Jefferson County Livestock Association Hosts Annual Fall Meeting
Dr. Bob Coley-OYLP Chairman, MacKenna Vaughn, Lora Satterfield, JT HIckle, Daniel Woods, Terry Sellars- JCLA President – Photo submitted
On September 16th, more than 100 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. Neil Rhodes, University of Tennessee Weed Scientist, gave a presentation on weed control and herbicide stewardship. Dr. Rhodes’ talk was a timely reminder for producers to consider spraying weeds such as Hairy Buttercup in the Fall.
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: JT HIckle (son of Tony and Kristi Hickle), MacKenna Vaughn (daughter of Jeremy and Julie Vaughn), Daniel Woods (son of Mike and Paula Woods), 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 JT Hickle. JT is the son of Tony and Kristi Hickle from New Market, TN. He is a senior in high school and plans on pursuing an agricultural degree upon completion of high school and has interest in collegiate livestock judging. The Hickle family has a diversified farming operation that includes cattle, goats, and chickens. JT is responsible for many of the responsibilities on the farm including upkeep of both the livestock and machinery. He plays an integral part in selecting bulls to breed both their commercial cattle and registered stock. JT and his brother Luke both exhibit Registered Hereford cattle and have been involved in the 4-H Chick Chain Project. During the past year, JT has been extremely active and successful both in and out of the show ring. He completed both Beef Quality Assurance and Master Beef Producer trainings early this year, and was awarded the Lynn Finchum Memorial Award in Jefferson County. He also earned top honors in beef showmanship at the Greene County Fair.
JT stays active in many organizations including the Tennessee Hereford Association, Jr. Hereford Association and Jefferson County 4-H. He is an active member at his church (Magna View Baptist) and holds a leadership position there. The Hickle’s are a fun and generous family that host the Jefferson County livestock show at their farm each year. JT and his family have also been involved in several community service projects including community cleanups, volunteering at local food pantries, and assisting the elderly with household chores.
The selection committee for the Outstanding Young Livestock Producer includes Dr. Bob Coley, Adam Martin, Bill Hickman, Terry Sellars, and Adam Hopkins. Officers of the Jefferson County Livestock Association are President, Terry Sellars; Vice President, Brian Dudash; Secretary and Treasurer, Carla Byrd. The Board of Directors also include: Joe Horton, Jerry Troutman, Steve McClane, Brian Stooksbury, Bill Loy, and James Bacon.
