Livestock

This fall, the Ohio Cattlemen’s Association (OCA) will once again host its Roundup Meeting series at locations across Ohio. The meetings are open to all beef producers, and OCA membership is not required to attend.

Each meeting is free to attend and includes dinner, but registration is required. Meeting topics will vary by location, with each program featuring timely information designed to help producers prepare for the year ahead.

Dinner will be served at 5:30 p.m., followed by the program from 6-8 p.m.

New OCA members who join at the meetings will receive a free Allflex tagger provided by Merck Animal Health.

The 2026 Roundup Meeting schedule is:

October 22 – OSU Caldwell 17105 Bond Ridge Rd., Caldwell, OH 43724

• Hay Sampling Program Results & Hay Improvement Strategies – Garth Ruff, The Ohio State University Extension
• TMR & Beyond: Rethinking Winter Feeding – Dr. Haley Linder, The Ohio State University

October 27 – Loudonville Equity 803 N.… Continue reading

By Allison Kinney, Ohio Ag Net

Reaching 100 years as a family farm takes more than good luck. It requires generations of hard work, difficult decisions and a commitment to carrying the operation forward despite challenges along the way.

For Trails End Farm in Belmont County, that commitment has been tested many times during the last century. From dairy cattle to beef production, from economic challenges to tremendous losses, the Dunfee family has continually adapted while preserving the values that have defined the farm for generations.

The operation today encompasses 216 owned acres, an additional 75-acre farm and approximately 500 rented acres. The family currently maintains anywhere from 80 to 100 head of beef cattle while also producing hay for both on-farm use and commercial sales.

The late Dean Dunfee and his wife, Loretta, purchased the farm in 1989, becoming the third generation of the family to own the operation. Together, they raised their five children, Crystal, Melissa, Allison, Eric, and Tyler, alongside the livestock and daily work of the farm.… Continue reading

U.S. beef and pork exporters could see improved access to the Chinese market as the United States and China continue working through broader trade issues.

High-level trade talks were held last week in conjunction with a summit between President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping. While the discussions did not produce announced breakthroughs on trade, the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) is encouraged by the potential for agricultural products, including U.S. beef and pork, to receive more favorable treatment.

“There’s a couple of things that stand out,” said Dan Halstrom, USMEF president and CEO. “Number one, I think we’re especially encouraged that the two sides are really looking to separate trade between non-sensitive goods under the recently established U.S.-China Board of Trade.”

He said U.S. beef and pork, including variety meats, are expected to be among the products considered for more favorable treatment from a tariff standpoint.

“This also provides a path forward where we can maybe separate agriculture and specifically U.S.… Continue reading

Ohio youth and collegiate dairy cattle judges earned several top finishes during national and international judging contests held in conjunction with the 2026 World Dairy Expo in Madison, Wis.

Ohio was represented in the National 4-H Dairy Cattle Judging Contest, National Intercollegiate Dairy Cattle Judging Contest, and International Post-Secondary Dairy Cattle Judging Contest, with teams from Ohio placing among the top seven overall in each competition.

In the 104th National 4-H Dairy Cattle Judging Contest, the Ohio team of Taylor Klopfenstein, Sydney Beiting, Charlie Weiss, and Maggie Rodenbucher placed seventh overall with 1,924 points. The team, coached by Sherry Smith, also placed sixth in oral reasons with 634 points.

Beiting earned an individual top-10 finish in reasons, placing seventh with 221 points.

California won the National 4-H contest with 2,046 points, followed by Wisconsin and New York.

The Ohio State University also earned a top-three finish in the 105th National Intercollegiate Dairy Cattle Judging Contest.… Continue reading

The number of hogs and pigs on U.S. farms declined 2% over the past year, according to the latest inventory report from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service.

As of Sept. 1, there were 74.3 million hogs and pigs on U.S. farms, down from September 2025 but up 2% from the 73.0 million head reported June 1, 2026.

The Quarterly Hogs and Pigs report, released Sept. 24, showed 68.4 million of the total inventory were market hogs, while 5.87 million were kept for breeding.

The latest numbers come as pork producers continue to manage production decisions amid changing market conditions. The inventory figures provide an indication of the size of the U.S. hog herd and the potential supply of pork moving into the coming months.

From June through August, U.S. producers weaned 34.5 million pigs, down 2% from the same three-month period in 2025. Producers averaged 11.96 pigs weaned per litter during the period.… Continue reading

By Ty Higgins, Ohio Ag Net

Diversification has long been part of agriculture, with farmers expanding acreage, adding crops or introducing different types of livestock. But the conversation is increasingly shifting from whether farmers should diversify to how they can do it successfully.

“We’ve always seen some level of diversification,” said Rudy Pitzer Perry, regional vice president of ag lending for Farm Credit Mid-America. “A farmer I recently visited calls it his “side hustle,” and he told me how important it was to help keep his entire operation strong financially during down times like this. More and more producers are thinking that way.”

The decision to diversify, however, requires an honest evaluation of the farm’s financial position and available resources.

“Anytime you go into a new venture, it can be a little risky, so operations need to have the financial strength to bear that risk, ” Pitzer Perry said. “That may look like working capital or underutilized or underleveraged assets.… Continue reading

The Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA) recognized six families as winners of the 2026 Conservation Farm Family Awards at the Farm Science Review in London, Ohio. Winners were chosen across the state from five designated geographic areas, in addition to one family in the state that operates a small farm, a new category added this year. 

The six families honored were: Kellogg Family, Hardin County; McKown Family, Richland County; Braddock Family, Knox County; Turpin Farms, Hamilton County; Wolfe Family, Fairfield County; and Hammersmith Family, Defiance County.

“I am honored to recognize these distinguished families as the 2026 Conservation Farm Family Award recipients. Their exemplary commitment to responsible land management, environmental stewardship, and the long‑term conservation of Ohio’s natural resources reflects the highest standards of our agricultural community,” said Ohio Department of Agriculture Director Brian Baldridge. “This year’s honorees demonstrate innovation, integrity, and dedication to conservation that not only strengthen their operations, but also the future of Ohio agriculture.”… Continue reading

By Christine Gelley, Agriculture and Natural Resources Educator, Noble County OSU Extension

On Thursday, Sept. 17, Noble County hosted the East Central Grazing Alliance for a pasture walk at The Johnson Family Farm with a great turnout and conversation. Thank you to Mark Johnson and his family for hosting us at their farm!

The conversation centered on bale grazing during the winter months. We discussed what to consider and implement before, during, and after trying bale grazing; how to determine whether it is a feasible, labor-saving method for tending livestock on pasture; and how to choose what hay to feed and how to position it while the ground is solid. We talked about the importance of having your soil and hay tested to make the most effective, efficient, and economical choices about fertilizer and manure application, hay value (nutritional and monetary), and supplemental feed needs.

As a side note from the pasture walk, we also addressed johnsongrass creeping up on the Johnsons, who are trying to stop this weed in its tracks.… Continue reading

The Ohio Poultry Association (OPA) announced its 2026 award recipients during its annual celebration banquet held on Sept. 10 in Columbus. This year, OPA presented the Golden Feather Award and four Rising Star Awards.

Golden Feather Award

The Golden Feather Award recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to Ohio’s egg and poultry industry. This year, OPA was pleased to honor Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA) Director Brian Baldridge with this award.

“Director Baldridge has been a committed advocate for Ohio agriculture throughout his career, from his service in the Ohio legislature to his leadership at the Ohio Department of Agriculture,” said Jim Chakeres, OPA executive vice president. “He has long been a trusted partner and respected voice for our industry, and we are proud to honor him for his unwavering support of Ohio’s poultry farming community.”

Director Baldridge has demonstrated a strong commitment to Ohio agriculture through his leadership, collaboration and advocacy. With deep Ohio and agricultural roots, he brings both personal experience and policy expertise to his role.… Continue reading

It was a wet week for the 2026 Farm Science Review, but that didn’t stop farmers and agriculture enthusiasts to make their way to the Molly Caren Ag Center to check out all of the new technologies and ideas that lie ahead for agriculture. We visited with several of the exhibitors throughout the week. Here are some highlights from those conversations.

Ohio Farm Bureau has created a new guide to help members better understand the laws, regulations and risk considerations that come with opening their farms to the public.

Agritourism has become a popular way for farm families to diversify their businesses, create new sources of income and connect consumers directly with agriculture. From U-pick orchards and farm markets to corn mazes and farm stays, agritourism can take many forms and bring different considerations for each farm.

The new Ohio Farm Bureau Agritourism Guide brings information and resources together in one place to help members better understand agritourism and make informed decisions for their business. Topics include liability protection, risk management, zoning, building and fire codes, ADA and service dogs, vendor’s license, food and beverage sales, amusement attractions and farm stays.

“As interest in agritourism continues to grow, this guide gives our members practical information to better understand the responsibilities that come with opening their farm to the public and what venture may be right for their business,” said Leah Hetrick, director of legal education and member engagement for Ohio Farm Bureau.… Continue reading

By Brianna Smith and Ty Higgins

For Ryan Burger, Percheron horses are more than livestock. They are a family tradition that stretches back four generations, a breeding program built throughout decades, and a way of life that has brought his family together year after year.

Burger Percherons, located in Willard, Ohio, traces its roots to the 1920s, when Burger’s great-grandfather purchased the family’s first Percherons. Since then, the operation has continued through multiple generations, with Burger now working alongside his mother and his son, Braxtyn, who recently graduated from high school and has become an important part of the operation.

The family’s connection to draft horses runs even deeper. One side of Burger’s family raised Percherons, while the other had Belgian horses. His grandfather was also known for trading horses and mules with Amish communities.

“My grandpa Burger was a horse trader, so to speak,” Burger said. “He stayed one or two nights with the Amish every other week and traded with them, all kinds of working horses, mules.… Continue reading

By Dean Kreager, Extension Educator – Agriculture and Natural Resources, Licking County

Many parts of Ohio are under development pressure, and communities are trying to act to prevent the loss of agricultural land. I bring this up because a planning group reached out while searching for local statistics and numbers related to “prime farmland.”  This got me thinking about what makes farmland “prime.” Is it defined by specific soil types, historical yields, lay of the land, or proximity to markets? I won’t argue these are all important and are used to determine value, but what type of land is currently providing the largest net income per acre? The marginal land once considered a byproduct of farmland ownership is likely producing your highest net income per acre, thanks to current cattle market conditions. Instead of producing a little extra income, the cattle enterprise may be a big contributor to the bottom line.… Continue reading

Republican Senator Mitch McConnell, back from a three-month health absence, cast the winning Ag Committee vote to send the Senate farm bill that Democrats blocked in August to the full chamber. McConnell, true to his word to help pass a farm bill, cast the 12th GOP vote needed to advance the Senate farm bill. Committee approval was a victory for Chair John Boozman despite a last-minute fight over a GOP amendment to reform livestock production standards to deal with California’s Prop 12.

“It’s been almost a decade since Congress last passed a farm bill,” said American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall. “In the past 10 years, more than 200,000 family farms have gone out of business, as farmers grappled with a pandemic, global unrest, rising expenses and falling prices paid for the food they grow. A new, modernized farm bill will help give farmers the tools they need to survive continued and unforeseen challenges ahead.… Continue reading

By Ty Higgins, Ohio Ag Net

It can be easy to focus on the challenges facing agriculture right now, from tight margins and weather concerns to high input costs and uncertainty in commodity markets. But despite those pressures, growth is still happening across Ohio agriculture.

“A lot of that comes from some livestock, both contract and cattle, facilities and things of that nature,” said Rudi Pitzer Perry, regional vice president of agricultural lending with Farm Credit Mid-America. “They’ve seen a massive amount of growth over the last couple of years. There’s been some good profit in those areas too. So, it’s not overly surprising, but it’s good to see.”

Growth is not limited to livestock, however. Land continues to change hands as established farms expand and younger producers enter agriculture.

 “We’re still seeing that land changing hands, that expansion, both from next-generation operations maybe getting larger and taking advantage of some opportunities that they’ve been able to have,” Pitzer Perry said.… Continue reading

By Dee Jepsen, Ohio State University

National Farm Safety and Health Week is Sept. 21-25, 2026. This annual event reminds us that the choices we make today shape the success of tomorrow. The theme “Safety Today, Success Tomorrow” highlights the critical connection between safe work practices and the productivity and sustainability of our farms, ranches, and agricultural communities.

Agriculture remains one of the nation’s most demanding occupations, making safety awareness and injury prevention essential for everyone involved, from farmers and farm families to agricultural workers and youth. Taking time to identify hazards, maintain equipment, use proper personal protective equipment, and prioritize physical and mental well-being can prevent injuries and save lives. The Fatal Five for Ohio farmers are highlighted here.

1. Tractor and machinery incidents

Tractor rollovers, runovers, PTO entanglements, and injuries involving moving machinery remain the leading causes of severe injuries and fatalities. These injuries rise during harvest season, when there is increased exposure to hazards.… Continue reading

By Mary Wilhelm, Holstein Foundation Young Dairy Leaders Institute participant

As backpacks are packed and school buses roll again, parents everywhere focus on setting their children up for a successful year. While school supplies and schedules are important, one key factor often overlooked is nutrition—making sure kids start their day fueled, focused, and ready to learn. One of the simplest and most effective ways to support growing children is with a nutrient-rich glass of milk.

Milk has long been recognized as a nutritional powerhouse, especially for growing children. Packed with 13 essential nutrients, including calcium, vitamin D, protein, potassium, and vitamin B12, milk plays an important role in supporting overall health, development, and academic performance.

One of milk’s biggest benefits is its contribution to strong bones and teeth. During childhood and adolescence, the body is rapidly building bone mass, making calcium intake more important than ever. Milk provides a highly absorbable source of calcium, paired with vitamin D to help the body use it effectively.… Continue reading

The Ohio Cattlemen’s Association (OCA) is excited to announce the return of the Buckeye Cattlemen’s Summit on Saturday, Jan. 23, at The Ohio State University Wooster Campus, Shisler Conference Center in Wooster, Ohio.

Following the success of its inaugural event, the Buckeye Cattlemen’s Summit will once again bring Ohio cattlemen together for breed association meetings, industry updates, producer education and OCA traditions. OCA partners with the Buckeye Hereford Association, Ohio Shorthorn Association and Ohio Simmental Association to provide a full day of educational opportunities and industry engagement.

The Summit will feature morning and afternoon sessions focused on timely beef industry topics, providing producers with practical information and tools to take back to their operations. Breed association meetings will also be held throughout the day.

Youth education remains an important part of the Summit, with opportunities for Ohio Beef Youth Council participants to compete and learn. The event will include educational activities and contests designed to help Ohio youth expand their knowledge of the beef industry.… Continue reading