At the Tennessee Junior Beef Expo in Lebanon, Tenn. on June 29 through July 1, the Tennessee Cattlemen’s Association (TCA) with help from industry partners, purchased the winning show steers at a premium price. In the following days, the cattle were harvested for beef at Anderson Meats and Processing in Hartsville, Tenn. The meat will be donated to the Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee later this month. This will equate to nearly 2,000 pounds of beef for the local community.
“The Second Harvest Initiative creates a win-win opportunity for TCA,” said Melinda Perkins, Director of Youth Programs and Outreach for TCA. “We are able to reward the youth exhibitors for their hard work while serving a larger purpose and supplying a nutrient-rich beef product to those in need.”
This is the eleventh year for the TCA Second Harvest Initiative. With the help of industry partners, TCA was able to coordinate the purchase of three steers from State Beef Expo. Those partners included:
$7,500
Farm Credit Mid-America
Grand Champion: Collin Cook, Robertson Co.
$6,000
H&R Agri-Power and Swallows Insurance Agency
3rd Overall: Ethan Giles, Loudon Co.
$5,000
United Livestock Commodities and MyTeam Cattle & Crop Insurance
7th Overall: Kenlie Cornelius, McMinn Co.
$3,000
2023 Beef Processing Sponsors - TriGreen Equipment, MyTeam Cattle & Crop Insurance, and Anderson Meats & Processing
"Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee is grateful for the unique partnership we have with the Tennessee Cattleman’s Association through the Second Harvest Initiative," said David Stockton, Donor Relations Manager for the Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee. "Our mission is to provide food to people facing hunger and work to advance hunger solutions.This initiative has allowed us to provide thousands of meals to our neighbors facing hunger and positively impact the community in ways we could not have otherwise.We look forward to working with the TCA in the fight against hunger for years to come!"
TCA also awarded nearly $15,000 in premiums for class and showmanship winners, as well as for the skill-a-thon competitors. In total, sponsors and TCA gave over $35,000 in award premiums. “We are always looking for ways to support our 4-H and FFA youth and their efforts to show cattle,” said Perkins. “If your company would like to be involved, please get in touch with a TCA representative.”