Event

Last call: Forage testing and cull cows

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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 →

Cull Cow Evaluation Clinic Explores “Right Way, Right Time” to Optimize Value

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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 →

Events, Opportunities and Activities

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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 →

We want your thoughts on the Farm & Livestock EXPO

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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

59 Youth Check-in Calves for the 2025 Market Beef Shows

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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 →

Beef cattle and livestock economic outlook! FCCA hosted an evening with Kenny Burdine

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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:

Cattlemen & women, young cattle producers, and beef cattle enthusiasts, plan now to attend the 36th Annual Banquet!

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Join us on March 8!

Make your reservation today and plan to celebrate beef during the 36th annual Fairfield County Cattleman’s Association banquet and annual meeting. The event will be held on Saturday, March 8 at the Lithopolis United Methodist Church (80 N. Market St., Lithopolis) with registration beginning at 6 p.m. Supper will feature locally prepared smoked beef brisket!

Tickets are $10 with local Junior Fair exhibitors and youth under age 9 admitted free!

The evening’s festivities will include Director elections, the award of three cattleman’s college scholarships (did you know since 1999 when the college scholarship program was begun, the FCCA has awarded a total of $36,800 in scholarships to local youth?), and a brief industry update. And as in the recent past, the annual benefit auction will also highlight the evening!

Make your reservations by March 1st (including Junior beef exhibitors – we need your reservations too) by clicking on this link. For more information about the banquet please contact FCCA President Nate horn at (740) 475-7375 or any of the Directors.

Thanks for a Great Fair!

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Thanks to you, it was a great Fair!

Thanks for your support during the recent 174th edition of the Fairfield County Fair!

As always the Steak Trailer was open throughout the event collectively serving more than a ton of beef to hungry fairgoers. Proceeds from sales in the Steak Trailer allowed the Cattlemen to support the Jr. Fair Livestock Auction through the purchase of 6 steers, plus two steers purchased in cooperation with Rushcreek Feed & Supply. The Cattlemen also provided 27 pizzas for the Jr. Beef Exhibitor meeting on Saturday evening after move-in to the Fair, and 10 dozen donuts for the youth on beef show day. On Tuesday over the lunch break during the Jr. Beef Show the Cattlemen hosted 24 pre-4-H age youth for PeeWee Showmanship and sent each out of the ring with a token gift including a free cheeseburger.

It’s also notable that Continue reading Thanks for a Great Fair! →

BQA, College Scholarships and the Fair

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As fall rapidly approaches, the Cattlemen have some activities coming up you’ll want to get on your calendars.

We hope to see you this fall!

Beef Quality Assurance: The Fairfield County Cattlemen along with Marshall Grain, Granville Milling, Faler Feed Store, and Rushcreek Feed will host a BQA Certification & REcertification in the Ed Sands Building on the Fairfield County Fairgrounds on September 5. It begins at 5:45 p.m. with a hamburger fry compliments of the sponsors and will be followed by the program that begins at 6:30. In order to properly receive BQA certification participants need to pre-register at https://go.osu.edu/fairfieldbqa

FCCA College Scholarships: Since the FCCA college scholarship program was begun in 1999 more than $36,000 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. The scholarship application portal is now open and Continue reading BQA, College Scholarships and the Fair →