2022 Ohio Beef Expo

Last week we attended the Ohio Beef Expo.  

We are learning how fortunate we are to be a part of one of the best beef expos in the country.  This was the Ohio Beef Expo's 34th year and it gets bigger and better with each year.  With over 850 youth cattle, to the sale barn packed with cattle waiting to sell, to breeders from Ohio and all over the country, it is an opportunity to network with breeders, shop for all things cattle related and even add cattle to your farm.  

The highlight for us is the Miniature Hereford show and sale.  

It is hard to believe that it was just a few months ago that Walker stepped up to the plate and starting fitting our cattle more.  He has been practicing at home and gained confidence in both his clipping and fitting skills.  

Isaac started the show with Lucy winning Reserve in her division.  

Both Isaac and Walker were showing animals all day.  I had trouble keeping track of when they were in the ring with our animals and when they were showing for someone else.  They love showing so they are always willing to grab someone's halter and help them out with getting animals run through the ring.  

Sometimes, they are even purposefully given the squirrely animals, because everyone has seen them in action and know they are exceptional showmen...and they are always up for a challenge.  

He also showed Kennedy who won her division.  

Walker showed Colt and came out with another Reserve Division.  

One of our favorite parts of Expo is getting to visit with other breeders and potential buyers.  There is plenty of time back in the barns to catch up and meet new people.  

This year was the third annual Miniature Hereford auction.  The sale is still young and the last two years have been affected by Covid, so this was really our first normal year.  However, we don't have a bar for what normal is, so no one really knew what to expect.  

We determined over a year ago that Autumn was going to be sold at the Ohio Beef Expo.  She had five titles going into the Expo, so we were very apprehensive.  

Sale day she was looking good and we were ready to see what she would bring.  We had talked with several interested buyers at the show and we knew there were going to be some bidding online as well.  

We were all blown away by the outcome of the sale and even more surprised by Autumn.  The bidding was fast and furious and she ended up being the high selling Miniature Hereford heifer.  

She is staying in Ohio and we will get to visit and see her progress.  It has made the transition much easier for Isaac.  Her new owner has been keeping us posted and sending videos, and it is very obvious Autumn is enjoying her new home.  

If you are wondering why we talk about Isaac's heifer but Walker is always the one showing her...it's because Walker and Autumn just have a better connection and she responds better to him.  Isaac wants Autumn to show her best, and has accepted that sometimes his little brother can get better results out of her in the ring.  

We are honored to be a part of the Miniature Hereford breed at the Ohio Beef Expo.  From those that fought to have the breed added to the Expo years ago, to the breeders that have continued to show up year after year, the dedication is paying off.  What was once an novelty breed at the back of the barn was the third largest breed represented this year.  

Adding a sale, and a sale with the second highest heifer average, just shows the growth of the breed and our importance to the cattle industry.  The Ohio Beef Expo has been an integral part of the growth of Miniature Herefords in this part of the country, and we are excited for next year and how the breed will continue to grow.  

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