HARSH REALITIES Raising the Next Generation

By Elizabeth Harsh, Ohio Cattleman Editor

Ohio Cattleman magazine (USPA: 020-968, ISSN: 1543-0588) is published six times per year: Winter issue, mailed in January; Expo preview issue, mailed in February; Spring issue, mailed in April; Summer issue, mailed in July; Early Fall issue, mailed in September; and Late Fall issue, mailed in October; for $15 a year to OCA members only. It is dedicated to reporting facts about Ohio’s cattle including marketing, production and legislative news. All editorial and advertising material is screened to meet rigid standards, but publisher assumes no responsibility for accuracy or validity of claims. All rights reserved. Circulation for the issue is 3,166.

Published at Minster, Ohio 45865 by the Ohio Cattlemen’s Association, 10600 US Highway 42, Marysville, Ohio 43040. Periodical postage paid at Marysville, Ohio and at additional offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Ohio Cattleman, 10600 US Highway 42, Marysville, Ohio 43040. CHANGING

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OCA Staff

Elizabeth Harsh Executive Director

Ron Windnagel Director of Accounting & Operations

Hannah Weymouth Manager of Communications & Managing Editor

Kelly Keirn Manager of Consumer Program & Digital Marketing

Luke Mckee Manager of Member Services

Karigan Blue BEST Program Coordinator

Tiffany Arnett Office & Project Manager

Ohio Cattleman

Summer Issue 2023

A large part of last weekend was spent cleaning out and organizing a small room we use for storage. Amazing how stuff accumulates while enjoying the moments. I think I lost the organization battle somewhere around 2009, when our oldest graduated high school or for sure in 2013 when our youngest graduated high school at the same time his older sister graduated from Ohio State with her first degree. And if there was any doubt, the war was decidedly lost in 2018 when our son graduated from college and our daughter earned her doctorate degree that same year.

The point is, during this time, and well before, life was happening. It focused on raising two kids in the beef industry that included enabling their passion for showing registered Angus females across the country. What came with it was the agreement made with our son that you didn’t enter the showring unless you also entered the speech contest, quiz bowl and sales contest. You get the picture. Showring privileges also required participation in leadership and educational programs. Funny though, what started out as a requirement, grew into a welcomed opportunity and ended up as appreciation for the experience.

Sifting through the piles of old show photos, awards and news clippings brought back a flood of memories. What we didn’t fully realize in the middle of it all was what those hectic times would mean 15 or so years later and how those experiences would contribute to their career and personal successes. Our family’s story is no different than most farm families raising kids, no matter the size, kind or location of the farm. It’s the way to raise kids.

As this magazine goes to press, junior nationals are taking place breed by breed across the country. And many Ohio juniors will return to participate in their county fair and maybe even the state fair. In addition to junior breed association activities, Ohio’s beef industry youth are fortunate to have similar opportunities though the state’s strong 4-H and FFA programs.

So much of OCA’s focus is about supporting the next generation of beef producers. It is evident in the success of OCA’s 25-year BEST youth development sanctioned show program. It is the well-known Young Cattlemen’s Conference that connects young adults passionate about the industry and helps them grow their leadership abilities. It is why we host the Cattlemen’s Gala that raises scholarship funds to assist youth in meeting their educational goals. It most certainly is about OCA’s ongoing policy work that creates opportunities for the next generation to realize their passion with careers in the beef industry. And it is about continuing the tradition of raising children with these same opportunities. Help OCA continue these efforts by supporting these programs.

Starting with the state fair and continuing through the summer, OCA will host many events where our paths will cross and create the opportunity to catch-up on the family. I look forward to it. Good thing for us we only had two kids, so there are only two to return home and point out the things we could do better with their cows. And with more than two, I might be digging through the piles and old photos for years to come; while now I think I can actually see the bottom.

OCA NEWS & VIEWS OCA Officers

President • Tom Karr

740-591-9900, tom@karrcontracting.com

Vice President • Bill Tom 937-694-5378, btom@uproducers.com

Treasurer • Linde Sutherly 937-875-0670, linde@lindeslivestockphotos.com

Past President • Aaron Arnett 614-947-9931, aaronarnett16@gmail.com