Young Cattlemen's Conference & Tour
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The Ohio Young Cattlemen’s Conference (YCC) and Tour will be held August 14-16, 2008, in Columbus and the central Ohio areas. The Ohio Cattlemen’s Foundation (OCF) and Ohio Cattlemen’s Association (OCA) coordinate the Ohio YCC Tour.

The purpose of the Ohio YCC Tour is to offer emerging Ohio beef industry leaders and young producers the opportunity to build their own leadership skills as they network with beef industry leaders, government officials, businesses and media.

The three-day tour involves 25-30 young cattle producers from across the state. It is designed to broaden their perspective by taking them beyond their individual beef operations. The Ohio YCC Tour focuses on the latest information from the financial, processing and marketing segments of the beef industry as it exposes the participants to promotion, research and public relations issues.

Counties are encouraged to consider one or more candidate(s) for the conference. The cost is $50 per participant that can be paid by either the county cattlemen’s association or the individual. Couples are also encouraged to attend and the cost is $100 per couple. All meals and a two-night hotel stay will be covered by program sponsors. All nomination forms and payment must be submitted to the OCF no later than June 15, 2008.

Each year YCC includes a great line-up of speakers and tours that make YCC an educational experience for all participants.

Nationally recognized speakers and industry experts from past events include:
• Trent Loos, a sixth generation U.S. farmer who has taken his passion for livestock to radio by creating a syndicated program called Loos Tales. Loos also has a regular column in Feedstuffs magazine and encourages people to become advocates for agriculture.

• Randy Blach, Executive Vice President for Cattle-Fax, industry marketing analysts who provides well-researched market outlook information.

• Steve Dittmer, Agribusiness Freedom Foundation Executive Vice President, has nearly 30 years experience in management, marketing and communications in the beef industry. Dittmer brings a factual, common-sense approach to contentious industry issues.

• Popular speakers from academia include Dr. Gary Smith, Colorado State University; and Dr. Brad Morgan, Oklahoma State University.

• National Cattlemen’s Beef Association speakers cover topics from Issues Management and Public Relations to Public Policy and Issues Updates.

Central Ohio tour stops from past conference include:
• The mini-Beef 509 course, is a popular annual session coordinated by Dr. Henry Zerby at The Ohio State University Meat Science Lab.

• A visit to the Ohio State House that allows participants the opportunity to talk to Ohio Legislators about issues that affect the beef industry and to learn more about the legislative process.

• Wendy’s International headquarters is a favorite stop where participants can learn about the components of a successful national restaurant chain and their animal welfare program.

Ohio’s Young Cattlemen: Leading the Cattle Industry
Written by Natalie Miller, OBC/OCA Public Relations Intern for the Ohio Cattleman magazine

This year’s Ohio Cattlemen’s Foundation Young Cattlemen’s Conference (YCC) was the first stop on the road to becoming a cattle industry leader for 25 young cattlemen. The 2007 delegates brought their knowledge and passion for the beef cattle industry together for a two and a half day conference sponsored by Pioneer, Ohio Soybean Council and Cargill, allowing them an excellent learning and leadership development opportunity.

A full agenda of speakers, tours and camaraderie awaited the participants as they arrived Thursday evening at the OCA office. Kicking off the conference was a Petite Tender and Flat Iron steak dinner sponsored by United Producers Inc. and OCA. Participants were also witness to the 2007 Ohio State Fair Commercial Cattle Show and Carcass Evaluation awards presentation, giving them a glimpse into the potential quality of their own cattle.

Guest speaker Jay Truitt, Vice President of Government Affairs for the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA), followed the awards presentation with an update on the role of NCBA in the legislative process. Truitt’s role allows him to be the messenger for cattlemen across the country. He also reminded the young cattlemen about NCBA’s priorities on Capitol Hill, including reauthorization of the Farm Bill, trade issues and the death tax.

“You have an obligation to be involved in whatever industry you’re a part of,” Truitt stated. “If you’re in the cattle business, I’m speaking for you so make sure you are part of helping determine what that message is.”

Quinton Keeran, a participant representing Fairfield County, found Truitt’s session very informative and helpful.

“He showed that we don’t have to fight alone in D.C.,” Keeran said. “Somebody is helping us get what we need as beef producers.”

Early Friday morning, delegates participated in a spokesperson training program led by Daren Williams, Executive Director of Spokesperson Development for NCBA. Williams showed the industry leaders how they can become better activists for the beef industry by telling their own beef production story. In an attempt to enhance their “story-telling skills,” Williams had each delegate participate in an interview exercise where they underwent a mock interview on camera.

With their media skills in hand, the young cattlemen loaded up and headed to Wendy’s International located in Dublin. Upon arrival, participants were given a tour of Wendy’s test and culinary kitchens and learned the rigorous tests that new products must pass to make the Wendy’s menu. Participants were also able to experience the process of participating in a sensory test panel, where they taste-tested the famous junior bacon cheeseburger. Following the delicious mid-morning snack, delegates learned more about the process Wendy’s uses for purchasing beef and the importance of quality assurance to the company.

Later that afternoon, the cattlemen made the switch from taste-testers to policy developers as they sat down at the Ohio State House with Representative Steve Reinhard (R-82nd district) as well as Rocky Black, Ohio Farm Bureau Federation’s Senior Director of Policy and Political Affairs. Both men spoke about current Ohio legislation affecting the beef cattle industry and the future of agriculture in Ohio. Participants led discussions regarding eminent domain and the influence of animal activist groups.

The Ohio State University was the next stop on the road to becoming better industry leaders. YCC delegates were given the chance to learn about beef quality and yield in a hands-on session taught by Dr. Henry Zerby, Ohio State Meat Science Extension Specialist and well-known expert in the meat industry. The young leaders practiced quality and yield grading and learned about factors that affect meat quality, tenderness and flavor.

“Dr. Zerby’s session was very informative,” said Johnna Mangun, Carroll County. “The hands on activities were very beneficial.”

Following Dr. Zerby’s presentation, Dr. Francis Fluharty, Coordinator of the Ohio Beef Industry Center, spoke about how the growth of the ethanol industry is influencing the cattle feeding industry, including utilizing ethanol co-products in balanced rations.

An evening of camaraderie and fun wrapped up the day for the participants as they enjoyed dinner and each other’s company at The Buckeye Hall of Fame Café. Stories, laughter and a heated shuffle board competition filled the room as the delegates mingled and relaxed from their day of learning and leadership.

The final stop on the young cattlemen’s path to becoming better leaders was a concluding day at the OCA office. Mark McCully, Supply Development Director for Certified Angus Beef (CAB) opened Saturday morning with a discussion concerning beef branding and changes happening in the market place. McCully provided statistics and information for all types of beef, including CAB. However, McCully assured the group that he wasn’t there to help promote the brand.

“We exist to grow demand for Angus cattle,” McCully said. “Our brand has been successful because the product performs.”

The final speakers to take the podium for the weekend were Elizabeth Harsh, Executive Director of OCA/OBC and Jamie King, Director of Member Sevices and Communications. Harsh discussed the importance of the beef check-off and how it has helped provide a better image for the beef cattle industry through promotions and educational materials. King spoke about the value of membership in the Ohio Cattlemen’s Association and all of the opportunities available within the organization. She also provided an update of the BEST program, Allied Industry Council and current membership standings.

Wrapping up the conference was a Hot Beef Sundae lunch, provided by the Ohio Beef Council. A little buckeye fever hit the room as well, as former Ohio State assistant football coach and recruiting coordinator Bill Conley entertained the group with stories and discussions. Conley, who was sponsored by Post Printing, spoke about his coaching experiences with coaches Woody Hayes and Jim Tressel and used his stories as motivation to urge the young cattlemen to be the best they can be in whatever they do, whether its football or the cattle industry. Conley also provided some insight into this year’s buckeye football team.

As the 2007 Young Cattlemen’s Conference concluded, participants shared their thoughts about the weekend.

“It’s been eye-opening and educational,” said Stephanie McCorkle, Jackson County. “I’ve learned that there are things I can do in my area to support and educate people about the cattle industry.”

Ryan Wheeler and J.L. Draganic, both from Lake County, agree that the conference was very beneficial to them and their neighbors around them.

“We come from a very urbanized area where farming is looked down upon and not respected,” said Wheeler. “People in our area have no trust in farmers.”

“There needs to be more presence of farming and cattle in Lake County,” said Draganic. “I’d like to see more education in the schools so kids start to understand the beef industry at a younger age.”

They both agreed that the media-training session was a great way for them to learn how to better handle those opposed to their farming and cattle operations.

The road to becoming a successful cattle industry leader is never-ending; however, these 25 young cattlemen are well on their way toward becoming outstanding beef activists. With YCC under their belts, these young beef producers can be confident and successful leaders, promoting the beef cattle industry that has become their livelihood.

2005 OCA Young Cattlemen’s Conference a Learning Experience

The 2005 Ohio Cattlemen’s Association’s Young Cattlemen’s Conference (YCC) was held August 26-28. This year’s event was attended by 24 young cattlemen and women from across the state of Ohio. Delegates attended the three-day conference courtesy of the Ohio Cattlemen’s Association (OCA), OCA county affiliates, and generous sponsors: Intervet, PBS Animal Health, Pioneer and the Ohio Soybean Council. The conference is designed to be a leadership development program for Ohio’s Beef Industry.

The conference began Friday afternoon with guest speaker Steve Dittmer of Agribusiness Freedom Foundation. Dittmer, who has nearly 30 years experience in management, marketing and communication in the beef industry, focused his presentation on some of the current issues faced by today’s beef producers.

Friday evening, participants were treated to a steak dinner co-sponsored by United Producers Inc., and were witness to the Ohio State Fair Commercial Cattle Show Carcass Awards presentation. Participants were interested to learn more about this unique show and the carcass evaluation results were an excellent lead-in to later conference presentations.

On Saturday morning, YCC delegates traveled to The Ohio State University’s new large animal clinic in Marysville. It is a unique veterinary practice providing full-service medical and surgical services for animal owners in central Ohio. Dr. Richard Meiring gave the participants a tour of the new facility and explained some of the services handled by the facility.

Next, YCC delegates traveled to The Ohio State University. In a hands-on session, Dr. Henry Zerby, OSU Meat Science Extension Specialist, demonstrated how quality and yield grades are determined for beef animals, and discussed factors that effect taste and tenderness and inconsistency challenges facing the beef industry.

After lunch, participants heard from Dr. Francis Fluharty, Ohio Beef Industry Center Coordinator for the OSU Department of Animal Sciences, who discussed the U.S. Beef Cattle Industry: Past, Present and Future. Fluharty talked to delegates about the U.S. export market and how BSE has affected the market.  

Next, participants traveled back to the Ohio Cattlemen’s Association office for an afternoon of Public Policy discussion. First, participants met with Ohio Representative Steve Reinhard (R-82^nd District). Reinhard explained how a bill becomes a law in Ohio, told participants how to best bring their concerns to their representatives, and answered questions from participants relating to Ohio agricultural issues. Next, Adam Sharp, Director of National Affairs for Ohio Farm Bureau Federation, discussed federal issues like the air agreements and why it is important to be involved in the political process. Finally Gary Weber, Executive Director of Regulatory Affairs for the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, talked to the group about animal identification and BSE related issues. The discussion about public policy helps YCC participants increase their comfort level when it comes time for them to address issues with their legislators.

Saturday evening brought an opportunity for participants to mingle and get to know each other better with an outing to the Buckeye Hall of Fame Cafe. Participants enjoyed dinner in the Billiards Room and then spent the evening playing billiards and games throughout the establishment.

Delegates arrived at the OCA office early Sunday morning to listen as Dave White, executive director of the Ohio Livestock Coalition (OLC), took the podium to discuss the role the coalition plays in developing various education, awareness and outreach programs that help producers better manage and address risks through compliance with various rule and regulatory programs within the state.

Participants were led through in-depth discussions regarding the beef checkoff and various promotions, as well as the many programs of the Ohio Cattlemen’s Association and the value of membership.

The wrapup speaker of the YCC conference, Trent Loos, presented delegates an in-depth discussion on why they should become activists for the agriculture industry. Loos is a sixth-generation U.S. farmer who has taken his passion for a rural lifestyle to the radio air waves with a program called Loos Tales. Loos told participants that now is the time to become an activist for agriculture because of the current disconnect between producers and consumers. He also put some delegates on the spot by interviewing them with the same questions asked by activist groups. Loos left the group by encouraging them that even though they are only one person, they can make a difference and it is up to them to confront conflict to benefit the agriculture industry.

Delegates concluded the weekend by enjoying a “new product” luncheon hosted by the Ohio Beef Council. The lunch menu featured the new roasted sirloin product from Boston Market that was developed through research funded by the one dollar per head checkoff program.

The Ohio Cattlemen’s Association is an affiliate of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association and is the state’s spokesperson and issues manager for all segments of the beef cattle industry including cattle breeders, producers and feeders. It is the grass roots policy development organization for the beef business. Through the Ohio Cattlemen’s Association, cattle producers work to create a positive business environment, while providing consumers with a safe and wholesome product.

Young cattle producers interested in attending the 2006 YCC conference should contact Jamie King at (614) 873-6736 for details. Space is limited and fills quickly.

Young Cattlemen’s Conference enjoyed the opportunity to learn about issues in the beef industry as part of the three-day conference and tour hosted by the Ohio Cattlemen’s Association. Pictured from left to right in the front row are: Cris Sprague, Washington County; Trish Cunningham, Delaware County; Carmen Russell, Shelby County; Kathy Siegel, Shelby County; Melissa Ritchie, Logan County; Karen Blankenship, Highland County; Becky Vincent, Stark County; Mary Ann Berry, Fairfield County; Monica Finney, Crawford County; Dan Wells, Ross County; second row, left to right are: Doug Majors, Fairfield County; Kevin Kaiser, Fairfield County; Andy Weaver, Shelby County; Michael Sparks, Huron County; David Wilder, Muskingum County; Tony Pleiman, Shelby County; Rob Quinter, Shelby County; Brad Berry, Fairfield County; Joe Graham, Gallia County; and Bob Finney, Crawford County.