By Okon Ekpenyong

This weekend is Ohio’s largest beef cattle expo. Now in its 37th year, the expo is a beacon for the Industry, drawing over 30,000 visitors from March 13-16. On Friday, March 14, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and his grandson graced the expo with their presence, a powerful gesture of support for an industry that globally exports around $10.45 billion worth of beef and beef products.

During his visit, Governor DeWine took a proactive stance, meeting with reporters at the Voinovich Livestock and Trade Center to discuss the potential impact of tariffs on the cattle industry. Ohio, a significant exporter of agricultural products, including beef, to countries like Canada, Mexico, and China, is under the Governor’s watchful eye.

In the Voinovich Livestock & Trade Center, he visited several vendors who provide agricultural equipment or supplies to farmers. 

An exhibitor briefly stopped and spoke with DeWine, who said, “he is very attentive to the agricultural challenges in the State.” The gentleman then expressed gratitude to DeWine for recognizing the various challenges that farmers and the cattle industry encounter in Ohio, particularly in light of the impact of bird flu on the sector.

In addition, exhibitors and attendees travel from across the Midwest to attend the expo and trade show, which is believed to be the largest of its kind.

Visitors to the Beef Expo can see seed stock shows and sales, junior shows, trade shows, and also a genetic pathway featuring the nation’s best genetics, which includes live cattle displays, semen, and embryos, the expo website says. 

Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost also visited the expo and said, “Ohio is a major beef producer. AG Yost was proud to talk with industry professionals at the must-attend Ohio Beef Expo (Ohio Cattlemen) about their success and how we can help.

Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose also appeared and remarked, “Agriculture is the foremost Industry in Ohio and continues to be our largest! I had the opportunity to visit the Ohio Beef Expo today and engage with members of the Ohio Cattlemen’s Association.

If you’re in Columbus this weekend, stop by and discover what contributes to the success of Ohio’s beef sector. You might even encounter one of the most crucial members of the team for any cattleman, their devoted farm dog!”

Key Takeaways from Governor DeWine’s Visit

1. Concerns About Tariffs: Governor DeWine recognized tariffs’ unpredictability and possible impact on the cattle sector. The state will keep an eye on the developments.

2. Exports of Beef: The United States exports around $10.45 billion of beef and beef-related products yearly.

3. Optimism in the Industry: Cattle producers and the Ohio Cattlemen’s Association shared a hopeful outlook regarding tariff discussions in Washington.

4. Compliance with Regulations: The Ohio Cattlemen’s Association and the Department of Agriculture are dedicated to ensuring the Industry adheres to state and federal regulations.

The Ohio Beef Expo does help put Ohio’s beef industry on the map, featuring seed stock auctions, youth competitions, and a large trade show. Even though Canada, Mexico, China, and other countries plan to impose their tariffs because of President Trump’s administration’s tariffs, farmers and cattle owners at the beef expo remain optimistic.

These tariffs could significantly impact US businesses, particularly in agriculture, and may lead to higher consumer prices on steak and dairy products. However, with over 30,000 people expecting to visit the expo this weekend, the community continues supporting the Industry that supplies our food.  

“To effect change, there’s always going to be some kind of water,” a Columbus resident said.

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