeding pieces that will fit calving windows for many Ohio producers. In previous years, fe males bred for March and April calves have been towards the top of the sale.

The tenth year of the OCA Re placement Female Sale will provide an opportunity for both buyers and sellers to meet the need for quality replace ments in the state. Consignments may include cow-calf pairs, bred cows and bred heifers. Females must be

under the age of five as of Jan. 1, 2023 and may be of registered or commercial background. Bred females must be bred to a bull with known EPD’s and calves at side of cows must be sired by a bull with known EPD’s. Pregnancy status must be verified by an accredited veterinarian through traditional palpation, ultrasound or by blood testing through a professional laboratory. Analysis must be per formed within 60 days of sale. Con signments must also fill specific health requirements.

It is also a great time to evaluate the body condition of potential sale animals and make nutritional adjust ments to the animal’s diet in antici pation of a late Nov. sale date. Body Condition Scores in the 5-6 range on a 9-point scale at sale time is a good goal to strive to achieve. Additional considerations when evaluating fe males and making breeding decisions include udder conformation, tempera

ment and feet and legs.

At the 2021 sale, buyers evaluated 80 lots of bred heifers and bred cows at the auction. The sale included 56 bred heifers that averaged $1,701, and 24 bred cows that averaged $2,155. The 80 total lots grossed $152,875 for an overall average of $1,910. The females sold to buyers from Ohio and Pennsylvania.

Sale consignments are due to the Ohio Cattlemen’s Association by Oct. 1, 2022.

Sale information can be obtained by contacting OCA at 614-873-6736 or www.ohiocattle.org. If you have questions about the sale, contact Garth Ruff, sale manager, at 740651-7140 or ruff.72@osu.edu.

80 lots were sold in the 2021 Replacement Female Sale.

RILEY & ROGERS APPOINTED TO OCA BOARD OF DIRECTORS

At the June OCA board of di rectors meeting the board confirmed the appointment of Shane Riley of Washington Court House and Jim Rogers of Logan as directors at-large. They were appointed to fill the unex pired terms of Tom Karr and Bill Tom who were elected president and vice president in 2022.

Riley serves as chairman of the Ohio Beef Expo and of the OCA BEST Committee. He and his family own and operate Riley Family Show

Cattle in Fayette County. He is also actively involved in the Fayette Coun ty Cattle Feeders Association.

Rogers previously served on the OCA board of directors and as the association’s treasurer. In addition to backgrounding cattle on their Meigs County farm, Jim and his wife, Paula, operate Reed & Baur Insurance Agen cy. The company has been a longstand ing member of OCA’s Allied Industry Council.

MEET THE SUMMER INTERNS

OCA and the Ohio Beef Council (OBC) welcomed two new interns to the team this Summer, Darian Brooks and Emily Rudd.

Brooks, Norwalk, Ohio, is cur rently pursuing her master’s degree in agricultural communications and leadership with a focus in meat science at The Ohio State University (OSU). Before deciding to pursue graduate school, she received her bachelor’s de gree in animal science with a special ization in beef/poultry and a minor in meat science also from OSU.

Meat science is a true passion for Brooks as she is an active member of the OSU Meat Science Club, the Meat Judging team, the American Meat Science Association and the National Beef Quality Audit data col lection team. She is a part of the Phi Sigma Theta National Honors Society and is an active Sigma Alpha alumni member. Her future plan is to open a small processing plant and educational facility.

“During my internship, I am most excited to be able to apply my acquired science and communication skills to the industry setting,” said Brooks.

Rudd, Bucyrus, Ohio, will be a se nior at Wilmington College majoring in agriculture concentrating in animal science and communication arts. She is involved on campus through various organizations including the Gamma Beta Eta Agricultural Professional Sorority, Delta Tau Alpha Agriculture Honors Society, Collegiate Farm Bu reau, Collegiate 4-H and Aggies Club.

Her future plans are to graduate from Wilmington College in Dec. of 2022 and begin a career within the ag riculture industry while also attending graduate school.

“I am most excited to get to know the staff and members of OCA. I look forward to working for an organiza tion that advocates for the future of the cattle industry,” said Rudd.

Brooks and Rudd will spend the summer preparing beef focused dis

plays for the Ohio State Fair, writing Ohio Stories articles, working on digital marketing and social media campaigns and more.

Shane Riley, Washington C.H, will serve as a director at-large.

Jim Rogers, Logan, will serve as a director at-large.

Emily Rudd, Bucyrus, is serving as a summer intern.

Darian Brooks, Norwalk, is serving as a summer intern.

Keep cool under stress for better health cool under stress for better

DEAN’S CHARITY STEER SHOW PARTNERS WITH RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE AT OHIO STATE FAIR

OCA MEMBERS INVITED TO ATTEND AND SUPPORT

The Dean’s Charity Steer Show, an event that benefits Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) of Central Ohio, returns to the Ohio State Fair in 2022 after a two-year COVID-in spired hiatus. Hosted by The Ohio State University College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sci ences (CFAES), the Ohio Cattlemen’s Association (OCA) and Telhio Credit Union, it will be held from 2–4:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 2, in the Cooper Arena at the Ohio Expo Center and State Fair.

“This exciting event brings together our community to celebrate agricul ture and children, both for our 4-H youth as well as children benefiting from the Ronald McDonald House,” said Cathann A. Kress, Ohio State vice president for agricultural admin istration and dean of CFAES. “Every dollar we raise means families can stay together only steps away from their hospitalized child during one of the most stressful times of their lives.”

Each year, more than 82,000 nights of rest are provided to families of seriously ill children by the Columbus Ronald McDonald House, the second largest Ronald McDonald House in the world. The facility provides a home away from home for families facing a child’s illness and hospitalization.

Currently, the Columbus Ronald McDonald House is undergoing a major expansion, more than doubling the size of the facility. Once complet ed, it will boast 202 guest rooms, a new kitchen and dining facility, new staff offices, and a community event room. It will once again be the larg est Ronald McDonald House in the

world after the expansion.

To raise funds for RMHC, 11 celebrity exhib itors, most of whom have no livestock experience, will not only show a steer during the Dean’s Charity Steer Show, but will also compete to see who can raise the most money. Most exhibitors will team with a local media personality as well as an experienced 4-H livestock family and their steer, and will practice with them before entering the show ring.

OCA’s Beef Exhibitor Show Total (BEST) exhibitors will represent the 4-H families which will include Kendall Bishop, Clark County; Owen Bailey, Wayne County; Shay la Sancic, Stark County; Madisyn Brandt, Tuscarawas County; Rachel O’Reilly, Geauga County; Rees Toler, Gallia County; Mason Love, Fairfield County; Kyleigh Hatfiel, Muskingum County; Ashton Bain, Muskingum County; Karissa Treadway, Warren County; and Maddox Cupp Fairfield County.

Celebrity exhibitors will include Troy Balderson, public servant; Matt Harper, McDonald’s owner/opera tor; Tom Feeney, executive chairman, Belron North America; Clark Kellogg, former Ohio State and NBA player and CBS Sports college basketball analyst; Bob Kendrick, anchor, ABC-6 News; Rick Ricart, Ricart Automotive; Jane Scott, executive director, Colum bus Metropolitan Club; Ryan Smith, president, University of Rio Grande; Gene Smith, senior vice president

and athletic director, Ohio State; Bill Patterson, president, Ohio Farm Bureau Federation; and Kirt Walker, chief executive officer, Nationwide. Media personalities will include Joe Boxer, host, WCOL radio; Angela An, news anchor, WBNS-10 TV; Matt Barnes, morning co-anchor, NBC-4 TV; Cameron Fontana, entertainment reporter and host, ABC 6/FOX 28/CW, Good Day Columbus; Kayla Hanley, morning radio personality, 92.3 WCOL radio; Tim Irr, news anchor, WSAZ-TV News Channel 3, Huntington, West Virginia; Ty Higgins, senior direc tor of communications, Ohio Farm Bureau Federation; and Dale Minyo, farm broadcaster, Ohio Ag Net.

The Dean’s Charity Steer Show is coordinated by CFAES, the Telhio Credit Union, and the Ohio Cat tlemen’s Association, and it is held in partnership with the Ohio Expo Center and State Fair.

To learn more and to donate to your favorite celebrity exhibitor or media personality, visit give.osu.edu/dean scharitysteershow.

Owen Bailey shows teammate Angela An, anchor with WBNS-10TV, and Dean Kress the ropes on showing a steer at the DCSS practice event.

2022 OHIO STATE FAIR BEEF SCHEDULE you there!

Friday, July 8 8 a.m. - 8 p.m.

Virtual Beef Skillathon Virtual Sunday, July 24 10 a.m.

Session 1 Beef Breeding Arrival Viaduct Monday, July 25 10 a.m.

Session 1 Beef Breeding must be in place Viaduct

Tuesday, July 26 8 a.m. Open Simmental Beef Show Steve R. Rauch, Inc. Cooper Arena Tuesday, July 26 12 p.m. Open Hereford Beef Show Steve R. Rauch, Inc. Cooper Arena

Tuesday, July 26 3 p.m.

Open Limousin Beef Show Steve R. Rauch, Inc. Cooper Arena

Open Gelbvieh Beef Show Steve R. Rauch, Inc. Cooper Arena Wednesday, July 27 8 a.m. Session 1Junior Beef Showmanship Steve R. Rauch, Inc. Cooper Arena Wednesday, July 27 10 a.m. Junior Simmental Beef Show Steve R. Rauch, Inc. Cooper Arena Wednesday, July 27 12 p.m. Junior Hereford Beef Show Steve R. Rauch, Inc. Cooper Arena

Tuesday, July 26 4 p.m.

Wednesday, July 27 1:30 p.m.

Junior Limousin Beef Show Steve R. Rauch, Inc. Cooper Arena Wednesday, July 27 2:30 p.m. Junior Gelbvieh Beef Show Steve R. Rauch, Inc. Cooper Arena Wednesday, July 27 After 6 p.m. Session 2 Beef Cattle Arrival Viaduct Wednesday, July 27 After conclusion of show Beef Breeding Session 1 Release Viaduct Thursday, July 28 8:30 a.m.

Livestock Judging Contest Registration Denny Hales Arena

Livestock Judging Contest Denny Hales Arena Thursday, July 28 By 10 a.m.

Thursday, July 28 10 a.m.

Session 2 Beef Cattle In Place Viaduct

Friday, July 29 8 a.m.

Open Shorthorn Beef Show Steve R. Rauch Inc. Cooper Arena

Open Angus Beef Show Steve R. Rauch Inc. Cooper Arena Friday, July 29 11 a.m.

Friday, July 29 2:30 p.m.

Open Chianina Beef Show Steve R. Rauch Inc. Cooper Arena Friday, July 29 3 p.m.

Open Maine-Anjou Beef Show Steve R. Rauch Inc. Cooper Arena Saturday, July 30 8 a.m.

Session 2 Junior Beef Showmanship Steve R. Rauch Inc. Cooper Arena

Saturday, July 30 10:30 a.m. Junior Angus Beef Show Steve R. Rauch Inc. Cooper Arena

Saturday, July 30 12:30 p.m.

Saturday, July 30 4 p.m.

Saturday, July 30 4:30 p.m.

Junior Maine Anjou Beef Show Steve R. Rauch Inc. Cooper Arena

Junior Shorthorn Beef Show Steve R. Rauch Inc. Cooper Arena Saturday, July 30 2:30 p.m. Junior Chianina Beef Show Steve R. Rauch Inc. Cooper Arena Saturday, July 30 3 p.m.

Breeding Grand Drive & Awards Ag-Pro Companies Taft Coliseum

Junior AOB Beef Show Steve R. Rauch Inc. Cooper Arena

Saturday, July 30 5 p.m.

Dean’s Charity Steer Show

Steve R. Rauch Inc. Cooper Arena

Junior Crossbred Heifers Beef Show Steve R. Rauch Inc. Cooper Arena Saturday, July 30 After conclusion of show Beef Session 2 Release Viaduct Saturday, July 30 After 6 p.m. Mini Hereford/Santa Gertrudis Arrive Viaduct Sunday, July 31 10 a.m. Commercial Cattle Show Viaduct Sunday, July 31 By 1 p.m. Mini Hereford/Santa Gertrudis In Place Viaduct Monday, Aug. 1 10 a.m. Mini Hereford Show Steve R. Rauch Inc. Cooper Arena Monday, Aug. 1 11 a.m. Santa Gertrudis Show Steve R. Rauch Inc. Cooper Arena Monday, Aug. 1 Released after show Commercial Cattle, Mini, Santa Gertrudis Viaduct Tuesday, Aug. 2 2 p.m.

Tuesday, Aug. 2 After 6 p.m. Market Beef Arrival Viaduct Wednesday, Aug. 3 After 10 a.m. Steer Arrival Viaduct Thursday, Aug. 4 10 a.m.

Market Beef Must be in place Viaduct Thursday, Aug. 4 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. Market Beef Weigh In Viaduct Thursday, Aug. 4 2 p.m. - 6 p.m. Beef Skillathon Voinovich

Friday, Aug. 5 8 a.m. - 6 p.m. Beef Prospect Cattle Arrival & Check In Viaduct

Friday, Aug. 5 9 a.m.

Friday, Aug. 5 6 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

Junior Market Beef Showmanship Steve R. Rauch Inc. Cooper Arena

Beef Prospect Cattle Weigh In Viaduct

Junior Market Beef Show Steve R. Rauch Inc. Cooper Arena Saturday, Aug. 6 2 p.m. Market Grand Drive & Awards Ag-Pro Companies Taft Coliseum

Saturday, Aug. 6 9 a.m.

Saturday, Aug. 6 At conclusion of show Steer Release Viaduct

Sunday, Aug. 7 8:30 a.m.

Sunday, Aug. 7 2 p.m.

Junior Beef Prospect Showmanship/show Steve R. Rauch Inc. Cooper Arena

Sale of Champions Celeste Center

Sunday, Aug. 7 At conclusion of show Prospect Calves Released Viaduct

CHECKOFF HOSTS FOOD BLOGGERS FOR OHIO BEEF EXPERIENCE

In June the Ohio Beef Council (OBC) and the Beef Checkoff hosted five Ohio food bloggers on a Beef Meets Blog tour to further their understanding of the beef industry. The bloggers toured Robison Farms in Champaign County. Allan and Kelly Robison and their children, Noah and Josie, shared information and answered questions on the day-to-day operations of their cow-calf farm. In addition, the bloggers participated in a photography session with professional food photographer Maria Siriano. It included helpful tips and tricks on photographing beef, as well as correct light exposure techniques and equipment. The bloggers were also treated to dinner at Jeff Ruby’s Steakhouse in Columbus.

The program concluded with a daylong program called The Science Behind Beef presented by Dr. Lyda Garcia, meat science extension specialist at The Ohio State University Department of Animal Sciences. Throughout the year, these bloggers partner with the OBC to curate new beef recipes and share social media content with their readers.

BEEF. IT’S WHAT’S FOR DINNER. AT THE COLUMBUS CLIPPERS GAMES

Baseball season is in full-swing and OBC partnered with the Columbus

Clippers baseball Triple-A team to promote beef during 10 select home games this season. The checkoff-funded promotion prompts fans to follow the QR codes showcased on the large screens in the stadium to the OBC website that features summer grilling ideas, videos of Ohio beef farm families, beef nutrition facts and more. Fans also have the chance to win Beef prize packs at sponsored games.

BEEF CHECKOFF PARTNERS WITH NFL SUPERSTAR TONY ROMO

OHIO BEEF COUNCIL TAKES ON TIKTOK

OBC recently joined the popular TikTok app to share beef’s story and promote beef recipes through an outlet that is serving over 1 billion users monthly. Tik Tok is a short-form, video-sharing app that allows users to create and share 15-second videos, on any topic. The app is a strong avenue for recipes as many viewers copy recipes they watch on the app in their own home. OBC has currently developed over five new recipe videos used to promote the summer grilling campaign including Hawaiian Steak Kabobs and BBQ Beef Sliders.

BEEF FEATURED ON DISHING WITH DOROTHY VIDEO SERIES

The Beef Checkoff is excited to partner with NFL superstar, Tony Romo, who will be out sharing his favorite recipes, grilling tips and even a behind-the-scenes look into his personal passion for beef. This summer, Romo will urge consumers to “make the right call” with beef – a new tagline he will be using in his efforts. He will help consumers pick the right recipes and beef cuts and provide tips and tricks for gathering around the grill. Romo will be featured across all media platforms, from TV advertising to Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. Multiple commercials have been developed and featured on channels like HGTV, ESPN, Fox News, etc.

Investing in Beef Promotion, Nutrition, Education & Research DEMAND www.ohiobeef.org.

The Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA) Director Dorothy Pelanda hosts a Youtube video series, Dishing with Dorothy, that features different commodities and Ohio products that are part of the Ohio Proud program. Beef was recently at highlighted on the series as OBC’s nutrition coordinator and registered dietician, Anna Gest, partnered with Director Pelanda to teach viewers how to grill the perfect hamburger. The “Beefing up your Burger” video was planned to highlight grilling season and family summer picnics. The video will be shared on ODA’s YouTube channel.

CATTLEMEN YOUTH AWARDED AT BEST BANQUET FOR A SUCCESSFUL SEASON

The Ohio Cattlemen’s Associa tion’s (OCA) Beef Exhibitor Show Total (BEST) program wrapped up the 2021-2022 BEST season on May 7 at the Ohio Expo Center in Co lumbus. Over 800 BEST exhibitors and families gathered to watch youth receive awards for their show success, cattle industry knowledge, photogra phy skills, community service efforts and more.

This year’s BEST program fea tured seven weekends of sanctioned shows that wove their way across the state. It was the biggest season yet with over 676 youth participants showing around 1,030 head of market animals and heifers throughout the season.

This season’s sponsoring partners were Ag-Pro Companies and John Deere, Bane-Welker Equipment, Bob Evans Farms, Diamond T Land & Cattle Co., Dickson Cattle Co., D&E Electric – The Young Family, M.H. EBY, Inc., Farm Credit Mid-America, Ohio Farm Bureau, The Folks Print ing, Jones Show Cattle, R.D. Jones Excavating, Ricer Equipment and Weaver Livestock.

“There is no other program in the country like Ohio’s BEST program,” said Karigan Blue, BEST program coordinator. “We are proud to not only host competitive cattle shows, but ad ditional divisions such as Stockman ship, community service, and more that mold these youth to become the future leaders of our industry.”

The banquet kicked off with the annual Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) donation. BEST exhibitors raised money earlier in the year through the Celebrity Showdown and collected pop tabs all year. Over 710 pounds of pop tabs were accumu lated and this year’s donation total was $22,948. The highest donations were from HR Cattle Co., Huron Coun ty, with $2,025 and Austin Sutherly, Clark County, with $1,300. Brock Perry, Ottawa County, submitted the most pop tabs with 137 pounds.

Thanks to the program’s generous sponsors, many door prize giveaways and drawings were held. The hottest drawings were for the BEST trailer, the Buckeye Breeders Series (BBS) trailer (both trailers donated by M.H. EBY) and the John Deere Gator (donated by Ag-Pro). The winners of these prizes receive a full year’s use of the item. The following were this year’s winners:

BEST Trailer

Kelsie Davis, Lorain County BBS Trailer

Jayla Ricer, Pike County John Deere Gator

Andrew Johnson, Preble County

The Novice Division of BEST includes first year participants. All Novice exhibitors were given an entry into their own unique drawing for every animal they showed at each show throughout the season. This year’s prize was a wrapped show box

donated by Weaver Leather Livestock. The winner of the show box was Brade Wright, Perry County.

For a full list of this year’s winners visit www.ohiocattle.org.

The OCA BEST program func tions through the leadership of the BEST Committee. Serving on the BEST Committee are Chair man – Todd Pugh, Stark County; Vice-Chairman – Mark Hara, Frank lin County; Karigan Blue, BEST Program Coordinator, Henry Coun ty; Drew Baus, Wood County; Kim Herman, Allen County; Ian Van Kirk, Licking County; Roger Hunker, Huron County; Amber Shoemaker, Stark County; Sally Puzacke, Tuscara was County; Trevor Tom, Muskingum County; Linde Sutherly, Clark Coun ty; Erin Alava, Hancock County; Shane Riley, Fayette County; Ben Dickson, Morrow County; and Bill Tom, Ohio State Fair Beef Director.

This season’s Junior Representatives were Mckenzie Riley, Fayette Coun ty; Grace England, Portage County; Dawson Osborn, Highland County; Rachel O’Reilly, Geauga County; and Payton Shepard, Henry County. En gland and Riley have completed their term as BEST Junior Representatives and new leadership was announced for the 2022-2023 season. Those individu als are Grant Belleville, Wood Coun ty; Gage Farrar, Jackson County; and Luke Schroeder, Defiance County.

Andrew Johnson, Preble County, won the BBS Gator donated by Ag-Pro.

Brade Wright, Perry County, won the Novice Division drawing donated by Weaver Livestock.

Many awards were handed out and prize drawings were held throughout the evening.

Jayla Ricer, Pike County, won the BBS trailer donated by M.H. Eby.

Kelsie Davis, Lorain County, won the BEST trailer drawing donated by M.H. Eby.

Over 710 lbs of pop tabs were accumulated and this year’s RMHC donation total was $22,948.

JOIN US FOR THE CATTLEMEN’S GALA CELEBRATION & FUNDRAISER ON AUG. 27

The Ohio Cattlemen’s Foundation (OCF) will be hosting the annual Cattlemen’s Gala Celebration and Fundraiser on Aug. 27, 2022 at 5:30 p.m. in a new air-conditioned building on the Delaware County Fairgrounds in Delaware, Ohio. Take a night off the farm to enjoy a good time for a great cause as cattlemen from across the state gather to raise money for beef industry youth scholarships.

“After someone attends our Gala for the first time, they put it on their calendars to make sure they can come back year after year,” said Aaron Ar nett, OCF president. “An event that combines beef farmers and industry affiliates gathering for a philanthropic celebration - there’s nothing else like it.”

The night will feature a solo, acoustic performance by RFD-TV star, David Church. Church has been

featured on RFD-TV’s popular show, “Midwest Country” for over seven years. His popularity around the U.S., Canada and now Europe continues to soar as he makes regular appearances on the show and tours throughout the world.

A gourmet meal and two drink tickets will be included in the reg istration price. The night will begin with appetizers before leading into the main course that includes mouth watering beef tenderloin with all the fixin’s and handmade desserts.

Throughout the night, attendees can casually participate in the silent auction as items are showcased around the venue. The evening will conclude with the main event, a live auction offering something for everyone.

Multiple overnight accommoda tions are available including onsite camping and hotels. Camping is $40

per site which includes electric/water hook-up. To book a site, contact the fair office at 740-362-3851.

There are a few hotel options in the area, but there will be a shuttle that picks-up and drops off at the Pacer Inn and Suites - 259 S. San dusky St., Delaware, Ohio 43015. Call 740-362-0050 to make a reservation. No room blocks are available, so make your accommodations early.

Registration for the event is now open. Tickets are $100 each or $75 for college students. Registration is due by Aug. 17. Sponsorships and auction items are still being accepted. Learn more and register at www.ohiocattle. org.

Thank you to our current sponsors: Open Road Renewables, Certified Angus Beef , Reed & Baur Insur ance, Post Printing and Jill Arnett who will be handmaking desserts.

ADM Animal Nutrition

Dan Meyer 330-466-3281, Kevin Steele 330-465-0962 www.admworld.com

Ag Credit David White 419-435-7758 www.agcredit.net

Ag-Pro

Ben Butcher & Jenna Watson 740-653-6951 | www.agprocompanies.com

Allflex USA, Inc.

Dave McElhaney 724-494-6199 www.allflexusa.com

Alliantgroup www.alliantgroup.com

Alltech

Ryan Sorensen 440-759-8938 www.alltech.com

Armstrong Ag & Supply Dean Armstrong 740-988-5681

Baird Private Wealth Management Patrick Saunders 740-446-2000 www.patricksaundersfc.com

Bane-Welker Equipment

Makayla Eggleton 937-206-1653, Karl Locascio 765-307-6752, Keith Sowell 937-2696159, Chris Pugh 937-269-7409, Gabe Medinger 740-216-9349 www.bane-welker.com

Bayer Crop Science Christina Howell 419-295-9247, Dan Hutchins 614-546-9603 www.cropscience.bayer.com

BioZyme, Inc.

Lori Lawrence 614-395-9513

Ty McGuire 937-533-3251 www.biozymeinc.com

Boehringer-Ingelheim Greg Spear 440-478-1350 www.boehringer-ingelheim.com

Burkmann Nutrition Brent Williams 859-236-0400 www.burkmann.com

Cargill Animal Nutrition/Sunglo Chris Heslinger 937-751-9841 www.cargill.com | www.sunglo.com

Central Life Sciences Kenley Rogers 330-465-9225 www.centrallifesciences.com

COBA/Select Sires

Kevin Hinds, Bruce Smith, Julie Ziegler 614-878-5333 www.cobaselect.com

CompManagement, Inc. Tony Sharrock 614-376-5450 www.sedgwickcms.com

Cornerstone Veterinary Services Amgad Riad 567-510-4340

CPC Animal Health Devon Trammel 615-688-6455 Paul Alan Kinslow 615-604-1852 www.cpcanimalhealth.com

D&J Sales and Services Jon Jones 740-391-1246 www.djsalesandservice.com

DHI Cooperative, Inc.

Brian Winters 1-800-DHI-OHIO, Tim Pye 912-682-9798 | www.dhicoop.com M.H. Eby Inc./Eby Trailers Kirk Swensen & Steve Rittenhouse 614-879-6901 | www.mheby.com

Elanco Animal Health

Jon Sweeney 515-249-2926, Jim Stefanak 330-298-8113 | www.elanco.com

Elgin Service Center - K Buildings Doug Hemm 937-216-5620 www.kbuildings.com

WM. E. Fagaly & Son Inc. Ryan Greis, Chris McConnell 513-353-2150 | www.fagalyfeed.com

Farm Credit Mid-America Wendy Osborn 937-444-0905, David Sanders 740-335-3306, Evan Hahn, www.e-farmcredit.com

Fennig Equipment Gary Fennig 419-953-8500 | www.fenningequipment.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 Greg Woodward 614-214-3186, Chuck Woodson 614-839-2265 www.heartland.bank

Heritage Cooperative Dale Stryffler 330-556-8465, Derek Fauber, David Monnin 914-873-6736 www.heritagecooperative.com

Highland Livestock Supply Ltd.

Curt & Allison Hively 330-457-2033 | www.highlandlivestocksupply.com Hills Supply

Frank Burkett 330-704-1817, Mick Heiby 330-9361340, Kaitlin Chaddock 330-205-8769 | www. hillssupply.com

Hubbard Feeds

Barbie Casey | www.hubbardfeeds.com Johnson Concrete Livestock Waterers Brad McCormick 402-463-1359 www.johnsonconcreteproducts.com

Kalmbach Feeds

Jeff Neal 419-356-0128, Kyle Nickles & Cheryl Miller 419-294-3838 www.kalmbachfeeds.com

Kent Nutrition Group Patrick Barker 513-315-3833, www.kentfeeds.com

McArthur Lumber & Post Stan Nichols, 740-596-255 www.totalfarmandfence.com

Mercer Landmark Randy Seeger 419-230-9832, Joe Siegrist 419-305-2451, Travis Spicer 419-733-9915, Chad Knapke 419-733-6434 | www.mercerlandmark.com

Merck Animal Health Jake Osborn 937-725-5687 Seth Clark 330-465-2728 www.merck-animal-health-usa.com

Multimin USA, Inc. Thomas Carper 540-336-2737 www.multiminusa.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

Ohio CAT

Linda Meier, Brian Speelman, Courtney Bush 614-851-3629 | www.ohiocat.com

Ohio Cow Hunters

Michael Hendren 740-404-3134, Chris Good win 740-823-2502, Carlie Milam 304-890-6788 www.ohiocowhunters.com

Ohio Soybean Council

Emilie Regula Hancock 330-232-6782 | www.soyohio.org

PBS Animal Health

Bridget Gillogly & Kevin Warrene 1-800-321-0235 | www.pbsanimalhealth.com

Priefert Ranch Equipment

Steve Campbell 903-434-8973; Corey Hinterer 304-625-1302 | www.priefert. com

Purina Animal Nutrition

Patrick Gunn 317-967-4345, Cy Prettyman 470-360-5538, Kira Morgan 812-480-2715 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

Ridgeview Reproductive Services LLC

Patricia Parrish | 740-641-3217

Rod’s Western Palace Eric Seaman 614-262-2512 | www.rods.com

Saunders Insurance Agency

John Saunders, Scott Saunders, Brett Steinback 740-446-0404 saundersins.com ST Genetics

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

Straight A’s Nikki McCarty 330-868-1182 | www.ranchcity.com Sunrise Co-op, Inc. Jay Clutter 419-305-3702 www.sunriseco-op.com

TransOva Genetics

Emily Warnimont 712-722-3586, Lacey Mur ray, Amber Clark, Sabrina Clark 240-329-0159 www.transova.com

Umbarger Show Feeds Jackson Umbarger 317-422-5195, Eric King 419-889-7443 | www.umbargerandsons.com

United Producers, Inc.

Sam Roberts, Bill Tom, Hannah Topmiller 1-800-456-3276 | www.uproducers.com Vitalix Inc.

Travis Taylor 816-592-3000, Carmen Grissom 405-827-4912, Dusty Allison 308-254-6224 www.vitalix.com

Weaver Leather Livestock Angela Kain & Lisa Shearer 330-674-1782 Karli Mast 330-674-1782 www.weaverleather.com

The Wendt Group

Kevin Wendt 614-626-7653, Dale Evans 260894-0458, Nick Cummings 740-572-0756, Tyler Wilt 740-572-1249, Wesley Black 740572-1670

www.thewendtgroup.com

Zoetis

Mindy Thornburg 740-255-0277 Leesa BeanBlossom 937-623-8111 www.zoetisus.com

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

For information about joining OCA’s Allied Industry Council, call the OCA Office 614.873.6736 or visit www.ohiocattle.org.

MISCONCEPTIONS AROUND Sustainable Beef

YOUR OHIO-PRODUCED BEEF MAY BE MORE SUSTAINABLE THAN YOU THINK

Story By Elizabeth Schuster, Agricultural & Environmental Economist

Sustainable beef production seems to be particularly susceptible to misunderstandings by consumers. Beef cattle businesses and consumers are both better off when consumers are making informed decisions and there is a greater shared understanding about the opportunities for sustain ability.

Where this can be particularly detrimental is when consumers want to support sustainability but are basing their purchasing decisions on misin formation.

This article summarizes a handful of common misconceptions around sustainable beef production, and features a case study on Flourish & Roam, a small cattle operation in southern Ohio, to break them down.

Common misconceptions

1. That sustainable beef production’s main purpose is environmental.

Yet when assessing how a wide variety of groups define sustainability, an underlying theme emerges: The positive benefits are not just ecological, but also economic and social.

A standard definition of sus tainability considers social benefits, ensuring farmers and ranchers have access to important services like health care and childcare, as well as economic benefits. Farmers and ranchers across the United States are facing rising costs and often struggle to maintain financial viability. Forcing a sustain ability model that does not consider economic feasibility can lead to bank ruptcy or pressure to sell grazing lands to developers.

Global conservation organizations have noted that beef production con tributing to deforestation in the Am azon has a huge negative impact on the environment. However, sweeping generalizations that eating less beef will save the planet do not consider the fact that locally produced beef that does not contribute to deforesta tion and that has a shorter transport distance is much more sustainable. Losing viable cattle businesses from the rural landscape can have a net negative impact on the rural economy, as valuable jobs are lost up and down the agricultural supply chain.

2. Consumers believe that sustainable beef production is impossible.

The consensus across a range of industry and non-profit partners is that sustainable beef is possible. The issue is that consumers have not been educated on what that looks like for beef. Part of the problem are attached labels: Is it regenerative? Sustainable? Organic? Climate-smart agriculture? Therefore, there is a need to clearly define sustainability.

Shifting away from labels and instead clearly communicating about outcomes will help demonstrate to consumers the environmental bene fits from sustainable beef. Both the US Roundtable for Sustainable Beef and The Nature Conservancy have identified similar top environmental priorities:

—Land resources, biodiversity and wildlife habitat;

—Water resources (quality and quan tity);

—Reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions while improving soil carbon storage.

Beef cattle businesses that shift marketing and practices towards these three categories of benefits are likely to see a positive response from con sumers.

3. All beef producers are the same.

Often the media is trapped in a false dichotomy between beef as corporate conglomerates with cattle spending their lives on feed lots, or small-scale grass-fed beef production, with nothing in between. This leads consumers to make decisions based upon inaccurate information.

Cattlemen know these stereotypes are not true — all cattle operations are unique, given the extreme varia tion across acreage and type of land, head of cattle, weather, management experience, and more. Management practices vary significantly as well. For instance, consumers are often unaware that there is a huge range in terms of amount of time cattle spend on pasture.

“Most cattle, even cattle finished in feedlots, spend a good portion of their lives in the stocker stage where the majority of their diet is grasses,” said Dr. Sarah Ison, owner of Flourish & Roam.

Another difference that varies by operation is the amount of grain fed to cattle over their lifespan. For some operations, eliminating the practice of creep feeding may be an option to make a small reduction in the carbon footprint, water used, and nutrient runoff from grains. Two recent analy ses (from South Dakota and Nebras ka) found that, given the cost of grains relative to total increase in revenues, creep feeding can have minimal eco nomic benefit.

“Cattle ranchers and farmers need to be able to pivot in how they raise and what they feed their animals depending on what market value price of available feed is, what grazing land and grasses are available due to water constraints and availability,” said Ison.

A case study: a family-owned cattle operation in Ohio

Flourish & Roam, just south of Cincinnati, is not new to innovating and adapting its approach to cattle management to produce better tasting beef while incorporating sustainability practices. For the past 6 years, its focus has been on Black Angus Cattle, while slowly bringing chicken, pork, and lamb into its portfolio.

“On our farm, we have been finish ing calves for beef since 2016. In that time, we have not finished a group of calves the same,” said Ison, “We are constantly trying new methods or techniques to improve, the weather is never consistent, and we are constantly balancing and changing the number of cattle we raise and increasing the acres we graze.”

The Isons, owners of Flourish & Roam, took over management of land that was previously used for crop production. Unfortunately, severe land erosion had occurred due a steep slope that was not appropriate for crops, resulting in a negative impact on the water quality of the Ohio River Basin. After many years — and support from a USDA NRCS grant — the land was converted to high quality pasture. Ad ditionally, a separate NRCS grant was awarded for a manure barn, which contin ues to support improved water quality.

Main taining high biodiversity in pastures takes management that includes frequent rotational grazing and re-seeding as needed. The Isons have also experi mented with a chicken tractor as well

as rotational grazing with their sheep with the hopes of further improving the quality of the pasture.

“We weren’t sure what would hap pen if we introduced sheep grazing in select areas,” said Ison. “I was surprised to see that the sheep ate down the weeds that the cattle don’t eat, and more clover came up after.” With their formal training in research, the Isons continue to experiment with and investigate grazing practices by season to determine overall benefits for the pasture.

A complex, multi-faceted approach is needed to reduce or offset carbon emissions. To date, the improved pas ture management has likely increased the capacity of the soil to sequester carbon. Ison has chosen to eliminate creep feeding, and also pointed out that genetics are often missing from the conversation around how to im prove sustainability.

In conclusion, informed consumers need more information on the sustain ability of beef cattle production. At the same time, beef cattle producers need to be more proactive in their communication around sustainability. Otherwise, there are missed oppor tunities to achieve the win-win-wins from sustainable beef production.

ATLANTIC NATIONAL

REGIONAL PREVIEW ANGUS

SHOW RESULTS

The 2022 Atlantic National Regional Preview Angus show was held May 28 in Timonium, MD. 147 entries were judged by Blake Boyd, May’s Lick, KY.

In the Super Point Roll of Victory Show (ROV), SCC Heart N Sole 153 won Reserve Grand Champi on Female. Delaney Jones, Harrod, Ohio, owns the May 2021 daughter of Silveiras Style 9303. She earlier won Summer Calf Champion.

Junior Champion Heifer honors in the ROV show went to SCC SFC Sheza Queen 031. Olivia Jones, Har rod, Ohio, owns the winning heifer. In the Junior Show, SCH Presiden tial Power 212 won Grand Cham pion Bred-and-owned Bull. Kristina Scheurman, Warsaw, Ohio, owns the Jan. 2021 son of S A V President 6847. He earlier won Junior Calf Champion.

ALL-AMERICAN ANGUS BREEDERS’ FUTURITY JUNIOR

SHOW RESULTS

The 2022 All-American Angus Breeders’ Futurity Show was held June 11 in Louisville, KY. . Chris Wo jciechowski, Middlebrook, VA judged 93 entries.

The Reserve Grand Champion Bred-and-owned Female at the show was Diamond T DCC Shadoe 0319. Logan Davis, Bidwell, Ohio, owns the Oct. 2020 daughter of RW CCC Sandstorm 708. She first claimed Senior Champion.

OHIO ANGUS PREVIEW SHOW RESULTS

The 2022 Ohio Angus Associa tion Preview Show was held June 12

in Zanesville, Ohio. 27 entries were judged by Kevin Rooker, Smock, PA. 29 bred-and-owned entries were judged by Clint Hall, Hillsboro, Ohio.

SCH Presidential Power 212 won Grand Champion Bull and Grand Champion Bred-and-owned Bull. Kristina Scheurman, Warsaw, Ohio, owns the Jan. 2021 son of S A V President 6847. He first won Junior Champion.

Maplecrest Style J1118 won Re serve Grand Champion Bull. Ma plecrest Farms, Hillsboro, Ohio, owns the May 2021 son of Silveiras Style 9303. He first claimed Reserve Junior Champion.

Tori DeMeyer, West Union, Ohio owns the Grand Champion Female, Seldom Rest Sandy 1024 who is the Feb. 2021 daughter of Colburn Primo 5153. She first won Junior Champion.

The Reserve Grand Champion Female was Maplecrest Shadoe 1256. Ellie Kidwell, Walhonding, Ohio, owns the Sept. 2021 daughter of SCC SCH 24 Karat 838.

Kingsway Lassie 454 won Grand Champion Cow-calf pair. Kaydence Connolly, Cable, Ohio, owns the March 2018 daughter of Silveiras Style 9303. An April 2022 heifer calf sired by PVF Blacklist 7077 completes the winning pair.

The Reserve Grand Champion Bred-and-owned Bull was HAII Georgina’s Express 928. Hannah Mil likan, Napoleon, Ohio, owns the Sept. 2021 son of Conley Express 7211. He first won Junior Calf Champion.

SCH Power Girl Pride 217 won Grand Champion Bred-and-owned Female. Kristina Scheurman, Warsaw, Ohio, owns the June 2021 daughter of Silveiras Style 9303. She also claimed Intermediate Champion.

The Reserve Grand Champion Bred-and-owned Female was Gahler Erica 6101. Lillian Gahler, Graytown, Ohio, owns the Sept. 2021 daughter

of PVF Blacklist 7077. She first won Senior Calf Champion.

EASTERN REGIONAL JUNIOR ANGUS SHOW RESULTS

The 2022 Eastern Regional Junior Angus Show was held June 17-18 in Chatham, Va. Brigham Stewart, Washington, KS., judged the junior show and Lake Elliott, Adams, TN., judged the phenotype and genotype females before naming champions.

Maplecrest Eva 1239 won Grand Champion Phenotype and Genotype Female. Ellie Kidwell, Walhonding, Ohio, owns the Sep. 2021 daughter of G A R Kansas. She earlier won Divi sion 1 Champion.

Maf Bondi 801J won Bred-andOwned Reserve Intermediate Cham pion Bull. Audrey Hoffman, Coshoc ton, Ohio, owns the winning bull.

The Reserve Grand Champion Owned Female was Genflo Coor Blackbird 421. Sydney Sanders, Leesburg, Ohio, owns the March 2021 daughter of TGM Compton 1738. She earlier won Reserve Late Junior Champion.

SS Shadoe 1362 won Bred-andOwned Junior Champion heifer. Sydney Sanders, Leesburg, Ohio, owns the winning heifer.

MAINE-ANJOU AND CHIANINA JUNIOR NATIONAL RESULTS

The 2022 Maine-Anjou and Chian ina Junior Nationals were held June 18-23 in Louisville, KY.

Hannah Schaub, Wapakoneta, Ohio, took home Reserve Champion Maine Tainer with, TJSC So Sweet 209J ET.

The Champion Cow-Calf Pair in the Owned Maine-Anjou Show, YNOT So Sweet Holly 50H ET, was exhibited by Cecilia Mursinna, Pleasant Plain, Ohio.

Reserve Grand Champion Chianina Female honors went to TSSC GAME

ON GIRLS 1061J ET exhibited by Mackenzie Neal, Lewisburg, Ohio and owned by Schaeffer Show Cattle. Reserve Champion Prospect Steer honors went to Beckett Winegardner, Harrod, Ohio with BMW Bandit 925J. Macie Riley, Washington C.H.,Ohio, exhibited the Reserve Grand Champi on Progress Steer.

IN MEMORY OF... BAXTER BLACK

Baxter Black, Benson, AZ, passed away on June 10, 2022. Black was born in 1945 in Brooklyn, NY, but grew up in Las Cruces, NM. He was an iconically known cowboy poet who published many books and appeared as a commentator on National Public Radio’s “Morning Edition.”

Black was also a large animal veterinarian before he became nation ally known as a poet, working with animals for more than a decade. In the early 1980s, his folksy, sometimes funny writing began gaining attention, starting with his first published poetry collection, 1980’s “The Cowboy and His Dog: or, ‘Go Git in the Pickup!’” A 1988 poem written while wildfires raged in Yellowstone National Park was picked up by NPR, adding to Black’s widespread recognition. He appeared several times on “The To night Show Starring Johnny Carson” and continued publishing books of his poetry and fiction. In 2002, Black joined “Morning Edition” as a regular commentator. He hosted the radio program “Baxter Black on Monday” and wrote the syndicated newspaper column “On the Edge of Common Sense” which was featured in the Ohio Cattleman magazine for many years. His column was printed in over 130 newspapers and his radio program was on 150 stations through the years. He sold over 2 million copies of his books, CDs and dvds.

Baxter is survived by his wife, Cin dy Lou Black; his daughter Jennifer Cubbage, husband Will, and their children William and Savannah; his son Guy Black, wife Jessica, and their children Gwendolyn and Magnolia; his two brothers, Bob and Steve and his two dogs, Solomon and Rudy.

In lieu of flowers, memorial do nations can be made to the J. F. Shea Therapeutic Riding Center, 26284 Oso Road, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675; Canine Companions, 2965 Dutton Ave, Santa Rosa, CA 95407 or to a favorite charity of your choice.

PETE HAIP

Pete Haip of Lexington, Ohio passed away on April 28, 2022. He was born in 1937 in Ziersdorf, Austria. As a teenager, Haip worked as a journeyman carpenter and immigrated to Ohio in 1956 at 18 years old. He married his wife, Carolyn in 1960. In his early years, Haip and his brother Walter, operated Woodcraft Incorpo rated, building and restoring custom furniture in the Mansfield area. He transitioned to a position at General Motors, where he worked in mainte nance as a carpenter retiring in 1997 after working 32 years. Haip truly en joyed his retirement years which were usually spent on his farm. He loved farming, raising cattle and sharing that love with his family.

In addition to his many community activities, Haip was a charter member of the Richland County Cattlemen’s Association and served on the Rich land County Fairboard. He is survived by his wife, four children, grand children and great grandchildren, in addition to many extended family members and friends. Memorial con tributions may be made to the Clear Fork High School FFA at Clear Fork High School, 987 St. Rt. 97, Bellville, Ohio 44813.

KEN STITZLEIN

Ken Stitzlein, 81, of Loudonville, Ohio passed away on July 19, 2022. He was born in 1940 and graduated from Loudonville High School in 1959 and from The Ohio State University, College of Agriculture in 1966. Stit zlein farmed in the Loudonville area for nearly 50 years raising grain crops and beef cattle. He served in many community and agricultural leadership positions, including the OCA board of directors and the Ashland County Cattlemen’s Association.

He is survived by his wife, Dorothy, who assisted him in his agricultural pursuits and with the farm, in addition to an extended list of family mem bers and friends. The Stitzlein family suggests those wishing to donate in his memory support the Stitzlein Fami ly Scholarship (483736) at the Ohio State University Foundation, P.O. Box 710811, Columbus, Ohio 43271 or visit give.osu.edu and search by the fund number. Stitzlein was instrumental in establishing this fund to provide scholarships for students majoring in an agriculture field at OSU.

OHIO BEEF COUNCIL HIRES KEIRN AS DIGITAL MARKETING MANAGER

The Ohio Beef Council (OBC), the state’s Checkoff funded organiza tion charged with the promotion and marketing of beef and beef products in Ohio, recently hired Kelly Keirn as the Manager of Consumer Programs and Digital Marketing. Keirn’s responsibil ities will include oversight and imple

mentation of digital, social media and visual content planning; engaging with media, industry and consumer food influencers; guiding advertising, retail and foodservice programs; manage ment of outside partners and interns; and coordination of events and con sumer displays.

Born and raised in Wyoming, Keirn grew up raising livestock and participating in 4-H with many grand and reserve champion titles under her belt in market and breeding programs. She was active in FFA as a member of the livestock and meat judging teams.

Her creative side took her to Co lumbus, Ohio where she received her BA in advertising and graphic design and met her husband. Over the past 15 years she has sharpened her skills working on national and global food brands but is excited to get back to her agricultural roots.

She and her family reside in Marysville, Ohio where she tends to her garden and home canning projects.

The Ohio State University, effective July 1, 2022, through June 30, 2027, subject to approval by Ohio State’s Board of Trustees.

Under her leadership, the college has advanced in important ways across its mission areas of research, teach ing, and Extension. That includes the creation of a comprehensive new strategic plan; updated promotion and tenure processes; and strength ened and more representative shared governance structures for faculty, staff and students.

The college continues to have a robust research portfolio, including $44 million in research expenditures in FY21. The college also has strength ened external collaborations around issues critical to Ohio, including water quality and food, agricultural, and nat ural resources policy and research.

Additionally, Kress and her team developed a Physical Master Plan, which establishes a college-wide vision that aligns its Columbus, CFAES Wooster, and statewide campuses. This plan includes visionary capital im provement projects across the college’s combined 11,400 acres in Ohio. For example, the Controlled Environment Agriculture Research Complex at the Waterman Agricultural and Natural Resources Laboratory will provide a cutting-edge facility for researching modern, sustainable food and agricul tural production technologies.

Last year, the Wooster Science Building opened on the CFAES Wooster campus and serves as a hub for research, teaching, outreach and socialization.

Cathann A. Kress has been reappointed vice president of agricul tural administration and dean of the College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES) at

As vice president for agricultural administration and dean of CFAES, Kress is the chief academic and ad ministrative officer of the college and is responsible for leading its educa tion, research, service and outreach missions. She also leads fundraising efforts and facilitates strategic inter nal and external relationships of the college.

CATHANN A. KRESS, REAPPOINTED VICE PRESIDENT AND DEAN OF OHIO STATE’S COLLEGE OF FOOD, AGRICULTURAL, AND ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES

CALENDAR of EVENTS

JULY

16 Ohio State Beef Field Day, Zanesville

27 Ohio State Fair Begins, Columbus

AUGUST

2 Dean’s Charity Steer Show, Columbus

3 Cattlemen’s Academy LIVE Webinar via Zoom - 12 noon

7 Ohio State Fair Ends

10 Ohio Cattleman Early Fall Issue Advertising Deadline

11-13 Young Cattlemen’s Conference, Columbus 27 Cattlemen’s Gala, Delaware

SEPTEMBER

1 OCA Awards Nomination Deadline

7 Ohio Cattleman Late Fall Issue Advertising Deadline

20-22 Farm Science Review, London

1 Replacement Female Sale

31 Ohio Cattlemen’s Deadline

26 OCA Female Sale, Zaneville

MEMBER SERVICES

Linde Sutherly, Ch. | Jason Dagger, V. Ch. Membership

Jason Dagger, Ch. | Andy Lohr, V. Ch

Ohio Cattleman Magazine

Lindsey Hall, Ch. | J.L. Draganic, V. Ch.

Steak Barn/Taste of Ohio Cafe

Linde Sutherly, Co. Ch. | Lindsey Hall, Co. Ch.

Young Cattlemen’s Conference

Darby Walton, Ch. | Garrett Stanfield, V. Ch.

Annual Meeting/Awards BanquetSarah Ison, Ch. | John Ferguson, V. Ch.

Youth Programs BEST & Buckeye Breeders SeriesShane Riley, Ch. | Kim Herman, V. Ch.

PUBLIC POLICY

Luke Vollborn, Ch. | Mark Goeke, V. Ch.

Agriculture & Food PolicySarah Ison, V. Ch. | Bill Tom, Ch.

Cattle Health & Well-BeingBrad Thornburg, Ch. | Jaymes Maciejewski V. Ch.

Live Cattle MarketingMark Goeke, Ch. | Jim Jepsen, V. Ch.

International Trade Luke Vollborn, Ch. | Brad Thornburg, V. Ch.

Property Rights & Environmental Mgt.Andy Lohr, Ch. | Mark Goeke V. Ch.Jaymes Maciejewski | Luke Vollborn

PAC/Legislative/Regulatory

Glen Feichtner, Ch. | John Ferguson, V. Ch.

Tax & Credit

Tom Karr, Ch. | John Ferguson, V. Ch.

Resolutions Committee

Sarah Ison, Ch. | Andy Lohr, V. Ch.

BEEF IMPROVEMENT

Tom Karr, Ch. | Pam Haley, V. Ch.

15 Ohio Cattlewomen’s Committees

Replacement Female Sale

Pam Haley, Ch. | Lindsey Hall, V. Ch.

Ohio Beef ExpoShane Riley, Ch.

Contact information is available on page 6 of this issue.

OCA enjoyed a trip to Southern Ohio at the end of May to visit Optum Angus’ Annual Female Sale in Seaman. The next stop was Maplecrest Meats, a new venture by the Grimes family, in Hillsboro.

Jordan and Beau Johnson, Gallia County, are gearing up for their first video shoot in July. The Ohio Beef Council (OBC) will be spending a day at their farm to record footage on the day-to-day operations and interview Jordan and Beau. The final video will be released to consumers to teach them about how Ohio beef farming families are responsibly raising beef for their family.