LB Porteus Farms is a family operation run by Brent Porteus and his brother Knox Porteus, as well as Brent’s two daughters, Amy and Beth, in addition to Beth’s husband Cole Mullen and their two daughters Riley and Harper. LB Porteus Farms owns 250 commercial Angus cows that produce the cattle they feed for higher-end value added branded programs. LB Porteus Farms implements environmentally friendly practices, including facilities with appropriate manure storage and management, as well as manure fertilization on cover crops.
Goecke Farms is a family operation run by Mark Goecke and his brother Steve Goecke established in 1999 when the transition from a dairy farm to a feedlot marketing operation took place. Goecke Farms markets their cattle through Nexus Marketing, selling six to eight 48,000 pound cattle loads a month. Mark is experienced with marketing cattle and maximizes his resources. Goecke Farms focuses on sustainability by feeding by-products from ethanol and wheat, that are products humans cannot utilize, but act as a protein for cattle. They also demonstrate environmental stewardship efforts by planting cover crops, implementing grass waterways, and using manure as fertilizer.
Dr. DeBruin is a 1983 graduate of OSU College of Veterinary Medicine. After graduation Dr. DeBruin purchased the Feeder Creek Vet Clinic, primarily focused on beef cattle veterinarian work. He is now one of six practicing veterinarians at the clinic focusing on preventing problems and increased production by assisting producers in becoming more profitable. Dr. DeBruin is passionate about veterinarian medicine and helping others through his practice. He believes that as a veterinarian he can help beef producers be more profitable and proud of their operations. Dr. DeBruin also served as President of the Ohio Cattlemen’s Association in 2002. He got involved in the political aspects of agriculture during his presidency, as well as helped establish the state’s Beef Quality Assurance program. Beef Quality Assurance is still intact today ensuring beef cattle produced in Ohio are healthy and responsibly raised.
Strickler served the Ohio Expo Center & State Fair for 30 years, 20 of which were in the position of General Manager. Strickler has a rich history with the beef industry and is a strong supporter of the Ohio Cattlemen’s Association. He exhibited beef projects when he was in 4-H and continues to give back to the industry. Strickler was an important partner in the execution of OCA’s BEST Program, the Ohio Beef Expo, and the beef shows at the Ohio State Fair, all of which have provided youth the opportunity to be involved in the beef industry. Specifically, he was key in the success of the Commercial Cattle Show at the Ohio State Fair and promoting Ohio born and raised beef. Strickler prides himself on what he has accomplished working with the state’s beef industry. Strickler was also instrumental in implementing the Ohio State Fair’s nationally recognized Youth Reserve Program in 1995. In recognition of Strickler’s dedication to the Ohio State Fair over the past three decades, Governor DeWine renamed the program in his honor.
The Darke County Cattlemen’s Association president Erin Horst, leads the association’s eight member board focusing on their mission of educating beef industry youth and long time producers, as well as to inform consumers about beef. They accomplish their mission through hosting many different educational programs and advertising tactics. The association sponsors and hosts hoof trimming clinics, BQA sessions, and beef tours visiting different farms across the county learning about herd health, AI synchronization, and pasture management.
Kingsway Angus is owned and operated by John King and his wife, Mary Lou under the name of Liberty Ridge Farms LLC. They keep 55 to 60 head of registered Angus cattle and exclusively utilize artificial insemination in their operation. The majority of their marketing is focused on heifer calves and providing junior show projects for the younger generation. Kingsway Angus have implemented various practices with a focus on sustainability and ensuring their operation is beneficial to their family and also to the environment. For example, they use recycled tire treads as flooring in their working chutes, put in proper water lines, wells and fencing, as well as rotational grazing across multiple pastures and corn stalks to protect the Lake Erie Watershed.
DRS. STAN & DANA SOEHNLEN - NAVARRE, OHIO SPONSORED BY VYTELLE
Both veterinarians, Stan and Dana Soehnlen practice alongside his father at Soehnlen Veterinary Clinic while also operating Soehnlen Cattle Co. Soehnlen Cattle began 15 years ago when Stan was in 4-H and actively showing cattle. Soehnlen completes the day-to-day operations of the farm while his wife completes the registration and record keeping. The primary focus of this operation is raising seedstock and club calves, focusing on maternal genetics and longevity. Soehnlen Cattle Co. partners with Vytelle as an IVF satellite and flushes donor cows continuously throughout the year producing embryos for other beef operations. Soehnlen Cattle Co. hosts an annual fall online calf sale, as well as sells club calves, bred heifers, bulls, and embryos in private treaty and in auctions throughout the year.
