Instilling the passion: Junior Cattlemen’s Association introduces next generation to cattle farming
Perhaps none are so zealous or prolific as the Franklin County Cattlemen’s Association – the largest county association in the state and a vibrant, active group in the county. From donating beef to the local school systems to selling steak sandwiches for scholarship funding, the Franklin County Cattlemen are always on the move. Last year, however, a few Cattlemen decided it was time to do something more. Expanding a tradition and culture of reaching out to Franklin students, the Cattlemen founded the Franklin County Junior Cattlemen’s Association.
For Junior Cattlemen directors Joe Hester, Gannon Nunley, Caleb Beason and Michael Pounders, it’s all about sharing their passion for cattle farming and guiding the future of the industry in Franklin County. “The kids can learn all aspects of cattle production and how beef is actually put on the table,” Hester explained. “We try to teach them the right way as far as handling, treatment, developing and raising their cattle. With any livestock, you want to provide the best care you can for them. That’s what we’re striving for here.”
When the Junior Cattlemen’s Association was founded late last year, Hester said there was an immediate response. Sign-ups have continued since that time, and the organization now boasts about 50 members. The Association is open to ages 21 and younger, and Hester said Franklin County’s group ranges from 3-18.
“It’s a great organization to keep kids involved in the livestock industry and bridge that gap into the Cattlemen’s Association, as well,” added Beason, who is also the Franklin County Cattlemen vice president. “If we start them younger, it instills that passion, and then they want to do it for the rest of their lives.”
Fall 2017 and summer 2018 field days have provided an opportunity for even the youngest junior cattlemen to get excited about cattle farming, try their hands at cattle judging, interact with livestock and learn more about the importance of the industry – something Nunley and his wife Kristin said is crucial when it comes to ensuring a bright future in cattle farming.
“Farmers are making up less than 2 percent of this world, and there aren’t any of us who are in it now who are getting any younger, so somebody is going to have to come along behind us,” Gannon said. “Hopefully they will take to it and carry on the legacy … The youth is where it’s at. If we don’t teach our youth, who’s going to?”
“If we can show them we’re raising these animals in a humane, quality way that respects these animals and teach them the right way to do things, we can combat a lot of the negativity surrounding the meat industry as a whole,” added Kristin, who is an agriculture teacher in Hamilton. “I think that’s really important, to teach them not to be afraid of what these farmers are producing.”
Cattle farming is often a family endeavor. The Nunleys are first-generation farmers, and they said they are excited to have their own children – Cooper, 8, and Adalie, 4 – involved with the Junior Cattlemen. They aren’t the only ones who are actively participating with their children, either. A number of parents were right there with their Junior Cattlemen at the summer field day – like cattle farmer Lucas Gilbert, who is introducing 6-year-old Addie to the family business.
“She’s a little bit young, but she’s been around this stuff a lot, and I want her to have the opportunity to be part of different things so she can decide what she likes,” Gilbert said. “She loves animals; she has even talked about being a veterinarian one day.”
The group’s first-ever Summer Field Day was held in June at Mike Madden’s farm in Spruce Pine, where attendees learned about cattle judging and enjoyed chute side demonstrations on working and caring for the cattle, from outfitting with ear tags to administering vaccinations. Children also got to ride a horse and enjoy a hamburger cookout.
“Mr. Madden is one of our biggest supporters. From day one he’s just been a huge supporter of the Junior Cattlemen’s Association,” said Hester. “We appreciate it so much. Very few people have the facilities he has.” The Nunleys also praised Madden’s involvement. “He’s such a supportive individual for the kids,” Kristin said. “You can see his passion for trying to educate this future generation. That shines through with everything that he does.”
Besides offering his barn and property for Field Day, Madden has also supported the Junior Cattlemen by incentivizing membership recruitment. He offered a prize heifer to the member who could recruit the most new members in May. It was a close battle between Noah Wyatt, 12, and Colt Thomas, 14, who were the first two members to join – but Noah ultimately signed up 16 new members to Colt’s 15.
Noah, a Belgreen student, said he likes being part of the Junior Cattlemen because “it’s fun, and you really get to learn stuff,” he said. “It’s enjoyable, and everyone should join and come have fun with us.”
Colt said he enjoyed the opportunity to visit Madden’s farm and showing his cows to fellow Junior Cattlemen. “I like showing off my cows and talking about them,” Colt said. He said he also likes helping organize activities and show his peers where their food comes from.
With all the success the fledging organization has enjoyed so far, Beason said he anticipates a bright future. “As we continue to have more events and get the word out, it seems like it’s getting better and better,” Beason said.
Story by ALISON JAMES
Photos by MONTANA HESTER
