Young Cattlemen’s Conference Shaping the Future of the Industry By Katie Hack, OCA Intern
Young Cattlemen’s Conference participants enjoyed the opportunity to learn about issues in the beef industry at the Ohio State House. From Left to Right, Back Row: Mitch Alt; Crawford County, Josh Bodimer; Gallia County, Kendra Bodimer; Gallia County, Chris Selby; Montgomery County, Middle Row: Cody Bayer; Crawford County, Trish Levering; Knox County, JB Levering; Knox County, Jeremy Barbour; Stark County, Bottom Row: Katie Frey; Williams County, and Katie Esselburn; Wayne County
I
“ ’ve got black cattle and you’ve got white, but we all have the same goal…to produce a safe, healthy, profitable product,” said John Grimes, OSU Extension Beef Coordinator, during the State of The Union for the Beef Industry session at the Young Cattlemen’s Conference (YCC), August 9-11. Grimes updated those in attendance on issues concerning the drought’s affect on U.S. cattle prices, the expected drop in beef cow slaughter and the impact importation and exportation of beef will have on the U.S. economy. This informational session was just one of many opportunities that 10 young cattlemen from across Ohio had during the two days of YCC. A highlight of the conference, according to many of the participants, was Beef Night at 58 x Ohio Cattleman x Early Fall Issue 2012
the Ballpark. Attendees enjoyed an evening at Huntington Park, home of the Columbus Clippers minor league baseball team, along with Ohio Beef Council members, the Ohio Cattlemen’s Foundation Board and the families who won tickets from the Striking Out Hunger Facebook promotion. Cattlemen sported shirts which said, “Ask me about beef,” to encourage conversation between consumers and the individuals who produce their food. “I heart beef,” stickers were a huge hit with children and adults alike and could be seen throughout the ballpark. Attendees relished in a free meal of juicy all beef hot dogs, mouth watering hamburgers, and scrumptious barbecued beef while cheering on the Columbus Clippers to victory over the Indianapolis Indians.
Daren Williams, Director of Communications at the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, gave YCC members insight into what checkoff dollars are invested in the national level as well as how to better communicate with consumers on a daily basis. During the opening session on Thursday night, Williams had the ladies’ full attention as he played the newest beef commercials featuring the voice of Matthew McConaughey, but the gentlemen were not left out as an inspiring tale of a rancher out west was also featured in one of the new checkoff promotions. Williams led the Friday morning session by teaching techniques on how to talk to individuals and groups who may not be familiar with the beef industry. Each participant was given the opportunity to an-