Bill and Janet Butler: Impacting livestock marketing and agricultural finance in southern Ohio and beyond

NOTE: This is Part 2 of a series leading up to the Highland County Historical Society inducting five more members into its Hall of Fame on Aug. 17. This week, we profile Bill and Janet Butler.

By Steve Roush
HCP columnist

Ladies and gentlemen, for more than 50 years, William (Bill) and Janet Butler of Hillsboro have been pivotal figures in transforming livestock marketing and agricultural finance in southern Ohio and beyond through their management of Union Stockyards.

Since Bill’s move to Hillsboro in 1969 and his subsequent ownership, the couple has elevated the facility to a major agricultural hub, hosting over 70 auctions annually and serving farmers across multiple states. Their efforts have significantly enhanced the accessibility and transparency of the livestock market, fostering robust connections within the agricultural community.

In 2001, after years of operating in uptown Hillsboro in facilities built in 1931, the Butlers moved the Union Stockyards enterprise to its current location near their beloved farm on state Route 138.

The Butlers’ commitment extends beyond business operations. They have been integral in educational initiatives, partnering with OSU Extension and local veterinarians to deliver seminars and workshops that disseminate crucial information on animal health, nutrition and market dynamics. 

Bill’s role as a director at Merchants National Bank since 1983 has also been instrumental in establishing the bank as a key agricultural lender in the region, leveraging his deep understanding of agricultural needs to support southwest Ohio farmers financially.

Recognized for their service and leadership, both Bill and Janet have received numerous accolades, including the Ohio Cattlemen’s Top Hand Award and the Friend of 4-H Award, testament to their lifelong dedication to agriculture and community service. Together, they have not only fostered economic growth in their industry but have also been staunch advocates for agricultural education and community development.

The Butlers were enshrined in the Ohio Agricultural Hall of Fame in 2024, and Mrs. Butler was inducted in the Highland County Women’s Hall of Fame in 2017.

In addition to the Butlers, the 2025 Highland County Historical Society Hall of Fame inductees are the late Alvin and Alice Cassner, the late Mary Muntz, the late Dayne “Woop Woop” Puckett, and the late Virginia Bell Thompson Telfair, the granddaughter of C.S. Bell.

The recipients will be honored at an induction ceremony Sunday, Aug. 17 at 2 p.m. at the Presbyterian Church in Hillsboro, followed by a reception at Highland House directly across the street from the church. The public is cordially invited.

For more information on the society or the upcoming Hall of Fame ceremony, please call (937) 393-3392 or email the society at hchistoricalsociety@gmail.com.
 
Steve Roush is president of the Highland County Historical Society and served as chairman and vice chairman on the HCHS Board of Trustees for two terms, a board member of the Highland District Hospital Foundation, a vice president of an international media company and a columnist and contributing writer for The Highland County Press. He can be reached by email at roush_steve@msn.com.