Friends of the Beef Expo

Cattlemen Honored as Friends of the Beef Expo

As the Ohio Beef Expo celebrates its 25th anniversary, the Ohio Cattlemen’s Association would like to express its sincerest thanks to all of the volunteers who have been involved in this annual industry event. 

Each year, dedicated volunteers spend countless hours ensuring the success of the Ohio Beef Expo. In an effort to show the Ohio Cattlemen’s Association’s sincere appreciation for those who have dedicated themselves over the years, the Ohio Beef Expo Planning Committee presents the Friend of the Expo award to three worthy recipients who like many others have contributed to the success of the past 25 years of Expo. 

Gale Long

Long is extremely proud of his granddaughter, who does all of the exhibiting for Green Oaks Farm. Watching his granddaughter show has kept him involved in OCA youth activities at Expo. 

He enjoys supporting the beef industry youth and has sponsored showmanship at Expo for several years. “We kind of like to do that for the kids,” Long said. “With showmanship, it’s about how good the person does not how good their animal is.” 

He takes pleasure in seeing how raising and showing cattle can teach kids good work ethic and personal values. “I just like to see the kids do good,” Long said as he reflects on favorite expo memories.  All the hard work that goes into Expo from the youth does not go unnoticed from Long. 

“Recognizing the Beef Expo’s junior participants has always been a top priority for Gale Long,” Elizabeth Harsh, Ohio Cattlemen’s Association Executive Director, said.  “In addition to his ongoing sponsorship of the OCA BEST program, Gale sponsors all of the awards for the Expo’s showmanship competitions.  Gale’s passion for supporting youth programs shines bright and the Expo planning committees were enthusiastic about presenting him with the friend of the Beef Expo award as a token of their sincere appreciation.”      

In his minimal time spent away from the farm, Long likes to attend antique tractor shows. In the last few years, constructing new buildings on the farm took up most of his free time. Now that those are finished, he plans to spend time working on his personal antique collection and travel to more tractor and cattle shows. 

It is evident that the cattle industry and agriculture are very special to Long, but as he said, “When you have family in it, it makes it even better yet.”

Dave Puthoff

I can remember Dave working with my grandpa for Land O’ Lakes when I was a child. I always knew that he sure knew a lot about his beef feed,” Stephanie Sindel, Director of Member Services recalls. “Now that I’ve had the opportunity to work alongside him with the planning and events for the 25th Ohio Beef Expo, I have come to realize that his passion and dedication to the beef industry are second to none. He exemplifies the true meaning behind the Friend of the Expo Award.”

Puthoff’s passion for the agricultural industry is evident in his career endeavors. He was born on a livestock farm in Mercer County, Ohio and studied agricultural accounting and management at Northwest Technical College in Archbold, Ohio.  Upon graduation, he was hired by Mercer Landmark as a feed salesman and then for Land O’ Lakes Feed. Puthoff has been serving the feed industry for more than forty years. 

As a feed salesman for Land O’ Lakes Feed, Puthoff has had the opportunity to exhibit at many tradeshows throughout Ohio and Michigan and remembers exhibiting at the first Ohio Beef Expo’s tradeshow. 

“I can remember the first expo 25 years ago,” Puthoff recalls. We were in the swine barn and it was cold. I have been exhibiting at Expo ever since.”

 Throughout his years of exhibiting in the tradeshow, Puthoff has had the opportunity to meet and build relationships with many in Ohio’s agricultural industry.

“I think the highlight of the Expo from an exhibitor’s standpoint is seeing all the people who are involved and work in the industry,” Puthoff said. “Seeing and visiting with exhibitors is one of my favorite parts of the Expo.”

Dave enjoys spending free time with his family and grandkids. During the summer months, he takes pleasure in boating at Grand Lake St. Mary’s with family and friends. 

Steve Rauch

Rauch’s outstanding character is portrayed in his many contributions to organizations such as the FFA, 4-H, and the Ohio Cattlemen’s Association. Rauch has sponsored countless OCA events. He was the first corporate sponsor of the BEST program. For several years, he has supported the Benchmark of Excellence Scholarship which is awarded to exceptional youth in the industry.
This year, Steve R. Rauch, Inc. is the sponsor for the Silver Social at Expo. This event will be a great opportunity for attendees to mingle and reconnect.

“The Ohio Beef Expo is fortunate to have many great supporters and one of the best is Steve Rauch,” Harsh acknowledged. “Steve simply enjoys the Expo and can always be counted on to provide his support for new Expo events.  Presenting Steve with the friend of the Beef Expo award is a very fitting way to say thank you for his years of support and friendship.”

Rauch did a tremendous job summing up the atmosphere of Expo in saying, “The camaraderie is what makes Expo.”

Past Friend of the Ohio Beef Expo Award Winners