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Ohio

Out-of-State Juniors Gain Access to Ohio Cattle

Youth beef exhibitors from other states can now show Ohio-bred Buckeye Breeders Series cattle at BEST shows starting this season.

Updated on Nov. 3, 2026 in Organic Food

Photograph of a single beef steer standing in a fenced show pen on open Ohio farmland, with a weathered fence rail in the foreground.
Ohio cattle show rules now let out-of-state junior exhibitors compete with Buckeye Breeders Series cattle at BEST-sanctioned shows starting this season. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

The Ohio Cattlemen's Association now lets out-of-state junior exhibitors show Ohio Buckeye Breeders Series cattle at BEST-sanctioned shows, and reinstates a one-time nomination fee for Ohio breeders of eligible cattle. The change takes effect for the 2021-22 show season, beginning with the AGR Holiday Classic in Circleville, Ohio, on Dec. 10-12.

Why it matters

The change gives Ohio breeders of Buckeye Breeders Series cattle added marketing and recognition opportunities for their Ohio-born registered animals. For juniors in other states, it opens a path to compete with Ohio-bred cattle through the state's youth beef program.

This is an program rule change documented in the Ohio Cattlemen's Association's official BEST program materials rather than a study. It sets the entry fee and eligibility terms for out-of-state participants, including a $60 per head one-time nomination fee.

The players

Ohio Cattlemen's Association

The Ohio Cattlemen's Association is a state beef industry organization that runs the BEST youth development program for junior beef exhibitors.

The details

Out-of-state juniors can buy Ohio Buckeye Breeders Series cattle and exhibit them at all BEST-sanctioned shows, competing for points and year-end awards. Participants must meet BEST age qualifications and have their family be Ohio Cattlemen's Association members. Points from all BBS cattle, including those shown by out-of-state juniors, begin accumulating at the first BEST-sanctioned show.

Timeline

  1. The 2021-22 show season is when out-of-state BBS eligibility takes effect for BEST shows.

  2. The AGR Holiday Classic in Circleville, Ohio, runs Dec. 10-12 as the first 2021-22 BEST show.

  3. At the 2022 Ohio Beef Expo, out-of-state juniors are eligible to show BBS cattle only if they have previously exhibited at a BEST show.

Health Landscape

Youth livestock programs like BEST connect young exhibitors with registered breeding stock and a structured points system. Changes to breeder eligibility shape how cattle genetics and organic and conventional beef production circulate across state lines.

If you raise or buy registered beef cattle, the change could affect where you source animals and how you enter youth shows. Families considering the BEST program should check age and membership requirements before the 2021-22 season begins.

The takeaway

Out-of-state juniors can now exhibit Ohio Buckeye Breeders Series cattle at BEST shows, starting with the Dec. 10-12 AGR Holiday Classic in Circleville. Anyone interested should confirm age qualifications and OCA membership requirements with the program before entering.

Further reading

For background on how food sourcing is regulated, see Organic Food coverage in Ohio.

More information

Find the BEST program show schedule and details on the Ohio Cattlemen's Association website.

Source note: This article includes information reported by Farm Progress.