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
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.
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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
Morgan Hoppes Manger of Youth Education & Development Programs
OCA NEWS & VIEWS
The Power of a Voice
Mark Goecke, OCA President
We all have the little voice in our head that we converse with as we go about our daily routines. When we wake in the morning we ask ourselves, I wonder what the weather will be like today? Or the little voice begins to tell us what our list of accomplishments needs to be for the day. Sometimes we ignore the internal voice, but sometimes it may be the best conversation of the day. When we go out to check the cows and see a newborn calf, instinctively the first voice we hear in our head is “is it a bull or a heifer calf “ and if it is what we were hoping for, we mutter a happy response.
We also have that external voice that our family, friends, pets and livestock all recognize and it is unique to every situation. I’m sure we all can relate to hearing our parents slightly raise their voice while saying our, and for some, our siblings names and the tone of those single words made the hair stand on our backs. That same external voice also works with pets. My neighbor’s dog can be barking and I’ll say “Maggie, quit barking” and Maggie seems to bark louder and more profusely. But when my neighbor pokes his head out the shop door, all he says is “Maggie” and Maggie comes running toward him and barks no more. The power of a voice.
Another type of voice is what I would refer to as a cumulative voice. This is when many people are gathered in one place and one voice is added to another and another and another and so on. Such would be the case at an Ohio State football game, with over 100 thousand people all saying or screaming the same verse. It can be so overwhelming that the players on the field can not even hear each other speak. That is truly the power of voices.
Other types of voices could be collective voices. A person from one part of the country may be saying the same thing as many other people from many other parts of the country or state. They do not know each other and have never met but they share the same goal or seek the same outcome as many others, sometimes without even saying a word. A great example would be the outcome of our election on Nov 5. Many people from across the country and states made their voices heard by not speaking a word but allowing their actions and expressions to make a statement. Collective voices were heard.
Many times our voices can be relayed by someone else who is speaking for us. OCA is a great example. This past year many of your voices were shared at different levels on several different issues ranging from cattle grading inconsistencies, to the Lucas County lawsuit that refers specifically to livestock manure, funding for increased local meat processing capacity and currently helping to seek relief for those drought stricken areas of Ohio. There are many other fronts that OCA is making your voices heard. I invite all members to attend OCA’s annual meeting on Feb. 1. You can find the schedule in this magazine. It is a great time to converse with others who share the same passion for the beef industry. Who knows, maybe someone’s tiny voice may make a huge impact on the lives of others. Our guest speaker for the day is Colin Woodall, CEO of NCBA. If you want to hear a voice of reason from a gentleman that has been a voice for the beef industry for years, I urge you to attend. His experiences and insight are immense. It is also a good time to come and see the future voices of our industry through our new youth council program and our Foundation scholarship recipients.
As winter begins to set in and the Christmas season is upon us, let us all use our voices to grant good cheer to all and a Merry Christmas!
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As the year comes to a close, we want to extend our our heartfelt gratitude for your trust and partnership, and helping UPI have another successful
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
Joe Foster Director At-Large
Gallipolis • Term expires 2027 740-379-2580, hjfoster25@yahoo.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 2027 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
Jared Thomas District 5
Plain City• Term expires 2027 614-989-1397, jtfarms95@gmail.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 2027 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 2027 740-835-9789, ryanbapst@gmail.com
Dale Taylor • District 12
Bidwell • Term expires 2025 740-709-6461,daletaylorfarming@gmail.com
A Memorable Year HARSH REALITIES
Elizabeth Harsh, Ohio Cattleman Editor
Holiday celebrations mark the passing of another year. But 2024 and the difficulties that came with it suggests it may not be so fondly re membered by some. Ohio’s extreme weather events combined with a drought of historic proportions top the list of bad memories from 2024. Cattle families in the Southern and Southeastern parts of the state are still struggling through the hardships created by the drought. They are worrying about having enough hay to feed cows this winter, finding hay and being able to afford it, hoping their pastures will come back next spring and the list goes on.
Addressing Ohio’s 2024 historic drought conditions has been and con tinues to be a top priority for OCA. It is a priority because the ground in that part of the state is more suitable for beef cattle production and as a result there were many OCA members in these counties who have experienced the most significant financial hits from this year’s drought.
OCA has continued to share information on accessing disaster assis tance programs and management information provided by the state and federal entities who assist in these challenging times. The association also joined state officials to travel to some of the most serious areas and meet with cattle families to understand their immediate needs.
Last month OCA presented testimony in support of a drought relief bill sponsored by Ohio Representatives Don Jones and Jay Edwards. HB 683 would appropriate $10 million to the Ohio Department of Agri culture to provide additional support for soil and water districts to assist livestock producers with forage losses in the hardest hit counties.
OCA also assisted the Ohio Treasurer of State Robert Sprague in the development and announcement of a special sign-up period for the AgLINK program to benefit cattle farm families in drought counties.
How to be better prepared for the next drought will be among the topics discussed at the OCA Annual Meeting and Awards Banquet on Feb. 1 in Columbus. Use the QR code in this issue and register to attend. The day will start with the roll-out of the new Ohio Beef Youth Council (OBYC). The OBYC is a youth education initiative created to serve the families and youth of Ohio’s beef industry and invest in the next genera tion of industry leaders. Funded by the Beef Checkoff and OCA, it will provide youth with the tools to become more effective industry leaders and inspire them to continue their engagement in Ohio’s beef industry as adults.
Following the OBYC session, all attendees are invited to a compli mentary lunch and learn session hosted by the Ohio Beef Council. The format will include several checkoff information stations for all ages with multiple food locations. The program will feature a review of the 2024 strategic Checkoff investments designed to build beef demand and share details on the many resources available through the Beef Checkoff.
Approaching the New Year with an optimistic outlook driven by hope for continued strength in the cattle markets. Lots of good things ahead in 2025 for Ohio’s beef industry but it starts with your valued input and attendance at the annual meeting Feb. 1. Don’t delay. Register today and happy holidays to you and your family!
Bonnie’s Christmas Wishes
One of the perks to this job is being able to visit chute- side while working cattle. We’ve talked about kids and grandkids, the Buckeyes and Boilermakers, all kinds of dogs both those who work and those for looks, who paid too much for what bull, wireless load bars (no cables folks!), and in recent years where to find ear tags, penicillin, and TSU’s.
We’ve dined on pizza, burgers and bbq, doughnuts and chocolate, and my personal favorite on a cold blus- tery day beef and noodles over mashed potatoes. Shout out to Maplecrest Meats for that.
This year I have put a request in to Santa for many of you. A shiny new set of scales. I hope you’ve been good. Just know if your scales didn’t work that’s a big club. I’ve learned where to buy gas and likewise where not to. Thanks to you my honey do list still includes sharpen clipper blades and change the oil in my truck. If you asked my opinion and I sent you on a goose chase in search of your next herd bull, I hope it was worth it. If I came to your county fair, all I have to say is “Thank goodness for farm kids.” This crazy world we live in needs you now more than ever.
As we bid farewell to yet another year I hope you get to share some time with family and friends over the holi- days. A sincere thank you for inviting me to your farms and ranches. You all are the true leaders of our in- dustry. Here’s to the next calf crop. I’ll see you soon.
Where do we go from here?
Garth Ruff, Beef Cattle Field Specialist, OSU Extension
2024 has been quite the year. We started the year with record high cattle prices, and what appeared to be the most profitable calf crop in several years. Moved into planting season and first cutting hay harvest that went fairly well across most of the state and then it began to get dry. Really dry.
The drought of 2024 will be remembered for a long while as one of the greatest challenges to livestock production in Ohio. Whether it was hay being fed in August or water being hauled daily, the drought has certainly provided some challenges to those in affected areas but also provided some opportunities to make decisions on herd management, forages and on farm water systems going forward.
I am not one to make New Year’s resolutions, but after hauling water at home for the past four months, I am going to commit to not complaining about mud this winter. I have even threatened that the first time that my dad or brother complain about muddy conditions, that I am going to throw a handful at them.
Going into winter the greatest concerns I have heard are potential shortages of feed, pasture/forage availability going into next spring, and questions regarding how much purchased feed will be needed to maintain cows this winter.
While each one of these concerns are specific to an individual operation, there are a few recommendations for all producers that experienced D3 and D4 designated drought conditions. If you haven’t done so yet, visit your FSA and SWCD offices. They have programs that were rolled out for drought relief. Your local SWCD/NRCS office is the go-to
resource if developing livestock water infrastructure is a goal.
Do not abuse pastures. We have had some green-up from recent rainfall. Don’t confuse green-up of cool season grasses with new pasture growth. Over grazing newly green pastures at this time of year may have negative impacts on root reserves of energy and re-growth in the spring.
Work with a nutritionist. Once you know the quality and quantity of available forage, a beef cattle nutritionist should be able to provide some feeding options going forward.
One of the other questions that has been asked frequently this fall is, “What does 2025 look like from a price standpoint?”
All indications are that the cattle market should continue to be strong going into next year. Even though feeder cattle futures have been on a roller coaster as of late, the reality is that heifer retention numbers are still low and the Jan.2025 cow herd is expected to be smaller yet than 2024. I think there is reason to be optimistic as a cattle producer going into the new year. Feed costs are down and cattle prices are still strong. Inflation of prices at the retail case is still a concern for consumers, however from Aug. 10, 2023 to Aug. 10, 2024 fresh retail beef sales grew 0.6%, from 3.26 to 3.28 billion pounds. With that said, have a safe holiday season and as always: Eat Beef!
FORAGE FOCUS
Maintaining Forage Crop Stability Amid Instbility
Marina Miquilini, Agriculture and Natural Resources Educator, Greene County, OSU Extension
When it comes to forage crops, we aim for stable production. But maybe it’s time to start thinking a step ahead. Stability means keeping things running smoothly with only minor hiccups during typical challenges. Today, however, we’re confronted with much larger challenges, such as extreme weather events, making adapting to these new realities essential.
That’s where resistance and resilience come into play. Basically, the overall stability of forage production depends on two key factors: how much a disturbance affects it (resistance) and how quickly it bounces back (resilience).
With that in mind, we’ll focus on understanding ways to boost resistance and resilience in forage crops, so we can keep production stable even during extreme events. Key approaches include: 1) increasing plant diversity, 2) optimizing harvest and grazing management, and 3) improving soil fertility and weed control.
First, research shows that having more plant diversity helps make forage systems more stable. Simply put, diverse plant communities are better at handling disturbances because there’s a higher chance that some species can tolerate whatever stress is happening. As the less-tolerant species are affected, the more stress-tolerant ones step in, helping keep things stable.
Diversity is often measured by the number of plant species in a field, but the variety of plant functional types (like nitrogen fixers) is just as important. In forage-livestock systems, the most important plant groups are annual and perennial cool-season grasses (C3), warm-season grasses (C4), broadleaf forbs, and legumes.
Having a mix of plant types can not only boost resistance and resilience in forage crops but also maximize forage production and its availability throughout the year. For example, C4
grasses grow better in hot, dry summer months compared to C3 grasses, which are more productive during the cooler spring and fall weather.
While high plant diversity can make forage fields more stable, it’s tough to figure out how much is enough and how to make it work on your farm. Plus, adding new forage species can be tricky since fields often end up dominated by just one or two species over time.
There are plenty of plant groups and species to choose from, but you don’t need to tackle everything at once. Start small and focus on what works best for your farm. Maybe trying C4 grasses in a smaller less-productive field is a good first step. Or, if C4 grasses don’t fit your current needs, planting annual C3 grasses in one field could also help extend your grazing season. Alternatively, you might want to concentrate on managing a few key species, like grass and legume mixes.
There are many approaches to enhance plant diversity, and it’s not necessary to implement all changes in a single field simultaneously for them to be effective. You can rotate different species across fields or introduce them at staggered intervals. The best approach is to start with what aligns most closely with your farm’s current situation. Even small changes matter and can make a meaningful impact.
Second, how often and how much your forage is harvested or grazed, the type and age of the plant removed, and any stress or competition it faces before, during, or after grazing all impact how productive it will be afterward.
Cutting grass lower, whether by harvest or grazing, might give you a bigger yield upfront. But over time, this can lead to less ground cover and more weeds. At the same time, if you go easier on defoliation, the plants recover their leaf area faster, as photosynthesis takes over as the main energy source.
Research also shows that rotational stocking leads to more forage growth because it helps spread livestock more evenly, increasing density and reducing uneven grazing. This improves how efficiently forage is harvested.
Ultimately, the harvest or grazing method you choose might not matter much for plant resilience as long as you maintain the right stubble height for the species to thrive.
Management isn’t one-size-fits-all because forage and animal responses vary based on the species and how they’re managed. You can’t simply use the same approach for every farm. That’s why it’s crucial to create a long-term, customized plan that fits your specific grazing system.
Finally, ensuring proper soil pH, nutrient levels, and organic matter is essential for building a resistant and resilient forage-livestock system. Weeds pose a significant challenge to this resilience and managing them requires ongoing effort. Research indicates that maintaining optimal soil fertility is one of the most effective ways to reduce weed pressure in grazing systems. When soil fertility is high, perennial grasses thrive, leading to healthier grasslands where weeds are naturally suppressed.
Adapting your system to be resistant and resilient is crucial for preparing for extreme events while also boosting overall productivity. OSU Extension offers resources to support you. For tips and strategies, subscribe to news from the OSU Beef Team at beef.osu.edu. Your local OSU Extension Office is also ready to assist.
Challenges like this year’s drought can be stressful, no matter how prepared we are. Don’t hesitate to seek assistance. For ongoing updates and agricultural resources, visit go.osu.edu/ohiodrought. For additional information on drought preparedness and impacts, explore climate.osu.edu/drought.
NewFOR THE 2025 OHIO BEEF EXPO
The Ohio Beef Expo is Ohio’s largest beef cattle event with an annual attendance of over 30,000 people and over 1,500 head of cattle exhibited. As all aspects of the Expo continue to grow, the Ohio Cattlemen’s Association (OCA) and Ohio Beef Expo leadership are announcing the following changes for 2025.
The OCA Buckeye Breeders Series (BBS) is Ohio’s bred, born and raised program for registered steers and heifers. For 2025 the Ohio Beef Expo Junior Show has planned a second BBS only ring for eligible cattle during the Expo’s junior show. Steers will continue showing on Saturday March 15. Once the full steer show ring is completed, eligible BBS steers will move into the BBS only steer ring to compete. The same will take place with the heifer show on Sunday, March 16 to close out the Expo. Top Five overall steers and heifers will be placed each day and awarded premiums. Sponsors are also being solicited for additional show awards.
The Ohio Beef Expo Judging Contest will move to Thursday, March 13 to improve the experience for the over 600 youth who participate in this educational program. It will feature three rounds allowing better viewing of the cattle and a dedicated awards program.
Tuberculosis (TB) requirements for sale cattle have changed for 2025. No TB test is required if cattle originate from a TB free state. Cattle coming from the four counties of Michigan (Alcona, Alpena, Montmorency, and Oscoda) will need a TB test. Contact the Ohio Department of Agriculture 614- 728-6220 for additional direction.
Junior Show
SECOND BBS ONLY RING
with selection of Top 5 Overall BBS Steers and Heifers
Youth Activities
JUDGING CONTEST
THURSDAY, MARCH 13
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 12
SCHEDULE
March 13-16, 2025 | Ohio Expo Center
**No cattle are permitted on the fairgrounds before 7:30 a.m.**
Noon - 5 p.m. Trade Show Large Equipment Move-in
**Arrival deadline for all breeds selling Friday, March 14
THURSDAY, MARCH 13
8 a.m. - 9 a.m. Judging Contest Check-in & Packet Pick-up, Coliseum
8 a.m. - 12 p.m. Trade Show set up for large indoor equipment
9 a.m. Breeds Check-in Begins, Breeds Building
10 a.m. Judging Contest Begins, Coliseum
10 a.m. Arrival deadline for all breeds selling Saturday, March 15 and others
12 p.m. - 3 p.m. Trade Show set-up outdoor & small indoor displays
2:30 p.m. Judging Contest Awards, Coliseum
3 - 6 p.m. Trade Show Open, Voinovich Building
4 - 8 p.m. Junior Show Check-in, Gilligan Complex
7:30 p.m. The Social, Hilton Columbus/Polaris
FRIDAY, MARCH 14
8 a.m. - 11 a.m. Junior Show Check-in, Gilligan Complex
8:30 a.m. - 6 p.m. Trade Show Open, Voinovich Building
9 a.m. - 12 p.m. Cattlemen’s Learning Center Sessions, Voinovich Building
9:30 a.m. Youth Beef Quality Assurance, Coliseum
10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Genetic Pathway Open, Breeds Building
10 a.m. Mini Hereford Show, Cooper Arena
11 a.m. Junior Showmanship, Coliseum - 2 rings
12 p.m. Online Feeder Cattle Sale, Voinovich Building
12:30 p.m. Hereford Show, Cooper Arena Shorthorn Parade, Cooper Arena
1 p.m. Murray Grey Show, Breeds Building
2 p.m. Angus Parade, Cooper Arena Limousin Sale, Voinovich Building
3 p.m. Aberdeen Angus Sale, Voinovich Building
4 p.m. Red Angus Sale, Voinovich Building
4: 30 - 5:30 p.m. Cowboy Happy Hour, Voinovich Building
5 p.m. Shorthorn Sale, Voinovich Building
5 - 6 p.m. Junior Show Check-in, Gilligan Complex
SATURDAY, MARCH 15
8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Junior Market Animal & BBS Show, Coliseum
8:30 a.m. - 6 p.m. Trade Show Open, Voinovich Building
9 a.m. Mini Hereford Sale, Voinovich Building
10 a.m. Hereford Sale, Voinoivch Building
10 - 11 a.m. Junior Show Check-in, (Heifers Only), Gilligan Complex
10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Genetic Pathway Open, Breeds Building
11:30 a.m. Simmental Sale, Voinovich Building
2 p.m. Angus Sale, Voinovich Building
3:30 p.m. Maine Anjou Sale, Voinovich Building
4 - 5 p.m. Cowboy Happy Hour, Voinovich Building
6 p.m. deadline Junior Show Check-in for Expo Sale Heifers,Gilligan Complex
SUNDAY, MARCH 16
8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Junior Heifer Show & BBS Show, Coliseum
8:30 a.m. - 2 p.m. Trade Show Open, Voinovich Building
9 a.m. - 12 p.m. Cattlemen’s Learning Center Sessions, Voinovich Building
873-6736 cattle@ohiocattle.org
Investing in Beef Promotion, Nutrition, Education & Research
A RECORD-BREAKING BURGER BATTLE
On behalf of the Beef Checkoff, the Ohio Beef Council (OBC) was proud to partner with the Hospitality Institute of Ohio to sponsor the Annual ProStart Burger Battle. The event was held on Nov. 13 at the Delaware County Fairgrounds, Delaware, Ohio.
The competition brought together six schools within the ProStart program with a recordbreaking 25 entries. Schools included Tolles Career & Technical Academy, VanguardSentinel Career & Technology Center (VSCTC), Jackson High School, Penta Career Center, South-Western Career Academy (SWCA), and Wayne County Schools Career Center.
After many runner-up finishes in the last 5-7 years, the team of Alexis Lopez and Araceli Rodriguez Ramirez helped put the South-Western Career Academy over the top.
Their award-winning and Scooby Doo inspired “Binge Burger” was comprised of a boldly seasoned 1/3 pound beef patty covered in hot honey, bacon, Seattle cream cheese sauce made from scratch with kettle chips, an olive, and jalapeño bacon flag presented on a pretzel bun.
GRAND OPENING WITH BEEF
OBC was pleased to partner with Kroger for the Nov. 8 grand opening celebration of the largest Kroger store in Ohio and located near the OBC office. As part of the festivities, staff grilled and offered flank steak samples to customers throughout the event, showcasing the exceptional flavor and versatility of beef.
This exciting collaboration marks an important milestone in OBC’s ongoing efforts to reach new customers and build partnerships with Ohio’s retailers.
HUNGRY STUDENTS ENJOY STEAK NIGHT
In partnership with Ohio State University’s (OSU) dining services, OBC sponsored Steak Night to kick off the week of Thanksgiving break. OSU students attended the occasion at Traditions at Scott and ordered through the Grubhub app. Over 700 grilled-to-order strip steaks were served. OBC staff and dietetic intern Meredith Kiss shared over 800 Korean BBQ Beef Short Rib samples as the students entered the dining hall.
In addition to the beef samples, students learned about OBC’s commitment to beef in a
sustainable food system, how beef is raised and grown in Ohio, and its nutritional benefits. OSU’s Meat Science Club President Anna Mulrooney and Treasure Nathan Boerger were present to connect with their peers and answer questions.
SOCIAL PRESENCE CONTINUES TO GROW
OBC is always looking for new ways to connect with consumers and showcase the quality and passion behind beef. OBC’s TikTok presence has been growing, thanks to the creation of 90-second videos. These short, dynamic videos allow OBC to share everything from simple weeknight dinners to show-stopping meals, cooking tips, and engaging moments that reflect the heart and soul of Ohio’s beef farmers.
Follow us at @ohio_beef_council for all the latest updates, behindthe-scenes content, and more.
Erin Stickel, Bowling Green, Chairman • Becky Reed, Springfield, Vice Chairman
Stan Smith, Canal Winchester, Treasurer • Mandy Atterholt, Loudonville Mark Goecke, Spencerville • Lou Ellen Harr, Jeromesville • Bret Layman, Johnstown•Em Mowrer, Barnesville • Jake Osborn, Lynchburg • Allan Robison, Cable Ben Seibert, St. Marys • Bill Sexten, Washington CH • Susie Turner, Somerset• Kris Vincent, East Canton• Barb Watts, Alexandria • Elizabeth Harsh, Executive Director
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 304-992-6195
Brett Jones 334-748-0048 www.alligare.com
Baird Private Wealth Management
Patrick Saunders 740-446-2000 www.patricksaundersfc.com
Bane-Welker Equipment
Makayla Eggleton 937-206-1653 www.bane-welker.com
Boehringer-Ingelheim
Brent Tolle 502-905-7831 www.boehringer-ingelheim.com
Britespan Building Systems
Lawrence Cole 419-540-3557 www.britespanbuildings.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
Centerra Co-op
Don Daniels 440-476-6125 www.centerracoop.com
Central Life Sciences
Kenley Rogers 330-465-9225 www.centrallifesciences.com
CLA-CliftonLarsonAllen LLP
Bill Scott 419-213-5265
Travis Reamsnyder www.claconnect.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
DHI Cooperative, Inc.
Brian Winters 1-800-DHI-COOP
Tim Pye 912-682-9798 www.dhicoop.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
www.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
Matthew Bucklew 614-475-7024 www.heartland.bank
Heartland Feed Services
Celina 419-586-7443
Minster 419-628-2367
St Anthony 419-942-1148
St Henry 419-678-2348
www.heartlandfeedsrevices.com
Heritage Cooperative
Dale Stryffeler 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
Jordan Gilbert 937-670-4231 www.hubbardfeeds.com
ICAP Crop Insurance
Joanie Grimes 937-763-1198
Lindsey Hall 937-763-8115 www.icapcrop.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
J.R. Kaverman 740-956-0623 www.mheby.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
Dave McElhaney 724-494-6199 www.merck-animal-health-usa.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
Calvin Bontekoe 810-730-6131 www.neogen.com
Nexus Marketing
Holly Fleck 419-953-2295
Pat Lampert 419-953-0546
Chad Leffel 567-204-7846 www.nexusmarketing.com
Ohio Ag Equipment/ Ohio
CAT
Linda Meier 614-851-3629
Brian Speelman 614-851-3629 www.ohiocat.com
Ohio Angus Association
Jacy Bapst 740-648-6531 www.ohioangus.org
Ohio Penal Industry
William Bierbaugh 614-214-8916, Robert Caplinger 614-531-8291 www.opi.ohio.gov
OSU Large Animal Services
Eric Gordon 937-642-2936
Kevin Jacque 937-642-2936
Shaw Perrin 937-642-2936
Kristin Smith 937-642-2936
Alissa Wilhelm 937-642-2936 www.vmc.vet.osu.edu
PBS Animal Health
Hanna Green 330-834-3000
Kevin Warrene 800-321-0235 www.pbsanimalhealth.com
Pik Rite, Inc.
Paul Novack 570-523-8174 www.pikrite.com
Priefert Ranch Equipment
Steve Campbell 903-434-8973
Nate Aguredakes 330-868-1181 www.priefert.com
Purina Animal Nutrition
Cy Prettyman 470-360-5538
Kira Morgan 812-480-2715
Doug Phillips
Kylie Ewing Crisler 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
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
Saltwell Western Store
Sally Puzacke 330-343-0388 www.saltwellwesternstore.com
Sedgwick
Tony Sharrock 614-376-5450
David Deyo 614-376-5401 www.sedgwickcms.com
Select Sires Member Cooperative
Rachael Billups 937-527-5230
Joanna Frankenberg 614-878-5333
Kevin Hinds 614-878-5333
Jim Ray 614-205-7176
Julie Ziegler 614-878-5333 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
W.J. Fannin 614-395-9802
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.
Jake Osborn
Sam Roberts 614-890-6666
Hannah Carter 614-433-2190
1-800-456-3276
www.uproducers.com
Vytelle
Zach Bartenslager 304-661-6331
Kara Schmidt 443-974-2067
Rodney Schoenbine 330-4649793
www.vytelle.com
Weaver Leather Livestock
Angela Kain 330-674-1782
Lisa Shearer 330-674-1782
www.weaverleather.com
Welcome
WM. E Fagaly & Son Inc.
Ryan Gries 513-678-1042
Chris McConnell 513-667-7444
www.fagalyfeed.com
Zimmer Tractor
Jason Beckner 513-615-3238
www.zimmertractor.com
Zoetis Animal Health
Laura Homan 320-293-2184 www.zoetisus.com
Livin’ the life
The Ohio Cattlemen’s Association (OCA) Beef Exhibitor Show Total (BEST) program will kick off the 2024-2025 season with this year’s theme “Livin the BEST life,” alongside sponsoring partners: Ag-Pro, Bob Evans Farms, Diamond T Land & Cattle Co., M.H. EBY Inc., Performance Training Solutions, Ricer Equipment, Robbins Show Steers, Six R Farms, Shepard Cattle Company, Weaver Leather Livestock, The Folks Printing, Dickson Cattle Co., Jones Show Cattle and RD Jones Excavating.
BEST is a youth development program of the OCA that recognizes young beef exhibitors through a series of sanctioned shows. Youth who participate earn points for their placing at each show. Points are tabulated for cattle, showmanship, registered bredand-owned animals, Buckeye Breeder Series (Ohio’s bred, born and raised program), Stockmanship educational contests and BEST participants in a separate Novice division. The BEST program also includes leadership opportunities, scholarships and community service. Juniors earn points for participation in each
Ohio Cattlemen’s Association kicks off 2024-25 BEST Season
sanctioned show and are recognized for their accomplishments at an endof-season awards banquet.
BEST Program Requirements
Participants 8 years old as of Jan. 1, 2025, but not older than 21 years as of age as of Jan. 1, 2025, are eligible to accumulate OCA BEST points. Participants 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 the state of residency.
Participants or the participant’s family must be current members 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 BESTsanctioned show, but not participating in the BEST program, must also have an OCA membership.
A BEST 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 BESTsanctioned show. The nomination fee must be paid before the start of the show where the exhibitor plans to accumulate points.
Participants must be Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) certified to participate in the BEST program. BQA certification is available through inperson training at BEST shows, bqa.org, or yqca.org.
ALL cattle showing at a BEST-sanctioned show in-state and out-of-state MUST be tagged with an electronic identification (EID) ear tag before arriving at their first BEST show.
ALL cattle must have proof of a negative BVD test by their second BEST show.
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 participants throughout the season. Out-of-state participants will be eligible for BEST only if they exhibit a BBS-eligible animal.
All exhibitors who plan on showing in the BBS program must complete the nomination form (available at www. ohiocattle.org) in order to receive points at their first show. BBS breeders must also be current OCA members for the cattle they bred to be eligible for points in the BEST program.
At the end of the season, BBS participants will be entered in a drawing for a year’s use of a livestock trailer, donated by M.H. EBY. BBS breeders will be entered in a drawing for a year’s use of a John Deere Gator, donated by Ag-Pro.
Stockmanship
Youth Development, Education, and Academics Outside of the Ring
The BEST program includes the Stockmanship Division to allow participants with or without cattle to showcase their talent outside of the show ring by expanding their knowledge of cattle and the industry.
The Stockmanship contest schedule and more details can be found at www. ohiocattle.org
Getting Started
Participants will create their own unique account to make nominations and show entries for the BEST program at best.ohiocattle.org.
For more information about the BEST program, visit ohiocattle.org/BEST, join the OCA BEST Program Facebook group, or contact the office at 614-873-6736.
2024-25 BEST Season Schedule
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 Mach 13 - 16 | Columbus
OCA ELECTS NEW MEMBERS TO BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The Ohio Cattlemen’s Association (OCA) recently held elections for directors in districts 2, 5, 8, 11 and one at-large position.
Elected Directors
The newly elected board members are Jared Thomas, district 5 and Joe Foster, at-large.
Jared Thomas farms in Plain City. He is the 6th generation of the family operation that raises corn, soybeans, hay, wheat and cattle along with his dad and brother. The farm has a 150 head cattle finishing feedlot.
Thomas graduated from The Ohio State University in 2018 with a Bachelor of Science degree from the College of Food, Agricultural & Environmental Sciences where he majored in agronomy. He and his wife, Sarah, have a one-year-old son Franklin.
Thomas is involved in many agricultural organizations, including OCA and the Ohio Farm Bureau. He participated in the OCA Young Cattlemen’s Conference leadership program in 2018.
Joe Foster of Gallipolis manages his family’s diversified farm, Foster Farms, in Gallia County. It includes cow/calf, backgrounder and stocker operations, along with a commercial sheep operation, row crops and hay. Since 2012 he has also run a research data collection service that provides the facilities, labor and management for a neonatal calf research program for various private animal nutrition entities.
Foster has been involved in OCA for nearly 40 years. He served as OCA
president in 2016 and 2017. He was named OCA’s Young Cattleman of the Year in 1995 and received the Beef Industry Excellence award in 2006.
He was appointed by the Ohio Department of Agriculture to the Ohio Beef Council where he served two terms and as chairman of the Operating Committee. Foster is currently representing Ohio in his third term as a member of the Cattlemen’s Beef Board, the body that oversees the national Beef Checkoff program.
Foster graduated from The Ohio State University where he majored in Animal Science. Active in his community, he has served on many boards and held multiple leadership positions. Foster is a former Gallia County Commissioner and serves as the fiscal officer for his local township. He, and his wife, Melinda, have a growing family with three adult daughters, Megan, Mandy, and Morgan.
The directors elected to serve another term are:
District 2 - Andy Lohr, Crawford County
District 8 - Linde Sutherly, Clark County
District 11 - Ryan Bapst, Pike 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: Jim Rogers, Hocking County, at-large director and Jason Dagger, Champaign County, district 5 Director.
Jared Thomas, District 5 Director
Joe Foster, At-Large Director
INVITING ALL INDUSTRY YOUTH
to attend the launch of the Ohio Beef Youth Council Saturday, Feb. 1, 2025 held in conjuction with the OCA Annual Meeting
Hilton Polaris 8700 Lyra Drive Columbus, Ohio 43240
OBYC is a youth education initiative serving the youth of Ohio and investing in the next generation of beef industry leaders. Funded by the Beef Checkoff and OCA, it provides youth with the tools to become more effective industry leaders and inspires them to continue their engagement in Ohio’s beef industry as adults.
OBYC SCHEDULE
Open to all youth ages 8-21, parents welcome 9 a.m. - Registration Opens
10 a.m. - Ohio Beef Youth Council Launch & Agriculture Professionals Panel
12 p.m. - Complimentary Luncheon hosted by the Ohio Beef Council
OBYC leadership team will share details on new programs available through the council.
OBYC MISSION
The Ohio Beef Youth Council connects Ohio’s youth with opportunities to explore and develop their passion for the beef cattle industry. The council involves youth of all ages and backgrounds representing every industry segment and level of experience. Participants grow leadership skills to enhance their education, build career pathways, and influence their communities.
NO COST TO ATTEND
*Registration is manadatory
SCAN TO ATTEND & BOOK YOUR ROOM
FEBRUARY 1 - MORNING
9:00 a.m. REGISTRATION OPENS
Hilton Polaris 8700 Lyra Drive Columbus, Ohio 43240
10:00 a.m.
OHIO BEEF YOUTH COUNCIL LAUNCH & AG PROFESSIONALS PANEL
Open to all beef industry youth ages 8-21 & parents. Attendees are invited to a complimentary luncheon following the program. Must register for luncheon to attend.
OBYC officers will introduce the vision and initial programs for the new Ohio Beef Youth Council. The council is a youth education initiative created to better serve the families and youth of Ohio’s beef industry and invest in the next generation of industry leaders. This initiative, funded by the Beef Checkoff and OCA, will provide youth with the tools to become more effective industry leaders and inspire them to continue their engagement in Ohio’s beef industry as adults.
Attendees will hear from a panel of industry leaders about how programs like the youth council benefited them in their education and career goals.
PANELISTS
ZANE GROSS III, ASHLAND COUNTY
Operations Manager & Sales Lead for E. R. Boliantz Packing Co. Ohio State University graduate and meat science expert working with and advising area cattle feeders. Recipient of the OCA Young Cattleman of the Year award. Family owns Buckeye Creek Angus, a growing seedstock operation.
LINDSEY HALL, HIGHLAND COUNTY
Employed as an agent for ICAP Crop Insurance, she and her family own and operate Maplecrest Farms. As a graduate of Ohio State & Kansas State Universities and current OCA vice president, Lindsey and her family are the next generation of Maplecrest’s elite seedstock operation and she is the Manager of Product Procurement for their newest business venture, Maplecrest Meats & More.
KIRSTEN NICKLES, ASHLAND COUNTY
Sustainability & Animal Care Scientist for Certified Angus Beef working to build brand integrity with their marketing partners and maintain consumer trust in the CAB brand. Ohio State University Ph.D. graduate and current member of the OCA board of directors. She is involved with her family’s cattle and crop farm.
GARRETT STANFIELD, ADAMS COUNTY
Regional Business Manager for Trans Ova Genetics. Co-advisor for the Ohio Junior Simmental Association. Ohio State University graduate and former participant in the OCA Young Cattlemen’s Conference leadership program. Herdsman and manager for Stanfield Farms a Simmental seedstock producer.
CHEYENNE MYERS Vice Chair TAYLOR POFF Public Relations Director NOAH LANG Leadership & Development Director
TATUMN POFF Chair
OBYC OFFICERS
FEBRUARY 1 - AFTERNOON
12:00 p.m. LUNCHEON
HOSTED BY OHIO BEEF COUNCIL
The Ohio Beef Council Operating Committee and staff will present a review of 2024 strategic Checkoff investments designed to build beef demand.
1:00 p.m. OHIO CATTLEWOMEN ANNUAL MEETING
Ohio CattleWomen will gather to to discuss programs and priorities for the upcoming year and elect their new 2025 officer class.
1:30 p.m. OCA ANNUAL MEETING
Take an active role in OCA at the Annual Meeting where members will set policy for 2025, hear program updates, and listen to featured speaker, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) CEO, Colin Woodall.
FEATURED SPEAKER
COLIN WOODALL, NCBA CEO
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
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 2024 recipients.
5:00
8:30
The evening will include the celebration of seven distinguished award winners for the year in the categories of 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 the Outstanding County Award. A plated dinner will be served as attendees enjoy viewing the release of the award videos.
SOCIAL & PAC AUCTION
Stick around following the banquet to enjoy refreshments and an evening with fellow cattlemen. Don’t miss your opportunity to take home some great items and experiences with the live auctions benefiting OCA PAC and its political work on behalf of Ohio’s beef industry.
ANNUAL MEETING SCHEDULE
Industry Excellence Award - Dr. Aaron Arnett
BENEFITTING THE CATTLE & AG INDUSTRIES IN WAYS HE NEVER DREAMED WERE POSSIBLE
For Aaron Arnett, opportunity came knocking in the form of an internship at Select Sires. At the time, he was on the livestock judging team at Ohio State University, and every year the judging coach recommended a student in the beef program for an internship with the company that specializes in bovine genetics and reproductive services. Aaron was that student one year, and the internship worked out so well that he returned the next summer. “I had such a good experience that they invited me back and I did the internship for two summers and it was fantastic,” he said. Little did he know at the time that years later he would be invited back to the Plain City company immediately after receiving his PhD.
“Everything came full circle. I never would have guessed that as an undergrad,” he said.
After getting an animal science degree at Ohio State, Aaron moved on to the University of Kentucky for his master’s degree in reproductive physiology. He was coach of the college’s livestock judging team and enjoyed teaching the students.
“I probably learned more than my students did at that time,” he said.
“The judging team experience was just an awesome opportunity to grow and learn and help influence the lives of other young people coming through college.”
As he says, Aaron was “riding a wave” with his professional development and decided to pursue a doctorate degree at Kansas State University with the intention of teaching. But he switched things up a bit and decided to focus on meat science, inspired by what he’d seen as a livestock judge.
“I took a risk in going in a different direction with my PhD and not getting it in reproductive physiology. There are so many unique things on the meat science side, and I was really fascinated by the body composition of what’s underneath that hide of a beef steer,” he said. “I knew there were a lot of opportunities in the meat sciences and well paying jobs in the industry.”
Just before he graduated from Kansas State in December 2007, Aaron received a call from genetic breeding pioneer Roy Allen Wallace. He was looking to retire after working 40 years for Select Sires and was looking for his replacement. Aaron accepted the position of vice president of beef genetics and while he was in the process of moving back to Ohio, Roy
unexpectedly died of a heart attack. “He was gone and I never got to work with him again. It was an interesting baptism by fire to be kind of thrown in the shadow of a living legend,” Aaron said of Roy who later was inducted into the Ohio Agricultural Council Hall of Fame.
For almost eight years, Aaron led a global beef team that marketed the beef industry’s best genetics in 70 countries and doubled beef semen sales. He also was instrumental in helping develop new industry partnerships with Certified Angus Beef and Top Dollar Angus. Then he was offered a position at a competitor that was too good to pass up. In 2015 he joined Sexing Technologies, now known as ST Genetics, as director of beef genetics.
“The company approached me saying they wanted to start a beef program and asking if I was interested in helping lead it. I thought it was a really progressive company and an awesome opportunity,” he said. “One of the things I’m most proud of that we’ve been working on is fertility and longevity traits in beef cattle. We’re using DNA technology to identify more fertile cattle that have the propensity to stay in the herd longer (resulting in)
Story & Photos by Amy Beth Graves
a longer, more profitable and lasting impact for a farmer or rancher. And that’s really been exciting.”
Aaron paused briefly as he reflected on his accomplishments at the two companies, which have signed letters of intention to merge and form a new company.
“I’m just a kid from Darke County who grew up on a small family farm and had a commercial cow herd and look at where I am today,” he said.
It’s a message that Aaron conveyed a few months ago when he was invited to speak to dozens of students at Ohio State’s animal sciences club Saddle and Sirloin, which he was part of as an undergraduate.
“It’s kind of fun to go back and try to do what I can to inspire those kids, to say ‘If he can do it, I can.’ I like to convey the message that I’m a product of a very similar upbringing as a lot of these kids and you can do whatever you dream you want to,” he said. “One of my favorite parts is when I say ‘Here’s my contact information. You’re welcome to contact me if you need anything.’”
Aaron does what he can to help students find their calling and while teaching is not his full-time job, he’s an adjunct professor in Ohio State’s Department of Animal Sciences. He also continues to officiate livestock shows in the U.S. and internationally. For him, his life skills and success circle back to his livestock judging roots. “Being part of a livestock judging team is probably one of the best opportunities a young person can have in animal agriculture. You get to travel to new places and interact with premier and respected breeders of livestock,” he said. “To form those connections and the opportunities that came with it kindles a lot of who I am today.”
Aaron has served on the boards of the Ohio Cattlemen’s Association, National Cattlemen’s Association
and Beef Improvement Federation and is always open to learning more about how to improve and promote the cattle industry. “There’s a lot of people who maybe think we’re just in this for the money or we don’t treat animals humanely. As a meat scientist, I can tell you that the animals are well cared for and the process of harvesting is a very quiet, smooth and no suffering kind of deal. The measures that we have in place to ensure the animals never suffer is poorly understood by the average consumer,” he said.
Aaron lives in Richland County and raises Angus cattle with the help of his wife, Jill, and their three children, ages, 12, 10 and 8. Having their children grow up and help out on the farm is setting them up for future success, he said.
“Kids who grow up on a farm have a lot of resilience. These kids are tough. They always find a way to get the job done and have an incredible amount of perseverance,” he said. “It’s not a business that you just get lucky to be successful at. You’ve got to really, really love it.”
OCA HOSTS SUCCESSFUL REPLACEMENT FEMALE SALE
The Ohio Cattlemen’s Association (OCA) held their 12th annual Replacement Female Sale on Nov. 29 at the Muskingum Livestock Auction Company in Zanesville, Ohio. A large crowd was on hand and online to bid on 82 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 81 lots of bred heifers, bred cows, and cow-calf pairs at the auction. The sale included 54 bred heifers that averaged $2,961, 3 cow-calf pairs sold for $3,333, and 24 bred cows that averaged $2,804. One open cow sold for $1,250. The 82 total lots grossed $238,250 for an overall average of $2,905. The females sold to buyers from Ohio, Pennsylvania and West Virginia. Col. Ron Kreis served as the auctioneer.
Sales prices were higher year over year driven by current cattle prices and the quality of the females offered, as the 2024 sale represented a $458 per head price increase over the 2023 sale. Demand was
very strong for quality females, as 72 lots sold for at least $2,500 and 34 of those sold for $3,000 or greater.
Erv-N-Del Farms of Louisville, Ohio consigned the top selling cows. The lot 40 purebred Simmental was sold to Zackery Jones of Freeport, Ohio for $3,600. The lot 44 purebred Simmental consigned by Erv-N-Del sold for $3,300 to Circle H Livestock from Dundee, Ohio.
of Freeport, Ohio. Crum Cattle Company sold a pair of 50% Simmental heifers, lots 28 and 30 for $3,500. The lot 4 registered Angus heifer from 1840 Angus also sold for $3,500.
1840 Angus Farm of Homerville, Ohio sold the high selling pair, lot 1 to LinJus Farms of Duncan Falls, Ohio at $3,700. VanHorn Farms from Malta, Ohio sold the lot 72 LimFlex pair for $3,500 to Gail Williamson of Warsaw, Ohio.
Crum Cattle Company of Wooster, Ohio consigned the top selling bred heifer. The lot 29 commercial half Simmental heifer sold to Rose Koehler of Lancaster, Ohio for $3,700. The second highest selling bred heifer sold for $3,600. 1840 Angus Farm of Homerville, Ohio sold the lot 7 SimAngus female to Zakery Jones
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 increased prices for breeding cattle, driven by historic highs in the cattle market throughout the past year.
For more information contact Garth Ruff, OCA Replacement Female Sale Manager at 740-651-7140 or ruff.72@osu.edu or OCA at 614-873-6736 or cattle@ohiocattle.org.
SUPPORT FUTURE BEEF INDUSTRY LEADERS
The Ohio Cattlemen’s Foundation’s (OCF) mission is to advance the future of Ohio’s beef industry. 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, over $70,000 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 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 43040.
Saturday January 18, 2025 1:00 PM
Providing Drought ReliefAg-LINKThrough
By: Ohio Treasurer, Robert Sprague
Ohio farms, agribusinesses, and co-ops are vital to our economy, providing jobs, driving growth, feeding families, and fostering community pride. As one of the state’s key economic drivers, a strong agricultural sector is essential to Ohio’s continued success. The Ohio Treasurer’s office has long administered the Ag-LINK program, which provides interest rate reductions on loans for farmers, agribusinesses, and co-ops.
In an effort to support the Ohio farmers most impacted by this year’s drought conditions, our office will be offering enhanced loan terms for a limited time, including a larger than usual interest rate reduction (current reduction is 2.5%), an extended loan term of two years (instead of one), and an increased loan cap of up to $750,000 (up from $500,000). These adjustments are designed to provide financial relief, helping farmers in affected counties manage up-front costs for feed, seed, fertilizer, and fuel as they recover from drought conditions.
The special terms will be available for a limited time, starting early 2025. Farmers outside the drought region will continue to receive the standard Ag-LINK terms. Eligible farmers should apply during the specified window and stay in contact with their lenders for updates on application procedures and deadlines.
More information will be forthcoming, and you can find the most up to date details on our website at tos.ohio.gov/aglink.
CALENDAR of EVENTS
OCA recently attended a Delaware County event in support of Ohio Lt. Governor Jon Husted.
Staff members, Anna Gest, Morgan Hoppes, and Kelly Keirn attended the Partnerships in Action conference hosted by NCBA in Denver, Colorado.
OCA recently testified in support of Ohio drought relief legislation. HB 683 sponsored by Representative Don Jones, left, that passed the Ohio House in early Dec. Attending the House finance committee hearing were OCA directors, from the left Joe Grubbs, Carroll County and Jim Jepsen, Fairfield County and Representative Monica Robb Blasdel.
