Winter 2023 Ohio Cattleman

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

Sales Representative: Luke McKee

HARSH REALITIES

New year –- busy year

By Elizabeth Harsh, Ohio Cattleman Editor

Happy holidays from OCA! Hopefully, your celebrations included lots of time spent with family and with friends that are like family. Our family time around Christmas always includes a little catch-up cow work, in addition to all the other festivities. What cattle-owning parent hasn’t put cow-work on the holiday to-do list when the kids are planning to be home.

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. 1, 2023.

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

Luke McKee Manager of Member Services

Kelly Keirn Manager of Consumer

Programs & Digital Marketing

Karigan Blue BEST Program Coordinator

As the calendar turns to the New Year, OCA welcomes the opportunity to offer a full range of programs and events that have been limited in the past couple of years. Things get underway with the OCA Annual Meeting on January 14. If you are not yet registered, there is still time to do so. The schedule is packed with policy development and updates from OCA’s partners, including NCBA, the Department of Agriculture and State Veterinarian, Ohio State College of Food, Agricultural and Environmental Sciences and the Ohio Beef Council. Buckeye football tight end Cade Stover and his family will be guests at the meeting. The Beef Checkoff funded Ohio Stories video featuring Cade and his family’s cattle farm will be a part of the beef council’s checkoff update. OCA will also present several prestigious awards to outstanding families, individuals and industry partners during the evening’s awards banquet. The night will conclude with a live auction fundraiser benefiting the OCA Political Action (PAC) Committee.

OCA will be on the road throughout January with new Cattlemen’s Academy programs, including the popular Calving Clinics and calving simulator. More information on dates and locations for these member-only programs is available on the association’s website.

As Ohio’s Statehouse organizes for the 135th General Assembly, OCA leadership will host the Cattlemen at the Capitol event in early February to advocate for issues important to our members. The association will also be developing their agricultural funding priorities for the state’s upcoming operating budget for 2024 and 2025.

Lots of planning is already underway for the Ohio Beef Expo March 16-19. This year marks the 35th anniversary of the Expo and with nine breed sales on the schedule, the event is shaping up to be worthy of an anniversary celebration. The planning committees for the Expo will continue to utilize the Coliseum to showcase the junior show and the trade show is expected to be sold-out once again. Beef Expo sponsorships provide great opportunities for cattle producers and agri-businesses to advertise while helping support the event. More info on these opportunities is available at the ohiobeefexpo.com website.

Working for OCA’s members is who we are and so a special shout-out to OCA member and BEST sponsoring partner Ricer Equipment for providing a great prize for the association’s new member recruitment contest. Details are included in this issue. All it takes is asking a friend or neighbor to join OCA and you could win. Help us grow and continue to strengthen the association to prepare for what the future holds.

Here’s hoping your future holds great calving weather, healthy calves and good markets. Happy New Year!

LET’S CUT TO THE CHASE

WE AREN’T JUST AN OFFICE AND A DESK. WE ARE A GRASSROOTS ORGANIZATION. WE ARE BOOTS ON THE GROUND FOR YOU. TO DO JUST THAT.

RECRUIT A NEW MEMBER – 2 ENTRIES TO WIN. THE PERSON YOU RECRUIT – 1 ENTRY TO WIN.

it’s as simple as that.

Help Grow OCA Membership by recruiting now through April 1, 2023! Winner will receive the use of a Kubota Z422 mower for ONE mowing season April - November 1, 2023.

The drawing will be held at the April OCA Board of Directors meeting.

New members also count toward the OCA Top Hand membership recruitment program.Be sure to complete the “recruited by” section of the membership form to be entered in the drawing. Do not need to be present to win.

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

A privelage to participate

By Tom Karr, OCA President

This year’s Cattle Industry Convention and NCBA Trade Show will be held February 1-3 in New Orleans. It is a great event that brings together all segments of the cattle industry, farmers, ranchers, equipment dealers and breed representatives. It fosters relationships across the industry with other like-minded people from all 50 states and several foreign countries.

OCA Directors

Shane Riley Director At-Large

Washington C.H. • Term expires 2023

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 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 2025

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

Kirsten Nickles District 6 Wooster • Term expires 2025

330-345-0477, KNickles@certifiedangusbeef.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 2025

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

Dale Taylor • District 12

Bidwell • Term expires 2025

740-709-6461, taylorjess2008@gmail.com

The convention never disappoints in providing the opportunity to gain knowledge on the latest trends, markets, legislation and equipment, as well as the affirmation of past practices, breeding decisions and the threats from the same adversaries that never seem to go away.

The policy side of the convention brings voting delegates from across the U.S. together on a truly grassroots level (pun intended: pause for a small chuckle : _______), to discuss and decide the best direction forward on multiple issues, for the overall benefit of all stakeholders, regardless of size. It is an honest and open democratic process where every participant has equal input. It is amazing to see, and a privilege to participate. America at its best!

It’s not all rosy and without its battles. Some opinions are shot down by other delegates, but never squashed by NCBA leadership. I look forward to the convention every year and encourage everyone to attend, if possible.

On November 1 and 2 the Ohio Cattlemen’s Association hosted the NCBA Region 1 meeting at our office in Marysville. NCBA Region 1 Policy VP Tim Schwab from Indiana, and Region 1 Federation VP Allan Robison from Ohio, facilitated the two day meeting. Region 1 includes all states in the Northeast from Kentucky, Indiana, Michigan, to Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, all the way to Maine.

NCBA Vice President, Mark Eisele from Wyoming attended and talked about the importance of the state/national partnership that is essential for the conveyance of local issues and concerns to the national offices.

Colin Woodall, NCBA CEO from the Denver office presented an update on the current issues and upcoming challenges facing the beef industry, including fake meat, lingering drought in the West, and positions in the office of foreign trade that have been left unfilled since January 2020.

On the second day, Ethan Lane, NCBA VP of Government Affairs, from the Washington D.C. office, discussed the constant threatening legislation to be challenged on a daily basis at the Federal level, including returning issues like Waters of the U.S., repeal of the Death Tax and increased taxes for small businesses, which includes most all beef producers.

This Region 1 meeting was the first to be held for the last 15 or so years. It was the consensus of all present to make it an annual meeting to be hosted by different state affiliates.

I hope to see everyone at our annual meeting and awards banquet on January 14, 2023 at the Nationwide Hotel and Conference Center, Lewis Center, Ohio. You can make your reservations online at ohiocattle.org or by calling the OCA office.

Schedule of Events

10:30 a.m. Registration Desk Opens

Nationwide Hotel & Conference Center 100 Green Meadows Dr. South Lewis Center, Ohio 43035

11:30 a.m. Cattlemen’s Lunch

Colin Woodall, Chief Executive Officer of NCBA, will be providing updates on important industry priorities and programs.

1:00 p.m. Ohio CattleWomen’s Annual Meeting

1:30 p.m. OCA Annual Meeting

Take an active role in your organization by attending the Annual Meeting. Members will set policy for 2023 and hear program and policy updates.

3:30 p.m. Ohio Cattlemen’s Foundation Annual Meeting

Following the annual meeting, the Foundation and the Ohio CattleWomen will present scholarships to the 2022 recipients.

5:00 p.m. Cattlemen’s Hospitality Hour

6:00 p.m. OCA Awards Banquet

Banquet highlights: Young Cattleman of the Year, Industry Service Award, Industry Excellence Award, Seedstock Producer of the Year, Commercial Producer of the Year, Environmental Stewardship Award and Outstanding County Award.

8:30 p.m. Cattlemen’s Social & PAC Auction

Stick around following the banquet to enjoy refresh ments and an evening with fellow cattlemen. Don’t miss your opportunity to take home some great items and experiences with the Live & Silent auctions bene fiting OCA PAC and its political work on behalf of Ohio’s beef producers.

AgCredit

Alltech

Burkmann Nutrition

Coba/Select Sires

Corteva AgriScience

The Hartford Livestock Insurance

Featured Speaker

COLIN WOODALL

Colin Woodall is the Chief Executive Officer of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association and leads the country’s oldest and largest national trade association for cattle producers in being the trusted voice and definitive leader of the beef industry.

He has been with NCBA since 2004 and served as the association’s Chief Lobbyist in Washington, D.C., for a decade.

Special Visit From Cade Stover

Ohio State Football star and beef farmer, Cade Stover and his family, will be joining us at the Annual Meeting to meet with members and give a brief introduction during the Ohio Beef Council’s Beef Checkoff update!

Register & Book Your Room

Nationwide Hotel & Conference Center 100 Green Meadows Dr. South Lewis Center, Ohio 43035

Room blocks are available for both Friday (Jan. 13) and Saturday (Jan. 14). Book your room by Dec. 22 to receive the discounted rate! 2 complimentary breakfasts are included in each room reservation. Call 614-880-4300 and mention the OCA Annual Meeting to book a room or use the link at ohiocattle.org.

Registration is required and can be found at www.ohiocattle.org or by calling the OCA office at 614-873-6736.

thank you sponsors

Heartland Feed Services

Kalmbach Feeds

Kent Nutrition Group

Ohio Angus Association

Ohio Association of Meat Processors

Ohio Beef Council

Ohio Corn & Wheat

Ohio Shorthorn Breeders’ Association

Sancic Family Farm

United Producers, Inc.

Don’t forget to check your mirrors

By Garth Ruff, Beef Cattle Field Specialist, OSU Extension

From time to time, I will jump in the farm truck to go to town and pick up supplies or run some errands. Typically, I am not the primary driver of the vehicle, and the seat and mirrors are almost always set for someone of much small stature. While I must move the seat back to get in the truck, I often forget to adjust the mirrors until I am going down the road as I am more focused on where I’m going.

As we go into 2023, I think we need to check our mirrors to remember where the cattle business has been in the past couple of years. While both feeder and fed cattle markets look to be rather favorable in 2023 and likely again in 2024, it is easy to loosen the reins and become more relaxed in providing daily Vitamin M[anagement]. Good management decisions made when cattle prices were lower are still good management decisions when the markets are more favorable.

Having wrapped up the OCA

Replacement Female Sale, demand for replacement females remains strong, partly influenced by sustained strong cull cow prices and optimism in feeder

calf prices looking ahead to the next marketing year.

While I am optimistic about what the next year or two can bring to the cattle industry, we should not let a rising market be an excuse for not dialing in cost of production, efficiency, and ultimately beef quality. Also, while input costs may be slightly lower, they are still high compared to pre-pandemic.

A few thoughts as I recap the year that was 2022.

The year started with some uncertainty as the intensity of the COVID pandemic waned and we returned to a mostly familiar semblance of normal. Drought was probably the word of the year in agriculture across certainly the western half of the country, but even in pockets close to home as well. Regional long-term drought is a double-edged sword as the have and the have-nots with regards to moisture are often in two different trajectories. This current market is fueled by a drought limited supply as record numbers of beef cows were culled in 2022. Farmers and ranchers are resilient,

and some moisture in the form of rain or snow in the West should add even more optimism to the feeder cattle markets moving forward in the near term.

There have been a number of discussions regarding beef packing capacity in this country. Based on recent fed cattle slaughter numbers, combined with a smaller calf crop in 2023 and 2024, I think we can put those discussions to bed. A foremost concern of mine and many others going forward is labor. How can we make meat production a more labor efficient process both locally and nationally?

Ohio has invested nearly $40 million dollars into existing meat production facilities across the state to address that very question and from what I have seen in my travels, the results have been a good investment. Stay tuned for winter OSU Extension beef programs. We have several meetings planned as we work to meet the educational needs of Ohio’s cattle producers. Have a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

FORAGE FOCUS

Winter pasture management

By Jordan Penrose, OSU Extension Educator, Gallia County

Here in Ohio, winter can vary from one part of the state to the other. If I were to ask you, what are a couple things that we can think of as farmers that comes along with winter? Answers will probably be similar like cold and snow, but another one is likely mud.

In early November you may have thought some mud would be nice because of how dry the fall was. But nevertheless, when it gets cold out and the temperature is hanging around freezing, are you really wanting to deal with mud?

Last year on my family’s farm, we were fortunate that the ground remained frozen for much of the winter. Our pasture management made feeding cattle easier compared to other years. As we get closer to winter, we may get a better handle on what mother nature is going to throw at us, but it is almost impossible to predict what will come our way in terms of the weather. So, what do we do to prepare for winter when it is so hard to predict what mother nature is going to give us? You can come up with a few different plans that may be useful to you. Every farm is going to be different in the way they can handle their pastures for the winter.

One of the first things that should be considered is what are you going to feed during the course of the winter. The reason you should look at this first, is you may have some alternative options like corn stocks, hayfields, or stockpiled pastures that you can feed to your livestock compared to the most common options of hay, haylage, or silage. Feeding livestock corn stocks and grazing hayfields may be a little harder because most corn fields and hayfields may not be fenced but temporary fence can be installed

rather quickly. Corn stocks are a nice option for feed because you have all that material that is out in the field just lying there.

For hayfields, if the weather is in your favor it could be a nice option as well because most hayfields will probably have had some sort of growth to them after your last cutting but be aware of “pugging” the ground from hoof action. These two options are nice if you have the resources to do it, especially if you had to start feeding hay earlier than expected.

As for the last alternative option, stockpiled pastures are probably the most common one that livestock farmers hear about or do. When it comes to stockpiling it is relatively simple practice that can be done although the fall we had this year, probably finds the fields not stockpiled like other years. We have more than likely quite a few fields already grazed due to the dry fall.

When it come to the feeding in the winter, a lot of your pasture management is going to be based off the fact of feed location. Stockpiled pastures are more than likely going to be the easiest feed to get to your livestock, because most likely those fields are already fenced in and near the livestock. Hayfields and corn stocks may be a little harder, because of where they could be located compared to the primary location of livestock and the possibility of those fields not being fenced in.

Another factor you may need to consider for winter pasture management is erosion. One of the big things that can lead to erosion is everyone’s favorite thing, mud. The precipitation that we receive in Ohio in a typical winter can take a toll on a pasture with the snow, rain, freezing, and unfreezing.

An article from Iowa State University Extension and Outreach “Winter grazing and pasture erosion” explains the best overall erosion management for pasture is to establish and maintain a good sod cover and residual turf. Extended and close grazing and high animal traffic generally lead to weakened plants, thinner sod cover, and the potential for surface erosion, particularly on sloping sites.

What are a couple ways to avoid erosion happening to pastures? One option is to install a heavy use pad where you can feed your livestock when the conditions for your pastures are bad such as the ground being saturated and unfrozen. Another option could be reducing the stocking density because the more area livestock have access to, the less damage they may do to the field. You can have it so they can move around a little more and not just stay in one spot for long periods of time. Have it in one area and water in another area and mineral in another spot so they will move around more.

One thing that could be more of a last resort if conditions are bad and you are not able to do anything like using a heavy use pad or reducing stocking density is to designate an area to be a sacrifice lot. A sacrifice lot is an area where you put your livestock for the duration of the poor conditions. This area should be an area that is relatively easy to get feed to, an area that does not have much slope to it to minimize erosion, and an area that can easily be reseeded if it gets completely torn up by the livestock.

With careful planning and use of one or more of these options, your pastures can make it through the winter and hopefully come back strong for spring grazing.

Commercial Producer Award

W.J. Fannin knew at an early age that he wanted to be the third generation to farm in Fayette County. He’d grown up on the family farm near Washington Court House and spent part of his high school years running hay and straw down to horse farms in Kentucky. The biggest question was how to make farming his full-time job since the farm was already supporting one family.

A six-year stint in the National Guard and 10 years working in the construction industry gave W.J. not only the funds he needed but some life skills that would later come in handy on the farm. When the family decided to build a facility for their cattle in 2017, W.J. knew exactly how they could do it themselves, drawing on his years of experience in the construction industry.

“I had to do something else for a while in order to gain experience and to make money, but it was all worth it because of what we’ve got today and

we’re now in a position where (the farm) can sustain the next generation,” he said.

Fannin Ag is a grain and cattle operation that is owned and operated by W.J., his father, William, and his wife, Lanita. They farm about 2,000 acres of row crops and run a commercial feedlot that houses 800 to 1,000 cattle. They also raise some cow-calf pairs for show and run an online freezer beef operation called Ohio Artisan Beef. Fannin Ag is this year’s recipient of the Ohio Cattlemen’s commercial producer award, an honor that W.J. said is surprising and humbling.

“It was exciting to receive it. I’m very honored that someone recognized us as being a good operation,” he said. “Every generation of our family has been involved in the beef industry in some way. When I was growing up, we had a cow-calf focus, but didn’t feed cattle then. We’ve come a long way from a kid who started all this by showing 4-H animals. All the people

in my career helped push me to where we are today and along the way I fell in love with the beef industry even more.”

The decision to focus on the beef side of the family operation made sense to W.J. because it would help diversify the farm. It also helped that he was passionate about cattle … so passionate that it wasn’t unusual for him to have more pictures of cattle than family members.

“I get a lot of grief about that,” he laughed. “I love feeding the cattle and watching them perform and the same thing with the plants that we grow. It’s great to have the ability to watch the crops and animals grow through different cycles and how management practices play into it.”

W.J. started growing the cattle side of the operation in 2012 and five years later, a new feedlot replaced the worn out one built in the 1960s. Over the years, the family has focused on improving the land by installing drain

Story by Amy Beth Graves

Photos by Jason Hazel

DIVERSITY KEY TO GROWING FANNIN AG FOR THE NEXT GENERATION

tile and utilizing cover crops to reduce runoff and help keep nutrients in the soil.

The Fannins both buy and market their cattle in a variety of ways: selling directly to major meatpackers, live for local show rings, online or direct off the farm. Lanita handles all the online marketing and their website while W.J. focuses on the animals and crops.

“We can get really busy, especially around planting and harvest seasons, and we’re blessed to have a good group of people that we trust for buying cattle when I can’t be there,” said W.J., who also works for a local auction group, specializing in farm and agricultural assets.

The family grows its own feed and bedding for the cattle and purchases distillers grains livestock feed from a nearby plant. Every day W.J. walks through the feedlot, looking over the cattle and changing out the water tanks.

“We empty and clean the water tanks every day. I’ve always looked at water as being the cheapest mineral on the farm and it’s important to make sure the cattle have the freshest water possible,” he said.

Like many farmers, W.J. is al-

ways on the lookout for more land to purchase or rent to continue to grow but is often deterred by high prices or development.

“The big news here is that Honda is going to build a big battery plant nearby and create 2,200 jobs. When you look at what Honda did to Marysville with development, you know the same thing will happen here and we’ll continue to have prime farmland taken away,” he said.

These types of threats to agriculture are why W.J. said he doesn’t hesitate to pay his yearly dues to organizations like the Ohio Cattlemen’s Association and Ohio Farm Bureau.

“These organizations are out there putting in the word at the local and national levels on why agriculture is so important. They’re helping educate people about misinformation fed by marketing companies like that animals shouldn’t ever be given antibiotics. Our animals are no different than kids – if they’re sick, they may need an antibiotic to get over it,” he said.

“The Ohio Cattlemen’s is also a really good organization in reaching out to kids and investing in them. I was a kid once and showed at the BEST shows. If it weren’t for those shows,

there wouldn’t be as many opportunities for kids to show and stay interested in the industry.”

Making the farm sustainable enough for the next generation is the ultimate goal for W.J. and Lanita. They’ve recognized the value of raising their three sons, 10-year-old Colton, 17-year-old Cameron and 23-year-old Chase, on the farm and are optimistic they will return. Colton is starting to show steers and heifers, operates the skidloader and does some mowing. Cameron can do everything on the farm but drive the semis and is looking to study agronomy in college.

“Our long-term goal is to give the boys the opportunity to remain on the farm if they want to. Taking care of a crop or animals makes them overall more responsible because no matter what the weather is, they have to be out there taking care of things other than themselves,” W.J. said. “I’m a firm believer in that everything here on earth is the Lord’s to begin with and these are his assets and I’m to be the best manager of them. I strive every day to be a good manager of the land and caretaker of the livestock. This is what we do and I’ve been blessed to have the opportunity to do this.”

“I STRIVE EVERY DAY TO BE A GOOD MANAGER OF THE LAND AND CARETAKER OF THE LIVESTOCK. THIS IS WHAT WE DO AND I’VE BEEN BLESSED TO HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO DO THIS.”

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

BIWFD AND SONIC

state beef councils participated in the event, which was held near Denver in the offices of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA), a contractor to the Beef Checkoff.

Beef. It’s What’s for Dinner teamed up with SONIC for a cobranded cheeseburger campaign on the UberEats platform. Consumers could redeem $5 off $20 when they ordered a SONIC Cheeseburger at participating locations Oct. 1016. A total of 23,636 coupons were redeemed with a 218% increase in burgers sold. SONIC commented that the promotion “did fantastic, and the 10% sales lift was the highest percentage they’d seen on UberEats! This partnership followed a successful promotion with McDonald’s and DoorDash in late October and early November last year.

STATE BEEF COUNCILS GATHER TO SHARE IDEAS

Topics of discussion over the three days included the 2023 program strategy, current consumer trends and preferences, and an overview of upcoming Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner. promotions. Attendees also received hands-on training related to advocacy, communications, video and audio content creation, and more.

CHECKOFF STAFF PARTICIPATES IN AMERICAN ACADEMY OF PEDIATRICS MEETING

On October 28 Anna Gest, OBC’s Nutrition Coordinator attended the Ohio chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics Annual Meeting. Ohio Beef Council was a sponsor of the meeting which was attended by over 100 pediatric professionals from across the state.

In attendance with Gest was Kent State dietetic intern Kayla McSwords, who was able to learn about communicating beef and nutrition with other healthcare professionals.

BEEF CHECKOFF BUILDS SUCCESSFUL INFLUENCER PROGRAM

Throughout the year, the Beef Checkoff shares beef education, including trending market research, beef cuts, preparation methods, and how beef is raised and grown, with our thought leader network. Instilling the good qualities and benefits of beef in these content creators results in additional promotion of beef beyond the paid partnership. The twelve Food and Culinary members of Beef Checkoff’s Beef Expert Network shared over 300 beeffeatured posts throughout FY22 that were not paid content. This content reached approximately 600,000 consumers with approximately 40,000 engagements.

HELPING ASPIRING CHEFS LEARN ABOUT BEEF

OBC staff attended the annual Partnerships in Action (PIA) conference, Oct. 12-14, to learn about national Beef Checkoff programs and discuss ways those efforts could be expanded in Ohio.

More than 80 state staff from 30

In FY22, the Beef Checkoff’s Food, Culinary, and Agricultural Influencer program worked with 34 influencers to create 227 posts sharing beef recipes, meals, and stories from the ranch. The program reached over 17 million consumers, with 950K engagements (likes, comments, saves, clicks, shares, etc.).

The Ohio Restaurant Association’s ProStart youth education program and OBC fought the weather on November 3rd and won during the Fall Burger Battle sponsored by the Beef Checkoff. Five teams competed with Vanguard Career Technology Center taking home the golden burger trophy. Culinary industry judges evaluated contestants on taste, appearance, pricing, safety, and sanitation.

The Ohio Beef Council and the Cattlemen’s Beef Promotion and Research Board are responsible for developing programs that increase the demand for beef. For more information, contact the Ohio Beef Council at 614-873-6736, beef@ohiobeef.org or visit www.ohiobeef.org.

Ohio Beef Council Operating Committee: Erin Stickel, Bowling Green, Chairman • Bill Sexten, Washington C.H., Vice Chairman • Stan Smith, Canal Winchester, Treasurer • Mandy Atterholt, Loudonville Lou Ellen Harr, Jeromesville • Stephanie Harris, St. Clairsville • Brett Layman, Johnstown • Jake Osborn, Lynchburg • Becky Reed, Springfield • Sam Roberts, South Charleston Allan Robison, Cable • Ben Seibert, St. Mary’s • Susie Turner, Somerset • Kris Vincent, East Canton • Barb Watts, Alexandria • Elizabeth Harsh, Executive Director

You, Shop Ohio-Proud PBS Animal Health You are TOP PRIORITY withus!

Visit and Shop our 5 OHIO RETAIL STORES

current store hours, events and details, follow us on Facebook or contact the store nearest you: From BREEDING to CALVING to WEANING and everything in-between is your one-stop shop when it comes to the Success of Your Herd

• GREAT EVERYDAY LOW PRICES on vaccines • parasite control • prescriptions identification • breeding and calving supplies calf care • fly & pest control • show supplies farm supplies • new items and more

• FREE Same Day Shipping on your qualifying $75+ order

• Knowledgeable & Friendly Service

• Check out our SUPER CATALOG online or request a printed catalog online or by phone.

THE BEEF CHECKOFF

Working Twice as Hard For YouNationally and at Home

Have you Sold Cattle on the Farm?

If so, be sure to send in your checkoff investment.

It’s the LAW to pay the National $1.00 per head on all cattle sold.

It’s also the LAW to pay the State $1.00 per head on all cattle sold.

23507 U.S.R. 23 South Circleville, OH 43113 740-474-7394 circleville@pbsanimalhealth.com

3188 Lincoln Way East Wooster, OH 44691 330-262-1596 wooster@pbsanimalhealth.com

2029 U.S.R. 127 St. Henry, OH 45883 419-925-8800 sthenry@pbsanimalhealth.com

2721 Progress Way Wilmington, OH 45177 937-382-4572 wilmington@pbsanimalhealth.com

Ohio owned and operated since1941 Serving cattlemen nationwide for 80+ years! Sign up for Email Deals We are growing & hiring Apply online! pbsanimalhealth.com Shop 24/7, 365 days a year Order fast & easy on your phone! Talk to us! Call 800-321-0235

PRIVATE TREATY SALES CHECKOFF INVESTMENT FORM

Both the seller and the buyer have the responsibility of collecting and remitting $1.00 per head National assessment and the $1.00 per head State assessment to the Ohio Beef Council. This form is designed for the seller to use in private treaty sales.

Date of Sale:

Seller’s Name:

Address: City, State, Zip:

Seller’s Signature:

National:

Total Number of Cattle Sold: X $1 per head = $

State:

Total Number of Cattle Sold: X $1 per head = $

Total Amount Remitted $

Send 614-873-6736

beef@ohiobeef.org

OCA’S ALLIED INDUSTRY COUNCIL MEMBERS

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.

ADM Animal Nutrition

Camron Deckling, camron.deckling@adm. com

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 937-269-6159, 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

Steve Patton 765-309-3367

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

Gary Kahle, gary_kahle@cargill.com

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, Joanna Frankenburg, Chris Sigurdson 614-878-5333

www.cobaselect.com

Corteva AgriScience

Rachel Walker 270-995-9541

www.rangeandpasture.com

Cornerstone Veterinary Services

Amgad Riad 567-510-4340

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

WM. E. Fagaly & Son Inc.

Ryan Greis, Chris McConnell

513-353-2150 | www.fagalyfeed.com

Farm Credit Mid-America

Scott LaGuire, David Sanders 740-335-3306

Evan Hahn 567-215-7367

Melanie Strait-Bok 419-546-0144

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

Heartland Feed Services

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.heartlandfeedsrevices.com

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

Hubbard Feeds

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

Merck Animal Health

Jake Osborn 937-725-5687

Seth Clark 330-465-2728

www.merck-animal-health-usa.com

Muirfield Energy

Ann Marie Oman 614-336-8877, Doug Foreman 419-569-5912, Cathi Lydy 419-265-0758, Jerry Jenkins 937-210-0203, 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

Neogen

Megan Zawacki 402-261-8748

www.neogen.com

Ohio CAT

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

Ohio Cow Hunters Michael Hendren 740-404-3134, Chris Goodwin 740-823-2502, Carlie Milam 304-890-6788

www.ohiocowhunters.com

Ohio Penal Industry

William Bierbaugh 614-214-8916, Robert Caplinger 614-531-8291

www.opi.ohio.gov

Ohio Soybean Council

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

PBS Animal Health

Lisa Lautzenheiser & Kevin Warrene 1-800-321-0235 | www.pbsanimalhealth. com

Priefert Ranch Equipment

Steve Campbell 903-434-8973, Corey Hinterer 304-625-1302, 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

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

Ridgeview Reproductive Services LLC

Patricia Parrish | 740-641-3217

Rod’s Western Palace

Eric Seaman 614-262-2512 | www.rods.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

Saunders Insurance Agency

John Saunders, Scott Saunders, Brett Steinback 740-446-0404

www.saundersins.com

Sedgwick

Tony Sharrock 614-376-5450

www.sedgwickcms.com

Shade River Ag Service

Tom Karr 740-591-9900, Whitney Hayman 740-591-8800, Wesley Karr 740-591-8975, Rob Hoffman 740-985-3445

www.facebook.com/Shade-River-Ag-Chester

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.

www.sunriseco-op.com

TransOva Genetics

Emily Warnimont 712-722-3586, Lacey Murray, 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 740-572-1670

www.thewendtgroup.com

Zoetis

Mindy Thornburg 740-255-0277

Leesa BeanBlossom 937-623-8111

www.zoetisus.com

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

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 15

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

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 15

No cattle are permitted on the fairgrounds before 7:30 a.m. Noon - 5 p.m. Large Equipment Move-in

Industry Excellence Award

GRAHAMS WORK TO PROMOTE, GROW CAPACITY OF OHIO’S MEAT PROCESSING PLANTS

Jamie Graham had a dilemma. The buying local movement was starting to gain traction and his branded beef product was making a name for itself in Gallia County. The next logical step was to expand but doing so would cause him to compete with local cattle producers. He didn’t want to do that because they weren’t just competitors but customers at his meat processing plant, R&C Packing and Custom Butchering, Inc.

“Our goal originally was to sell for retail or have our own restaurant but we saw we needed to make a choice because local restaurants and grocery stores only have so much shelf space,” he said. “We decided to discontinue our branded product and focus on our customers and grow the processing plant.”

In 2004 Jamie had purchased the small meat processing plant with money he had saved while working as a state meat inspector for five years. It was the perfect match for Jamie because of the knowledge he had gained as a meat inspector and it was near where he grew up raising crops, beef cattle and hogs in Bidwell. His family had been farming for more than 200 years, and Jamie was determined to continue the family tradition.

The plant, which was originally designed to harvest 20 animals a week, is today processing just over 100 animals weekly. About 60 percent are hogs and 40 percent cattle with many customers traveling two to three hours to the plant. Typically, he’s booked a year out – before some animals are even born. It’s an example of the continuing problem Ohio has with meat processing capacity. That’s why Jamie has been actively involved with the Ohio Cattlemen’s Association (OCA) and Ohio Farm Bureau in educating policymakers and the public on how the lack of sufficient meat processing plants impacts local producers and consumers. He’s also served as chairman of the Ohio Beef Council in helping promote beef and the cattle industry with consumers.

These efforts are why Jamie and his wife Amy, who oversees R&C Packing’s day-to-day operations, are recipients of the Ohio Cattlemen’s Industry Excellence award, which honors those who have worked for a number of years for the betterment of Ohio’s beef industry.

“I’ve worked with OCA directly on the state’s meat processing expansion program and on issues that have come up for us and the industry,” he said.

“The Ohio Cattlemen’s Association really stands up for the beef industry. Their legislative support is outstanding and they’ve been tremendous in watching out for us and letting us know what’s going on.”

Ironically, Jamie said that while growing up he was told he probably couldn’t make a living in agriculture, which is why he became a meat inspector in 1999. He never dreamed at the time that the knowledge he gained from that job would be instrumental in R&C Packing becoming the first company in Ohio to process all types of meat under the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Cooperative Interstate Shipment (CIS) program. Under CIS, state-inspected plants can operate as federally-inspected facilities and sell their products anywhere in the continental U.S. Without CIS, a state-inspected plant is limited to sales within its own state.

“The biggest thing we like to hang our hat on is that we’re able to add value to our customers’ products. Being CIS has allowed our customers to have more marketing opportunities. Some producers are just 5-10 miles from the Ohio River and through us they can sell in nearby West Virginia or Kentucky,” Jamie said, noting that the

Story & Photos by Amy Beth Graves

company also provides branded labeling of customers’ products and offers retail sales of local meat, including its own. Jamie and his father and brother raise about 35-40 cows and background some calves as well as grow crops and hay. Jamie works full time for United Producers, Inc. where he’s in charge of livestock marketing at its Gallipolis facility.

Over the years, the Grahams have reconfigured R&C Packing the best they could to make it more efficient and added storage space to increase capacity but it still wasn’t nearly enough. Plans to build a new meat processing plant were nearly derailed by an increase in construction costs but they’re back on track after the Grahams recently received a grant from the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Meat and Poultry Processing Expansion Program (MPPEP).

“The ODA program is good for the industry because it provides resources for expansion. The quickest growth we’ll see is from those who are already in operation because they already have the knowledge and aren’t just starting up,” he said.

The couple hope to start construction in the spring on the new facility. Plans are to convert the current plant into a smokehouse. While the Grahams are excited about their new venture, they’re also understandably a bit nervous about the amount of debt they’ll take on and challenges finding enough reliable and skilled labor.

“Having the new facility will give us better opportunities for dealing with labor challenges because if we don’t have enough people to harvest, we could shift to processing,” he said. “The last couple of years during the pandemic have been really trying. We’re fortunate that we’ve got a good core staff and that we’ve been able to keep our costs as low as possible so they’re not passed along to the customer.”

Receiving OCA’s Industry Excellence award was a surprise for the couple.

“It was very humbling,” Jamie said.

“Being involved in the beef industry and the Ohio Cattlemen’s, I’ve met a lot of good people I look up to and many of them have helped pave the way to where we are today. You don’t get this done without all the others.”

At the end of the day, Jamie can’t help but marvel over the fact that he’s about to build a multi-million dollar meat processing plant and is helping grow an industry that he loves.

“I was born and raised to do this. When I’m not doing it, it feels like something is missing,” he said. “I feel more calm and secure when cattle are around the house. There’s a certain gratification when you move a good product from hoof to plate. Doing it well is the end goal that drives you.”

OCA ELECTS NEW MEMBERS TO BOARD OF DIRECTORS

The Ohio Cattlemen’s Association (OCA) recently held elections for directors in districts 3, 6, 9, 12 and one at-large position.

Elected Directors

The newly elected board members are Kirsten Nickles, district 6, Dale Taylor, district 12 and Frank Phelps, at-large.

Kirsten Nickles resides in Wooster, where she currently works for Certified Angus Beef as their Sustainability and Animal Care Scientist. She is also close to her home town of Loudonville, where she still works alongside her father, Doug, on their commercial operation where they raise Simmental x Angus cattle and raise row crops. The goal of their operation is to produce high quality replacement females as well as cattle that consistently grade, but have the capacity to be highly efficient in their own feedlot.

Nickles completed all of her graduate studies at The Ohio State University. During her five years at Ohio State, Nickles completed her Masters and PhD in Animal Sciences, focusing in beef cattle nutrition and management and performing research that is practical and applicable to the Ohio beef industry.

Dale Taylor is from Bidwell, Ohio in Gallia County. Taylor and his wife Jessica have four children: Josie, Hattie, Lillie and Bodie. He started farming at an early age with his parents Blaine and Donna. They operated a dairy farm for many years and then transitioned the farm to a cow calf and row crop business. The Taylors

currently own and custom feed Wagyu cattle for Sakura Farms with 250 head currently on feed. They also take pride in their stocker calf operation that averages 700 head per year along with around 70 cows. Field crops are still a major part of the farm where they farm around 1,000 acres of corn and beans. When Taylor is not on the farm, he enjoys watching his three daughters show pigs and cattle.

Frank Phelps of Belle Center was elected to the at-large position. Phelps has served on the board previously as a director and as OCA president in 2014 and 2015. Phelps owns a 250 head seedstock operation that markets Limousin breeding stock and feeds the balance of their own calves. The O’Connor-Phelps Limousin Farm was recognized as the OCA Seedstock Producer of the Year in 2007 and Phelps was named the recipient of the OCA Beef Industry Excellence award in 2010. He currently represents the state’s cattle industry on the Ohio Department of Agriculture’s Concentrated Animal Feeding Facility (CAFF) advisory committee.

The directors elected to serve another term are as follows:

District 3 - John Ferguson, Geauga County

District 9 - Jim Jepsen, Fairfield County

The board will elect officers and the executive committee at the next meeting.

Retiring Directors

OCA would like to extend a thank you to the retiring directors for their many years of service and dedication to not only the association, but the industry as a whole. Thank you to: J.L. Draganic, Huron County, at-large; Pam Haley, Ashland County, district 6 and Luke Vollborn, Gallia County, district 12.

Frank Phelps, At-Large Director

Kirsten Nickles, District 6 Director

Dale Taylor, District 12 Director

Welcome!

NEOGEN

Megan Zawacki 402-261-8748

www.neogen.com

SHADE RIVER AG SERVICE

Tom Karr 740-591-9900, Whitney Hayman 740-591-8800, Wesley Karr 740-591-8975, Rob Hoffman 740-985-3445

https://www.facebook.com/ Shade-River-Ag-Chester

MUIRFIELD ENERGY

Ann Marie Oman 614-336-8877, Doug Foreman 419-569-5912, Cathi Lydy 419-265-0758, Jerry Jenkins 937-210-0203, Michael Gonzales 817-739-2623

www.murifieldenergry.com

OHIO PENAL INDUSTRY

William Bierbaugh 614-214-8916, Robert Caplinger 614-531-8291

www.opi.ohio.gov

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

CORTEVA AGRISCIENCE

Rachel Walker 270-995-9541

www.rangeandpasture.com

BEST PROGRAM COMMENCES 2023 SEASON

The Ohio Cattlemen’s Association (OCA) Beef Exhibitor Show Total (BEST) Program is excited to commence a new season with this year’s theme “On a Quest to be the BEST,” alongside sponsoring partners: Evans Cattle Company, Ag-Pro, Bob Evans Farms, Diamond T Land & Cattle Co., D&E Electric, M.H. EBY Inc., Ricer Equipment, Weaver Leather Livestock, The Folks Printing, Dickson Cattle Co., Jones Show Cattle, RD Jones Excavating, Shepard Cattle Company, and Six R Farms.

BEST is a youth development program of OCA that recognizes Ohio’s junior beef exhibitors for participation and placings through a series of sanctioned cattle shows that include showmanship competitions, educational contests, leadership opportunities and community service. Juniors earn points for participation in each sanctioned show which they are rewarded for at the end-of-season banquet.

BEST PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS

Participants 8-years-old as of Jan. 1, 2023, but no older than 21 years as of age as of Jan. 1, 2023, are eligible to accumulate OCA BEST points. Exhibitors must be Ohio residents with the exception of Buckeye Breeders Series (BBS) eligible cattle. Those

exhibiting BBS cattle are eligible to accumulate BEST points regardless of state of residency.

Juniors or the junior’s family must be a current member of OCA. The OCA membership must be in the name of the BEST participant’s immediate family. OCA family memberships are $75 and will operate on a 12-month basis. Exhibitors showing cattle at a BEST sanctioned how, but not participating in the BEST program, must also have an OCA membership.

A nomination fee is also required for each animal a junior enters in the BEST program. The one-time $60 nomination fee allows the animal to accumulate points at any OCA BEST sanctioned show. The nomination fee must be paid before the start of the show where the exhibitor plans to accumulate points. Online nomination and entries must be completed for each participant and animal and may be submitted prior to or during checkin at a BEST sanctioned show. Exhibitors must be Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) certified to participate in the BEST program. BQA certification is available through in-person trainings at certain BEST shows, bqa. org or yqca.org. BEST participants that attended an in-person BQA training last BEST season (20212022) are certified for three years from the date they attended training.

ALL cattle showing at a BEST sanctioned show in-state and outof-state MUST be tagged with an electronic identification (EID) ear tag prior to arriving at their first BEST show. Visit best.ohiocattle. org to learn more about applying for a farm’s Premise ID before ordering EID tags. EID Tags are available through the OCA office.

New this year, ALL cattle, heifers and steers, exhibited at an OCA BEST sanctioned show are required to be tested and negative for Bovine Viral Diarrhea (BVD) persistent infection (PI) status. All animals must have a negative BVD test to be exhibited at any OCA BEST sanctioned show. More information regarding proper testing can be found at ohiocattle.org/BEST.

BUCKEYE BREEDERS SERIES (BBS)

BBS is Ohio’s premier bred, born and raised division of BEST that rewards both exhibitors and breeders for their participation with registered steers and heifers from an Ohio seedstock breeder. This division will have a separate set of points to be accumulated for exhibitors throughout the season.

Out-of-state exhibitors will be eligible for BEST only if they exhibit a BBS eligible animal. At the end of the season, exhibitors

will be entered in a drawing for a year’s use of a livestock trailer, donated by M.H. EBY. Breeders will be entered in a drawing for a year’s use of a John Deere Gator, donated by Ag-Pro. Learn more about BBS and the nomination procedures for this division at ohiocattle.org/BEST.

YOUTH DEVELOPMENT, EDUCATION AND ACADEMICS OUTSIDE OF THE RING

The BEST program includes the Stockmanship Division to allow exhibitors with or without cattle to showcase their talent outside of the ring by expanding their knowledge of cattle and the industry.

The Stockmanship contests for this year are as follows:

• Prepared Speaking - Saturday, Jan. 7, 2023 at 9 a.m.

• Salesmanship - Saturday, Jan. 21, 2023 at 9 a.m.

• Fitting Contest - Friday, Jan. 27, 2023 at 6 p.m.

• Cattlemen’s Challenge Competition (OCA’s version of a skill-a-thon) - Saturday, Feb. 11, 2023 at 9 a.m.

• Judging Contest - held at the Ohio Beef Expo, ColumbusFriday, March 17, 2023

A photography competition is also offered to help BEST exhibitors increase their communication skills. Multiple $1,000 scholarships will be awarded to BEST participants pursuing an agriculture related post-high school degree. These will be awarded based on academics and extracurricular activities for high school juniors and seniors.

OCA and Weaver Leather Livestock will team up to recognize individuals that show exceptional leadership and character no matter their age. Any OCA member, BEST participant or their parents may nominate other cattlemen, breeders and exhibitors for any of the Character Trait categories. The 2022-23 Character Trait categories can be found on page 27.

BEST participants are encouraged to apply for the youth committee positions on the BEST committee. BEST Jr. Representatives serve a twoyear term and are selected through an application and interview process. Jr. Representative applications are due April 1.

COMMUNITY SERVICE

The OCA BEST Program is teaming up with Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Ohio (RMHC) for the 2022-23 BEST community service project. RMHC’s mission is

to create, find and support programs that directly improve the health and well-being of children and their families.

BEST participants will be encouraged to collect pop tabs throughout the season and turn them in at the BEST banquet in May. All money raised will be donated to RMHC.

In addition to the pop tabs collection, the popular Celebrity Showdown will take place this year on Jan. 20, 2023 in Springfield. Participants will raise at least $100 to participate and parade their animal and costume around the ring for a special celebrity judge.

AWARDS AND RECOGNITION

The BEST banquet will be held at the end of the season and will recognize participant’s achievements in all the above-mentioned areas. Over $150,000 worth of prizes, giveaways, scholarships, etc. will be awarded. Each year, one lucky BEST participant is also awarded a year’s use of a livestock trailer donated by M.H. EBY.

The Novice Division of BEST includes first year participants. All Novice exhibitors will have an entry into their own drawing for a show box donated by Weaver Livestock Leather, for every animal they showed at each show throughout the season.

OCA HOSTS SUCCESSFUL REPLACEMENT FEMALE SALE

The Ohio Cattlemen’s Association (OCA) held their 10th annual Replacement Female Sale on November 25 at the Muskingum Livestock Auction Company in Zanesville, Ohio. A large crowd was on hand to bid on 89 high quality females in the sale. The sale represented an excellent opportunity for cow-calf producers to add quality females with documented breeding and health records to their herds.

Buyers evaluated 89 lots of bred heifers and bred cows at the auction. The sale included 65 lots of bred heifers that averaged $2,258, one cow-calf pair sold for $2,500, and 23 lots of bred cows that averaged $2,008. The 89 total lots grossed $195,525 for an overall average of $2,197. The females sold to buyers from Ohio and Michigan. Col. Ron Kreis served as the auctioneer.

Sale prices were higher year over year and the cattle were of high quality, as the 2022 sale represented a

$287 per head price increase over the 2021 sale. Demand was very strong for quality females as 42 lots sold for $2,250 or greater.

1840 Angus Farm of Homerville, OH consigned the top selling cow at $2,400. The Lot 1 registered Angus cow sold to Jonathan Farnsworth of Lewisville, OH. 1840 Angus Farm also sold Lot 2, a registered Angus cow for $2,350 to Jeff Weiland of St Lebanon, OH.

Van Horn Farms of Malta, OH sold the Lot 85 purebred Hereford cow with Angus sired bull calf at side for $2,500 to Elijah Leonhard of Mt. Gilead, OH.

A new consignor to the sale, Wise Show Cattle of New Philadelphia, OH consigned the top bred heifer at $3,300. The Lot 86 registered purebred Simmental heifer sold to Elmer Hines of Ashville, OH. The second high selling bred heifer sold at $3,000. Van Horn Farms of Malta, OH sold the Lot 84 registered LimFlex to Gary

Frame of Mt. Quaker City, OH. Four bred heifers sold for $2,800. Maplecrest Farms of Hillsboro, OH, sold the Lot 55 registered Sim-Angus heifer to Elmer Hines of Ashville, OH and the OSU Beef Center at Dublin, OH sold three commercial Sim-Angus heifers, Lots 62, 63, & 64 to J. Gutridge and Sons of Newark, OH.

As in past years, the sale truly was an excellent opportunity for both buyers and sellers. Buyers were able to improve their herds by adding high quality females with known genetic and health backgrounds. Sellers were able to capitalize on steady prices for breeding cattle.

Questions can be directed to Garth Ruff, OCA Replacement Female Sale manager at 740-651-7140 or email at ruff.72@osu.edu. More information can be obtained by contacting the Ohio Cattlemen’s Association at 614-873-6736 or at their website www.ohiocattle.org.

SUPPORT FUTURE LEADERS OF THE BEEF INDUSTRY THROUGH THE OHIO CATTLEMEN’S FOUNDATION

The Ohio Cattlemen’s Foundation’s (OCF) mission is to advance the future of Ohio’s beef industry by investing in research and education programs. Foundation donors help invest in industry specific educational programs, leadership development efforts and scholarships for beef

industry youth. These help to build a bright future for Ohio’s beef industry while preserving valued traditions and a way of life.

OCF is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit, public charity and is governed by a board of trustees with Ohio Cattlemen’s Association (OCA) leadership

experience.

Contributions are tax deductible as allowed by law and support the mission and programs of the Foundation. Financial support for the Foundation comes from individual donors, agricultural organizations and corporations/ foundations.

OCF maintains a family of scholarship endowments. All scholarships recognize beef industry youth for academic effort, community service, and career interests that utilize agriculture to enhance our quality of life through service, education or research.

Have you seen a beef license plate on the road? These plates are part of the Tagged for Greatness scholarship program solely funded by sales of Ohio’s beef license plates. To date, nearly $50,000 has been awarded to deserving youth, through the beef tag program. To support the Tagged for Greatness fund, purchase your beef plate at your local BMV or online at www.oplates.com. Beef license plates are also available for commercial farm trucks.

Achieving excellence in education through OCF sponsored programs helps the beef industry to develop leaders for the future. Some of the programs currently sponsored by

OCF are the Ohio Young Cattlemen’s Conference, the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association Young Cattlemen’s Conference, Beef 509 Marketing Quality and Consistent Beef held in conjunction with the Ohio State University Department of Animal Sciences & OSU Extension, the Ohio State Fair Commercial Cattle Carcass Contest, the Ohio 4-H Foundation and the Ohio FFA Foundation, and various other youth activities.

To support the mission of the OCF, donate online at ohiocattle. org or by mailing a check to the Ohio Cattlemen’s Foundation at 10600 U.S. Hwy 42, Marysville, Ohio 43030.

PRESENTS

BEST Character Trait Awards

Accountability Attitude Teachable Flexibility

Weaver Leather Livestock & the Ohio Cattlemen’s Association are dedicated to not only the success of young showmen, but cultivating an atmosphere of character.

Who will you nominate this BEST season? nominations are due april 1 at ohiocattle.org/best.

BREED

HEREFORD OHIO BEEF EXPO BULL GRANTS AVAILABLE

New this year, the Buckeye Hereford Association will be awarding bull grants to commercial cattlemen. These grants are to be used toward the purchase of Hereford bulls at the Ohio Beef Expo. The Buckeye Hereford Association has two grants available for this year of $1,000 each. If you are not a Hereford breeder but are interested in maximizing heterosis and profit in your herd this program is for you!!

Purchasing and using a Hereford bull would also enable you to begin producing calves that would be qualified to sell in the Certified Hereford Feeder calf sales where white faced calves receive a substantial premium over average sale barn prices. Applications must be received by January 31, 2023.

Questions regarding this program can be directed to Bill Dunn 814-7249343.

AMERICAN ROYAL NEWS

Hereford exhibitors were recognized for showcasing their outstanding breeding programs at national and regional shows this past year prior to the Ladies of the Royal sale hosted at the American Royal in Kansas City, Mo., October 22.

To qualify for these prestigious bronzes, exhibitors must have accumulated points and shown at a national or regional event. Points were calculated throughout the 2021-22 show season, which ran from May 2021 through April 2022.

SSF KKH Ribeye 15U 017 ET won Polled National Show Bull of the Year. This bull is owned by BJ Herman & Sons, Jim Herman, Edgerton, Ohio; Todd, Kim, & Kasey Herman, Lima, Ohio; Colyer Herefords, Bruneau, Idaho; and Mason Love, Baltimore, Ohio.

SHORTHORN FALL SHOWCASE SALE RESULTS

In October, Shorthorn enthusiasts gathered in Millersburg, Ohio to attend Ohio’s oldest continuing Shorthorn Sale, the Ohio Shorthorn Fall Showcase. After being sidelined for the past two years, a large crowd came together to view a diverse offering of Shorthorn genetics assembled by Shorthorn breeders from Ohio and surrounding states.

The sale was held at Paint Valley Farms Sale Facility in Millersburg, Ohio. The auctioneer was Kevin Wendt and the sale was managed by the Ohio Shorthorn Breeders’ Association

Sale Summary:

50 Total Lots

42 Live Lots $127,500 avg. $3,035

Bred Purebred Females Avg. $3,301

Open Purebred Female Avg. $2,400

Open Plus Females Avg. $2,400

Embryo Packages Avg. $3,900

Semen Packages Avg. $335

Sale Gross $135,300

High Sellers:

Lot 19 - $5600 - Bred Purebred

Female - EGC Creedence Contessa

Lot 31 - $5100 – Open Purebred

Female - DKSN Dream Girl 4022

Lot 45 - $6300 – Conventional

Embryos - FSF Near Perfect X FSF Crystal

KEYSTONE INTERNATIONAL LIVESTOCK EXPOSITION RESULTS

The 2022 Keystone International Livestock Exposition (KILE) took place Sept. 30 – Oct. 9 in Harrisburg PA.

In the open show Mackenzie Neal, Lewisburg, Ohio exhibited the AOB

Reserve Grand Champion Female, TSSC Game on Girls 1061J.

Emma Woodard, Cambridge, Ohio exhibited the Grand Champion Female, WDRD West Honey B 317K ET in the Maintainer open show.

In the Red Angus open show Emily Paden, St. Clairsville, Ohio exhibited the Reserve Grand Champion Female, LCC Cruella 022 and Leon Cattle Company, St. Clairsville, Ohio exhibited the Grand Champion Bull, LCC Level Up 016.

In the open SimGenetics show the Reserve Grand Champion Bull, M-F Lead the Way, was exhibited by Meimer Farms, Mount Gilead, Ohio. In the open show Kathy Lehman, Shelby, Ohio exhibited the SimGenetics Reserve Grand Champion Female, STER My Heart n Soul 152J and the Charolais Grand Champion Female, BOY Jan 223J.

Tyson Woodard, Cambridge, Ohio exhibited the Supreme Bull, WCCO Knockin Boots 305J. The bull was also named the Grand Champion Simmental Bull

Samantha VanVorhis, Bowling Green, Ohio exhibited the Grand Champion Female, CF Mona Lisa 136 OP, during the open Shorthorn Plus show.

Rylan Luyster, Belmont, Ohio exhibited the Grand Champion Jr. Steer and Reserve Grand Champion Jr. Steer was exhibited by Camdyn Burns, Milford Center, Ohio.

In the Junior show Samantha VanVorhis, Bowling Green, Ohio exhibited the Supreme Jr. Beef Breeding Heifer, CF Mona Lisa 136 OP. This heifer was also named the Shorthorn Plus Grand Champion Heifer.

The Reserve Grand Champion Jr. Angus Heifer, SSF DS Lady 4191, went to Samantha VanVorhis, Bowling Green, Ohio.

FEATURING OUR MEMBERS’ SUCCESS AT THE STATE & NATIONAL LEVEL Event coverage based upon information received and space available

Sydney Sanders, St. Clairsville, Ohio exhibited the Reserve Grand Champion Jr. Red Angus Heifer, LCC CIta Catalina OO1.

The Reserve Grand Champion Jr. Simmental Heifer, JSUL Some Dream 1315J, was exhibited by Kathy Lehman, Shelby, Ohio.

Taylor Poff, Chardon, Ohio exhibited the Reserve Grand Champion Jr. SimGenetics Heifer, S&S TSSC Simply Amazing 1021J.

BEEF BRIEFS

OCA MEMBER CANDICE MUIR PERFORMS AT WRANGLER NATIONAL FINALS RODEO

Gold Buckle. For more information on the Wrangler NFR, visit NFRexperience.com.

MALIRS RECOGNIZED AS MEMBER OF THE YEAR BY THE NATIONAL JUNIOR HEREFORD ASSOCIATION

the Faces of Leadership conference hosted each year by the NJHA and develops junior members into future leaders of the breed and the beef industry.

Congratulations to Candice Muir of Auglaize County who was one of two performers selected by fans to sing the national anthem at the recently held Wrangler National Finals Rodeo (NFR) in Las Vegas. Muir performed Dec. 8. Also selected was Presley Seal, a 12-year-old cowgirl from Caldwell, Idaho.

A native of Waynesfield, Ohio, Muir has been performing for many years and enjoys singing anytime she gets a chance. She has performed the national anthem at many national cattle shows, cattle sales and other small events. Muir is a former graduate of The Ohio State University where she obtained her B.S. in zoology and a minor in music. She was a member of The Ohio State University A Capella group as well as a former singer in two local country bands.

She currently is a co-owner/herdsman of her family cattle and hay operation and a custom show cattle fitter. In addition, she assists in managing Graze On, her family-owned catering company who partners with OCA to serve beef at the Ohio State Fair and Farm Science Review.

Known as the richest and most prestigious rodeo in the world, the Wrangler NFR attracts the top 15 contestants in bareback riding, steer wrestling, team roping, saddle bronc riding, tie-down roping, barrel racing and bull riding to compete for a share of the purse and the coveted PRCA

A rare and prestigious award was announced during the American Hereford Association (AHA) Annual Meeting and Educational Forum. Rick and Bonnie Coley-Malir, Dublin, Ohio, were recognized with the National Junior Hereford Association (NJHA) Honorary Junior Member of the Year Award at the NJHA and Hereford Youth Foundation of America (HYFA) Awards Luncheon on Oct. 21. This award is given to someone whose involvement and generosity creates lasting impact for the next generation of the breed and for NJHA and HYFA. Rick and Bonnie were the founders of the Coley-Malir Leadership Endowment that supports

“I can’t think of a couple more deserving,” said Amy Cowan, director of youth activities and foundation for the AHA. “I can’t thank Rick and Bonnie enough for all they mean to leadership development and continuing to support the Coley-Malir Leadership Endowment that funds Faces of Leadership and provides so many opportunities for Hereford youth.”

The couple was awarded with an honorary membership and a bronze bull. The 2023 Faces of Leadership conference will be hosted in their hometown of Columbus, Ohio. Be on the lookout for more information to come.

PARTING SHOTS

OCA hosted board members and staff from fellow states for the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) Region I meeting on Nov. 1-2 at the office in Marysville. Over 40 cattlemen and women from different states gathered to discuss industry issues and share different projects and ideas. Attendees enjoyed visiting Rick and Bonnie Malir’s farm to mingle and network while learning about Ohio’s beef industry.

OCA staff recently visited members Bob Shugert and Steve and Stephanie Harris on their farms in Harrison County to tour the area, talk about their operations and view cattle.

R&C Packing of Gallia County recently received a grant from the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Meat and Poultry Processing Expansion Program (MPPEP) for use to expand and improve their facility this Spring.