Cutlip Family Farm is a 200-acre operation owned and managed by Jeff and Mary Jo Cutlip, along with their daughters, Leann and Laura. The family manages a herd of approximately 55 fall-calving mother cows utilizing Shorthorn and Angus genetics.
Environmental stewardship is a top priority on the Cutlip family’s farm, particularly given the rolling hills and varied terrain of the operation. After experimenting with no-till corn and soybean production, the family determined the land was better suited for permanent ground cover and perennial grasses. As a result, the operation emphasizes forage-based management to protect soil health and prevent erosion.
Cutlip Family Farm utilizes a variety of conservation-minded practices, including rotational grazing across 16 pasture paddocks, mechanical weed control through clipping, and erosion management by restricting cattle access to fields during vulnerable soil conditions.
Paradise Corner Farm is operated by Andy Lohr and his family in Crawford County. The operation includes a cow-calf herd of approximately 115 cows, with all calves born on the farm retained through finishing. Finished cattle are processed through the family-owned Center Street Market, allowing the operation to provide high-quality beef directly to the local community. In addition, the family purchases cattle as needed to maintain a consistent beef supply for their market.
The Lohr family takes pride in the quality of the beef they produce and demonstrates a strong commitment to sustainable practices. Their management strategies include rotational grazing using temporary fencing, planting cover crops, and utilizing corn stalks for fall grazing.
Jones has been involved in the beef industry throughout his life. He served as an agricultural education teacher for 23 years before transitioning into public service as a State Representative for Ohio’s 95th District, a role he held for more than five years. Jones currently serves as the State Executive Director for the USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA).
In his role with USDA FSA, Jones helps implement policies and programs designed to support farmers and promote economic stability in agriculture. He understands the importance of agricultural education and beef industry advocacy, and his legislative experience has allowed him to educate colleagues and stakeholders about the vital role agriculture plays in Ohio and beyond.
In addition to his public service, Jones and his family operate D & J Sales and Service, a business focused on the sale of agricultural machinery and equipment.
Dean Kress has built a strong and lasting relationship with the Ohio Cattlemen’s Association and Ohio’s beef industry, demonstrating a genuine commitment to its long-term success. Throughout her leadership at CFAES, she has been a consistent advocate for youth development and education, helping prepare the next generation to succeed within agriculture and the beef community.
Kress has elevated awareness of Ohio’s beef industry through numerous initiatives and partnerships. She played a key role in the creation of the Dean’s Charity Steer Show, which benefits children and families during times of need and is now known as the Ronald McDonald House Celebrity Steer Show. In addition, she was instrumental in rebuilding Ohio State’s livestock judging programs and supporting the development of the new Multispecies Animal Learning Complex, which will be essential for educating students and the public about the beef industry.
Kress’s passion for serving others and strengthening agricultural education has had a meaningful and lasting impact on Ohio’s beef industry.
Outstanding County Award
LICKING county cattlemen's association Sponsored by Ohio Corn & Wheat
Under the leadership of President Ian VanKirk, the Licking County Cattlemen’s Association is guided by a seven-member board dedicated to growing the association and supporting the next generation of cattlemen and women. The association boasts a diverse membership of approximately 60 producers representing a wide range of cattle operations.
Each year, the association focuses on three primary events to advance its mission. These include operating a beef food stand at the Hartford Fair, featuring beef raised entirely in Licking County; hosting the Licking County Cattlemen’s Association Annual Meeting, which offers a meal and evening activity open to all county residents; and organizing the Croton Nationals Fall Cattle Show, which typically draws around 170 exhibitors.
Turner Shorthorns is owned and operated by Tom and Susie Turner and encompasses 215 acres of reclaimed mined land. The operation has managed approximately 60 purebred Shorthorn cows for the past 15 years. The Turners believe the Shorthorn breed plays an important role in the commercial beef industry and emphasize selecting cattle that are moderate in size, functional, and efficient in production.
As a seedstock producer, Tom Turner emphasizes the importance of measuring performance at every stage of production. The operation tracks birth, weaning, and yearling weights, records frame scores on the calf crop, and annually weighs and evaluates the cow herd to monitor productivity and flushing ability.
Turner Shorthorns incorporates advanced reproductive technologies, including artificial insemination and in vitro fertilization (IVF), to stay aligned with industry trends and genetic advancements.
The Turners also showcase their cattle in show rings across the country and note that one of the most rewarding aspects of their operation is seeing customers succeed with seedstock purchased from their program, validating their genetic and breeding decisions.
Harr is a second-generation cattleman who was raised on her family’s Hereford seedstock operation, J & L Cattle Services. She grew up actively involved in 4-H and FFA and was heavily engaged in the National Hereford Association, building a strong foundation in the beef industry from a young age.
Harr began her postsecondary education at Casper College in Casper, Wyoming, where she was a member of the livestock judging team. She then attended Kansas State University, earning a bachelor's and master’s degree in meat science. Following that, Harr continued her education at Oklahoma State University, where she completed a Ph.D. program in meat science with a research focus on meat color.
After completing her education, Harr began her professional career at E.R. Boliantz, a meatpacking company. She notes that her overarching goal in the beef industry is to ensure that meat animal protein remains a valued part of consumers’ diets.
