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.

TCA Talk had the opportunity at the TCA Convention to catch up with Andy Holt, the Commissioner of Agriculture for Tennessee. In addition to his position with the state, Andy is also a beef cattle producer in Northwest Tennessee and he is a member of TCA. Along with talking about his work with the state as the Commissioner of Agriculture, we explored how Andy was inspired to become a first-generation cattle producer and how his efforts on the ground inform his work in his position with the state.

While looking at the cattle market with an eye toward the future, Andy asks producers to think about long-term profitability, providing options for the next generation on the farm, and meeting consumer demand without simply relying on old methods. He also notes the importance of working with organizations, especially the TCA, National Cattlemen's Beef Association and the Beef Council. In discussing the value of TCA Membership, Andy points out that TCA allows producers to create a network of influence, making their voice more effective with the General Assembly and Department of Agriculture. To learn more about the Tennessee Cattlemen’s Association, please visit TNCattle.org.

At the 2026 TCA Convention, we had the privilege of spending some time with Dr. Temple Grandin. An award-winning author, livestock expert and Autism advocate, Dr. Grandin spoke to the TCA Convention in featured breakout sessions during both days of the event. During this interview, we talked with Dr. Grandin about being onsite and meeting with cattle producers and vendors in settings like the TCA Convention. We also heard Dr. Grandin address the importance of talking to young people to get them interested in the cattle industry, as they will be tomorrow's leaders. Dr. Grandin reflects on her own experience of visiting her aunt's ranch at age 15, and she talks to us on how her exposure to the cattle industry opened new doors in her life. As you’ll hear, Dr. Grandin encourages young visual thinkers to start with things they are good at, such as art and building with tools.

TCA Executive Vice President Dale Parker returns to the show as we enter the final countdown to the TCA Convention, happening Feb. 6-7 at the Williamson County Ag Center in Franklin, Tenn. In addition to discussing the value of attending the Convention, Dale looks ahead to some of the goals for the TCA in 2026.

As you will hear, Dale talks about the importance of membership growth for the TCA, and he talks about how the association is focused on addressing current challenges in the cattle industry. Dale is seeking to ensure that engagement for TCA happens at the country level in the effort to promote membership growth. The TCA will continue to be a strong voice for cattle producers in legislation. Meanwhile, a continued focus on youth education and creating networking opportunities for new producers entering the industry are two other areas Dale highlighted in discussing goals for 2026.

To learn more about the Tennessee Cattlemen’s Association, including how to become a member of TCA, please visit the organization’s website at TNCattle.org.

For this episode of TCA Talk, we feature our conversation with Dr. Samantha Beaty, the state veterinarian for Tennessee. Dr. Beaty will be one of the featured presenters at the upcoming Tennessee Cattlemen’s Association Convention and Expo, which is taking place February 6-7 at the Williamson County Ag Center in Franklin, Tenn.

Along with talking about what Dr. Beaty is looking forward to experiencing at this year’s TCA Convention, we ask Dr. Beaty to look back on her journey into veterinary medicine, highlighting her background in mixed animal practice and her appointment as state veterinarian in 2019.

Dr. Beaty emphasizes the importance of animal health regulations and the role her office plays in maintaining the health of livestock and ensuring safe commerce in animal products. As you’ll hear, Dr. Beaty and her husband are cattle producers themselves. As Dr. Beaty notes, working with their family’s herd has helped in understanding the challenges faced by cattle producers today.

In our expansive discussion on animal health, Dr. Beaty provides insights into best practices for herd health, emphasizing vaccination, nutrition, and regular monitoring. Recorded in mid-January, we talk about what Dr. Beaty sees on the horizon for the next six months related to cattle health, including her observations about the screw worm fly. To learn more about the Tennessee Cattlemen’s Association and register for the TCA Convention, visit the organization’s website at TNCattle.org.

In this episode of TCA Talk, Dale Parker makes his first visit to the show since beginning his new position as the TCA’s Executive Vice President on November 17, 2025. Dale talks about his initial weeks on the job, noting a focus that involves serving members, being involved with sales and county meetings, listening to members' concerns, and never losing sight of the huge legislative portion of the job as a voice for producers. You’ll hear about Dale’s background as he looks back at growing up in rural Middle Tennessee, raising tobacco, hogs and cattle, with his older brother later getting involved in the dairy business. Dale feels he has been in training for this job his entire life.

Dale also talks to us about the upcoming TCA Convention and Expo, which will be held on February 6-7 in Franklin at the Williamson County Ag Center. To learn more about the Tennessee Cattlemen’s Association and register for the TCA Convention, visit the organization’s website at TNCattle.org.