John F. Grimes, OSU Extension Beef Coordinator
The 2016 Ohio Beef Expo will be held on March 18-20 and is certainly one of the most popular events for Ohio cattlemen to attend. This event attracts over 30,000 participants from 25 states and Canada each year. The Expo includes breed sales, shows and displays, educational events, a highly competitive junior show and a trade show with over 140 exhibitors.
Each day is filled with many activities for a wide variety of interests. On Friday, the always popular Trade Show opens and runs for all three days of the event. Sires of several different breeds will be on display at the Genetic Pathway throughout the event. Breed shows and parades will be held for Angus, Hereford, Miniature Hereford, Murray Grey, and Shorthorns. Other Friday highlights include a Nutrition Seminar and the Junior Show Welcome Party and Fitting Demonstration.
The Saturday schedule is full of activity. Breed sales being held that day include Angus, Hereford, Maine-Anjou, Shorthorn, and Simmental. Junior activities kick into gear with a judging contest, a Beef Quality Assurance Program, and the Junior Show Showmanship Contest. The Trade Show and Genetic Pathway are open as well. Sunday is the final day of the event. The highlight of the day is the Junior Heifer and Steer Show. The Trade Show and Genetic Pathway also conclude during the day.
The Ohio Beef Expo will be held at the Ohio State Fairgrounds in Columbus. It is easy to find at I-71 and 17th Ave Exit. Admission to the Ohio Beef Expo is free of charge. Parking at the Ohio Expo Center is $5.00 per day. Expo weekend parking passes are $14.00 each. For more details about the Ohio Beef Expo, go to: http://www.ohiobeefexpo.com/