Based on the number of participants in PeeWee Showmanship in recent years, it appears numbers in the Jr Beef Show will continue to increase!
In case you missed it, please know the 2017 Fairfield County Fair was a week that included lots of outstanding beef cattle related events and activities. None the least was the Cattlemen’s Steak Trailer, managed by Cathy and Paul Smith, serving ribeye sandwiches, cheese burgers, all beef hotdogs and beef sundaes with all the trimmings throughout the Fair!
On Tuesday at the Fair over the lunch break from the Jr Beef Show, 21 “PeeWee” cattlemen enjoyed participating in a Showmanship demonstration in the Feeder Creek Show Arena. Each of the young showmen enjoyed bringing their calves to the ring and answering a few questions about why they enjoy working with beef cattle. For their effort, each “PeeWee” (pre 4-H age youth) received a book bag that included a scotch comb and a few other goodies.
The top five breeding beef, Bred, Born & Raised right here in Fairfield County
Thursday morning as a part of the Open Class Beef Show the Best of Fairfield County – registered breeding beef bred, born and raised within the county – were selected. Congratulations to (L to R) Champion – Desire Logston; Reserve Champion- Morgan Love; 3rd Overall- Makenzie Powers; 4th Overall- Mason Love; and 5th Overall Kelsey Decker.
Later that day on the stage in the AGmazing Agri-Center at the Fair, the third annual Championship of the County, Chili Cookoff With Beef was held. Twenty three participants, each from Fairfield County, entered their best chili – using beef as the only meat – into the competition.
The judges were impressed! Top row, L to R: Tommy Shaw, Jonathan Cottingim, Ric Crutcher, Dr. Francis Fluharty and Dr. Steve DeBruin
The chili entry by Tarah Reed from Lancaster was named 2017 Grand Champion Chili. The judges each complemented her recipe for including smoked beef brisket. Reserve Champion Chili went to Diane Bresler, followed by JoAnn Mohler in 3rd place, Jennie Cowdrey in 4th place and Mandie Taylor in 5th. Amelia Miller was awarded the banner for the “hottest” chili of the day.
Throughout the event, Cambell Parrish, Director of Public Relations and Consumer Marketing for the Ohio Beef Council, visited with the crowd while passing out prizes and answering questions about the virtues of a diet that includes beef. Mike O’Riley of WLRY radio served as the MC.
Thanks to Cambell Parrish from the Ohio Beef Council for spending the afternoon with us, and answering the audience’ questions
This year’s recipes along with the 50 entries from the previous two years of competition are being compiled into a Championship of the County, Chili Cookoff With Beef Cookbook that will be available at Bay Food Market by mid December. Publishing of the books is being funded in part by the Ohio Beef Council through the use of producer check-off dollars.
A huge crowd not only enjoyed watching the event, but also sampling each of the entries at the conclusion of the cookoff!
Thursday evening during the Jr Fair Livestock Sale the Fairfield County cattlemen were proud to show support for market beef exhibitors by purchasing two steers. Proceeds from the Steak Trailer were used to fund these purchases.
These fair activities couldn’t have happened without the financial support of several sponsors, and the Cattlemen wish to thank each of these individuals and businesses:
Barrett Brothers
Cupp Brothers Land & Livestock
Fairfield County Agricultural Society
Farm Girl Factory
Feeder Creek Veterinary Service
Geiger Farms
Hanby Farms
Heather Warner Lancaster Dairy Queen
H & S Farms
Jay and Lois Picklesimer, Lakeview Acres
J. Smith Electric
MLove Cattle Company
Manna Pro
Ohio Beef Council
Punky’s Tack Shop
Roger Lees
Tumbling B Cattle Company
All in all, it was a great week of promoting the beef cattle industry on many different levels!
The future of this industry looks bright!