The 2019-20 Ohio Cattlemen’s Association’s (OCA) BEST program recently wrapped up this year’s awards celebration via social media. Last fall, when the BEST season started no one could foresee the devastation the COVID-19 pandemic would inflict as it has upended lives around the world.

The BEST program incurred its share of damage with the cancellation of the Ohio Beef Expo, the season’s last point show, as well as the awards banquet previously scheduled for May 2. However, this year’s Superhero theme was truly fitting as OCA started on May 2, as originally planned, to recognize the perseverance of the Superhero BEST participants and this year’s award winners on OCA’s social media. OCA kept the momentum going as it recognized Character Trait award recipients, the Novice winner and the winner of the Eby trailer drawing. All program awards are on par with previous years and in addition, each participant will be receiving a hoodie commemorating their year. The OCA office will be shipping each of these awards to their deserving recipients.

The awards for the season are possible thanks to the program’s Superhero sponsoring partners. Their commitment to Ohio’s cattle showing youth are the cornerstone of the program’s amazing success. Belt buckles, luggage, show materials and other awards will be shipped to the winners in each of their respective divisions. The BEST Sponsoring Partners for 2019-2020 were Ag-Pro – John Deere, Bob Evans Farms, M.H. EBY, Frazier Farms, Farm Credit Mid–America, Garwood Arena, Kalmbach Feeds – Formula of Champions, Ohio Farm Bureau Federation and Weaver Leather Livestock.

This year’s BEST program featured 10 sanctioned shows that wove their way across the state. Over 507 youth participants showed 663 head of market animals and heifers throughout the course of the 2019-2020 program.

Shorthorn Heifers
Champion - Kolten Greenhorn, Greene County
Reserve Champion – Amanda Annett, Knox County

Shorthorn Steers
Champion – Kolten Greenhorn, Greene County
Reserve Champion - Gavin Richards, Wood County

ShorthornPlus Heifers
Champion - Samantha VanVorhis, Wood County
Reserve Champion - Darby Ayars, Champaign County

ShorthornPlus Steers
Champion - Tatumn Poff, Geauga County
Reserve Champion - Rylan Luyster, Belmont County