At the Tennessee Junior Livestock Beef Expo in Murfreesboro on July 13-14, the Tennessee Cattlemen’s Association (TCA) with help from industry partners, purchased the winning show steers at a premium price. In the upcoming days, the cattle will be harvested for beef at Blankenship Processing in Calhoun, Tenn. and donated to the Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee. This will equate to approximately 2,500 pounds of beef for the local community.
“The Second Harvest Initiative allows us to supply a nutrient-rich product to a segment of the population that often suffers from an iron deficiency or other disorders caused by a lack of protein,” said Charles Hord, executive vice president of TCA. “All the while, we’re rewarding the youth who work hard preparing these steers to show.”
TCA coordinated the purchase the first place steer for $4,500 with sponsorship from Farm Credit Mid-America. The second place steer was purchased for $4,000, sponsored Yearwood Equipment, Bush Hog, Inc., and TCA. The third place steer was purchased for $3,500, sponsored by Athens and Crossville Stockyards, and TCA. The fourth place steer was purchased for $3,000, sponsored by Tri-Green Equipment and
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Steve Anderson, president of TCA, feels this is one of the best programs that the association offers. “TCA gladly supports this program because we recognize that participation in 4-H and FFA livestock projects develop future leaders in our industry,” said Anderson. “We also recognize the need for quality food for many people in our state and what better way is there to help than providing them with delicious and nutritious beef.”
TCA also awarded nearly $11,000 in premiums for class and showmanship winners, as well as for the Skill-A-Thon competitors.
In total, these sponsors and TCA gave nearly $32,000 in awards. “We are hoping to increase this number next year,” said Hord. “If your company would like to be involved, please get in touch with a TCA representative.”