.
Since the FCCA college scholarship program was begun in 1999 nearly $40,000 in scholarships have been awarded to local youth. Scholarships are funded by the FCCA and, in part, through a donation from the Sally Grimm Community Fund in memory of past FCCA President Greg DeWitt and awarded to children of FCCA members. The scholarship application portal will remain open until January 15. Youth can find more details and apply on-line at: go.osu.edu/FCCAscholar.
Join us at the Fair!
The free market system will ultimately have a significant voice in how our farm animals are managed . . . the bottom line is that our clientele wants to know more about the food we are producing.
It’s hard to imagine it’s been 15 years since those words were shared by former OSU Extension beef specialist John Grimes as he discussed the 2010 agreement that initiated the creation of the Ohio Livestock Care Standards Board. And, little has changed since in that regard, or is it expected to change anytime soon.
With the majority of our consuming public two, three, or even four generations removed from the farm, whether we like it or not, public concern for how our food is produced, by whom, and the sustainability of methods we use is the reality of the world we presently live in. As we consider how best to gain confidence with consumers regarding the daily care and efficient production of livestock and the wholesome nutrition it provides their family’s diet, perhaps one of the best opportunities we have begins in a few weeks with the opening of the Fairfield County Fair and you’re invited to be a part of it!
Worker shifts are now being filled for the Cattlemen’s Steak Trailer during the Fair in October and if you, your family or local business associates would enjoy serving a shift, simply go to this link and choose the shift you’d enjoy working: https://go.osu.edu/steaktrailershift
The FCCA Steak Trailer will be in it’s usual location – northwest of the track beside Rickett’s Hall. When patrons visit the Steak Trailer at the Fair they’ll again be served by folks who are involved in and support the beef cattle industry.
This is just one last reminder of two timely, upcoming programs:
A forage probe might be the most valuable tool you use this year!
Hay testing program deadline!
The deadline to submit forage samples to OSU and have them tested at the reduced rate has been extended into next week. Considering the early results we’re seeing from forages that have already been tested, a forage test may be one of the most valuable management decisions you make this year.
Find details of the OSU Hay Testing Program program linked here. For more about the concerns for hay quality and forage testing, see this:
Hay Quality 2025 . . . Been there, done that!
Hay Testing Even More Important in 2025
In Fairfield County, the deadline to drop off samples to the OSU Extension office is Wednesday, August 6, or you may bring them to the first session of the Right Way, Right Time Cull Cow Evaluation Clinic at Bussert Livestock on Continue reading Last call: Forage testing and cull cows
Join fellow cattlemen and promote beef at Ohio State Fair
Ohio Cattlemen’s Association District 9 Director Jim Jepsen invites you to join him on Sunday, July 27, from 10 to 3 and help promote beef during the 2025 Ohio State Fair! You will be helping Jim at the Steak Barn located at the Southeast corner of Cooper Arena. In addition to a free beef themed t-shirt, each volunteer will also receive a complimentary meal, and a free OSF admission ticket.
There’s no better way to promote the beef cattle industry than by helping out with a shift in the Steak Trailer while meeting face to face with your consumer at State Fair. Contact Jim Jepsen today at (614) 560-5919 to volunteer!
Could she be managed in a way to optimize cull value?
Fed cattle and feeder calf prices have reached historical highs. But then, so have cull cow values. Knowing that culling is a necessary part of herd management and that when managed correctly the income resulting from cull cows in a beef herd can exceed 20% of the beef cattle farm’s annual income, today, with careful management culling could be an area for experiencing even greater profit.
Presently at a time when culls can vary in value by as much as a dollar a pound, it’s time to carefully consider employing a strategic culling plan that optimizes the income resulting from culls that reach the market place in proper condition, adequately muscled and free of defects.
To dig deeper into optimizing cull cow income with a “right way, right time” approach, join OSU Extension for a Continue reading Cull Cow Evaluation Clinic Explores “Right Way, Right Time” to Optimize Value
See the hay testing opportunity.
As many continue to struggle with forage harvest and laying the corn and soybeans by, the Directors of the FCCA want to call your attention to some upcoming activities and opportunities.
Young Cattleman’s Conference (YCC)
Every summer, young cattlemen and cattlewomen meet in Central Ohio for a three-day event featuring numerous engaging educational opportunities designed to inform both beef industry leaders and cattle producers alike. The event offers industry insight and enhanced networking for attendees to take home and use to keep their own operations progressive and profitable. This year’s YCC is set for August 7 thru the 9th in and around Columbus.
The Directors of FCCA are offering a limited number of scholarship opportunities to both individual members and couples to attend. Find more details at https://www.ohiocattle.org/foundation/young-cattlemens-conference and if interested in attending contact FCCA President Nate Horn at 740-475-7375 or FCCA Treasurer Stan Smith at 740-277-4633 by July 7th.
Hay Testing Program is Offered
Considering that many are still making first cutting hay, there are great concerns for the quality of this year’s hay, and what will need to be done to correctly supplement it for the class of ruminant it’s being fed to. In an effort to Continue reading Events, Opportunities and Activities
Don’t hold back . . . tell us what you think!
On Saturday, April 5, the Fairfield County Cattleman’s Association hosted their first Farm and Livestock Expo at the Fairfield County Fairgrounds. Those who attended had the opportunity to visit with area distributors and suppliers of farm equipment, livestock feed, and various other farm supplies.
As the Cattlemen look to the future, regardless if you attended or participated on April 5, we want your suggestions and opinions. Please take a few minutes and respond to this very brief survey about the Farm and Livestock Expo found here: https://go.osu.edu/fccaexpo
Many thanks to Fairfield Cattle Company for providing their facility for weigh-in!
Interest in Junior market beef projects remains strong in Fairfield County. Fifty FFA and 4-H youth recently weighed in a total of 86 market beef steers and heifers in anticipation of the 2025 Jr. Market Beef and Beef Performance and Carcass Quality shows, happening before and during the Fairfield County Fair. Also, this year, 11 youth weighed in 16 dairy beef animals in preparation for finishing them for the Finished Dairy Beef project.
In total, fifty nine (59) different youth weighed in a total of 102 feeder calves as their 2025 projects. Of those, 66 head were beef steers, 20 were market beef heifers, and 16 were dairy beef steers. Of the 86 beef steers and heifers, 49 were Continue reading 59 Youth Check-in Calves for the 2025 Market Beef Shows
Mark your calendars now for the Fairfield County Cattlemen’s inaugural Farm and Livestock Expo slated for Saturday, April 5 at the Fairfield County Fairgrounds!! 
It’s no secret going into 2025 prices of all classes of beef cattle are at record highs! Can it continue? How long will the consumer continue to support these price levels? Is it too late to consider expansion?
Last week the Fairfield county Cattlemen hosted University of Kentucky Extension livestock economist Dr. Kenny Burdine in the Ag Center as he addressed those questions and more during the first session of the 2025 Ohio Virtual Beef School. In case you missed it or just want to review it, find Dr. Burdine’s presentation embedded below: