MURFREESBORO, TN—The Tennessee Cattlemen’s Association (TCA) presented the Outstanding Youth Award to two individuals for their outstanding leadership and commitment to the beef cattle industry. They received this award at the TCA Alltech/Kubota Youth Awards Banquet during the annual Tennessee Cattlemen’s Association Convention and Trade Show, Jan. 28-29, in Murfreesboro, Tenn.
The TCA Outstanding Youth Award is designed to recognize a well-rounded individual in the cattle industry. Winners are selected based upon their presence in the cattle industry, both the show ring and production aspect, their involvement in their community and service to others, academics, and their plans for making a contribution to the cattle industry in the future.
“The TCA Outstanding Youth Award is another way for us to recognize youth who are excelling in the beef cattle industry,” said Luke Teeple, TCA Board of Director and Outstanding Youth Award sponsor. “These individuals work hard to manage their own cattle herds, are active in 4-H and FFA, and serve in their community. They deserve to be recognized for their extraordinary efforts.”
Dallas Bomar from Cottage Grove, Tenn. won the junior division award for ages 12-16. The senior award winner, ages 17-21, was Alvin “AB” Brandon, Jr., a senior at Oakland High School, from Readyville, Tenn.
The junior division winner received a $250 cash award and trophy belt buckle sponsored by Oakdale Farms. The senior division winner received a $1,000 cash award and trophy belt buckle sponsored by Oakdale Farms. Oakdale Farms is owned by the Luke Teeple Family of Sparta, Tenn.
“I was extremely shocked when the video started to play. I was not expecting to win such an outstanding award,” said AB Brandon, senior division Outstanding Youth Award winner. “This award means a lot to me and my family. It is nice to be rewarded for the work that I am doing in the cattle industry. I would like to thank everyone that was involved in helping me receive this honor.”
Those eligible for the award must complete an application that outlines their involvement in the cattle industry thus far and state how they plan to stay involved in the industry in the future. They must also list their leadership roles and community involvement. The application must be endorsed by their Extension Agent, Agriculture Education Teacher, or county Cattlemen’s Association president. Applicants must also be a paid member of the Tennessee Cattlemen’s Youth Association.
Applications for the 2022 TCA Outstanding Youth Award will be available in the fall of 2022.
TCA was founded in 1985 and has more than 7,000 members from across the state and the southeast. The organization works to provide the cattlemen of Tennessee with an organization through which they may function collectively to protect their interests and work toward the solution of cattle industry problems and to build the necessary goodwill that will bring both governmental esteem and recognition to the industry.
PHOTO: Alvin “AB” Brandon, Jr., (second from left), a senior at Oakland High School, from Readyville, Tenn., received the senior division TCA Outstanding Youth Award. Pictured with AB are award sponsors, Luke and Amanda Teeple, and TCA President-Elect, Dustin Pearson.