OCA Celebrates Members FOR INDUSTRY ACHIEVEMENTS
ANNUAL AWARDS
·
SCHOLARSHIPS
·
TOP HAND
Although Ohio’s cattle industry was unable to celebrate in person at the Ohio Cattlemen’s Association’s (OCA) Annual Meeting and Awards Banquet, the 2021 award winners, scholarship recipients and Top Hand recruiters are still being celebrated for their achievements. Each year OCA awards seven distinguished individuals and organizations for their achievements and leadership within Ohio’s cattle industry. COMMERCIAL CATTLEMAN OF THE YEAR – SHUGERT FARMS, ST. CLAIRSVILLE The Commercial Cattleman of the Year Award is presented to Ohio farms who have demonstrated success through their commercial cattle operations. These farms utilize performance information and the latest technologies available to increase the predictability of the cattle they raise, in addition to maintaining a continued focus on meeting and exceeding the expectations of beef consumers. Bob Shugert operates Shugert farms alongside his brother Dwight Shugert and partners Steve and Stephanie Harris. Over the years the farm has grown and today spreads over two states and several counties where they run 2,500 head of cattle. This award was sponsored by the Ohio Angus Association. ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP AWARD – TURNER SHORTHORNS, SOMERSET The Environmental Stewardship Award is presented to Ohio farms who have demonstrated a strong commitment to being good stewards of their land, water and air resources, livestock and operate their farms in a sustainable manner. Recipients implement best practices to control water run-off, reduce damage in high-traffic feeding/watering areas, exercise good pasture management, preserve woodlands and provide for wildlife. They often partner with government entities to implement conservation measures. Dr. Thomas B. and Susie Turner are the owners and labor force behind their 60 head Shorthorn cattle operation. The couple raise their cattle on a 215 acre reclaimed silica mine where they work diligently to find solutions for the challenges they face with erosion. This award was sponsored by the Ohio Shorthorn Breeders Association.
16 | Ohio Cattleman | Expo Issue 2021
OUTSTANDING COUNTY AWARD – FAIRFIELD COUNTY CATTLEMEN’S ASSOCIATION The Outstanding County award is OCA’s opportunity to recognize the outstanding achievement, industry education and consumer promotion efforts of counties from across the state. Activities, participation in OCA events, communication efforts, support of industry youth and a cohesive partnership are all areas of focus for award recognition. The Fairfield County Cattlemen’s Association prioritizes their youth development programs and fundraisers. Each year, they award multiple scholarships, sponsor a pee wee showmanship class and host a carcass contest. A recipient of one of their scholarships, Desirae Logsdon, went on to become the National Shorthorn Lassie Queen. The group is well-known in the community for their educational and beef promotional efforts, including the annual chili cook off. This award was sponsored by Ohio Corn & Wheat.
