“The banquet is a time to celebrate the many achievements of our BEST participants, both in and out of the show ring,” says Stephanie Sindel, Ohio Cattleman’s Association Director of Youth Programs. “Each participant is recognized for their hard work by family, friends and BEST supporters alike.”
Several representatives from program sponsors — Bob Evans Farms, Burroughs Frazier Farms, Evans Cattle Company, Farm Credit Mid-America, M.H. Eby, Ohio Farm Bureau Federation and Weaver Leather Livestock — were on hand to help present awards totaling more than $50,000 in belt buckles, luggage, show materials and other awards.
This year’s BEST program featured 15 sanctioned shows that weaved its way across the state with over 440 youth participants showing 649 head of market animals and heifers.
The following Butler County youth were recognized:
Breed Division Champions:
- Fifth Overall Hereford Heifer – Morgan Gillespie, Butler County
- Champion MaineTainer Heifer – Austin Garner, Butler County
- Fifth Overall Market Heifer – Raymond Beneker, Butler County
BEST Bred & Owned Champions Heifers:
- Fifth Overall Bred & Owned Heifer– Colleen Minges, Butler County – Angus
BEST Showmanship Winners:
- Champion Novice Showman – Raymond Beneker, Butler County
- Fourth Overall Novice Showman – Luke Kiefer, Butler County
- Eighth Overall Intermediate Showman – Colleen Minges, Butler County
- Sixth Overall Senior Showman – Austin Garner, Butler County
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