Ohio Opens Youth Cattle Show to Out-of-State Juniors
The Ohio Cattlemen's Association now lets out-of-state juniors exhibit Ohio Buckeye Breeders Series cattle at BEST-sanctioned shows.
Updated on Nov. 3, 2026 in Organic Food
The Ohio Cattlemen's Association has allowed out-of-state juniors to exhibit Ohio Buckeye Breeders Series cattle at BEST-sanctioned shows for the 2021-22 show season. The association also reinstated a one-time nomination fee for Ohio breeders of BBS-eligible cattle.
Why it matters
The change gives Ohio breeders of Buckeye Breeders Series cattle expanded marketing and recognition opportunities for their Ohio-born registered animals. It also widens the pool of exhibitors competing with Ohio-bred cattle in the BEST program.
Out-of-state BEST BBS participants must be OCA members and pay a one-time $60 per head nomination fee, and may show BBS-eligible cattle only at BEST-sanctioned shows and the Ohio Beef Expo. Participation numbers and the effect on entries have not been reported.
The players
Ohio Cattlemen's Association
The Ohio Cattlemen's Association is a statewide cattle industry organization that runs the BEST youth development program for Ohio junior beef exhibitors.
The details
Out-of-state juniors who purchase Ohio BBS cattle may now exhibit them at all BEST-sanctioned shows and compete for points and year-end awards, provided they meet BEST age qualifications and their family belongs to the Ohio Cattlemen's Association. Out-of-state juniors may also compete in BEST showmanship before the Ohio Beef Expo, though they earn no BEST points for showmanship placings.
Timeline
2021-22 show season: out-of-state BBS eligibility takes effect for BEST shows.
Dec. 10-12: AGR Holiday Classic in Circleville, Ohio, is the first 2021-22 BEST show.
2022 Ohio Beef Expo: out-of-state juniors may show only BBS-eligible cattle if they have exhibited at a prior BEST show.
Roadmap
The change builds on the Buckeye Breeders Series points division, which has rewarded registered steers and heifers bred, born, and raised by Ohio breeders within the BEST program. Expanding eligibility to out-of-state exhibitors extends that Ohio-breeder framework to a wider pool of junior showmen.
Ohio junior beef exhibitors can now buy BBS-eligible cattle from Ohio breeders and show them at any BEST-sanctioned show. Out-of-state families planning to enter must join the Ohio Cattlemen's Association and pay the $60 per head nomination fee.
The takeaway
Out-of-state families weighing a BBS purchase should confirm OCA membership and the $60 per head fee before the first BEST show. Ohio breeders gain added exposure for their Ohio-born registered cattle.
Further reading
For more on food production in the state, browse Organic Food coverage across Ohio.
More information
Find the full BEST program show schedule and details on the Ohio Cattlemen's Association website.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Farm Progress.
