Ohio Cattleman Summer Issue 2017

Summer 2017

Official Publication of the Ohio Cattlemen’s Association

Summer Issue 2017 | Ohio Cattleman | 1

YOUR $2 BEEF BEEFCHECKOFF CHECKOFF

Hosts #BlogMeetsBeef Tour

Highlights

• • • •

Farm Tour at Dusty Rose Farms, Family-Owned Cow-Calf Farm Farm Tour at Hoffman Farms, Family-Owned Feedlot Progressive Dinner hosted by Cameron Mitchell Restaurants Hands-On cooking demonstration with CMR Chef Peter Chapman

By the Numbers: • •

5 Food and Lifestyle Bloggers Total reach of roughly 1 million consumers on social media

Results: • •

•

All bloggers felt the positives outweighed the negatives of beef All attendees said the experience made them more likely to recommend beef to their families and followers Bloggers indicated they now feel much more comfortable with production practices and were excited to put the new skills they learned to use in future OBC projects.

BEEF

COUNCIL www.ohiobeef.org

Features 7

United Producers Hold Sixth Annual Fat Cattle Show and Sale

10

OCF Cattlemen’s Gala & Registration

13

BEST Program Concludes a Successful 18th Yeat at Annual Banquet

17

OCA & OBC Welcome Summer Interns

27

2016-2017 BEST Schedule

30 Environmental Stewardship Award

The Hord Family focuses on environmental stewardship

by Amy Beth Graves

30

Editorial

News & Notes

Reference

4

Harsh Realities

7

OCA News

6

OCA News & Views

8

Your Dues Dollars at Work

8 OCA County Affiliate Presidents

22

Forage Corner

9

Beef Briefs

24

Up the Alley

16

Letters to the Editor

28

Ohio CattleWomen Update

19

Breed News

27

County Cattle Call

37

Checkoff News

34 On the Edge of Common Sense

18

Allied Industry Council

36

Calendar of Events

38

Parting Shots

38

Advertisers’ Index

On the Cover

Photo taken at Hoffman Farms, Fairfield County, by Emily Henes, OCA Staff

Summer Issue 2017 | Ohio Cattleman | 3

Harsh Realities

Ohio Cattleman

By Elizabeth Harsh, Ohio Cattleman Editor

10600 U.S. Highway 42 Marysville, Ohio 43040 Phone 614-873-6736 • Fax 614-873-6835 www.ohiocattle.org beef@ohiobeef.org Editor Elizabeth Harsh Managing Editor Lauren Corry Sales Representative Stephanie Sindel

Ohio Cattleman magazine (USPA: 020-968, ISSN: 15430588) 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 Summer 2017 issue is 3,310.

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 614-873-6736. All advertising material for the Early Fall Issue must be received by August 11, 2017 .

Ohio Cattleman Advertising Rates

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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: 614-8736736

4 | Ohio Cattleman | Summer Issue 2017

Building Our Future The semen tank seat belted in the back seat of my car made a familiar rattle as I wheeled into the underground parking garage of the Ohio Statehouse earlier this week. As the machine spit out my ticket, I wondered how many rules I was breaking with the tank in the car. However, the need to multi-task several things that day won out and offset any concerns I might have had over rule violations.

The situation left me wondering how many times over the years a semen tank, or some other important cattle production tool found its way into the Statehouse parking garage. Considering my own question, I imagined that these days it probably doesn’t happen often and that’s unfortunate. Why? Because we don’t have nearly enough cattle producers serving in Ohio’s legislature, and just as important, we don’t have cattle men and women coming to the Statehouse regularly to visit with their elected officials. Both reasons should concern us as we prepare for the future of Ohio’s beef industry.

It was preparation for the future that helped guide the OCA board of directors as they created the new Cattlemen’s Gala celebration and fundraiser planned for later this summer. This inaugural event will benefit the Ohio Cattlemen’s Foundation’s youth scholarship fund and the next generation of beef industry leaders. The association’s goal to become an even stronger advocate for the industry also helped them as they determined the Gala would alternate years, with the 2018 event benefiting OCA’s PAC fund.

Ohio’s cattlemen have a lot to celebrate, and we invite you to join the day-long celebration planned for Saturday, August 26 in central Ohio. We’ll kick the day off with a Sporting Clays Shoot featuring individual and team competition to support the cause. Following the shoot, OCA will hold a Summer Business Meeting to discuss proposed amendments to the OCA bylaws. During the meeting the membership committee will roll out the association’s new Ohio Young Cattlemen’s (OYC) membership program planned for 2018. Steve Hopkins, NCBA Region I Vice President for Policy will also attend and provide a brief NCBA update. The business meeting is free to attend and open to all OCA members.

Later that evening put on your boots and hats for dinner, drinks, and dancing in the barn at the Cattlemen’s Gala. The evening will be casual and is the perfect night for jeans and western dresses. The Gala will feature great food and great live music from the John D. Hale Band, a nationally known Red Dirt music group from Missouri. The committee has outdone itself with the line-up of items planned for both a silent and live auction that will also benefit the scholarship fund.

The events are open to all, so bring your friends and neighbors who like beef and enjoy a fun time. Discounted rates are available for attending the entire day, or join us as you can for either the Sporting Clays Shoot or Cattlemen’s Gala. You won’t want to miss what is sure to be a good time for a great cause.

In consideration of what our farm might donate for the Gala auction, I’m thinking it needs to be a used semen tank. Seems every time I need to transport a few straws of semen or some embryos, I get stuck with the oldest and heaviest tank we have! Have a great summer and we look forward to seeing you at the Ohio State Fair or one of the many upcoming OCA events. Be sure you are holding August 26 on your calendar and start making plans to attend. v

Reaching Retirement

By Patrick Saunders, Financial Consultant Understand Your Retirement Plan Distribution Options

Y

ou’ve worked hard your whole life anticipating theday you could finally retire. Well, that day has arrived!

But with it comes the realization that you’ll need to carefully manage your assets so that your retirement savings will last.

Review Your Portfolio

Traditional wisdom holds that retirees should value the safety of their principal above all else. For this reason, some people shift their investment portfolio to fixed-income investments, such as bonds and money market accounts, as they approach retirement. The problem with this approach is that you’ll effectively lose purchasing power if the return on your investments doesn’t keep up with inflation.

While generally it makes sense for your portfolio to become progressively more conservative as you grow older, it may be wise to consider maintaining at least a portion of your portfolio in growth investments.

Spend Wisely

Don’t assume that you’ll be able to live on the earnings generated by your investment portfolio and retirement accounts for the rest of your life. At some point, you’ll probably have to start drawing on the principal. But you’ll want to be careful not to spend too much too soon. This can be a great temptation, particularly early in retirement.

A good guideline is to make sure your annual withdrawal rate isn’t greater than 4% to 6% of your portfolio. (The appropriate percentage for you will depend on a number of factors, including the length of your payout period and your portfolio’s asset allocation.)

Remember that if you whittle away your principal too quickly, you may not be able to earn enough on the remaining principal to carry you through the later years.

Most pension plans pay benefits in the form of an annuity. If you’re married you generally must choose between a higher retirement benefit paid over your lifetime, or a smaller benefit that continues to your spouse after your death. A financial professional can help you with this difficult, but important, decision. Other employer retirement plans like 401(k)s typically don’t pay benefits as annuities; the distribution (and investment) options available to you may be limited. This may be important because if you’re trying to stretch your savings, you’ll want to withdraw money from your retirement accounts as slowly as possible. Doing so will conserve the principal balance, and will also give those funds the chance to continue growing tax deferred during your retirement years. Consider whether it makes sense to roll your employer retirement account into a traditional IRA, which typically has very flexible withdrawal options. If you decide to work for another employer, you might also be able to transfer assets you’ve accumulated to your new employer’s plan, if the new employer.

Plan for Required Distributions

Keep in mind that you must generally begin taking minimum distributions from employer retirement plans and traditional IRAs when you reach age 70½, whether you need them or not. Plan to spend these dollars first in retirement.

If you own a Roth IRA, you aren’t required to take any distributions during your lifetime. Your funds can continue to grow tax deferred, and qualified distributions will be tax free. Because of these unique tax benefits, it generally makes sense to withdraw funds from a Roth IRA last.

Know your Social Security options

You’ll need to decide when to start receiving your Social Security retirement benefits. At normal retirement age (which varies from 66 to 67, depending on the year you were born), you can receive your

full Social Security retirement benefit You can elect to receive your Social Security retirement benefit as early as age 62, but if you begin receiving your benefit before your normal retirement age, your benefit will be reduced.

Conversely, if you delay retirement, you can increase your Social Security retirement benefit.

Consider Phasing

For many workers, the sudden change from employee to retiree can be a difficult one. Some employers, especially those in the public sector, have begun offering “phased retirement” plans to address this problem. Phased retirement generally allows you to continue working on a part-time basis--you benefit by having a smoother transition from full-time employment to retirement, and your employer benefits by retaining the services of a talented employee.

Some phased retirement plans even allow you to access all or part of your pension benefit while you work part time. Of course, to the extent you are able to support yourself with a salary, the less you’ll need to dip into your retirement savings. Another advantage of delaying full retirement is that you can continue to build tax-deferred funds in your IRA or employer-sponsored retirement plan. Keep in mind, though, that you may be required to start taking minimum distributions from your qualified retirement plan or traditional IRA once you reach age 70½, if you want to avoid substantial penalties.

If you do continue to work, make sure you understand the consequences. Some pension plans base your retirement benefit on your final average pay.

By planning carefully, investing wisely, and spending thoughtfully, you can increase the likelihood that your retirement will be a financially comfortable one.

Patrick Saunders 740-446-2000 psaunders@hilliard.com

Hilliard Lyons does not offer tax or legal advice. Please consult your tax advisor or attorney before making any decision that may affect your tax or legal situation. Securities offered through J.J.B. Hilliard, W.L. Lyons, LLC Member NYSE, FINRA and SIPC. ©2007-2014 All rights reserved.

Summer Issue 2017 | Ohio Cattleman | 5

OCA Officers

President • Joe Foster Vice President • Sasha Rittenhouse Secretary • Elizabeth Harsh Treasurer • Bill Tom Past President • Frank Phelps

OCA News & Views

By Joe Foster, OCA President

U.S. Beef Back in China OCA Directors

Aaron Arnett Director At-Large Marysville • Term expires 2017 Tom Karr Director At-Large Pomeroy • Term expires 2018 J.L. Draganic Director At-Large South Solon • Term expires 2019 Scott Alexander District 1 Bowling Green • Term expires 2017 Kelvin Egner District 2 Shelby • Term expires 2018 Pete Conkle District 3 Hanoverton • Term expires 2019 Troy Jones District 4 Harrod • Term expires 2017 Frank Phelps District 5 Belle Center • Term expires 2018 Pam Haley District 6 West Salem • Term expires 2019 Brad Thornburg District 7 Barnesville • Term expires 2017 Sasha Rittenhouse District 8 New Carlisle • Term expires 2018 Jim Jepsen District 9 Amanda • Term expires 2019 Bill Tom District 10 Spring Valley • Term expires 2017 Craig Shelton District 11 Lynchburg • Term expires 2018 Joe Foster District 12 Gallia • Term expires 2019

Elections are held each year in November.

If interested in serving on the OCA Board, please call the OCA office.

OCA Staff

Elizabeth Harsh Executive Director Lauren Corry Director of Communications & Managing Editor Cambell Parrish Director of Public Relations & Consumer Marketing Stephanie Sindel Director of Member Services & Youth Programs Ron Windnagel Director of Accounting & Operations Emily Henes Project Manager Amber Shoemaker Administrative Assistant & Youth Program Coordinator 6 | Ohio Cattleman | Summer Issue 2017

The renewed access to the Chinese beef market has created a lot of excitement in the countryside. If you search the words “U.S.”, “BEEF” and “CHINA” you get awakened by these enlightening search results…. “US beef speeds to China by air as trade deal ends 14-year ban”, “Chinese beef buyers race to get hands on American steak”,” China takes delivery on first shipment of American beef in 14 years!”

Wow! This is great news. Prior to the ban on US beef after the BSE catastrophe, the US was in the advantageous position of providing China with about 70 percent of the beef they imported. If we consider their population growth, an expanding middle class, along with the fact that many of the Chinese people remember what US beef tastes like, we have a lot to be excited about.

I would certainly like to thank all the officials involved in getting the details worked out and the tracks greased to start this process. While I have seen government officials take what seems to be an inordinate amount of time to complete something that seems simple to me, I have to give credit to USDA for hammering out some very complicated guidelines in a very short time on this issue.

I would like to direct your attention to some of the guidelines. If you care to dive in head first I will direct you to the USDA FSIS website to dissect “Guidance Document for EV China Program (QAD1030AA). This document outlines the scope, definitions, and components for being qualified for participation in the exciting Chinese export market. The important takeaway for me in this document is section 6 discussing enrollment in an “Export Verification China Program.” Third party verification systems already have cattle enrolled in various programs that will qualify for export to China. Many age and source verification programs, as well as, natural programs meet the requirements. Beef must be from cattle that can be traced to their birth farms.

Whoaaa… hold your horses. Source verified? Many of us are enrolled in programs that will qualify us to participate in the Chinese export market.

Unfortunately, I believe most of us will need to adjust our production practices and record keeping to reap the rewards. Source verified cattle programs are much like other changes we have seen in our industry. These programs continue to provide for possible premiums at the marketplace today. Tomorrow they will become the standard. How long before we will be discounted if we are not source verified?

I sure understand that a source verification program doesn’t fit every producer, but it won’t cost you anything to explore the concept. Source verification is the price of entry to The Peoples Republic of China, do you have your ticket? v

OCA News

Continued on page 16

United Producers Hold Sixth Annual Fat Cattle Show and Sale United Producers Inc. (UPI) held its sixth annual Fat Cattle Show and Sale at its Bucyrus, Ohio, facility on June 27. UPI employees Scott Acker, Terry Blythe and Trent Ward judged pens of three beef steers, beef heifers and Holstein steers based on a desirable combination of muscling and finish.

Plaques and cash were awarded to the top three pens in each category.

The winners were Grand Champion Steers – Alvin Horst Jr., of Shelby, Ohio; Reserve Grand Champion Steers – Andy Stirm of Bucyrus, Ohio; Third Place Steers – Tom Henline of Pemberville, Ohio and Andy Witker of Bradner, Ohio; Grand Champion Heifers – Andy Thomas of Plain City, Ohio; Reserve Grand Champion Heifers – Hartley Grain Farm of Bellevue, Ohio; Third Place Heifers – Bass Beef of Ada, Ohio; Grand Champion Holsteins – Kaple Farm of Tiro, Ohio; Reserve Grand Champion Holsteins – Jeff and Tyler Cramer of New Washington, Ohio; Third Place Holsteins – Jason Wiles of Creston, Ohio.

“The quality of commercial cattle at the show every year is outstanding,” said John Albert, facility manager at the United Producers facility in Bucyrus. “We enjoy having this annual show and

sale that showcases the commercial cattle industry and we appreciate the support from the sponsors and community.”

There were 120 pen of three entries from 54 consignors at this year’s show and over 360 head of cattle sold. Holstein steers brought a high of $110.50 CWT, beef steers brought a high of $132.00 CWT and beef heifers brought a high of $131.25 CWT. Sponsors of this event included: Barhaven Trucking, Burkhart Farm Center, Crawford County Cattlemen’s Association, Huron County Cattlemen’s Association, Morrow County Cattlemen’s Association, North Central Veterinary Services, Ohio Cattlemen’s Association, S & F Transport, United Producers Credit Services, Ashland County Cattlemen’s Association, Hardin County Cattlemen’s Association, Marion County Cattlemen’s Association and Richland County Cattlemen’s Association.

2017 Fat Cattle Show Results Steers Grand Champion Steers - Alvin Horst Jr., Shelby Reserve Grand Champion Steers - Andy Stirm, Bucyrus Third Place Steers - Tom Henline, Pemberville - Andy Witker, Bradner

Heifers Grand Champion Heifers - Andy Thomas, Plain City Reserve Grand Champion Heifers - Hartley Grain Farm, Bellevue Third Place Heifers - Bass Beef, Ada

Holsteins Grand Champion Holsteins - Kaple Farm, Tiro Reserve Grand Champion Holsteins - Jeff & Tyler Cramer, New Washington Third Place Holsteins - Jason Wiles, Creston

Winners in attendance at the sixth annual Fat Cattle Show and Sale at UPI-Bucyrus, Ohio.

(L-R) Bob Bass with Bass Beef, Third Place Heifers; Mike Kaple with Kaple Farms, Grand Champion Holsteins; Tom Henline, Third Place Beef Steers; Julie Regula representing Andy Thomas, Grand Champion Beef Heifers; Jeff Hartley with Hartley Grain Farm, Reserve Champion Beef Heifers; Jeff and Tyler Cramer, Reserve Champion Holsteins; and Alvin Horst Jr., Grand Champion Beef Steers.

Summer Issue 2017 | Ohio Cattleman | 7

Your Dues Dollars at Work

OCA County Affiliate Presidents

Adams......................................Jeremy Tomlin Allen...........................................Brad Heffner Ashland..................................... Matt Stewart Athens/Meigs/Washington.... Jamey Rauch Auglaize.......................... Charles Sutherland Brown............................................Alan Scott Butler.............................................Dean Lake Carroll................................ Johnna Campbell Champaign.............................. Andy Maurice Clark....................................... Linde Sutherly Clermont......................................Chris Smith Columbiana/Mahoning/Trumbull................. .................................................Duane Nickell Crawford.....................................Kurt Weaver Darke.......................................... Brad Wilcox Fairfield......................................Dale Decker Fayette.......................................J.L. Draganic Fulton................................... Rick Coopshaw Gallia.......................................... Scott Payne Greene........................................ Josh Jacobs Hancock................................Charles Beagle Hardin....................................Marcia Hoovler Henry.......................................Tim Brinkman Highland.................................. Craig Shelton Hocking.................................. Jo Ann Murtha Huron......................................Barrett French Jackson................................ Justin Spengler Jefferson................................... Tyler Ramsey Knox......................................Chuck Dudgeon Lawrence............................. Nathan Lambert Licking......................................... Steve Davis Logan.........................................Troy Selhorst Madison................................ Quinton Keeran Marion..................................... Dustin Bayles Mercer........................................Neil Siefring Miami...................................Robert Karnehm Montgomery......................Duane Plessinger Morrow........................................Russ Mayer Muskingum................................... Adam Heil Noble..................................... Pernell Salings Ohio Valley...................................... Ben Cline Perry......................................Jason Poorman Preble...................................... Rodney Mann Putnam............................. Dennis Schroeder Richland................................... Dave Fackler Seneca............................................ Jason Fox Shelby......................................... Jason Gibbs Stark............................................Steve Lewis Vinton.............................Teresa Snider-West Williams.................................. Robin Herman Wood...................................... Brett Reynolds Wyandot........................................Mike Thiel

8 | Ohio Cattleman | Summer Issue 2017

A review of actions by the Ohio Cattlemen’s Association Legislative & Regulatory •

• •

•

OCA signed a letter to U. S. House and Senate Agriculture Committees requesting funding support for a Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) Vaccine Bank at $150 million per year for five years. The letter pointed out that the significance of the funding request must be considered against the projected devastating economic consequences of an FMD outbreak in the U.S. and an immediate closure of all U. S. export markets.

OCA joined other cattle associations in a letter to Congressional appropriators requesting a Gross Vehicle Weight limit pilot safety study in the FY 2018 appropriations to advance the effort to increase truck weights across the U.S. OCA initiated an action alert call to its membership to secure and preserve a fix for the CAUV Current Agricultural Use Value formula in the state budget.

Ohio farmers have experienced a 300 percent increase in CAUV property taxes over the last several years.

OCA met with new members of the Ohio House and Senate agriculture committees to familiarize them with the scope of Ohio’s beef industry

Youth •

• • • •

Presented nearly $11,000 to the Make-A-Wish program for 2016-17 to grant the wishes of children with life threatening illnesses. Over the last five years BEST participants have raised a total of over $70,000 through this community service project.

Sponsored beef proficiency and meat skills awards presented at the 2017 Ohio FFA Convention.

Exhibited at the Ohio FFA Convention and shared information on the Masters of Beef Advocacy (MBA) program available for individuals or as classroom lesson plans.

Helped coordinate registration for the OSU Livestock Judging Camp held in June on the OSU Columbus campus.

Processed Best of the Buckeye (BOTB) program nominations for the Ohio State Fair BOTB shows.

Programs & Events • • • • • •

Hosted the OSU Football team for an all-beef meal at their spring Champions dinner and a meal for the incoming freshman football players and their families.

Sponsored the Bucyrus United Producers, Inc. Fed Cattle Show & Sale on June 27.

Planned the 2017 OCA Young Cattlemen’s Conference set for August 10-12.

Scheduled volunteers for the OCA Steak Barn and Taste of Ohio Café beef stands at the 2017 Ohio State Fair.

Finalized plans for the inaugural Cattlemen’s Gala celebration and fundraiser and sporting clays shoot on August 26 to benefit the Ohio Cattlemen’s Foundation youth scholarship program.

Attended county affiliate events in Clark, Crawford and Gallia Counties

Association • • •

• • •

Held June board of directors’ meetings for OCA and OCF directors.

Compiled and emailed May and June e-newsletters to OCA membership.

Represented the beef industry in meetings with Ohio commodity groups and the OSU Agricultural, Environmental & Development Economics Department to discuss the production on a new report reflecting the contributions of agriculture to Ohio’s economy.

Produced the 2017 edition of The Ring.

Met with the new Vice President for Agricultural Administration & Dean of the CFAES to discuss beef industry needs and the future of the animal science department and its livestock facilities.

Printed the 2017 Ohio Feeder Calf Special Sales brochure for distribution beginning at the Ohio State Fair.

Beef Briefs In Memoriam Noah Cox

Noah Robert Cox, 18, of Coolville, Ohio died during a tragic tractor accident Wednesday, May 31, 2017 in New Plymouth, Ohio. He was born June 20, 1998 in Parkersburg, West Virginia, son of Jeffrey and Stephanie Largent Cox. Noah was a 2016 graduate of Federal Hocking High School and as a member of the Hoof N Hide 4-H Club and the Federal Hocking FFA. He blossomed as a wonderful human being.

Noah’s hard work earned him his FFA American Degree, which he would have received in November.

Noah’s love for family, friends, animals, motorcycles and trucks was like no other. This along with his passion for animals helped guide him to be a decorated cattle showman, and successful in the OCA BEST program. Noah had a heart of gold and his ability to love was only matched by his sense of humor, and for this, Noah will be greatly missed by family and friends.

Memorial donations may be made to Ohio Cattlemen’s Foundation with ‘Noah Cox’ included in the memo line.

Tyler Heintz

Tyler W. Heintz was born May 22, 1998 in Lima, Ohio the son of Christopher and Michelle (Winkler) Heintz. On the morning of Tuesday June 13, 2017, he lifted his last weight, ran his last sprint, and wiped away his last drop of sweat as he was

Continued on page 20

living out a lifelong dream of his, training as a college football player at Kent State University.

Peacefully the winds of heaven swept in and carried his soul into eternity at the University Hospitals, Portage Medical Center in Ravenna, Ohio.

Tyler had a heart for making his family proud of everything that he did. Everywhere he went Tyler had a big smile on his face and was able to make anyone laugh. He had a love for football and a passion for working on his family’s grain farm.

Tyler’s family is active in the beef community and has showed cattle competitively for many years.

The family requests that donations in memory of Tyler go to the Kenton High School Football Program to be used for improvements and renovations to the existing Athletic Building. Those donations should be made to the Tyler Heintz Memorial Fund and can be left at the Quest Federal Credit Union Kenton location, or mailed to the Kenton High School.

sales representatives in each of their geographical member organizations.

This decision coincides with an already collaborative business relationship that began in 2001, where each shares ownership of World Wide Sires, Ltd. World Wide Sires serves as the international marketing arm for both companies in Europe, Africa, Asia, the Middle East and Oceania.

Accelerated Genetics and Select Sires Inc., are built upon the same cooperative business principles and share similar operating structures.

Each organization stems from a root of innovative breeders, who had a common vision to move the dairy and beef industries forward.

Both cultures value the input of their member-owners and recognize the importance of their guidance in driving the need to produce superior genetics and outstanding reproductive programs.

Based in Plain City, Ohio, Select Sires Inc. is North America’s largest A.I. organization and is comprised of nine farmer-owned and -controlled cooperatives. As the industry leader, it provides highly fertile semen as well as excellence in service and programs to achieve its basic objective of supplying dairy and beef producers with North America’s best genetics at a reasonable price. v

Select Sires Inc., and Accelerated Genetics to Join Forces

The board of directors for Select Sires Inc., and Accelerated Genetics have reached a unanimous decision to unify the two cooperatives.

Under the planned agreement, Select Sires will acquire the assets of Accelerated Genetics, joining forces of employees and independent

#ohiocattle Summer Issue 2017 | Ohio Cattleman | 9

10 | Ohio Cattleman | Summer Issue 2017

OCA Summer Meeting Notice

Continued on page 25

OCA Membership to Vote August 26, 2017 on Proposed Amendments to Code of Regulations The Ohio Cattlemen’s Association board of directors is recommending several amendments to the OCA Code of Regulations. These amendments largely modernize the way OCA conducts meetings and provides notice of meetings, in addition to cleaning up outdated language.

Members of the Ohio Cattlemen’s Association will vote on the proposed amendments to the Code of Regulations at the OCA Summer Business meeting to be held at 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, August 26 at Leeds Farm, 8738 Marysville Road, Ostrander, Ohio 43061. A summary of the proposed amendments are as follows: • Under Article 1 Definitions, it is proposed to add a definition for Authorized Communications Equipment to define the use of communications equipment allowing all directors participating in a meeting to contemporaneously communicate with one another.

•

•

Article IV Meetings of the Membership, Notices of Meetings it is proposed to use communications equipment defined under Authorized Communications Equipment to give notice of a membership meeting.

Article V Directors, Number and Qualification it is proposed that the Board will be comprised of seventeen (17) directors, twelve (12) elected by Members to serve membership districts, three (3) elected to serve at-large, and two (2) elected by the Board to serve as the President and Vice President.

Under Terms it is proposed

12 | Ohio Cattleman | Summer Issue 2017

that directors can serve a maximum of three, threeyear terms in succession.

Currently directors can only serve a maximum of two, three-year terms.

•

Article VI Meetings of the Board, Place of meetings it is proposed that at the President’s discretion, any meeting may be held by telephone or through other Authorized Communications Equipment, so long as a quorum of the directors participating can hear one other or otherwise clearly

communicate contemporaneously. Under Notices of Meetings it is proposed to use communications equipment defined under Authorized Communications Equipment to give notice of a board meeting.

•

Article IX, Officers, Appointment and Term of Office it is proposed the Board will elect officers at a time of the Board’s choosing, so long as the election occurs prior to the beginning of the officers’ terms on January 1.

Upon election as President or

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BEST Program Concludes a Successful 18th Year at Annual Banquet

T

he 2016-2017 Ohio Cattlemen’s Association (OCA) BEST (Beef Exhibitor Show Total) Program wrapped up on May 6 with its annual awards banquet held at the Ohio Expo Center in Columbus.

“The banquet is a time to celebrate the many achievements of our BEST participants, both in and out of the show ring,” says Stephanie Sindel, BEST coordinator. “Each participant is recognized for their hard work by family, friends and BEST supporters alike.”

Several representatives from program sponsors, Bob Evans Farms, Burroughs Frazier Farms, Evans Cattle Company, Farm Credit Mid-America, M.H. Eby, Ohio Farm Bureau Federation and Weaver Livestock, were on hand to help present awards totaling more than $50,000 in belt buckles, luggage, show materials and other awards.

This year’s BEST program featured 15 sanctioned shows that weaved its way across the state with over 550 youth participants showing 740 head of market animals and heifers.

Banquet Sponsors

The BEST program also receives tremendous support for awards and the awards banquet. State breed associations sponsoring belt buckle cases for the winners in each of the respective breeds: Buckeye Hereford Association, Ohio Angus Association, Ohio MidEastern Maine-Anjou Association, Ohio Shorthorn Breeders’ Association and Ohio Simmental Association. The Ohio Cattlemen’s Association sponsored the remaining breeds’ winners.

Jr. Representatives 2016-2017 BEST Junior Representatives pictured from the left were Haley Frazier, Jackson County, Brianna Ellish, Miami County, Kyle Piscione, Medina County, Karigan Blue, Henry County; Natalie Wagner, Brown County

Scholarship Winners BEST participants efforts in academics and extracurricular activities are also recognized through the BEST Scholarship program, awarding three $1,000 scholarships. Scholarship winners were Lindsey Pugh, Stark County; Kelsey Shope, Scioto County and Bricen Hess, Highland County.

Eby Trailer Winner Aubrey Csapo of Wayne County was the lucky BEST participant to receive the free use of an 8’ by 26’ livestock trailer for the 2017-2018 BEST season courtesy of Eby Trailer. Pictured are Steve Rittenhouse representing Eby Trailers and Aubrey Csapo.

Novice Chute Winner Novice participant, Zachary Retcher of Defiance County won a new wrapped showbox in a novice-only drawing. The showbox was donated by Weaver Livestock. Pictured from left to right are Zachary Retcher and Lisa Shearer, representing Weaver Livestock.

Sponsorsing Partners:

Summer Issue 2017 | Ohio Cattleman | 13

Sponsoring Partners:

Breed Division Champions Champion Angus Heifer – Kristina Scheurman, Coshocton Co. Reserve Champion Angus Heifer – Hadley LeVan, Champaign Co. Third Overall Angus Heifer – Marcus VanVorhis, Wood Co. Fourth Overall Angus Heifer – Kristina Scheurman, Coshocton Co. Fifth Overall Angus Heifer – Jacob LeBrun, Scioto Co. Champion Angus Steer – Carly Sanders, Highland Co. Reserve Champion Angus Steer – Maggie Pollard, Defiance Co. Champion Chianina Heifer – Kathy Lehman, Richland Co. Reserve Champion Chianina Heifer – Hailee Carter, Holmes Co. Champion Chianina Steer – Lori Millenbaugh, Crawford Co. Reserve Champion Chianina Steer – Lance Brinksneader, Darke Co. Third Overall Chianina Steer – Quinton Waits, Fayette Co. Fourth Overall Chianina Steer – Amelia Willis, Pike Co. Fifth Overall Chianina Steer – Erin Pope, Gallia Co. Champion Hereford Heifer – Maddox Cupp, Fairfield Co. Reserve Champion Hereford Heifer – Kady Davis, Carroll Co. Third Overall Hereford Heifer – Hudson Drake, Ross Co. Fourth Overall Hereford Heifer – Kyle Piscione, Medina Co. Fifth Overall Hereford Heifer – Morgan Gillespie, Butler Co. Champion Hereford Steer – Hayden Smith, Holmes Co. Reserve Champion Hereford Steer – Rosa Bowen, Wood Co. Champion High % Maine-Anjou Heifer – Jake Hill, Warren Co. Reserve Champion High % Maine-Anjou Heifer – Abbie Collins, Preble Co. Champion MaineTainer Heifer – Austin Garner, Butler Co. Reserve Champion MaineTainer Heifer – Karlie Kennedy, Adams Co. Third Overall MaineTainer Heifer – Gage Farrar, Jackson Co. Fourth Overall MaineTainer Heifer – Caylee Sager, Fulton Co. Fifth Overall MaineTainer Heifer – Marcus VanVorhis, Wood Co. Champion Maine-Anjou Steer – Beau Johnson, Gallia Co. Reserve Champion Maine-Anjou Steer – Kassidy Thompson, Miami Co. Third Overall Maine-Anjou Steer – Victoria Waits, Fayette Co. Fourth Overall Maine-Anjou Steer – Alexis Wilcox, Darke Co. Fifth Overall Maine-Anjou Steer – Hunter Smith, Wood Co. Champion Shorthorn Heifer – Abigail Thornton, Fairfield Co. Reserve Champion Shorthorn Heifer – Taylor Morbitzer, Franklin Co. Third Overall Shorthorn Heifer – Fulton Kennedy, Adams Co. Fourth Overall Shorthorn Heifer – Emily Dahse, Gallia Co. Fifth Overall Shorthorn Heifer – Brandon Barr, Greene Co. Champion Shorthorn Steer – Carter McCauley, Guernsey Co. Reserve Champion Shorthorn Steer – Tanner Cordes, Montgomery Co. Champion ShorthornPlus Heifer – Taylor Morbitzer, Franklin Co. Reserve Champion ShorthornPlus Heifer – Madison King, Logan Co. Champion ShorthornPlus Steer – Kinzee Shafer, Preble Co. Reserve Champion ShorthornPlus Steer – Sydney Sanders, Highland Co. Third Overall ShorthornPlus Steer – Tyler Michael, Montgomery Co. Fourth Overall ShorthornPlus Steer – Emily Paden, Guernsey Co. Fifth Overall ShorthornPlus Steer – Emma Mathews, Clinton Co.

Champion Crossbred Heifer – Kathy Lehman, Richland Co. Reserve Champion Crossbred Heifer – Kendra Gabriel, Pickaway Co. Third Overall Crossbred Heifer – Austin Hunker, Huron Co. (TIE) Fourth Overall Crossbred Heifer – Abbie Collins, Preble Co. (TIE) Fourth Overall Crossbred Heifer – Adison Niese, Richland Co. Fifth Overall Crossbred Heifer – Madison King, Logan Co. Champion Market Heifer – Brooke Hayhurst, Wayne Co. Reserve Champion Market Heifer – Kendra Gabriel, Pickaway Co. Third Overall Market Heifer – Wyatt Binckley, Licking Co. Fourth Overall Market Heifer – Isaac Gehret, Darke Co. Fifth Overall Market Heifer – Raymond Beneker, Butler Co. Champion Crossbred Steer – Alexandra Witt, Greene Co. Reserve Champion Crossbred Steer – Lori Millenbaugh, Crawford Co. Third Overall Crossbred Steer – Carson Shafer, Preble Co. Fourth Overall Crossbred Steer – Cambell Gostomsky, Darke Co. Fifth Overall Crossbred Steer – Caleb Horn, Fairfield Co. Sixth Overall Crossbred Steer – Luke Brinksneader, Darke Co. (TIE) Seventh Overall Crossbred Steer – Paige Pence, Clark Co. (TIE) Seventh Overall Crossbred Steer – Jacob Levering, Morrow Co. (TIE) Seventh Overall Crossbred Steer – Kosta Xenikis, Madison Co. Eighth Overall Crossbred Steer – Alli Pfister, Licking Co. Ninth Overall Crossbred Steer – Drew Browning, Muskingum Co. (TIE) Tenth Overall Crossbred Steer – Jonna Goss, Hocking Co. (TIE) Tenth Overall Crossbred Steer – Jordan Johnson, Gallia Co. (TIE) Tenth Overall Crossbred Steer – Cory Derr, Wyandot Co. (TIE) Tenth Overall Crossbred Steer – Lauren Schulte, Putnam Co. Eleventh Overall Crossbred Steer – Brooke Egbert, Auglaize Co. Twelfth Overall Crossbred Steer – Noah Smith, Sandusky Co. (TIE) Thirteenth Overall Crossbred Steer – Amelia Willis, Pike Co. (TIE) Thirteenth Overall Crossbred Steer – Austin Sorgen, Van Wert Co. Fourteenth Overall Crossbred Steer – Aubrey Csapo, Wayne Co. (TIE) Fifteenth Overall Crossbred Steer – Skylar Plank, Clark Co. (TIE) Fifteenth Overall Crossbred Steer – Brianna Ellish, Miami Co.

Champion Simmental Heifer – Allison Herr, Fulton Co. Reserve Champion Simmental Heifer – Austin Hunker, Huron Co. Champion % Simmental Heifer – Owen Fennig, Mercer Co. Reserve Grand Champion % Simmental Heifer – Matthew Koverman, Scioto Co. Third Overall % Simmental Heifer – Dalton Kennedy, Adams Co. Fourth Overall % Simmental Heifer – Kathy Lehman, Richland Co. Fifth Overall % Simmental Heifer – Abbygail Pitstick, Madison Co. Champion Simmental Steer – Morgan Mazey, Wood Co. Reserve Champion Simmental Steer – Madison Paden, Guernsey Co. Champion Miniature Heifer – Walker Wiley, Morrow Co. Reserve Champion Miniature Heifer – JT Popick, Stark Co. Champion Miniature Steer – Luke Strow, Wood Co. Reserve Champion Miniature Steer – Henry Strow, Wood Co. Champion High % AOB Heifer – Hannah Ziegler, Wyandot Co. Reserve Champion High % AOB Heifer – Brandee Painter, Licking Co. Champion Low % AOB Heifer – Jordan Johnson, Gallia Co. Reserve Champion Low % AOB Heifer – Brooklynn Hamilton, Clinton Co. 14 | Ohio Cattleman | Summer Issue 2017

Bred and Owned Champions

Champion AOB Steer – Danielle Whitted, Portage Co. Reserve Champion AOB Steer - Chase Snyder, Stark Co.

Champion Bred & Owned Steer – Beau Johnson, Gallia Co. – Maine-Anjou Reserve Champion Bred & Owned Steer – Tyler Michael, Montgomery Co. - ShorthornPlus Third Overall Bred & Owned Steer – Kyle Piscione, Medina Co. - ShorthornPlus Fourth Overall Bred & Owned Steer – Hunter Smith, Wood Co. – Maine-Anjou Fifth Overall Bred & Owned Steer – Paige Gehret, Darke Co. – Maine-Anjou Champion Bred & Owned Heifer – Nate Herr, Fulton Co. - ShorthornPlus Reserve Champion Bred & Owned Heifer– Fulton Kennedy, Adams Co. - Shorthorn Third Overall Bred & Owned Heifer – Alyson Simpson, Adams Co. - MaineTainer Fourth Overall Bred & Owned Heifer – Jordan Johnson, Gallia Co. - MaineTainer Fifth Overall Bred & Owned Heifer– Colleen Minges, Butler Co. – Angus

Make-A-Wish®

This year, BEST participants raised $10,669 for Make-A-Wish®.

Pictured from left are Bridget Tharp, Make-A-Wish®; Chris Pumphrey, Former Wish Kid; Chris’s wish was granted in June 2015; and Top 10 participants from the Celebrity Showdown for Make-A-Wish®, which took place Jan. 27, 2017. Participants raising $50 or more were also entered to win a $500 show supply gift certificate. Alexis Perry, Ottawa County, was selected as the drawing winner.

Ronald McDonald House Charity

Pop tabs were collected throughout the BEST season to donate to the Ronald McDonald House Charity. Allison Herr, Fulton County collected the most pop tabs this season and received a $500 shopping spree for show supplies with Weaver Leather Livestock.

Novice Champions

Showmanship Winners

Champion Novice Heifer – Owen Fennig, Mercer Co. - % Simmental Reserve Champion Novice Heifer – Kristina Scheurman, Coshocton Co. – Angus Third Overall Novice Heifer – JT Popick, Stark Co. - Miniature Fourth Overall Novice Heifer – Caden McLaughlin, Monroe Co. - ShorthornPlus Fifth Overall Novice Heifer – Caylee Sager, Fulton Co. - MaineTainer Sixth Overall Novice Heifer – Tucker Shepard, Henry Co. - Chianina Seventh Overall Novice Heifer – Kristina Scheurman, Coshocton Co. - Angus Eighth Overall Novice Heifer – Lauren Schulte, Putnam Co. – Low % AOB Ninth Overall Novice Heifer – Brandon Barr, Greene Co. - Shorthorn Tenth Overall Novice Heifer – Delaney Schneder, Clinton Co. – MaineTainer

Champion Beginner Showman (tie) – Emma Yochum, Highland Co. Champion Beginner Showman (tie) – Carly Sanders, Highland Co. Reserve Beginner Showman (tie) – Lance Brinksneader, Darke Co. Reserve Beginner Showman (tie) – Karlie Kennedy, Adams Co. Third Overall Beginner Showman – Hayden Smith, Holmes Co. Fourth Overall Beginner Showman – Owen Fennig, Mercer Co. Fifth Overall Beginner Showman – Blake Herdman, Highland Co. Sixth Overall Beginner Showman – Tait Dusseau, Ottawa Co. Seventh Overall Beginner Showman – Wyatt Binckley, Licking Co. Eighth Overall Beginner Showman – Caylee Sager, Fulton Co. Ninth Overall Beginner Showman – Lauren Schulte, Putnam Co. Tenth Overall Beginner Showman – Ellie Day, Athens Co.

Champion Novice Steer – Carter McCauley, Guernsey Co. - Shorthorn Reserve Champion Novice Steer – Hayden Smith, Holmes Co. - Hereford Third Overall Novice Steer – Lance Brinksneader, Darke Co. - Chianina Fourth Overall Novice Steer – Wyatt Binckley, Licking Co. – Market Heifer Fifth Overall Novice Steer – Luke Strow, Wood Co. - Miniature Sixth Overall Novice Steer – Ross Michael, Montgomery Co. - Hereford Seventh Overall Novice Steer – Henry Strow, Wood Co. - Miniature Eighth Overall Novice Steer – Shayla Sancic, Stark Co. – Hereford Ninth Overall Novice Steer – Taylor Stephen, Morrow Co. - Simmental Tenth Overall Novice Steer – Jacob Levering, Morrow Co. - Crossbred

Champion Junior Showman – Hudson Drake, Ross Co. Reserve Champion Junior Showman – Sydney Sanders, Highland Co. Third Overall Junior Showman – Beau Johnson, Gallia Co. Fourth Overall Junior Showman – Allison Herr, Fulton Co. Fifth Overall Junior Showman – Kosta Xenikis, Madison Co. Sixth Overall Junior Showman – Gavin Puckett, Highland Co. Seventh Overall Junior Showman – Bailey Dusseau, Ottawa Co. Eighth Overall Junior Showman (tie) – Paige Pence, Clark Co. Eighth Overall Junior Showman (tie) – Luke Brinksneader, Darke Co. Ninth Overall Junior Showman – Hunter Harris, Adams Co. Tenth Overall Junior Showman – Hayden Belleville, Wood Co.

Novice Heifer Winners

Champion Novice Showman – Raymond Beneker, Butler Co. Reserve Novice Showman – Delany Adams, Lorain Co. Third Overall Novice Showman – Jacob Wiechart, Putnam Co. Fourth Overall Novice Showman – Luke Kiefer, Butler Co. Fifth Overall Novice Showman – Skyler Ward, Preble Co. Sixth Overall Novice Showman – Kristina Scheurman, Coshocton Co. Seventh Overall Novice Showman – Karly Goetz, Ottawa Co. Eighth Overall Novice Showman – Shayla Sancic, Stark Co. Ninth Overall Novice Showman – Delaney Schneder, Clinton Co. Tenth Overall Novice Showman – Grant Helsinger, Montgomery Co.

Novice Market Animal Winners

Beginner Showmanship Winners

Junior Showmanship Winners

Novice Showmanship Winners

Champion Intermediate Showman – Lori Millenbaugh, Crawford Co. Reserve Champion Intermediate Showman – Allison Davis, Carroll Co. Third Overall Intermediate Showman – Kyle Piscione, Medina Co. Fourth Overall Intermediate Showman – Erin Pope, Gallia Co. Fifth Overall Intermediate Showman – Dalton Kennedy, Adams Co. Sixth Overall Intermediate Showman – Fulton Kennedy, Adams Co. Seventh Overall Intermediate Showman – Abigail Thornton, Fairfield Co. Eighth Overall Intermediate Showman – Colleen Minges, Butler Co. Ninth Overall Intermediate Showman – Katelyn Cowdrey, Brown Co. Tenth Overall Intermediate Showman – Levi DeLong, Ross Co. Champion Senior Showman – Taylor Morbitzer, Franklin Co. Reserve Champion Senior Showman – Kendra Gabriel, Pickaway Co. Third Overall Senior Showman – Haley Frazier, Jackson Co. Fourth Overall Senior Showman – Hannah Ziegler, Wyandot Co. Fifth Overall Senior Showman – Sarah Harner, Greene Co. Sixth Overall Senior Showman – Austin Garner, Butler Co. Seventh Overall Senior Showman – Jordan Johnson, Gallia Co. Eighth Overall Senior Showman – Morgan Mazey, Wood Co. Ninth Overall Senior Showman – Madison King, Logan Co. Tenth Overall Senior Showman – Brooke Hayhurst, Wayne Co.

Intermediate Showmanship Winners

Senior Showmanship Winners

Friend of the BEST Program A long time supporter of the OCA BEST program, Don Francis hasn’t missed a BEST show in several years. He is responsible for getting the BEST trailer donated by Eby Trailer to each show throughout the year.

Summer Issue 2017 | Ohio Cattleman | 15

OCA News

Continued from page 7

Replacement Female Sale Planned The Ohio Cattlemen’s Association (OCA) is announcing an event of potential interest for both the buyers and sellers of beef breeding cattle. On Friday evening, November 24, the OCA will be hosting their fifth annual Replacement Female Sale. The sale will be held at the Muskingum Livestock facility in Zanesville and will begin at 6:00 p.m.

The 2017 Ohio Cattlemen’s Association Replacement Female Sale will provide an opportunity for both buyers and sellers to meet the need for quality replacements in the state. Consignments may include cow-calf pairs, bred cows and bred heifers. Females must be under the age of five as of January 1, 2018 and may be of registered or commercial background. Bred females must be bred to a bull with known EPD’s and calves at side of cows must be sired by a bull with known EPD’s.

Pregnancy status must be verified by an accredited veterinarian through traditional palpation, ultrasound or by blood testing through a professional laboratory. Analysis must be performed within 60 days of sale.

Consignments will also be fulfilling specific health requirements.

At the 2016 OCA Replacement Female Sale, buyers had the opportunity to appraise 102 lots of bred heifers and bred cows. The sale included 85 lots of bred heifers that averaged $1,651, 14 lots of bred cows that averaged $1,600, and three cowcalf pairs that averaged $1,742. The 102 total lots grossed $168,000 for an overall average of $1,647. The current demand for bred replacement females appears to be softer than in 2015 and 2016 but is strong from a historical perspective outside of those two unique marketing seasons.

As we are in the midst of the 2017 breeding season, now is an excellent time to evaluate your herd and 16 | Ohio Cattleman | Summer Issue 2017

consider marketing decisions for the fall. Young, high quality cattle backed by solid genetics are in demand with potential buyers. Yearling heifers bred artificially to proven calving ease sires are very marketable. It is also a great time to evaluate the body condition of potential sale animals and make nutritional adjustments to the animal’s diet in anticipation of a late November sale date. Experience tells us that while prospective buyers may complain about overly fat breeding cattle, they certainly resist purchasing breeding cattle that are in thin body condition.

Consignments for the sale are due to the Ohio Cattlemen’s Association

by October 1, 2017. Sale information can be obtained by contacting the Ohio Cattlemen’s Association at 614-873-6736 or at their web site located at www.ohiocattle.org. If you have any questions about the sale, you can call John Grimes at 740-289-2071, Extension #242 or contact by e-mail, grimes.1@osu.edu. Please consider this sale as an option for both buyers and sellers to help contribute to the improvement of Ohio’s beef cow herd. v

Letters to the Editor Dear Friends at the Ohio Cattlemen’s Association, We thank you so very much for the canvas picture with our cows surrounding us and for the kind words in the letter. It means a great deal to know that our efforts were noticed and appreciated. The support that OCA gave Champion Hill was outstanding and we were pleased to be a part of this organization. Our best wishes to all of you as you carry out the work in promoting beef, farmers, and kids in Ohio.

Paul and Lynn Hill Dear Ohio Cattlemen’s Association, Thank you for putting together the BEST program. I have made lots of memories at the BEST shows. Thank you for all the opportunities this program has given me and I will be looking forward to next year’s shows!

Carly Sanders Dear Ohio Cattlemen’s Association, Thank you for organizing a wonderful youth program such as the BEST program. This program is very important to me and my family because it teaches us the important lessons of goal setting hard work, and responsibility. One very important lesson that I learned this year is that hard work pays off! I ended up getting Reserve Champion ShorthornPlus Steer and Reserve Champion Junior Showman in the points this year. Thanks again for all your kind support!

Sydney Sanders

OCA News OCA & OBC Welcome Summer Interns Katie Alexander

Katie Alexander is serving as the summer Membership intern for the Ohio Cattlemen’s Association (OCA). She is the daughter of Larry and Kathy Alexander of Weatherford, Oklahoma, where she grew up on a small cattle operation.

Alexander graduated in December from Oklahoma State University where she majored in Agricultural Communications with a minor in Agricultural Economics.

Her main responsibilities for the summer include coordinating, planning and executing displays during the Ohio State Fair, Young Cattlemen’s Conference and other OCA events. She was an active member of the Oklahoma State Collegiate FFA and 4-H organizations, as well as, a Collegiate and State member of the Oklahoma Cattlewomen.

“Growing up in the livestock industry has helped shape me into the person I am. This summer, I am looking forward to gaining more knowledge in the beef industry and working hands on with industry professionals.”

His main intern responsibilities After graduation, I plan to return to my include coordinating and executing family’s cattle operation and become an Ohio State Fair displays, assisting with Assistant Herd Manager. Working as the Young Cattlemen’s Conference, and an OBC intern this summer will give other beef promotion events. Erf is a me the opportunity to build valuable senior at The Ohio State University relationships within and related to the majoring in Animal Sciences with a beef industry.” v minor in Agribusiness. On campus, he is actively involved in the Saddle and Sirloin Club and Farmhouse Fraternity. Erf is also a former Ohio Beef 1-800-837-2621 www.cobaselect.com Ambassador and works as a farmhand at Waterman Dairy.

“Growing up around cattle as a child developed my passion for the livestock industry.

TOUGH

EQUIPMENT.

EASY LEASE.

Nick Erf

Nick Erf is serving as the Public Relations intern for the Ohio Beef Council this summer. He is the son of Steven and Barbara Erf of Bellevue, Ohio. He grew up helping with his family’s feedlot operation.

Actively involved in FFA in high school, Erf developed a strong passion for the agricultural industry.

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Summer Issue 2017 | Ohio Cattleman | 17

Patronize these Companies that Support your Association For information about joining OCA’s Allied Industry Council, call the OCA Office 614.873.6736 or visit www.ohiocattle.org

ABS Global Inc. Brian Good, Aaron Short, Buck Owen, Roger Sundberg 330-466-2588 www.absglobal.com ADM Animal Nutrition Dan Meyer 330-466328, Travis Smith 937-537-1164 www.admworld.com Ag Credit David White 419-435-7758 www.agcredit.net AgLand Co-op Dale Stryffeler 740-373-2875 www.agland.coop Ag Nation Products Bob and Marie Clapper 1-800-247-3276 www.agnation.com AgriLabs Ezra Swope eswope@agrilabs.com 814-977-6167 www.agrilabs.com Allflex USA, Inc. Dave McElhaney 724-494-6199 www.allflexusa.com American Angus Association Alex Tolbert 706-338-8733 atolbert@angus.org www.angus.org Animal Profiling International Ray Rogers 503-247-8066 Pete Hausser 607.768.0905 www.animalprofiling.com Armstrong Ag & Supply Dean Armstrong 740-988-5681 Beck’s Hybrids Bruce Kettler & Ryan Moore 1-800-937-2325 www.beckshybrids.com Big Ass Solutions Kindra Thomas 859-629-7599 www.bigasssolutions.com BioZyme, Inc. Lindsey Grimes 816-596-8779 www.biozymeinc.com Boehringer Ingelheim Ryan Shroer 812-243-5128 ryan.schroer@boehringer-ingelheim.com Brent Tolle 502-905-7831 brent.tolle@boehringer-ingelheim.com Cargill Animal Nutrition Neil Bumgarner 304-615-8239 Bradley Carter 330-234-2552 Tom Rohanna 412-217-8939 www.cargill.com COBA/Select Sires Duane Logan, Kevin Hinds, Bruce Smith, Julie Ziegler 614-878-5333 www.cobaselect.com CompManagement, Inc. Adam Rice 614-760-2450 www.sedgwickcms.com DHI Cooperative, Inc. Brian Winters 1-800-DHI-OHIO Tim Pye 912-682-9798 www.dhicoop.com Dow AgroSciences David Jay 317-946-4086 www.dowagro.com Elanco Animal Health Jon Sweeney 515-249-2926 Katie Oney 614-725-6332 www.elanco.com Engelhaupt Embroidery Leslie Gardisser and Linda Engelhaupt 937-592-7075 engelhauptembroidery.com Evolution Ag LLC Doug Loudenslager 740-363-1341 www.evolutionag.com

18 18 | Summer Issue 2017| |Summer Ohio Cattleman | Ohio Cattleman Issue 2017

Farm Credit Mid-America David Sanders 740-335-3306 Tara Durbin 740-892-3338 www.e-farmcredit.com Fennig Equipment Gary Fennig 419-953-8500 www.fenningequipment.com F.L.Emmert Company – ShowBloom David Westhoven 954.261.5730 dwesthoven@emmert.com Ken Rod 513.721.5808 krod@emmert.com Franklin Equipment Troy Gabriel 614-228-2014 www.franklinequipment.com Heartland Bank Brian Fracker 740-349-7888 Joel M. Oney 614-475-7024 www.heartlandbank.com Heritage Cooperative Allan Robison, Dave Monnin, Cy Prettyman, Stef Lewis 937-652-2135 www.heritagecoopervative.com Highland Livestock Supply Curt & Allison Hively 330-457-2033 www.highlandlivestocksupply.com Hilliard Lyons Patrick Saunders 740-446-2000 www.patricksaundersfc.com Hubbard Feeds Tom Linn 567-204-3065, Jeremy Baldwin 765-730-5459 Darl Bishir 419-236-0656, Perry Owen 937-726-9736 www.hubbardfeeds.com JD Equipment Inc. Matthew Damschroder 740-653-6951www.jdequipment.com K Buildings Doug Hemm 937-216-5620 www.kbuildings.com Kalmbach Feeds Jeff Neal, Kyle Nickles & Cheryl Miller 419-294-0330 www.kalmbachfeeds.com Kent Feeds Patrick Barker 513-315-3833, Joseph Wright 937-213-1168, Phil Reppart 330-201-0991 www.kentfeeds.com McArthur Lumber & Post Rick Jakmas 740-596-2551 www.mcarthurlumberandpost.com McBurney’s Livestock Equipment Chris McBurney 502-667-3495 M.H. Eby Inc./Eby Trailers Kirk Swensen & Steve Rittenhouse 614-879-6901 www.mheby.com Mercer Landmark Randy Seeger 419-230-9832 Joe Siegrist 419-305-2451 Travis Spicer 419-733-9915 Chad Knapke 419-733-6434 www.mercerlandmark.com Merck Animal Health Seth Clark 330-465-2728 www.merck-animal-health-usa.com Multimin USA, Inc. Thomas Carper 970-372-2302 www.multiminusa.com Ohio CAT Linda Meier, Chad Wiseman, Alan Rhodes, Brian Speelman & Bill Kuhar 614-851-3629 www.ohiocat.com

Ohio Soybean Council Jennifer Coleman 614-476-3100 www.soyohio.com PBS Animal Health Becky Vincent 1-800-321-0235 www.pbsanimalhealth.com POET Biorefining Marion Duane McCombs 740-383-9774 www.poet.com Priefert Ranch Equipment Candice Davidson, Kayla Gray & Steve Campbell 903-434-8973 www.priefert.com Purina Animal Nutrition LLC Patrick Gunn pgunn@landolakes.com, 317-967-4345, David Newsom dknewsom@landolakes.com 317-677-5799 www.purinamills.com Quality Liquid Feeds Joe Foster 614.560.5228 jfoster@qlf.com Reed & Baur Insurance Agency LLC Jim & Paula Rogers 1-866-593-6688 www.reedbaur.com Richwood Bank Chad Hoffman 740-943-2317 Cody Johnston 740-436-0607 Emily Davis 740-943-2317 www.richwoodbank.com Rock River Laboratory Megan Kelly 330-462-6041 megan_kelly@rockriverlab.com www.rockriverlab.com Sioux Steel Company Matt Allen 260-450-5022 www.siouxsteel.com StandAlone Feed, LLC. Jonathan Hjelmervik 806-778-5527 www.standalonefeed.com ST Genetics Aaron Arnett 614-947-9931 www.stgen.com Straight A’s Nikki McCarty 330-868-1182 www.ranchcity.com Summit Livestock Facilities Richard Hines rich@richhines.com Angie Dobson 219.261.0627 adobson@fbibuildings.com Mike Schluttenhofer 765.427.2818 mikes@summitlivestock.com Mike Sheetz msheetz@fbibuildings.com Sunrise Co-op, Inc. Phil Alstaetter 937-575-6780 www.sunrisecoop.com Umbarger Show Feeds Jackson Umbarger & Eric King 317-422-5195 www.umbargerandsons.com United Producers, Inc. Sam Roberts 937-477-0060 Bill Tom, Hayley Beck 1-800-456-3276 www.uproducers.com Weaver Leather Livestock Angela Shoemaker - ext. 251, Lisa Shearer - ext. 206, 330-674-1782, Taylor Banbury 330-521-7625 www.weaverleather.com Zoetis Animal Health Leesa Beanblossom 937-447-3044 Ted Holthaus 937-489-1548 Mindy Thornburg 740-255-0277 www.zoetis.com

Breed News

Continued on page 26 Featuring our members’ successes at local, state and national shows

Angus Achievements Ohio Family Recognized for Historic Angus Herd

James Rentz of Creek Side Farm in Coldwater, Ohio, is well known in the industry for his 65 years of dedication raising high-quality Angus cattle and making monumental impacts within the breed and its Association.

The American Angus Association is proud to recognize Rentz as a recipient of the Historic Angus Herd award as a way to showcase his commitment to the Angus breed. This award is presented to active Angus breeders and immediate family members who have been in continuous production of registered Angus cattle for 50 or more years.

Since joining the American Angus Association in 1953, Creek Side Farm has participated in shows and sales at the local, state and national level.

Rentz and his wife, Judy, have three children who were active in the Ohio Junior Angus Association and successfully exhibited cattle at several National Junior Angus Shows (NJAS). He and his family have bred and exhibited multiple winners and sale topper cattle throughout the years. They were the first family to be named All-American Futurity Champion Udder Cow in 1984. Rentz also has the only Angus herd to breed and exhibit back-to-back champion carcass steers at the NJAS in 1985 and 1986.

In addition to their involvement in the Angus show circuit, Rentz has held several leadership positions at the state and national level within the Association. He served as the publicity chairman and announcer during the 1984 NJAS. He was the 2001 to 2002 president of the Ohio Angus Association and a board member for more than 25 years.

For nine years Rentz served on the Ohio Beef Council and is a former treasurer of the Ohio Cattlemen’s Association. For five years he served as the president of the Mercer County Cattlemen’s Association. Rentz was also a director of the American Angus

Association for two terms and served on the national board for six years.

Success for Ohio Exhibitor out West

Cade Stertzbach, Louisville, Ohio, and SCC Tradition of 24 won grand champion bred-and-owned bull and reserve grand champion bull at the 2017 Western Regional Junior Angus Show and Western National Angus Futurity (WNAF) Super Point Roll of Victory, respectively, April 1-2 in Reno, Nevada.

Maplecrest Shadoe 5215 exhibited by Sydney Sanders won Grand Champion Female.

Maplecrest Farms, Hillsboro, Ohio, won premier breeder and Keri Felumlee, Newark, Ohio, earned the title of premier exhibitor at the 2017 Ohio Angus Association Preview Show.

Ohio Angus Junior Preview Show

Cade Stertzbach, Louisville, Ohio, exhibited SCC Tradition of 24 at Western Regional Junior Angus Show and WNAF.

Ohio Angus Association Preview Show

Angus exhibitors led 57 entries at the 2017 Ohio Angus Association Preview Show, June 17-18 in Marysville, Ohio. Todd Herman, Harrod, Ohio, evaluated the entries.

B A F Total Design Goal won grand champion bull at the Ohio Angus Assoication Preview Show. Baird Angus Farm, Washington Court House, Ohio.

Angus exhibitors led 57 entries at the 2017 Ohio Angus Association Junior Preview Show, June 17-18 in Marysville, Ohio. The judge was Barry Nowatzke, Michigan City, Indiana.

Christina Winter, Ashville, Ohio, and Paradise Cash 621 won grand champion bred-and-owned bull at the 2017 Ohio Angus Association Junior Preview Show.

Christina Winter, Ashville, Ohio, earned Grand Champion Bred-and-Owned Bull with Paradise Cash 621.

Baird Angus, Washington C.H., Ohio, claimed the Grand Champion Bull title with B A F Total Design Goal.

Sydney Sanders, Leesburg, Ohio, showed Maplecrest Shadoe 5215 to the grand champion female title. The pair was also selected as gand champion owned female during the Ohio Angus Junior Preview Show.

Claylick Run Bardot D016 and Kacey Felumlee, Newark, Ohio, were deemed grand champion bred-andowned female.

The grand champion owned female was Maplecrest Shadoe 5215 exhibited by Sydney Sanders, Leesburg, Ohio.

Windswept Chico M64 won grand champion steer. Marissa Hall, Cardington, Ohio, showed the champion.

In showmanship, Michelle Summer Issue 2017 | Ohio Cattleman | 19

Beef Briefs America’s Oldest and Largest Cattlemen’s Group Calls On NAFTA Negotiators

Kevin Kester, a fifth-generation California rancher and presidentelect of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association – the oldest and largest national association of cattlemen testified in support of the market access that the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) has delivered for America’s cattle producers, and warned against the re-adoption of failed policies that harmed the industry in the past.

“NCBA strongly supports NAFTA because the terms of NAFTA developed Canada and Mexico into two very important export markets for U.S. beef,” Kester testified at a hearing hosted by the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative. “Quite frankly, it is difficult to improve upon duty-free, unlimited access to Canada and Mexico—so please do no harm and do not jeopardize our access.”

Kester pointed out that Canada and Mexico have become two of the top five export markets for U.S. beef producers, accounting for approximately $1 billion each in annual sales. Kester also warned USTR’s NAFTA negotiators to beware of protectionist calls to resurrect failed policies of the past, such as mandatory country-of-origin labeling, also known as COOL. “COOL was U.S. law for over six years and failed to deliver on its promises to build consumer confidence and add value for our producers,” Kester pointed out. “Instead, COOL resulted in a long battle in the World Trade Organization with the United States facing the promise of $1 billion in retaliatory tariffs from Mexico and Canada unless COOL was repealed by Congress. Canada and Mexico still have the authority to retaliate against the United States if COOL is brought back into effect— and rest assured they will retaliate against us if necessary.” It seems you can never know enough about fertilizer these days.

20 | Ohio Cattleman | Summer Issue 2017

Continued on page 33

New Manure Sidedress Method Lowers Fertilizer Costs, Increases Yields

Two agriculture experts at The Ohio State University have redesigned a metal tractor attachment so that it allows farmers to put manure on a field while crops are emerging.

Made by Bambauer Equipment in New Knoxville, Ohio, the metal toolbar, which is attached to a tractor, receives waste pumped through a hose from a livestock facility manure pit. The manure is fed through the toolbar, which injects the manure three to five inches into the soil between the rows of growing corn, then covers the manure with soil.

During the growing season, farmers have been concerned that running machinery over a field with an emerging crop could crush the crop and compact the soil, leaving less space among the soil particles for easy flow of water, air and nutrients, said Glen Arnold, a manure management specialist with Ohio State University Extension, the outreach arm of the university’s College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences. Arnold designed the modified toolbar with Sam Custer, an OSU Extension educator in Darke County.

In recent years, there has been increased interest in applying livestock manure on newly planted corn and soybean fields to foster their growth and provide another chance for farmers with pigs or cattle to use their accumulating animal waste.

For the past five years, Arnold has conducted research on methods of doing that. Initially, he used a tanker filled with liquid manure that was applied to young corn fields in several western Ohio counties. But the dragline and manure sidedress toolbar, compared to a tanker, weigh less and are faster and more efficient, Arnold pointed out. Also, the dragline and toolbar cause very few plants to be crushed to death.

The savings in using manure instead of synthetic fertilizer are about

$80 an acre, he said.

For more information about the manure sidedress toolbar and to watch a video on it, see go.osu.edu/ manureapplicator. v

Summer Issue 2017 | Ohio Cattleman | 21

Forage Corner Christine Gelley, Ohio State Extension Educator, Agriculture and Natural Resources, Noble County

Fescue Toxicosis-Knowing the Signs

T

all fescue “Kentucky-31” (KY-31) is one of the most predominant forages in the nation.

Its popularity began in the 1930s when a wild strain of fescue was discovered on a Kentucky farm, and it became recognized for wide adaptability. In the1940s, the cultivated variety was publically released and can now be found in most pastures in the United States.

This cultivar is easy to establish, persistent, tolerant of many environmental stresses, resistant to pests and can aid livestock managers in prolonging the grazing season. However, tall fescue does not accomplish all of these tasks unassisted.

An endophytic fungus called Neotyphodium coenophialum can be credited for many of these benefits.

The fungus cannot be seen and can only be detected by laboratory analysis. The fescue endophyte forms a mutually beneficial relationship with the grass, but this symbiotic relationship does not carry over for grazing livestock. It did not take long for tall fescue to develop a reputation for poor animal intake and weight gain. It wasn’t until the late 1970s that these symptoms and others were traced back to the endophyte.

The endophyte produces ergot alkaloids (a type of mycotoxin) that can significantly influence animal performance. When consumed in high concentrations, these mycotoxins cause constriction of the blood vessels. Symptoms can range from mild irritation to tissue death.

In severe cases, full constriction can occur resulting in the loss of appendages such as hooves and tails or early abortion in pregnant animals.

Endophyte-free cultivars were developed following this realization, 22 | Ohio Cattleman | Summer Issue 2017

but they struggle to persist year after year in grazing systems. Novel endophyte cultivars have also been developed. These cultivars still contain an endophyte that passes benefits onto the plant, but do not produce harmful side effects in grazing animals. Despite these advances, few beef producers have renovated pastures to replace the population of KY-31 with improved cultivars.

Unless you have done pasture renovation, fescue toxicosis should be on your radar. There are many strategies for reducing the impacts of the endophyte in your herd and they all begin with recognizing the signs of toxicosis. Cattle with dark hair coats may display more intense symptomology. This is due to solar radiation, which can drastically increase body temperature.

The following may be mild symptoms of fescue toxicosis: • Low feed intakes • Low weight gain • Rough hair coat/retention of winter coat into warm months Moderate symptomology may include: • Low milk production • Reduced reproductive success • Increased time spent in shady spots • Increased time spent wading in water sources • Bovine fat necrosis, the development of hard fat masses • Most commonly in the abdomen, these masses create digestion and birthing difficulties. This is condition is generally associated with fescue pastures that have

received heavy nitrogen fertilization.

Signs of severe toxicosis include: • “Fescue foot”- the loss of hooves or tails due to lack of blood flow to the extremities.

• Loss of pregnancy due to lack of blood flow to the fetus. Early abortion is of greatest concern for pregnant mares in the third trimester of gestation, but can also occur in cattle and sheep.

Pasture renovation with a novel endophyte cultivar is the most effective option for reducing the influence of endophytic fescue, but is not a feasible option for all pasture managers. One of the easiest way to combat the influence of KY-31 is to dilute it with other forages, such as red and white clover. Be sure to manage grazing height to promote legume growth. Another option is to establish an alternate stand of annual forages to utilize for grazing in mid-summer when pasture endophyte concentration is the greatest and symptoms of exposure are most obvious. Because the fungus accumulates in seed heads, harvesting hay before seed heads develop and clipping seed heads from grazed pastures will reduce the endophyte exposure to your herd.

Stockpiled fescue has few endophyte concerns because fungal concentration drops in late fall and

winter. Livestock symptoms will also be less intense due to the cooler temperatures. Fescue endophyte can persist for up to two years in stored hay, so animals fed KY-31 hay may benefit from supplementary grain and/or an added ration of legume hay to their winter diets.

The damages of fescue toxicosis often go undetected in beef production and can have drastic influences on animal performance.

Being aware of endophyte issues early and implementing good management techniques will go a long way for increasing herd productivity and in turn, profitability.

If you suspect that fescue toxicosis is significantly affecting your beef herd, talk with your veterinarian about reducing cattle stress, reach out to your local Extension personnel, and investigate ways to improve your specific system through pasture and grazing management. v

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Summer Issue 2017 | Ohio Cattleman | 23

Up the Alley

By John Grimes, OSU Extension Beef Coordinator Program support provided by OCA

Developing a Reputation

T

here is no shortage of activities to keep the beef producer busy through the summer. The 2017 spring calf crop is on the ground and growing rapidly. Depending on the preferred calving season, the breeding season for the 2018 calf crop is in progress or in some cases may have already wrapped up. Pasture management and hay harvest will continue throughout the summer. The may even be time available for a summer vacation or other family activities to fit in to the calendar!

There is plenty of summer left to enjoy but it is not too early to start thinking about the fall. Let’s not get ahead of ourselves by already thinking about cooler temperatures and the beautiful colors of fall foliage. However, I am asking you to start thinking about management practices that can ultimately impact the value of the 2017 calf crop.

Most cattlemen will spend significant time thinking about management considerations relating

24 | Ohio Cattleman | Summer Issue 2017

to health, nutrition, reproduction, and forage production to name a few. I suspect that if you ask these same cattlemen if they put as much thought toward marketing decisions as they do the previously mentioned management areas, the answer would likely be a negative response. While I have no scientific survey data to back up this opinion, I fear that many producers do not worry about marketing the current calf crop until they are weaned. In far too many cases, the decision to wean and when to market occur on the same day!

To this point, the beef cattle market has certainly outperformed the expectations of most industry prognosticators from the beginning of the year. Prices for feeder calves and fat cattle have been strong for much of the first half of 2017. Where the market goes from here is anyone’s guess. Based on what we have seen since 2014, it would be reasonable for the producer to expect a fair amount of volatility in the market as we move forward.

I believe it is safe to say that we will see a different market moving forward over the next few years. The current beef cow herd expansion that started in 2014 has increased the supply of animals and has turned things more toward a “buyer’s market.” Market signals in 2014 and 2015 told the producer to provide the buyer with anything they could produce. Current and immediate future market signals will tell the producer to provide the buyer what they want!

What are some things that the cow-calf producer can do to add value to their calf crop? Maybe the more appropriate consideration is to how to avoid discounts in the market. A starting point would be to recognize some of the factors that help to establish the basic value of feeder cattle. Some of the primary factors in no particular order include the following: 1. Time of the year/ weather (Supply and demand); 2.

Weight – heavier calves generally bring less per pound than lighter calves; 3. Shrink – buyers do not like to purchase extra condition or fill; 4. Information/Past History – source, age, health, and genetics: 5. Location – where are the calves located in relation to the market or potential buyer.

Once we have established the basic value of a feeder calf, how can the producer add value (or avoid discounts) with the feeder calf?

Consider this list as a means to add value: a. Health - Most feeder calf buyers prefer preconditioning a minimum of 45-days after weaning. This allows for a specified animal health program with initial and booster vaccinations, a proper nutrition program, and

Meeting Notice training to a feed bunk and water source.; b. Sorting – Consider sorting your calves by sex, size, muscle score, color, etc.; c. Quality – Basic but important practices such as castration, dehorning, control of internal and external pests, etc.; d.

Programs – Evaluate opportunities to participate specific markets for allnatural or “never ever” calves, BVD PI tested, branded programs such Certified Angus or Hereford Beef, etc.

Many producers will question the merits of implementing value added practices as they simply believe that they do not get sufficiently rewarded financially to justify these extra practices. The reality is that you probably will not get properly compensated if you are selling a small number of calves at any type of traditional sale. Consider working with other producers to put together larger groups of calves of similar breed composition, weight, and sex.

Discuss all marketing options with someone you are comfortable with.

Traditional weekly or special feeder sales are always options, but there are also a growing number of video or internet sales available. A little extra time spent on your marketing plans may just put a few extra dollars in the bank account.

Obviously it should be the goal of every cow-calf producer to make a profit. It is important to realize that the previously suggested practices have a proven track record of adding value to feeder calves for a reason.

They also make money for the buyer.

Regardless of whether the feeder calves are destined for a stocker/ backgrounder operation or directly to the feedlot, the buyer is looking for healthy, uniform groups of calves with quality genetics that will gain efficiently. If the cow-calf producer provides this type of feeder calf on an annual basis, there will be a demand for their product. This is the very definition of creating “reputation” feeder cattle. v

Vice President, the district or at-large director seat held by the newly-elected President and Vice President becomes vacant, and the Board will appoint a director to fill the unexpired term. The President and Vice President shall not serve more than

Continued from page 12

two successive one-year terms.

For a complete copy of the OCA Code of Regulations that highlights the proposed changes, visit ohiocattle.org, email the office at beef@ ohiobeef.org or call 614-873-6736. v

Summer Issue 2017 | Ohio Cattleman | 25

Breed News

Kacey Felumlee, Newark, Ohio, earned Grand Champion Bred- and-Owned Female with Claylick Run Bardot D016.

Continued on page 32

Ohio, took home the honors of Division 1 Champion Owned female with her heifer CGBC Miss Angel ET. She also was the Division 2 winner with her heifer CFBC Miss Tina. In the Bred-and-Owned show Brittany exhibited the Division 1 winner with her heifer CFBC Miss Angel ET and Division 2 winner with her heifer CFBC Miss Tina.

Brittany was also named Chianina herdsman of the Year and Premier Exhibitor.

Abbie Collins of New Paris, Ohio exhibited the Reserve Champion Division 4 Owned Chianina female with her heifer UDE Stylish Lady 9D

Windswept Chico M64 won grand champion steer shown

by Marissa Hall, Cardington, Ohio.

Bockelman, Napoleon, Ohio, won first place and Christina Winters, Ashville, Ohio, won second place in the senior division.

In intermediate showmanship, Ellie Kidwell, Walhonding, Ohio, was selected as first place; Sarah Millikan, Napoleon, Ohio, earned second place; Samantha Wallace, Kansas, Ohio, won third place; Kyle Piscione, Burbank, Ohio, showed to fourth place; and Caroline Winter, Ashville, Ohio, finished as fifth place.

Sydney and Carly Sanders, Leesburg, Ohio, earned first and second place, respectively in the junior division. Josie Kidwell, Walhonding, Ohio, placed third.

Kacey Felumlee, Newark, Ohio, finished as fourth place and Hanna Millikan, Napoleon, Ohio, was selected as the fifth place showman.

Abbie Collins, New Paris, Ohio, earned the title of 4th Overall Chianina Female.

ET. Abby also received the honors of 4th Overall Chianina Female with her heifer.

Samantha VanVorhis of Bowling Green, Ohio exhibited the Owned Division 7 Champion with her heifer Christyne’s Onyx.

During the showmanship competition, Ethan Davies, Bowling Green, Ohio, was named 10th overall Junior Showman and Chris Tooms, New Concord, Ohio, was named 8th overall Intermediate Showman.

The 2017 National Junior MaineAnjou Show took place June 24-20 in Hutchinson, Kansas.

Ali Muir, Waynesfield, Ohio,

Chianina Conquests & Maine-Anjou Moments There’s No Place Like Hutch

The 2017 Chianina Junior Nationals were held in Hutchinson, Kansas June 24 – 30.

Brittany Conkey of Hicksville, 26 | Ohio Cattleman | Summer Issue 2017

Ali Muir, Waynesfield, Ohio, earned the title of Grand Champion Bred-and-Owned Maine-Anjou Bull.

exhibited her Bred and Owned Maine-Anjou Bull at the Jr. National Maine Anjou Show. Her Bull, MCCF Eeyore, was awarded Grand Champion from the All 2017 Born Calves division. Ali also exhibited the Champion Jr. Heifer Calf from division 1 of Bred-and-Owned MaineTainer Females with her heifer, MCCF Eleanor. Her other successes came with her heifer, MCCF Elfie, where she was crowned Champion Jr. Heifer Calf in the Bredand-Owned Maine-Anjou division and the Owned Maine-Anjou Show.

Chris Tooms, New Concord, Ohio, exhibited his heifer, CWTC Ivy, a Bred-and-Owned MaineAnjou Heifer at the Jr. National Maine-Anjou Show. Chris received the honor of Reserve Champion Sr. Heifer Calf from division 2 of the Maine-Anjou female show.

Kathy Lehman, Shelby, Ohio, was awarded the honor of Reserve Champion Jr. Yearling Female from division 6 of the Owned MaineTainer Female Show with her heifer, GARW Miss Cookie 6006.

Brittany Conkey, Hicksville, Ohio, exhibited her MaineTainer Heifer, CFBC Miss Angel, in the Bred-and-Owned MaineTainer Female show. Here she placed as the Reserve Champion Jr. Heifer Calf from division 1. This heifer was also shown in the Owned MaineTainer Female show where she came out as the Champion Jr. Heifer Calf from division 1.

Hannah Topmiller, Pleasant Plain, Ohio, was awarded the Reserve Champion Sr. Heifer Calf from division 2 of the Bred-and-Owned MaineTainer Female Show with her heifer, YNOT Anastasia 644D. Adison Niese, Shelby, Ohio, had two successes in the Owned MaineAnjou Show. She exhibited the Reserve Champion Jr. Heifer Calf from division 1 with her calf, ADIN Franchezca 1E. Adison also walked away with the Reserve Champion Cow/Calf Pair with the cow, BWES Ezmerelda 5C. Abbie Collins, New Paris, Ohio, exhibited a Maine-Angus Female and took home the honor of Reserve Champion in that respective division.

County Cattle Call Letters to the Editor Greene County

The Greene County Beef Cattle Association, or Greene County Cattlemen, participated in the effort to serve thousands of hungry convention goers at Hamvention in Xenia, Ohio May 19-21.

Previously held in Dayton, Ohio, Hamvention is the largest amateur radio convention in the world.

This year the event moved to the Greene County Fairgrounds and Expo Center. Over 30,000 people from various parts of the world were estimated to be in attendance during the three-day event.

Members and their families and friends pitched in to help serve hamburgers, ribeye sandwiches and all-beef hot dogs while promoting beef and supporting their local community.

The county affiliate plays an active role in events throughout the year and is already looking forward to the 2018 Hamvention. v

Dear Best of the Buckeye Committee, Thank you for awarding me one of the participant scholarships for 2017.

I have enjoyed showing my High % Maine-Anjou heifer this year and look forward to showing her at the State Fair this summer. Thanks again for your support.

Avery Wood

Dear OCA, Thanks for the BEST program.

I enjoyed this winter. It was fun to be in the Top 10 for novice showmanship. I look forward to showing in the program again next year.

Grant Helsinger

Oh, the 2017-2018 Show Schedule

Places You’ll

Show!

November 25-26

Lebanon

Heart Of it All • Lima

December 9-10

Ohio AGR Holiday Classic • Columbus

January 6-7

Springfield Members of the Greene County Beef Cattle Association sported their new t-shirts while serving thousands at Hamvention, the world’s largest amateur radio convention, held May 19-21.

London

Scarlet & Gray Midwest Showdown • Columbus

January 27-28

Clark County Cattle Battle • Springfield

February 10-11

Madison County Winter Classic • London

February 17-18

War at Warren • Lebanon

March 3-4

Columbus Lima Millersburg

Holmes County Preview • Millersburg

March 16-18

Ohio Beef Expo • Columbus

May 5

BEST Banquet • Columbus

Ohio Cattlemen’s Association www.ohiocattle.org • 614-873-6736 • beef@ohiobeef.org Families and friends pitched in to help serve beef at the event.

#ohiocattle

To create your online user & cattle profiles and to make show entries prior to each show visit best.ohiocattle.org.

All cattle must have an EID tag to participate in a BEST sanctioned show.

Summer Issue 2017 | Ohio Cattleman | 27 BEST Schedule 17-18.indd 1

6/22/2017 4:46:57 PM

Dates to Remember: Ohio State Fair

July 26-August 6 Ohio Cattleman Early Fall Advertising Deadline

August 11 YCC

August 10-12 Cattlemen’s Gala

August 26 Ohio Cattleman Late Fall Advertising Deadline

September 8 Call 614-873-6736 or email beef@ohiobeef.org for more info

#ohiocattle 28 | Ohio Cattleman | Summer Issue 2017

Ohio CattleWomen Update Amy Coffman, Ohio CattleWomen President

Ohio CattleWomen Host Regional Meeting Fairfield County was our host for the 2017 summer Ohio CattleWomen’s meeting and American National CattleWomen (ANCW) Region 1 meeting.

It was wonderful to have ladies from all over Ohio join us. Our featured speaker was Gwen Geis-ANCW President-elect. She gave us an update from the national organization and showed us a bit about life on her ranch in Wyoming. Jennie Hodgens, ANCW Region 1 Director, updated us on regional information and also enjoyed the day’s events.

We spent the rest of the day learning about glassblowing at the Ohio Glass Museum. The group also toured the Lancaster Greenhouse, which is much more than just a greenhouse. We finished with winery tours at Rockside Winery and Vineyards. Thank you, everyone, for joining OCW in Lancaster.

The Ohio CattleWomen hope to see many back next time! v

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Summer Issue 2017 | Ohio Cattleman | 29

Environmental Stewardship Award Hord Family Farms focuses year round on environmental stewardship

Story & photos by Amy Beth Graves

S

tep into the visitor center of Hord Family Farms and a large picture of four generations of the Hord family greets you with the words “family, tradition, stewardship.”

Those three words are the perfect description of the farm, a large Bucyrus-based swine, cattle, crop and feed mill operation.

Scattered throughout the visitor center are old family photos, farm machinery, antique cars and interesting facts about the farm, including that the farm operation raises and sells more than 600,000 pigs (with the help of contract growers) and 1,700 commercial cattle every year.

They also have about 7,000 acres of row crops. Owning that much land and animals means the family must constantly be vigilant in being good stewards of the land and good neighbors to the community. The headquarters of the farm is just a few miles south of Bucyrus on busy state Rt. 98 in Crawford County.

“Taking care of the environment is a 24 hour, 7-day a week job, year round. We never take a day off from the environmental part. You have to be looking at that continuously to make sure something is done right,” said Duane Hord, owner and manager 30 | Ohio Cattleman | Summer Issue 2017

of the cattle feedlot.

Doing it right is the mantra of the Hord family, which was honored in January at the Ohio Cattlemen’s Association banquet with the Environmental Stewardship Award. The plaque is prominently displayed in the Hord’s visitor center, which draws hundreds of visitors every year ranging from area school students to local chamber of commerce members to FFA students.

“When it comes to being a good steward of the soil and being on the cutting edge of what you’re doing, you’ve got to look at that as a positive and not a negative. It’s easier to structure what we do right than it is to figure out a way to fix things after they’re broke,” Duane said. “We’re really serious about what we do and want to do a good job.”

Farming and being good stewards

of the land has been a way of life for Duane all his life. His grandfather, Guy L. Hord, purchased a tract of land in 1905 that marked the start of Hord family farming in north central Ohio. The pig side of the business took off under his father, Robert M. Hord, who started out in 1946 with 10 hogs in a wooded area. At the time, there was a cap on hog prices at 16-18 cents per pound because of World War II. Those prices nearly doubled when the war ended and the cap was lifted, allowing Robert to make a down payment on the farm that now houses the welcome center and a feed mill across the street.

Duane described that purchase as being the start of today’s operation.

Over the years, Duane and his son, Pat, have focused on growing the swine side of the business to the point where today they have 27,000 sows and over 100 finish sites in Ohio and Pennsylvania. The cattle were added in 2008 when POET ethanol refinery in nearby Marion went online.

“POET opened up and was competition for buying corn for the pigs,” Duane said. “In order to make a positive, we thought ‘could we use (their distillers grain byproduct) as (pig) and cattle feed and should we be

feeding cattle?’ It ended up being very successful.”

In 2008, the Hords hired Marie Stahl as cattle production manager.

She helped them get the cattle business going, including making recommendations for a cattle handling facility based on ideas from expert Temple Grandin, renowned for her livestock handling equipment design and animal welfare measures.

“I got in at the ground level and helped with the (planning of) cattle facilities and additions. Each calf takes just 10 to 15 seconds to tag and vaccinate,” Marie explained as two workers swooped in to work on a calf.

The feedlot consists of three openair barns that can hold a maximum of 950 cattle at a time. The calves currently come from West Virginia and southern Ohio, usually in groups of about 55 head and around 800 pounds. They are fed a ration of corn screenings, barley, wet distillers grain, corn silage and a combination of dry hay and chopped wet forage as well as minerals based on the recommendations of a Kansas State University nutritionist who works with Marie. Once the cattle, which consist of several different breeds, reach about 1,450 pounds, they are shipped off to beef processors JBS in Pennsylvania and Tyson Foods in Illinois.

“We’re right in the center of two great markets. It’s the same distance to Illinois or Pennsylvania. With the cattle, we feel like we’re at a sweet spot. We’re at the right size,” Duane said, noting that the family recently completed a feed mill expansion this year to double its capacity. The plan is to continue growing the pig side of the business. Hord farms has partnered with Clemens Food Group and family-owned pork producers in Ohio, Indiana and Michigan to build a fresh pork processing facility in Michigan, which is scheduled to open this fall.

To promote sustainability on the farm, the cattle location uses solar power. A heavy use pad located between the barns can store up to eight months worth of manure.

The cattle manure has become an important part of the Hords’ farming operation. They’ve seen an increase

in crop yields with the incorporation of both cattle and swine manure and a drastic reduction in the need for commercial fertilizer, resulting in significant cost savings. The incorporation of cattle manure into the soil results in more buildup of organic material than swine manure, said Dave Neef, environmental and nutrient manager of Hord farms since 2007.

“With the spreaders we have now, they do a nice job of giving a fine product to the soil and help get the organic matter going,” Neef said.

“Organic matter increases soil water capacity, allowing the water to stay on the farm longer.”

Manure from the feedlot services about 1,500 acres on a three-year basis, Neef said. In a year’s time that can translate into about $100,000 in savings when fertilizer prices are high, Duane said.

“We want to make the best nutrient situation for the plants we raise, the forages for the cattle, the crops for all divisions, and we want to balance this out for many years to come and raise the best crop possible,” Duane said.

“Cattle manure has been a very integral part in allowing us to balance this and work with different farms that typically haven’t seen cattle manure for awhile.”

About five years ago, the farm started growing

barley, which turned out to be such good cattle feed that it has completely replaced corn. It also is used as straw for bedding and is doubled cropped with soybeans, Duane said.

Conservation measures include doing no-till crops for more than 20 years and putting in about 100 acres of filter strips to keep fertilizer and manure out of water sources.

Grassed waterways also help protect water quality as well as reduce soil erosion, and tree and plant windbreaks help improve air quality.

Neef and his team are constantly looking for ways to improve yields and protect the environment. Over the years, the farm has gone from a randomized soil sample on 25 acres to a 1-acre soil sample grid.

“Twenty-five years ago we thought phosphate was immobile in soil because everybody preached that you put it down and it’s going to stay there. Now we’ve come to understand that commercial fertilizer, and to a lesser extent manure, can be Continued on page 33

Summer Issue 2017 | Ohio Cattleman | 31

Breed News

Abbie Collins, New Paris, Ohio, earned the title of Reserve Champion Maine-Angus Female.

Gelbvieh Gatherings The Big Red Classic

The 2017 Gelbvieh Junior Classic took place in Grand Island, Nebraska June 25-30.

Hunter Sheeley, Hillsboro, Ohio exhibited the Reserve Grand Champion Bred-and-Owned Gelbvieh Bull and Reserve Champion Gelbvieh Bull, Double Time D411.

In the showmanship competition, Lara Rittenhouse, New Carlisle, Ohio, was selected as 4th overall Junior Showman and Halee Allen, Hillsboro, Ohio, was selected as 8th overall Senior Showman.

Continued from page 26

Champion Cow Calf Pair- HH Pearls Uno 576A and HH Dos 712 was awarded to Emily Beanblossom, Bradford, Ohio. Emily also claimed the titles of Champion Bull with HH Dos 712 and Reserve Heifer with HH Debbies Layla.

Reserve Champion Cow Calf Pair went to RR 1135 22Z Cassie 69C and RR 69C 045 Cassie 21E exhibited

by Ashleigh and Andrew Osborn, Blanchester, Ohio.

Dylan Evoniuk, Huber Heights, Ohio, exhibited the Reserve Champion Bull, OCC Karmelo Angela Distl, Springfield, Ohio, earned the Champion Steer title MCC Custom Pistol.

Reserve Steer went to MCC Buckeye exhibited by Caroline Vonderhaar, Camden, Ohio.

Regional Show. The steer, EFMS Ebonys Prime Choice, was awarded Reserve Grand Champion title.

In the cow/calf pair division, Alyson Simpson, of West Union, Ohio, exhibited the Grand Champion Percentage Cow/Calf Pair. Her cow, 4MF Dianna 592C was shown with January calf, ANSC Maddie 987 E by her side.

Andrew Henthorn, of Fleming, Ohio, exhibited the Grand Champion Purebred Bred-and-Owned Cow/Calf Pair.

His cow, Lazy H Ms. Playmate C8, was shown with her March calf, Lazy H Evey.

In the Heifer division, Cole Liggett of Dennison, Ohio, took home the title of Grand Champion Bred-and-Owned Purebred Heifer with WCL Lola DY17.

Limousin Leaders Escape to Grand Island

The National Junior Limousin Show and Congress took place July 1-7 in Grand Island, Nebraska.

Erin Dilger Lawrence, Hebron, Ohio, claimed the spot of third overall Limousin female with her heifer, TASF Dignity 035D.

Cole Liggett, Dennison, Ohio, earned Grand Champion Bredand-Owned Purebred Heifer with WCL Lola DY17.

Also in the Heifer division, Rachel Dickson of St. Louisville, Ohio was awarded Reserve Grand Champion Purebred Heifer with EJS Enticing Lady 608D. v

Hunter Sheeley, Hillsboro, Ohio, showed Double Time D411 to the Reserve Champion Gelbvieh Bull finish.

Hereford Happenings Eastern Ohio Hereford Junior Show

On July 1, the Eastern Ohio Hereford Association hosted the Eastern Ohio Hereford Junior Show. It was held at the Warren County Fairgrounds in Lebanon, Ohio. The judge was Noah Skrinjar.

Maddox Cupp, Lancaster, Ohio and SHF Dominate Enuff showed to the Champion Heifer finish.

32 | Ohio Cattleman | Summer Issue 2017

Erin Dilger Lawerence, Hebron, Ohio, earned the title of 3rd Overall Limousin Female with TASF Dignity 035D.

Simmental Solutions Ohio Hosts Eastern Regionals

The 2017 Simmental Eastern Regional show was held June 14 – 17 in London, Ohio at the Madison County Fairgrounds. The show was held on June 15. Morgan Smith of Little Hocking, Ohio, exhibited her bred-and-owned steer at the 2017 Simmental Eastern

Rachel Dickson, St. Louisville, Ohio, earned Reserve Grand Champion Purebred Heifer with EJS Enticing Lady 608D.

Beef Briefs

Continued from page 20

2017 Ohio State Fair Cattle Schedule All are located in the Voinovich Livestock and Trade Center unless noted

1st Session

Tuesday, July 25, 2017

10:00 a.m. Angus, Gelbvieh, Limousin and Simmental must be in place.

Monday, July 31, 2017

2:00 p.m. Santa Gertrudis and Miniature Herefords must be in place.

Tuesday, August 1, 2017

8:30 a.m. Open Angus 12:00 p.m. Open Simmental 3:00 p.m. Open Limousin 4:00 p.m. Open Gelbvieh

9:00 a.m. Open Santa Gertrudis 11:30 a.m. Open Miniature Hereford *Release time is to be determined by management after the completion of show.

Thursday, July 27, 2017

3rd Session

Wednesday, July 26, 2017

8:00 a.m. Junior Showmanship(all breeds) 11:00 a.m. Junior Angus 2:00 p.m. Junior Simmental 4 p.m. Junior Limousin 5 p.m. Junior Gelbvieh *First session release time is to be determined by management after the completion of show.

2nd Session

Friday, July 28, 2017

6:00 – 11:00 a.m. Open and Junior Commercial Cattle arrive 10:00 a.m. AOB, Chianina, Hereford, Maine Anjou and Shorthorn cattle must be in place.

Saturday, July 29, 2017 10:00 a.m. Weigh-In Open and Junior Commercial Cattle 8:00 a.m. Open Hereford 10:30 a.m. Open Shorthorn 1:00 p.m. Open Chianina 2:30 p.m. Open Maine Anjou

Sunday, July 30, 2017

8:00 a.m. Junior Showmanship (all breeds) 10 a.m. Judging Commercial Cattle (viaduct) 10:30 a.m. Junior Hereford 12:30 p.m. Junior Shorthorn 2:00 p.m. Junior Chianina 3:00 p.m. Junior AOB 4:00 p.m. Junior Maine-Anjou *Second session release time is to be determined by management after the completion of show.

Market Beef permitted on the grounds after 6:00 p.m. for tie outs only on Tuesday, August 1.

Wednesday, August 2, 2017

10:00 a.m. Voinovich Stalling

Thursday, August 3, 2017

10:00 a.m. ALL Market Beef must be in the barn.

11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Weigh-In 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. Skillathon (Voinovich mezzanine)

Environ.

Continued from page 31

mobile with soil movement,” Neef said. “We’re trying to take the best picture of the soil as we can. We’ve made some adjustments over the years -- it’s listening to the researchers and doing our part in the best management of what we have.”

Hord Family Farms is one of the county’s largest businesses with about 200 employees, ranging from animal care specialists to truck drivers to office workers. Every year the family holds a customer appreciation night at the end of August for 500-600 people. And they work hard at extending an invitation to anyone who wants to see how the farm operates.

“It’s all about getting (people) out on the farm to see for themselves what’s really going on because there are perceptions and they’re not always the best so we want them to see what’s actually going on and we want to be very transparent,” Duane said. “We’ve been in this community for a lifetime and we want to do things right.” v

Friday, August 4, 2017

8 a.m. - 6 p.m. Prospect calves arrive (cattle will be stalled as they arrive) 9:00 a.m. Market Beef Showmanship 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Prospect Calves Weigh-In 6:00 p.m. Junior Breed Champion and Reserve Champion Heifers arrive

Saturday, August 5, 2017

9:00 a.m. Market Beef Show 5:30 p.m. Approximate time for Final Drive *Market animals will be released at the conclusion of the show.

Sunday, August 6, 2017

8:30 a.m. Pre-4-H Prospect Showmanship Prospect Calf Show immediately following Pre-4-H Showmanship 2:00 p.m. Sale of Champions - 50th Anniversary

Summer Issue 2017 | Ohio Cattleman | 33

On the Edge of Common Sense

Welcome F.L. Emmert Company - ShowBloom

Summit Livestock Facilities

American Angus Association

to the Allied Industry Council

Visit: www.ohiocattle.org

34 | Ohio Cattleman | Summer Issue 2017

By Baxter Black, DVM

Photosensitization Like a good boy I subscribed my mother to one of the papers that carries my column. Later I asked her how she liked it. She said, “It’s fine, son. I like most of ‘em but those where you ramble on about cow diseases and stuff like that I really don’t find near as interesting.”

Well, bear with me, Mom, here goes another. Summertime brings with it bathing suit ads, lawn mower commercials, kids home to help with the chores, mosquito’s, firecrackers and PHOTOSENSITIZATION. Photo: light; sensitization; sensitive to. Sensitive to sunlight. And that is an understatement! We’re talkin’ hard core, fourth and goal, damn the torpedo’s, all ahead full sunburn! Not to be confused with true sunburn or snowburn.

The animal is sensitized to the sun’s rays so that even a lot of the weaker rays can cause damage. An animal cannot be sunburned through a window glass but can be photosensitized through it.

It occurs in sheep, grazing cattle and I’ve seen it show up in the feedyard.

Most commonly is related to the ingestion of specific plants the animal has eaten. St John’s wort (Klamath weed) in the Northwest, agave and sachuiste in the Southwest, plus others including cultivated rape, horse brush and buckwheat. Sudan grass, clover or alfalfa have even been incriminated.

Either through liver damage or directly, breakdown products of the plant enter the blood stream and circulate to the skin. There they become exposed to the sun’s penetrating rays. A chemical reaction occurs which damages the surrounding capillaries and tissue. Thick hair or darkly pigmented skin usually blocks out the sun’s rays so the reaction only occurs in the lighter areas.

Following ingestion of enough plant toxins the affected critter’s skin begins to redden, itch and swell. By the second day the muzzle and eyelids have a burned appearance. With continued exposure to sunlight the skin dies, becomes hard and leathery and starts to peel at the edges of the eyes or muzzle.

Looking at an animal in this condition can often be confusing until you feel the white parts of his skin. On a Hereford, the red-pigmented skin will be normal but as soon as you touch the border where the white begins, it feels like dry rawhide. It occurs in whiteface sheep, Herefords, Charolais, Holsteins, and anything with non-pigmented white skin.

Supportive medicine to prevent infection and reduce inflammation may help out but SHADE is the only long-term treatment. They usually survive but the affected skin may peel plum off.

I’ve even taken the ol’ blue lotion and painted a few. I did that to a Hereford steer one time and put a white paper star on his head. He looked like an American flag comin’ down the alley! v

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Summer Issue 2017 | Ohio Cattleman | 35

Calendar of Events

Are you

Tagged for Greatness?

Ohio Cattlemen’s Foundation License Plate Program

Show your pride as an Ohio cattle producer and support Ohio’s youth by purchasing the Beef license plate. Plates are available through the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles.

By purchasing an Ohio Beef license plate, you will be supporting the Ohio Cattlemen’s Foundation Scholarship Program and making a positive difference in the future of the industry by supporting those youth who have been “Tagged for Greatness.”

The Beef plate will cost $25 annually, in addition to regular registration fees. With each Ohio Beef license plate sold, $15 goes directly to the Ohio Cattlemen’s Foundation. The plates are also available for commercial farm trucks.

Call 1-866-OPLATES or visit www.OPLATES. com for more information.

Visit www.ohiocattle.org for a complete list of events July 12-15 NCBA Summer Business Meeting, Denver, CO 26-31 Ohio State Fair, Columbus, Ohio

August* 1-6 Ohio State Fair, Columbus, Ohio 11 Ohio Cattleman Early Fall Issue Advertising Deadline 10-12 Young Cattlemen’s Conference, Ohio 26 Cattlemen’s Gala, Sporting Clays Shoot and OCA Summer Business Meeting

September* 8 Ohio Cattleman Late Fall Issue Advertising Deadline 15 OCA Award Nominations due 19-21 Farm Science Review, London, Ohio

October 1 OCA Board of Directors Nominations Due 14-15 Ohio Cattlemen’s Camp, London, Ohio * Check page 29 for Beef Industry Update Meeting Dates

We’re here for cattle producers.

Whether you’re building fences or establishing pastures, AgCredit is ready to help you grow.

Loans for: • Purchasing real estate • Constructing barns, buildings or fences • Purchasing brood cows and feeder calves • Purchasing or leasing machinery, equipment and vehicles Call us and see how we can help.

• Paying operating expenses • Establishing permanent pastures • Refinancing debts • And more!

800.837.3678 AgCredit.net |

36 | Ohio Cattleman | Summer Issue 2017

Your Beef Checkoff Dollars at Work

2014 Ohio Fall Feeder Cattle Sales

Investing in Beef Safety, Nutrition and Promotion Ohio Stories: Sustaining a Legacy

The Ohio Beef Council (OBC) recently launched a producer image campaign centered around sharing the passion that farmers have for their land, livestock and livelihood. This image campaign’s flagship effort is a video series that shows consumers that beef farmers ultimately do what’s best for their land and animals no matter the circumstances.

Studies have shown that consumers trust messages straight from the farmer far more than other spokespeople. OBC empowered the Vollborn family of Bidwell, Ohio to share their family’s story on the first installment of the Ohio Stories video series. Despite only being out a few weeks the videos have already gathered almost 100,000 views and numbers continue to climb.

Throughout the video, the Vollborn family shares their passion for what they do alongside facts and information about how beef cattle are raised and positively impact families across the United States. The highest point of traffic on the OBC website, ohiobeef.org, is the Ohio Beef Community page, demonstrating that consumers want to learn more about beef farmers in Ohio.

The video series will continue into the early fall where it will then transition to a new Ohio Stories video that is currently in production.

Check out the video on the Ohio Beef Council website, Facebook page and YouTube channel.

day. There will be a quarter of a million magazines printed and distributed during the weeks leading up to football season in the fall. Be on the lookout for Shelley’s video later this summer!

Taste and Traditions of Beef

Year two of the Ohio State University Department of Athletics and OBC’s Tastes and Traditions platform is off to a great start in anticipation for the upcoming 2017 football season. This innovative program engages with consumers digitally and via traditional media sources. To date, the platform has had over 420,000 impressions across all forms of media and football season is still weeks away!

OBC once again partnered with Shelley Meyer to showcase one of her favorite beef recipes for tailgating.

Shelley appeared in a Tasty style recipe video and will be in all the printed materials in the fall. National Cattlemen’s Beef Association Executive Chef, Dave Zino, was on hand to help with stylizing and video production.

The Tastes and Traditions magazine will be distributed across Ohio at a variety of locations including at the stadium on game

Breakfast on The Farm

In mid-June, the Franklin and Madison County Farm Bureaus partnered to host their annual event, Breakfast on the Farm. The main objective of this event is to provide consumers with insight into how farm animals are raised and how their food gets from the farm, to their plate.

Consumers who attended enjoyed breakfast while seeing farm animals along with getting the opportunity to have their questions answered about farming and the food system.

Individuals could pick up recipe booklets that showed how beef can be used as an all-around protein source while children enjoyed activity books that provided education on the beef industry.

Is a local organization planning a farm day that could use additional resources on beef production, nutrition or preparation? Visit ohiobeef.org to place an order for free promotional materials. The store can be located under the “Resources” tab. v

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: Bev Roe, Hamilton, Chairman • Jamie Graham, Patriot, Vice Chairman Sam Roberts, South Charleston, Treasurer • Jim Beattie, Greenwich • Henry Bergfeld, Summitville • Kathy Davis, Perrysville • Barb Watts, Alexandria Dave Felumlee, Newark • Randy Hollowell, Covington • Brent Porteus, Coshocton • Todd Raines, Seaman • Allan Robison, Cable Bill Sexten, Washington C.H. • Neil Siefring, Coldwater •Stan Smith, Canal Winchester• Elizabeth Harsh, Executive Director Summer Issue 2017 | Ohio Cattleman | 37

Parting Shots

Advertisers’ Index Armstrong Ag...................................................... 20 Ag Credit............................................................. 36 Bobcat..................................................................17 Buckeye Hereford Association.......................... 35 Bush Hog............................................................. 29 Cattle Vac........................................................... 35 COBA/Select Sires..............................................17 Dickinson Cattle Co........................................... 35 Hilliard Lyons.........................................................5 Hot Iron Enterprises........................................... 21 Jeff Pope............................................................. 35 John Deere.......................................................... 39

Over 600 people were in attendance to celebrate the 18th year of the BEST Program at the banquet on May 6.

Kalmbach............................................................ 40 McBurney Livestock Equipment....................... 23 Mercer Landmark............................................... 29 Multimin.............................................................. 36 Novak Town Line Farm....................................... 35 O’Connor Farms Limousin................................. 35 Ohio Beef Council..................................................2 Ohio Beef Council Website................................ 21 Reed & Baur Insurance Agency........................ 12 Valentine Farms................................................. 35

The Ohio Cattlemen’s Association had the opportunity to serve beef during the Ohio State Football Champion’s Dinner.

Boone Burbage enjoys feeding cows with his grandpa at their family farm in Milford, Ohio.

OCA Vice President, Sasha Rittenhouse of Clark County had the opportunity to meet Coach Urban Meyer as OCA members helped feed the OSU football team.

38 | Ohio Cattleman | Summer Issue 2017

In a world full of nails, bring the hammer.

When long lists of chores stretch out in front of you, hit them head on with some big muscle.

That’s where the 6M comes in. It’s the mid-spec utility tractor built to stand toe to toe with big jobs on hardworking beef and dairy operations. No complaints, no quitting, no slowing down.

Get up to 10,696 (4850 kg) pounds of hitch lift capacity, a maximum of 30 gpm (113 lpm) of pressure and flow compensated hydraulic power that cycles heavy loads fast, and a heavy-duty, full-frame chassis designed to lift, load, and carry the toughest stuff out there.

The rugged 6M. Available in 110 to 195 engine horsepower. With three transmission choices – including the CommandQuad™ – and the option of cab, open station, 2WD and MFWD. Talk to your dealer about getting more done with America’s Tractor.

More power. More getting work done. The 6M.

JohnDeere.com/6M Summer Issue 2017 | Ohio Cattleman | 39

™

ADVANCED INTAKE MANAGEMENT The science of feed formulation to increase the number of meals per day that cattle consume. Kalmbach Feeds calls this science AIM Technology™. By increasing the number of smaller meals, we can create a healthier digestive system. Healthier animals mean superior cattle performance and greater returns for you.

Kalmbach Feeds uses AIM Technology™ in our Accelerator Beef Growers and Finishers to: • Increase meals eaten • Reduce amount of roughage fed • Self-feed more efficiently

Opti-Ferm Lix Low Moisture Tubs are a source of supplemental nutrition for your cattle. Designed to promote better roughage utilization. Available in several formulations.

40 | Ohio Cattleman | Summer Issue 2017

CONTACT YOUR KALMBACH FEEDS DEALER OR SALES REPRESENTATIVE FOR MORE INFORMATION

(888) 771-1250