Ohio Professional Beef Producer Program

The Ohio Professional Beef Producer Program (OPBP) was established to recognize individuals that have made efforts to improve their knowledge base of issues affecting today’s beef industry. The foundation of the OPBP has been educational programs sponsored by Ohio State University Extension (OSUE) and the Ohio Cattlemen’s Association (OCA) such as cow-calf, feedlot, heifer development, and Beef 509 schools. Schools such as these serve as an educational foundation for clientele, and can be expanded through more advanced programming to improve their knowledge of the beef industry. This, hopefully, will improve the individual’s chances of remaining competitive and profitable in the beef industry.

How do you qualify for OPBP status?  
A total of 24 hours of programming is required to earn the OPBP designation. This may be accomplished through several different combinations of educational schools and programs. Most cow-calf, feedlot, heifer development and Beef 509 schools will qualify for multiple hours. Additionally, completion of the Ohio Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) Program is worth 2 hours and completion of the Ohio Livestock Environmental Assurance Program (LEAP) is also worth 2 hours. Once the 24 hour requirement has been completed, the OPBP status will be confirmed by the OPBP Educational Committee. Starting on October 1, 2008, grant funding for the OPBP program will run out. All beef producers submitting for the initial OPBP designation must include a one-time fee of $15 to cover the cost of the OPBP program.    

What programs qualify for OPBP credit? 
Most OSU Extension and Ohio Cattlemen’s Association educational programs will qualify for OPBP credit. Please check with the program host for program credit status. Educational programs held outside of the scope of OSUE or OCA may qualify for credit upon approval of the OPBP Educational Committee. Examples of such programs would be National Cattlemen’s Beef Association educational programs, the Beef Improvement Federation’s Annual Meeting, university-related programs from other states, etc. The individual attending a program not certified for OPBP credit must submit the program’s agenda and proof of attendance for potential credit.

How do I maintain my OPBP status? 
Continuing education credit is a necessary component for maintaining OPBP status. In order to maintain OPBP status, an individual must obtain a minimum of 4 hours of educational credit from approved programs every 2 years.

What are the benefits of obtaining OPBP status? 
Upon reaching OPBP status, individuals will be presented a letter, farm sign, and certificate of recognition to recognize their educational achievements. A listing of OPBP individuals will be placed in the Ohio Cattlemen magazine annually and made public at OCA activities. The OPBP logo can be used by recipients in advertisements associated with their operations. OPBP recipients will be identified as potential key leaders for beef-related activities within their communities.

If you have questions about the program or your qualification status, contact the Ohio Cattlemen's Association office at 614-873-6736 or beef@ohiobeef.org. To apply for OPBP designation, complete the OPBP application, attach the program’s agenda and return to:OCA, 10600 US Highway 42, Marysville, OH, 43040.

Important contact information

• Educational School Information - OCA at 614-873-6736
• LEAP Program - Ohio Livestock Coalition at 614-246-8288
• BQA Program - Dr. Steve Boyles at 614-292-7669