Ohio State Fair Market Beef DNA Sample Collection

The Ohio State Fair requires all market beef entered in the 2017 Ohio State Fair to have individual DNA samples taken from each animal that may potentially be entered. These DNA samples must be in the possession of the Ohio State Fair by January 15, 2017.

Click here for a document containing sample collection instructions: final-dna-sample-collection-instructions-2017. Those of you who are not familiar with last year’s procedures may have several questions, but hopefully by having these instructions now will give you a heads up on the requirements. Therefore, please read the attached instructions that will be a part of each sample collection kit and contact Stacey French, Agricultural Department at the Ohio State Fair, if you have any questions. Stacey’s phone number is 614.644.4049 and email is s.french@expo.state.oh.us.

DNA sample collection kits may be picked up either by 4-H professionals, FFA advisors, or the actual individual directly from Stacey French on the OSF fairgrounds. Prior to submission, the nomination envelope for each sample kit remitted must be signed by either the 4-H professional or FFA advisor, depending in which organization the youth is taking the market animal(s).

Also note that those showing at any of the BEST sanctioned shows must have EID tags in their calves prior to the first show in which they exhibit. BEST shows prior to the January 15 deadline to submit samples to OSF include: Heart of It All, November 26-27, Lima; AGR Holiday Classic, December 10-11, Columbus; and Scarlet & Gray Midwest Showdown, January 7-8, Columbus.

Bob Evans Community Fundraiser 5/16 and 5/17/2016

Bob Evans Restaurants throughout Ohio are set for a community fundraiser on May 16 and 17. The event is expected to be the largest community fundraiser program held in the history of Bob Evans Restaurants.

The goal of the fundraiser is to increase awareness of the importance of agriculture education programs supported by Ohio Farm Bureau, Ohio 4-H and Ohio FFA. To fulfill this goal, when you present this flyer, Bob Evans will donate 15 percent of sales May 16 and 17 to the Ohio Farm Bureau Foundation, Ohio 4-H Foundation and Ohio FFA Foundation.

Farm Bureau members in conjunction with 4-H and FFA member families have the potential to work together to make a huge impact on the future of agriculture education programs in Ohio. Plan to “dine to make a difference” at any Ohio Bob Evans Restaurant on May 16 or 17. Carryout and catering orders will also count toward the fundraiser. Catering orders must be placed by May 9. Bob Evans has 194 Ohio restaurants in 69 counties.

Make sure to check out the April Ohio 4-H Foundation Newsletter at ohio4h.org/foundation.