MARYSVILLE, Ohio – The Ohio Cattlemen’s Association (OCA) has announced a new nomination procedure for breeders who have cattle being nominated for the Buckeye Breeders Series (BBS), Ohio’s premier bred, born and raised division of the BEST (beef exhibitor show total) program.

For cattle to be eligible for BBS they must be registered and bred by an Ohio breeder. ET calves and calves out of purchased bred cows are eligible if they list an Ohioan as the breeder.

New for the 2021-2022 season, BBS cattle will incur a $25 per head nomination fee, that must be paid by the animal’s first BEST show, in addition to the $60 per head one-time BEST nomination fee. This $25 fee need only be paid one time by either the breeder or the BEST participant. Cattle may be nominated throughout the BEST season, but all BBS cattle that will be exhibited at the Ohio Beef Expo junior show must be nominated by March 1, 2022. Cattle that are eligible to show for more than one year must pay a new Buckeye Breeders Series nomination each calendar year.

Breeders must also complete a nomination form (each form can be used to nominate up to 10 animals from the same breeder) and sign an affidavit verifying BBS eligibility.

Also new for 2021-2022, out-of-state juniors who purchase Ohio BBS cattle will be eligible to participate in the BEST program and exhibit them at all BEST sanctioned shows, compete for points and over-all year-end awards, providing they meet all other program eligibility requirements. This change will provide Ohio breeders of BBS cattle increased marketing and recognition opportunities for their Ohio bred and born registered cattle.

More information about BBS and the link for nominations can be found at www.ohiocattle.org/best.

BEST is a youth development program of OCA that recognizes Ohio’s junior beef exhibitors for participation and placings through a series of sanctioned cattle shows that include showmanship competitions, educational contests and leadership opportunities.