Established in 1995, the Ohio Cattlemen’s Foundation’s (OCF) mission is to advance the future of Ohio’s beef industry by investing in research and education programs. Foundation donors help the Foundation invest in industry specific educational programs, leadership development efforts, and scholarships for beef industry youth. These help to build a bright future for Ohio’s beef industry while preserving valued traditions and a way of life. 

OCF is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit, public charity and is governed by a board of trustees with Ohio Cattlemen's Association (OCA) leadership experience.

Contributions are tax deductible as allowed by law and support the mission and programs of the Foundation. Financial support for the Foundation comes from individual donors, agricultural organizations and corporations/foundations.

Scholarships - OCF maintains a family of scholarship endowments that include the Tagged for Greatness Beef License Plate Scholarship Program, Cattlemen’s Country Club Scholarship Fund, Saltwell Western Store Ohio Beef Expo Scholarship, and William Cleland, Sr. Scholarship. All scholarships recognize beef industry youth for academic effort, community service, and career interests that utilize agriculture to enhance our quality of life through service, education or research. Since OCF was created, scholarships have increased due to the growing number of worthy applicants and committed supporters.

Ohio's Beef License Plate - Tagged for Greatness is a scholarship program solely funded by sales of Ohio's beef license plate. To date, nearly $50,000 has been awarded to deserving youth, through the beef tag program. To support the Tagged for Greatness fund, purchase your beef plate at your local BMV or online at www.oplates.com. Beef license plates are also available for commercial farm trucks.

Sponsorships - Achieving excellence in education through OCF sponsored programs helps the beef industry to develop leaders for the future. Some of the programs currently sponsored by OCF are the Ohio Young Cattlemen’s Conference, the National Cattlemen's Beef Association Young Cattlemen's Conference, Beef 509 Marketing Quality and Consistent Beef held in conjunction with the Ohio State University Department of Animal Sciences & OSU Extension, the Ohio State Fair Commercial Cattle Carcass Contest, the Ohio 4-H Foundation and the Ohio FFA Foundation, and various other youth activities.