2020 Award Winners
fred Voge - Voge Farms, West Alexandria
Commercial Producer
The Ohio Cattlemen’s Association (OCA) awarded Fred Voge and Voge Farms of West Alexandria, Ohio, the Commercial Producer of the Year Award at the OCA awards banquet held Jan. 11, 2020. OCA and Farm and Dairy jointly sponsor this award to recognize Ohio’s top commercial beef operations. The award presentation featured a video of the Voge family that was generously sponsored by the Union Stock Yards and Muskingum Livestock Sales Company.
ST Genetics, South Charleston
Environmental Stewardship
The Ohio Cattlemen’s Association (OCA) awarded ST Genetics of South Charleston, Ohio, the Environmental Stewardship Award at the OCA awards banquet held Jan. 11, 2020. In an effort to recognize individuals who excel in preserving and protecting the environment associated with their farm, OCA and In Ohio Country Today jointly sponsor the Environmental Stewardship Award. The award presentation featured a video of the ST Genetics that was generously sponsored by the Ohio Beef Council.
Roger Thompson, dvm, new albany
Industry Excellence
The Ohio Cattlemen’s Association (OCA) awarded Roger Thompson, DVM of New Albany, Ohio, the Industry Excellence Award at the OCA awards banquet held Jan. 11, 2020. In an effort to recognize individuals who continue to promote and excel in the beef industry, each year OCA and Brownfield Ag News jointly sponsor the Industry Excellence Award. The award presentation featured a video of Dr. Roger Thompson that was generously sponsored by the Ohio Angus Association.
Rick heffelfinger and heffelfinger meats, jeromesville
Industry Service
The Ohio Cattlemen’s Association (OCA) awarded Rick Heffelfinger and Heffelfinger Meats of Jeromesville, Ohio, the Beef Industry Service Award at the OCA awards banquet held Jan. 11, 2020. OCA and Ohio’s Country Journal jointly sponsor this award to recognize Ohio’s top service providers for the beef industry. The award presentation featured a video of Heffelfinger Meats that was generously sponsored by the Crawford County Cattlemen’s Association.
This award is presented to an individual who contributes to the betterment of the cattle industry. Rick Heffelfinger is the president and co-owner of Heffelfinger Meats, a family-owned operation established in 1934. The original facility was built in 1963 with five employees and processing 40 animals per week. The operation currently employees 23 individuals and processes 600 animals per week. Heffelfinger Meat knows the value of family; his daughter Erica runs the retail meat market, son Ryan oversees the day to day operations, and wife Carrie does the bookwork. The wholesale operation harvests 110-130 head of cattle and 500 hogs per week with delivery to Cleveland, Columbus, Akron, and Canton. Additionally, the operation custom harvests and delivers custom cattle for small processors. Relationships with meat market establishments separates Heffelfinger Meats from competitors. They recognize the constantly evolving protein industry. Heffelfinger Meats is the largest red meat harvester in the state of Ohio under state inspection. The family prides themselves in their involvement with youth organizations and local fairs as well as carcass shows.
Shelby County Cattlemen's Association
Outstanding County Affiliate
The Ohio Cattlemen’s Association (OCA) awarded the Shelby County Cattlemen’s Association the Outstanding County Award at the OCA awards banquet held Jan. 11, 2020. This award was established in an effort to recognize county associations and their exemplary work in promoting the beef industry across the state of Ohio. The award presentation featured a video of Shelby County Cattlemen’s Association that was generously sponsored by the Ohio Corn Marketing Program.
Jason Gibbs, president of Shelby County Cattlemen’s Association, developed his passion for the industry from his involvement in youth organizations. Steve Berning, vice president of the group and fourth-generation farmer, transitioned his farm from dairy to beef approximately 30 years ago. Shelby County cattle producers are diverse in their offerings from operation scale and scope. The county makes it a priority to promote product of the utmost quality. Shelby County promotes beef and the industry through educating the youth and consumers and revealing the viability of the workplace. The organization utilizes the county fair to cook ribeyes and stimulate conversation with farmers and non-farmers. Furthermore, the local YMCA requests that the organization promote product and cook ribeyes at their facility to discuss the industry to varying audiences. All funds generated from these involvements directly impact the youth and product promotion. The organization awards scholarships to the youth and remaining funds go toward the conservation day camp. Shelby County goes above and beyond to share their passion for the industry making involvement and interaction worthwhile.
Haley farms, west salem
Seedstock Producer
The Ohio Cattlemen’s Association (OCA) awarded Haley Farms of West Salem, Ohio, the Seedstock Producer of the Year Award at the OCA awards banquet held Jan. 11, 2020. The Seedstock Producer of the Year Award was created to recognize top beef seedstock producers in Ohio. The award presentation featured a video of Haley Farms that was generously sponsored by the Centerra Cooperative.
luke vollborn, bidwell
Young Cattleman
The Ohio Cattlemen’s Association (OCA) awarded Luke Vollborn of Bidwell, Ohio, the Young Cattleman of the Year Award at the OCA awards banquet held Jan. 11, 2020. OCA and the Ohio Farmer jointly sponsor the Young Cattleman of the Year Award, which was created to recognize young producers in Ohio working to better the beef industry. The award presentation featured a video of Luke Vollborn that was generously sponsored by Burkmann Nutrition.