The Tennessee Cattlemen’s Association (TCA) presented the Outstanding Youth Award to two individuals for their outstanding leadership and commitment to the beef cattle industry. They received this award at the Tennessee Cattlemen’s Association Youth Awards Banquet sponsored by Kubota Tractor Corporation, on Saturday, January 21, 2023, in Murfreesboro, Tennessee.
The TCA Outstanding Youth Award is designed to recognize a well-rounded individual in the cattle industry. Winners are selected based upon their presence in the cattle industry, both the show ring and production aspect, their involvement in their community and service to others, academics, and their plans for making a contribution to the cattle industry in the future.
“The TCA Outstanding Youth Award is another way for us to recognize youth who are excelling in the beef cattle industry,” said Luke Teeple, TCA Board of Director and Outstanding Youth Award sponsor. “These individuals work hard to manage their own cattle herds, are active in 4-H and FFA, and serve in their community. They deserve to be recognized for their extraordinary efforts.”
Gracie Giles from Clinton, Tenn. won the junior division award for ages 12-16. The senior award winner, ages 17-21, was Allison Davis from Shelbyville, Tenn.
The junior division winner received a $250 cash award and trophy belt buckle sponsored by Oakdale Farms. The senior division winner received a $1,000 cash award and trophy belt buckle sponsored by Oakdale Farms. Oakdale Farms is owned by the Luke Teeple Family of Sparta, Tenn.
“I am honored to receive the Outstanding Youth Award,” said Gracie Giles, junior division Outstanding Youth Award winner. “The Tennessee Cattlemen’s Association and Tennessee Cattlemen’s Youth Association have presented me with awesome opportunities over the past several years.”
Those eligible for the award must complete an application that outlines their involvement in the cattle industry thus far and state how they plan to stay involved in the industry in the future. They must also list their leadership roles and community involvement. The application must be endorsed by their Extension Agent, Agriculture Education Teacher, or county Cattlemen’s Association president. Applicants must also be a paid member of the Tennessee Cattlemen’s Youth Association.
“I am honored to be chosen for this award,” said Allison Davis, senior division Outstanding Youth Award winner. “I am so grateful to be involved in such a great industry. I look forward to my future involvement in the cattle and agriculture industries.”
Applications for the 2023 TCA Outstanding Youth Award will be available in the fall of 2023.
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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For more information visit www.tncattle.org, email info@tncattle.org or call (615) 896-2333. Be sure to follow the TCA on our Facebook page: www.facebook.com/tncattle, Instagram, and Twitter accounts: @TennesseeCattle.