Thirty three youth attended the fifth annual Ohio Cattlemen’s Foundation’s Leading the BEST Conference that was sponsored by Ohio Farm Bureau and Bob Evans. The conference was held Jan. March 5-7, 2010, at The Ohio State University Campus in Columbus. Pictured from left in the front row: Kelsey Sheeley, Highland Co.; Sarah Simpson, Brown Co.; Angie Wiechart, Putnam Co.; Taylor Rudor, Butler Co.; Meghan Reed, Sandusky Co.; Caroline Miller, Sandusky Co.; Tyler Clark, Miami Co.; Taelor Cox, Champaign Co.; and Taylor Darner, Butler Co.  In the second row: Samantha Darner, Butler Co.; Amber Shoemaker, Stark Co.; Megan Hunker, Huron Co.; Emily Herring, Fulton Co.; Halee Allen, Highland Co.; Karen Hiltbrand, Butler Co.; Dani Mae Hopkins, Morgan Co.; and Dara Howser, Brown Co. In the third row: Kelli Gerber, Butler Co.; Cheyenne Jepsen, Fairfield Co.; Chani Hopkins, Morgan Co.; Allison Reed, Sandusky Co.; Sarah Miller, Sandusky Co.; Zach Minges, Butler Co.; Colton Shamblin, Butler Co.; and Brandon Klehm, Stark Co. In the fourth row: Keaton Strouse, Holmes Co.; Curtis Harsh, Delaware Co., Jared Cluxton, Brown Co.; Will Harsh, Delaware Co.; Courtney Trimbach, Warren Co.; Lindsey Grimes, Highland Co.; Seth Miller, Williams Co.; and Matthew Hiser, Greene Co.

BEST participants worked together in teams to build replicas of the Voinovich Building during the Ohio State Fair steer show as part of Marlene Eick’s first team building session on Friday evening. 

Participants had the opportunity to hear from six industry professionals as part of the career panel on Saturday morning. 

Marlene Eick, OSU instructor, led youth participants in team building and leadership activities throughout the weekend.

The BEST Junior Representatives led the group in a competitive game of Jeopardy during the first night’s activities. The juniors are pictured above asking questions and keeping score.

Participants discussed their possible answers for a question during jeopardy. Participants were quizzed on all aspects of the industry.

Marlene kept the participants on the edge of their seats all weekend and always kept them guessing about what they would learn next.

Megan Bishop, Ohio State University Meats Judging Team Coach, talked with participants about quality and yield grading beef carcasses.

OCA President Dave Felumlee welcomed participants to his farm on Sunday morning. Dave is pictured above explaining the goals of the session he put together to teach participants the basics of artificial insemination.

Molly Creamer and Sam Baer, past OSU Livestock Judging Team members, provided the participants a session on livestock evaluation. The participants judged a class of heifers and had to defend their placings to the group.

Dave Felumlee answers questions outside of his calving barn at Claylick Run. Participants had the opportunity to tour Felumlee’s farm as part of the conference.

Dr. Steve DeBruin (right) spoke to the group about calving as part of the activities at Claylick Run. DeBruin provided a fun and interactive session for the group.

Amanda Nolz, BEEF Magazine, talked to the group about becoming advocates for the industry and using Social Media to teach others about the industry.