YCC kicked off Thursday evening at Henmick Farm and Brewery where participants had the opportunity to network over dinner with members of the Ohio Cattlemen’s Association’s Board of Directors, program sponsor representatives and other industry professionals. The 2023 Ohio State Fair Commercial Cattle Show participants were also in attendance for the presentation of the carcass awards by Sam Roberts, United Producers, Inc. Sales Representative and Facility Manager at the Hillsboro Market. National Cattlemen’s Beef Association Senior Director of Government Affairs and Live Cattle Marketing Committee Staff Liaison, Tanner Beymer, served as the guest speaker for the evening and shared the latest on issues at the federal level impacting the cattle industry.
On day two of YCC, conference attendees were able to visit Wendy’s headquarters where they were able to sample a new breakfast menu item, the sausage egg and cheese English muffin, while hearing from Wendy’s staff about the history of the company and its rich connection to the beef industry. Later, participants engaged in a mini-Beef 509 session with Dr. Lyda Garcia, associate professor of meat science for The Ohio State University’s Department of Animal Sciences. This hands-on experience included learning how meat is graded, the fabrication of wholesale and retail cuts, and other issues that can impact beef quality and pricing. Participants also viewed the Grand and Reserve Champion beef carcasses from the 2023 Ohio State Fair and visited The Ohio State University’s football practice facilities.
Ohio Cattlemen’s Association (OCA) staff then discussed the value of membership, the role OCA has in the legislative and regulatory process and the broad spectrum of association programs and benefits. The afternoon was spent at the Ohio Statehouse where participants met with Representative Rodney Creech (Dist. 40) who serves as the Chair of the House Agriculture Committee. He discussed current Ohio legislation affecting beef farmers and the agriculture industry.
That evening, participants were hosted at the home of program sponsor, Rick Malir and Bonnie Coley-Malir, founders of City Barbeque. Participants learned more about the couple’s agricultural roots and their passion for the beef industry and professional development.
The final day of the conference was kicked off by Ohio Beef Council (OBC) staff, with a discussion focused on how OBC invests Beef Checkoff funds to grow beef demand, while implementing promotional efforts in Ohio. Attendees also participated in a spokesperson training program coordinated by Director of Grassroots Advocacy and Spokesperson Development for NCBA, Chandler Mulvaney. Mulvaney led participants through a media training session which strengthened their communication skills, encouraged them to share their beef production stories and helped them become more effective cattle industry leaders.
The purpose of YCC is to offer emerging Ohio beef industry leaders and young producers the opportunity to build their own leadership skills as they network with beef industry leaders, government officials, businesses and media. Young beef producers interested in attending the 2024 conference should contact the Ohio Cattlemen’s Foundation at 614-873-6736 or email [email protected].