The Ohio Beef Expo has had a long history as the premier event for the Ohio beef industry. The event, which was last month in Columbus at the Ohio Exposition Center, gives consignors an opportunity to show the quality of their stock, and offer them for sale to those looking to improve their genetics.

A trade show provides producers the opportunity to learn about the latest in technology and how industry can help in the family’s operation.

Education is also a part of the Expo, for adults and youth alike. In 4-H, youth “learn by doing” and the Ohio Cattlemen’s Assoc. Beef Expo also gives juniors the chance to learn by doing. They can exhibit animals, participate in the showmanship contest and even judge animals for quality.

The Butler County Cattlemen’s Assoc. began a junior program in 2007. The young people have been very active, learning and having fun.

The juniors are the future of the beef industry and are important to our organization. We are very proud of our junior members’ accomplishments last month at the Expo. The judging contest has two classifications; the younger members compete as juniors and the older teens are seniors. There were 50 teams competing in the Junior class and our team from Butler County placed first.

The team members were: Taylor Darner, daughter of Jeff and Amy Darner; Kelli Gerber who received seventh place individual placing, daughter of Gary and Cari Gerber; Karen Hiltbrand, daughter of Kathy and Dave Hiltbrand; and Jessie Reinhart, who received 11th place individual, daughter of Lori and John Reinhart.  The senior team placed fourth of 50 teams competing. Team members are: Samantha Darner, placed 19th as individual, daughter of Amy and Jeff Darner; David Duvelius, son of Glenna and Jerry Duvelius; Taylor Ruder, granddaughter of Lois & Bill Vollmer; and Samantha Schaefer, daughter of Ruth Ann and Tony Schaefer. In the market steer and heifer classes, Aaron Hoerst received reserve champion Chianina steer; Kelli Gerber, second place Shorthorn steer; Katie Shaw, second place Crossbred steer; Samantha Darner, fourth place Crossbred steer; Karen Hiltbrand, fifth place Chianina heifer, Lauren Gerber, eighth place Crossbred steer; and Taylor Darner, ninth place Crossbred steer.

Butler County Cattlemen are an active group with quality livestock and quality people. It looks as if our future is in good hands.

The views and opinions expressed in this column are those of the author and not necessarily those of Farm World. Readers with questions or comments for Steve Bartels may write to him in care of this publication.

This farm news was published in the April 23, 2008 issue of the Farm World, serving Indiana, Ohio, Illinois, Kentucky, Michigan and Tennessee.