MARYSVILLE — The 2015-2016 Ohio Cattlemen’s Association (OCA) BEST (Beef Exhibitor Show Total) Program wrapped up on May 7, with its annual awards banquet held at the Ohio Expo Center in Columbus.

This year’s BEST program featured 15 sanctioned shows that weaved its way across the state with over 550 youth participants showing 740 head of market animals and heifers. The following Preble County youth were recognized:

In the Simmental steer division, champion honors went to Kinzee Shafer. Kinzee is from Eaton and is the daughter of Steve and Beth. Her steer is a Chopper son. She was also named the 10th Overall Junior Showman.

Reserve Champion Chianina Heifer went to Abbie Collins. She is the daughter of Rob and April from Germantown. Abbie’s heifer is a March, Style daughter. Abbie also earned the title of fifth overall Crossbred Heifer.

“The banquet is a time to celebrate the many achievements of our BEST participants, both in and out of the show ring,” says Stephanie Sindel, BEST coordinator. “Each participant is recognized for their hard work by family, friends and BEST supporters alike.”

Several representatives from program sponsors, Bob Evans Farms, Burroughs Frazier Farms, Farm Credit Mid-America, M.H. Eby, Ohio Farm Bureau Federation and Weaver Livestock, were on hand to help present awards totaling more than $50,000 in belt buckles, luggage, show materials and other awards.