More than 30,000 cattle industry enthusiasts attended the Ohio Beef Expo held March 19-21, 2010, at the Ohio Expo Center in Columbus, Ohio. In its 23rd year, the Ohio Cattlemen’s Association hosted the annual event.

Each year the success of the Ohio Beef Expo relies on the contributions of beef industry members. Leading these initiatives are individuals who donate their time, money, animals and equipment with the intent of supporting Ohio’s cattle industry.

In an effort to recognize the service and contribution of such outstanding people, the Ohio Beef Expo Planning Committee presents the Friend of the Beef Expo award.

According to Jason Dagger, Ohio Beef Expo Chairman, the award recipients are nominated by individual representatives within either the junior show, trade show or breeds committees. These representatives bring the nomination to the planning committee where the recipients are then selected.

Honored because of their strong commitment in supporting the Beef Expo, Sam Roberts of Clark County and Laura Sutherly of Miami County, were recognized as 2010 Friend of the Beef Expo award winners. Both were honored with a plaque during the Expo.

Roberts is a past junior show committee member and served as Chairman of the Ohio Beef Expo for many years. He still helps annually at the event with the membership booth or junior showmanship contest. Sutherly created the Expo’s first Web site a few years ago and annually updates the site both before and during the event. She has truly helped the site become a resource for beef industry enthusiasts who can’t attend the event.

The Ohio Cattlemen’s Association is an affiliate of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association and is the state’s spokesperson and issues manager for all segments of the beef cattle industry including cattle breeders, producers and feeders. It is the grass roots policy development organization for the beef business. Through the Ohio Cattlemen’s Association, cattle producers work to create a positive business environment, while providing consumers with a safe and wholesome product.

Past Friend of the Ohio Beef Expo Award Winners