The South Poll Grazier - Volume 1, No. 1

Welcome to our Magazine!

By Teddy Gentry

The South Poll breed has grown at warp speed the last couple years for good reason. Gentle cattle designed to be foragers and take the southern heat and humidity. Blue collar cattle that don’t need pampering to do what a cow should do. Provide her adequate opportunity to make a living off grass and the average South Poll will give you a calf on time every year for a long time.

These are not show cattle by any means but they will compete in the pasture (especially on fescue pastures) with about any other breed in my opinion.

Please support the seed stock breeders that keep good records of the past. This ensures the success of our breed in the future.

One thing I’ve learned is that extremes in the cattle business don’t work. Let’s continue to put the emphasis on money making traits for the commercial cattle person which has been, is and will be fertility and longevity!

Please enjoy our magazine and good cowing in the future!!

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South Poll Legacy -- Quarter Century in SP Business

By Ralph Voss

A quarter of a century seems like a long time, but in the South Poll business a quarter century ago seems like yesterday.

In late August or early September of 2003, Jerry and I had an opportunity to add 20 Red Angus cows to our herd. A guy named Greg Judy from Clark, MO, had those 20 cows for sale because he was in the throes of a horrible drought.

We bought those cows, but while we were looking at the cows he had for sale, we spotted another set of cattle Greg had in a nearby field. He explained that this set of cattle were South Polls, a new breed of cattle developed in Alabama by Teddy Gentry, a member of the Alabama country music group. Even though we tried our best, Greg wouldn’t part with any of those 20 South Polls he had just purchased from Teddy two weeks earlier, so we did the next best thing we could think of. We made preparations to go to Alabama to buy South Polls from Teddy.

Two weeks after we first learned about South Polls, we were on top of Lookout Mountain, rolling into Bent Tree Farms, where we met Teddy and Dave Roberts, Teddy’s long-time herdsman. Teddy was sitting in a rocking chair. Dave was wearing his usual SEG smile, while Teddy explained what he was trying to accomplish with South Polls. Teddy didn’t need to sell us; we were already impressed with his cattle.

Teddy couldn’t stay long. The band had a concert coming up and the bus would be leaving soon. By this time Alabama had 41 No. 1 hits to their credit and spent a lot of time on the road. We were to learn later that one year the band spent every night on the road, except for 29 nights.

With Teddy’s departure, Dave gave us a great tour. We got to look at their best cows and bulls. And it

was a treat. Their bulls had much in common. They were all wide and deep, but none were very tall and while some of the bulls may have weighed 1500 pounds, hardly any weighed much more than that. The cows were different. Most were first generation, which means they were the first females to be fullbloods, with each being one-fourth Angus (mostly red), one-fourth Hereford, one-fourth Senepol and one-fourth Barzona. With the heterosis from the cross breeding, most first-generation cows were large – 1500 pounds being very common. It was also common to take three generations to get the offspring of these first cows down to a desirable size.

On that first trip we bought five cows and two bulls. We did not select the cows. They were to come from the herd that included some of their best cows that had been artificially inseminated or implanted with an embryo. We were to receive five cows that did not stick. We felt lucky to get that deep into their gene pool. One of the five cows was B0406, who turned out to be a super cow. She made it to 17. We still have one of her daughters.

Our seven head were delivered by a man who had a business of delivering registered cattle to breeders all over the country. He rolled into Linn at 2 am on a miserably cold night in December, dropped off the cattle and we were officially South Poll breeders. One of

the bulls, H10 was especially short. As a man who at one time liked a frame 7 bull that weighed a ton, I asked myself if this was a good move. When we saw H10’s first calves, there was no doubt we had made a great decision. His calves sparkled. We could pick them out 50 yards away. We made one serious mistake. We used H10 on our Angus cows and the other bull – M419 – on our South Poll cows.

We greatly enjoyed showing off our South Polls and we continued to buy cattle from Bent Tree. One of the times we went to Fort Payne we ran into Teddy, and he mentioned that he would be willing to come to Linn to speak at an open house or field day event. In the fall of 2007, we invited VoAg students from four area high schools to come to Linn to hear Teddy talk. It turned out to be a big deal. Teddy explained how and why he developed the breed. Greg Judy came and asked to say a few words and impressed all of us. Nobody had heard of Greg in those days, but that didn’t stay that way for long. Greg offered to give the kids a tour of his operation, showing not only the cows, but how he grazed. Within a month we had rented a school bus and took a bunch of those kids to Greg’s.

That 2007 event was significant in a number of ways. It showed Teddy’s star power. A lot of those students came initially, not because they were interested in Teddy or the cattle, but because their teachers grew up listening to Alabama and this gave them an opportunity to meet a bonafide star. Teddy couldn’t have been more gracious. I told you about Greg Judy. He sparkled. Another important part of the story is Bruce Shanks. We ran an ad in the Stockman GrassFarmer and Bruce saw

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the ad, noticed the 573 area code and gave me a call. Bruce was excited about attending, liked what he saw and has played a big role in South Polls since that time.

Another watershed event associated with that meeting occurred after the students came to our farm to see the cows. We had our entire herd in one relatively small paddock shaped like a piece of pie. The cows were in the downhill portion of the paddock, which also happened to be the narrow point of the paddock. Teddy was speaking to the students and the rest of us just outside the paddock on the upper end of the paddock. The students were anxious to get in with the cows. When Teddy stopped talking, the kids crossed the polywire and stormed down the hill some 75 to 100 yards toward the cattle. Most of the adults there had visions of a catastrophe, with the cattle spooking and running all over that end of the county. Nothing of the sort happened. The cows actually approached the students as the students were approaching them. The cows walked through the mob of students, appearing as pleased to see the students as the students were pleased to see them. There was no way we could have orchestrated a better way to show off the great disposition of South Poll cows.

of the cows. They were “almost scary circus tame.”

There is one more aspect of that day that has special significance. As the crowd was coming into the community center that morning Teddy watched as Jerry registered the names of those in attendance, both students and teachers, but also others who attended because they saw our ads. Teddy then told Jerry, “Save those, Miss Jerry, I might want to start an association some day.”

meeting was going to be held May 17, 2008. We attended that meeting, along with about 20 others. It was decided to form an organization, a board of directors was chosen and officers elected.

The officers chosen were Teddy Gentry, president; Greg Judy, vice president; Jerry Voss, secretary and Toyah McGrady, treasurer Other board members were Tom McGrady of Texas, Steve Hampton of Kentucky, John Eldridge of Georgia, Ralph Voss of Missouri, J.A. Girgenti of Louisiana, Cliff White of Florida, Todd Thompson of Illinois, John Lyons of Alabama and Bruce Shanks of Missouri.

At that 2008 meeting

Teddy said something that caught the attention of both Jerry and me. “I believe the Lord has blessed us,” he said. “South Polls are better meatwise than I even thought they would be going in.”

A friend of ours who came to the farm gave a great description

Jerry pondered that statement for a week or two and then wrote him a lengthy letter advising him to start an organization and gave a step-by-step plan as to how she thought it should be done. Jerry sat on that letter for two or three weeks before sending it. Finally, she sent it and we heard nothing for months. The following spring, only two or three weeks prior to May 17, 2008, Dave Roberts called to let us know Teddy was starting an association, and that the first

Teddy is right. The Lord has blessed us with an exceptional breed. We need to be aware and to apprecate how much Teddy has helped not only South Poll owners but those who will consume South Poll beef and those who will benefit from the environmentally friendly way most South Polls are raised. South Poll breeders can be proud of what we have achieved. The breed is much better today than it was 25 years ago. We need to make sure that in 25 years, the breed is much better than today.

Ruth and Dakota Blanks, Windy Acres Farm, donated a heifer to the SPGCA Youth Program at the 2024 Field Day. Each junior member that participated in the 2024 Junior Speaking Contest was entered in the drawing. Charlie Mulheran, Taft, TN was the winner of the heifer.

Letter to Teddy Gentry from Jerry Voss, 2007

Teddy:

When you were here we talked about the possibility of forming a South Poll Association.

I think that’s a good idea because all of us who are passionate about the South Poll breed are not youngsters. When we quit working on it the breed will die with us, unless we do something now to make it a viable and lasting operation.

What I would suggest is this. I would begin by having you pull together a comprehensive list of all people who have bought South Polls from you or have acquired them from other sources. Then I think you should host a formation meeting, possibly this spring, summer or fall at your farm in Ft. Payne, and invite those people.

House as many of them as possible at or near your farm. They need to feel that they are part of a very important project and take ownership interest in it. The rest can stay at one of the hotels in Ft. Payne. Possibly everybody should stay in Ft. Payne so that no one feels thats you prefer some over the others. No jealousy. But I do think the meetings and a dinner should be hosted at the farm by you.

he might be having.

We might also have a general section that has breeders telling about situations they encounter and others responding to those concerns in the next newsletter.

Ralph and I have talked about this and we would be willing to set-up and edit the newsletter and even pay for it for the first year. We would probably want the association to pay for the postage to mail it, however.

did at our dinner. Some of those kids are genuinely interested and that’s what we will need to carry on the breed. We have found out since our meeting that a school 40 miles away from here was sorry that they were not included. We would have been glad to include them if only we had known.

We can also contact local newspapers and farm cooperative publications in the areas of the annual meeting to try to get some publicity that way. I have enclosed copies of the articles that were done by the two of the publications that I had at your meeting here. The statewide publication for the rural electric cooperatives will come out soon and I’ll get that to you as well.

Teddy Gentry and Jerry Voss

You would explain the need for setting up the association and the structure that you have in mind for it. I think there should be newletters on a regular basis, quarterly or whatever, to keep people interested.

We should hold a yearly showand-tell meeting at individual member’s farms, somewhat similar to what we had here at Linn, to learn what others are doing and to keep interest in the breed.

You could write a column in the newsletter and also the person hosting the annual show-andtell meeting could do an article. I would also get a young person who is starting in the breed to do an article on questions or problems

We should consider setting up some sort of award offered by the association to young people who show a particular interest in the breed. Possibly that could be an award of a really top heifer that is bred to a super bull, just to get a young person started. The award could be made at the annual meeting, theoretically to a Vo-Ag person from one of the schools that attends the annual conference. Maybe we could do some sort of essay contest on why raising South Polls is such a good idea. We’ll actually have to get them interested in raising South Polls first though.

At the annual meeting we should get Vo-Ag classes and farm kids from the area where the meeting is held to attend like we

We would have to collect some sort of stipend from the forming members to do the work that needs to be done, possibly as much as $1,000 from original forming members on a one-time basis. Maybe we could have a sort of tier membership to accommodate those who can pay more and those who cannot afford much, but we do want to include everyone.

Officers would have to be chosen. I think you should be president because you are synonymous with the breed itself. Ralph likes to talk to people so perhaps he could be the secretary-treasurer. Another reason I think that might be good is because he has legal experience and could possibly oversee the legal incorporation of the association, so that we don’t get screwed legally somewhere down the road.

Maybe the vice president could be someone you choose that is as passionate about the breed as we are and brings a little star power (Greg Judy??) or credibility to the group. We could try to spread the officers out geographically if you want to.

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The secretary will be in charge of taking care of the registration papers of the breed and that would work for Ralph also because we have a lady who presently works for me at the newspaper who is extremely interested in animal genetics and already understands what is needed. I think you met her when you were here; she is the lady who provided the freerange eggs for our breakfast.

I envision the registration papers going out in a timely fashion and if I could keep the paperwork here I can make sure Nancy gets it done on time. She’s almost anal about that stuff anyway and I could have her do it at the paper so I could keep an eye on it.

We have heard nothing but good comments about the meeting. People continue to stop us on the street or call and thank us for hosting it. They were particularly interested in what you had to say. They were fully aware of your country music star status and were amazed at your downhome “what-you-see-is-what-youget” attitude. They really liked you, and the kids, I have heard from many of the parents, are truly interested in the grass-fed philosophy.

ested in the high density stock grazing concept that Greg Judy presented. Greg is so much more articulate now than he was a year ago it is amazing. He continues to impress me. He also is just plain good people and has taken Ralph up on the offer to have the kids to his farm to look at his grazing methods, and was delighted to do so.

With the price of fertilizer going up drastically, more and more people are going to be interested in intensive grazing and grass-fed beef. We just need to capture that interest and get them in our corner.

The kids that attended the program here are really pumped about what they heard and saw Thursday. That’s what we don’t want to lose. They, along with the adults, were particularly impressed with the gentleness of the cattle and have associated that with the breed itself.

were nuzzling me. When the kids realized the cows weren’t going to kill me was when they felt confident enough to approach them. Little do they know, I sometimes carry a pocket full of range cubes and feed them.

You said that you felt that many observers thought that a musician could only think of or be good at one thing. You knew that you were, in fact, good at both things. You were right. You have already formed your legacy as a country music star. In my opinion the formation of a South Poll association that allows for the continuation and growth of the breed that you love will allow you to leave a good legacy in two fields.

They were also terribly inter-

A stockbroker friend of ours, Dave Luker, who was at the meeting, described the cattle as “almost scary circus tame.” He said he realized that the cattle were familiar with Ralph and would be gentle around him, but was “blown away” when cows came up to me and licked my hands and

Tell me what you think. I believe this will be a lot of work and will take a ton of promoting for all of us, but I think it could certainly be a worthwhile endeavor. Securing the breed by way of an official association will make all our cattle more valuable and would ensure that they continue on long after most of us do.

We are willing to help plan or participate in anything you choose to do. We believe in the breed and we believe in what you and Dave are doing. Jerry Voss Letter to Teddy Gentry from Jerry Voss, continued from page 

Teddy Gentry, Bent Tree Farms in Fort Payne, AL donated a heifer to the SPGCA Youth Program at the 2024 Field Day. The winner of the drawing was Kaylee Adams, Munford, AL

South Poll Cattle: Optimizing Grass-Fed Efficiency in Challenging Times

By Becky Szarzynski Shaw

A new breed is transforming the cattle industry in our southern American pastures. Ranchers wanting to balance profitability, sustainability, and efficiency are increasingly turning to South Poll Grass cattle, a breed developed to thrive on grass alone. More than just red-hided cattle, South Polls represent a revolution in ranching, one that prioritizes grassbased efficiency, economic resilience, and adaptability in a time of mounting industry challenges. 2025 Challenges that Farmers are FaCing

Today, farmers and ranchers are facing unique hurdles that ask us to be more innovative, sustainable, and efficient than ever before. Our grazing businesses need to consider both economic and ecological aspects if we expect to hand a vital farm business to the next generation. Here are just a few of the top challenges we are fronting in 2025:

• U.S. cow herd numbers have fallen to their lowest levels in over 60 years, leading to reduced cattle supply and high prices.

• Inflation/Production costs (feed, equipment, and labor) continue to rise, pressuring profit margins and widening the gap between historical prices and today’s economic reality.

smaller acreage.

the Vision Behind south Poll Cattle

The South Poll breed owes its creation to Teddy Gentry, the bassist from the legendary country group Alabama. In 1989, he recognized a critical need: cattle ranchers in the South lacked a breed that could excel in high temperatures, humidity, and marginal forage while still producing tender, high-quality beef.

At the same time, the industry had shifted toward larger-framed cattle, but data from Integrated Resource Management (IRM) studies revealed that smaller cows were far more efficient at converting grass into income. Recognizing this overlooked advantage, Gentry pursued a composite breed that would break away from the status quo. By carefully blending Hereford, Red Angus, Senepol, and Barzona genetics, he developed South Poll cattle, an animal tailored to diverse grazing systems across the country.

soaring and shrinking available grazing land, ranchers and farmers must make every acre count. South Poll cattle optimize profitability per acre with managed grazing practices and their average body size of a 1,000 pound cow, which is ideal for grass-based farming operations. In turn producing more marketable beef with fewer land resources.

3. A Solution for an Aging Producer Base - As the average farmer nears retirement age, the demand for low-maintenance, efficient cattle increases. South Polls offer easy-handling and docile temperament, simplifying operations for ranchers looking to extend their careers or transition land to new generations.

• Land prices have skyrocketed, making it difficult for farmers and ranchers to produce enough per acre to cover costs.

• The average U.S. farmer is now 60 years old, raising concerns about farm succession and operational sustainability.

• Urban sprawl is shrinking agricultural land, forcing ranchers to farm and optimize

how south Polls meet today’s ranChing Challenges

1. Lower Input Costs Amid Rising Production Expenses - As feed and equipment costs climb, profitability hinges on minimizing inputs. South Polls maintain body condition on grass alone, eliminating the need for costly grain supplementation.

2. Smarter Land Use in a Time of Record High Prices and Urban Sprawl - With land values

Built For ProFitaBility & sustainaBility

South Poll cattle are designed for longevity, producing calves for 10 to 12 years, but commonly farther into their mid to late teens, which is far beyond the industry average. Their heat-adaptive red coat and slick hair allow them to breed back, milk efficiently, and perform in hot and humid environments. They also exceed expectations in meat quality. Research from Colorado State University confirms that South Poll beef is as tender, if not more tender, than traditional English breeds, meeting consumer demand for highquality, grass-fed beef. the Future oF grass-Based Cattle ranChing

While the term “Managed

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Grazing”, “Rotational Grazing” or “Regenerative Grazing” may be new to a lot of us, the actual practice is really as old as the natural relationship between grazers and grasslands. As what was old becomes new again, the results of these grazing practices can be different than years past, due to advancements in fencing technologies, new livestock breeds, and a deeper scientific understanding of how plants, soils, and ruminants interact in these grazing systems. As managed grazing gains momentum, South Poll cattle are proving to be an ideal fit for these carefully stewarded grasslands. Their moderate size not only lowers forage demand and reduces soil compaction but also translates to lower overall input costs. These cattle are efficient, adaptable, and bred to thrive on forage-based diets,

meaning they do more with less, without sacrificing productivity or meat quality.

John Lyons, of J-Jank Farms, underscores the breed’s economic impact: “Inputs are the key to making a profit, and South Polls keep those inputs minimal. These cattle do the most on the least of any breed I’ve ever seen.”

At a time when ranchers must balance economic survival with land stewardship, South Polls offer both, economic resilience and environmental respect. By thriving on grass, maximizing fertility, and maintaining efficiency without artificial inputs, they provide a model for futurefocused cattle operations.

a Breed Built For the long haul

South Poll cattle aren’t just a passing trend, they’re a strat-

egy for navigating modern ranching challenges. With profitability, adaptability, and sustainability at their core, they offer ranchers a proven path toward long-term success.

When the industry demands doing more with less, South Polls answer the call, delivering efficiency on the pasture and excellence on the plate.

We know and understand the cattle industry and have the genetics to simplify your operation. We raise gentle, easy-fleshing, moderate-sized South Poll cattle that are selected on fescue for fertility, hardiness, and longevity. "Mother Nature" is our best genetic selection tool! We are truly a low-input operation. Our cattle are raised on forage, hay, and mineral with no additional inputs! Heifers are managed like cows; No second chances for any females! We have thriving steer sales to grass-finishers. Only top bulls make the cut!

Building a Cow Herd with Beefmaster and South Poll Genetics

By Steve Freeman

reprint of an article from 2012

Years ago I found a book entitled "The Lasater Philosophy of Cattle Breeding" by Laurence Lasater. It was a real eye opener for Judy and me, and the guidelines from this book have been the backbone of our cattle breeding program during the last couple of decades. Tom Lasater, the founder of Beefmasters, believed you could take the guesswork out of cattle breeding by requiring your breeding stock to accomplish some simple, but tough goals. In a nutshell, every cow must raise an acceptable calf and breed back every year in a defined breeding season, while grazing the grasses that grow naturally on your ranch with little or no outside inputs. No exceptions. If she doesn’t produce one year out of ten, she is off to town. Simple plan, but very hard to follow. Even though Lasater developed and bred Beefmaster cattle, the philosophy can be applied to any breed.

early maturity and adaptability of the Beefmaster cows was tough. Then one day, about seven years ago, Judy read an ad that listed South Poll bulls for sale.

We have used Beefmaster bulls from the Lasater foundation herd for years now, and while we like the cattle, there were still some changes we wanted in the herd that would either take years, or perhaps a lifetime, to accomplish. One, was a polled animal.

Lasater, rightly so, said it was so difficult to breed animals to fit the simple but tough parameters he used for selecting replacement cows, that you should not add extra traits such as color and polled to the selection process. That said, we still do not like horns or dehorning and wanted to add the polled trait to the cow herd by using polled bulls. We had tried Red Angus bulls to develop a crossbreed that would give us the polled trait, but found both the bulls and the crossbred calves unable to fit

in our grazing system. We move cows every day and many of our paddocks do not have shade. We also have several grazing paddocks that have very highly endophyte infected fescue, which adds about 10 degrees to a hot day for cattle affected by the endophyte. Though there are many good Angus breeders, even the best will usually tell you that if you are breeding in July and August in the fescue belt, their bulls will probably not work. They simply get too hot. We turn bulls in July 4th for a 45-60 day breeding season and never had an Angus bull make it all the way through the breeding season without falling out.

Another trait we were looking for was moderation in cow size. While many of our Beefmaster cross cows are in the 1100-1200 pound range, we would always have some that topped the scales at 1400-1500 pounds. Since we don’t supplement our cattle, size has never been that big a concern to us, but we envision, some day, a larger commercial market for grass fed beef and wanted to have cows that would raise calves that could go either way – to the traditional feedlot or to the grass finisher. Finding a breed that would add these traits but allow us to retain the heat tolerance,

There are many composites in the cattle world, but most seem to be trying to accomplish the same thing. They combine English maternal breeds with Continental terminal breeds to produce a cow that combines characteristics of both breeds and allows the use of one bull to produce good replacement females and fast-growing steers for the feedlot. While the merits of these composites can be debated, one thing I believe is that once you get past hybrid vigor and begin reproducing the crosses to stamp the breed, you will have tradeoffs.

Faster growth – less fertility and late maturity. Too much milk – less fertility and harder keeping.

A friend of mine who breeds some of the best maternal, fertile Red Angus in the business said he’s always breeding for average. If you go past average in one trait, you give up something in another trait.

The South Polls, on the other hand, are not looking to compete with terminal/in growth, but to

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Building a Cow Herd with Beefmaster and South Poll Genetics, continued from page 1

compete with Angus in the hot, humid regions where maternal, non Bos-Indicus cattle often fail to reproduce at an economical rate. South Polls are a fairly new breed, developed by Teddy Gentry, combiningBarzona/ Herefords with Senepol/ Red Angus genetics to produce a heat tolerant, moderatesized, polled Bos-Taurus mama cow for the south. They are not going to grow faster than a Charolais or a Gelbvieh, but they are going to breed back in a hot humid climate while raising a good calf on nothing but grass.

Polls, Judy and I went to see the bulls for sale and had the pleasure of seeing a beautiful herd of functional cows. We were surprised at the consistency of the cows. Be-

Though the numbers are still small, the breed is growing fairly quickly. While the breed originated in Alabama, Missouri seems to be a hot bed for South Polls, as they fit our climate and are able to tolerate endophyte-infected fescue well. They have been developed with the grass finisher in mind and the growing popularity of grass finished beef has also helped to fuel demand for South Poll calves. At a recent South Poll Grass Cattle field day, I was amazed by the number of breeders who sell the majority of their cattle as grass-fattened beef directly to the consumer.

After seeing the ad for South

ing composites, we expected to see quite a bit of variance within the herd and were very pleased to see they were almost “peas in a pod.” We bought three bulls and so added South Polls to our Beefmaster bull battery to eliminate horns, but retain the heat tolerance, othering and grazing ability of our cattle. Since that day seven years ago, we have continued to add South Poll bulls and as our Beefmaster bulls leave the battery, they are being replaced by South Polls. We are now using nine South Poll bulls and have just three remaining Beefmaster bulls.

One trait we have emphasized besides fertility is disposition, and this is a trait where the South Polls really shine! We ship cattle for poor disposition and have a gentle herd, but we were very pleased and surprised with the gentleness of the South Polls.

While Beefmasters don’t throw large calves, we have found that breeding our heifers to South Poll bulls almost eliminates the need to check our two-year-olds during calving season. This year we calved fifty 22-24 month old heifers and didn’t pull any of them. The calves are extremely quick to their feet and to the teat.

Breeding cattle always has a bit of dreaming and imagination to go with the practical considerations. We envision a herd of red, polled, moderatesized cows with that “peas in a pod” look, that can withstand the sub-zero temperatures of winter, yet are able to breed back in the heat and humidity of our Missouri summers and provide us with a good marketable calf. And do it all with little or no outside inputs. Not only do we envision this herd, we know that it is necessary in order to make a profit in the years ahead.

Holiday Ranch proudly supports the SPGCA Youth Scholarship Fund with a South Poll donation

Cliff and Kay White, Holiday Ranch, located in Vernon, FL donated a South Poll Heifer to the 2024 SPGCA Field Day cattle auction. The heifer sold for $5,000 in which the proceeds were donated to the SPGCA Youth Scholarship Fund.

South Poll Grass Cattle Association Youth Scholarship Announced

To help some worthy student achieve his/her academic and career goals, the Board of Directors of the South Poll Grass Cattle Association is proud to announce the SPGCA Youth Education Scholarship. The SPGCA Scholarship is designed to incentivize Junior Members of the SPGCA interest and education in agriculture.

Teddy Gentry, founder and president of South Poll cattle and the SPGCA has ecstatically proclaimed numerous times that youth are the most important product of family farms and the future of the industry and our organization.

The scholarship is valued at $1000 and will be awarded to the winning student based on their

application, essay submission, and recommendation from their principal or counselor. The essay asks applicants to outline their intended major, career goals, and future involvement with South Poll cattle.

Students that are Junior members of SPGCA in good standing, have completed their senior year of high school (by the time the field day is held), and are committed to any college or university (including community college for first two years) in the United States are eligible for the scholarship.

The deadline for applications is April 1 with the award to be announced and presented at the SPGCA Annual Field Day held in September.

The Next Generation Speaks: Reflections from the 202 Jr. Speaking Contest

The 2024 South Poll Grass Cattle Association (SPGCA) Junior Speaking Contest brought youthful energy and insight at last year’s 16th Annual Field Day and Cattle Auction, held September 20–21 at Windy Acres Farm in Appomattox, Virginia. Hosted by Dakota and Ruth Blanks, the event showcased the next generation of land stewards, drawing young participants from across three age groups to share their perspectives on cattle and farm life.

Topics ranged from general cattle and farming themes for the youngest speakers, to discussions of South Poll benefits and winter herd management for older age divisions. In the under 8 years of age category, Charlie Malheran took first, followed by Carson Blanks. Among the 9 - 13 year olds, Nora Daugherty earned first place, with Rayley Lach ney (2nd) and Evelyn Mulheran (3rd) rounding out the top three.

For the senior division, ages 1418 years old, Addison McKechnie claimed first place, followed by Gavin Massey (2nd) and Kaylee Adams (3rd). Winners received cash prizes of $250 for 1st, $150 for 2nd, and $100 for 3rd. Lastly, $50 was awarded to each participant who didn’t place but entered and spoke during the contest.

202 SPGCA Scholarship Winners

The SPGCA would like to congratulate the 2024 SPGCA Youth Scholarship winners. They each received a $1,000 scholarship. The winners are: Grant Culver, Hartville, MO Noah Sumners, Albertville, AL

AL

We would like to thank all who participated and recognize not just their speaking skills, but for the thoughtful, practical ideas they shared with our South Poll community committed to regenerative agriculture and sustainable future.

We look forward to hearing what bright ideas the 2025 contestants bring to the Annual Field Day in Arkansas!

2024 Field Day Recap

On September 20-21 2024, the South Poll Grass Cattle Association hosted the 16th Annual Field Day and Cattle Auction. The host farm was Windy Acres Farm in Appomattox, Virginia, owned by Dakota and Ruth Blanks. The event aims to bring together seasoned and new South Poll cattle producers to network and gain education from expert speakers and fellow breeders.

The keynote speaker was grazing expert and author Jim Gerrish. Jim talked about what really matters in grazing management. Other speakers and breakout topics included: Jordan Thomas who covered the basics of artificial insemination and cow-calf profits. Tyler Martin and Gene Robins helped to identify types of common forages. South Poll cattle were evaluated by Bruce Shanks and Dave Roberts. Dakota Blanks evaluated the quality of some hay samples and discussed how to interpret a hay test.

There were 437 attendees from 20 different states that attended the field day.

When not listening to speakers, attendees enjoyed visiting the gentle herd of cattle, conversing in the shade of old oak trees, and placing bids on silent auction items and visiting vendors. Some attendees even made time to visit the historic town of Appomattox and Appomattox Court House National Historical Park. The younger guests enjoyed face-painting, lawn games, and most of all playing in the woods adjacent to the main tents. This was evidenced by the impressive forts left behind!

Other highlights of the weekend included the Jr. Speaking contests in which eighteen youth participated. The first place winners in the three different age groups included: Charlie Mulheran, Nora Daugherty, Addison McKechnie.

The event concluded with the cattle auction, in which consignors are encouraged to bring the best of the breed.

The SPGCA and hosts hope that everyone went home feeling renewed about their herd and grazing goals and more connected to other producers.

SPGCA Crisis Fund

The mission of The South Poll Grass Cattle (SPGCA) Crisis Fund is to assist South Poll members and their immediate family who are in need due to severe illness, injury, an accident, disaster, or death. This crisis fund falls under and is overseen by the South Poll Grass Cattle Association.

To be eligible for assistance, an applicant must be a SPGCA member in good standing. However, in the case of a deceased member meeting the foregoing requirements, then an application may be made by a surviving spouse. Crisis fund requests can also be submitted by a fellow SPGCA member who wants to apply for aid to be sent to the SPGCA member in need. SPGCA members should encourage fellow members in need to apply.

The crisis aid is not intended to relieve a member’s financial distress, but to grant some relief and show support from SPGCA. If an applicant meets the eligibility requirements, $200 per calendar year per household will be granted.

aPPliCation / reView ProCess / Criteria:

1. Applicant applies to SPGCA for crisis funds, or a fellow SPGCA member can request and fill out an application for the SPGCA member in need. Cases will be reviewed by the SPGCA Crisis Fund Committee.

2. The Applicant’s name will be kept confidential to protect the privacy of the applicant.

3. Application evaluation: • The nature and severity of ill-

ness, injury, accident, or disaster.

• The ability to do work to support the recipient and/or recipient’s family.

• Number of children or other dependents comprising the family of the recipient.

• Any sources of additional information requested.

• Only one member per household may apply and receive funds. 4. The SPGCA Committee will then notify the applicant regarding the decision.

FOR QUESTIONS CONTACT: Sunshine Shanks, phone: (573) 578-0948, email: sunshineshanks@yahoo.com or Ivey Dean, phone: (256) 996-3972, email: iri0001@auburn.edu

Learn to Resist Extremes – the KISS System

By Teddy Gentry

My good friend, Frank Felton, from Maryville, MO told me one day that he used the KISS system.

When I asked what the KISS system was, he laughed, slapped his leg and said, “Keep it simple stupid.”

I found out that what Frank meant by that was that the cattle business is not rocket science.

Cows are meant to convert grass or forage to meat. The cow size that makes the most money at the end of the year is the cow

you want to multiply in your herd. Keeping good, accurate records on your cows, and then letting those records dictate your breeding direction is a sure way to move forward. The beef business is so fragmented, it’s easy to fall into the old mindset of reaching for extremes in growth, milk, ribeye, marbling or whatever. Learn to resist that temptation as it will only lead to extreme problems later.

Learn how to use the best average bull calves each year out of those old cows that are the right size and shape and have never

missed a year giving you a good calf. Way too often we look at the biggest, stoutest calf and say, “Wow!” I believe it’s better to study fertility records of the mamas and then say, “Wow!” With patience and good records the good ones will be obvious as time passes.

So, when I learned what Frank meant by the KISS system, all I can say is “Amen.”

Thanks to Frank and all the other good cowboys who took the time to teach us all what a cow should look like as well as what a cow should do.

2025 The South Poll Grazier Photo Contest Winners Announced

South Poll Photo Contest –Give Us Your Best Shot!

We want your best South Poll cattle photo to grace the front cover of The South Poll Grazier Magazine. The winning image will be featured as the cover photo!

Deadline: February 1st. Submit your entries to: info@southpoll.com

Whether it’s a stunning pasture scene, a perfect grazing moment, or a portrait that captures the soul of South Poll cattle—we want to see it!

Sumners Farm purchased our first South Poll cattle in 2005 and became charter members of the association.

We are a 75 head farm in North Alabama on top of Sand Mountain which is primarily fescue country, but we do rotate summer and winter annuals.

We strive to provide customers with the best seed stock through daily evaluation and constant assessment of our herd.

Andy served as a member of the South Poll Board of Directors for 10 years and witnessed firsthand the success and growth of the South Poll association and the wonderful community it represents.

We would like to express our appreciation to the Board for continuing to grow the association with integrity and a vision for the future.

Sincerely,

Stanley & Andy Sumners

2025 SPGCA Board Meeting Recap

SPGCA Non-Profit Status

The SPGCA is currently a 501c5 corporation. In January we applied for a 501c3.

2026 Field Day Host

Nathan Hahn, Unity Farms in Harrodsburg, Kentucky, board member will be the host of the 2026 field day.

Board Member changes

1. Greg Judy was made an honorary board member of the SPGCA

2. Bruce Shanks was unanimously voted in as the Vice President of the Association

3. The board terms for 5 members were up for renewal in June and all were voted to serve another term.

Rules - changes

a. Membership deadline for mem-

bers to be inactive if dues are not paid

b. Herd prefix letter 2-6 characters for herd consisting of letters and/or numbers

c. Fullblood should be red or red and white (remove the word face).

d. Rule: Fullblood color Red & White

e. Rule: cannot change historical herd prefix if changing the prefix on a membership

f. Fee to make changes and reprint a certificate/registration paper changed from $2 to $5 each.

g. For calves born after June 1, 2025, sire verification via DNA will be required on fullblood, purebred, and percentage animals prior to registration.

The South Poll Grazier Magazine

The association decided to publish a SPGCA magazine which will be an annual publication beginning in 2025.

Junior membership and scholarship

The SPGCA board voted and passed for the Junior membership and Junior Scholarship age to be up to 21 years of age. The scholarship is open to any major.

SPGCA Calendar - the calendar is auctioned off at the annual field day.

Conferences/events that SPGCA attends are:

Since 1992

SPGCA Reminders

REMINDER:

For calves born after June 1, 2025, sire verification via DNA will be required prior to registration.

History of the

Teddy Gentry started the South Poll breed in 1989 when he got the idea to genetically combine the best traits of four maternal Bos Taurus breeds to form a more heat tolerant animal that would work for his cattle operation in Fort Payne, Alabama. He also wanted an animal with a gentle disposition that would produce tender beef on grass.

“I wanted something that would allow me to maximize my profitability per acre on the grass that I’ve got. These cows work for me, I don’t work for them,” Gentry said at a meeting of the SPGCA.

Gentry started with a Hereford/Red Angus base, but since only a small percentage of the overall population in those 2 breeds are adapted to warm areas like his own, he started looking for other breeds that would complement the maternal components of the Hereford and Red Angus breeds.

Shortly thereafter, he purchased a set of Barzona/Hereford females he said went on to impress him with their overall hardiness and easy keeping ability on high moisture grasses. Gentry says that Barzonas are called the ‘hardy breed’ and were developed by the Bard family in Arizona.

Gentry later selected the Senepol breed developed on the island of St. Croix in the Virgin Islands by breeding the native N’dama cattle to Red Poll bulls. Senepols are very slick haired and according to the University of Florida research are one of the most heat tolerant breeds they’ve tested.

Gentry says he started crossing Barzona/Herefords and Senepol/ Red Angus around 1989 and it was the mating of those 2 half bloods that produced the 4 way composite he named South Poll.

“Fertility and longevity account for the numbers 1 and 2 traits on a chart of economic importance for the commercial cattleman. So, in

theSouth Poll Breed

our cow/calf operation, those 2 traits are at the top of our list,” Gentry said.

“Increased selection for growth EPDs in a cow herd leads to a larger framed animal or a huge ribeye area in a grass program will adversely affect fertility and longevity, the very things we have placed first on our list,” he says.

South Poll cattle, even though they were developed in the southeast part of the U.S. have proven adaptable in the Southwest and Midwest as well. Missouri is our top state for South Poll population, followed by Texas. Several years ago, a bull was sold to a producer in Utah, who used him in the harsh conditions of the mountains in the southern area of the state. His cattle have access to thousands of acres and as a result, he only sees them occasionally. He can count on his South Poll bull to lead the cattle up and down the mountain and he was so satisfied, he came back for 5 more bulls.

The foundation for the South Poll breed was built on the very best purebred cattle from each individual breed, with cows that calve year after year with a calving interval of less than 365 days.

The SPGCA and its members will never lose sight of the big picture and, though we are documenting every aspect of the breed just as other purebred organizations do, the total purpose of the breed is to provide genetics that can be profitable for the commercial cow/calf producers.

“We will always work hard to make the South Poll breed gentle and efficient. We strive for moderate birth weights, adequate growth and acceptable carcass quality in our cattle and the production of high libido bulls. We promise to conduct our business dealings honestly and to assume a leadership role in the education of our youth and the natural production of quality grass fed beef,” Gentry pledged.

South Poll Grass Cattle Association

Rules And Regulations

memBershiP

1. Regular Membership

2. Junior 8 to 21 years of age

a. Juniors will pay regular cattle registration fees

b. Parents do not have to be a member for Junior to be a member

3. Membership Name

a. Name, Farm/Ranch name, Corporation

4. Membership Application

a. Must be filled out for each new member

5. Fees

a. Membership fees are $100/ annually and due December 31st each year

b. Membership fees are non-refundable

6. Inactive Members

a. For dues not paid within 90 days, your membership will become inactive. If your membership is not paid, registration and transfers fees will be at the non-member rate.

b. For invoices past due 90 days, your account will become inactive and you will not be able to log into your account or register/transfer cattle until your past due invoice are paid in full.

registration Fees

1. Members: Percentage, Purebred, Fullblood

a. $20 under 2 years of age

b. $35 over 2 years of age

2. Non-members: Percentage, Purebred, Fullblood Cattle

a. Registration $40 (any age)

3. Registration Certificate Correction $2.00/each

4. At the discretion of the Board, an extra administration fee of $10/head may be billed to members or non-members for incomplete registration information

5. Registration fees may be changed from time to time at the discretion of the Board

effective 8/11/25

transFer Fees

1. Members: percentage, purebred and fullblood transfers.

a. $20 per animal

2. Non-members: percentage, purebred and fullblood transfers.

a. $40 per animal

3. It is the responsibility of the seller (or sales agent) to apply for and pay for the transfer of all animals. The Association will no longer process any transfer requests from the buyer. Additionally, failure to transfer and(or) transfer applications made after 6 months from the date of sale are subject to temporarily revoked membership rights.

4. A seller (or sales agent) that fails to provide the Association with application for transfer of a certificate of registration within 6 months of the date of sale and upon written notice to the Association by the buyer on or after 6 months of failure of transfer by the seller, will be contacted as to the basis for the failure and to seek resolution. If the seller does not timely respond to the Association’s request, the seller is subject to temporary suspension of the rights and privileges of membership including processing registration or transfer applications. The temporary suspension will expire upon receipt of the transfer application(s) and full payment. The South Poll breed is designed to be slick haired, gentle, fertile, heat tolerant and small to moderate framed.

south Poll regulations

1. The South Poll breed consists of equal percentages of Red Angus, Senepol, Hereford and Barzona.

2. All Fullblood, Purebred and Percentage cattle (see below) must descend from foundation Bent Tree Farms animals.

3. Hoof color - Black preferred. Red is acceptable.

4. Horned and scurred cattle will not be discriminated against, but will be noted on the registration papers.

5. Eye pigmentation is preferred but “white eyed” animals are accepted.

FullBlood Cattle

1. Fullblood designated animals are four-way crosses consisting of ¼ Red Angus, ¼Hereford, ¼ Barzona and ¼ Senepol and must be descendants of foundation Bent Tree Farms animals.

2. Fullblood status will NOT be designated for animals that are bred up (see below)

3. Fullblood status will NOT be designated for 1st generation crosses (i.e. Barzona/Hereford x Senepol/Red Angus)

4. Fullblood designation/registration requires the following to be recorded

a. Sire

b. Dam

c. Birthdate

d. Birth weight

e. Calving ease

5. Fullblood cattle must be red or red and white in color

6. If an animal is registered with a Multiple Registered Sire (MRS) and/or Dam, it is not eligible to be registered as a fullblood.

7. For calves born after June 1, 2025, sire verification via DNA will be required on fullblood, purebred, and percentage animals prior to registration. See submission guidelines on South Poll website.

PureBred Cattle

1. Purebred designation can be obtained from animals that are ‘bred up’ –assuming one parent descend from foundation Bent Tree stock.

a. For Females 7/8 is considered Purebred South Poll

Continued on page 31

b. For Bulls 15/16 is considered Purebred South Poll

2. Purebred status will be designated for 1st generation crosses (i.e. Barzona/Hereford x Senepol/Red Angus. Subsequent offspring (male or female) of 1st generation individuals may be registered as Fullbloods.

3. Purebred designation/registration requires the following to be recorded

• Sire

• Dam

• Birthdate

• Birth weight (Optional)

• Calving ease

4. Purebred cattle can be any color, including black.

5. For calves born after June 1, 2025, sire verification via DNA will be required on fullblood, purebred, and percentage animals prior to registration. See submission guidelines on South Poll website.

PerCentage Cattle

1. Percentage designation shall be extended to all males and females that are as much ¼and less than 7/8 South Poll for females and 15/16 South Poll for males

2. To be eligible for registration at least one parent of percentage cattle must descend from foundation Bent Tree Farms

animals and be registered with the Association.

3. Percentagedesignation/registration requires the following to be recorded

• Sire

• Dam

• Birthdate

• Birth weight (Optional)

• Calving ease

4. For calves born after June 1, 2025, sire verification via DNA will be required on fullblood, purebred, and percentage animals prior to registration. See submission guidelines on South Poll website.

ownershiP oF sire

1. A breeder does not have to own any interest in a sire in order to register progeny.

CalVes oF multiPle Births

1. Calves of multiple births must be indicated on the application for registration.

emBryo transFer/Cloning

1. No embryo transfer or cloning is allowed.

identiFiCation requirements

1. All animals must be uniquely identified with one of the following BEFORE applying for registration.

a. Fire brand

b. Freeze brand

c. Metal brucellosis tag or state tag

d. EID

e. 2 ear tags

f. Tattoo

2. No two calves, regardless of sex, can be identified with the same number in the same herd in the same year.

3. Once an animal is registered with the SPGCA, the animal’s permanent identification cannot be changed on the individual animal.

4. Herd Prefix must be between 26 letters and/or numbers.

5. The herd prefix cannot be changed on any historically registered animals.

6. The registered animal is to be named: Herd Letters - Sire ID - Dam ID - Calf ID

whole herd rePorting

1. Whole Herd Reporting is mandatory for members and due annually. Whole Herd reports are available through your member profile. Whole Herd Reports must be submitted by December 31st. Members will not be able to register cattle until the report has been received by the SPGCA office.

dna testing

1. For calves born after June 1, 2025, sire verification via DNA will be required on fullblood, purebred, and percentage animals prior to registration. See submission guidelines on South Poll website.

DNA Information

By South Poll Registry Office

South

Poll

Members,

With the new rule that went into effect for South Poll calves born June 1, 2025, and beyond, there have been a lot of questions on the best routes to go for DNA testing and how to get started. Many members have been testing for parentage with Neogen or Zoetis on their own over the past few years and there is a way to connect it all together. We’ll talk about some steps you can take for the new registration requirements.

rule:

All South Poll, Fullblood, Purebred, and Percentage calves born after June 1, 2025, must be Sire Verified by DNA testing.

Why is this important: DNA verification ensures the accuracy of the SPGCA Herd Book and protects the integrity of the breed and published pedigrees.

DNA testing may seem intimidating; however, it is simpler than you may think. DNA samples can be collected by producers, no vet required. There are multiple sample types that can be collected allowing you as a producer to pick

what works best for you. Ordering your testing can be completed through your South Poll registry login, via hard copy form through email or you can mail your samples directly to your SPGCA registry office.

where to start:

• Review the process and sample types. Find the sample collection method that will work best for you and order supplies.

• Supplies can be ordered here: https://www.neogen.com/categories/sampling-equipment/

• It is important to start thinking about your summer and fall 2025 calves now. Pull samples on your herd bulls to get their DNA on file. You do not have to send in your bull samples right away. Collect your samples and store appropriately until you are ready to test.

• Previous test records: If you have been testing through Neogen or Zoetis and plan to complete your testing through South Poll, you will need to contact the lab to release your account DNA markers to SPGCA. Contact the registry office for assistance.

things to rememBer:

• Be conscious of registration deadlines for sales and shows. DNA testing takes a little time to complete.

o Mail Time to Lab – Dependent on mailing service

o DNA Testing – approximately 3 weeks, 4 during holidays and peak season

o Parentage Resolution –need help resolving parentage issues? This can take some time depending on the availability of sire DNA.

o Registrations – once results are in, registration happens quickly. Registrations can be viewed through your member login, animal searches, and hard copy certificates issued with first class mail.

• Don’t wait to pull your sire samples! Anything can happen, samples cannot be pulled from deceased animals unless they are pulled immediately and frozen.

Please do not hesitate to contact us at the registry office with any of your questions for DNA testing, registration, and anything else we can assist you with.

SPGCA Registry Report

By Becky Miller, SPGCA Registry Secretary

As we reflect on another successful year with the South Poll Grass Cattle Association, I’m pleased to report that the registry office continues to run smoothly and efficiently. Our team remains committed to providing timely service and meaningful support to the membership, and it’s been a genuine pleasure working with so many of you throughout the year.

In 2024, we processed 2,696 registrations and 1,597 transfers, and we’ve already surpassed that pace in the first half of 2025 — with 3,192 registrations and

1,362 transfers processed from January through June. These numbers reflect more than just paperwork; they represent the continued growth and momentum of the South Poll breed and the commitment of producers investing in their herds.

One of the highlights of the past year has been connecting with members — whether by phone, email, or in person. It’s always encouraging to see how passionate and engaged our breeders are, and it’s an honor to support your efforts from the registry office.

As we look ahead, the updated DNA policy is an important focus. We encourage all members to take

a close look at their current herd bulls and ensure DNA testing is completed in a timely manner. Staying ahead of these requirements will help avoid delays and ensure a smoother process as you continue to register calves and make breeding decisions.

Thank you for your continued trust in the SPGCA registry office. We’re here to help — whether it’s answering questions about registrations, guiding you through DNA testing, or just talking cattle. I look forward to another year of working alongside you to support and strengthen the South Poll breed.

DNA Submission - Neogen Instructions

Testing Options & Fees

• Parentage

$17.00

o Registration Requirement

• Igenity Beef Only

o Includes Parentage

• Horn/Poll Test

$30.00

$42.00

• Coat Color (Black/Red) .. $16.00

• Hair Sample Processing .. $5.00 Submission

oPtion 1: through memBer login

1. Login with Username & Password

2. My Herd àMy Lab àMy Lab Test Requests

3. Click Add

4. Type in animal’s registration number or UNR record (see below to get UNR record)

5. Select Test Request

6. Sample Source – select then type in sample barcode (except hair samples).

7. Parents will automatically fill in, additional parents can be added.

8. Click Create Test & Continue with additional animals

9. SPGCA Staff will review orders and place a Preorder with Neogen. An Order Confirmation sheet will be emailed to you.

10. Print & Mail order confirmation received to Neogen Genomics with Samples

*To get UNR record on a calf, go to My Performance à My Calving. Select calving year and click Add. Fill out all available information on the calf. At bottom, click save. Leave “Register” box unclicked.

*For multiple sires, list one sire or your MRS number. Sires can be added on the test request and updated once results are in.

oPtion 2: hard CoPy suBmission Form

1. Forms are available at www. southpoll.com. Completed forms should be sent with samples to the SPGCA office to be processed and submitted by SPGCA.

Sample Types

Supplies can be ordered here: https://www.neogen.com/categories/sampling-equipment/

Hair – Pulled from the switch/ bottom of the tail. Must contain visible root ball. Hair samples can be placed in individual bags or envelopes, or can be placed on a lab hair card that can be ordered from the link above.

Blood Card – a small amount of blood acquired from pricking an ear or drawing from the tail. Blood must be placed on a lab FTA Blood card.

Allflex TSU – a small plug of tissue taken from the ear in a TSU collector tag. Collectors and supplies can be ordered from the link above.

Semen – semen can be submitted in its original straw. Straws can be thawed and must be shipped in a box with protection.

Atypical – contact the office for instructions on atypical samples (meat, ears, etc)

South Poll Grass Cattle Association Members

JUNIOR MEMBERS

Kyle Aulgur

Kody Aulgur

Emma Catherine Baker

Luke Barron

Hadley Bauman

Brett Bauman

Judson Beutke

Joshua Brice

Grady Buttrey

Rachel Buttrey

Jackson Caldwell

Gavin Chamber

Amelia Chambers

Sadie Childs

Malakai Colchin

Grant Culver

Hallie Dean

Jaxson Dean

Oak Derfus

Ellie Mae

Diss

Jacob Epting

Brody Erickson

Jack Erickson

Will Erickson

Sam Erickson

Joshua Farm

Aden Ferris

Gabriel Garner

Gregory Gaston

Emma Good

Arthur Graybill

Sylvester Graybill

Jacob Greenlee

Sydney Hawkins

Camryn Heuser

Eli Hopping

Nicksy Hopping

Courson Hutchison

Danny Ingram

Brooks Johnson

Cole Johnson

Ty Jones

Willima Kise

Bradley Koehn

Marianne Kuhn

Ian Kurtz

Rhett Lachney

Raley Lachney

Willow Lawrence

Oakley Lawrence

Chaney Leonard

Samatha Lutz

Ansley Massey

Macon McBride

Charlie Mulheran

Dominic Pinate

Jenna Rathbone

Lawsen Rathbone

Jenna Rathbone

Garbriel Reny

Kaitlyn Roberts

Sarah Beth Roberts

Oliva Shaw

Emily Shipple

James Smith

Owen Smith

Agnes Smith

Hunter Stockman

Noah Stuart

Maggie Sumners

Noah Sumners

Carter Torrence

Elam Torrence

Lincoln Torrence

Karl Totemeier

Detrich Totemeier

James Vaden

Samuel Vaden

Bowen Watson

.......................................

Blasdel Legacy Farms Steven Blasdel

Circle

Dobby Cattle Ranch.......................................

Flying M Ranch .............................................. Justin McCuiston .............................. Heber Springs, AR .....................870-219-3930

McLelland Cattle Company ............................ Clay McLelland ................................ Prescott, AR ...............................870-796-0722

Sonus Farms

Bryan Meldrum

Beatrice & Tim McQueen Salem, AR 805 302 6200

Bryan Meldrum Fayetteville, AR 501-508-1025

Newberry Family Farm .................................. Kirtis Newberry ................................ Gepp, AR...................................972-467-7952

Richard Newton Alma, AR 479-459-9000

Rainbow Valley Farmstead Brenda Odom Mammoth Spring, AR 479-207-2859

The Hollow & The Hyte Farms ........................ Marvin Parks .................................... Leslie, AR...................................501-733-4346

Bradshaw Mountain Farm

Chase Peyrot Huntsville, AR 479-737-5220

Greg Pillow Plumerville, AR 501-514-4783

Bar Z Beef LLC .............................................. Darren Printz ................................... Springdale, AR ...........................432-210-3883

Restoration Farm ........................................... John & Kaleah Riordan ..................... Rudy, AR ....................................479-739-6408

Snowden Cattle Company .............................

VW Family Farm

Ben Vinson Rosebud, AR 501-278-6118

Wilds Farm Jason Wilds Plumerville, AR 501-472-2185

Youngblood Grassfed Farm ........................... Andy & Tracy Youngblood ................. Grannis, AR ...............................479-243-5423

Rusty Hide Cattle Company

Gaithers Keep Farm ......................................

Nails

Flat Woods Farm ...........................................

Windswept Farms

Continued on page 45

Head River Farms Jay Miller

Double R Farms ............................................ Randall Mullinax .............................. Cave Spring, GA ........................678-850-1101

O’Neal Cattle Co. ......................................... Wes O’Neal .....................................

Carhan

Cows

B & P Cattle Company ................................... Nathan Pool ....................................

Cain Trail Farms Bradley Ray Jasper, GA 762-448-9328

New

Thomas Family Farm ..................................... H. Greg Thomas ..............................

Thompson’s Cattle Company

Flying W Farms Kevin, Priscilla, Will Waters

Yoder

Esher Cattle Company ...................................

Totemeier Cattle Company ............................

Apke

Licking

South Poll Grass Cattle Association Members, continued from  Continued on page 46

................................. Cleveland, GA ...........................706-892-5494

South Poll Grass Cattle Association Members, continued from 5

Licking River Ranch ........................................ Pete Peterson ................................... Hillsboro, KY..............................859-907-9917

Buck Creek Farms

Roper Beef And Cattle Company

Wagoner Farms.............................................

Kenny & Carol Powell Somerset, KY 307-286-8130

Caroline Roper Marion, KY 270-704-6618

Loran Wagoner ................................ Cadiz, KY ..................................270-836-1612

Redemption Creek Ranch .............................. Cody Watson ................................... Sharpsburg, KY ..........................916-622-5060

Wengerds Regenerative Farms Matthew Wengerd Munfordville, KY 270-268-2889

Spade & Table Farm ...................................... Jeffrey Windhorst ............................. Glasgow, KY ..............................502-296-3228

Cherry Hill Farm ........................................... Dave Cherry .................................... Rodessa, LA ...............................318-465-3941

Credo Farms

Credo Farms Covington, LA 985-867-6436

Larry J Fontenot Ville Platte, LA 337-360-1371

Creek Bottom South Polls .............................. Nic Girgenti ..................................... Roseland, LA..............................985-517-8754

JG Ranch South Polls Ja Girgenti Amite, LA 985-517-8559

Breezy Acres Farm

Darrick Gutting Leesville, LA 907-987-4421

Hebert Cattle Company ................................. Mason Hebert .................................. Welsh, LA ..................................337-387-9640

Smoldering Oak Farms

Dewayne Hendry Winnsboro, LA 318-541-0031

Brent And Deedee Ingvardsen Pelican, LA 318-751-6629

Angelus Acres LLC ......................................... Jeremy Leblanc ................................ Dry Creek, LA ............................253-213-6897

Coyote Cattle Company

Drew Lege ....................................... Erath, LA ...................................337-523-7141

Robby Royer Denham Springs, LA 225-328-0458

P Scalisi Farms .............................................. Paul Scalisi ....................................... New Iberia, LA ..........................337-303-3639

Flyin S Ranch .................................................

Steven or Kim Smith ......................... Oak Grove, LA ..........................318-614-5570

Gordon Tarver Hineston, LA 337-396-0443

4th Quarter Ranch Stoney Ware Roseland, LA 504-669-5100

Gelder Farm .................................................

Swain Ag Enterprises David Swain, Grace Garst

Thousand Hills Farm

Burtt’s Beef LLC .............................................

Serenity Acres

Hideaway Acres ............................................ Ron & Cindy Bracht .......................... Mexico, MO ...............................573-721-1470

Omega Ridge South Polls ..............................

Rafter C Ranch LLC ........................................

Coleman Farms

& Sherry Christopher ............... Polo, MO ...................................816-519-8512

Ben Coleman Callao, MO 660-768-5743

Cox Family Farm Ashley Cox Rocheport, MO 573-999-6009

Lone Pine Farms ............................................ Joel & Sheila Cravens....................... Hartville, MO .............................417-464-5630

GCF

Danahy

RNH Rustic Ranch ..........................................

Three Hills Estate...........................................

Dean Ranch

Cattle Co .................................................

High Prairie Pastures .....................................

Dougherty Farms

Continued on page 4

South Poll Grass Cattle Association Members, continued from page 

Red Oak Springs Farm

Erickson Cattle Company

Robert Eisterhold Jefferson City, MO 573-680-4594

Josh Erickson Cameron, MO 816-719-5403

Farrell Family Farm ....................................... Mark Farrell ..................................... Milo, MO ...................................573-397-1386

Finan Farm At Flat Creek LLC

Rocking Horse Livestock

Mike & Liz Finan Cassville, MO 417-846-5672

Mike Foate Grovestpring, MO 417-462-0158

Robert & Rebecca Forest ................... Knob Noster, MO .......................660-233-3322

Forsythe Family Farms ................................... Martin Forsythe ................................ Kidder, MO ................................816-617-1390

Woods Fork Cattle Company LLC

Joseph & Hilary Frescoln................................

Carson Hill Farms .........................................

Steve & Judy Freeman Hartville, MO 417-254-0913

Joseph & Hilary Frescoln .................. Mountain View, MO ...................724-613-2767

Steven & Shelly Fuchs ....................... Mill Spring, MO .........................573-998-2443

Wilbur Graybill Purdy, MO 417-737-9251

Grier Farms Marvin Grier Rogersville, MO 417-839-0108

Grimms Farm Tails LLC ..................................

Joholer Ranch ............................................... John Hammons ................................ Smithton, MO ............................660-473-2444

Harrison Valley Farms

John & Kim Harrison

Round Rock Ranch Dave Haubein Lockwood, MO 417-437-4118

Hausner

Finish Well Farms ..........................................

Pigeon Creek Farms

South Poll Grass Cattle Association Members, continued from page 7

Lost Creek Ranch .......................................... Tim Thomas ..................................... Salem, MO ................................573-453-0371

Acres To Graze Farm

Joanna Thompson Doniphan, MO 607-379-4929

Underwood Spring Farms .............................. Jared Underwood ............................ Thayer, MO ...............................417-848-4139

Vahl Farms LLC ............................................. Joshua Vahl ..................................... Elkland, MO ..............................417-234-5313

D Rocking T Land And Cattle Company Robert Verrall Pomona, MO 484-880-3256

Voss Land & Cattle Co. L.P.

Ralph Voss Linn, MO 573-694-1682

WW Farms .................................................... Greg & Cody Weeks ......................... Pomona, MO .............................417-255-3801

Whitman Cattle

Josh Whitman Cuba, MO 636-206-9773

Wilbers Farm Mike Wilbers Bonnots Mill, MO 573-821-6235

Zahn Farms ................................................... Brian Zahn ....................................... Elkland, MO ..............................417-719-7517

R&C Farm Ron & Chanda Zahner Willard, MO 417-844-0616

Old Brick Barn Ranch Shelton Zeiset

Zoom Daddy Beef Co LLC .............................. Drew Zimmer ...................................

Rock N J Farms Jamie Aultman Sumrall, MS 601-270-6972

AC Farms James Bailey Olive Branch, MS 901-212-0860

Big Valley Farms ............................................ Danny Broome ................................. Sumrall, MS ...............................601-270-0608

Carr Farm ..................................................... JL Carr ............................................. Water Valley, MS ........................662-714-6902

Circle Creek Farms

Cool Creek Farm Davis Edwards

Windsor Farms

179 Ranch .................................................... Jaye Germany .................................. Madison, MS .............................601-604-4273

Hillman Farms Brandon

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South Poll Grass Cattle Association Members, continued from page 

Kunert Cattle Company .................................

River Ridge Ranch LLC

Burgess Family Farm .....................................

Josh Kunert ...................................... Unadilla, NE ..............................402-269-6255

Steven Tessari Arlington, NE 713-882-6191

Coley & Tamsen Burgess .................. Loving, NM ................................575-200-7469

Green Hill Farms ...........................................

Dobbs Hill Farm

Dunham Homestead

Tierra Verde Farms ........................................

Beech Hollow

Thomas Family Ranch

Brass Tacks Ranch ..........................................

Walnut Creek Farms

Roll-Bar Ranch

Cross B Ranch & Cattle Company ..................

3B Ranch

Hope Cattle Company

Carithers Family Farm ...................................

John & Myria Denniston ................... Ripley, OH .................................937-515-0748

Mark Dobbs Hillsboro, OH 937-763-8541

Justin Dunham Dayton, OH 937-340-1290

Mike & Connie Jones ....................... Deerfield, OH ............................330-614-6713

David Schlabach Millersburg, OH 330-763-0735

Lin Thomas Urbana, OH 937-244-3879

Amy Traxler ...................................... Galion, OH ...............................740-262-8160

Kim Barker Waynoka, OK 580-732-0244

Rollin Barnes Vinita, OK 918-868-7259

Burt & Lori Berger ............................ Stillwater, OK ............................215-415-5744

William Blood Mangum, OK 901-552-7925

Greg Buie Copan, OK 918-766-2910

Tommy & Jamie Carithers ................. Dewey, OK ................................918-914-9079

Carte Cattle Company................................... Luke & Phillip Carte.......................... Westville, OK .............................918-931-0737

Guthery Cattle Company ...............................

3J Farms Ok ................................................. Jennifer Hernandez

JSJ L&C LLC

Abbbc Farm

Clear Creek Abbey ........................................

Grazing

Airborne Okie Ranch

Griffith Livestock

Meadowlark Farm LLC................................... Scott & Jacqueline Allen ................... Corsica, PA ................................814-541-8550

The Farm Bruce Balick Cochranville, PA

Wildwood Run Farm

Buck Run Land & Cattle .................................

Heal Farms Adam Mason

Morgan

Great Meadows Sawmill & Farm ....................

Colton Parsons ..............................................

Parsons Land And Cattle Colton Parsons

Sunshine Acres ..............................................

Triple B Pastures ............................................

East Ridge Farm

Donnie Horton, Brian Pittman

Cypress Bottom Ranch David Dobbins

Rolling Hill Ranch ..........................................

Easy E Cattle Company Ethan Foard

Three Belles Farm

South Poll Grass Cattle Association Members, continued from page 9

Haley Quality Livestock LLC ........................... Joel Haley ........................................ Chester, SC ...............................803-487-5523

AP Sand Road Farm

Vanmar Corner Ranch

Pompey’s Rest ...............................................

Clay Ridge Farm............................................

Taproot Hills Farm

Jeff & Dawna Hatcher Bishopville, SC 678-863-6002

Brian Holliday Belton, SC 864-276-1364

Patricia & Don Jackson ..................... Ware Shoals, SC ........................864-861-3490

Thomas Brubaker, Jonny Skrivse ....... Olar, SC ....................................803-671-0329

Michael Lee Easley, SC 864-901-2270

John McDaniel ................................. Travelers Rest, SC ......................864-915-5646

Sparrow Ranch SC ......................................... Justin Poe ........................................ Lugoff, SC .................................803-540-6087

Grassy Haven South Polls

Triple Creek Farm

Brad Schulte Woodruff, SC 864-494-5170

Ben Setzler Newberry, SC 803-924-1626

Springdale Farm ........................................... Andre Wagler .................................. Cross Hill, SC ............................864-941-0079

RH Acres

Briar Creek Ranch

Ron Weaver Myrtle Beach, SC 843-458-1461

Jason Wenner McConnells, SC 704-604-7863

TW Cattle Company ...................................... Wayne Wilson .................................. Greenwood, SC .........................864-941-6236

Phoenix Farms Joseph Ash Cumberland Furnace, TN 661-330-0226

Opus Farms

Terrence Bailiff New Market, TN 423-321-6520

Baker Farms .................................................. Danny Baker .................................... Gordonsville, TN........................615-486-1845

Bee Well Farm Jill Baker Columbia, TN 615-490-1593

Bruner Farm ..................................................

4 Bar C Ranch ............................................... A.J. Clark .........................................

Robin’s Nest Farm

Farm

Triple S Farm .................................................

& Robin Shelton ..........................

Joaquin

Beverding

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South Poll Grass Cattle Association Members, continued from page 50

5B

Brooks

5K Ranch ......................................................

Quinton

Busy

Tranquil

Collins Country Farm ....................................

Connally

Corbello Farms ............................................. Cade & Devin Corbello ....................

Eitel Valley Farms

Ferguson Farms LLC

307 Land & Livestock

4 G Farms

Eitel

Ron & Paula Foland Weatherford, TX 817-598-0886

Kelsay Creek Ranch David Hartquist

Namesake

Wholistic Hills Farm

Terra Nera Ranch

Big Muddy

Base Camp Farm And Ranch

Honnas Land & Cattle Company

Brad Hemphill Eustace, TX 480-200-1210

Nathaniel Henderson

TX 832-270-0239

Daniel Hendrick Whitehouse, TX 903-570-9715

Running Double H Don & Regina Hunter

Clementine Cattle Ranch LLC Mitchell Huntsman

Hoof & Hide LLC

J.R. & Kara Jones

Blue Duck Ranch Matt Riley

Tromza Farms

TX 903-824-5750 Prairie Farmstead Chuck Trowbridge Sherman, TX 903-231-3748

Michael Vance

Park Springs Farm LLC

Enchanted Bull Ranch

Michael Vance Elkhart, TX 405-880-9960

Bryan Wall Fort Worth, TX 817-851-3922

Jeff Williams Alpine, TX 432-360-5935

Wilson Ranch At Lost Creek Joe Wilson

Tishomingo Land & Cattle Company LLC

Wind View Family Farm

Windy Acres Farm

Tallwood Farm

JS Livestock LLC

Pure Grass Farm LLC

Twin Oaks Century Farm

Bellows Branch Ranch

Bent Creek Farm

Hidden Creek Farms

Snowy Ridge Farm

River Rock Homestead

Broad Spectrum Organics

Garnet Grove Farm

Rapidan River Ranch

Greenway Beef

Harmony Hill Farms

JTI Farms

Twiford Farms LLC

Scott & Jessica Andrew Fairfield, VA 540-319-9415

Dakota Blanks Appomattox, VA 434-942-5210

Scott Bledsoe Stuart, VA 919-500-6915

Jason & Sheryl Bondurant Martinsville, VA 276-340-2629

Brian Bowen Fincastle, VA 540-484-3799

Andy Duke

John Everett

Allen, VA 804-640-7949

VA 434-429-1721

Robert Ferrell Lynchburg, VA 434-841-6232

Marv Fisher Prospect, VA 434-547-7593

Sean Glass Bentonville, VA 903-851-3578

Wayne & Idian Hall Dinwiddie, VA 804-896-4883

Keith Harrop

Matt Haught

VA 434-962-2285

VA 540-764-2946

Carlton Hensley Woodford, VA 831-917-4350

Tommy Hill Madison, VA 434-882-0351

George And Julie Hudson Dublin, VA 540-577-3211

Earl Ingersoll Scottsville, VA 434-286-7094

Jesse & Taylor Ingersoll Palmyra, VA 434-960-0319

Kevin Jones Oak Grove, VA 540-287-0425

South Poll Grass Cattle Association Members, continued from page 51

Buffalo Creek Ranch ......................................

Highlawn Farm ............................................. Rosalyn Koontz................................. Esmont, VA ................................434-286-2798

1Tribe Farm ..................................................

Windy Hill Farm KPR Cattle LLC .....................

Bingham

Apple Horse Farms ........................................

Chicory

Kinloch

Gracie Hollow Farm ...................................... Justin Quesenberry ..........................

Meridian Farmstead ......................................

Easy Yoke Farm .............................................

The Flying S Farm.......................................... Michael Salka .................................. Mt Jackson, VA ..........................805-908-1200

Oakwood Farms............................................ Karlin & Susan Schrock..................... Amherst, VA ..............................434-221-9129

Smith Family Pastures ....................................

Snyder Family Farm....................................... Jeremy Snyder .................................

Ember Cattle Company ................................. Becky Szarzynski Shaw ..................... Fairfield, VA...............................540-461-0969

Little

Seven Fields Farm .........................................

Ararat Farm ..................................................