Harsh Realities

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

Editor Elizabeth Harsh

Managing Editor Hanna Fosbrink

Ohio Cattleman magazine (USPA: 020-968, ISSN: 1543-0588) is published six times per year: Winter issue, mailed in January; Expo preview issue, mailed in February; Spring issue, mailed in April; Summer issue, mailed in July; Early Fall issue, mailed in September; and Late Fall issue, mailed in October; for $15 a year to OCA members only. It is dedicated to reporting facts about Ohio’s cattle including marketing, production and legislative news. All editorial and advertising material is screened to meet rigid standards, but publisher assumes no responsibility for accuracy or validity of claims. All rights reserved. Circulation for the issue is 3,086.

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 614873-6736. All advertising material for the Expo Issue must be received by Feb. 2, 2022 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 Hanna Fosbrink Manager of Communications & Managing Editor Karigan Blue BEST Program Coordinator Tiffany Arnett Office & Project Manager Nicole Schultz Manager of Consumer Programs & Digital Marketing

Conversation is key

By Elizabeth Harsh, Ohio Cattleman Editor

A recent text exchange with the local veterinarian’s office to schedule an appointment for our farm dog reminded me of the importance of clear communication. In the hurried exchange to refresh their memory of the dog; I shared his name Rip at the end of the sentence. After several confusing texts that followed expressing sympathy for the passing of our dog and inquiring if we had a second dog, I realized that Rip was interpreted by them as rest in peace not as one of the stars from the hit TV series Yellowstone for whom he was named.

Effective communication is critical in almost any situation imaginable. Yet the importance of the message and the delivery methods can vary greatly. Insert working cows here. Most cattle folks would agree that working cows usually calls for some of the most unique forms of communications there is.

OCA’s Annual Meeting and Awards Banquet on Jan. 8 will provide plenty of communication opportunities on a much more cordial level than working cows. Catching up with fellow producers, discussing policy or hearing updates from the university and state government will all take place during the event. And OCA members have proven they want to communicate face-to-face whenever possible. Ethan Lane, head of NCBA’s Washington, DC office, will be the speaker for the opening luncheon. He will provide a policy update on issues important to cattlemen, such as fake meat, taxes and cattle marketing.

OCA’s annual business meeting will follow the luncheon. Then the Foundation’s meeting will feature the presentation of youth scholarships, largely made possible by proceeds from the Cattlemen’s Gala fundraiser and sales of the beef license plates. That evening OCA will present awards to deserving individuals and beef farm families who are outstanding leaders of the state’s beef industry. Register now to attend and don’t miss out on the conversation.

Another opportunity for OCA members to practice advocacy communications will be on January 18 in downtown Columbus at the Cattlemen at the Capitol event. The program will feature updates from elected officials, information on effective lobbying, tours and more. Learn more about this opportunity and register to attend at the OCA website.

As the New Year gets underway, OCA will be led by a new group of officers and directors. Thank you to those retiring officers and directors who have successfully led OCA through these recent historic times. Leaders usually have different communications styles and priorities, but what each have in common is their passion for seeing the association grow and continuing to reach new heights to better serve Ohio’s beef farm families.

As you gather with family and friends this holiday season, we hope your conversations are enjoyable and memorable. At our place we’ll mix great family conversations with the risk of working cows together and fingers crossed, still enjoy every lively minute.