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
Sales Representative
Luke McKee
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 614-873-6736. All advertising material for the Early Fall Issue must be received by Aug. 7, 2024.
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
Anna Gest Manager of Nutrition Education Programs
Tiffany Arnett Office & Project Manager
OCA NEWS & VIEWS
Teamwork makes the Dreamwork
By Mark Goecke, OCA President
Several years ago I was having a conversation with a high school classmate who did not have a background in agriculture but his grandfather owned and farmed a small amount of land. My friend is employed in the sales division of a fairly large company and is pretty well versed in business management. During our conversation he asked, “Why are farmers so independent?” I didn’t have to think very long to answer because I’ve had the same thoughts before. My answer was, it’s because every decision that is made affects their operation, and ultimately their livelihood, in either a positive or negative way. Over the course of time we realize that as individuals we are responsible for that decision and hence we tend to be independent in our thinking. His response was rather short and to the point “It just seems to me that if they could work more as a team, outcomes could be enhanced.
Recently I have seen a few events that make me think he is correct in his thinking. In March I was scheduled for knee replacement surgery in Columbus. As I entered the hospital surgery area, the receptionist greeted me and forwarded me to the pre-op nurse who took me to the pre- surgery area where I met the anesthesiologist, nurses and doctors. The next thing I knew the post op nurse was waking me asking how my new knee was feeling while she was filling out orders for physical therapy. On the drive home I was thinking that it was a pretty wellcoordinated and successful event. The doctor would not be able to do it without the anesthesiologist, or nurses, and the hospital couldn’t provide the surgery room without its staff and so on. That teamwork did make the dream work.
The following week I ventured on crutches back to Columbus to attend the Ohio Beef Expo. Knowing the work it takes behind the scenes to accomplish this event, I was ever so impressed with the results. The amount of cattle shown, the number of trade show exhibitors, the educational programs and the list goes on. But the thing that stood out the most was the attendees and the fact they all seemed to be enjoying their day with other folks that share the same interest in the beef industry. Once again teamwork prevailed.
In April, Elizabeth Harsh, Linde Sutherly, Lindsey Hall and I traveled to Washington, D.C. for the NCBA spring legislative conference. This event is coordinated by NCBA for the purpose of educating Congress on the legislative priorities of cattle producers. This time it was mainly focused on the long-awaited Farm Bill. As we traversed around our nation’s capital, it was clear it was definitely a team effort. Each of us were proficient in a different area of our industry and that made our conversations with legislative staffers very informative. These types of conversations were being held by cattle industry leaders from nearly all states. It was quite impressive to see so many cowboy hats and boots in D.C.
As we were leaving town, Chairman Thompson of the House Ag Committee tweeted that a farm bill would be presented shortly. Once again teamwork was a success. But as we have all seen happen regularly in D.C., it soon ended there. The mantra of “teamwork makes the dream work” has turned to the exact opposite. Today it is more accurate that the lack of teamwork has created a nightmare. Not only has agriculture seen a lack of performance from our federal government, but in my view, our country as a whole has been affected by a lack of teamwork on the legislative front.
No, I am not advocating that farmers and ranchers form some type of “collective” group. What I want to pass on is that perhaps there are times when cooperation with the groups that we already have around us could be beneficial. We can take advantage of the training from our breed organizations, feed salesmen, nutritionists, veterinarians, marketing groups and so on to make our operations run a little more efficiently. For most of us in agriculture, and cattle producers especially, it has always been a dream of ours to be in this business. So, with a little teamwork, perhaps we can continue to make the dreamwork. Have a safe and enjoyable summer.
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
Jim Rogers Director At-Large Logan • Term expires 2023 740-591-7311, jrogers@reedbaur.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 2024 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
Jason Dagger District 5
Cable • Term expires 2024 937-604-8820, jason.dagger@rwe.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 2024 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 2024 740-835-9789, ryanbapst@gmail.com
Dale Taylor • District 12
Bidwell • Term expires 2025 740-709-6461,daletaylorfarming@gmail.com
HARSH REALITIES State Fair Preview
By Elizabeth Harsh, Ohio Cattleman Editor
The summer solstice followed by a full strawberry moon ushered in the official start of summer as this magazine went to press. But for farmers, summer and all the farm work that comes with it, has already been here. Many families also mark the start of summer with county fairs, and they are in full swing across the state.
This issue contains the complete Ohio State Fair beef show schedule, including the fair’s long-standing tradition, the commercial cattle show. The commercial cattle show features exhibits of finished cattle in pens of three that compete for awards in both live and carcass shows. Lots of planning goes into the fair from designing new beef t-shirts and other promotional items for the Beef Store to creating eye-catching and informative consumer displays.
OCA’s state fair beef stands are another big undertaking that takes planning and the help of many great volunteers. The state’s multi-million-dollar investment to update the Ohio Expo Center and the ensuing construction will have the fairgrounds looking different this year. The Steak Barn, located near the Voinovich beef barn, will continue fair operations as always. However, the other beef stand, along with many of the commodities, will be relocated to a temporary facility in the North Commercial building during the next two years of construction. This building is near the Ohio Department of Natural Resources exhibit in the southeast part of the fairgrounds.
In May Governor DeWine and the Ohio Expo Center and State Fairgrounds held a ground-breaking for two buildings to revitalize the fairgrounds, the Ohio Showcase Building and the new agriculture building. These projects are part of the long-term master plan recommended by the Expo 2050 Task Force. The task force was created in 2019 to develop a vision for the future of the 360-acre state fairgrounds, which has been home to the Ohio State Fair since 1886.
Once construction is complete in 2026, the Ohio Showcase Building will house a food hall and exhibit space to tell the story of Ohio. The new agriculture building will house the Taste of Ohio Café, where Ohio’s commodity groups will operate their food stands. The building will also house the Land & Living Exhibit, as well as other agricultural exhibits. The exhibit hall will feature more than 100,000 square feet of space for a variety of events.
These buildings, and the accompanying underground infrastructure upgrades, represent the first phase of this important investment. OCA will remain involved in future phases to update the fair’s livestock facilities and enable the continued growth of the Ohio Beef Expo, in addition to helping the facility attract new national beef shows.
The state fair is also home to the Dean’s Charity Steer Show that will continue as usual and is scheduled for Tuesday, July 30. The show is a fundraiser with all proceeds benefiting the Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) of Central Ohio and OCA is proud to be a founding partner of this event. It includes celebrity exhibitors that team up with media personalities and 4-H youth and their steers to compete in the show for bragging rights and awards.
Fundraising components include online donation pages highlighting each team, an online silent auction and a sale that follows the July 30 show. This issue features the11 4-H and BEST exhibitors and their families that are participating this year. On behalf of OCA, thank you for being a great representative of Ohio’s beef industry. We invite you to attend the show to cheer on your favorite team and support the event with your donation.
As we close out this state fair preview, congratulations to Bill and Janet Butler, Union Stock Yards Co. of Hillsboro for their induction into the Ohio Agricultural Hall of Fame. This event will take place during the state fair and is very deserving recognition for their many contributions to Ohio agriculture. Congratulations!
Continuing to Do the Little Things Right
By Garth Ruff, Beef Cattle Field Specialist, OSU Extension
Summer is here, and there is no shortage of things to be done around the farm to keep producers busy. Spring born calves are growing and bulls are either turned out or will be in the near future. Summer is a time to manage pastures and continue making stored forages.
This is the time of year to start thinking about what your marketing plan for the spring calf crop may look like. It’s never too early to have this discussion. As calf prices remain high, I have gotten the question a couple of times asking about the return on investment with regards to preconditioning cattle in 2024.
My answer remains the same. “If it is the right thing to do when cattle prices are lower, it is still the right thing to do when cattle are selling high.” It’s your reputation and the perception of your cattle management program at stake. While cattle are selling well in the current market, any value-added practices implemented now will reduce the risk of cattle getting sick, or not performing for the next owner.
During the summer it is easy to get a case of corn planter-itis or hay baleritis and not think about marketing calves that are still on the cow. I am guilty of it too; the last 60 days have been an absolute whirlwind.
What are those things that a cowcalf producer or backgrounder can do to add value to their calves?
These practices are not new or earth shattering, just good calf management
to add value to a calf crop.
1) Manage Heath – It’s 2024 and we are still talking about vaccination strategies for beef herds. Vaccinating against core diseases with at least two rounds of the core vaccinations to add value to calves. The core vaccinations we often talk about include BVD, Bovine Respiratory Disease Complex, and a clostridial (blackleg shot). Pinkeye seems to be rearing its head in parts of the state again this summer. Thinking about whole herd protection in the way of autogenous vaccinations has provided relief in some herds in Southeast Ohio. Work with your local veterinarian to ensure calves are healthy when they leave your farm.
2) Wean with Intent – With feeder cattle prices still high, there is significant value in low-risk calves. Having calves weaned at a minimum for 45 days (or 60), healthy, and broke to a feed bunk provides some insurance to the backgrounder or feedyard that may purchase them. Buyers remember the cattle that performed well and those that didn’t. When we use the term reputation cattle it is often used in the positive, for those groups of cattle that performed well and therefore the buyer would purchase again.
3) Sorting – Not all cattle of the same age should be marketed at the same time if there are significant differences in weight, size, type, and kind. Buyers are looking to put together groups of cattle that are as uniform as possible. Work with
whoever you market your cattle with to see where the demand is for a given group of cattle at a given time.
4) Think About Next Year – As it relates to uniformity, lot size is a limiting factor to the price buyers are willing to pay. Data out of the University of Kentucky shows that lots of 10 head of cattle bring a significant premium over single animals. Cows that calved late in 2024 are likely to calve late in 2025 without significant intervention such as a presynchronization program. Culling late calving cows or cows that have the smallest, lowest performing calves is one way to improve uniformity going forward.
5) Overcome Tradition – Just because you have always sold a group of calves on August 14 every year, doesn’t mean that is the right thing to do this year to maximize profit potential for your calf crop. Watch the markets and plan accordingly. At the time this was written, the forecast appears to call for some hot and dry weather in the coming weeks. If pasture and forage quality begins to regress more than the usual summer slump, feeding any left over hay from 2023 or purchasing corn may be a short term supplementation strategy. At the time this was written, the forecast appears to call for some hot and dry weather in the coming weeks. If pasture and forage quality begins to regress more than the usual summer slump, feeding any left over hay from 2023 or purchasing corn may be a short term supplementation strategy.
FORAGE FOCUS
Mechanically Controlling Weeds in Pastures
By Ted Wiseman, OSU Extension, Perry County
Maintaining high-quality pastures is crucial for Ohio’s beef producers. Weeds compete with forages for nutrients, water, and sunlight, potentially lowering the quality and quantity of the forage available to grazing livestock. Weeds can significantly impact pasture quality and even cause livestock health issues if poisonous species are consumed. Traditional weed control methods include mechanical (mowing), chemical, burning, and biological controls. In 2021, we finished a three-year study focused on mechanical mowing, aiming to understand how different mowing schedules impact weed and forage growth.
In this project, we had eight different treatments that were replicated four times. Treatments consisted of a Control (no mowing), mowing one time in June, July, August, and September, mowing twice in June/August, July/September, and mowing monthly from June to September. Each plot was 15x20 feet with a one-foot border. Forage and weed samples were collected at the beginning of each month from June to September. Cattle grazed the paddock between sample collections, and plots were mowed to a height of four inches after grazing. Weights of dry matter (DM) from weeds and forages were recorded to compare the impact of different mowing schedules.
The table below shows the results for the three average Dry Matter (DM) for forages and weeds.
Monthly mowing significantly reduced weed presence but is not practical for most producers due to time and cost constraints, it also resulted in lowest amount of forages.
Mowing in June alone resulted in higher weed yields, possibly due to early canopy opening allowing more sunlight for weed growth. Ironically this treatment had more weeds than doing nothing. Cocklebur was the major weed we had in all these plots; it could still flower and produce seed regardless of treatment. Only mowing once during the season, July or September, effectively managed weeds and had higher forage quantity.
The location is what I would consider a typical southeastern Ohio pasture, predominantly fescue, clover, and some orchard grass. Besides cocklebur, other weeds included Canada thistle, Pennsylvania smartweed, horse nettle, burdock, and ribwort plantain.
There are many factors in grazing pastures that could affect how this study could compare to your own operation. But if you are battling cocklebur, more than likely you will need to include herbicides in your pasture management program.
Mowing Treatments
Full STEAM ahead for Shenandoah High School’’s hands-on learning farm
The Shenandoah High School students were antsy for their school’s special project to start. The southeast Ohio school was planning to put up a farm that was run by students. The land had been purchased and about $1.5 million in grant funding secured to build the farm, which would help showcase agriculture and the different types of career opportunities in the ag industry.
At the time, Green Acres Farm was still a couple of years away from being built in 2021 and the students kept looking at a fenced in pasture. Purchasing a couple of heifers at the upcoming Ohio Beef Expo would be a great soft start for the farm. That idea had already been floated to the superintendent by ag education teacher Eric Van Fleet but he was turned down. The decision was reversed after the students petitioned the superintendent.
“He told the kids to go ahead and that lit a fire in them. They started researching Expected Progeny Differences (EPDs) and looking at sale catalogs, and they went to the expo and did the bidding. One of the coolest things I’ve experienced as an ag teacher was to see how excited they were to bring those heifers home and kick them out on grass and watch them grow,” Eric said.
Now, about five years later, Eric is excited that not only is Green Acres Farm fully functioning but has become a draw for students in Noble County and surrounding areas. When the idea for the school farm first came up, Eric was the only ag teacher at the school located near Sarahsville.
“If you would have told me several years ago that we’d have three ag teachers in a high school with 250 students, I wouldn’t have believed it but it happened,” he said. “A lot of schools say they have a farm but it’s just a corn field beside the high school and they watch the neighbor plant and harvest it. This is true hands-on education and it’s really neat to take what we do in the classroom and go out back and sync up some cows.”
Shenandoah High School is the only STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) K-12 school in southeastern Ohio. Shenandoah and other schools have added A (for art) to the acronym to make it STEAM but at Shenandoah the A stands for agriculture.
“Our school district is closely rooted to agriculture and having the farm helps people visualize what it means to be a STEM or STEAM school. It’s a mindset and culture and truly hands on,” said Trevor Tom, Shenandoah’s principal.
Mostly funded by grants from the Appalachian Regional Commission and Ohio Farm Bureau, Green Acres Farm has a two-classroom building, barn, welding shop, farm equipment, pasture, cows, pigs and goats. All seventh grade students in the entire school take an introductory agriculture class and then decide if they want to continue with agriculture classes.
“We offer several different pathways such as marketing, ag business, livestock, mechanical principles, forestry, environmental science, agronomy, greenhouse and drones,” Trevor said. “The message we’re trying to sell is that when you think of agriculture, yes, we have hay and heifers but when you think of opportunities, we’re not closing doors but opening them. We’re trying to get students excited about agriculture.”
Green Acres is a working farm and completely run by students with advice from teachers. Last year Lane Robinson, 17, was the farm manager and spent his summer at Green Acres helping run it. The incoming high school senior said it was his first leadership position and helped lead him to being the local FFA president. His family runs a nearby cowcalf and freezer beef operation and being less than 10 minutes away from the school made it easier for him to help out at the almost 140 acre farm than other students who live 30 minutes away.
Story by Amy Beth Graves
“During the summer we had a late litter of piglets and I was there every day checking on them and trying to market them. It was a great experience,” he said. Seeing the hard work and pride that the students take in caring for the animals and the land is gratifying for Eric. He said many of the students are highly motivated and excel in their studies.
“The students are here after hours and come in on weekends to feed the animals. Sometimes you have to tell the kids ‘Hey, it’s 6 o’clock and we’d like to go home.’ For a school our size, a lot of graduates go on to study agriculture, which is neat,” he said.
Since Shenandoah High School has open enrollment, some students have transferred to the school to take advantage of the hands-on learning ag program.
“We have the ability to teach state standards and competencies in our classroom and then allow the students a hands-on learning atmosphere in our shop and farm that very few other students have,” said ag teacher Matt
Wentworth. “An example is our beef reproduction program. Students research the EPDs of the cows we have on the farm and match them with a sire so we can artificially inseminate and make an ideal female replacement heifer. Students take a hands-on approach to selecting the sire, helping synchronize the females and actually AI’ing the females.”
For some students, it’s their first exposure to working in agriculture.
“It’s neat to take kids who don’t have any experience with cattle and animals and get them involved. We have twin sisters in the program who while they grew up around agriculture were not actively engaged in it. They went to the Ohio Beef Expo and helped show and sell animals and did really well. When I said “Ladies, nice job. How many times have you helped lead animals before the expo’ and they said they’d never done it before,” Eric said.
Green Acres Farm can help students find out what their strengths and passions are in agriculture, Trevor said.
“For years we’ve wanted students to
learn by doing. We want them to say ‘Yes, I love this’ or ‘This is not my cup of tea.’ The farm allows them to literally put their boots on and say ‘Yep, this is for me or I need to go down a different path. It gives them a chance to explore and experiment and gives them a taste of what life is like after they leave us,” he said.
Future plans are to expand the pasture that houses 12 momma cows and their offspring and improve the genetics of the herd. Two steers are slated to be harvested soon and the hope is that the meat will be part of the school’s lunch program, completing the circle of life.
For Lane, Green Acres Farm has already had a big impact on him.
“If I hadn’t been the farm manager, I wouldn’t have known I want to be an ag teacher or major in cattle embryology. My goal is to return to the farm and work as an ag teacher. I was always the student who sat in the back and didn’t talk a lot and now I want to lead the students,” he said.
MEET THE SUMMER INTERNS
OCA and the Ohio Beef Council (OBC) welcome two new interns to the team this summer, Ella Forni and Emma Homan. They will work on various projects, attend events, visit producers across the state, and work at the beef store during the 2024 Ohio State Fair.
Forni, of Granville, Ohio, will be a sophomore at Kansas State University pursuing her bachelor’s degree in animal sciences and industry with a focus on business and sales. After concluding her undergraduate degree, she plans to achieve her Master’s and Doctorate degrees in Animal Nutrition.
In addition to interning with OCA, Forni will also be interning with Trans Ova Genetics throughout the course of the summer. Forni was raised on a beef cattle farm and has shown livestock for several years through the BEST program, as well as through her county’s 4-H program. After her education, she plans on working as a pharmaceutical sales representative, as well as raising her own herd of show cattle.
“I am super excited to further develop my knowledge of the beef industry and build relationships with
industry leaders this summer,” Forni said.
Homan, of New Knoxville, Ohio, is a senior at Ohio State University pursuing her bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Communications with a minor in Agribusiness. Upon graduation, Homan plans to continue working in the beef industry, where her passion for the agricultural industry began.
Homan grew up on a beef operation and showed through 4-H and FFA programs. She enjoys networking with beef producers in the industry and working in media and visual design. She is a member of Agricultural Communicators of Tomorrow and Alpha Zeta Partners on campus.
Homan said, “This summer, I am eager to build useful skills that will be valuable to me as I enter the workforce while promoting Ohio’s beef industry.”
Ella Forni, Granville is serving as a summer intern.
Emma Homan, New Knoxville, is serving as a summer intern.
2024 - 25 Season Updates & Schedule
The Ohio Cattlemen’s Association (OCA) Beef Exhibitor Show Total (BEST) Program is announcing its sanctioned show schedule for the upcoming season Livin’ the BEST Life. Last year’s 25th anniversary of the program provided the opportunity for the BEST Committee to survey participant families. One of the common responses received was the request to hold a show in northern Ohio. As a result, the 2024-2025 show schedule has added a weekend with a new show hosted by Defiance, Fulton, Henry, Williams and Wood Counties at the Fulton County Fairgrounds in Wauseon, Ohio.
To assist BEST families and help control the costs associated with exhibiting livestock, the BEST Committee will hold expenses steady for the upcoming season. This means there will be no increases in OCA membership, BEST nomination fees, Buckeye Breeders Series (BBS) nominations, as well as no increases passed on to sanctioned shows. Additionally, the number of rings that count for animals and showmanship in the final points will be less than the total rings possible, so busy families who miss a show will not have their final number of show points negatively impacted. The first sanctioned show, the Mardi Gras Masquerade will have two animal show rings. Also planned for the first show will be two showmanship rings, both featuring enhanced awards. One ring will be for BEST participants only. The total number of animal rings for the 2024-2025 season will be 17. More information on the total number of rings that will count in the final points total for animal placings and showmanship is available in the BEST rules at ohiocattle.org/BEST.
All breed divisions will stay the same for 2024-2025. That includes the continuation of the new heifer divisions added last year: Chi Angus, Low % Chi, Limousin/Lim Flex, and Maine Angus. The low and high percentage All Other Breeds (AOB) heifer division will continue to be combined into one AOB heifer division like last year. Registered heifers and steers that do not have their own breed division offered will show in the AOB division, providing they meet their breed’s minimum percentage to be eligible to show at their respective breed’s national junior shows. Registered cattle that do NOT meet the breed percentage requirement for their breed’s national junior eligibility requirement will show in the Crossbred division, not as an AOB.
BEST is an OCA youth development program that recognizes Ohio’s junior beef exhibitors for participation and placings through a series of sanctioned cattle shows. Juniors who participate in these sanctioned shows earn points for their placings. Points are tabulated for market animals, heifers and showmanship, within breed and crossbreed divisions, registered Bred & Owned animals, first, second or third year Novice only division and Buckeye Breeders Series (Ohio’s Bred, Born and Raised) division. These points are tabulated and posted at www. ohiocattle.org. In addition, BEST includes educational contests through the Stockmanship program, leadership and scholarship opportunities and community service. Participants are recognized at an end-of-season awards banquet.
For more information about the BEST program, visit ohiocattle.org/BEST, join the OCA BEST Program Facebook group, or contact the OCA office at 614-873-6736.
Mardi Gras Masquerade
Nov. 22 - 24 | Circleville
AGR Holiday Classic
Dec. 6 - 8 | Columbus
Northern Lights BEST Show
Dec. 13 - 15 | Wauseon
Saddle & Sirloin Spectacular
Dec. 27 - 29 | Circleville
Scarlet & Gray Midwest Showdown
Jan. 3 - 5 | Columbus
Clark County Cattle Battle
Jan. 24 - 26 | Springfield
DTS Cupid Classic
Feb. 7 - 9 | Circleville
Holmes County Preview
Feb. 28 - March 2 | Millersburg
Ohio Beef Expo
March 14 - 16 | Columbus
Scholarship/Contest Deadline April 1
BEST Banquet May 3
GEST JOINS OBC AS MANAGER OF NUTRITION EDUCATION PROGRAMS
The Ohio Beef Council (OBC) Operating Committee, responsible for Beef Checkoff demand building investments in the state, recently expanded its beef nutrition focus through the creation of a full-time position. Anna Gest of Grafton, Ohio will serve as the Manager of Nutrition Education Programs. Gest was most recently the part-time Nutrition Coordinator for the council.
Gest is a Registered Dietitian who has been working with OBC since 2018. As Manager of Nutrition Education Programs, Gest will engage with medical professionals, health organizations, educators, and school nutrition stakeholders to share beef, nutrition, and health information. She will also assist with digital and social
media campaign creation related to beef as part of a healthy lifestyle.
A graduate of The Ohio State University, Gest also has a Masters degree from Kent State University. She has previously worked as a hospital dietitian. She and her husband, Andy, have a small feedlot and grain farm in Lorain County.
Chairman of the Ohio Beef Council and Wood County beef producer Erin Stickel says, “Expanding focused personnel resources will allow our team to forge stronger connections within the professional human health and nutrition industry. This strategic approach will undoubtedly enhance our ability to fulfill our mission of promoting and generating demand for beef.”
THE BEEF CHECKOFF
National ($1.00) and the State ($1.00) Checkoff provide funds needed to help promote beef and the cattle industry. The Beef Checkoff program is run by producers like you and has played a vital role in increasing the demand for beef.
Anna Gest, Grafton, Manager of Nutrition Education
PLAN NOW FOR THE 12th ANNUAL OCA REPLACEMENT FEMALE SALE
The 2024 date for the Ohio Cattlemen’s Association (OCA) 12th annual Replacement Female Sale will be Friday evening, Nov. 29. The sale will be held at the Muskingum Livestock Auction Co. in Zanesville, Ohio and will begin at 6:00 p.m.
The 2024 edition of OCA Replacement Female Sale will provide an opportunity for both buyers and sellers to meet the need for quality replacements in the state. Consignments may include cowcalf pairs, bred cows and bred heifers. Females must be under the age of five as of Jan. 1, 2025, 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 performed within 60 days of sale. Consignments will also be completing specific health requirements. Why discuss a sale that is several months away? The middle of the breeding season is an excellent time to evaluate your herd and consider marketing decisions for the fall. Young, high-quality cattle backed by solid genetics are in demand with potential buyers. Yearling 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 January through early May calving females as potential consignments and breeding pieces that will fit calving windows for many Ohio producers. In previous years females bred for March and April calves have been towards the top of the sale.
Ohio and West Virginia.
It is also a great time to evaluate the body condition of potential sale animals and make nutritional adjustments to the animal’s diet in anticipation of a late November 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 females and making breeding decisions include udder conformation, temperament and feet and legs.
At the 2023 sale, buyers appraised 113 lots of bred heifers, bred cows, and cow-calf pairs at the auction. The sale included 80 lots of bred heifers that averaged $2,555, 4 cow-calf pairs sold for an average of $3,475, and 29 lots of bred cows averaged $2,006. The 113 total lots grossed $276,500 for an overall average of $2,447. The females sold to buyers from
Sales prices were higher year over year and the cattle were of high quality, as the 2023 sale represented a $250 per head price increase over the 2022 sale. Demand was very strong for quality females as 54 lots sold for at least $2,500 and 26 of those sold for $3,000 or greater. Sale consignments are due to the Ohio Cattlemen’s Association by Oct. 1, 2024. Sale information can be obtained by contacting OCA at 614-873-6736 or at their website www.ohiocattle.org. If you have questions about the sale, contact Garth Ruff, sale manager, 740-651-7140 or ruff.72@osu.edu or the OCA office at 614-873-6736 or cattle@ohiocattle.org.
THE THIRD TIME WAS A CHARM FOR THE Union Stock Yards
Story & Photos by Hannah Weymouth
William (Bill) and Janet Butler grew up surrounded by agriculture, beef, and auction markets. They showed cattle in 4-H and FFA, Bill graded veal calves at the Barnesville Auction Market, and Janet clerked sales in Hillsboro, but it wasn’t until April 1969 that they really took hold of the industry and its offerings.
As the owner and operator of two large farms in Belmont County, Bill was a regular at the Union Stock Yards in Washington Court House, buying hogs and cattle for a packer in Green Valley to feed out and send west. “I was sitting at a sale, and they called me into the office and asked if I wanted to manage the yards, and I said no. I’m making a living where I am at; I’m not interested in moving” he said.
After Bill respectfully declined to manage the yards the first time, he was asked again and again, and by the third time they asked if Bill was interestedhe was. “I called Union Stock Yards in Courthouse to get a load of pigs, and they told me that the yards had been sold and that if I wanted to get stock from Union Stock Yards anymore, I’d have to go to Hillsboro. A few weeks later I went down to get a load of pigs and they told me that Courthouse yards sold for just $55,000 – and then I was really interested.”
On New Year’s Day 1969 Bill drove to Hillsboro, looked the yards over, and finally decided that he wanted to manage the place.
Bill was the full-time manager of Union Stock Yards with a few other shareholders before he bought out his partners and took full ownership of the stockyards in the latter part of
1969. Janet, who had been working at the yards and completing office work for nearly ten years before Bill took ownership, continues to do so. “Twenty years later and a handful of sales, I guess he decided he needed to keep me around, and we were married in 1987,” Janet said.
In 2007, after roughly 35 years of business in downtown Hillsboro, the couple decided to move the stockyards to a newer, more prominent, and efficient location just outside of town. “Everything kept growing—the number of sellers, customers, and animals coming in kept going up, so we had no choice but to expand,” they said.
“Moving out here was one of the best decisions we made; we have had very little upkeep and maintenance since the move, and it has allowed us to grow,” Janet said.
With the help of just two full-time employees, Bill and Janet complete all
the stockyards’ day-to-day tasks. Janet continues to complete office work and accounting, checking customers out and keeping the sale ring and office clean and organized. Bill moves and feeds cattle in the back, helps load and unload, and talks with buyers and sellers on sale days.
Bill began serving as a Director of the Merchants National Bank shortly after taking over the yards in 1982 and still serves today. Bill’s involvement has been instrumental in establishing the bank as a leading agricultural lender for the area, due to his extensive understanding of farmers’ financial needs and services.
In addition to the bank and many other community involvement projects, the two support the local youth at 4-H and FFA county fair auctions, send graduation money to each of their customers’ children and deliver and promote educational seminars and workshops. Both have
received numerous accolades and awards, including the OCA Industry Excellence award and the Friend of 4-H Award, a testament to their lifelong dedication to agriculture and community service. The Butlers have not only fostered economic growth
in the industry but have also been staunch advocates for agricultural education and community. “I grew up coming from a family of 12, have four kids of my own, ten grandkids, and three great-grandkids with one on the way - giving back and helping kids is not hard for me,” Bill said.
Together, the couple has elevated the stockyards to be one of the largest in the state of Ohio – serving farmers from across a 150-mile radius reaching four states: Ohio, Indiana, West Virginia, and Kentucky, hosting over 70 sales and selling over 35,000 head of cattle annually, as well as a handful of hogs and sheep. Janet said, “We’ve seen over four generations of families sell cattle at our yards, and that means a lot to me, as well as the history and integrity of our business.”
“I couldn’t imagine spending 50-plus years of my life anywhere else other than at a sale,” Janet said. “It has truly been remarkable to see the growth of Ohio’s beef industry. We don’t know anything other than to get up at six in the morning and be at the yards at seven to work until four or five every day of the week.”
Nearly six decades later, it is fitting that Bill and Janet Butler will be inducted into the Ohio Agricultural Council Hall of Fame at this summer’s Ohio State Fair. As a couple, they still own and operate the yards today,
making them the longest managers of the Union Stock Yards Co. for over 56 years in Hillsboro.
Both have been pivotal in transforming livestock marketing and agriculture marketing in the Southern Ohio region. “The world’s always changing, but I guess we’ve been able to change with it, or we wouldn’t be in this position today.”
The Butlers were nominated for the Ohio Agricultural Council Hall of Fame by Highland County beef producers, Ken Davis and Joanie Grimes. “Bill and Janet have made a profound impact on Ohio Agriculture and livestock marketing while, at the same time, offering never-ending support to the youth and their local Highland County community. They are truly a team, and it is only fitting that they are the first to be inducted to the Ohio Agricultural Hall of Fame as a couple” Ken and Joanie said.
“It was shocking. When we first started this and came here to be the manager, I didn’t know what I was getting myself into, and I never dreamt that I would be inducted into the Ohio Ag Council Hall of Fame,” Bill and Janet said. “I think it just shows how passionate we are about this industry and how much we do for it – it means a lot.”
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 www.agcredit.net
Ag-Pro
Ben Butcher
740-653-6951
www.agprocompanies.com
Alligare, LLC
Jeff Clark 724-494-6199
Marianna Hague 334-748-0048
Bo Burns 610-742-8016
Paul Conti 610-742-6303
Zach Hildictch 208-550-5869 www.alligare.com/
Baird Private Wealth
Management
Patrick Saunders 740-446-2000 www.patricksaundersfc.com
Bane-Welker Equipment
Makayla Eggleton 937-206-1653
Heather Geiger 740-363-3614
Scott Raber 740-363-1341 Ext. 9037
Andrew Baker 937-456-6281 Ext. 9038
Jay Snodgrass 765-866-0494 Ext. 2215
www.bane-welker.com
Boehringer-Ingelheim
Thomas Reinholt 260-460-7174
Brent Tolle www.boehringer-ingelheim.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
Central Life Sciences
Kenley Rogers 330-465-9225 www.centrallifesciences.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
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 fsr.osu.edu
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
Matthew Bucklew 614-475-7024
www.heartland.bank
Heartland Feed Services
Jodie Clane 419-586-2303
Joe Siegrist 419-305-2451
Travis Spicer 419-733-9915
Chad Knapke 419-733-6434
Andrew Davis 419-733-6239
Jacob Giere 419-733-1611
www.heartlandfeedservices.com
Heritage Cooperative
Dale Stryffler 330-556-8465
Derek Fauber 614-873-6736
David Monnin 914-873-6736
www.heritagecooperative.com
Highland Livestock Supply Ltd.
Curt & Allison Hively 330-457-2033
www.highlandlivestocksupply.com
Hubbard Feeds
Jordon Eggersman 937-892-8271
www.hubbardfeeds.com
ICAP Crop Insurance
Lindsey Hall 937-763-8115
Joanie Grimes 937-763-1198
www.icapcrop.com/
Jividens’s Farm Equipment, LLC
Dustin Deckard, Ashlee Deckard, Jon Davis, & Jane Jividen 740-709-9713
www.jividens.com
Johnson Concrete Livestock Waterers
Brad McCormick 402-463-1359
www.johnsonconcreteproducts.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 www.mheby.com
McArthur Lumber & Post
Clint 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 www.merck-animal-health-usa.com
Muirfield Energy
Doug Foreman 419-569-5912
Jerry Jenkins 937-210-0203
Cathi Lydy 419-265-0758
Michael Gonzales 817-739-2623 www.murifieldenergry.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
Nexus Marketing
Pat Lampert 419-953-0546
Chad Leffel 567-204-7846
Holly Fleck 419-953-2295 www.nexusag.org
Ohio Ag Equipment/ Ohio
CAT
Courtney Bush & Linda Meier 614-851-3629
Brian Speelman 614-851-3629 www.ohiocat.com
Ohio Penal Industry
William Bierbaugh 614-214-8916, Robert Caplinger 614-531-8291 www.opi.ohio.gov
OSU Large Animal Services
Eric Gordon DVM, Kristin Smith RVT, Kevin Jacque DVM, Alissa Wilhelm DVM, Shaw Perrin DVM 937-642-2936 www.marysville.vet.ohio-state.edu
PBS Animal Health
Hanna Green 330-834-3000
Kevin Warrene 800-321-0235 www.pbsanimalhealth.com
Priefert Ranch Equipment
Steve Campbell 903-434-8973
Nate Aguredakes 330-868-1181 www.priefert.com
Purina Animal Nutrition
Patrick Gunn 317-967-4345
Cy Prettyman 470-360-5538
Kira Morgan 812-480-2715
David Newsom 317-677-5799
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
Saltwell Western Store
Sally Puzacke 330-343-0388 www.saltwellwesternstore.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
Sedgwick
Tony Sharrock 614-376-5450
David Deyo 614-376-5401 www.sedgwickcms.com
Select Sires Member Co-op
Julie Ziegler, Joanna Frankenberg
Kevin Hinds, & Rachel Billups 614-878-5333
Jim Ray 614-205-7176 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 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.
Sam Roberts 614-890-6666
Sue Bechtel 614-433-2190
Hannah Carter 614-433-2190
Bob Siegel 614-433-2152
1-800-456-3276
www.uproducers.com
Vytelle
Zach Bartenslager 304-661-6331
Kara Schmidt 443-974-2067
Rodney Schoenbine 330-464-9793
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
Kara Schmidt 443-974-2067
www.fagalyfeed.com
Zoetis Animal Health
Laura Homan 320-293-2184 www.zoetisus.com
CATTLEMEN YOUTH AWARDED AT BEST BANQUET FOR A SUCCESSFUL SEASON
The Ohio Cattlemen’s Association’s (OCA) Beef Exhibitor Show Total (BEST) program celebrated 25 years with the wrap up the 2023-2024 BEST season on May 4 at the Ohio Expo Center in Columbus. The awards banquet was attended by over 750 participants and their families. Over 350 BEST exhibitors were awarded for their show success, cattle industry knowledge, photography skills, community service efforts, and more.
This year’s BEST program featured eight weekends of sanctioned shows held throughout the state. Over 700 youth participants showed 1,000 head of market animals and heifers throughout the season.
This year’s sponsoring partners were Robbins Show Steers, AgPro Companies, Bob Evans Farms, Diamond T Land and Cattle Co., Dickson Cattle Co., Giulitto Trucking LLC, M.H. EBY, Inc., Performance Training Solutions, The Folks Printing, Jones Show Cattle, R.D. Jones Excavating, Ricer Equipment, 6R Farms, Shepard Cattle Company and Weaver Livestock.
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 800 pounds of pop tabs were collected, and this year’s donation total was $15,030. The highest donations were from Austin Sutherly, Clark County with $2,255, and Jordan Flax, Clark County with $1,380. Ella and Emma Grimwood of Ashland County submitted the most tabs with 432 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
Hayden Shumaker, Clinton County
BBS Trailer
Natalie England, Portage County
BBS Gator
Sautter Farms, Sandusky County
The Novice Division of BEST includes first, second and third-year participants. All Novice exhibitors received an entry into a separate 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 Abby Wolbaugh, Wayne County.
For a full list of this year’s winners visit www.ohiocattle.org. The OCA BEST program is coordinated through the leadership of the BEST Committee. Serving on the BEST Committee are Chairman – Shane Riley, Fayette County; Erin Alava, Hancock County, Rob Calaway, Meigs County; Ben Dickson, Marion County; Lindsey Hall, Highland County; Sarah Hunker, Huron County; Chloe Lambert, Fayette County; Sally Puzacke, Tuscarawas County; Mckenzie Riley, Fayette County; Amber Shoemaker, Stark County; Linde Sutherly, Clark County; Ryan Sorensen, Montgomery County; and Ian VanKirk, Licking County.
During the BEST awards banquet, the new junior representatives for the 2024-2025 season were announced. They are Riley Burtchin, Wood County; Alexis Perry, Ottawa County; Madalynn Dunham, Champaign County; Brock Perry, Ottawa County. Continuing for their second term are Cheyenne Myers, Stark County; Taylor and Tatumn Poff, Geauga County; and Noah Lang, Wood County. Luke Schroeder, Defiance County; Grant Belleville, Wood County; and Gage Farrar, Jackson County; concluded their term as BEST Junior representatives at the yearend banquet.
Cheers to the 25 years!
Over 350 BEST exhibitors attended the banquet and were awarded for their success.
DELAWARE CO. FAIRGROUNDS
RSVP BY AUG. 12
JOIN US FOR THE CATTLEMEN’S GALA CELEBRATION & FUNDRAISER ON AUG. 24
The Ohio Cattlemen’s Foundation (OCF) will be hosting the annual Cattlemen’s Gala Celebration and Fundraiser on Aug. 24, 2024, at 5:30 p.m. in an air-conditioned building on the Delaware County Fairgrounds in Delaware, Ohio.
The Gala’s live music will feature the beef industry’s own, Dalton & Delaney. The acoustic team first met in 2022 at the National FFA Talent Program. They realized they both shared a love for music and decided to start their own duo. Dalton and Delaney are no strangers to the agriculture industry as they both grew up heavily involved in 4-H and FFA. Delaney lives on a farm in Fairfield County where she and her family raise beef cattle and are members of the Ohio Cattlemen’s Association (OCA). She has participated in the OCA BEST program for many years where she has enjoyed showing cattle, competing in the stockmanship program, and promoting the beef industry. Delaney recently completed a year of service as the 2023-2024 Ohio FFA State Vice President. She is currently attending The Ohio State University majoring in agricultural communications.
Dalton resides in Darke County where he is currently a loan originator working with farmers on agricultural lines of credit and farm loans. He recently obtained his associate’s degree in banking and is looking forward to earning his bachelor’s degree in business administration. Dalton has performed in several bands and enjoys writing his own music.
The Gala is open to all attendees and features a casual atmosphere A gourmet beef meal and two drink tickets will be included in the registration price. The night will begin with appetizers and Gala-themed drinks before leading into the main course that includes beef tenderloin with all the fixin’s and handmade desserts.
Throughout the night, attendees can casually participate in the silent auction as items are displayed around
the venue. The evening will conclude with the main event, a live auction offering something for everyone.
The funds raised at the Gala, and its live and silent auctions, are used for scholarships, including large animal veterinary students and new for 2024, scholarships for both the Columbus and Wooster campus livestock judging teams.
Multiple overnight accommodations are available including onsite camping and hotels. Camping is $40 per site which includes electric hook-up. To book a site, contact the fair office at 740-362-3851. Hotel rooms are available at the Pacer Inn and Suites259 S. Sandusky St., Delaware, Ohio 43015 with a shuttle that picks up and drops off. Call 740-362-0050 to make a reservation with the code OHIOCATTLE.
Registration for the event is now open. Tickets are $100 each or $75 for college students. Registration is due by Aug. 12. Sponsorships and auction items are still being accepted. Learn more and register at www.ohiocattle.org.
BEEF BRIEFS
OHIO CATTLEWOMEN HOSTS WIRED EVENT
Ohio CattleWomen (OCW) hosted a national program with the American National Cattlewomen Association (ANCW) at the OSUATI livestock facilities in Apple Creek Ohio. The WIRED program, short for Women in Ranching Education and Development, was a one-day workshop with hands-on demonstrations, guest speakers and good food. It was a place for females of all ages with a passion for the beef industry to gather.
Over 130 ladies attended the program, offered for the first time in the northeastern U.S. There was representation from 15 states, and the participants ranged in age from 11 to 70+ years. The audience was a mix of women with interest in cattle, women actively working with cattle, and women involved in agricultural businesses.
The day started early with a continental breakfast and keynote welcome by Dr. Kris Boone, Assistant Dean and Director of OSU-ATI. Nikki Weston, President Elect of ANCW, welcomed the participants and shared a glimpse of her Utah ranch life.
The general session, presented by Moly Manufacturing, discussed various designs of cattle handling chutes and pens. The speakers encouraged the audience to think about how their facility was designed, and how they might make improvements for both the safety of the cattle and the handlers.
Participants rotated through six stations taught by 30 sponsors and experts in the field (making the total
WIRED attendance about 160 people). Beyond cattle handling, session topics featured animal health, a birthing simulator, fence maintenance, and farm equipment. Over 80 participants received their Beef Quality Assurance certification.
A WIRED highlight was having Dr. Temple Grandin actively engaged in the program throughout the day. As a renowned author and public speaker, Dr. Grandin focused her keynote address on livestock facility design and behavior of cattle during handling and meat processing.
The event received support from many sponsors and promoters on national, state and local levels. The Ohio Cattlewomen look forward to engaging with their members, and growing their membership, so that more events like these can be organized in the future.
To learn more about the Ohio Cattlewomen and their upcoming 60th anniversary celebration on October 5, 2024 or how to join OCW or ANCW visit their websites www. ohiocattlewomen.com or www.ancw.org.
ATTERHOLT ATTENDS NCBA YOUNG CATTLEMEN’S CONFERENCE
The NCBA Young Cattlemen’s Conference (YCC) consisted of 67 current and future industry leaders from across the nation including Mandy Atterholt, Loudonville, Ohio of Certified Angus Beef.
personality Insights program training and, in the afternoon, visited Five Rivers Cattle Feeding, for lunch and a trip through the Kuner Feedlot.
Following the feedlot tour, the group was hosted by Trent Johnson, owner of Greeley Hat Works for a dinner reception and the class had the opportunity to spend time with Wyoming governor, Mark Gordon, and NCBA President Mark Eisele.
The next few days included stops at Tyson Foods’ processing plant in Dakota Dunes, SD, and the very impressive empirical (intentionally lower case, as that’s how they have named the company) plant, which is adjacent to the Tyson plant. The group had great tours packed into a very quick day. Representatives of both companies provided an inside look at their operations and both spoke extensively about the labor and market challenges they face, along with providing a look at ways they are innovating the harvest and fabrication process.
The group then went to Akron, OH, where they visited with the staff at Certified Angus Beef (CAB). CAB staff gave an overview on the retail sector.
The trip began in Denver, with an overview of the policy and checkoff operations of NCBA, and a Friday night steak fry with staff and participants. On Saturday, the group spent the morning with leadership and
On Wednesday, the NCBA team in D.C., provided a full day of updates on policy priorities and critical issues facing the cattle and beef industry. The group also visited the U.S. House and Senate and met wth Hill staff and many House and Senate members leaving them more educated and prepared to better the beef industry.
DRIVING THE DEMAND FOR BEEF
Investing in Beef Promotion, Nutrition, Education & Research
BEEF E-COMMERCE
The Ohio Beef Council (OBC) and the Beef Checkoff extended a Beef. It’s What’s for Dinner e-commerce campaign at the state level during February Heart Health Month and March Nutrition Month. The campaign with a national retailer delivered over 3M ad impressions to Ohio consumers and resulted in $1.86M in traceable/ attributable beef sales.
OHIO CHEFS SIZZLE IN THE CULINARY STUDIO
Thousands of consumers are watching Ohio chefs create beef dishes in the Ohio Beef Council’s Culinary Studio as a part of the council’s Featured Chef video series. Chef Wayne Lewis from 60minutechef.com and season 13 of MasterChef presented two recipes featuring ribeye steaks and short ribs. Chef Vinnie Cimino from Cordelia in Cleveland and a 2024 James Beard Award finalist demonstrated two recipes featuring Picanha steaks and smash burgers. Viewers can follow along with the chefs to create the dishes at home while learning the best cooking methods and tips on OBC’s YouTube channel. Each recipe can be found and shared on ohiobeef.org
STAFF COOKS UP EASY AND NUTRITIOUS VIDEOS
The OBC Operating Committee recently expanded its beef nutrition focus through the creation of a full-time position. Anna Gest of Grafton, Ohio
will serve as the Manager of Nutrition Education Programs. Gest was most recently the part-time Nutrition Coordinator for the council.
Gest is a Registered Dietitian who has been working with OBC since 2018. As Manager of Nutrition Education Programs, Gest will engage with medical professionals, health organizations, educators, and school nutrition stakeholders to share beef, nutrition, and health information. She will also assist with digital and social media campaign creation related to beef as part of a healthy lifestyle. This includes producing easy and nutritious beef recipe videos to share with consumers.
THE BEEF CHECKOFF PARTNERS WITH LITTLE LEAGUE® TO KEEP ATHLETES FUELED WITH BEEF ON THE PLATE
With baseball and softball season underway and the kickoff to summer grilling season fast approaching, the Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner. brand, funded by the Beef Checkoff, is excited to announce the perfect partnership between beef and baseball/softball as a proud partner of the Little League® World Series this year.
“This partnership provides a unique opportunity to reach a younger audience and their families with facts about beef and recipes they will love,” said Dan Gattis, NCBA Federation Division Chair. “With approximately two million players annually, Little League teams
account for 70% of youth baseball in the U.S. and makes them an ideal partner for the Beef Checkoff.”
The partnership, which will name Beef as the official sponsor of the Perfect Home Plate with Little League, will include a variety of advertising opportunities, including a digital video series to inspire consumers to choose beef. It will culminate with a beef dinner the night before the opening game of the Little League Baseball® World Series to fuel the young athletes with high-quality protein and help them prepare for 11 days of competition.
BEEFING UP SCHOOL NUTRITION
Ohio Beef Council is proud to be an Industry Partner of the School Nutrition Association of Ohio. OBC staff member Anna Gest attended the 2024 School Nutrition Association of Ohio annual meeting held June 1113 in Hamilton. The meeting brought together nearly 200 of Ohio’s school nutrition professionals and industry leaders to discuss emerging trends in school food service.
FAMILY AND CONSUMER SCIENCES BEEF TOOLKIT
With the success of the Beef in the Classroom grant, OBC is working on creating a Beef Toolkit for Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS) teachers to utilize in the coming school year. This resource will provide teachers with the information needed to utilize beef in the classroom for a variety of FCS courses.
Stickel, Bowling Green, Chairman
Becky Reed, Springfield, Vice Chairman
Mandy Atterholt, Loudonville Mark Goecke, Spencerville
Lou Ellen Harr, Jeromesville
Bret Layman, Johnstown•Em Mowrer, Barnesville
Robison,
Ben Seibert, St. Marys
Bill Sexten, Washington
Harsh, Executive Director
Linde Sutherly, Ch. | Jm Rogers, V. Ch.
Membership
Lindsey Hall, Ch.| Jim Rogers, V. Ch
Ohio Cattleman Magazine
Jaymes Maciejewski, Ch. | Dale Taylor, V. Ch.
Steak Barn/Taste of Ohio Café/FSR
Linde Sutherly, Co-Ch. | Lindsey Hall, Co-Ch.
Young Cattlemen’s Conference
Tyler Humphrey, Ch.| Emily Warnimont, V. Ch.
Annual Meeting/Awards Banquet
Linde Sutherly, Ch. | Austin Cole, V. Ch
Youth Programs BEST & Buckeye Breeders Series
Shane Riley, Ch
PUBLIC POLICY
Frank Phelps, Ch. | Kirsten Nickles, V. Ch.
Agriculture & Food Policy
John Ferguson, Ch. | Joe Grubbs, V. Ch.
Cattle Health & Well-Being
Kirsten Nickles, Ch. | Jaymes Maciejewski, V. Ch.
Live Cattle Marketing
Mark Goecke, Ch. | Jim Jepsen, V. Ch. Austin Cole, V.Ch
International Trade
Jason Dagger, Ch.| Dale Taylor, V. Ch.
Property Rights & Environmental Mgt.
Andy Lohr, Ch. | Jason Dagger, V. Ch.
PAC – Political Action Committee
Frank Phelps, Ch.| Tyler Humphrey, V. Ch.
Tax & Credit
Tom Karr, Ch. | Jim Rogers, V. Ch.
BEEF IMPROVEMENT
Lindsey Hall, Ch. | John Ferguson, V. Ch
Replacement Female Sale
Pam Haley, Ch. | Lindsey Hall, V. Ch.
Ohio Beef Expo
Shane Riley, Ch. | Joe Foster, V. Ch.
RESOLUTIONS COMMITTEE
Frank Phelps, Ch. | Andy Lohr, V. Ch
Contact information is available on page 6 of this issue.
DEAN’S CHARITY STEER SHOW PARTNERS WITH RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE AT 2024 OHIO STATE FAIR
The Dean’s Charity Steer Show, an annual event that benefits Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) of Central Ohio, is set for Tuesday, July 30, at 2 p.m. in the Voinovich Livestock & Trade Center on the Ohio Expo Center and State Fairgrounds.
The event is hosted by The Ohio State University College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES) and Cathann A. Kress, vice president for agricultural administration and dean of CFAES, along with The Ohio Cattlemen’s Association, The Ohio State Fair, and Telhio Credit Union.
The 2023 show raised $172,709 for RMHC. “Each donation we receive plays a crucial role in enabling families to remain near their hospitalized child, providing essential support during a challenging period,” said Cathann A. Kress, Ohio State vice president for agricultural administration and dean of CFAES. “This wonderful event brings our community together to honor agriculture and children, including our 4-H youth and families of ill children who are supported by the Ronald McDonald House.”
The Columbus Ronald McDonald House recently completed a major expansion in November, more than doubling the size of the facility making it the largest Ronald McDonald House in the world, with 206 guest rooms, a new kitchen and dining facility, new staff offices, and a community event room.
The 11 teams, consisting of a team captain, team champion(s), and experienced Ohio 4-H youth, will not only show a steer during the show but also compete to see who can raise the most money for RMHC of Central Ohio. Team members will practice with their experienced 4-H’er and their steer before entering the arena. To learn more and donate to your favorite team, visit rmhccentralohio.org/events/dcss.
The following 11 Ohio 4-H youth and their families will be participating with their bovines: Trace Bryan and family from Hancock County, Bentlee Clem and family from Clark County, Hayden Smith and family from Holmes County, Barrett
Evans and family from Tuscarawas County, Meredith Donnelly and family from Hardin County, Luke Lukowski and family from Stark County, Jack Stingley and family from Clinton County, Kaylee Jennings and family from Clermont County, Gage Farrar and family from Jackson County, Brandon Sachara and family from Wayne County, and Victoria Hiler and family from Crawford County. Teams include Dan Mueller, vice president of tax at American Electric Power, partnered with Spectrum New 1 anchor Chuck Ringwalt; Josh Corna, CEO and owner of Continental Building Company, partnered with Colin Dorsey of 10TV; Mike Cohn, vice president of network operations at CoverMyMeds, partnered with Dan Wilson, Owner of Wilson 1 Communications where he hosts multiple shows; Ashley Englefield DeWitt, vice president of merchandising and marketing for Englefield, Inc. with team members Nathan Arnold, Danielle Barker, Michelle Brown, and Emma Tipton, are partnered with Wild Walley Schneider from WCLT T-100.3 in Newark; Maggie Ferrence, senior vice president, Business Banking Credit, Ops & SBA director at Huntington National Bank, is supported by Christina Brown, Huntington National Bank’s regional director of community philanthropy and engagement, and they are partnered with 10TV anchor Yolanda Harris; Scott White, president and chief executive officer of IGS Energy, will be bringing Zoe Kent a social media influencer; family members Kelly, Carrie, & Shayne Applegarth are all leaders at the Mike Telich McDonald’s Organization and will team up with fellow leaders at the organization, Peggy Olsen and John Shade with McDonald’s operations, who will be joined by NBC4 Daytime Columbus host Robyn Haines; Dan Wagner, president and chief executive officer of Farm Credit Mid-America, is supported by Nationwide and the Ohio Farm Bureau and he will be joined by Matt Reese of the Ohio Country
Journal & the Ohio Ag Net podcast; Jason Schaub, general manager at Valley Ford of Columbus, is bringing Jennifer Kiel, Editor for Michigan Farmer and Ohio Farmer; Anthony-Thomas Candies has its National Sales and Marketing Manager Nick Trifelos teaming up with NBC4 lifestyles reporter, Gabrielle Phifer; and Ryan Wilkins, the former chief marketing officer for RMHC of Central Ohio now running his own business, Wilkins Collective, will join his wife, Andrea, and partner with Kate Siefert of ABC6/FOX28.
The All-Ohio State Fair Band will kick off the event, with special guests from The Ohio State University, including director of marching and athletic bands, Chris Hoch, and Ohio State drum major, Clayton Callender.
Ohio 4-H, the youth development program of CFAES, is delivered through Ohio State University Extension, CFAES’ statewide outreach program. With the support of Ohio 4-H, the annual steer show has raised a combined total of $571,857 since 2019.
The Columbus Ronald McDonald House provides more than 82,000 nights of rest to families of seriously ill children each year. The facility offers a home-away-fromhome for families dealing with a child’s illness and hospitalization. Situated across the street from Nationwide Children’s Hospital, the House offers lodging, meals, laundry facilities, an exercise room, informal gathering areas, and activities for families of hospitalized children.
Paige Gehret helps teammate Cy Prettyman, VP of the Ohio Farm Bureau Federation and Nationwide show her steer at the 2023 DCSS.
Trace Bryan & family of Hancock County partnered with Dan Mueller on behalf of AEP.
Barrett Evans & family of Tuscarawas County partnered with Ashley Englefield on behalf of Duchess/Englefield Oil.
Kaylee Jennings & family of Clermont County partnered with Dan Wagner on behalf of Farm Credit Mid-America, Nationwide and Ohio Farm Bureau.
Bentlee Clem & family of Clark County partnered with Josh Corna representing Continential Building.
Gage Farrar & family of Jackson County partnered with Jason Schaub representing Valley Ford.
Luke Lukowski & family of Stark County partnered with Scott White representing IGS Energy.
Meredith Donnelly & family of Hardin County partnered with Christina Brown & Maggie Ference representing Huntington Bank.
Victoria Hiler & family of Crawford County partnered with Ryan & Andrea Wilkins on behalf of Wilkins Collective.
Brandon Sachara & family of Wayne County partnered with Nick Trifelos on behalf of Anthony-Thomas Candies.
Hayden Smith & family of Holmes County partnered with Mike Cohn representing CoverMyMeds.
Jack Stingley & family of Clinton County partnered with Shayne, Kelly, & Carrie Applegarth, Peggy Olson, and John Shade on behalf of McDonald’s.
ATLANTIC NATIONAL REGIONAL PREVIEW ANGUS SHOW
Angus exhibitors from across the country exhibited 132 entries at the 2024 Atlantic National Regional Preview Junior Angus Show, May 25 in Timonium, Md. Travis Pembrook, Fairview, Okla., evaluated the 75 owned females, 33 bred-and-owned females, five bred-and-owned bulls, one cow-calf pair and 18 steers before selecting champions.
Aubrey Bapst of Waverly, Ohio was named Reserve Champion Junior Yearling Female with DDA Northern Miss 2206.
Montana Hulsmeyer, Harrod, Ohio was named Summer Heifer Calf Champion and Fifth Overall Owned Female with SCC TBD Sheza Missie 352.
ANTOINETTE GRIMES EARNS JUNIOR BRONZE AND SILVER AWARDS
Antoinette Grimes, Winchester, Ohio, has earned the National Junior Angus Association’s (NJAA) Bronze and Silver awards, according to Caitlyn Brandt, events and junior activities director of the American Angus Association® in Saint Joseph, Mo.
Grimes is the 18-year-old daughter of David and Alisa Grimes and attends Eastern High School. She is a member of the NJAA and the Ohio Junior Angus Association. She has participated in local, state and regional shows.
Grimes has submitted DNA samples for Genomic Profile Testing through Angus Genetics Inc. (AGI) and consigned cattle to the Maplecrest
Production Sale and the Ohio Fall Classic Sale.
OHIO JUNIOR SIMMENTAL ASSOCIATION MEMORIAL DAY CLASSIC
The 2024 Ohio Junior Simmental Association Memorial Day Classic was held May 25-27 in Mansfield, Ohio. Entries were judged by Gunner Crawford of Adamstown, MD.
The Reserve Champion Purebred Simmental female was JSUL Rosie 3657L exhibited by Mckalynne Helmke of New Philadelphia, Ohio.
Mckalynne Helmke exhibited the Reserve Champion % Simmental Heifer, JSUL Who Dey 3324L.
The Grand Champion Percentage Simmental Bull was WILDYDALE STONE COLD shown by Bella Wildermuth of Granville, Ohio.
The Reserve Champion Percentage Simmental Bull was WILDYDALE STOLI ON ICE also shown by Bella Wildermuth.
Ella Grimwood of Loudonville, Ohio showed the Grand Champion Sim Infleunce steer, JJCO PETE.
You could win all of this. Plus $200 worth of BEEF to enjoy at home.
Lisa Keets
BEEF SCHEDULE
ALL ANIMALS EXHIBITED (OPEN AND JUNIOR SHOW) AT THE 2024 OSF MUST PROVIDE DOCUMENTATION THAT ANIMALS ARE BVD NEGATIVE AT CHECK-IN.
*Steve R. Rauch, Inc. Voinovich Livestock and Trade Center
*Voinovich
See you there!
PARTING SHOTS
Luke McKee, Manager of Member Services and Hannah Weymouth, Communications Manager visited Post Printing Company, the production site of the Ohio Cattleman publication. Also pictured is Lucy Homan, sales representative for Post Printing.
OCA and Ohio Beef Council staff toured MVP Dairy in Celina, Ohio. They explored the learning center and it’s educational materials as well as toured the barns.
Hannah Weymouth, Communications Manager, and Summer Interns: Ella Forni and Emma Homan visited Maplecrest Farms and Meats in Highland County. They learned about their operation and beef store and were able to photograph some of their herd and enjoy a Certified Angus Beef lunch.
High-fiber,
Use this high-fat grower diet to continue growing your steer while adding optimal condition and rib shape, ultimately transitioning him to a finishing ration if needed.