Conneting with the Beef Industry

Several weeks ago, Isaac had the opportunity to participate in the Ohio Cattlemen's Associations Young Cattlemen's Conference.  

The Young Cattlemen's Conference is a three-day event for young cattlemen from across the state to come together to learn more about the beef industry and how they can make an impact.  

Isaac was a little hesitant to go, but with a little coaxing, he signed up.  It helped that he got to room with his cousin for the event and they always love getting the chance to spend time together.  

The group had the opportunity to learn from Dr. Lyda Garcia of the Ohio State University about carcass grading, the different cuts of meat and how their cattle management on the farm effects the final product.  

A highlight of that tour was seeing the Ohio State Fair Grand Champion and Reserve Grand Champion Steer carcasses.  

Wendy's welcomed the group to their headquarters for a tour and roundtable discussions.  Wendy's also focused on how their fast food restaurants play a part in the beef industry.  

I think it helped that they fed the group samples from their breakfast menu.  

The weekend also held opportunities for the group to learn about the importance of the Beef Checkoff program and how some in Washington are trying to destroy the program.  The Beef Checkoff program is an integral part of educating and promoting beef to consumers.  The beef industry is under constant attack and it is imperative that the true facts about beef are promoted.  

It wasn't all learning...

They stopped by the Ohio State campus for a behind the scenes tour of the practice fields.  

You can't grow up in Ohio and not be excited about the Ohio State football facility!

After the fun, it was back to work with a tour of the Ohio State Capital and a meeting with Representative Rodney Creech.  Isaac really enjoyed getting to meet Representative Creech and learned how he went from starting a landscaping company and farm to making laws that directly affect our own lives.  

They also had an opportunity to hear from Chandler Mulvaney of the NCBA about the issues facing agriculture, how the NCBA is fighting on Capital Hill and how each and every one of us can promote legislation that improves agriculture and fight those things that are not in our best interest.  

Individually, it is hard for one farmer to be heard, but together, the NCBA, the Ohio Cattlemen's Association and other organizations around the country are able to band together to give us a strong voice.  

What I loved most about the Young Cattlemen's Conference was listening to Isaac recount the events of the weekend to us.  He had a fire to promote the industry, was shocked to hear some of the laws going through Capital Hill right now and realized how important it is to not sit by and just focus on our little piece of ground.  The fight is so much bigger than us, but he learned how important each of us is in that fight.  

He made so many connections with those that attended the conference, the leadership of the OCA, and personal conversations with people who have the voice to fight for us.  But after all of that...one of his favorite parts of the event was the dinner at the home of the Malirs, founders of City Barbeque.  To eat at their table, talk to them about where they started, how they grew and even the hobbies that Isaac has in common with them.  People that have made their fortune, but haven't forgotten their grassroots beginnings and who are supporting and mentoring young people just learning to make their way.  

Isaac came home with lots of stories, but only a few pictures.  But really....this momma's favorite part was shopping with Isaac for a new suit and seeing the pictures of him all dressed up and looking so professional.  ​