Cattle Association held annual meeting Feb. 12

The Tuscarawas County Cattle Association held its annual meeting at the Tuscarawas County Fairgrounds Clover Cafe on Feb. 12. The meeting marked the 34th annual banquet, and 66 were in attendance.

A roast beef and chicken dinner was catered and served by Kathy Stotzer. Doyle Shoup provided the invocation. Don Himes, the Tuscarawas County Cattle Association president, began the meeting by thanking everyone for attending. He then moved into the election of directors.

The directors up for renewal were Jerry Prysi, Guy Zeigler, Justin Specht, Kevin Hinds and Fred Tuerler. The floor was opened for nominations; none were provided. In that case there was no need for a vote. The directors were renewed for another two-year term for 2024 and 2025.

The board of directors includes Matt Graham, Don Himes, Kevin Hinds, Mark Lewis, Eric Prysi, Jerry Prysi, Kriss Raber, Justin Specht, Fred Tuerler and Guy Zeigler. Jerry Lahmers spoke on the spread of Asian Longhorn ticks in Ohio and the adverse effects this has on beef cattle. Infestations in livestock can result in decreased production and growth, abortions, and death. The ticks also transmit many diseases including bovine theileriosis.

Steve Cronebaugh announced the Tuscarawas County machinery sale on March 23. There also will be a two-part program focused on cattle feeding and beef quality. The first part of the program will be held April 9 and will include cattle feeding, live animal evaluation and grid pricing at the Carrollton Livestock Auction. Carcass grading and fabrication are among the activities that will take place April 23 at Sugar Valley Meats. The cost is $20 per person with an RSVP to OSU Extension Carroll County by April 1.

Chris Zoller from OSU Extension announced they will have a meeting at Sugarcreek Stockyards for the Beef Quality Assurance Certification and Recertification. The upcoming date is to be determined.

Kevin Hinds, TCCA treasurer, gave a report on the past year’s finances. Guest speaker Peter Kiko spoke about his experiences raising grass-fed beef. Kiko and his wife Joni raise all-natural, grass-fed Angus beef cattle near Dalton. Together with their family, they run a large herd of cattle on chemical-free land. Kiko expressed the importance of pasture rotation for daily grazing, minerals, cattle selection and breeding rotation.

Morgan Greenwood and Whitney Specht provided the 2024 Tuscarawas County beef queen and princess presentation. Jillian Welch, the 2023 Tuscarawas County beef first attendant, spoke about her experiences over the last year. Welch assisted in the TCCA beef trailer, assisted in passing out ribbons at the Tuscarawas County Fair, and went to multiple county fairs and parades.

Kameron Dreher, 13, was crowned 2024 Tuscarawas County beef princess. She is the daughter of Nathan and Jennifer Dreher of Strasburg. She is a seven-year member of the Strasburg Country 4-H Club, showing a beef project for four years.

Kelly Shumaker, 16, was crowned the 2024 Tuscarawas County beef queen. She also served as the 2023 Tuscarawas County beef queen. She is the daughter of Gary and Wendy Shumaker of Newcomerstown. She has been a member of The Town and Country 4-H Club for 11 years, seven years showing a beef project. She provided a photo display of queen activities she participated in and promoted the beef industry over the 2023 year. She also spoke about her experience working in the TCCA beef trailer, assisting in the Tuscarawas County shows, and visiting multiple county fairs, festivals and parades.

Door prizes were drawn and passed out by the directors, and the meeting was adjourned.