Thursday, February 4, 2016
Cattlemen's Association Holds Annual Meeting
Calvin Bryant Extension Director
Members of the Lawrence/Wayne County Cattlemen's Association and their families gathered on Saturday, January 30th for their annual meeting. Members and their families were treated to a wonderful meal of roast beef and all the trimming prepared by the Lawrence County High School Cafeteria Staff. Approximately 230 people were in attendance to hear important issues affecting the cattle industry. Members were greeted at the door by Lawrence County Lawrence County FFA Members as they assisted the board members with registration. The educational part of the meeting was kicked off by The Land Trust of Tennessee Farmland Conservation Director, Gary Moore. Don Lampley of the Tennessee Department of Agriculture updated the audience on the Tennessee Agriculture Enhancement Program and Lawrence County Extension Director Calvin Bryant and Wayne County Extension Agent Jason McGarrh updated the members on UT Extension Programs.
Each year the highlight of the evening is when the association recognizes a "Cattlemen of the Year". This year the board decided to present this recognition to longtime Lawrence County Beef Producer Jerry Gambel. Kenny Springer presented this award and he said this of Jerry Gambel, Jerry Gambel is and has been a progressive beef cattle owner and operator for some 40 plus years. Jerry is a full time beef cattle farmer from Loretto, Tennessee located in southern Lawrence County. Jerry, his wife Peggy and their 2 sons, Marty and Wes and their families all live, work and share in the daily activities of “Five Oaks Cattle Farms”. Five Oaks Cattle Farm consists of 600 acres of beef cattle, pasture, hay and timber. Jerry’s beef cattle operation includes 110 brood cows. He adds value to his calves by back-grounding them each year. Jerry is indeed a progressive and cutting edge beef producer. He utilizes the most up to date management strategies that fits his particular beef operation. Jerry provides a strong voice of support for the beef cattle industry and agriculture in general. He has been a member of the Tennessee Cattlemen’s Association for 30 years and he is also a member of the Tennessee Beef Alliance, Lawrence County Farm Bureau, and Lawrence Farmers Co-op. Jerry is also active in his community as he teaches Sunday School, sings in the Church Choir. Jerry is a big supporter of UT Extension and other USDA Agriculture Agencies.
Another highlight of the evening is when the youth scholarship winners are announced. Each year the Lawrence/Wayne County Cattlemen’s Association awards scholarships to children or grandchildren of members who plan to attend college and major in agriculture or related field. The 2016 winner of the Lawrence/Wayne County Cattlemen's Association Scholarship was Savannah Gambel of Loretto, TN. The 2015 winners were Chaz Rowlett and Chason Bratton and they were each presented their $500 scholarships.
The meeting concluded with a report from TCA President Gary Daniel and the presentation of door prizes.
Sponsors of the meeting were Wayne County Bank, Bank of Waynesboro, Peoples Bank, Farm Credit Services and The Land Trust of Tennessee.
1. 2016 Lawrence/Wayne County Cattlemen of the Year Jerry Gambel (on left). Kenny Springer of the Lawrence/Wayne County Cattlemen’s Assc. presenting the plaque.
2. The 2015 scholarship winners: Chason Bratton (n the left) and Chaz Rowlett. Kenny Springer of the Lawrence/Wayne County Cattlemen’s Assc. presenting the checks.
3. The 2016 scholarship winner is Savannah Gambel. . Kenny Springer of the Lawrence/Wayne County Cattlemen’s Assc. presenting the certificate.
4. Lawrence County 4-H Livestock Club member, Sam Jones giving the youth report.
