MARYSVILLE, Ohio – The Ohio Cattlemen’s Association (OCA) presented several awards during the Buckeye Cattlemen’s Summit on Jan. 24 at the Ohio State University Wooster Campus.

Paradise Corner Farm, of Bucyrus, Ohio, was named Commercial Cattleman of the Year. The award honors Ohio beef operations that have demonstrated success through commercial cattle production. Recipients utilize performance data and modern technologies to improve cattle predictability while maintaining a strong focus on meeting and exceeding the expectations of today’s beef consumers.

Paradise Corner Farm is operated by Andy Lohr, his wife, Tonya, and their family in Crawford County. The operation includes a cow-calf herd of approximately 115 cows, with all calves born on the farm retained through finishing. Finished cattle are processed through the family-owned Center Street Meat Co., allowing the operation to provide high-quality beef directly to the local community. The couple’s daughter, Jessica, provides day-to-day management of the meat company. In addition, the family purchases cattle as needed to maintain a consistent beef supply for their market.

Cutlip Family Farm, of Glenmont, Ohio, received the Environmental Stewardship Award. The award is presented to an Ohio beef farm that demonstrates a strong commitment to responsible stewardship of land, water, and air resources, as well as livestock, through sustainable farm management practices.

The farm is a 200-acre operation owned and managed by Jeff and Mary Jo Cutlip, along with their daughters, Leann and Laura. The family manages a herd of approximately 55 fall-calving mother cows utilizing Shorthorn and Angus genetics. Environmental stewardship is a top priority on the Cutlip family’s farm, particularly given the rolling hills and varied terrain of the operation.

Don Jones, of Freeport, Ohio, received the Industry Excellence Award. The award honors beef producers who have dedicated their careers to advancing Ohio’s beef industry.

Jones has been involved in the beef industry throughout his life. He served as an agricultural education teacher for 23 years before transitioning into public service as a state representative for Ohio’s 95th District, a role he held for more than five years. Jones currently serves as the state executive director for the USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA). With FSA, he helps implement policies and programs designed to support farmers and promote economic stability in agriculture.

The Licking County Cattlemen’s Association received the Outstanding County Award. The award is presented annually by OCA to recognize exceptional achievement in industry education, consumer promotion, and overall involvement at the county level. Evaluation criteria include participation in OCA events, communication efforts, youth support, community outreach, and strong organizational leadership.

Under the leadership of President Ian VanKirk, the Licking County Cattlemen’s Association is guided by a seven-member board dedicated to growing the association and supporting the next generation of cattlemen and women. The association boasts a diverse membership of approximately 60 producers representing a wide range of cattle operations.

Turner Shorthorns, of Somerset, Ohio, was recognized as the Seedstock Producer of the Year. The award honors Ohio beef operations that have demonstrated exceptional breeding success through registered cattle programs.

Turner Shorthorns is owned and operated by Tom and Susie Turner and encompasses 215 acres of reclaimed mining ground. The operation has managed approximately 60 purebred Shorthorn cows for the past 15 years. The Turners believe the Shorthorn breed plays an important role in the commercial beef industry and emphasize selecting cattle that are moderate in size, functional, and efficient in production.

The Industry Service Award went to Cathann A. Kress, vice president for agricultural administration and dean of The Ohio State University College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES). The award recognizes individuals who have contributed to the betterment of Ohio’s beef industry through their careers or volunteer efforts.

Kress has built a strong and lasting relationship with the OCA and Ohio’s beef industry, demonstrating a genuine commitment to its long-term success. Throughout her leadership at CFAES, she has been a consistent advocate for youth development and education, helping prepare the next generation to succeed within agriculture and the beef community.