OCA’s BEST program concludes a successful 17th year

MARYSVILLE, OH -- The 2015-2016 Ohio Cattlemen’s Association (OCA) BEST (Beef Exhibitor Show Total) Program wrapped up on May 7 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, 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.

The BEST program also receives tremendous support for awards and the awards banquet. The 2015-2016 banquet and award sponsors were Hamilton Insurance Agency, Harsh’s Farm Service, Heritage Cooperative, Highland Livestock Supply, Kent Nutrition Group, Merchants National Bank, United Producers, Inc. and Weaver Leather Livestock. These sponsors donated a wonderful set of door prizes and offered monetary support for awards.

State breed associations sponsoring belt buckle cases for the winners in each of the respective breeds: Buckeye Hereford Association, Ohio Angus Association, Ohio Mid-Eastern Maine-Anjou Association, Ohio Shorthorn Breeders Association and Ohio Simmental Association. The Ohio Cattlemen’s Association sponsored the remaining breeds’ winners.

The OCA BEST program functions with the strong backing of the BEST Committee. Serving on the BEST Committee are Chairman Todd Pugh, Vice-Chairman Mark Hara, Patricia Cluxton, Brandon Corry, Ashley Culp, Alice Frazier, Breanne Gabriel, Roy Norman, Bob Siegel and Bill Tom - the Ohio State Fair Beef Director. Sally Puzacke served as the Buckeye Classic show representative. During the BEST awards banquet, the new junior representatives for the 2016-2017 season were announced. They are Karigan Blue, Henry County; Brianna Ellish, Miami County; Haley Frazier, Jackson County and Kyle Piscione, Medina County. Continuing for her second term is Natalie Wagner, Brown County.

Youth Scholarships

BEST participants efforts in academics and extracurricular activities are also recognized through the BEST Scholarship program, awarding three $1,000 scholarships. Scholarship winners were Adison Niese, Richland County; Cole Liggett; Tuscarawas County and Natalie Wagner, Brown County.

Novice Scholarships

New BEST participants were eligible to apply for a Novice sponsorship prior to the start of the BEST show season. To be eligible, youth ages 8-21 had to qualify for the Novice division by being first or second year BEST program participants. Novice eligible participants submitted an essay that was reviewed by a panel of judges that ranked the scholarship applications. The selected participants received a scholarship worth $105 to cover the cost of their family’s Ohio Cattlemen’s Association membership for $60 as well as one head BEST nomination fee valued at $45. Youth chosen were able to redeem their scholarship at the first BEST show they attended. The Novice scholarship program is sponsored by Weaver Leather Livestock and the recipients of the scholarship include: Evan Born, Adam and Kayler Frey, and Alexandra Sabine, Lorain County; Luke Brinksneader, Darke County; Andrew, David and Elijah Brown, Scioto County; Dana Clinedinst, Morrow County; Gage Farrar, Jackson County; Andrew and Gregory Flax, Clark County; Payton Freed, Muskingum County; Caitlyn and Joshua Gaddis, and Brandon and Peyton Hogg, Knox County; Morgan Gillespie and Luke Keifer, Butler County; Bergan Leonhardt, Crawford County; Taylor Linebaugh, Greene County; Blake Martin, Huron County; Autumn Mohler, Union County; Joseph Moody, Carroll County; Abigail Myers, Tuscarawas County; Austin Nicholl, Logan County; Evan Pope, Gallia County; Aaron Post, Mercer County; Logan and Luke Schroeder, Defiance County; Lauren and Megan Schulte, Putnam County; Emily Scott, Portage County; Alyssa Strope, Belmont County.

Participants in this year’s program received an entry into the drawing for the free use of an 8’ x 26’ Eby Trailer complete with BEST logo detailing for the 2016-2017 BEST season, donated by Eby Trailer. Participants were given an entry for every animal they showed at each show throughout the season equaling more than 4,300 entries. The lucky winner was Kinley Kreis, Adamsville, Ohio.

BEST participants worked this season to raise money for two charities, Make-A-Wish Foundation and the Ronald McDonald House. Haley Frazier, Jackson, Ohio received a $500 gift certificate for a shopping spree with Weaver Leather Livestock for collecting the most pop tabs for the Ronald McDonald House Charity. Abigail Thornton, Amanda, Ohio received a $500 gift certificate to be used on show supplies with Weaver Leather Livestock for being the top fundraiser in the Make-A-Wish project. Megan Becker, Whipple, Ohio was also a top fundraiser and received a $500 gift certificate

Josie Kidwell, Walhonding, Ohio, won the drawing for a $500 gift certificate toward the purchase of her next show animal from an OCA member. Winning a Show Pass valued at more than $850 was Hailee Carter, Millersburg, Ohio. A gas card valued at $100 was won by Josh Champer, Mount Sterling, Ohio.

Novice participant Levi DeLong, Laurelville, Ohio won a new Show Box in a novice-only drawing, donated by Weaver Livestock.

It takes a lot of time and dedication for juniors and their parents to attend any of the BEST shows, but several individuals attended all 15 BEST shows across the state. Forty-nine BEST participants won a single show pass for the 2016-2017 season.

This year’s photography contest had top-notch entries encompassing four divisions: BEST Shows and Activities, Landscapes, People and Around the Farm. Three winners were awarded in each age division and an Editor’s Choice and Editor’s Choice Honorable Mention were selected from all submissions. The winners were as follows:

Beginner Division

1st Place Beginner – Morgan Love, Fairfield Co.

2nd Place Beginner – Ashton Bain, Highland Co.

3rd Place Beginner – Brenna Shaffer, Lake Co.

Junior Division

1st Place Junior- Amanda Annett, Knox Co.

2nd Place Junior – Mason Love, Fairfield Co.

3rd Place Junior – Amanda Annett, Knox Co.

Intermediate Division

1st Place Intermediate – Emily Dahse, Gallia Co.

2nd Place Intermediate – Kyle Piscione, Medina Co.

3rd Place Intermediate – Kathy Lehman, Richland Co.

Senior Division

1st Place Senior – Kelsey Decker, Fairfield Co.

2nd Place Senior – Morgan Smith, Washington Co.

3rd Place Senior – Morgan Smith, Washington Co.

Editor’s Choice

Editor’s Choice – Kelsey Decker, Fairfield Co.

Editor’s Choice Honorable Mention – Amanda Annett, Knox Co.

Heifer & Market Animal Champions

Breed Division Animals

Angus

Champion Angus Heifer – Nevaeh Powers, Fulton Co.

Reserve Champion Angus Heifer – Michelle Bockelman, Henry Co.

Third Overall Angus Heifer – Jacob LeBrun, Scioto Co.

Fourth Overall Angus Heifer – Ellie Kidwell, Knox Co.

Fifth Overall Angus Heifer – Baylee Carey, Highland Co.

Champion Angus Steer – Carly Sanders, Highland Co.

Reserve Champion Angus Steer – Jacob LeBrun, Scioto Co.

Chianina

Champion Chianina Heifer – Kathy Lehman, Richland Co.

Reserve Champion Chianina Heifer – Abbie Collins, Preble Co.

Third Overall Chianina Heifer – Jared Cluxton, Brown Co.

Fourth Overall Chianina Heifer – Allison Herr, Fulton Co.

Fifth Overall Chianina Heifer – Colton Burkett, Ashland Co.

Champion Chianina Steer – Kinley Kreis, Muskingum Co.

Reserve Champion Chianina Steer – Ethan Davies, Wood Co.

Hereford

Champion Hereford Heifer – Hudson Drake, Ross Co.

Reserve Champion Hereford Heifer – Austin Hunker, Huron Co.

Champion Hereford Steer – Noah Smith, Sandusky Co.

Reserve Champion Hereford Steer – Jackson Grimes, Logan Co.

Maine-Anjou

Champion High % Maine-Anjou Heifer – Adison Niese, Richland Co.

Reserve Champion High % Maine-Anjou Heifer – Kinley Kreis, Muskingum Co.

Champion MaineTainer Heifer – Kathy Lehman, Richland Co.

Reserve Champion MaineTainer Heifer – Dalton Kennedy, Adams Co.

Third Overall MaineTainer Heifer – Ashley Buell, Licking Co.

Fourth Overall MaineTainer Heifer – Rufus Levi Tackett, Scioto Co.

Fifth Overall MaineTainer Heifer – Jordan Johnson, Gallia Co.

Champion Maine-Anjou Steer – Lori Millenbaugh, Crawford Co.

Reserve Champion Maine-Anjou Steer – Lindsey Pugh, Stark Co.

Third Overall Maine-Anjou Steer – Victoria Waits, Fayette Co.

Fourth Overall Maine-Anjou Steer – Kendal Widman, Crawford Co.

Fifth Overall Maine-Anjou Steer – Clay Foor, Licking Co.

Shorthorn

Champion Shorthorn Heifer – Taylor Morbitzer, Franklin Co.

Reserve Champion Shorthorn Heifer – Jessica Millenbaugh, Crawford Co.

Third Overall Shorthorn Heifer – Samantha VanVorhis, Wood Co.

Fourth Overall Shorthorn Heifer – Brandee Painter, Licking Co.

Fifth Overall Shorthorn Heifer – Cole McLaughlin, Monroe Co.

Champion Shorthorn Steer – Emma Mathews, Clinton Co.

Reserve Champion Shorthorn Steer – Tanner Cordes, Montgomery Co.

Champion ShorthornPlus Heifer – Allison Davis, Carroll Co.

Reserve Champion ShorthornPlus Heifer – Reilly Jacobs Bell, Muskingum Co.

Champion ShorthornPlus Steer – Noah Cox, Athens Co.

Reserve Champion ShorthornPlus Steer – Victoria Waits, Fayette Co.

Simmental

Champion Simmental Heifer – Olivia Dickson, Licking Co.

Reserve Champion Simmental Heifer – Cade Liggett, Tuscarawas Co.

Champion % Simmental Heifer – Brooke Hayhurst, Wayne Co.

Reserve Grand Champion % Simmental Heifer – Austin Garner, Butler Co.

Third Overall % Simmental Heifer – Matthew Koverman, Scioto Co.

Fourth Overall % Simmental Heifer – Tyson Woodard, Guernsey Co.

Fifth Overall % Simmental Heifer – Nick McConnell, Knox Co.

Champion Simmental Steer – Kinzee Shafer, Preble Co.

Reserve Champion Simmental Steer – Delaney Jones, Allen Co.

AOB

Champion AOB Heifer – Austin Hunker, Huron, Co.

Reserve Champion AOB Heifer – Austin Schneder, Clinton Co.

Champion AOB Steer – Zane Davison, Madison Co.

Reserve Champion AOB Steer – Kennedy Thompson, Clinton Co.

Miniature

Champion Miniature Heifer – Isaac Wiley, Morrow Co.

Reserve Champion Miniature Heifer – Walker Wiley, Morrow Co.

Champion Miniature Steer – Franklin Kinney, Logan Co.

Reserve Champion Miniature Steer – Henry Strow, Wood Co.

Market Heifer

Champion Market Heifer – Kendra Gabriel, Pickaway Co.

Reserve Champion Market Heifer – Austin Schneder, Clinton Co.

Third Overall Market Heifer – Lauren McIntosh, Brown Co.

Fourth Overall Market Heifer – Caroline Blay, Portage Co.

Fifth Overall Market Heifer – Rufus Levi Tackett, Scioto Co.

Crossbred

Champion Crossbred Heifer – Destiny LaFever, Ashland Co.

Reserve Champion Crossbred Heifer – Kendra Gabriel, Pickaway Co.

Third Overall Crossbred Heifer – Karlie Kennedy, Adams Co.

Fourth Overall Crossbred Heifer – Kylee Bloomfield, Crawford Co.

Fifth Overall Crossbred Heifer – Abbie Collins, Preble Co.

Champion Crossbred Steer – Abigail Myers, Tuscarawas Co.

Reserve Champion Crossbred Steer – Kendra Gabriel, Pickaway Co.

Third Overall Crossbred Steer – Caden Jones, Allen Co.

Fourth Overall Crossbred Steer – Lori Millenbaugh, Crawford Co.

Fifth Overall Crossbred Steer – Alayna Kellar, Harrison Co.

Sixth Overall Crossbred Steer – Luke Brinksneader, Darke Co.

Seventh Overall Crossbred Steer – Carter Smith, Holmes Co.

Eighth Overall Crossbred Steer (tie) – Alayna McIntosh, Brown Co.

Eighth Overall Crossbred Steer (tie) – Jayden Shriver, Gallia Co.

Ninth Overall Crossbred Steer (tie) – Jonna Goss, Hocking Co.

Ninth Overall Crossbred Steer (tie) – Luke Brinksneader, Darke Co.

Tenth Overall Crossbred Steer – Adam Thompson, Clinton Co.

Eleventh Overall Crossbred Steer (tie) – Mindy Barr, Pickaway Co.

Eleventh Overall Crossbred Steer (tie) – Danielle Hoffman, Richland Co.

Twelfth Overall Crossbred Steer – Madalynn Bruckelmyer, Licking Co.

Thirteenth Overall Crossbred Steer (tie) – Kelsey Crandall, Darke Co.

Thirteenth Overall Crossbred Steer (tie) – Mackenzie Hursey, Tuscarawas Co.

Fourteenth Overall Crossbred Steer (tie) – Brice Phelps, Union Co.

Fourteenth Overall Crossbred Steer (tie) – Hayden Belleville, Wood Co.

Fifteenth Overall Crossbred Steer – Caitlin Gallagher, Lorain Co.

BEST Novice Champions

Heifers

Champion Novice Heifer (tie) – Olivia Dickson, Licking Co. - Purebred Simmental

Champion Novice Heifer (tie) – Destiny LaFever, Ashland Co. – Crossbred

Reserve Champion Novice Heifer (tie) – Nevaeh Powers, Fulton Co. – Angus

Reserve Champion Novice Heifer (tie) – Kylee Bloomfield, Crawford Co. - Crossbred

Third Overall Novice Heifer (tie) – Ellie Day, Ross Co. – Crossbred

Third Overall Novice Heifer (tie) – Jordan Moffit, Huron Co. - Crossbred

Fourth Overall Novice Heifer – Gage Farrar, Jackson Co. - Crossbred

Fifth Overall Novice Heifer – Rufus Levi Tackett, Scioto Co. - MaineTainer

Sixth Overall Novice Heifer – Lauren McIntosh, Brown Co. - Crossbred

Seventh Overall Novice Heifer – Hannah French, Huron Co. - Crossbred

Eighth Overall Novice Heifer – Maddox Cupp, Fairfield Co. - Hereford

Ninth Overall Novice Heifer – Allison Herr, Fulton Co. - Chianina

Tenth Overall Novice Heifer – Tyson Woodard, Guernsey Co. - % Simmental

Market Animals

Champion Novice Steer – Carly Sanders, Highland Co. - Angus

Reserve Champion Novice Steer (tie) – Tanner Cordes, Montgomery Co. – Shorthorn

Reserve Champion Novice Steer (tie) – Abigail Myers, Tuscarawas Co. - Crossbred

Third Overall Novice Steer – Jacob LeBrun, Scioto Co. - Angus

Fourth Overall Novice Steer – Franklin Kinney, Logan Co. - Miniature

Fifth Overall Novice Steer – Caden Jones, Allen Co. - Crossbred

Sixth Overall Novice Steer – Alayna Kellar, Harrison Co. - Crossbred

Seventh Overall Novice Steer – Luke Brinksneader, Darke Co. - Crossbred

Eighth Overall Novice Steer – Ethan Davies, Wood Co. - Chianina

Ninth Overall Novice Steer – Delaney Jones, Allen Co. – Purebred Simmental

Tenth Overall Novice Steer – Jayden Shriver, Gallia Co. - Crossbred

BEST Bred & Owned Champions

Heifers

Champion Bred & Owned Heifer – Kathy Lehman, Richland Co. - MaineTainer

Reserve Champion Bred & Owned Heifer– Ashley Buell, Licking Co. - MaineTainer

Third Overall Bred & Owned Heifer – Jordan Johnson, Gallia Co. - MaineTainer

Fourth Overall Bred & Owned Heifer – Michelle Bockelman, Henry Co. - Angus

Fifth Overall Bred & Owned Heifer– Mya Hetrick, Sandusky Co. - Shorthorn

Steers

Champion Bred & Owned Steer – Wally Minges, Butler Co. - ShorthornPlus

Reserve Champion Bred & Owned Steer – Ian Gehret, Darke Co. – Maine-Anjou

Third Overall Bred & Owned Steer – Luke McKee, Knox Co. – Maine-Anjou

Fourth Overall Bred & Owned Steer – Brooke Weeks, Champaign Co. – Maine-Anjou

Fifth Overall Bred & Owned Steer – Austin Nicholl, Logan Co. – Chianina

BEST Showmanship Winners

Novice

Champion Novice Showman – Allison Herr, Fulton Co.

Reserve Novice Showman – Drew Browning, Muskingum Co.

Third Overall Novice Showman – Luke Brinksneader, Darke Co.

Fourth Overall Novice Showman – Beau Johnson, Gallia Co.

Fifth Overall Novice Showman – Dakota Warnimont, Putnam Co.

Sixth Overall Novice Showman – Abigail Thornton, Fairfield Co.

Seventh Overall Novice Showman – Shala Graham, Licking Co.

Eighth Overall Novice Showman – Avery Moore, Erie Co.

Ninth Overall Novice Showman – Levi DeLong, Ross Co.

Tenth Overall Novice Showman – Paige Pence, Clark Co.

Beginner

Champion Beginner Showman – Hudson Drake, Ross Co.

Reserve Beginner Showman – Ellie Day, Ross Co.

Third Overall Beginner Showman – Karlie Kennedy, Adams Co.

Fourth Overall Beginner Showman – Neveah Powers, Fulton Co.

Fifth Overall Beginner Showman – Sydney Sanders, Highland Co.

Sixth Overall Beginner Showman – Madison Paden, Guernsey Co.

Seventh Overall Beginner Showman – Blake Herdman, Highland Co.

Eighth Overall Beginner Showman – Carly Sanders, Highland Co.

Ninth Overall Beginner Showman – Ethan Davies, Wood Co.

Tenth Overall Beginner Showman – Logan Schroeder, Defiance Co.

Junior

Champion Junior Showman – Victoria Waits, Fayette Co.

Reserve Champion Junior Showman – Chris Tooms, Muskingum Co.

Third Overall Junior Showman – Harrison Blay, Portage Co.

Fourth Overall Junior Showman – Mya Hetrick, Sandusky Co.

Fifth Overall Junior Showman – Destiny Lafever, Ashland Co.

Sixth Overall Junior Showman – Fulton Kennedy, Adams Co.

Seventh Overall Junior Showman – Erin Pope, Gallia Co.

Eighth Overall Junior Showman – Hunter Harris, Adams Co.

Ninth Overall Junior Showman – Caden Jones, Allen Co.

Tenth Overall Junior Showman – Kinzee Shafer, Preble Co.

Intermediate

Champion Intermediate Showman – Allison Davis, Carroll Co.

Reserve Champion Intermediate Showman – Dalton Kennedy, Adams Co.

Third Overall Intermediate Showman – Lori Millenbaugh, Crawford Co.

Fourth Overall Intermediate Showman – Olivia Wood, Clinton Co.

Fifth Overall Intermediate Showman –Jordan Johnson, Gallia Co.

Sixth Overall Intermediate Showman – Kathy Lehman, Richland Co.

Seventh Overall Intermediate Showman – Kyle Piscione, Medina Co.

Eighth Overall Intermediate Showman – Cade Liggett, Tuscarawas Co.

Ninth Overall Intermediate Showman – Emily Paden, Guernsey Co.

Tenth Overall Intermediate Showman (tie) – Hannah Topmiller, Warren Co.

Tenth Overall Intermediate Showman (tie) – Haley Frazier, Jackson Co.

Senior

Champion Senior Showman – Taylor Morbitzer, Franklin Co.

Reserve Champion Senior Showman (tie) – Kendra Gabriel, Pickaway Co.

Reserve Champion Senior Showman (tie) – Jessica Millenbaugh, Crawford Co.

Third Overall Senior Showman – Emma Mathews, Clinton Co.

Fourth Overall Senior Showman – Mindy Barr, Pickaway Co.

Fifth Overall Senior Showman – Austin Garner, Butler Co.

Sixth Overall Senior Showman – Danielle Whitted, Portage Co.

Seventh Overall Senior Showman – Bricen Hess, Highland Co.

Eighth Overall Senior Showman – Brianna Ellish, Miami Co.

Ninth Overall Senior Showman – Lindsey Pugh, Stark Co.

Tenth Overall Senior Showman – Jacob Jones, Brown Co.

BEST is a youth program of the OCA that recognizes Ohio’s junior beef exhibitors through a series of shows. Juniors who participate in these sanctioned shows earn points for their placing at each show. The OCA BEST program promotes educating Ohio’s juniors about the beef industry’s issues and rewards the successful accomplishments and hard work of those junior beef producers.