By Andi Anderson
The Ohio Beef Council and the Ohio Cattlemen’s Foundation, in partnership with Stockyards Packing Company, will host the Beef 509 program in a new regional format in 2025.
This educational initiative will be held on February 22 and March 1 at the Stockyards Packing Company in Oxford, Ohio.
Beef 509 focuses on educating cattle producers about the food side of their business, promoting best management practices to improve beef quality and profitability. The program includes topics like live cattle evaluation, beef carcass grading, grid pricing, beef harvest demonstrations, and beef quality assurance.
Participants will join hands-on sessions, learning live animal evaluation and grid pricing. Teams will select cattle through an auction-style process, follow them through harvest and grading, and participate in a cutting session. These activities demonstrate how carcass composition impacts value differences and profitability.
With a maximum of 30 participants, registration is on a first-come, first-served basis. Those bringing their own animal for custom harvest can participate without a registration fee but must cover processing costs.
For others, the registration fee is $200, with the beef council covering additional expenses. Participants must attend both Saturdays.
Prizes will be awarded to top-performing teams based on final profit calculations and a traditional carcass contest. Instructors will select cattle for the program, ensuring an educational experience for all participants.
For registration and further details, visit ohiocattle.org, call 614-873-6736, or email cattle@ohiocattle.org. The deadline for registration is until spots are filled, so interested participants are encouraged to apply promptly.
This program offers a valuable opportunity for cattle producers to gain practical insights and skills that directly enhance their operations and profitability.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-baranozdemir
Categories: Ohio, Livestock, Beef Cattle