The 2026 Ohio Beef Expo, hosted by the Ohio Cattlemen’s Association (OCA), was held March 19 - 22 at the Ohio Expo Center in Columbus, Ohio. At this year’s event, Ferguson Cattle Company - John Ferguson, Sullivan Supply and Weaver Livestock were awarded the Friend of the Expo Awards for their dedication and contributions to the Ohio Beef Expo’s success.
The Ohio Beef Expo is Ohio’s largest beef cattle event managed by the Ohio Cattlemen’s Association (OCA), a non-profit membership organization, representing the business interests important to farm families raising cattle. All three of these award recipients have been a consistent part of the Expo and made many positive contributions to the event. Learn more about each of the recipients below.
Ferguson Cattle Company - John Ferguson
Ferguson Cattle Company maintains approximately 400 head of Simmental and Angus cattle at their farm in Jefferson, Ohio. Much of the operation’s marketing centers on its annual Rare Vintage Production Sale, where the goal is to market around 50 head of bred heifers along with a select group of open heifers. The operation takes pride in producing sound, functional cattle and providing proven genetics that help advance the beef industry.
The operation’s involvement with the Ohio Beef Expo dates back to the early 2000s, when Ferguson’s daughters, Lindsey and Christen, showed cattle in the Junior Show. In 2002, Ferguson Cattle Company began consigning seedstock cattle to the Expo sales, initially with Maine-Anjou genetics. A milestone was achieved in 2005 when the operation sold the high-selling Maine-Anjou bull. Over time, the program transitioned to Simmental and Angus genetics and became one of the first breeders to sell a Percentage Simmental bull at the Expo. Since then, Ferguson Cattle Company has consistently participated on a large scale in the Ohio Beef Expo breed sales.
Sullivan Supply
Sullivan Supply is a family-owned livestock supply company founded by John Sullivan and his family in his garage in Dunlap, Iowa. Since its inception, the company has expanded to include five additional locations, including the Ohio branch in Hillsboro. Sullivan Supply is widely recognized by its white trucks and red trailers traveling to livestock shows across the state, providing exhibitors with quality equipment and show supplies. In addition to on-site service, Sullivan Supply offers products by phone, online, and through an extensive dealer network. The company also provides complimentary educational programming, including The Pulse, an online source of livestock news and results, along with a scholarship program supporting youth in the beef industry nationwide.
At the Ohio Beef Expo, Sullivan Supply has a strong presence in the trade show, offering an extended line of livestock equipment and supplies for all species, not only cattle. Prior to March 2018, the Ohio location operated as Ohio Valley Show Supply before transitioning to the Sullivan Supply brand. In addition to its trade show presence, Sullivan Supply has supported the Expo through exhibitor giveaways and as a key partner in the junior show.
Weaver Livestock
The roots of Weaver Livestock trace back more than five decades. In 1973, Harry Weaver began a small operation in Mount Hope, Ohio, working out of his garage under the name Fryburg Shoe Shop. The product that ultimately propelled the company into the livestock industry spotlight was the round dairy beef show halter—an innovation that helped establish Weaver Leather as a trusted and recognizable name. In 2010, the company expanded into seven distinct divisions, officially launching Weaver Livestock. Today, Weaver Livestock specializes in equipment and supplies for the four major livestock species—swine, sheep, goats, and cattle—with products manufactured at the company’s original Mount Hope location.
For more than 16 years, Weaver Livestock has made junior exhibitors and their families a top priority at the Ohio Beef Expo. From the moment exhibitors check in, Weaver’s presence is felt. Each junior exhibitor receives a complimentary gift—such as a comb, adhesive, or sheen—designed to support them in the show ring. Weaver also provides complimentary services to exhibitors, such as soap stations at every wash rack, allowing exhibitors to fill their foamers at no cost.
Posted: March 26, 2026