The Industry Excellence Award is presented to beef producers who have worked over a period of years for the betterment of Ohio’s beef industry. Recipients are those that have contributed as a volunteer and leader to the success of OCA and, through their individual cattle operations, have been trailblazers for the beef industry creating new paths for other beef producers to follow.
Grimes, along with his wife Joanie, daughters Lindsey and Lauren and their families, operate Maplecrest Farms, a diversified beef operation. Maplecrest Farms sells breeding stock throughout the year both locally and nationally, and has recently partnered with another family in Hillsboro to open Maplecrest Meats to direct market their product to the consumer.
Grimes credits his passion for the beef industry from growing up in 4-H and FFA. Before retirement, he first worked as a county extension agent for the Ohio State University (OSU) where he specialized in beef production and research, and later became the OSU beef coordinator for the state. Grimes has served the industry by taking leadership roles on the boards of both OCA and the Ohio Beef Council (OBC), has served as President of the Ohio Angus Association and was on the American Angus Association Board of Directors.
Learn more about John Grimes by watching his award video here.