BEST is a youth development program of the OCA that recognizes young beef exhibitors through a series of sanctioned shows. Youth who participate earn points for their placing at each show. Points are tabulated for cattle, showmanship, registered bred-and-owned animals, Buckeye Breeder Series (Ohio’s bred, born and raised program), Stockmanship educational contests and BEST participants in a separate Novice division. The BEST program also includes leadership opportunities, scholarships and community service. Juniors earn points for participation in each sanctioned show and are recognized for their accomplishments at an end-of-season awards banquet.
The schedule for this year’s season is as follows:
Mardi Gras Masquerade, Circleville – November 22-24
AGR Holiday Classic, Columbus – December 6-8
Northern Lights BEST Show, Wauseon – December 13-15
Saddle and Sirloin Spectacular, Circleville – December 27-29
Scarlet & Gray Midwest Showdown, Columbus – January 3-5
Clark County Cattle Battle, Springfield – January 24-26
DTS Cupid Classic, Circleville – February 7-9
Holmes County Preview, Millersburg – February 28-March 2
Ohio Beef Expo, Columbus – March 14-16
BEST Banquet, Columbus – May 3
BEST Program Requirements
Participants 8 years old as of Jan. 1, 2025, but not older than 21 years as of age as of Jan. 1, 2025, are eligible to accumulate OCA BEST points. Participants must be Ohio residents with the exception of Buckeye Breeders Series (BBS) eligible cattle. Those exhibiting BBS cattle are eligible to accumulate BEST points regardless of the state of residency.
Participants or the participant’s family must be current members of OCA. The OCA membership must be in the name of the BEST participant’s immediate family. OCA family memberships are $75 and will operate on a 12-month basis. Exhibitors showing cattle at a BEST-sanctioned show, but not participating in the BEST program, must also have an OCA membership.
A BEST nomination fee is also required for each animal a junior enters in the BEST program. The one-time $60 nomination fee allows the animal to accumulate points at any OCA BEST-sanctioned show. The nomination fee must be paid before the start of the show where the exhibitor plans to accumulate points.
Participants must be Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) certified to participate in the BEST program. BQA certification is available through in-person training at BEST shows, bqa.org, or yqca.org. ALL cattle showing at a BEST-sanctioned show in-state and out-of-state MUST be tagged with an electronic identification (EID) ear tag before arriving at their first BEST show.
ALL cattle must have proof of a negative BVD test by their second BEST show.
Buckeye Breeders Series (BBS)
BBS is Ohio’s premier bred, born, and raised division of BEST that rewards both exhibitors and breeders for their participation with registered steers and heifers from an Ohio seedstock breeder. This division will have a separate set of points to be accumulated for participants throughout the season. Out-of-state participants will be eligible for BEST only if they exhibit a BBS-eligible animal.
All exhibitors who plan on showing in the BBS program must complete the nomination form (available at www.ohiocattle.org) in order to receive points at their first show. BBS breeders must also be current OCA members for the cattle they bred to be eligible for points in the BEST program.
At the end of the season, BBS participants will be entered in a drawing for a year’s use of a livestock trailer, donated by M.H. EBY. BBS breeders will be entered in a drawing for a year’s use of a John Deere Gator, donated by Ag-Pro.
Youth Development, Education, and Academics Outside of the Ring
The BEST program includes the Stockmanship Division to allow participants with or without cattle to showcase their talent outside of the show ring by expanding their knowledge of cattle and the industry.
The Stockmanship contest schedule and more details can be found at www.ohiocattle.org Getting Started Participants will create their own unique account to make nominations and show entries for the BEST program at best.ohiocattle.org.
For more information about the BEST program, visit ohiocattle.org/BEST, join the OCA BEST Program Facebook group, or contact the office at 614-873-6736.