Rhedona Rose is a long-time friend of the Tennessee Cattlemen’s Association, and her career with Farm Bureau Insurance spans most of the history of the association. Rhedona was onsite at the 2026 TCA Convention and TCA Talk spent some time looking back at her lifelong connection to the agricultural community, beginning with her family in Smith County.

From Rhedona’s perspective, the TCA has evolved significantly since its inception in 1985. As she shares with us, each generation of leadership has contributed to the organization's progress. She believes that the growth of the Association has likely exceeded the expectations and original vision of those who founded it. As Rhedona notes, the cattle industry remains vital across all 95 counties in Tennessee, and the TCA continues to focus on supporting those who provide essential protein to consumers. To learn more about about the Tennessee Cattlemen's Association, please visit TNCattle.org.

During the 2026 TCA Convention, TCA Talk had the opportunity to spend some time with Dr. Bob Coley, who served as the first President of Tennessee Cattlemen’s Association when the organization was founded in 1985. In addition to looking back at the early years of TCA, Dr. Coley discusses how some of those early grassroots efforts that were a part of building the association still apply today. As an example, Dr. Coley points to the work that goes into strengthening TCA’s county-level groups and increasing membership to ensure all beef producers benefit from TCA’s overall advocacy and resources.

Dr. Coley also notes the important role the next generations of producers will play in furthering the reach of TCA as the association continues to move into the future. As you will hear, Dr. Coley believes that engaging youth through 4-H and Future Farmers of America will be vital to increase youth awareness and involvement that will benefit the cattle industry for years to come. As he looks back on what started in 1985, Dr. Coley is quick to credit the many people who took over leadership roles and the effective executive directors who have managed the organization over the last 40 years. To learn more about the TCA, please visit the association’s website, TNCattle.org.

With this episode of TCA Talk recorded at the TCA’s Annual Convention, we have the opportunity to be introduced to Casey Matzke. Our interview was recorded just days after Casey began her term as the President of the American National Cattlewomen, Inc. As you will hear, we talked with Casey about ANCW's mission and ongoing initiatives as the organization operates under three core pillars: education, promotion, and legislation. The ANCW has active affiliate organizations in 28 states, including Tennessee.

Along with sharing some of ANCW’s plans for 2026, Casey details how the membership in the organization is diverse, encompassing multi-generational ranch owners, women who manage daily ranch operations independently, and individuals dedicated to the beef industry without owning cattle. Looking toward the future, Casey tells us ANCW will be seeking to encourage greater involvement from younger generations to help in promoting the vital role of the beef industry. To learn more about the Tennessee Cattlemen's Association and how you can become a member, visit TNCattle.org.