The 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,? said Stephanie Sindel, OCA Director of Youth Programs. ?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 across the state with over 440 youth participants showing 649 head of market animals and heifers.
Banquet sponsors
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.
BEST committee
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; Brandon Corry; Alice Frazier; Breanne Gabriel; Roger Hunker; Roy Norman; Sally Puzacke; Bob Siegel and Bill Tom, Ohio State Fair Beef Director. Additionally, the show representatives are Drew Baus, representing the AGR Holiday Classic and Chase Gostomsky representing the War at Warren County. During the BEST awards banquet, the new junior representatives for the 2017-2018 season were announced. They are Kelsey Shope, Scioto County; Sarah Harner, Greene County and Hannah Ziegler, Wyandot County. Continuing for their second term is, Karigan Blue, Henry County and Haley Frazier, Jackson 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 Bricen Hess, Highland County; Lindsey Pugh; Stark County and Kelsey Shope, Scioto 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: John Popick, Stark County; Taylor Barton, Clinton County; Brandon and Peyton Hogg, Knox County, Karly Goetz, Ottawa County; Kassandra Kirsch, Sandusky County; Evan Pope, Gallia County; Rebekah Pertuset, Scioto County; Barbi Boyd, Tuscarawas County; Sara Ice, Wayne County; Brandon Barr, Greene County; Kelsey Shope, Scioto County; Marshall and Mason Miller, Tuscarawas County; Brooklyn Neiheisel, Tuscarawas County; Austin Nicholl, Logan County; Grant Helsinger, Montgomery County; Raymond Beneker IV, Butler County; Jacob Weichart, Putnam County; Carly Fitz, Perry County; James Sander, Ottawa County; Kristina Scheurman, Coshocton County; Dylan Mezie, Knox County; Jenna Bowman, Hancock County; Luke Kiefer, Butler County; Logan Schroeder, Defiance County; Lauren Schulte, Putnam County; Lilian Dennis, Fairfield County; Kayler Frey, Huron County; Aric Lust, Knox County; Collin Britton, Wood County; Dana Clinedinst, Morrow County; Gavin and Lauren Schlicter, Butler County.
M.H. Eby trailer winner
Participants in this year?s program received an entry into the drawing for the free use of an 8-foot by 26-foot Eby Trailer complete with BEST logo detailing for the 2017-2018 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 4,500 entries. The lucky winner was Aubrey Csapo, Wayne County.
Community service fundraising winners
BEST participants worked this season to raise money for two charities, Make-A-Wish? Foundation and the Ronald McDonald House. This year, a total of $10,669 was raised by BEST participants for the Make-A-Wish Foundation. In its five years of contribution, the BEST program has raised over $70,000 for the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Allison Herr, Fulton County 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. Victoria Waits, Fayette County, 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. Alexis Perry, Ottawa County, was also a top fundraiser and received a $500 gift certificate
Gift certificate winners
Tucker Shepard, Henry County, won the drawing for a $500 gift certificate toward the purchase of his next show animal from an OCA member. Winning a Show Pass, valued at more than $850 was Abbey Kellish, Coshocton County. A gas card valued at $100 was won by Nathan Miller, Erie County.
Novice grooming chute drawing
Novice participant Zachary Retcher, Defiance County, won a new grooming chute in a novice-only drawing, donated by Weaver Livestock.
15-show attendees
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. Sixty-six BEST participants won a free single-show entry pass for the 2017-2018 season.
Photography contest
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 ? Morgan Love, Fairfield Co.
3rd Place Beginner ? Emma Yochum, Highland
Junior Division
1st Place Junior ? Mason Love, Fairfield Co.
2nd Place Junior ? Mason Love, Fairfield Co.
3rd Place Junior ? Evan Pope, Gallia Co.
Intermediate Division
1st Place Intermediate ? Erin Pope, Gallia Co.
2nd Place Intermediate ? Erin Pope, Gallia Co.
3rd Place Intermediate ? Amanda Annett, Knox Co.
Senior Division
1st Place Senior ? Haley Frazier, Jackson Co.
2nd Place Senior ? Haley Frazier, Jackson Co.
3rd Place Senior ? Haley Frazier, Jackson Co.
Editor?s Choice
Editor?s Choice ? Morgan Love, Fairfield Co.
Editor?s Choice Honorable Mention ? Erin Pope, Gallia Co.
Heifer and Market Animal Champions
Breed Division Champions
Angus
Champion Angus Heifer ? Kristina Scheurman, Coshocton County
Reserve Champion Angus Heifer ? Hadley LeVan, Champaign County
Third Overall Chianina Heifer ? Marcus VanVorhis, Wood County
Fourth Overall Chianina Heifer ? Kristina Scheurman, Coshocton County
Fifth Overall Chianina Heifer ? Jacob LeBrun, Scioto County
Champion Angus Steer ? Carly Sanders, Highland County
Reserve Champion Angus Steer ? Maggie Pollard, Defiance County
Chianina
Champion Chianina Heifer ? Kathy Lehman, Richland County
Reserve Champion Chianina Heifer ? Hailee Carter, Holmes County
Champion Chianina Steer ? Lori Millenbaugh, Crawford County
Reserve Champion Chianina Steer ? Lance Brinksneader, Darke County
Third Overall Chianina Steer ? Quinton Waits, Fayette County
Fourth Overall Chianina Steer ? Amelia Willis, Pike County
Fifth Overall Chianina Steer ? Erin Pope, Gallia County
Hereford
Champion Hereford Heifer ? Maddox Cupp, Fairfield County
Reserve Champion Hereford Heifer ? Kady Davis, Carroll County
Third Overall Hereford Heifer ? Hudson Drake, Ross County
Fourth Overall Hereford Heifer ? Kyle Piscione, Medina County
Fifth Overall Hereford Heifer ? Morgan Gillespie, Butler County
Champion Hereford Steer ? Hayden Smith, Holmes County
Reserve Champion Hereford Steer ? Rosa Bowen, Wood County
Maine-Anjou
Champion High % Maine-Anjou Heifer ? Jake Hill, Warren County
Reserve Champion High % Maine-Anjou Heifer ? Abbie Collins, Preble County
Champion MaineTainer Heifer ? Austin Garner, Butler County
Reserve Champion MaineTainer Heifer ? Karlie Kennedy, Adams County
Third Overall MaineTainer Heifer ? Gage Farrar, Jackson County
Fourth Overall MaineTainer Heifer ? Caylee Sager, Fulton County
Fifth Overall MaineTainer Heifer ? Marcus VanVorhis, Wood County
Champion Maine-Anjou Steer ? Beau Johnson, Gallia County
Reserve Champion Maine-Anjou Steer ? Kassidy Thompson, Miami County
Third Overall Maine-Anjou Steer ? Victoria Waits, Fayette County
Fourth Overall Maine-Anjou Steer ? Alexis Wilcox, Darke County
Fifth Overall Maine-Anjou Steer ? Hunter Smith, Wood County
Shorthorn
Champion Shorthorn Heifer ? Abigail Thornton, Fairfield County
Reserve Champion Shorthorn Heifer ? Taylor Morbitzer, Franklin County
Third Overall Shorthorn Heifer ? Fulton Kennedy, Adams County
Fourth Overall Shorthorn Heifer ? Emily Dahse, Gallia County
Fifth Overall Shorthorn Heifer ? Brandon Barr, Greene County
Champion Shorthorn Steer ? Carter McCauley, Guernsey County
Reserve Champion Shorthorn Steer ? Tanner Cordes, Montgomery County
Champion ShorthornPlus Heifer ? Taylor Morbitzer, Franklin County
Reserve Champion ShorthornPlus Heifer ? Madison King, Logan County
Champion ShorthornPlus Steer ? Kinzee Shafer, Preble County
Reserve Champion ShorthornPlus Steer ? Sydney Sanders, Highland County
Third Overall ShorthornPlus Steer ? Tyler Michael, Montgomery County
Fourth Overall ShorthornPlus Steer ? Emily Paden, Guernsey County
Fifth Overall ShorthornPlus Steer ? Emma Mathews, Clinton County
Simmental
Champion Simmental Heifer ? Allison Herr, Fulton County
Reserve Champion Simmental Heifer ? Austin Hunker, Huron County
Champion % Simmental Heifer ? Owen Fennig, Mercer County
Reserve Grand Champion % Simmental Heifer ? Matthew Koverman, Scioto County
Third Overall % Simmental Heifer ? Dalton Kennedy, Adams County
Fourth Overall % Simmental Heifer ? Kathy Lehman, Richland County
Fifth Overall % Simmental Heifer ? Abbygail Pitstick, Madison County
Champion Simmental Steer ? Morgan Mazey, Wood County
Reserve Champion Simmental Steer ? Madison Paden, Guernsey County
AOB
Champion High % AOB Heifer ? Hannah Ziegler, Wyandot County
Reserve Champion High % AOB Heifer ? Brandee Painter, Licking County
Champion Low % AOB Heifer ? Jordan Johnson, Gallia County
Reserve Champion Low % AOB Heifer ? Brooklynn Hamilton, Clinton County
Champion AOB Steer ? Danielle Whitted, Portage County
Reserve Champion AOB Steer ? Chase Snyder, Stark County
Miniature
Champion Miniature Heifer ? Walker Wiley, Morrow County
Reserve Champion Miniature Heifer ? JT Popick, Stark County
Champion Miniature Steer ? Luke Strow, Wood County
Reserve Champion Miniature Steer ? Henry Strow, Wood County
Market Heifer
Champion Market Heifer ? Brooke Hayhurst, Wayne County
Reserve Champion Market Heifer ? Kendra Gabriel, Pickaway County
Third Overall Market Heifer ? Wyatt Binckley, Licking County
Fourth Overall Market Heifer ? Isaac Gehret, Darke County
Fifth Overall Market Heifer ? Raymond Beneker, Butler County
Crossbred
Champion Crossbred Heifer ? Kathy Lehman, Richland County
Reserve Champion Crossbred Heifer ? Kendra Gabriel, Pickaway County
Third Overall Crossbred Heifer ? Austin Hunker, Huron County
(TIE) Fourth Overall Crossbred Heifer ? Abbie Collins, Preble County
(TIE) Fourth Overall Crossbred Heifer ? Adison Niese, Richland County
Fifth Overall Crossbred Heifer ? Madison King, Logan County
Champion Crossbred Steer ? Alexandra Witt, Greene County
Reserve Champion Crossbred Steer ? Lori Millenbaugh, Crawford County
Third Overall Crossbred Steer ? Carson Shafer, Preble County
Fourth Overall Crossbred Steer ? Cambell Gostomsky, Darke County
Fifth Overall Crossbred Steer ? Caleb Horn, Fairfield County
Sixth Overall Crossbred Steer ? Luke Brinksneader, Darke County
(TIE) Seventh Overall Crossbred Steer ? Paige Pence, Clark County
(TIE) Seventh Overall Crossbred Steer ? Jacob Levering, Morrow County
(TIE) Seventh Overall Crossbred Steer ? Kosta Xenikis, Madison County
Eighth Overall Crossbred Steer ? Alli Pfister, Licking County
Ninth Overall Crossbred Steer ? Drew Browning, Muskingum County
(TIE) Tenth Overall Crossbred Steer ? Jonna Goss, Hocking County
(TIE) Tenth Overall Crossbred Steer ? Jordan Johnson, Gallia County
(TIE) Tenth Overall Crossbred Steer ? Cory Derr, Wyandot County
(TIE) Tenth Overall Crossbred Steer ? Lauren Schulte, Putnam County
Eleventh Overall Crossbred Steer ? Brooke Egbert, Auglaize County
Twelfth Overall Crossbred Steer ? Noah Smith, Sandusky County
(TIE) Thirteenth Overall Crossbred Steer ? Amelia Willis, Pike County
(TIE) Thirteenth Overall Crossbred Steer ? Austin Sorgen, Van Wert County
Fourteenth Overall Crossbred Steer ? Aubrey Csapo, Wayne County
(TIE) Fifteenth Overall Crossbred Steer ? Skylar Plank, Clark County
(TIE) Fifteenth Overall Crossbred Steer ? Brianna Ellish, Miami County
BEST Novice Champions
Heifers
Champion Novice Heifer ? Owen Fennig, Mercer County ? % Simmental
Reserve Champion Novice Heifer ? Kristina Scheurman, Coshocton County ? Angus
Third Overall Novice Heifer ? JT Popick, Stark County ? Miniature
Fourth Overall Novice Heifer ? Caden McLaughlin, Monroe County ? ShorthornPlus
Fifth Overall Novice Heifer ? Caylee Sager, Fulton County ? MaineTainer
Sixth Overall Novice Heifer ? Tucker Shepard, Henry County ? Chianina
Seventh Overall Novice Heifer ? Kristina Scheurman, Coshocton County ? Angus
Eighth Overall Novice Heifer ? Lauren Schulte, Putnam County ? Low % AOB
Ninth Overall Novice Heifer ? Brandon Barr, Greene County ? Shorthorn
Tenth Overall Novice Heifer ? Delaney Schneder, Clinton County ? MaineTainer
Market Animals
Champion Novice Steer ? Carter McCauley, Guernsey County ? Shorthorn
Reserve Champion Novice Steer ? Hayden Smith, Holmes County ? Hereford
Third Overall Novice Steer ? Lance Brinksneader, Darke County ? Chianina
Fourth Overall Novice Steer ? Wyatt Binckley, Licking County ? Market Heifer
Fifth Overall Novice Steer ? Luke Strow, Wood County ? Miniature
Sixth Overall Novice Steer ? Ross Michael, Montgomery County ? Hereford
Seventh Overall Novice Steer ? Henry Strow, Wood County ? Miniature
Eighth Overall Novice Steer ? Shayla Sancic, Stark County ? Hereford
Ninth Overall Novice Steer ? Taylor Stephen, Morrow County ? Simmental
Tenth Overall Novice Steer ? Jacob Levering, Morrow County ? Crossbred
BEST Bred & Owned Champions
Heifers
Champion Bred & Owned Heifer ? Nate Herr, Fulton County ? ShorthornPlus
Reserve Champion Bred & Owned Heifer? Fulton Kennedy, Adams County ? Shorthorn
Third Overall Bred & Owned Heifer ? Alyson Simpson, Adams County ? MaineTainer
Fourth Overall Bred & Owned Heifer ? Jordan Johnson, Gallia County ? MaineTainer
Fifth Overall Bred & Owned Heifer? Colleen Minges, Butler County ? Angus
Steers
Champion Bred & Owned Steer ? Beau Johnson, Gallia County ? Maine-Anjou
Reserve Champion Bred & Owned Steer ? Tyler Michael, Montgomery County ? ShorthornPlus
Third Overall Bred & Owned Steer ? Kyle Piscione, Medina County ? ShorthornPlus
Fourth Overall Bred & Owned Steer ? Hunter Smith, Wood County ? Maine-Anjou
Fifth Overall Bred & Owned Steer ? Paige Gehret, Darke County ? Maine-Anjou
BEST Showmanship Winners
Beginner
(TIE) Champion Beginner Showman ? Emma Yochum, Highland County
(TIE) Champion Beginner Showman ? Carly Sanders, Highland County (TIE) Reserve Beginner Showman ? Lance Brinksneader, Darke County
(TIE) Reserve Beginner Showman ? Karlie Kennedy, Adams County
Third Overall Beginner Showman ? Hayden Smith, Holmes County
Fourth Overall Beginner Showman ? Owen Fennig, Mercer County
Fifth Overall Beginner Showman ? Blake Herdman, Highland County
Sixth Overall Beginner Showman ? Tait Dusseau, Ottawa County
Seventh Overall Beginner Showman ? Wyatt Binckley, Licking County
Eighth Overall Beginner Showman ? Caylee Sager, Fulton County
Ninth Overall Beginner Showman ? Lauren Schulte, Putnam County
Tenth Overall Beginner Showman ? Ellie Day, Athens County
Junior
Champion Junior Showman ? Hudson Drake, Ross County
Reserve Champion Junior Showman ? Sydney Sanders, Highland County
Third Overall Junior Showman ? Beau Johnson, Gallia County
Fourth Overall Junior Showman ? Allison Herr, Fulton County
Fifth Overall Junior Showman ? Kosta Xenikis, Madison County
Sixth Overall Junior Showman ? Gavin Puckett, Highland County
Seventh Overall Junior Showman ? Bailey Dusseau, Ottawa County
(TIE) Eighth Overall Junior Showman ? Paige Pence, Clark County
(TIE) Eighth Overall Junior Showman ? Luke Brinksneader, Darke County
Ninth Overall Junior Showman ? Hunter Harris, Adams County
Tenth Overall Junior Showman ? Hayden Belleville, Wood County
Novice
Champion Novice Showman ? Raymond Beneker, Butler County
Reserve Novice Showman ? Delany Adams, Lorain County
Third Overall Novice Showman ? Jacob Wiechart, Putnam County
Fourth Overall Novice Showman ? Luke Kiefer, Butler County
Fifth Overall Novice Showman ? Skyler Ward, Preble County
Sixth Overall Novice Showman ? Kristina Scheurman, Coshocton County
Seventh Overall Novice Showman ? Karly Goetz, Ottawa County
Eighth Overall Novice Showman ? Shayla Sancic, Stark County
Ninth Overall Novice Showman ? Delaney Schneder, Clinton County
Tenth Overall Novice Showman ? Grant Helsinger, Montgomery County
Intermediate
Champion Intermediate Showman ? Lori Millenbaugh, Crawford County
Reserve Champion Intermediate Showman ? Allison Davis, Carroll County
Third Overall Intermediate Showman ? Kyle Piscione, Medina County
Fourth Overall Intermediate Showman ? Erin Pope, Gallia County
Fifth Overall Intermediate Showman ? Dalton Kennedy, Adams County
Sixth Overall Intermediate Showman ? Fulton Kennedy, Adams County
Seventh Overall Intermediate Showman ? Abigail Thornton, Fairfield County
Eighth Overall Intermediate Showman ? Colleen Minges, Butler County
Ninth Overall Intermediate Showman ? Katelyn Cowdrey, Brown County
Tenth Overall Intermediate Showman ? Levi DeLong, Ross County
Senior
Champion Senior Showman ? Taylor Morbitzer, Franklin County
Reserve Champion Senior Showman ? Kendra Gabriel, Pickaway County
Third Overall Senior Showman ? Haley Frazier, Jackson County
Fourth Overall Senior Showman ? Hannah Ziegler, Wyandot County
Fifth Overall Senior Showman ? Sarah Harner, Greene County
Sixth Overall Senior Showman ? Austin Garner, Butler County
Seventh Overall Senior Showman ? Jordan Johnson, Gallia County
Eighth Overall Senior Showman ? Morgan Mazey, Wood County
Ninth Overall Senior Showman ? Madison King, Logan County
Tenth Overall Senior Showman ? Brooke Hayhurst, Wayne County
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.
