Jefferson County Livestock Association Hosts Annual Fall Meeting
On October 13th , more than 120 members of the Jefferson County Livestock Association gathered for their annual fall meeting which was held at the Field of Dream Activity Center in Dandridge, TN. The group was treated to a great meal and good fellowship as well as a guest speaker. The speaker, Dr. Lew Strickland, University of Tennessee Extension Veterinarian, gave a presentation on toxic plants and the possible symptoms associated with each.
During their meeting the producers also announced the Outstanding Young Livestock Producer of the Year. This award has been presented to Jefferson County youth for over 30 years and provides youth recognition for their hard work as well as a cash prize. The selection committee had their work cut out for them with four outstanding nominees. The nominees included:, MacKenna Vaughn (daughter of Jeremy and Julie Vaughn), Lacey Helvey (daughter of Brian and Wendy Morgan), Katie Elder (daughter of Fred and Barbara Elder) and Lora Satterfield (daughter of Jim Satterfield). All of this year’s applicants were very deserving and have been active in the livestock industry. The quality of this year’s applicants can be seen and credited to not only the applicants, but their parents as well. This year’s recipient was Mackenna Vaughn. Mackenna is the daughter of Jeremey and Julie Vaughn in New Market, TN. She is a senior in high school and plans on pursuing an animal science degree upon completion of high school. Mackenna gives credit to previous experiences on the family farm to her educational dreams. “Having the opportunity to grow up on a farm around livestock, I have realized where I want to go next in life. From checking our herds to treating illness, I have never experienced a dull moment. Where we are assisting in calving, vaccinating heifers, treating pinkeye, or castrating bulls I am always up for a challenge.” Mackenna spends time throughout the year helping manage her family’s 290 acres and 96 head of cattle. She has completed both Beef Quality Assurance and Master Beef Producer trainings, and was awarded the Lynn Finchum Memorial Award in Jefferson County. Mackenna has also been active in the show ring exhibiting both registered Hereford cattle and commercial heifers. She has taken home a great number of awards including 1st place Premier Exhibitor at the Tennessee Beef Expo.
Mackenna doesn’t spend all her time on the farm though, she also spends time promoting agriculture throughout Jefferson County. She has been a presenter multiple times at the Jefferson County Farm day and Farm Safety day teaching younger students about animals and agriculture. She has participated on livestock judging teams and has held positions including: FFA reporter, FFA vice president, and state convention delegate.
The selection committee for the Outstanding Young Livestock Producer includes Dr. Bob Coley, Sarah Vaden, Bill Hickman, Terry Sellars, and Adam Hopkins. Officers of the Jefferson County Livestock Association are President, Brian Dudash; Vice President, JE Mottern; Secretary and Treasurer, Carla Byrd. The Board of Directors also include: Albert Blackburn, Jerry Troutman, Steve McClane, Brian Stooksbury, Bill Loy, and James Bacon.
