Tuesday, March 5, 2013
Lawrence/Wayne County Cattlemen's Association Holds Annual Meeting
Members of the Lawrence/Wayne County Cattlemen's Association and their families gathered on February, 16th for their annual meeting.
The 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 200 people were in attendance to hear important issues affecting the cattle industry. Members were greeted at the door by members of the Lawrence County 4-H Livestock Club and the Lawrence County FFA Officers as they assisted the board members with registration.
The meeting began with Lawrence County Executive, J. Mack Chandler addressing the 
group. Mr. Chandler spoke about the county’s commitment to assisting livestock farmers with dead animal pick-up.
He then read and presented the association with a proclamation of appreciation to the Lawrence County Beef Producers and Lawrence & Wayne County Cattlemen’s Association. The educational part of the meeting was kicked off by UT Extension Forage Specialist, Dr. Gary Bates.
He discussed the new UT Beef and Forage Center and updated the group on the latest information in forage research. FACCT Executive Director, Lou Nave then took the microphone and informed the group about her organization and stressed the importance to become more proactive in dealing with animal rights organizations.
The members then heard updates from TDA, UT Extension and the Lawrence County 4-H & FFA Youth Report given by Lawrence County Livestock Club Member, John Calvin Bryant.
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, John Gibbs of the Crawfish Valley Community. Kenny Springer presented this award and he said this of John Gibbs, ‘John has been an avid beef cattle producer for over 70 years.
He has seen a lot of changes in the beef industry and he has changed with the times. He uses Artificial Insemination and has bought high quality bulls to improve his genetics. He also has adapted advanced marketing strategies to increase profits for his high quality calves.” He is well deserving of this honor”.
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 2013 winners of the Lawrence/Wayne County Cattlemen's Association Scholarship 
were announced and presented certificates. The winners were Tori Bryant and Ashley McDougal. Tori is a senior at Lawrence County High school and she plans to attend UT Knoxville in the fall and major in Animal Science. Ashley McDougal is a second year Vet Student at Mississippi State Vet School.
The 2012 winner, Shelia Daniel was on presented her $500 scholarship and she is in her freshman year at UT Martin.
The meeting concluded with the annual knife auction and presentation of door prizes.
