OCLA Banquet

The OCLA awards banquet will be held on October 12th at Deer Creek Lodge at 2:00 PM. 

Find more information about Deer Creek Lodge here:
Deer Creek Lodge

Please Contact Danielle Harvel for additional information.

• 740-505-8567
• harvelfarms@gmail.comharvelfarms@gmail.com

OCLA Reorganization

Make you vote count! The Ohio Club Lamb Association has an exciting opportunity to join forces with the  Ohio Sheep Improvement Association to reach an even larger youth audience of sheep enthusiasts within the state of Ohio. Come to the banquet to cast your vote and be part of setting the future direction of the OCLA for years to come!

OCLA Scholarship Application

It's that time of year again! Time to fill out scholarship applications! If you are in college or getting ready to be don't miss out on this opportunity! Click the link to access the application!

OCLA Scholarship Application Excel File

 

OCLA Scholarship Application PDF File

Please return completed application to Tracy Dendinger. 

• Email: tdendinger@yahoo.com
• Mailing Address: 
• 39 Miami Trace Rd. NW Washington CH, OH 43160

Senior Spotlight: Adam Heffelfinger

Adam Heffelfinger

Name/High School/County you show in/How long have you been showing? 
My name is Adam Heffelfinger I graduated from Mapleton high school and I live in Ashland county. I have been showing in the OCLA for about 9 years now.

Tell us a little about yourself and your involvement in OCLA 

I have always been raised around sheep and run around 30 ewes with my sister Heather. I have just started getting more serious in the jackpots within the last couple years and last year I was a junior director for the OCLA.

Tell us about your plans for your future (college, employment, dreams, goals, etc.)   

I'm currently attending Lincoln Land community college in Springfield, Illinois where I am majoring in Ag. Business and competing on the livestock judging team. I am in the transfer program just in case but I haven't decided if I want to move on to a 4 year school or not. When I finish college my plans are too work at the family meat plant and continue to raise sheep.

Who has been your biggest influence in your showing experience?

My biggest influence in my showing experiences have been my friends and family.

What is your best OCLA memory?

It's hard to pick one favorite memory I've had over the years. I've enjoyed just meeting new people at the shows and being able to be a part of the final drive with either my own sheep or when I help other people show.

What advice would you give to younger members just starting their show career?

My advice to kids just starting out is go out and have fun and make friends.

What advice would you give to the youth who are struggling with continuing to be involved in OCLA to the 18-year-old age group?

My advice to kids struggling to continue with OCLA is not to give up. Your only young for so long and you only have the opportunities to be able to show at jackpots for so long.

How has OCLA influenced you and your life?

The OCLA has impacted my life greatly. Over the years I have learned many things that will help me down the road in my life and I have gained friendships that I think will last a lifetime. It's been one heck of a run.

OCLA Boosters

'Barn Credit" Silent Auction

Senior Spotlight: Maggie Neer

Maggie Neer

Name/High School/County you show in/How long have you been showing? 
Hi! My name is Maggie Neer. I'm a 2013 graduate of Mechanicsburg High School, now attending Black Hawk College East Campus. I have been showing for 10 years.  

Tell us a little about yourself and your involvement in OCLA 

I've been an active member in OCLA for 10 years now. I was also privileged to serve on the board as a junior director. 

Tell us about your plans for your future (college, employment, dreams, goals, etc.)   

I'm going to be a sophomore at Black Hawk College East Campus, where I'm a member of the Livestock Judging Team. After BHE I plan on transferring to Purdue University to major in Animal Agribusiness. After receiving my degree at Purdue, I hope to have a full time job and begin to start up my own flock of ewes.

Who has been your biggest influence in your showing experience?

Although many people have contributed to my success and have helped make me the showman I am today.. I'd have to say that growing up, Jamie Banbury was my role model. Whenever she was in the ring, I always made sure I was I was ringside watching. Jamie is someone I always admired in, and out of the showring, and I still do today.

What is your best OCLA memory?

It's hard to put a finger on this one... OCLA has given me memories to last a life time. However, I'll never forget the rotating "Wooden Sheep" and trying to figure out who's trailer we were going to sneak it onto next !

What advice would you give to younger members just starting their show career?

My advice to young members just starting is to remember that eventually the ribbons will fade, and the trophies will grow old. The important things about this organization are the friends you make, the oppurturinites you take, working as a team, and being dedicated in and out of the showring. If you remember these things, it will do more for you than prizes ever can. 

What advice would you give to the youth who are struggling with continuing to be involved in OCLA to the 18-year-old age group?

To those struggling, my advice would be to never give up. The moment you give up is the moment when you find out what you're truly made of. I would do anything to be a 9 year old again. Stick with it, I promise you won't regret it.

How has OCLA influenced you and your life?

OCLA and showing sheep isn't just hobby anymore, it's a lifestyle. This organization has molded me into the person I am today, and I'll never be able to repay that. Through OCLA I've been able to interact with industry leaders, make life long friendships, and have a voice within our sheep industry.

Where are they now: Jamie Banbury Beatty

Jamie Banbury Beatty

Tell us a little about yourself, both personal and professional, and your past/current OCLA involvement
I currently reside in Indiana, Pennsylvania with my husband, Greg, and we are expecting a little boy in early June. I graduated from The Ohio State University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Agricultural Communications and a minor in Animal Sciences. Since November 2009, I’ve been employed by Encore Visions as a graphic designer. In addition to our full-time jobs, Greg and I lamb out about 100 club lamb ewes each year.
In terms of OCLA involvement, I was an eleven year member of the OCLA and exhibited at numerous sanctioned jackpots throughout my career. I also served as a Junior Director for several years and then later was an OCLA Board Member, coordinating the banquet award ceremonies. Since moving out of state, my main OCLA involvement has been helping my sisters, Madison and Taylor, exhibit at jackpots and state fair. Additionally, I help coordinate our family’s show lamb camp each spring in Ohio and work with various exhibitors that bought show lambs from us.

What is your official title?
I’m a senior graphic designer for Encore Visions and chief of staff in the lambing barn at Beatty’s Club Lambs…

What does your career entail?
My career involves working for a full-service advertising and marketing studio. We work with a variety of clientele on their marketing campaigns, from agriculture entities to boutiques and the fashion industry. I’m responsible for the behind the scenes creative aspect, which entails designing logos, websites, print advertisements, web marketing, etc. to help build a brand for our clients.

 
What do you enjoy most about your job?
I really enjoy the ability to be creative and the flexibility that my job offers. My company is based out of Haskell, Texas; however, everything I do is coordinated online from my home office. It’s awesome to be able to work from home for a company that is halfway across the nation.

 
How did you land your first job?
The foundation for my first job actually came from my OCLA days. After I had the Champion and Reserve Champion Overall lambs at the 2004 Ohio State Fair I was interviewed by Ohio’s Country Journal for their Spring Livestock Directory. From this opportunity I was able to meet the OCJ staff, owner, etc. and network with them. Additionally, with the OCJ being a substantial supporter of the Ohio State Fair market lamb show and lamb booster program, they were always set up ringside at the state fair lamb show, so I got to know them even better at the fair interviews the following year. After I started college, I applied for an internship with OCJ and my show day experiences opened the door as I already knew about their company and vice versa. I worked there throughout my four years at Ohio State and they created a position to keep me on full-time after my college graduation.

What characteristics are needed for success in your career? 
A strong work ethic is first and foremost when it comes to success in your career. It’s no different than showing sheep. If you put in the time and work hard to obtain your goals, you’ll accomplish them. So many people are interested in taking short cuts to excel and that always catches up with you in the long run. Being able to work hard will carry you much further than any short term resolution. Additionally, it’s important to be responsible, take pride in what you do and do it well. For me personally, being creative is important as well as having good time management skills and efficiency. 

How has OCLA helped you in both your professional and personal life?
Being involved in the OCLA was a huge asset to me in terms of networking. Everywhere you go, you can find someone that has some connection to agriculture or affiliation with organizations like 4-H, FFA, OCLA, etc. and that is something to take advantage of. Most of your non-livestock classmates will never be afforded the same opportunity, so appreciate it. Any job opportunity I’ve ever had has come through networking and having the connections where someone knew me well enough to vouch for my character and work ethic. The way we formulated those professional relationships all went back to the show ring.  

 

What advice would you give to current OCLA members?
Being involved in the OCLA was a huge asset to me in terms of networking. Everywhere you go, you can find someone that has some connection to agriculture or affiliation with organizations like 4-H, FFA, OCLA, etc. and that is something to take advantage of. Most of your non-livestock classmates will never be afforded the same opportunity, so appreciate it. Any job opportunity I’ve ever had has come through networking and having the connections where someone knew me well enough to vouch for my character and work ethic. The way we formulated those professional relationships all went back to the show ring.
8. My best advice looking back on my OCLA days is to enjoy the opportunities put in front of you to grow as an individual. Develop responsibility, set goals, work hard to obtain them and maintain your integrity along the way.
There was a time when I never thought there would be anything bigger or better in the whole entire world than winning the Ohio State Fair. I worked hard every day and was fortunate enough to accomplish that goal (and will never forget how exciting that was in those particular moments), but I can guarantee you that as you grow up, there are way more exciting things ahead to accomplish, value and be proud of. Don’t be discouraged by defeat – there’s a whole world of things to achieve and excel at. Looking back on my show career now, I’d much rather have one kid name me as somebody they looked up to in the ring than have five kids come up with my name when asked who won the OSF ten years ago.
More than anything else, value the opportunity to show and the people that make that possible for you. You’ll have some of your best and worst moments at shows – we all know it is typically a high stress atmosphere on show day, with adrenaline pumping, high heat, sleep shortage and uncooperative animals – but some day you’ll look back on all that and remember the times shared with your family and memories you made. My dad passed away a year ago in January and I’d give back every banner we ever won to still have him here. What I wouldn’t trade, though, is a single brace night he watched on the truck tailgate, a state fair moving him off the show box for the 1000th time to grab whatever we needed to get a lamb ready or leaning on the back bleacher watching the judge sort a class together. I won’t forget traveling across the nation with my mom to shows and sales, the time spent together and the opportunity provided for me to see this country one state at a time. As my sisters graduate high school this month and prepare for college, I look back on how this hobby was one we could all share, despite our age differences. My last year showing was their first year and I can look back on a lot of tense brace nights and long road trips, but more importantly, some great memories made and having more pride standing on the sidelines watching them accomplish their goals than any handshake I ever had of my own in the ring.
Looking back, I wish I had known the world as I knew it wouldn’t end when the calendar pages turned over to January 1st and I was 19… Instead that would just be the beginning of a whole new way to make a mark on the ring. I challenge current OCLA members to first thank your parents for these opportunities as you get ready to kick off a new show season and second, set an example this summer that you can be proud of in the ring and look back on someday with no regrets. I also challenge those former members now on the sidelines to find a way to give back to an organization that helped shape who you are today.

Lamb 101, 201, and 301 this year!

Big thanks to all our awesome board members for helping teach our youth this year at all the Lamb School events! Especially Tracy Deninger!

Where are they now: Linsey Howell

Linsey Howell

Tell us a little about yourself, both personal and professional, and your past/current OCLA involvement
I am a graduate of The Ohio State University witha degree in Agribusiness & applied Economics. I began showing sheep at age 3 at the Ohio State Fair Ladies lead competition where I was the cutest Buckeye Cheerleader you have ever seen. I grew up with OCLA being apart of my family & now my little brother Justin is getting to experience the organization that helped shape my life. I currently reside in Piqua, OH with my golden retriever Miley.

What is your official title?
I am an Account Representative for The Andersons-Marathon Ethanol in Greenville, OH.

What does your career entail?
Simply put, I am a grain buyer. I work at an end user ethanol facility that takes corn and produces ethanol, corn oil, DDG's & CO2. We use 40 mil bushels every year and I maintain the relationships with producers in the area to keep corn rolling into our facility.

 
What do you enjoy most about your job?
I love getting to work with producers everyday. Farmers have the most interesting stories & you never know what is going to happen from one day to the next when dealing with commodities.

 
How did you land your first job?
I did internships throughout my college career. I did one with Farm Credit Services of Mid-America & also with Cargill in Commodity Merchandising. Between real life experiences & being very involved throughout my college career, it certainly helped open doors for me.

Senior Spotlight: Nick Fowler

Nick Fowler

Name/High School/County you show in/How long have you been showing? 

• Nick Fowler 
• Shenandoah High School 
• Guernsey County 
• I have shown since I was about 5 years old

Tell us a little about yourself and your involvement in OCLA 

I have been involved in the OCLA since I could start showing. I love going to the shows and seeing all the lambs and the people. I try to always be in the top of my showmanship and to have fun showing.

Tell us about your plans for your future (college, employment, dreams, goals, etc.)   

I just completed my first year at The Ohio State University, majoring in Meat Science. I plan to continue at Ohio State and earn my degree, and find a job after graduation. I will also continue to raise my Southdowns and hopefully sell some good ones to younger kids to show.

Who has been your biggest influence in your showing experience?

My dad has been my biggest influence showing, he taught me most of what I know. When I was younger he really pushed me to be the best I could be. This helped me to gain the passion and work ethic I have for showing now.

What is your best OCLA memory?

My best OCLA memory was last year showing my home raised Southdown ewe lamb “Babycakes”. Last year was the first time I went to every single OCLA show, and she went along to all of them as well. At the end of the year she won the Southdown points and was Reserve Southdown at State Fair. It was sad when I had to sell her but I am proud of what we were able to accomplish. 

What advice would you give to younger members just starting their show career?

Always listen to your parents or whoever it is that helps you with your lambs. They may be hard on you and there will be disagreements, but they know what is best and it will all pay off in the end.

What advice would you give to the youth who are struggling with continuing to be involved in OCLA to the 18-year-old age group?

Continue to stay involved as much as you can. It’s ok if you can’t make every show but try to make it to a couple shows every year. Before you know it you will be too old and won’t have the opportunity anymore. Time flies once you get to high school, make sure to enjoy it. 

How has OCLA influenced you and your life?

I have gained many friends and networks that I never would have without the OCLA. I have also learned a great deal about feeding and showing sheep and the hard work it takes to be good. I believe this is the best lesson you can learn from the OCLA experience and it can be related to anything you do in life. If you work hard good things will happen.