Fleming named 2024 Cattleman of the Year
PHOTO BY MARÍA CAMP - The Franklin County Cattlemen's Association names Wade Fleming the 2024 Cattleman of the Year.
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 By María Camp, Managing Editor  
Published 8:21 am Wednesday, January 29, 2025

Fleming named 2024 Cattleman of the Year

RUSSELLVILLE – Wade Fleming has owned a cattle farm in Franklin County for most of his life. And he’s shared his experiences on the farm with students for more than 35 of those years as agriscience teacher at Russellville High School.

His teaching and farming careers recently earned him the Cattleman of the Year for 2024.

“It’s an honor and a privilege to accept this award,” Fleming said of the Franklin County Cattlemen’s Association award. “I give God the glory and praise him for giving me the opportunity to be in the FCCA and to work in the field of agriculture.”

PHOTO BY MARÍA CAMP – The Franklin County Cattlemen’s Association names Wade Fleming the 2024 Cattleman of the Year.

Fleming is a graduate of Phil Campbell High School, Northwest Junior College and Auburn University, where he pursued degrees in agriscience education. He’s also served as career and technical director for the Lawrence County school system.

PHOTO BY MARÍA CAMP – Cayson Johnston and Kade LeMay receive production scholarships in memory of Grayson Garcia.

Other award winners were:

• Cayson Johnston and Kade LeMay received production scholarships in memory of Grayson Garcia. The FCCA awarded $200 to each FFA group located in a school in Franklin County.
• Andy Pounders was named a lifetime board member and received a red coat in a special presentation.

“Because of Andy’s contributions to the Franklin County Cattlemen’s Association, the board of directors chose to present him with a red coat for his dedication and hard work,” explained FCCA president Michael Pounders.

PHOTO BY MARÍA CAMP – Andy Pounders receives a Red Coat in a special presentation.

Outgoing Vice President Caleb Beason thanked the community for its support of the FCCA.

“I appreciate the community support and outstanding attendance in support of the FCCA, as well as a strong backing for the youth in the cattle industry within our county,”said Beason. “We wouldn’t be successful without our hardworking directors, supports and general sponsors.”

The officers for the Franklin County Cattlemen’s Association for 2025 include Michael Pounders as president, Mark Hill as vice president, and Jack Harget and Bonnie Hargett as secretary/treasurer.

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