The Tennessee Cattlemen’s Association (TCA) hosted its annual convention, “Boots in the ‘Boro” on Jan. 28-29 in Murfreesboro. Nearly 700 were in attendance over the course of two days and more than 90 vendors participated in the trade show. TCA was also joined by the Tennessee CattleWomen’s Association for their annual meeting and fundraiser, veterinarian’s Continuing Education Program sessions, and the Tennessee Cattlemen’s Youth Association’s meetings, awards banquet, contests, and seminars.
The newly elected president of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, Don Schiefelbein of Minnesota kicked things off with a presentation on the state of the beef industry. He was followed by local attorney, Laura Vaught, who discussed fence law and liability concerns. Cattle health experts Dr. Lowell Midla and Dr. Justin Rhinehart each presented on topics to help cattle producers monitor their herd. On Saturday, Dr. Tom Field from the University of Nebraska stressed the importance of having an entrepreneurial mindset when dealing with a farm business. Later, attendees heard from veterinarian Dr. Amelia Woolums, attorney Nancy Choate, grazing specialist Greg Brann, and direct-to-consumer marketing expert Megan Bruch Leffew. Senator Bill Hagerty hosted a town hall where several Tennessee cattle producers were able to ask questions about issues affecting them and their business.
During the awards luncheon on Friday, TCA presented these individuals with the 2021 Awards of Excellence for their dedication to the beef cattle industry during the year. Winners include:
Dr. Emmit Rawls Outstanding Stocker Producer Award: Tim and Jane Ogle - Flintville, TN
Dr. Clyde Lane Outstanding Cow-Calf Producer Award: Gaylon and Carolyn Smith - Ripley, TN
Dr. Jim Neel Outstanding Work in Beef Extension Educational Programs Award: Anthony Carver – Grainger County
Outstanding Work in 4-H Programs Award: Doug Berny – Williamson County
Lafayette Williams Business Person of the Year: Dani Morrison – Stockdale’s in Selmer, TN
TCA President’s Award: Tom Womack, Outgoing Tennessee Deputy Commissioner of Agriculture
John Bartee Distinguished Service Award: Charlie Whitehead – Fentress County
TCA Legislator of the Year: Senator Bill Hagerty
During the luncheon, Senator Marsha Blackburn and Congressman Scott DesJarlais gave remarks on their work in Washington D.C. on behalf of farmers and ranchers.
Awards were also given to several deserving youth Friday night during their own awards banquet. These included TCA scholarships, Tennessee’s Top Tier Program winners, and outstanding youth awards. More than 225 students attended the banquet and 80 attended the events on Friday and Saturday which included seminars, contests, a Quiz Bowl, and a scavenger hunt.
“We were glad that everyone could make it to Murfreesboro this year,” said Charles Hord, executive vice president of TCA. “We had a great lineup of speakers that covered a variety of topics that matter to our members. It was encouraging to see so many youth people attend and I want to thank sponsors, speakers, vendors, and overall supporters for making this event happen.”
TCA was founded in 1985 and has more than 7,000 members from across the state and the southeast. The organization works to provide the cattlemen of Tennessee with an organization through which they may function collectively to protect their interests and work toward the solution of cattle industry problems and to build the necessary goodwill that will bring both governmental esteem and recognition to the industry.
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