TCA Talk From The Tennessee Cattlemen's Association

In this edition of TCA Talk, we will share the remaining interviews from the collection of 15 Q&As that we did while we were onsite at the 2026 TCA Convention in Franklin. You will hear feature interviews with three vendors who had display areas at the convention. Our first stop on our vendor visits was to the Summertown Metals booth, and we learned how the Summertown Team utilizes the opportunities offered at the TCA Convention to network with producers to go into some depth on their range of services and offerings, which includes barn construction.Our second vendor visit happened at the Corteva Agriscience booth. We learned that the company specializes in crop protection and seeds, specifically offering broadleaf and woody stem weed control solutions for pastures and hay land. We also learned that 90% of effective weed control is identifying the specific weeds present, a process Corteva facilitates for producers through photos, text messages and physical samples. Our final stop in this edition of TCA Talk happened on the floor of the Franklin County Ag Center. We got a chance to visit with Dave Green, the Plant Manager for KieferBilt Trailers. Located in Sneedville in the upper part of East Tennessee, KieferBilt produces heavy-duty, all-aluminum stock trailers that are designed to help today’s production agriculture operation. To learn more about the Tennessee Cattlemen's Association and how you can become a member of TCA, please visit TNCattle.org

For this episode of TCA Talk, we will be sharing some of the vendor visits that we made with the experts in the booths that were set up onsite at the 2026 TCA Convention. Our first stop on this tour brought us to see the folks from AgCentral Farmers Co‑Op, which is based in Athens, Tenn. AgCentral, as we learned, operates 11 facilities and service producers across Tennessee, Kentucky, North Georgia, Virginia, and the Carolinas. The co-op provides agricultural retail and wholesale services, including feed manufacturing, grain bin and feed hopper installation, fencing, and dairy parlor construction. While giving us an overview of what the company does and how they work in the production ag industry, the guys in the MetalMax booth noted how much they enjoy the unique opportunities that the TCA Convention provides for them. The Trans Ova booth served as our final stop on this edition of the podcast. We spent some time with Erin Womack talking about some of the science that is becoming a part of production ag as well as some of the questions she received while onsite at the 2026 edition of the TCA Convention. To learn more about the Tennessee Cattlemen's Association and how you can become a member of TCA, please visit TNCattle.org

Recorded on the final day of the Tennessee Cattlemen’s Association Convention earlier this year, TCA President Gary Dering shares his perspective on this year’s convention, the strong turnout and engagement across the state. He also talks to us about the importance of continuing to build momentum within the association. As you’ll hear, Gary highlights the growing involvement of youth in the cattle industry and why investing in the next generation is critical to the future of Tennessee agriculture.Looking ahead at the rest of 2026, Gary discusses his vision for the association and the opportunities that are within reach for cattle producers across Tennessee. To learn more about the Tennessee Cattlemen's Association and how you can become a member of TCA, please visit TNCattle.org

While on-site at the TCA Convention in February, TCA Talk had the opportunity to meet J.D. Van Hooser, who dedicated 20 years of his life serving as the head coach for Murray State University’s Rodeo Team, which competed in the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association. Following his retirement from Murray State, where he also taught classes in the Animal Science Department, J.D. has stayed in the cattle industry by joining the sales team at Yarbrough Sales, which provides steel, fencing and pipe products primarily to farming operations.In our conversation with J.D., he looks back on his coaching days and the opportunity to work with young people through his years at Murray State. While talking about his overall impressions of being on-site at the TCA Convention, J.D. notes the importance of fostering a desire to work in production agriculture among young people. As J.D. shares with TCA Talk, despite obstacles for new producers that include high land prices, infrastructure costs, and market challenges, J.D. believes the future of the beef cattle industry is a bright one. To learn more about the Tennessee Cattlemen's Association and how you can become a member of TCA, please visit TNCattle.org.

Recorded on the ground floor of the TCA Convention earlier this year, we meet the Hodges family, owners of Flying H Farms, a fifth-generation operation in Sumner County. Founded in 1940, the 525-acre farm includes a cow-calf operation, a feedlot, a fencing business, and a retail store offering USDA-certified beef and pork directly to customers. Steve Hodges and his wife, Kim, share how cattle production and daily farm operations have evolved over the past 15 years, including their use of computers and specialized apps to manage the business.We also meet their daughter, Haylee, and her husband, Ryan Wall, who are stepping into the next generation of Flying H Farms. Haylee and Ryan discuss what they are learning from Steve and Kim and their commitment to continuing the family legacy. The segment also includes conversations with their young children, who share their experiences at the convention and with their show cow. To learn more about the Tennessee Cattlemen's Association and how you can become a member of TCA, please visit TNCattle.org.

As the 2026 TCA Convention was preparing to wrap up, TCA Talk caught up with Dale Parker, who was overseeing the annual convention for the first time as the Association's Executive Vice President. We covered a number of topics with Dale, including the importance that was highlighted at the convention of placing a focus on the youth involved with the industry. As Dale shares, young producers are part of both the present and future as they are actively involved in raising cattle and showmanship.In addition to offering his observations about this year’s convention, Dale took the opportunity to provide us with a look ahead for the TCA in 2026 and how he and the association will be connecting with producers on the local level as well as working to share the key issues that impact members with the state’s legislators and Governor Bill Lee’s office. Dale encouraged TCA members to get involved and he invited cattle producers who are not currently members of TCA to join the Association. To learn more about  the Tennessee Cattlemen's Association, please visit TNCattle.org.

Rhedona Rose is a long-time friend of the Tennessee Cattlemen’s Association, and her career with Farm Bureau Insurance spans most of the history of the association. Rhedona was onsite at the 2026 TCA Convention and TCA Talk spent some time looking back at her lifelong connection to the agricultural community, beginning with her family in Smith County.From Rhedona’s perspective, the TCA has evolved significantly since its inception in 1985. As she shares with us, each generation of leadership has contributed to the organization's progress. She believes that the growth of the Association has likely exceeded the expectations and original vision of those who founded it. As Rhedona notes, the cattle industry remains vital across all 95 counties in Tennessee, and the TCA continues to focus on supporting those who provide essential protein to consumers. To learn more about the Tennessee Cattlemen's Association, please visit TNCattle.org.

During the 2026 TCA Convention, TCA Talk had the opportunity to spend some time with Dr. Bob Coley, who served as the first President of Tennessee Cattlemen’s Association when the organization was founded in 1985. In addition to looking back at the early years of TCA, Dr. Coley discusses how some of those early grassroots efforts that were a part of building the association still apply today. As an example, Dr. Coley points to the work that goes into strengthening TCA’s county-level groups and increasing membership to ensure all beef producers benefit from TCA’s overall advocacy and resources. Dr. Coley also notes the important role the next generations of producers will play in furthering the reach of TCA as the association continues to move into the future. As you will hear, Dr. Coley believes that engaging youth through 4-H and Future Farmers of America will be vital to increase youth awareness and involvement that will benefit the cattle industry for years to come. As he looks back on what started in 1985, Dr. Coley is quick to credit the many people who took over leadership roles and the effective executive directors who have managed the organization over the last 40 years. To learn more about the TCA, please visit the association’s website, TNCattle.org.

With this episode of TCA Talk recorded at the TCA’s Annual Convention, we have the opportunity to be introduced to Casey Matzke. Our interview was recorded just days after Casey began her term as the President of the American National Cattlewomen, Inc. As you will hear, we talked with Casey about ANCW's mission and ongoing initiatives as the organization operates under three core pillars: education, promotion, and legislation. The ANCW has active affiliate organizations in 28 states, including Tennessee.Along with sharing some of ANCW’s plans for 2026, Casey details how the membership in the organization is diverse, encompassing multi-generational ranch owners, women who manage daily ranch operations independently, and individuals dedicated to the beef industry without owning cattle. Looking toward the future, Casey tells us ANCW will be seeking to encourage greater involvement from younger generations to help in promoting the vital role of the beef industry. To learn more about the Tennessee Cattlemen's Association and how you can become a member, visit TNCattle.org.

TCA Talk had the opportunity at the TCA Convention to catch up with Andy Holt, the Commissioner of Agriculture for Tennessee. In addition to his position with the state, Andy is also a beef cattle producer in Northwest Tennessee and he is a member of TCA. Along with talking about his work with the state as the Commissioner of Agriculture, we explored how Andy was inspired to become a first-generation cattle producer and how his efforts on the ground inform his work in his position with the state. While looking at the cattle market with an eye toward the future, Andy asks producers to think about long-term profitability, providing options for the next generation on the farm, and meeting consumer demand without simply relying on old methods. He also notes the importance of working with organizations, especially the TCA, National Cattlemen's Beef Association and the Beef Council. In discussing the value of TCA Membership, Andy points out that TCA allows producers to create a network of influence, making their voice more effective with the General Assembly and Department of Agriculture. To learn more about the Tennessee Cattlemen’s Association, please visit TNCattle.org. 

At the 2026 TCA Convention, we had the privilege of spending some time with Dr. Temple Grandin. An award-winning author, livestock expert and Autism advocate, Dr. Grandin spoke to the TCA Convention in featured breakout sessions during both days of the event. During this interview, we talked with Dr. Grandin about being onsite and meeting with cattle producers and vendors in settings like the TCA Convention. We also heard Dr. Grandin address the importance of talking to young people to get them interested in the cattle industry, as they will be tomorrow's leaders. Dr. Grandin reflects on her own experience of visiting her aunt's ranch at age 15, and she talks to us on how her exposure to the cattle industry opened new doors in her life. As you’ll hear, Dr. Grandin encourages young visual thinkers to start with things they are good at, such as art and building with tools.

TCA Executive Vice President Dale Parker returns to the show as we enter the final countdown to the TCA Convention, happening Feb. 6-7 at the Williamson County Ag Center in Franklin, Tenn. In addition to discussing the value of attending the Convention, Dale looks ahead to some of the goals for the TCA in 2026.As you will hear, Dale talks about the importance of membership growth for the TCA, and he talks about how the association is focused on addressing current challenges in the cattle industry. Dale is seeking to ensure that engagement for TCA happens at the country level in the effort to promote membership growth. The TCA will continue to be a strong voice for cattle producers in legislation. Meanwhile, a continued focus on youth education and creating networking opportunities for new producers entering the industry are two other areas Dale highlighted in discussing goals for 2026.To learn more about the Tennessee Cattlemen’s Association, including how to become a member of TCA, please visit the organization’s website at TNCattle.org.

For this episode of TCA Talk, we feature our conversation with Dr. Samantha Beaty, the state veterinarian for Tennessee. Dr. Beaty will be one of the featured presenters at the upcoming Tennessee Cattlemen’s Association Convention and Expo, which is taking place February 6-7 at the Williamson County Ag Center in Franklin, Tenn. Along with talking about what Dr. Beaty is looking forward to experiencing at this year’s TCA Convention, we ask Dr. Beaty to look back on her journey into veterinary medicine, highlighting her background in mixed animal practice and her appointment as state veterinarian in 2019.Dr. Beaty emphasizes the importance of animal health regulations and the role her office plays in maintaining the health of livestock and ensuring safe commerce in animal products. As you’ll hear, Dr. Beaty and her husband are cattle producers themselves. As Dr. Beaty notes, working with their family’s herd has helped in understanding the challenges faced by cattle producers today.In our expansive discussion on animal health, Dr. Beaty provides insights into best practices for herd health, emphasizing vaccination, nutrition, and regular monitoring. Recorded in mid-January, we talk about what Dr. Beaty sees on the horizon for the next six months related to cattle health, including her observations about the screw worm fly. To learn more about the Tennessee Cattlemen’s Association and register for the TCA Convention, visit the organization’s website at TNCattle.org.

In this episode of TCA Talk, Dale Parker makes his first visit to the show since beginning his new position as the TCA’s Executive Vice President on November 17, 2025. Dale talks about his initial weeks on the job, noting a focus that involves serving members, being involved with sales and county meetings, listening to members' concerns, and never losing sight of the huge legislative portion of the job as a voice for producers. You’ll hear about Dale’s background as he looks back at growing up in rural Middle Tennessee, raising tobacco, hogs and cattle, with his older brother later getting involved in the dairy business. Dale feels he has been in training for this job his entire life.Dale also talks to us about the upcoming TCA Convention and Expo, which will be held on February 6-7 in Franklin at the Williamson County Ag Center. To learn more about the Tennessee Cattlemen’s Association and register for the TCA Convention, visit the organization’s website at TNCattle.org.

With the second episode of TCA Talk, the official podcast of the Tennessee Cattleman's Association puts the spotlight on Valerie Bass, the Executive Director of the Tennessee Beef Council. We’ll get to know in detail how the Beef Checkoff Program is working to help create demand among consumers for the beef products that producers are bringing to market. We’ll learn how the growth of digital marketing platforms has helped the Beef Council with its promotion of beef products and the mission to educate consumers.Valerie also talks to us about the upcoming TCA Convention and Expo, happening Feb. 6-7 in Franklin, Tennessee. This year, Valerie will be partnering with Jennifer Nelson from the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association to hold an educational session on the beef checkoff and the partnership with the national federation.To learn more about the Tennessee Cattlemen’s Association, visit the organization’s website at TNCattle.org.

With the first episode of our TCA Talk Podcast Series, we'll get an update from Gary Dering, the President of the Tennessee Cattlemen's Association. The podcast opens with Gary talking to us about the hiring of Dale Parker as the new Executive Vice President of TCA. Gary looks back at the first year of his two-year term as TCA President, noting the excellent support he received from the TCA Board and the organization's staff.Looking ahead to 2026, Gary is focused on supporting the work of Dale Parker and the entire TCA Team as they work to increase membership in TCA and grow opportunities for youth, including securing funding to develop best in the country events for youth with an interest in cattle farming.We also spend time with Gary talking about the upcoming TCA Convention and Trade Show that will be taking place in Franklin, Tenn., Feb. 6-7. Gary gives us a preview of what we can expect at the show and encourages everyone to consider making the trip to Franklin in February.To learn more about the Tennessee Cattlemen’s Association, visit the organization’s website at TNCattle.org.