january2007

Tennessee Cooperator January 2007 �

Jernigan, Smartt are new directors

Crop yields are up and down for 2006 – p. 5

Experts share advice onbuilding hay storagefacilities – p. 10

2 January 2007 Tennessee Cooperator

2 January 2007 Tennessee Cooperator January 2007 �

TheTennessee CooperatorisdistributedfreeofchargetopatronsofmemberfarmerCo-opsacrossthestate.SinceeachCo-opmaintainsitsownmailinglist,requestsforsubscriptionsmustbemadethroughthelocalCo-op.Whenreportingachangeofaddress,pleaseincludethemailinglabelfromapastissue. Guestsubscriptionsareavailablefor$12.95peryear.RequestsforguestsubscriptionsshouldbemadedirectlytoTennesseeFarmersCooperativeattheaddressbelow. Mailing address: Tennessee Cooperator, Tennessee Farmers Cooperative, P.O. Box �00�, LaVergne, TN �7086 Phone: (6�5) 79�-8��9; E-mail: [email protected]

Editor AllisonMorgan

Assistant Editor MarkE.Johnson

Communications Specialist MauraSatchell

Contributing Editor JerryKirk

Advertising Manager MackBarrett

Art Director BobGillespie

Graphic Designer ShaneRead

Editorial Assistant PollyCampbell

Circulation BethPhillips

NOTICE:Thispublicationisforinformationalpurposesonly,and Tennessee Farmers Cooperative, its affiliates, subsidiaries, and membercooperativesshallnotberesponsibleforanydamagesorclaimsthatmayresultfromareader’suseofthisinformation,includingbutnotlimitedtoactual,punitive,consequential,oreconomicdamages.Tennessee Farmers Cooperative makes no warranties or representations, either express or implied, including warranties of merchantability or fitness of any product/material for a particular purpose.Eacharticle,document,advertisement,orotherpieceofinformationisprovided“ASIS”andwithoutwarrantyofanykind.TennesseeFarmersCooperativereservestherighttoalter,correct,orotherwisechangeanypartorportionofthispublication,includingarticlesandadvertisements,withoutdetrimenttoTennesseeFarmersCooperative, its affiliates, subsidiaries, or member cooperatives.

Visit TFC’s Web site: www.ourcoop.com

Board of Directors: RossVia,Bells,Zone1,Chairman StephenPhilpott,Shelbyville,Zone2,ViceChairman LarryPaulHarris,Wildersville,Zone1 LarryRice,Covington,Zone1 DonaldJernigan,Christiana,Zone2 BillMayo,TennesseeRidge,Zone2 WayneBrown,Chuckey,Zone3 Lowry“Whitey”Dougherty,Madisonville,Zone3 GeorgeSmartt,McMinnville,Zone3Chief Executive Officer —BartKrisle

Published by Tennessee Farmers Cooperative in the interest of better farming through cooperation and improved technology,

and to connect the Co-op community throughshared experiences, common values, and rural heritage.

®

T e n n e S c e n e

DonaldJernigan,left,andGeorgeSmarttarethenewestmembersoftheTennesseeFarmersCooperativeboardofdirectors.Electedbydelegatestothe2006annualmeetingonNov.27,JerniganrepresentsZone 2, and Smartt fills a new position created in Zone 3.

Coverstory

Departments4AsIWasSaying 13NeighborlyAdvice 25TackRoomTalk

30What’sCookin’?

18Jernigan,SmarttarenewTFCdirectors

31OurCountryChurches 33NewatCo-op

6 TFCopensfirstStockdale’sstoreinHixson A grand opening is held in November at this unique retailer hailed as “America’s Rural Outfitter.”

8 Inabigway VanBurenCountycattlemanMarkSullivanisbecomingaleadingproducerofsuperiorbulls.

12 Rustbucketnomore RaySimmonsresurrectsa1938JohnDeereModelAtractortowinCo-op’sUglyTractorContest.

15 Specialannualmeetingcoverage 16 Co-oppictureis‘strongandvibrant’ 18 Via,PhilpottelectedtoTFCchairman,vicechairmanposts 19 Donationsfrom4-H/FFAknifesalestop$80,000 20 Atthetopoftheirgame:SixCo-opsreceivePinnacle,PeakPerformerAwards 23 JamesWrightwinsCooperativeSpiritAward

26 Agreatescape ClaudiaTurnersharesherjourneyfromEastGermanrefugeetoEastTennesseehorsebreeder.

28 Swordsintoplowshares AtinyMountainCityboardingschoolemploysold-fashionedprinciplestomoldrebelliousteens.

34 Everyfarmerhasastory The2006SunbeltFarmeroftheYear,BobWillisprovidesaninsidelookathisoperation.

Representing the geographical and symbolic center of the University of the South campus in Sewanee, the majestic All Saints Chapel is even more beautiful cloaked in a late winter snow. — Photo by Allison Morgan

COVER SHOT: The new TFC directors have cattle in common as part of their farming enterprises. Jernigan, left, raises cattle and hay in Christiana while Smartt has a diversified operation in McMinnville. — Photo by Mark E. Johnson

Alsointhisissue

� January 2007 Tennessee Cooperator

By Jerry Kirk, contributing editorS I Wa S Sa y I n g

JerryKirkhasbeenpartoftheTennessee Cooperatorstaffformorethan30years,servingaseditorfromNovember1972untilhisretirementinApril2001.Hecontinuesasacontributingeditor.

aGroupdidmorethanjustwarmuptheaudience

BecauseIwassoyoungatthetime,Idon’tremembermuchaboutWorldWarIIwhenitwasactuallybeingfoughtsofarawayfromthesafe confines of my hometown of Whitesburg in East Tennessee.

I was 2 when war was declared in 1941 and 6 when the fighting ended in ’45.Icanbarelyrememberrationingofcommoditieslikesugarandgasoline,butIdorecallhowsadmymotherwasthathercousin,CliffordMooney,haddiedatPearlHarbor.AuntLauraMooney,Mamasaid,nevergotoverherson’sdeath.ThankgoodnessmyUncleGuyBrooks,Mama’syoungestbrother,andEarlCarpenter,whowouldbecomemyuncleafterhemarriedmyAuntHelen,madeithomesafelyfromthewar.

Asformyimmediatefamily,Daddywastoooldforthedraft,andsincewedidn’thaveacaratthetime,gasolinerationingdidn’taffectuslikeitdidsomepeople.MamaandMaKirk,mydeargrandmotherwholivedwithus,werelikemosthomemakersintheearly1940s:Theywerecreativewiththeircooking,makingdowithlesssugarandotherstaplesthatwerehardtoget.Wealwayshadplentytoeat,though—meatfromthetwohogsDaddykilledeveryyear,friedchicken(onSundaysonly)fromthepulletsMamaraisedinthebarnlot,andfreshvegetablesfromthegardenourfamilygrew.Iguesspintobeansweren’tonthelistofrationedgoodsbecausewehadplentyofthem, which suited me fine. As I’ve said before, they’re still my favorite thingtoeat,preferablywithabigslabofcornbreadandathicksliceofonion.

Asthewarraged,ourfamilygatheredeveryeveningaroundtheoldTrue-toneradio(whichIstillhave,bytheway)tohearupdatesfromEdwardR.MurrowontheCBSRadioNetworkandGabrielHeater,whoalwaysstartedhisreportwith,“Ah,there’sgoodnewstonight!”—eventhoughwhathehadtotellwasn’talwaysgood.

Iadmitthatnowadaysmyminddoesn’toftenwandertothedaysourbraveAmericans were fighting that bloody war in other parts of the world. But my limitedmemoryofthaterawasstirredjustbeforeChristmaswhenJaneandIwenttothewonderfulCumberlandCountyPlayhouseinCrossvilletosee

alivelypresentationofIrvingBerlin’s“WhiteChristmas.”TheshownotonlygotmeintheChristmasspirit,butitalsoawakenedadeep-seated appreciation for the sacrifices made by thosemenandwomenwhoservedinthemili-taryduringWorldWarII.

Theopeningsceneof“WhiteChristmas”themusicalisset“somewhereontheWesternFront”ofthewaronChristmasEve,1944.Myjoltofreality,though,wasdeliveredbyacastof14Crossville-areamenandwomendressedinauthenticuniformsoftheU.S.Army,Navy,AirForce,andMarines.TheylinedupacrossthefrontofthestagetogiveaUSO-typeperformancebeforethemusicalitself.Butwhatthesepeoplehadtosayandthepridetheyshowedinsingingpatrioticsongs(andleadingtheaudienceinsomeoftherousingtunes)wasmorethanworththepriceofadmission.

SomeofthesefolkshadactuallyservedinWorldWarII.OtherswerewivesorsistersofWorldWarIIveteransormothersofservicepersonnelwhohaveproudlyservedtheircountrysince.

Whattheseperformers—allofthemvolunteersattheplayhouse—of-feredweremovingrecollectionsofthoseWorldWarIIdaysthatarenowdimmemoriesforsomeofusandsimplyunknowntosomanyothers.

Atallwomanwithasweet,sweetvoiceexpressedthejoyofseeingherbrothereventuallyreceivethemedalshehadearned,thankstothediligenceofhiswife.

“Mybrotherdidn’twanttotalkaboutthewar,”thesistersaid.“Buthiswife, without his knowing it, filled out the paperwork for him to receive the medals.Hisawardscame,andamongthemwastheBronzeStar.Thesadpartisthathiswifediedbeforethemedalsarrived.”

Andwiththat,alotofuscried.

� January 2007 Tennessee Cooperator January 2007 5

newsbriefsTheannualTennesseePorkProducersAssociationConventionissetforTues-

dayandWednesday,Jan.16and17,attheDoubletreeHotelinMurfreesboro.TheTasteofEleganceChefs’CompetitionisTuesdayeveningwithsome

of Tennessee’s finest chefs promoting pork by preparing new entrees for a panelofjudgesandcompetingforachancetoadvancetonationalcompeti-tion.

AneducationalseminaronthePorkInformationGatewaywillbepresentedTuesdayafternoonat1:30,withDr.KenStalderofIowaStateUniversityleadingproducers,Extensionpersonnel,andotherindustrystaffinaninterac-tivesessiononthisup-to-datereasearchdatabaseofporkinformation.

YouthfromacrossthestatewillparticipateintheStateJuniorMarketHogShowonWednesdayatthelivestockarenaonthecampusofMiddleTennes-seeStateUniversity.Areaelementaryschoolchildrenwillvisitthehogshow,playtheAgWheelofKnowledge,andmeetWilbur,RutherfordCountyporkproducerJohnL.Batey’spigfeaturedintheneweditionofCharlotte’sWeb.

Formoreinformation,calltheTennesseePorkProducersAssociationat(615)274-6533forfurtherdetails.

AneweconomicanalysisconductedbytheUniversityofTennesseeoutlineshowtappingAmerica’svastnaturalresourcescouldproduce25percentofthenation’senergysupplyfromrenewablesourcesandpotentiallyresultinmorethan$700billionineconomicactivityand5.1millionnewjobsby2025.

Theresearchteam,ledbyUTagriculturaleconomistsDanielDeLaToreeUgarteandBurtonEnglish,concludedthatwithcontinuedadvancementsintechnology and significant shifts in cropping patterns, U.S. farmers, ranchers, andforesterscanproduce25percentofthenation’senegywhilestillprovidingabundant supplies of food, feed, and fiber. The study provides an analysis of the impactstoboththeagriculturalsectorandthenation’seconomy.

TheeconomistssaidnotonlywouldreachingthegoaldrasticallyreduceAmerica’sdependenceonforeignenergysources,itwouldalsohaveanex-tremelyfavorableimpactonruralcommunitiesandthenationasawhole.

Pork Producers to meet Jan. 16-17

Farming, forestry could produce a fourth of nation’s energy by 2025

Strugglingagainstdroughtduringmuchofthegrowingseasonandrainyweatherthat

hamperedtheendofharvest,Tennes-seeproducersareontracktoachievehit-and-missyieldsfor2006.

Totalproductionforsomecrops,suchassoybeansandcotton,areup,whileyieldsofcorn,hay,andtobac-coaredown.

Cottonisthebrightestspotinthestate’scropproductionandwillreachanewstaterecordiftheyieldfore-castof1.27millionbalesisrealized.BasedonconditionsasofNov.1,cottonyieldisexpectedtobe877poundsoflintperacre,thesecond-highestonrecord.Growersexpecttoharvest695,000acres,60,000morethan2005.

AccordingtotheTennesseeAgri-culturalStatisticsService,anumberoffactorscontributedtothisyear’stremendouscrop,includingtimelyrains,anadequatesupplyofheatunits,bettervarieties,andcontinuedsuccessoftheBollWeevilEradica-tionProgram.

Thestate’ssoybeanproductionisforecastat42.9millionbushels,whichis3percentabove2005.Growersexpectedtoharvest1.13millionacres,30,000morethanayearearlier.Tennesseegrowershar-vestedsome38bushelsperacre,thesameas2005.

Cornproductionisforecastat63.8millionbushels,down18percentfrom2005andthelowesttotalinfouryears.BasedonconditionsinNovember,yieldswereexpectedtoaverage125bushelsperacre,downfive bushels from the previous year. Tennessee’sacreageharvestedforgrainisestimatedat510,000acres,down85,000acresfrom2005andthesmallestamountforgrainin34years.

Hayproduction,excludingalfalfa,isforecastat3.96milliontons,down7percentfrom2005.Harvestedareaisestimatedat1.80millionacres,50,000acreslessthanayearago.Yieldsareexpectedtoaverage2.2tonsperacre,downatenthofatonfrom last year. Beneficial rainfall andmoderatetemperaturesduring

Cotton production may set state recordTennessee crop yields are

both up and down for 2006

thefallhelpedtoimprovepastureconditions,whichhaddeterioratedduringthedrysummer.Haystocksareratedasveryshorttoshortinalmost40percentofthestate.

Burleytobaccogrowersexpecttoproduce30.1millionpounds,down11percentfromthepreviousyear.

Thestate’sburleyyieldsareforecastat2,150poundsperacre.Farmersharvested14,000acresin2006,down3,000acresfromayearago.

Tennessee’s dark fire-cured tobaccoyieldsareforecastat3,100pounds,whiledarkair-curedshouldyield2,800poundsperacre.

Cotton was the highlight of Tennessee’s 2006 crop production, with yields expected to set a new state record at 1.27 million bales. Growers should harvest an average of 877 pounds of lint per acre, the second-highest yield on record. Production of other crops were mixed, with soybeans up over 2005 but corn, hay, and tobacco down.

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Story and photos by Allison Morgan

TennesseeFarmersCoop-erativehasventuredintotheretail world for the first time

withtheopeningofits“Stockdale’s:America’s Rural Outfitter” store intheChattanoogaarea.AwhollyownedsubsidiaryofTFC,thisuniqueretailerstocksonlythebest,most-trustedbrandnameswithalarge,diverseselectionofqualityproductsforthehome,farm,andfamily.

“Stockdale’sisuniquelydifferentfromotherstoresduetothecombina-tionofproducts,depthofinventory,andlevelofservice,”saidDouglasAdcock,retailoperationsmanager.“Stockdale’swillbeknownforourcomfortable,friendly,invitingatmo-sphere.It’snotjustaplacetoshop—it’sanentireshoppingexperience.”

Stockdale’sisanewconceptfortheTFC,providingawaytoreachbeyondthecooperative’straditionalcustomerbase,diversifyandexpandproductofferings,andreachmoreofthegrowingsegmentofrurallifestylecustomers.

“Stockdale’sisaresultofachal-lengethattheTFCboardpresentedtoseniormanagementsomethreeyearsago,”saidKennethNixon,outgoingboardchairman,duringhisremarksatTFC’sannualmeetingonNov.27.“Weaskedmanagementtogetcreativeandbringussomenewpro-posals that would generate profitable growth,andtheydelivered.”

Nixonsaidtheretailoperationwill directly benefit TFC’s member ownersbywideningthevendorpos-sibilitiesforCo-opstoresstatewide,increasingthesystem’spurchasingpower,improvingTFC’sbottomline,andenablingthecooperativetoreturnmoredollarsinpatronage.

“Wemustadapttothechangingrurallifestylecustomerbaseinordertoeffectivelycompetefortheneededshareofthisgrowingmarket,”saidBruceBaird,TFCconsumerproductsoperations officer who’s in charge of theretailinitiative.“Webelievethatwehaveallthenecessaryresourcesinplacetocompletethismissionsuccessfully,bringinganewlevelofefficiency to our system. In addition to generating profitable growth for thesystemwhilebetterutilizingourexistingresources,wewillimproveservicetoourmembercooperativesasaresultofnewprogramopportuni-tiescreatedthroughStockdale’s.”

AgrandopeningcelebrationwasheldFridayandSaturday,Nov.17

and 18, at the first Stockdale’s store, whichoccupiesaformerAshleyFur-niturebuildingonbustlingHighway153inHixson.Theeventfeaturedspecialproductprices,giveaways,andactivitiesforthewholefamily.Vendorswereonhandwithsamples,demonstrations,andproductadvice,andliveradioremotesbroadcastfrom the store both days. An official ribbon-cuttingwasstagedbytheChattanoogaChamberofCommerce

at1p.m.onFriday,andonSaturdayaminiaturehorseexhibitwasondisplayforvisitors.Local4-Hmem-bersservedhotdogsandsoftdrinks,andcuriouscrowdstookadvantageoftheopportunitytomeettheirnewneighborandgetaheadstartontheirChristmasshopping.

“It’sjustawonderfulstorewithjustabouteverythingyoucouldwant,”saidcustomerGailGatesofHixson.“Ilikethatthere’saselec-

tionforbothwomenandmen.Icangooneway,myhusbandgoestheother,andwecanmeetinthemiddleatthecheckout!”

Decoratedwithvibrant,moderncolorsandfeaturingeye-catchingproductdisplays,thestorehas47,000squarefeetofshowroomspace,al-lowingmostproductstobestockedwherecustomerscanseethemratherthanbeingstoredinawarehouse.Theproductmixincludesapparel,

Unique retailer offers diverse product mix as ‘America’s Rural Outfitter’TFC opens first Stockdale’s store in Hixson

lHixson

Officials from Tennessee Farmers Cooperative, Chattanooga Chamber of Commerce, and local contractors who worked on TFC’s new Stockdale’s store in Hixson gather for the official ribbon-cutting on Nov. 17. From left are Elizabeth Daniels, CTC Technologies; Ross Via, 2006 TFC board vice chairman; Chip Frazier, Panera; Kevin McMahan, Stockdale’s store manager; Bill Mayo, TFC director; Bart Krisle, TFC chief executive officer; Whitey Dougherty, TFC director; Kenneth Nixon, TFC 2006 board chairman; Lynn Chastain, contractor with Chazler Inc.; Bruce Baird, TFC consumer products operations officer; Douglas Adcock, Stockdale’s retail operations manager; Chris Byerly, contractor with Chazler Inc.; David Queen, Queen Financial Services; and Deanna Roberts, Citadel Broadcasting.

6 January 2007 Tennessee Cooperator January 2007 7

tools,horsefeedandtack,petsup-plies,outdoorfurniture,lawnandgardenitems,toys,andmuchmore.

Thestore’sclothingandfootwearsectionisabigattraction,withaselectionthatboastsmorethan6,000pairsofjeansformenandwomen,includingbrandnameslikeWrangler,Carhartt,Levi’s,Lucky,Cinch,andCruelGirl.Anattractivestackedrockfireplace and comfortable seating area connecttheclothingsectiontothegiftsandaccessories,offeringevery-thingfromMontanaSilversmithsbeltbucklesandjewelrytohomedécoritemsandcollectibles.Completingthecozyatmosphereintheshowroomisawaterfallinthe“outdoorliving”area,whichincludeseverythingfromhigh-qualitylawnfurnituretowindchimes,fountains,andgardenart.

Fortheguys,the“ToolZone”isafocalpointofthestore,offeringqualitypowertoolsforhomeowners,do-it-yourselfers,andcontractorsalikefromnameslikeDewalt,Bostitch,andIrwin.Stockdale’sistheonlyCaseknife“MasterDealer”inthearea,whichmeansthestorecarriesthefulllineofCaseproducts,collectibles,andsomespecialfactoryorders.

Awell-stockedpetareaoffersawideselectionoffoodandacces-soriesforfurryfriends,andawooden“stable”houseshorse-re-latedproducts,includingthemosttrustedfeeds,tack,andanimalhealthitemsinthebusiness.Live-stockequipment,feed,andrelatedproductsarealsoavailable.

Officials stress thattop-notchcustomerserviceisahallmarkof

Stockdale’s,promisingthatcustom-erswillbe“treatedlikefamily”whentheyvisittheHixsonstore.Theulti-mategoal,theysay,istoensurethatcustomershaveanenjoyableshoppingexperienceandcomebackformore.

“Ouremployeesarecarefullyselectedfortheirpositiveattitudeandwillingnesstogiveunparalleledcustomerservice,”saidstoremanagerKevinMcMahan.“We’rebringingbacktheattentiveservicepeopleusedto find in their hometown stores.”

Employeesareknowledgeableabouttheproducts,andanon-siteedu-cationalroomofferscustomers“how-to”resourcesandregularseminarsontopicssuchashorses,pets,livestock,andlawnandgarden.

“We’recommittedtohelpingcus-tomerslearnaboutsubjectsthatwillenhancetheirrurallifestyleexperi-ence,”saidMcMahan.

TFC officials maintain there is a tremendousopportunityforStock-dale’stosucceedinservingtherurallifestylemarket,emphasizingthattheintentisnottocompetewithmem-berCo-opstoresbuttocomplementtheirefforts.Chattanoogawaschosenas the ideal location for the first Stockdale’sstorebecauseHamiltonCountydoesnothaveaCo-oppres-ence,andthearea’smixofruralandurban living is a “perfect fit” for what theretaileroffers.

ForthesecondStockdale’s,TFCisworkingwithTiptonFarmersCoop-

erativetoopenasimilaryetsmallerstoreinCovingtonthisspring..ItwilloccupythecurrentCo-opwarehouseafteranextensiverenovation.TiptonFarmersisintheprocessofbuildingnewagronomy-focusedfacilitiesontheoutskirtsoftowntobetterserveitslargelyrow-cropcustomerbase.

“TheseareasarehometoexactlythetypeofcustomerStockdale’swillserve—fromthosewhohaveafewacrestotheequineenthusiasttohomeownerstotheurbanresidentwhoenjoysshoppingforqualitycloth-ingandauniquegiftselection,”saidAdcock.“WebelieveStockdale’swillbeaneighborresidentscanbeproudof.”

ABOVE LEFT: A live remote with one of the Chattanooga area’s most popular country radio stations, US 101, was held during the grand opening event. From left are on-air personalities Dex and Big Al interviewing Douglas Adcock, Stockdale’s retail operations manager. LEFT: Customers Jackie and Jack Reneker with their dog, Duke, browse the selection of more than 6,000 pairs of jeans inside the Stockdale’s showroom. ABOVE: A cozy fireplace is an attractive focal point of the gifts and accessories area.

ABOVE: Ernie Perry, taking a break from shopping with his wife, Sandy, sits in front of a display of clocks in the outdoor living area. RIGHT: Business was booming during the grand opening of Stockdale’s as many local residents took the opportunity to check out the unique new store.


Spencerl

arkSullivanmakesnobonesaboutit,nordoeshewastetimewithlengthyexplana-

tions.Hejustlikesbigbulls.“Simpleasthat,”heshrugs.“Ilike

abullthat,whenyoucomebacktwoweekslater,he’sgrownnoticeably.Afterall,it’sallaboutthepounds,right?Itdoesn’tmatterifyou’resell-ingregisteredpurebredorcommercialcattle.Themoretheyweigh,themoremoneygoesintoyourwallet.”

Withhishandsshovedintohiscoverallpockets,Markstandsonahighpastureridgeandsurveyssomeofthemorethan1,800acresthatheownswithbrotherDoan,fatherDan,andcousinWayne.TherollingVanBurenCountylandscape,coveredinmature pines only five years ago, has nowtakenonadecidedlyWesternplainslook—expansiveandwideopen—perfectforkeepingitsgraz-ingresidents.WhentheJ.MHuberCorporation,alargenaturalresourcescompany,soldoffmorethan95,000woodedacresinthecountyinthelate1990s,theSullivanstookadvantageoftheresultingplummetinlandpricestoobtainthevastproperty.

“Westartedclearingitin2000andsowed the first grass a year later,” says Mark,whoalsoownsalargesawmillwithhisfamily.“About1,400acres

ofitisingrassnow.Westilllackabout400acresofhavingthefarmclearedentirely.”

Withsomuchreadytimberanda40,000-board-feet-a-daysawmillattheirdisposal,theSullivanshavebuiltnearlyallofthewoodenstructures—fromfencingandbarnstocorralsandcattle-workingareas—outofnativelumber.Atthesametime,thefamilyhassteadilyclearedthewayforamajorexpansioninbeefcattleproduction.

“Beforewemovedtheoperationhere,wekeptaround200commercialcows,”saysMark,alongtimememberofWhiteCountyFarmersCoopera-tive.“Atthattime,wemostlyrentedlandandwerefocusingonthetimberandsawmillbusiness.Butaswestartedworkingonthepropertyhere,werealizedwecouldreallydosome-thingspecialinlivestock.”

Atpresent,theonce-modestherdhasgrowntomorethan1,000,includ-ingsome380commercialand650registeredcows.Markpointstoa2004spikeincommercialcattlepricesasthenudgeheneededtoshifthisfocustoregisteredanimals—bullsinparticular.

“I figured I could raise a good bull andthenqualitysteersandheifersoutofhim,”Marksays.“Thisyear,wewillbeginhavingproductionsales.Mygoalistohavetwoperyearfortheforeseeablefuture,oneinFebruaryandoneinNovember.”

Towardthatend,theSullivanshavebeenbuildingaherdofblackAngus

withgeneticsthatstemfromWesternbloodlines,includingtheHofflineoutofSouthDakota.

“They’realittlebitbigger-framedthan many black Angus you’ll find inTennessee,”Markexplains.“Theframescoreonmost[areacattle]willbearound5to5.5.Mycattlerun6.5to7.”

LastSeptember,inordertopreparethegrowingbullherdfortheFebruaryproductionsale,MarkaskedWhiteCountyFarmerslivestockspecialistKyleFraziertoarrangeagrowthtrialbasedonthetried-and-truetemplateknownasPerformanceTested,orPTBulls,anindus-trystandardthatmeasuresgrowthandgeneticpotential.KyleenlistedthehelpofTennesseeFarmersCoop-erativelivestockspecialistJacobSparkmanandnutritionistDr.PaulDavis.

“Thetrialwasreallydirectedtowardbullper-formanceratherthanfeedperfor-mance,”explainsPaul.“Markchallengeduswiththetaskofputtingthebestrationpossible

infrontofthebullsthatwouldallowthemtoreachtheirgeneticpotential.”

PaulandJacobsettledonapelletedrationthatMarkcouldblendwithprocessedhayfromthefarm.

“Wewerelookingtoputtogethertheidealbalanceofprotein,vitamins,minerals,andenergywhileutilizingtheavailableroughage,”Paulsays.“Ichoseapelletedformforconsisten-cy’ssake.Amixedfeed,forexample,islikelytoseparate,andbull‘A’mightgetallthenutritionwhilebull‘B’might only receive the less beneficial material.Youdon’thavethatproblemwithpelletedfeed.”

From left, Tennessee Farmers Cooperative feed and animal health specialist Jacob Sparkman, beef producer Mark Sullivan, and White County Farmers Cooperative livestock specialist Kyle Frazier survey some 90 head of Sullivan’s black Angus bull herd. In preparation for a spring production sale, Sullivan’s herd recently participated in a 112-day feed trial designed by Frazier, Sparkman, and TFC nutritionist Dr. Paul Davis. The animals averaged from between 5.5 and 6 pounds of average daily gain on the pelleted Co-op bull ration.

M

Sullivan and family members purchased more than 1,800 Van Buren County acres in the late 1990s to expand their beef operation and supplement their sawmill business.


The112-daytrial,monitoredcloselybyKyle,beganinSeptember.Morethan100bullsweremovedtotheSullivans’260-foot-longfeedlot/barnandstartedonafree-choicedietof80percentofthecustomrationand20percenthay,heexplains.

“Wekepttherationinfrontofthem24hoursperday,”hesays.“Afterabouttwoweeks,weuppedittoan85:15[rationtohay]ratiotopushthebullstogettheirweightsupfortheperformancedata.Atsomepoints,theywereeating40to50poundsperday,andtheresultswereincredible.Wewereseeing5.5to6poundsdailygain.Theywereadd-ingleanmusclemassandskeletalgrowthandjustlookedlikedifferentanimals.”

Paulpointsoutthatthedailygainnumbersaresoimportantbecausetheytranslatenotonlyintomorepoundsatthesalebarnbutalsointoproofofsuperiorgeneticsforpoten-tialbullcustomers.

“Abullthathasdemonstratedsu-periorgrowththroughanon-the-farmtestwilllikelysiresonsanddaugh-tersthatwillperformsimilarly,”Paulsays.“Cattlemenwillgenerallychoosebullswithgreatgeneticsandperformancebecausethey’rehopingtosellmorepoundsinfeedercalvesdowntheline.”

Markadmitsthathewasskepti-cal about the ration at first but was quicklyonboardashewatchedthetrialprogress.

“Youcouldpracticallysee[thebulls]growingrightbeforeyoureyes,”hesayswithalaugh.“I’veneverseenanythinglikeit.Theygrewlikeweeds.”

Inadditiontoutilizingtheap-propriatefeeds,MarkfollowspropermanagementpracticesthatJacobsays,havegonealongwayinaddingtothesuccessofhisbeefprogram.

“YoucanjustlookaroundthisplaceandrecognizethequalityandlevelofcommitmenttheSullivans

areinvestingintheoperation,”Jacobsays.“Theirfencingandfacilitiesaretop-notch,theirhaystorageisexcel-lent,andthey’vedonealltherightthingswiththecattlethey’vebroughtinhere.”

Trial-and-errorwasinvolvedinacclimating the first group of produc-tionbulls,purchasedin2001fromaranchinMontana,toTennesseeconditions,Marksays.

“They didn’t do too well at first,” he says. “But we figured out pretty quickthattheywerelackinginminerals and fixed that with Co-op UltimateMineral(#96613).We’veneverhadaproblemwithWesterncattlesince.”

Astheherdhasgrownandevolvedoverthepastsixyears,theSullivans’equipmentandfeedingtechniqueshavechangedaswell.

“Westartedoutusingbulkbinsbuthavesincemoveduptoacom-modityshedsimplybecauseoftheamountoffeedweuseandourmethodsofdistribution,”Markex-plains.“We’venowgot20ApachecreepfeedersandRitchiewaterers,nottomentionabunchofhayringsandfeedtroughs.It’sjustamatterofkeepingupwiththedemandsoftheherd,Iguess,andKylehasbeeninstrumentalinhelpingusdothat.”

TheSullivans’adherencetogoodmanagementpracticesispayingdividendsintheirbreedingprogramaswell,withanastoundingpercent-age of cows bred from A.I. (artificial insemination).

“WeA.I.-ed365broodcowslastspring,”Markreports.“Outofthat,wegot345bred.That’sprettygood.”

JacobrollshiseyesatMark’sun-derstatementandstatesemphatically,

“No,that’sphenomenal.“Youdon’toftenhearof[breedingpercent-ages]thathigh.Butit’snotallthatsurprisingifyouknowtheSullivans.

“Whentheysettheirmindstosomething,theyusuallygoafteritinabigway!”

Mark Sullivan says his first-ever production sale, which begins at 5 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 23, at Tennessee Technological University’s Hyder Burks Arena in Cookeville, will feature 60 to 80 black Angus yearling bulls and “a bunch” of heifers — open, bred, and commercial. The bulls, he says, will be ready to work when they leave the sale barn.

“We will have kicked them out [to pasture] about 60 days before the sale to get them in shape or condition them up,” Mark says, adding that a fat, overconditioned bull is usually not as aggressive and less likely to get the cow bred. He also stresses that there will be a breeding soundness exam performed on every bull as well as EPDs (expected progeny differences) provided for each animal.

“Most of my bulls will qualify for the Tennessee Agricultural Enhancement Program,” says Mark, referring to the cost-share initiative funded by the Ten-nessee Department of Agriculture to offer financial assistance in improving herd genetics. “I think these bulls will really help commercial beef produc-ers move forward.”

For more information about the sale or the Sullivans’ operation, call Mark at (931) 224-9105. To learn more about the Tennessee Agricultural En-hancement Program, call (615) 837-5160 or visit www.picktnproducts.org.

Sale promises ready-to-work bulls

TOP: Frazier and Sparkman attribute much of Sullivan’s success to their adherence to good management practices. In addition to numerous hay rings, the farm boasts 20 Apache creep feeders and Ritchie waterers. Sullivan relies on Dr. Christie Young, of Blue Springs Vet Clinic in Hillsboro, and local veterinarian Dr. Bobby West to handle his embryo transfer and artificial insemination programs. ABOVE: Sullivan says his bulls responded extremely well to the 112-day feeding trial designed by Frazier, Sparkman, and Davis, and noticeably improved in muscle mass and bone structure within two weeks.

®

�0 January 2007 Tennessee Cooperator

Zeromaintenance.It’saphrasethatmanyfarm-ersdreamaboutbutcanrarely

use when describing the benefits of theirwood-and-tinhaybarns.Fight-ingtermites,springwinds,andhighhumidityisoftenalosingbattlere-quiringfarmerstoreplacepolebarnssoonerratherthanlater.

ButHoward“Bubba”ArnoldofLascassassaysthosetraditionalproblemsareathingofthepastsinceheerectedanall-steelQuonset-stylebuildingforhishaystoragethreeyearsago.

“TheonlythingI’vedonetothisbuildingisputhayinit,”Arnoldsays.“Iexpectthat’sallI’lleverhavetodo.”

ForArnold,haystorageisnolaughingmatter.AlongtimememberandformerdirectorofRutherfordFarmersCooperative,heisoneofthelargesthayproducersinMiddleTennessee,harvesting1,600to1,800roundbalesandmorethan30,000squarebalesofalfalfa,Bermuda,andorchardgrassperyearfrom675ownedandrentedacres.

“IenjoyputtingupgoodhayandtrytodothebestIcan,”saysArnold,whoalsoowns100commercialbeefcows.“Iwastaughtbymydaddyandgrand-daddythatifyoubalegoodhay,you’ll

alwayshavegoodcustomers.Theywereright.I’vebeeninthehaybusi-nessfor30years,andI’vegotcustom-erswho’vebeenwithmethatlong.”

Arnoldsaysthatthehighfuelandfertilizerpricesofrecentyearshavemadehim“getserious”abouthaystorageandnecessitatedthecon-structionofanewbarnonhisprop-erty.In2003,hebeganresearchingthepossibilitiesforstoragebuildingsandbecameinterestedintheQuon-set-stylestructures.

“Itjustmadealotofsense,”hesays.“Idon’tworryaboutsnoworwinddamagingit.I’vehadtorebuildoneofmypolebarnsthreetimesbecauseofstormdamage,soIknowthecostsassociatedwiththat.”

AfterconsultingwithhardwarespecialistsatRutherfordFarmersandTennesseeFarmersCooperative,Arnoldsettledona45-by-100-foot,all-steelbuildingmanufacturedbyAmericanSteelSpan,aleadingpro-ducerintheindustry.

“ThesebuildingsareactuallyengineeredforuseinCanadawhereweatherconditionsaremuchmoreextreme,”saysTFCfarmhardwareproductmanagerRobertYoung.“Theyaremadetowithstandnotonlyheavysnowloadsbuttornadoesandevenearthquakes,too.Theyareincrediblytoughbuildings.”

Whilehewasalittleconcernedatfirst about the construction, Arnold saysthebuildingwentupinonlyfourdayswithoutahitch.

“OnethingIlearnedis,don’ttrytoputituponawindyday,”laughsArnold. “Our first day of construc-tion, it got a little windy, and the first archwegotupstartedwigglingbackandforth.Ijumpeddownoffthescaffoldingandstartedheadingforthetruck,andmyguysholleredatme,‘Whereareyougoing?’Isaid,‘Togogetsomeinsuranceonthatbuilding!’”

Butthebarnwasbuiltwithoutincident,Arnoldsays,evenwithaslight modification to the foundation. Whilemostcustomersattachthewallstoconcretefooters,hewantedtotakeadvantageofverticalspaceandcon-structedablockwallapproximatelythreefeettallasafoundation.Thisal-lowshimtostackhayfourrowshighwithalarger-than-averagefront-endloader.Whenfull,thebuildingholds468roundbales.

“I’vebeentickledtodeathwiththisbarn,”saysArnold.“ItlooksasgoodnowasthedayItightenedthelastbolt,andIexpectitwilllookthisgoodmanyyearsfromnow.It’sopenonbothends,whichcreatesexcellentaircirculation,andwhenweemptyitofhay,itdoublesasanequipmentshed.It’sagoodproduct,andit’smakingusmoneyback.”

FormoreinformationaboutAmericanSteelSpanall-steelbuild-ings,visitwiththeprofessionalsatyourlocalCo-op.Theseareinclud-edinthestate’scost-shareprogram(seestoryonnextpage).

Lascassas l

Howard “Bubba” Arnold, center, discusses the construction of his Quonset-style hay barn with Rutherford Farmers Cooperative salesman Jack Christian, left, and Tennessee Farmers Cooperative farm hardware product manager Robert Young. Arnold erected the 45-by-100-foot structure in 2003 and says it will hold 468 round hay bales.

TOP: Because Arnold attached the sides to a 3-foot-tall block wall instead of a ground-level footer, he is able to stack his hay four runs high. ABOVE: Manufactured by American Steel Span, the building features a double row of bolts in each connective panel adding to its sturdiness.

�0 January 2007 Tennessee Cooperator January 2007 ��

TheQuonset-stylebuildingthatHoward“Bubba”ArnoldconstructedonhisLascassasfarm(seepage10)isincludedamongthehaystoragestructureseligibleforcost-shareas-sistancefromtheTennesseeDepart-mentofAgriculture(TDA).

TheTDAhasallocated$1millionforahaystorageinitiativethroughtheTennesseeAgriculturalEnhance-mentProgram(TAEP).BeginningJan.1,cattleandhayproducerscanapplyfora35-percentcost-sharegrant,upto$3,500,toconstructnewpermanenthaystoragefacilitiesor

additionofanewhaystorageshedtoanexistingstructure.

ThepurposeofthisprogramistoincreasefarmincomeinTennesseebyencouragingproducerstoim-provethequantityandqualityofhaythroughproperstorageandmanage-mentpractices,accordingtoTennes-seeAgricultureCommissionerKenGivens.Expertsagreethatasmuchasathirdofabaleofhaycanbelostduetoimproperlystoringitoutdoorsandexposedtotheweather.

“Hayproductionandstoragehaveadirectimpactonthequalityand

healthofcattle,”saidGivens.“Ifwecanhelpfarmersimproveforagenutritionandhandling,wecanmakeadifferenceontheirbottomline.”

OnlyapplicationspostmarkedJan.2orafterwillbeaccepted,andfarmerswillhaveuntilApril1,2007,toapply.Producersareencour-agedtosubmittheirformsearlybecauseonly285applicationswillbe approved this fiscal year on a first come, first serve basis. Approvals willbeannouncedthesecondorthirdweekofJanuary,andproducerswillhaveuntilDec.31,2007,tocomplete

approvedactivitiesandsubmitreim-bursementpaperwork.

Tobeeligible,afarmermustbeaTennesseeresidentandoperateafarmoragribusinesslocatedinthestatewithatleast10headofcattleor50acresofhayproduction.Produc-erswithlivestockmustregistertheirpremiseswiththeNationalAnimalIdentification System. This can be doneatmostFarmServiceAgency,UniversityofTennesseeExtension,FarmBureau,orCo-oplocationsoronlineatwww.tennessee.gov/ agriculture/tpis.Producerswithlivestock must also be certified throughtheBeefQualityAssurance(BQA)program.Producerscanlearnmoreorsignupforthetwo-hourinstructionalcoursethroughlocalCo-ops or Extension offices.

HayproducerswhodonotownlivestockarenotrequiredtoregistertheirpremisesorbecomeBQA-certi-fied.

Allprojectsandfacilitiesmustbepreapprovedbeforeanyworkisbegunontheproject.Allproposedhaystor-agestructuresshouldconformtotheminimumrequirementsandguidelineslistedbyExtensionService.TheseguidelineswillbeavailableatcountyExtension offices, from calling TDA at(615)837-5323,orbyvisitingonlineat

www.tennessee.gov/agriculture/ enhancement/storageguidelines.pdf.

Ingeneral,buildingsitesmustbe well drained, and flooring may beconcreteorfourtosixinchesofgravel on plastic. Acceptable roofing materialsincludemetal,shingles,orpolymer-coatedfabric.Thestructureshouldbeconstructedofmaterialsthatwillnotdeterioraterapidlywhenexposedtoelementsofweather.Treatedlumber,cedar,locust,andsimilarwoodwilllast15-20yearsonaverage.Metalstructuresshouldbepaintedorcoatedwithrust-resistantcoatings.Polebarns,withorwithoutsides,arealsoeligibleforfunding.

Materials such as metal roofing andQuonset-stylebuildingpack-agesareavailablethroughyourlocalCo-op.SomeCo-opsmayevenbeabletosupplythepolesandtrusses.Checkwithyourlocalstorefordetails.

SamplehaystoragefacilityplansareavailableonlinefromUTathttp://bioengr.ag.utk.edu/Extension/ExtPubs/PlanList97.htm.

Formoreinformation,contacttheTDAhaystoragefacilitycoordinatorat(615)837-5323ore-mailHay.Storage@state.tn.us.Applica-tionformsandmoreinformationarealsoavailableontheWebatwww.tennessee.gov/agriculture/ enhancement/hay.html.

State offers cost-share funds for new hay storage facilities


Story and photo by Mark E. Johnson

Youneverknowwhenbeinghandywithsandpaperandapaintgunwillpayunexpecteddividends.

JustaskRaySimmonsofBethpage.InDecember,theretiredOpryland

electricianandpart-timefarmerwasnamedthewinnerofCo-op’sstate-wideUglyTractorContestandpock-etedacool$500forhistrouble.

Entrantswereaskedtosubmitbefore-and-afterphotosoftractorsrestoredusingMajicTractor&Imple-mentEnamelpaints,soldexclusivelyatCo-opsinTennessee.Ray’s1938JohnDeereModelAwasjudgedugli-est(before)andmostattractive(after).

“Ididn’tbelieveit,”saysRaywhenasked how he first reacted to the news thathe’dwon.“Heck,Ijustenteredonawhim!”

Ray,whohasrestoredsevenothervintagetractorstodate,saysheno-ticedadisplayforMajicpaintsatMa-conTrousdaleFarmersCooperative’sLafayettestorelastsummer.

“Ihadbeenusinganotherpaint,butwhenIsawthedisplayatthestore,Ithought,‘That’sprobablygoodstuffsinceit’shereattheCo-op,’”

recallsRay.“SoIdecidedtogiveitatry.Itwaslater,afterI’dalreadyfinished the trac-tor,thatInoticedtheadforthecontest.Ialreadyhadthepictures,soIthoughtImayaswellenter.”

JoeDonnelley,thecontestjudgeandarepresenta-tiveofMajicpaintmanufacturerYenkinMajestic,saidRay’sentrystoodoutasthemost“extrememakeover.”

“Wereceivedalotofimpressiveen-tries,buttherewasnodenyingRay’s,”saysJoe.“Itwassimplythebiggesttransformationtoptobottom.Weareproudtohavesuchadeservingwinner.”

Ray,wholivesona200-acrehayfarmwithhiswife,Linda,sayshepurchasedthevintageJohnDeereatanauction in Arab, Ala., in 2003 and fin-ishedtherestorationinJulyoflastyear.

“AndIcanhonestlysaythatIreallylikedthepaint,”addsRay,whosays

heusedhisprizewinningstopurchasetractorparts.“Youdon’tneedaprimerwiththispaint.Itadheresreallywell.I’ll definitely use it again.”

Joesaysthatthesoybeanoilusedinthepaint’scompositionhelpsit“stick”and keeps it flexible longer than many petroleum-basedpaintsthattendtobecomebrittlequickly.

“WeuseonlyU.S.-grownsoybeanoil,”stressesJoe.“It’sawaythatwefeelweareimprovingourproductandhelpingtosupportAmericanagricultureatthesametime.”

FormoreinformationaboutMajicTractor&ImplementEnamel,visitwiththeprofessionalsatyourlocalCo-op.

Bethpage’s Ray Simmons resurrects a 1938 John Deere Model A to win Co-op’s Ugly Tractor Contest

Rust bucket no more

ABOVE: Ray Simmons, second from left, won Co-op’s statewide Ugly Tractor Contest by restoring this 1938 John Deere Model A. Presenting the $500 prize are, from left, Tennessee Farmers Co-op Home, Lawn, Specialty product specialist Greg Pflueger, Macon Trousdale Farmers Co-op salesman Tim Barnes, and TFC hardware specialist Trey Smith. The contest was co-sponsored by Majic Tractor & Implement Enamel manufacturer Yenkin Majestic. BELOW: This is the “before” picture of the tractor, taken when Ray purchased it in 2003.


requireaweldingpackagethatcanhandlediffer-enttypesandsizes(thickness)ofmetal,whereasrepairingawrought-ironrailingcanbedoneusingastickwelder.MIGisthebestchoicewhencosmeticappearanceisanissue,anditcanweldawiderrangeofmaterials.Sinceabottleofshieldinggasisnecessarywiththisprocess,itmightnotbethebestoptionifportabilityandconveniencearefactors.Onthe other hand, flux-cored welding is the optimal choice for outdoor proce-duressinceanexternalshieldinggasisnotrequired.Thisprocessismostsuitableforthickermaterialswhereweldappearancemaynotbeascritical.One drawback is that flux-cored welders can only be used on mild steel, so if you’relookingtoweldmoreexoticmetals,thisprocessmaybetoolimiting.

Thetypesandsizesofmetalyou’llbeweldingarealsodeterminingfactors.Asaruleofthumb,youshoulduseaMIGprocessonmaterialsthatare12-to24-gauge, while flux-cored is only recommended down to 20-gauge.

Youshouldalsoconsiderthepowersourceavailableforyourwelder.Ifyouwillbeusingthewelderinyourhomeshoporgarage,chooseasingle-phaseproductthatoperatesoffeither115or230volts.Ifyouplantoweldmateriallargerthan1/8-inchthickinaMIGprocess,investina230-voltsystem.Thehigheramperagerangecanbetterhandleyourweldingneedsinasinglepass.IfyourweldingwillbeperformedwithaMIGmachineonthinnermaterial,a115-voltunitisprobablyyourbestbetforeconomicreasons. A flux-cored welder can generally handle material up to ¼ inch with 115volts.Ifelectricalhookupisnotavailable,agas-powered,engine-drivenweldinggeneratorcansupplyweldingandauxiliarypower.

Thereareanumberoftechnologyfeaturesandaccessorypackagesthatsetonewelderapartfromanother.Paycarefulattentiontowhatisincludedand ask your local Co-op experts for help in choosing the welder that best fits yourneedsandbudget.

e I g h b o r l y ad v I c en By Greg Pflueger

Greg Pflueger is a prod-uctmanagerinTFC’sHome,Lawn,SpecialtyDepartment.

Whichwelderisrightforyou?Havingtheabilitytoweldgreatlyexpandsyourabilitytorepairandto

buildaroundyourhomeandfarm.Itcan,however,bedauntingforthefirst-time buyer to select equipment. With that in mind, here are some

words of advice about how to choose a welder that fits your specific situation:Tostart,therearetwotypesofwelders:arcorstickweldersandwire-feed

welders.Anarcorstickwelderusesanelectricarcbetweenanelectrodeandthebasematerialtomeltthemetalsattheweldingpoint.Thistypeiswidelyusedbecauseitcostslesstobuyandoperate.

The most popular wire welders are either flux-core or MIG. Often the choice of hobbyists and farmers, a flux-core wire welder uses material inside thewiretocreateashieldinggaswhenthewireisconsumedduringtheweld-ingprocess.Flux-coredweldingworkswellondirtyorrustymaterialandprovidesdeeppenetrationforweldingthicksections.AMIGwelderusesasolid,uncoatedwirethatisshieldedbyamixtureofgases.Thistypeofweld-erprovideshigherspeeds,bettercontrolonthinnermetals,andcleanerweldsandisoftenthechoiceforautomotiveshopsandspecialtyweldingprojects.

Unfortunately,nosingleweldingprocessissuitableforallapplications,soit’snecessarytoconsidertheadvantagesofonetypeofwelderoveranother.Wire-feedweldersaretheeasiesttolearntouse,soifyouareself-taught,youmight consider one of these machines first. Wire welding provides higher pro-ductivity efficiencies over stick since the wire is fed in a continuous process andyoudon’thavetoconstantlychangeelectroderodsasyouarewelding.Althoughtheremaybesomeapplicationswherestickmightbeabetterselec-tion, most beginners should look toward wire welding when making their first weldingmachinepurchase.

Considerthemostcommonusesandapplicationsforyourwelder:con-struction,farm/ranch,generalmaintenance/repair,home,autobody/repair,etc.Weldersaredesignedforcertainapplications,dependingonratedoutput,duty cycle, and other features. For example, heavy-duty repairs in the field

�� January 2007 Tennessee Cooperator

Macon Trousdale opens new Co-op facility in HartsvilleStory and photos by Mark E. Johnson

MaconTrousdaleFarmersCooper-ativeusheredinaneweraofserviceandconveniencewiththeAug.1openingofanewHartsvillebranchstorelocatedjustwestoftownonHighway25.TheCo-opmovedfromitsdowntownfacility,whereithadbeensince1970.

“We’vereceivednothingbutposi-tivefeedbacksinceopeningthenewlocation,”saysReidBrown,managerofMaconTrousdaleFarmersCo-op.“It’sbeenanexcitingchangeforcustomersandemployeesalike.”

BrownsaystheCo-op,whichalsooperatesfromitsmainstoreinLafayette,hadpurchasedsevenacresclosetothenewsiteseveralyearsagobuthadnotfoundtheappropri-ateopportunitytobuild.Whenthenewfacility—previouslyaModernBuildingSupplystore—becameavailable,theMaconTrousdaleboardofdirectorssawagoodopportunity.

“Itworkedoutreallywell,”Brownsays.“Thismoveenabledustogetintoanexistingfacilitythatissetupwellforourtypeofbusinesswithoutbuildingfromscratch.”

HartsvillebranchmanagerRon-nieGivenssaysthenewshowroom—morethanthreetimeslargerthan

thepreviousone—allowsforanexpandedlineofinventory,givingcustomersamuchlargerrangeofchoicesandproducts.

“Ithinkfolksarereallygladtohaveanewstoreintownwiththingstheyneedbutdon’thavetoleavethecountyfor,”Givenssays.“We’recarryingmanythingswe’venever

hadbefore.Forexample,we’reinthelumberbusinessnow,andthat’ssomethingthatweneverevenconsid-eredbefore.Therehasalwaysbeenademandforlumbersupplies,andnowwecanmeetthatdemand.”

Brownsaysheprojectsanannualsalesincreaseofmorethan$1mil-lionfromthenewlocation.

ABOVE: The new Hartsville branch store of Macon Trousdale Farmers Cooperative is located just west of town on Highway 25. The Co-op moved the business from its old downtown location, where it had been since 1970, and opened the new store Aug. 1 in a former building supply store. RIGHT: The spacious new showroom is more than three times larger than the old one and allows the Co-op to offer an expanded line of inventory with a wider range of choices for customers.

�� January 2007 Tennessee Cooperator January 2007 �5


By Allison Morgan, Photos by Mark E. Johnson and Maura Satchell

For the first time in its 61-year history,TennesseeFarmersCooperativereportedcon-

solidatedsalesthatsurpassedhalfabillion dollars in the 2006 fiscal year endingJuly31.Therecordresultof$521.6millionisanincreaseofsome$40millioncomparedto2005.

BoardChairmanKennethNixonand Chief Executive Officer Bart Krislereportedthecooperative’soperatingresultsNov.27duringTFC’sannualmeetingattheGay-lordOprylandResortandConven-tionCenterinNashville.“Picturethis”wasthethemefortheannualmeeting,attendedbynearly1,000directors,managers,employees,andguestsfromacrossthestate

NetsavingsforTFCwere$6.2millionandtotalassetsforthecooperativestoodat$177.8mil-lion.Long-termdebtwasreducedby$6million,andTFCreturned$4.6milliontomembercooperativesinpatronageandmemberprograms.

“ThepictureofourCo-opsystemisstrongandvibrant,”saidKrisle,who is completing his first year as chief executive officer. “Simply put, this was a good year financially for TFC,andallsubsidiarycompanieswere profitable in 2006. TFC’s bal-ancesheetisstrongerthanithasbeeninseveralyears,whichpositionsourboardandmanagementtotakeadvantageoffutureopportunitiesandallowsustoreturnequitytoourmembers.”

Whilehigherpricesofinputssuchasfertilizerandfuelplayedamajorroleintheimpressivesalesvolume,Krisleemphasizedthateffortsbymanagementandemployeestoaddprofitable growth to the bottom line alsocontributedtothecooperative’srecordperformancein2006.SomeofthebrightspotshighlightedbyKrisleandTFCdepartmentmanagersand operations officers were:

lBoththeAnimalHealthandHardwareDepartmentshadare-cord year in sales and profitability. TheTennesseeCattleImprovementInitiative,whichencouragesbettermanagementpracticesbyprovid-ingcost-sharefundsforupgradingcattle-workingfacilities,hadaposi-tiveimpactonbothoftheseareasofTFC’sbusiness.

lTheperformanceofFFR,Co-op’sownbrandofseed,rankedamongthetopinthestateonceagain.

lDespitehigherfertilizerpricesandfewercornacres,theFertilizer

Co-op picture is ‘strong and vibrant’TFC leaders share record results, impressive achievements at 2006 annual meeting

Departmentexperiencedonlyamod-esttonnagereductionandmaintainedprofitability compared to 2005.

lSeedtreatmentsandfungicideusagewereontherisefortheCropProtectionDepartment,whichhelditsownamidanindustrymarketthatcontinuestodecline.

lTheFuelDepartmentrecordedavolumeincreaseofmorethan1.2milliongallons.

lTheHome,Lawn,SpecialtyDepartmentnearlyreachedlastyear’srecordearnings,missingthemarkbylessthan$10,000.

lTheFeedDepartmentintro-ducedseveralnewfeedproducts,includingeconomybeeffeeds,twocatfoods,andalineofdairyfeedsandwasnamedstatewidedistributorofCrystalyxsupplementtubs.

lAcompany-wide“Co-opKnowsBeef”programwasimple-mentedtofocuseffortsonservingmembersengagedinbeefproduction,nowthestate’sNo.1agriculturalenterprise.

“WehavemanyprogramsinplacetodaythatIfeelareleadingusto profitable growth,” said Krisle. “Ourachievementsin2006arethedirectresultofdedicatedemployeesandsupportofourmemberCo-ops.

Whenyougetdowntoit,folksintheCo-opsystemreallycareaboutthiscompanyandourcustomers.”

AsTFC’slongest-servingdirectorsinceseven-yeartermswereinsti-tutedintheearly1970s,ChairmanNixonendedhis20-yearservicetotheboardwiththe2006annualmeet-ing.Firstelectedin1985,theCar-thagecattlemanandtobaccofarmerservedaseven-yeartermuntil1992,withtermsasbothvicechairmanandchairman.Twice,from1992-98,TFCdirectorselectedNixontotwothree-yeartermsastheboard’sonlypublicdirector.Then,in1999,delegatesreturned him to office for another seven-yearterm.

Duringhischairman’saddress,Nixon specifically mentioned three accomplishments—theopeningofTFC’s first retail store, Stockdale’s: America’s Rural Outfitter, in Hixson; theinstallationofastate-of-the-artfertilizerblendingsystematthePoplarCornerfertilizerplantinWestTen-nessee; and the approval of significant upgradestothefeedmillfacilitiesatTencoinEastTennessee—asexam-plesofpositivestepsthecooperativemadeinhislastyearontheboard.

“Whenyouboilitalldown,thebasicthingsthathavemadeour

cooperativesystemsuccessfulfor61yearsarenotallthatcomplicated:soundbusiness,goodworkethic,andcooperation,”saidNixon.“In2006,weturnedoutwhatIbelievetobesomesounddecisionsasresultofalotofhardworkandallinthespiritofcooperation.”

New officers, directors chosenInareorganizationalsessionfol-

lowingtheannualmeeting,RossViaofBellswaselectedbyfellowTFCboardmembersasthenewchairman,andStephenPhilpottofShelbyvillewaschosenasvicechairman.Del-egateselectedDonaldJerniganofChristianaandGeorgeSmarttofMcMinnvilleastheboard’snewestdirectors.

Jernigan fills Nixon’s vacant seat forZone2,andSmarttstepsintoanewboardpositionforZone3cre-atedbyabylawrevisionthatrestruc-turesTFC’ssevendirectordistrictsintothreezones,whichroughlyre-flect the state’s three Grand Divisions ofEast,Middle,andWestTennessee.Thechangetozonesbecameeffec-tiveafterthisannualmeetingandisdesignedtobetterrepresentCo-opmembershipandthestate’sagricul-turaldiversity.Thebylawamend-

Tennessee Farmers Cooperative Board Chairman Kenneth Nixon of Carthage shares operating highlights, lists accomplishments, and gets philosophical about the value of the Co-op system as he gives his chairman’s address during TFC’s 2006 annual meeting Nov. 27 at Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center in Nashville. Nixon was among nearly 1,000 Co-op leaders and guests who attended.

�6 January 2007 Tennessee Cooperator January 2007 �7

mentsalsochangethelengthofdirectorterms.Newlyelectedtermswillbestaggereduntil2012,atwhichtimealldirectorswillbeelectedforthreeyearsratherthanseven.

‘Minnie’ entertains the ladiesAmongtheannualmeetingactivi-

tieswasthepopularLadies’BrunchonMondaymorning.SpousesofCo-opdirectorsandmanagersweretreatedtoafunandinspiringsessionfeaturingNashville’sCindyMooreperformingas“MinniePearl.”TheenergeticentertainerlearnedhercraftfromthelateSarahCannon,theoriginalMinniePearlfromGrindersSwtich.Inher“Minnie”persona,MooretoldhumorousstoriesandsangrousingrenditionsofpopularChristmasandpatrioticsongs.Shealsosharedherownpersonalbattlewithcancer,whichclaimedSarahCannon’slifein1996,andencour-agedtheladiestogetscreenedoftenforsignsofthedevastatingdisease.

Afternoonhighlightsofthebusi-nesssessionincludedthepresenta-tionoftheprestigiousPinnacleandPeakPerformerawardstosixCo-opsthatrepresentsoundbusinessprac-ticesandvalueanddedicationtomembers.RecognizedwiththePin-nacleAwardwereCocke,Coffee,andMaconTrousdaleFarmersCoopera-tives.PeakPerformerswereAnder-son,Obion,andWeakleyFarmersCooperatives.

JamesWrightofJonesborough,re-tiredmanagerofWashingtonFarmersCooperative,receivedthe2006JamesB.WalkerCooperativeSpiritAward,TFC’shighestindividualhonor.

TheannualmeetingconcludedwiththemembershipbanquetonMondaynight,featuringenter-tainmentbyGaryJenkinsandtheThunderingHeartsband.ThegrouporiginatedinNashvilleintheearly1990sandwereoneofthemostpop-ularactsattheformerOprylandUSA

themepark,wheretheyperformedatitslargestamphitheater.

Aftertheband’shigh-energyperformanceofcountryandrock-n-rollmusicmixedwithsomeinterac-tivehumor,TFCZone2directorBillMayomadeaspecialpresentationtooutgoingchairmanNixon,rec-ognizinghimforhisleadershipandlongevityontheTFCboard.

Monday’sactivitiesfollowedSundayafternoon’s“Picturethis”reception,featuringeducationaldis-playsfromTFCproductandservicedepartmentsandanopportunityforinteractionamongCo-opattendees.

Taking a look at legislationDirectorsandmanagershada

chancetoparticipateinalegislativeupdatesessionledbyJeanMari-Peltier,presidentandchiefexecu-tive officer of the National Council ofFarmerCooperatives,andLacyUpchurch,presidentoftheTennesseeFarmBureauFederation.

Peltier’sdiscussionfocusedontherecentelectionandhowthechangeinpowerinCongressfromRepublicans

toDemcratsmayaffectlegislationaimedatagriculture.

“I’vebeenaskedtolookintothetealeavesaboutwhatIthinkthislastelectionmeantforfarmersacrossthecountry,”saidPeltier.“Someofthechangeshavesetusupprettywellforafarmbilldiscussion,butotherissuesaregoingtobereallychallenging.Ithinkthatmovinganykindoflegisla-tionisgoingtobetoughwithallthecompetinginterests.”

Upchurch,ontheotherhand,saidthepoliticalland-scapehaschangedverylittleinTennessee,explainingthatthere’sstillaone-votemarginforRepublicansinthestateSenateandtheHouseremainsunderDemocraticcontrol.

Upchurch, who is finishing his first year as head of the nation’slargestFarmBureau,expressedhisappreciationforCo-op’ssupportoftheorga-nization’slobbyingefforts.Healsopraisedeffortsbythestate’scurrentadministrationtoprovidesomeofthetobacco

settlementmoneytofarmersthroughtheAgriculturalEnhancementPro-gram.

“Thisisgettingrealmoneyouttheretothefarmersandruralcom-munities,”hesaid.“Overthelasttwoyears,we’vebeenabletoget$9millionofthatmoney.Andthat’snot enough; we need to continually workformore.”

LEFT: Cindy Moore, engaged in her lively impersonation of the legendary Minnie Pearl, entertains the spouses of Co-op directors and managers during the annual Ladies’ Brunch. ABOVE: Roger Gray, left, and Howard Moore, directors of Bradley Bledsoe Farmers Cooperative, visit during a break in the annual meeting’s business session.

LEFT: During the Sunday afternoon educational session, Jean-Mari Peltier, president of the National Council of Farmer Cooperatives, presents a view from Washington about impending agricultural legislation. ABOVE: Gary Jenkins, right, lead singer of the Thundering Hearts band, ventures into the audience to ask 5-year-old Tristan Nixon to name the ugliest member of the band as her father, Mike, looks on in amusement (she picked Gary). Tristan is the granddaughter of 2006 Board Chairman Kenneth Nixon.

Bass and fiddle player Bob Fortner plays a frenzied version of “The Devil Went Down to Georgia” during the performance of Gary Jenkins and the Thundering Hearts band at TFC’s annual membership banquet.


RossViaofBellsisthe2007chairmanoftheboardofdirectorsofTennesseeFarmersCooperative,andStephenPhilpottofShelbyvilleisnowvicechairman.Thetwodirec-torswereelectedatareorganization-alsessiononNov.27duringTFC’sannualmeetingatGaylordOprylandResortandConventionCenterinNashville.

“I’mhonoredtoservealongwiththosewhohaveservedsowellbeforeme,”saidVia.“Agriculture,andthusTFC,isinaperiodofchangeandop-portunity,andIhopetohelppositiontheCo-opsoitcancontinuetoservetheever-evolvingneedsofitsfarmerownersandtherurallifestylesoprevalentinTennessee.Ourcoopera-tive system has the finest employees anywhere,andwewillworkhardtoenablethemtoreachtheirgoalsaswellasthegoalsoftheCo-opanditsmembers.”

Via,oneofthreedirectorsrepre-sentingZone1onthenine-memberboard,becameaTFCdirectorin2000.Heisa36-yearmemberoftheAlamolocationofMid-SouthFarmersCooperativeandpreviouslyservedonthelocalCo-opboard,

holdingpositionsofsecretary,vicepresident,andpresident.

Viafarmsmorethan1,700acres,including1,200inrowcrops,andhasacow-calfbeefoperation.Healsoproduceshayandtimber.

InadditiontohisCo-opinvolve-ment,ViaisamemberoftheTen-nesseeFarmBureau,chairmanoftheboardofCrockettCountyFarmBureau,andamemberoftheadvi-sorycommitteeofStaplcotn,acottonmarketingcooperativeinGreenwood,Miss.HeretiredfromtheCrockettCountySoilConservationDistrictboardofdirectorsin2005after21yearsofserviceandisaformerdel-egatetotheAmericanCottonProduc-ersandamemberoftheNationalCot-tonCouncil.ViaisalsoaU.S.Armyveteran,servingduringtheVietnamWar,andwashonorablydischargedin1970 as a first lieutenant.

Viaandhiswife,Catherine,anadulteducationsupervisor,havethreechildren—Candi,Ruste,andCherri—andthreegrandchildren—Hud-son,2,AndiCate,1½,andCade,1month.TheViasaremembersofCrossroadsBaptistChurch.

Philpott,oneofthreedirectorsrep-

resentingZone2,movesintothevicechairmanpostpreviouslyheldbyVia.

“Ithasbeenbothchallengingandrewardingtobepartofsuchacom-mittedgroupofindividualsontheTFCboard,”saidPhilpott.“Aswehavetransitionedtoamoreproactivephaseofpositioningthecompanytomeettheneedsofthefuture,Iamdeeplyhumbledthattheboardhaschosenmeforaleadershipposition.IprayIcanmeettheirexpectations.”

ElectedtoTFC’sboardin2001,Philpottisa30-yearmemberofBedfordMooreFarmersCooperativeandservedonthelocalboardfor12years,includingtermsassecretary,vicepresident,andpresident.

Primarilyadairymanwithaherdof135Holsteins,Philpottfarms635acresinBedfordCounty.Heraises230acresofrowcrops,rotatingamongcorn,cornsilage,wheathay,andsoybeans.Healsohasa55-cowbeefherdandmaintainsabout300acresofpermanent pasture and hay fields.

BesideshisCo-opinvolvement,PhilpottisamemberoftheBedfordCountyFarmBureauandservedasitssecretaryinthelate1980s.Heandhiswife,Elaine,curatoroftheDisciplesofChristHistoricalSoci-ety,aremembersofFirstChristianChurchinShelbyville.Theyhavethreechildren—Benji,27,Jason,25,andJosh,20.

Via, Philpott elected to TFC chairman, vice chairman posts

Ross Via Stephen Philpott

Co-op delegates tap Jernigan, Smartt as new directors

Donald Jernigan and wife Peggy George Smartt and wife Tammy

TennesseeFarmersCooperative’smovetoanine-memberboardisnowcompletewiththeadditionoftwonewdirectorselectedduringTFC’s2006annualmeetingNov.27attheGaylordOprylandResortandCon-ventionCenterinNashville.

DonaldJerniganofChristianareplacesoutgoingchairmanKennethNixonwithafour-yeartermrepre-sentingZone2,whichcoversMiddleTennesseeandrepresentsroughlyathirdofTFC’sstatewidesalesvolume.HejoinsGeorgeSmarttofMcMinnville,whorepresentsEastandportionsofMiddleTennesseeinZone3,asthenewestmembersoftheTFCboard.

Bylawrevisionsapprovedbyvot-ingdelegatesduringthe2005annualmeetingchangedTFC’sdirectorter-ritoriesfromsevendistrictstothreezonesandprecipitatedtheneedfortwo seats to be filled this year, says TFCattorneyDavidMoss.

“Thezonesmoreorlessfollowthestate’sthree‘GrandDivisions’recognizedbyTennesseans,”saysMoss.“TherevisionswereproposedbyTFC’sboardofdirectorsafteranextensive18-monthstudyofhowtomodifythepreviousdistrictstobetterrepresentCo-opmembershipandthestate’sagriculturaldiversity.”

Jerniganisa37-yearmemberofRutherfordFarmersCooperativeand

hasservedonitsboardforsixyears,includingfouraspresident.

“When I first came to a TFC annualmeeting,IneverdreamedIwouldhavetheopportunitytobeontheTFCboard,”Jernigantoldmeet-ingattendeesaftertheelectionresultswereannounced.“Iconsideritaprivilegeandhonortobeelectedtothisposition.Now,forthenextfouryears,Ihavetoworktoearnyourrespect,andIintendtodojustthat.”

Jernigan,whoraisessome100beefcowsandhayon520acres,workedintheRutherfordCountySchoolSystemformorethan32

yearsasanelementaryandjuniorhighteacherandprincipalatBu-chananElementarySchool,ThurmanFrancisJuniorHighSchool,andSmyrnaMiddleSchoolbeforeretir-ingtofarmfulltimein1999.Heiscurrently serving his first term on the RutherfordCountySchoolBoard.

Jerniganandhiswife,Peggy,havetwochildren—TameraBlairandThomasJayJernigan—andfourgrandchildrenandaremembersofFairHavenBaptistChurchinChris-tiana.

Elected to a five-year term on theTFCboard,Smarttisa20-year

memberofWarrenFarmersCoopera-tiveandhasservedonitsboardforsixyears,includingatwo-yeartermasvicepresident.

“Iamindeedhumbledandhon-oredtobeyournewdirectorfromZone3,”saidSmartt.“TherehavebeenalotofgreatTFCdirectorswhoI’vewatchedfromthelocalleveloverthelasteightornineyears.Ihopetofollowinthefootstepsofthoseverycapableleadersandcon-tinuetheprogressthat’sbeingmade.”

Smartt,winneroftheWarrenCountySoilConservationAwardin2006and1991,raisespoultryforPurdueFarmsandnurserystockonmorethan400acresandhasa130-headcow-calfbeefoperation.

ThenewTFCdirectorispresidentoftheMcMinnvilleJaycees,vicepresidentoftheTennesseeJaycees,andanactivememberoftheMcMin-nvilleRotaryClub.HealsoservesontheboardofgovernorsoftheUni-versityofTennesseeNationalAlumniAssociation,ontheWarrenCountyPlanningCommission,andasBudgetandFinanceCommitteechairmanfortheWarrenCountyCommissiontowhichhewasrecentlyelectedtohisfifth four-year term.

Smarttandhiswife,Tammy,anaccountant,havefourchildren—Alex,19,Jac,16,Madison,11,andWill,7.

�8 January 2007 Tennessee Cooperator January 2007 �9

Fornearlyathirdofthe61yearsthatTennesseeFarmersCoopera-tivehasbeeninexistence,KennethNixonofCarthagehasservedonitsboardofdirectors.It’sacontemporaryrecordoflongevity

forthisoutstandingfarmerandrecognizedagriculturalleaderinleadingthefar-reachingstatewideorganizationthatprovidessuppliesandservicestofarmersandtheirCo-opsacrossthestate.

OnlythelateTomHitch,longtimepresidentoftheTennesseeFarmBureauFederation,loggedmoreyearsasaTFCdirectorthanMr.Nixon.Mr.HitchwasontheboardinTFC’searlieryears,servingfrom1947through1973.

Andnow,Mr.Nixon’sserviceasaTFCdirectorhascometoanend.HistermexpiredwithTFC’s2006annualmeetingatwhichhepresidedaschairman.

FellowdirectorBillMayoofTennesseeRidge,inpresentingMr.Nixonaplaqueofrecognitionandappreciationfrom“ourentireCo-op”familyduringtheannualmeeting’smembershipbanquet,referencedarecentlypublishedinterviewwiththecongenialboardchairman:

“IhopemostofyouheretonightreadaninterviewwithBoardChair-manNixonthatraninDirections,TFC’snewsletterfordirectorsandmanagersoflocalCo-opsinTennessee,saidMayo

“Kennethsaidalotofgoodthingsinthatinterview,butI,personally,likedwhathesaidaboutwhatittakestobeaneffectiveboardmember:‘YouhavetobecommittedtotheCo-opsystemandwillingtodevotethetimeandefforttodoagoodjob.’

“ThiscomesfromamanwhohasservedlongerasaTFCdirectorthananyotherpersoninthemoderneraofCo-opinTennessee.”

Mr. Nixon was first elected to TFC’s eight-member board in 1986. He finished that seven-year term in 1992, serving as both vice chairman and chairmanalongtheway.Twice,from1992-98,TFCdirectorselectedMr.Nixontothree-yeartermsastheboard’sonlypublicdirector.Then,in 1999, delegates returned him to office for another seven-year term as District5representative.

Inabeautifullydeliveredtributeto“ourfriendfromSmithCounty,”Mr.Mayosaidit’simpossibletoknow“thenumberofhoursKennethhasspentorthemileshe’straveledinhis20-plusyearsofunparalleledservicetothefarmersofTennesseeandourcherishedCo-opsystem.”

That’sthetypeofcommitmentMr.NixonwastalkingaboutintheDirectionsinterview.Hewasmorethanwillingtowalkthewalk.

Mr.Nixonhasn’twalkedthatwalkalone,though.WifeLindahasbeenbyhissideasaCo-opallyandsupporter.They’vemadefriendsalloverthestateandarepillarsinTennessee’sCo-opcommu-nity.

SimilarawardshavepraisedMr.Nixonforhisboardserviceinthepast,butthisonepresentedatthe2006annualmeetingisthelatestinstall-mentforacareerofCo-opservicethathasnoequalinourstate.

Thankyouagain,Mr.Nixon,foreverything.

—JerryKirk

Thank you again, Mr. Nixon

TennesseeFarmersCoopera-tivehaspresented4-HandFFA with $14,400 — profit

fromthesaleofalimited-edition4-H/FFAcommemorativeCasepock-etknifereleasedinfall2006.

Withthelatestdonation,atotalof$82,800hasbeenawardedoverthepastsixyearsasapartofCo-op’slong-standingsupportof4-HandFFAinTennessee.Fundsaresplitequallybetweenthetwostateorganizationswitheachreceiving$7,200thisyear.

Checksforthe2006proceedswerepresentedNov.27atTFC’sannualmeetinginNashvillebyofficers of the regional Co-op man-agergroups:TomBible,managerofWashington Farmers Cooperative; MitchellStephens,managerofWhiteCounty Farmers Cooperative; Randy Sutherland,managerofRobertsonCheatham Farmers Cooperative; and JoeyCaldwell,managerofTiptonFarmersCooperative.

Joiningthemforthepresenta-tionwasPaulArnette,TFCHome,Lawn,Specialtyproductmanager,andMauryFord,vicepresidentofsalesoperationsforW.R.Case&SonsCutleryCompany,anactivepartnerandsupporteroftheprogramsinceitsinception.

Fordpointedoutthatthisyear’sknifesuppliessoldoutmorequicklyfromTFCtomemberCo-opsthaninanyofthepreviousyears.

“IwanttothankthelocalCo-opsformakingthisprogramworkintheircommunities,”saidFord.“Youreffortshaveallowedthisprogramtogainmomentumandcollectibility,andthat,inturn,allowsTFCtocontrib-utemoretotheworthwhileeffortsoftheseoutstandingorganizations.”

Current4-HCongressGovernorJoshuaMooreofMcMinnvilleandandstateFFAPresidentMatthewMc-

BrideofJacksonacceptedthechecksonbehalfoftheirorganizations.

“Fromtheproceedsoftheseknifesalestosponsorshipsat4-HCon-gress,Roudup,andTennesseeJuniorLivestockExpo,Co-opisoneofthestrongestsupportersof4-HinTen-nessee,”saidMoore.“Wehopethatpartnershipcontinuesforalongtime.”

McBridefollowedwithsimilarwordsofappreciationforCo-op.

“Ipersonallyamaveryavidsup-porterofCo-op,andmyshowcattlewouldn’thavebeenfedifnotforCo-opfeed,”hesaid.“IwanttothankyouforallowingFFAtobeapartofthisprogram.Weacceptthisgenerousdonationandlookforwardtoacontin-uedgreatrelationshipwithCo-opforyearstocome.”

The2006commemorativeknifejoins the program’s five previous releasestomakeadistinctivecollec-tionthatrepresentsCo-op’scontinuedcommitmenttoyouthandTennesseeagriculture.Thesixthknifeinthepopularseriesisatwo-bladedminitrapperthatfeaturesadistinctivetwo-sidedlook—abluebonehandlerepresentingFFAononeside,agreenbonehandlerepresenting4-Hontheother.SomeCo-opsmaystillhaveafewknivesinstock,butnomoreofthisparticularonewillbeproduced.

ThecommemorativeknifeprogramisjustoneexampleofthesupportmemberCo-opsprovidetotheircom-munitiesthroughouttheyear.TFCannuallyawardssome32intern-shipsandscholarshipstodeservingagriculturalstudentsatcollegesanduniversitiesacrossthestate.TheCo-opsystemstatewidecontributestoorganizations,causes,andeventsatstate,regional,andlocallevels.Co-opemployeeslendtheirsupportinotherways,too,suchasdonatingtheirowntimewithintheircommunities.

Donations from 4-H/FFA Case knife sales top $80,000

Current 4-H Congress Governor Joshua Moore and State FFA President Matthew McBride, second and third from left, accept checks totaling $14,400 for their organizations during TFC’s annual meeting Nov. 27. The proceeds from Co-op’s 2006 4-H/FFA knife sales were presented by, from left, Paul Arnette, TFC Home, Lawn, Specialty product manager; Tom Bible, Washington Farmers Co-op manager; Randy Sutherland, Robertson Cheatham Farmers Co-op manager; Maury Ford, Case Cutlery representative; Joey Caldwell, Tipton Farmers Co-op manager; and Mitchell Stephens, White County Farmers Cooperative manager.

Outgoing TFC Board Chairman Kenneth Nixon, seated left, is surrounded by family as the 2006 annual meeting comes to a close. Next to Kenneth is his wife, Linda, their granddaughter, Tristan, 5, and grandson, Ryan, 11. In back are the Nixons’ sons, Mike, left, with his wife, Michele, and Joey, right, with his wife, Russti. Both sons and their families live near the Nixons in Carthage. They also have a daughter, Stacy Ferguson, who lives in Arkansas and has two children, David, 17, and Dylan, 6. — Photo by Mark E. Johnson


By Maura Satchell, Photos by Mark E. Johnson, Allison Morgan and Maura Satchell

SixCo-opsfromacrossthestatereceivedthehighesthonorsatTennesseeFarmersCoopera-

tive’s2006annualmeetingNov.27whentheywerenamedPinnacleandPeakPerformerAwardwinners.

MaconTrousdaleFarmersCoop-erative,CoffeeFarmersCooperative,andCockeFarmersCooperativewerehonoredasPinnaclewinners,whileAnderson,ObionandWeakleyFarm-ersCooperativeswerenamedPeakPerformers.The2006annualmeet-ing marked the fifth year TFC has honoredoutstandingCo-opswiththePinnacleawardsandthesecondyearthatthePeakPerformerdesignationshavebeengiven.

“The2006PinnacleandPeakPer-formerAwardwinnersstriveforsuc-cessinallareasoftheirbusinesses,”said TFC customer relations officer JimMcWherter,whopresentedtheawards.“Frommaintaininghealthyfinancial margins, to offering an extensiveproductmix,toemployingaknowledgeableanddedicatedstaff,thesesixembodythebestpracticesofthecooperativesystemtoday.”

TFC’sawardscommitteeestab-lishedcriteriathatdistinguishesthesesixwithaformulathatlevelstheplaying field and allows each mem-berCo-op,regardlessofsize,tocom-pete.Factorsincludeannualsalesvolume and profitability, operating results for the past five years, finan-cialratios,andrateofsalesgrowth.Performanceintheseareasisthencombinedwiththepercentofpur-chasestheseCo-opsmadefromTFCduringtheyeartoreachascorethatshowsbothvaluetomembersanddedicationtotheentiresystem.

Coffee Farmers CooperativeCoffeeFarmersCooperativein

Manchesterhasrackedupimpressivesalesgrowth—$2.4millionoverthepastfouryears—whileholdingdownexpenses.Theorganization’snetaftertaxesforthefour-yearperiodhasbeenslightlyover5percentandtheCo-ophasaveragedpaying30to40percentincasheachyeartoitsmembersandatthesametime,retiringabackyearofmemberequity.

ButthestoryisnotjustaboutnumberswhentalkingaboutCoffee’ssuccess.

SammyYoung,theCo-op’slong-timemanager,drewpraiseforusingsoundjudgmentandtime-testedmethodstoguidetheorganizationyearafteryear.Thealways-modestYoung,though,givesmuchmoreofthecreditfortheCo-op’sachieve-mentstoitsemployeesanddirectors.

“I’vebeenblessedovertheyearstohaveagoodboardofdirectorswho are unselfish and want the Co-op tosucceed,andrightnowI’vegotthebestgroupofemployeesI’veeverhadin38years,”Youngsaid,ex-plainingthatofhis24employees,theaveragetenureismorethan14yearswithfourworkingthere35yearsorlonger.“That’swherealotofoursuccesscomesfrom.”

Youngrecognizesthatgoodcus-tomerserviceiscrucialforsurvivalandtheCo-opoffersanumberofvalue-addedservicesthatsetitapartfromotherbusinessesinthearea,includingcarcareservicesandevenon-sitefarmequipmentrepairs.ThetireshopisthesamesizeitwaswhentheCo-opbuildingopenedin1967,

Youngsaid,butwithfourloyalemployees,includingasolidandreli-abledepartmentmanager,thetwo-bayfacilityaccountsformorethan$400,000worthoftiresales.

“Sammyhasassembledastaffoffolkswhowanttoservethefarmerownertothebestoftheirability,”saidLarryBennett,TFCregionalmanager.“EveryonewillgotheextramiletoseethattheCo-opcon-tinuestogrowandprosper.”

Macon Trousdale Farmers Cooperative

ThesecondPinnacleAwardwin-ner,MaconTrousdaleFarmersCoop-erative,hasmaintainedsteadysalesover the last five years but has con-tinuedtoproduceanaveragenetaftertaxesofsome9percent.TheCo-oppaysanimpressivecashpatronageeachyearwhileretiringapercentageofmemberequity.MaconTrousdale

alsostrengthenedthebalancesheetwhenitcompletedthepurchaseofmorethanhalfamilliondollarsinfixed assets this past year.

ManagerReidBrownattributesthesuccessoftheCo-optotheemployees,theboardofthedirec-tors,andtheloyaltyofthecustomers.Thosewhoknowhim,though,knowBrownisbeingmodest.

“BecauseofReid’sstrongstew-ardship,MaconTrousdale’sbalancesheetisamongthestrongestintheentirestate,”saidBennett.

Brownalsosharesanexcellentrelationshipwithhisboard,whichhedescribesas“forward-thinking.”ThatvisionarythinkinghelpedwhentheCo-oppurchasedanewstorelo-cationinHartsvillethisyear.Open-ingthispastAugust,thenewretailfacilityisexpectedtobringinanadditional$1millioninrevenuesan-nually.Attractive,cleanandwell-litshowroomsofferingawideselectionofproductsinvariouscategoriesdrawnewcustomersintoboththisnew store and the flagship location in Lafayette.

Customerloyaltyisalsoinstilledbyknowledgeableemployeeswhoofferdependableserviceandpayattentiontothesmalldetails,saidBrown,whobelievesinemployingdepartmentmanagershecandelegatetoandtrust.

“Fromthetirecentertotheware-

Top of their gameSix Co-ops honored as Pinnacle and

Peak Performer Award winners

lCoffee County

lTrousdale County

l Macon County

ABOVE: Coffee Farmers Cooperative manager Sammy Young, third from left, and directors, from left, Mike England, Don Willis, Sammy Billy Ring, Joe Keele, and Andy Scott are proud to receive the Pinnacle Award. LEFT: Young credits longtime employees like Jana Vanzant, seated, and Brenda Shannon with helping the Co-op succeed.

Tennessee Farmers Cooperative customer relations officer Jim McWherter presents TFC’s Pinnacle and Peak Performer awards during the business session Nov. 27. Winners of the Pinnacle Award were Macon Trousdale, Coffee, and Cocke Farmers Cooperatives. Peak Performers were Anderson, Obion, and Weakley Farmers Cooperatives. The 2006 annual meeting marked the fifth year TFC has honored outstanding Co-ops.

20 January 2007 Tennessee Cooperator January 2007 2�

house,andeverywhereinbetween,Reid’sdesireistoaddvaluetotheMaconTrousdaleoperationstoben-efit the farmer owners,” said Bennett.

Cocke Farmers Cooperative

ThethirdPinnaclerecipient,CockeFarmersCooperative,basedinNewport,hasconsistentlyachievedoutstanding results over the past five years.ThatperformancecomesinpartfromtheleadershipofmanagerJimmyHensley,whodemandsqual-itycustomerserviceandprofession-alismfromhisemployeesandadmitsherunsaprettytightship.

“I’mgoodtomyemployees,butIexpectthemtodotheirjob,”hesaid.

The2002additionoftheformerHamblenFarmersCo-opinMorris-town has diversified Cocke’s opera-tion.TheMorristownstore,managedbyJustinSane,doesbriskbusinessintheAutomotive,Tire,andBatteryDepartment.BoththeNewportstoreandtheMorristownlocationhaveexpandedtheirpet,apparel,giftsandothernon-traditionalofferings,whichhashelpedCockesucceedandenhancetheCo-op’sofferingstoitsEastTennesseecustomers.

HensleyalsoattributesahugeamountofhisCo-op’ssuccesstothededicateddirectorswhoarefocusedonthebigpicture.

“Weworkextremelywelltogether,”saidHensley.“Theboardisproac-tive; they’re willingtotrynewthingsandareverysupportive.”

RonMillsaps,TFCregionalmanager,saidpride is reflected throughouteveryleveloftheorganizationandfilters down to thefarmerowner,too.

“TheboardofdirectorsisextremelyproudofitsCo-opandisnotafraidtotakethepositionofkeepingitstrongandhealthy,”saidMillsaps.“It’snoaccidentthatCockeremainsstrongbecausethatisthegoaloftheboard.”

Anderson Farmers CooperativeA first-time recipient of the Peak

PerformerAward,AndersonFarm-ers Cooperative in Clinton is finding newsuccesswithanattractiveandextensiverenovationtotheexistingfacilityinClintoncompletedlessthanayearago.Theimprovedstoreoffersbroaderselections,alargershowroom,andevenmoreservicestoitsgrowingcustomerbase.

InthefouryearsAnthonyHast-ingshasmanagedtheCo-op,sales

volumehasincreasedbynearly61percent.Watchingmargins,hesaid,isavitalcomponentinhismanage-mentstyle.

Asaresult,theCo-op’ssalescontinuetogrowinalimitedagri-culturalenvironment.Forthetwo-yearperiodfrom2003to2005,saleshaveexpandedby33percent.Networthhasgrownatthesamepace.

Hastingsandregionalmanager

MillsapsagreethattheCo-op’ssuc-cesscanbeattributedtotheemploy-ees’hardworkanda“greatboardofdirectors”thatofferssupport,encour-

agementandtrust.“Andersonhasvisionarydirec-

torswhoworktogetheraswellasanyoneI’veeverworkedwithtotrytoeliminateobstacles,”Millsapssaid.

TheCo-op’semployeesworkhardtomeetthehighexpectationsoftheboardandofferenhancedbenefits to customers through con-veniencessuchasextendedstorehours,knowledgeableandprofes-sionalservice,andabroadermixofinventorytoappealtopart-timefarmersandhomeownersinadditiontofull-timefarmers.

“Anthonyhasdoneasuperjobwithlimitedspace,andtodayyou

SeeAwards,page22

lCocke County

lAnderson County

lHamblen County

Anderson Farmers Cooperative manager Anthony Hastings, right, and directors, from left, Floyd Grisham, president; Tim George; Gary Lamb; and Swan Kidwell were on hand to accept the Peak Performer Award. This was the first time Anderson Farmers was recognized among the award recipients.

Employees at Cocke Farmers Cooperative’s main store in Newport are key to the Co-op’s success, says manager Jimmy Hensley, right. In front, from left, are Nancy Sams and Patricia Jones. In back are Ronnie Sane, David Anthony, Bill Ottinger, Warren Bryant, Tommy Henderson, Joey Cagle, Gary Anders, Roy Sisk, and David Majors.

Cocke Farmers Cooperative directors, from left, Bob Barger, Randall Frisbee, Burl Roberts, Dan Williford, Jerry Williams, Tommy V. Lillard Jr., and Lonnie Ottinger joined Co-op manager Jimmy Hensley in accepting the 2006 Pinnacle Award at TFC’s annual meeting Nov. 27.

Though it has a nearly 60-year history of success, the Anderson Farmers Cooperative of yesteryear looks nothing like the Co-op of today. A newly renovated and expanded store that opened in Clinton in 2006 is helping the Co-op grow and target new customers.

ABOVE: Macon Trousdale Farmers Cooperative general manager Reid Brown, left, says forward-thinking directors, from left, Terry Doss, Jackie Woodard, Kenny Martin, and Randall Carr, are the reason the Co-op continues to be honored with the Pinnacle award. LEFT: Brown, here with office employees, from left, Sandy Goad, Kim White, and Turell Wix, also attributes the success of the Co-op to its employees and loyal customers.


Obion Farmers CooperativeNostrangertoexcellence,andthe

70-year-oldObionFarmersCoopera-tivehasbeenaTFCawardrecipientseveraltimes.FreemonHarris,whobeganmanagingtheCo-opin1969,attributesthissuccesstobalancingthe“old-fashioned”wayofdoingbusinesswithstayingontopoftrendsandtechnologiesintheagriculturalindustry.

Withfourlocations—UnionCity,Kenton,Obion,andTroy—andmul-tiplecropsservices,ObionFarmersCo-opispositionedtomeettheneedsofthecounty’sfarmers.AgronomyremainstheCo-op’sNo.1priority,andthebusinesshasinvestedheavilyinequipmentsuchasanewRo-Ga-torfertilizerspreaderfortopdressingcorn,wheat,andcottonandahigh-profile John Deere spray rig. The Co-opisevenintheprocessofbuild-inganewsix-baystoragefacilitytohousethisvaluableequipment.

“We’refortunateenoughtohaveanagriculturalcounty,soabigpartofourbusinesscomesfromourfarmermembers,”saidHarris.“Weprobablyselllessthan15percenttonon-producers.Butwebelieveinbe-ingfairtoallcustomersandfarmers,whethertheiroperationsarelargeorsmall.”

AlthoughObionFarmersCo-opfocusesoncrops,italsooffersotherproductssuchaspetfood,Carharttclothing,tackandhorsefeed,andgiftitems.Anopen-airgardencenteratUnionCityispopularinthespring,summer,andfall,andtheObionlocationalsohasatireshoptoservethelocalcommunity.

For fiscal year 2006, the Co-op registeredsalesofmorethan$10mil-lion for the first time. In turn, Harris saidhe’sproud,too,thatoverthepastyeartheCo-oppaidmorethan$300,0000inpatronageandallocatedreservesplusanother$40,000inal-locatedreservestosettleestates—allincash.

“It’simportantthatweshareoursuccesswiththemembers,”theveteranmanagerstressed.“It’stheCo-opway—we

makemoneyandpassitbacktoourpatrons.They’rerewardedfortheirloyaltytous.”

Toachievethislevelofsuccess,Obionhasasupportive,forward-thinkingboardofdirectorsalongwithagreatgroupofemployees,saidHarris,addingthatloyalsupportofTFCisalsoimportant.

“Theonlywaywe’regoingtosurviveisifweallsticktogether,”hesaid.“TherewereyearswhenTFCwasstrugglingandneededthecountiestohelpandviceversa.I’vebeenaroundlongenoughtoseebothsituations.”

Weakley Farmers CooperativeIn his first year as manager of

WeakleyFarmersCooperative,ThomasChandleriscontinuingtheCo-op’senhancedservicephilosophysupportedbytwofull-timeagronomyspecialists.WiththemajorityofWeakley’svolumecomingfromitsagronomycustomers,ChandlersaidtheCo-opbeingonthefarmtoserviceitscustomersiswhatkeepsthecompetitionfromgaininggroundinthecrops-richareaofNorthwestTennessee.

“Agronomyisourbreadandbutter,”hesaid.“Ifwedidn’thavepeople out in the field, I don’t believe we’dbewherewearetoday.”

Chandlerhasseenthebusinessfrom both sides, spending five years asanoutsideagronomyspecialistfortheCo-opbeforebeingnamedgen-eralmanagerlastFebruarytoreplaceformermanagerGeorgeEvans,whobecameTFC’sregionalmanagerforWestTennessee.Chandleradmittedthat“Georgeisahardacttofol-low,”butsaidhebelievesit’sbeenasmoothtransition.

Salesforthepastyearwerelevelatabout$14.5million,despitethefactthatcornacresandfertilizertonnageweredown.Chandlersaid

lWeakley County

l Obion County

Awards(continued from page 2�)

increasesinfeedandseedsalesoffsetthosede-creases,andotherareasofthebusi-nessheldsteady.

Heavilyser-vice-oriented,theCo-opprovidesfield-scouting, fertilizerspread-ing,on-farmdelivery,soil-sampling,customspraying,bulkchemicals,seedtreatments,atireservicetruck,andotherservicestosupporttheeffortsoflocalfarmersandagrowingnumberofcustomersinneighboringKen-tuckycounties.

TheCo-opofferssoydieseltopromotethisfarmer-producedfuelandhasbeenservingasthelocalsourcefortheproductsneededbytheUniversityofTennesseeatMartin’sagriculturalprogramunderanagree-mentwithTFCtobetheuniversity’sofficial source for feed and animal healthproducts.

WeakleyFarmersservesitscustomersthroughbranchstores

in Gleason and Greenfield and the mainstoreinMartin.ChandlersaidtheCo-opisalsointheprocessofpurchasingpropertyadjacenttotheMartincomplextobuildalarger,state-of-the-artfertilizerfacility.

“IbelieveWeakleyFarmersCo-ophasthetotalpackageofpeopleandplacestohandlemoresalesthananybody,”saidChandler.“Wedon’ttrytobethecheapest,butwebackupeverythingwedowithservice.Mygoalsaretokeepwatchingexpensesandgoaboveandbeyondtoserveourcustomers.”

ABOVE: Weakley Farmers Cooperative manager Thomas Chandler, second from right, and Co-op board members, front from left, Gerald Parham, Mike Hancock, and Gary Hall, and in back, Keith Kemp, Keith Fowler, Steve Tuck, and Brian Garner, were honored with the Peak Performer Award. LEFT: Agronomy is the “bread and butter” for Weakley Farmers.

Leaders of Obion Farmers Cooperative, which was honored with the Peak Performer award, attending TFC’s annual meeting are, from left, directors Lynn Barnes, Paul Albright, Robert McDavid, Carl Wayne Hammond, and Amous Huey, manager Freemon Harris, and directors David Wisener and Jason Crabtree.

Obion Farmers Cooperative employees, from left, Joe Key, David Crockett, and Charlie Miller treat a customer’s load of wheat seed with fungicide. Seed treatments have become a growing part of the business for the heavily agronomy-oriented Co-op.

22 January 2007 Tennessee Cooperator January 2007 2�

By Jerry Kirk, Photos by Allison Morgan

When Tennessee Farmers Cooperative gave its first Cooperative SpiritAwardtoretiredVicePresidentofSalesJamesB.Walkerin1999,JamesM.Wright,managerofWashingtonFarmersCoop-

erativeinJonesborough,waschosentomakethepresentation.NowWright,whoretiredonMarch31,2001,afteranillustrious40-year

Co-opcareer,hasbecometheeighthpersontowinTFC’shighestindividualhonor,nowknownastheJamesB.WalkerCooperativeSpiritAward.

Wrightwasannouncedasthe2006winneronNov.27duringTFC’sannualmeetingatGaylordOprylandResortandConferenceCenterinNashville.Hewasthere,alongwithhisimmediatefamily,toaccepttheawardand,asarous-ingbonus,receiveastandingovationfromtheaudience.

“I’mhonoredtobepartofthegroupofpeoplewhoreceivedthisawardbe-fore me,” Wright said after TFC Chief Executive Officer Bart Krisle presented himwiththeaward.

Speaking from the wheelchair to which he’s confined much of the time as theresultofadebilitatingconditionthatparalyzedhimfromthechestdownlastsummer,Wrightwasemotionalinhisresponsetowinningtheaward.

“Little did I know when I announced Mr. Walker’s name as the first recipient ofthisawardthatIwouldbeoneofthosepeopletoreceiveit,”Wrightsaid.“IwanttothankMr.WalkerfortheopportunityhegavemetomanagetheCo-op,whichprovedtobealong-termproposal.IalsowanttothankallofthepeopleofTFC,fellowmanagers,andemployeesI’veworkedwiththroughtheyears.”

WhentheselectioncommitteemetinApriloflastyeartochoosethe2006recipientoftheCooperativeSpiritAward,theyhadnowayofknowingthat,withinamatterofafewweeks,themantheyhadselectedwouldbefacingthemostrivetingchallengeofhislife.

InearlyMay,Wrightbeganlosingfeeling—andthenmovement—inhisleftleg.Testsrevealedacavernoushemangioma(bloodtumor),whichhadbledintothespinalcolumn.

Eventuallyparalyzedfromthechestdown,WrightenteredQuillenRahabili-tationHospitalinJohnsonCityonMay31.HemaintainedarigoroustherapyscheduleforseveralweeksandwasreleasedtogohomeonJuly5.Hecontin-uestotaketherapyatthefacilityonaoutpatientbasis.

It’snosurprisethatWrightwas—andcontinuestobe—determinedtogetbetter.Gritanddeterminationhave,afterall,beenstaplesofhislifefromthebeginning.BornFeb.1,1936,inthesmallRheaCountytownofSpringCity,Wright was the first of six children of the late Quentin Mack and Hazel Lorraine TefferWright.

Inhisearlyyears,thefamilylivedinaruralareasouthofSpringCity,butyoungJamesgrewupona160-acrefarmnorthoftownwheretheWrightsraisedcorn,hay,tobacco,andabiggardenandhadafewbeefcowsandacoupleofmilkcows.

HeattendedSpringCityandSt.Clairelementaryschoolsandgraduatedin1954 from Spring City High School where he was an active member and officer ofFutureFarmersofAmerica,managerforthefootballteam,andvotedbythestudentbodyas“BestAllAround”intheseniorclass.

Upongraduation,WrightheadedtoNashvillewherehesurveyedandmapped power lines for an electrical engineering firm. A few years later, he movedtoRockwoodtoworkasabookkeeperforthelabdepartmentatalocalsteelmill.ItwasinRockwoodthathemetandbegandatinganattractivelocalyoungladybythenameofMildredCooper.

WrightjoinedtheArmyin1958andspentmostofhistwoyearsofserviceinGermany,workingonanartillerysurveycrew.Ononeofhisvisitshome,heaskedMildredtomarryhim.ThecouplewedonDec.24,1958,inKingstonandlivedinBaumholder,GermanyfortherestofhisArmyservice.

Whenhewasdischargedin1960,WrightreturnedtoTennesseeandbeganworkingatRoaneFarmersCooperative’sbranchstoreinRockwood,drivingatruckandworkinginthewarehouse.Eightmonthslater,hewaspromotedtomanagerofthatbranchoperation,launchingalongandnotablecareerasaCo-opmanager.

AftertwoyearsofmanagingtheRockwoodbranch,WrightwasnamedgeneralmanagerofRoaneFarmersCo-op.Then,in1966,hebecamemanagerof Washington Farmers Cooperative, which, in its first year under his manage-ment,hadsalesof$955,000.BythetimeWrightretired,saleshadreached$10millionannually.

Recognizedasoneofthemostsuc-cessfulmanagersinthehistoryoftheCo-opsysteminTennessee,Wrighthasalwaysbeenanoutspokenadvocateofsuchbusinessbasicsasfairness,hon-esty,andoptimumcustomerservice.He’sbeenavaluedmentortocountlessCo-opmanagersandemployeesonvariouslevels.

Wright,whonowownstheRheaCountyfarmonwhichhewasraised,andMildredhavethreechildren—DeraldWright,manageroftheLoudonBranch of Valley Farmers Cooperative; KarmaWrightCox,accountingman-ager of Citigroup in Gray; and Leslie Wright,adocumentationspecialistfortheFederalCommunicationsWirelessTelecommunicationsBureauinWash-ington,D.C.

TheWrights,whostillliveinJones-boroughbutvisittheirRheaCountyfarmasoftenaspossible,havethreegrandchildren—AprilandColinWrightandAdamCox.

In a flurry of activity, James M. Wright, winner of the 2006 James B. Walker Cooperative Spirit Award, laughs it up with cherished friends James Walker, right, retired vice president of sales with Tennessee Farmers Cooperative, and Vernon Glover, retired TFC chief executive officer. Meanwhile, at left, Wright’s wife, Mildred, talks with William Hopper, newly retired manager of TFC’s Accounting Department, as Bu Yilmaz of Washington, D.C., snaps a digital image of the scene.

AsJamesWrightacceptedthe2006JamesB.WalkerCoopera-tiveSpiritAward,hesentaspecialmessageofthankstofamilyandfriends:

“Onapersonalnote,Iwanttothankthepeople—alotoftheminthisaudience—whosente-mails,cards,andletters,madepersonalvisits,andsaidprayersforme.

“I’mdoinggood.Ialsowanttothankmyfamily,allofthemheretoday.They’vestoodbyme,especiallyMildred,mywifeof48years.It’sbeenafull-timejobforherandtherestofthefamilytocareformeoverthelastsixmonths.”

James says‘thanks’

Clutching his Cooperative Spirit Award plaque, James Wright said he’s blessed to be surrounded by his entire immediate family for the special recognition in Nashville. Kneeling in front are grandsons Adam Cox, left, and Colin Wright. Standing, from right to left, are son Derald Wright and his wife, Marie; daughter Leslie Wright and her boyfriend, Bu Yilmaz; son-in-law Tommy Cox; wife Mildred; daughter Karma Wright Cox; and granddaughter April Wright.

James Wright wins Cooperative Spirit Award

2� January 2007 Tennessee Cooperator

Wouldyouliketoseeyourfavorite“Co-opKid”featuredonthe2008Co-opFeedCalendar?Sendusaphoto!Herearetheguidelines:lSubmiteitherhorizontal photosorslides,alongwithacompleted entryform.High-qualitydigitalentrieswillbeaccepted,too.Send onlyduplicateimagesbecauseentrieswillnotbereturned.lThechildorchildrenmustbepicturedwithafavoritepet,farmanimal,Co-opfeedproduct,and/orCo-opcap.lEntriesmaybeeitherportraitsorcandidshotsofspecialeventsoreverydayfarmactivities.lIdentifyeachpersoninthepictureandthephotographer.lCo-opcustomers,members,andemployeesareeligibletoenter.lDeadlineforentriesisJune15,2007.lAllentriesbecomethepropertyofTennesseeFarmersCooperativeandmaybeusedinfuturepublicityoradvertisements.l Decisions of the judges are final.Sendphotoswiththeentryformbelowto:Co-opKidsCalendar,Feed

Department,TennesseeFarmersCooperative,P.O.Box3003,LaVergne,TN37086,orusetheformonCo-op’sWebsiteatwww.ourcoop.com.Fordetails,callKeithHarrisonat(615)[email protected].

Name

Address

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Your local Co-op

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Names of people in the photo, listed left to right:

Explain what’s taking place in the photo

Co-op Kids calendar photo contest

Contest seeks ‘Co-op Kids’

Story and photo by Allison Morgan

InthelittlemorethanayearsinceHumphreysFarmersCooperativebe-ganoperatingtheCo-opfacilitiesinCenterville,employeesandcustom-ersalikesayit’sbeenachangeforthebetter.

“It’sbeenawelcomechange,”saysDoyleTotty,whoraiseshayandAnguscattleaboutsevenmilessoutheastoftheCo-op.“It’sbeenprofessionallymanagedandhandledineveryway,withgoodmarketingandcustomerrelations.”

Underaleaseagreementthatstart-edNov.1,2005,theformerHickmanFarmersCooperativefacilitybecameabranchlocationofHumphreysFarmersCooperative,headquarteredinWaverly.HumphreyspurchasedHickman’sinventoryandaccountsreceivablesandisleasingthefacili-ties.

“Ourboarddidn’twanttoseeanotherCo-opbelost,andneitherdidHickmanFarmers’board,”saysRandyHite,generalmanagerofHumphreysFarmersCooperative.“Thisway,we’reabletokeepaCo-opinthecommunityandcontin-uetoservethefarmersandcustomersbetter and more efficiently.”

TheCo-opcommemoratedtheone-yearanniversaryofthisarrange-mentandshoweditsappreciationtocustomerswithanopenhouseonFridayandSaturday,Nov.3and4.JerryBarber,manageroftheHick-manbranchandaCo-opemployeesince 1991, says the first 12 months were“prettygood,”withsalesup$300,000overthesameperiodlast

A change for the betterHumphreys Farmers Co-op celebrates

first year of operating Centerville storeyear.TheCo-opevensentoutpa-tronagechecksthisyear.

“We’vebeenwellreceivedhere,”saysJerry.“Allwedidwascleanuptheshowroomandimprovecustomerservice.That’salot.Iwouldn’tbesurprisedifvolumeisupagainoverthenext12months.”

TheCo-op’sgoalistoprovidecompetitivepricesandfriendlyfaces,saysJerry,addingthatimprovementssuchastheadditionoffertilizerandlimebuggiesandanewbodyforthebulk feed truck are directly benefiting customers.TheHickmanstorehasrecentlyreopeneditscarcarecenter—closedjustaftertheleaseagreementbeganlastyear—toprovidetiresales,oilchanges,andlightbrakework.

HickmanFarmersCo-opmembershadtheopportunitytobecomemem-bersofHumphreysFarmersCo-op,and125tookadvantageoftheofferin the first year.

“Andwe’regettingnewmemberseverymonth,”saysRandy.

Withthisadditionofanotherstorelocation,RandysaysHum-phreysFarmershasanopportunitytoprovidemuch-neededproductsandservicestoalargertradeareathatincludesHickmanCountyandevenLewisCounty,wheretheCo-opclosedin2004.Beefcattlearethebiggestagriculturalenterpriseintheterritoryalongwithalittlerow-cropbusiness. A prolific area for deer and turkey,thewildlifesectorofthebusi-nesshasalsobeengrowing,hesays,withcustomersbuyingproductstoplantandfertilizefoodplots.

“Thismoveexpandsourbuyingpowerandmarketingareaandallowsustoshareinventoryandemploy-ees,”saysRandy.“Itallworksverywell.It’sbeenapositivemoveforusandforourfarmerownersandcustomers.”

lCenterville

Randy Hite, left, manager of Humphreys Farmers Cooperative, and Jerry Barber, manager of the Co-op’s Hickman branch, showed their appreciation to their customers and the community during an open house that celebrated the successful first year of operation for the Centerville store. Humphreys Farmers began operating the Co-op facilities under a lease agreement with Hickman Farmers Cooperative in November 2005.

Afteryearsofhabitatreconstructionbyconservationgroupsandmonitor-ing by the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA), officials believe thecurrentelkpopulationinTennesseemaybehealthyenoughtosupportahuntingseason—morethanacenturyafterthelastelkwaskilledinObionCountyinnorthwestTennesseein1865.

Last month, the TWRA received final approval to establish an elk-hunting season in 2008, the first time since the Civil War. Since their reintroduction tothestatein2000,wildelkhaveprosperedinawildlifemanagementareaontheCumberlandPlateau.Estimatesputtheelkpopulationatbetween150and 250, and because of the small herd size only five hunting permits will be issued at first.

TheTennesseeWildlifeResourcesCommissionwillcreateelkhuntinglicenses,setafeeforhuntersinterestedinapplyingforthepermits,andgiveone permit to a nonprofit to raise funds to support the elk program.

Currently elk live in portions of five Tennessee counties: Morgan, Scott, Campbell,Anderson,andClaiborne.ElkhavealsobeenintroducedontheNorthCarolinasideoftheGreatSmokyMountainsNationalPark.

Wildlife agencies plan to allow Tennesseans to hunt elk in 2008

2� January 2007 Tennessee Cooperator January 2007 25

By Kim Smith, equine specialist

Alifelongequineenthusiast,KimSmithholdsamaster’sdegreeinanimalsciencefromWestTexasA&M,whereheracademicresearchfocusedonhorsenutrition.In1999,shejoinedTennesseeFarmersCooperative as Co-op’s first statewideequinespecialist.

a c k ro o m Ta l kTThisJanuary,whilesomeofusarecurlingupwithablanketandacupof

hot chocolate next to a crackling fire, others are anxiously awaiting their 2007foalcrop.Mostbreederswillhavefoalshittingthegroundsome-

timeinthespring,sonowisthetimetoexaminethenutritionofbroodmares.Thismonth,I’llsharesomeinformationaboutthemare’snutritionalrequire-mentsandhowtheychangethroughoutgestationandduringlactation.

During the first two trimesters of gestation, the mare’s nutritional require-mentsaren’tthatmuchdifferentfromthoseofahorseatmaintenance.How-ever,duringthelasttrimester,thefoalgrowsthemost,meaningthemare’snutritionalrequirementswillincrease.Sheneedsmoreenergy,protein,mineralsandvitaminsinherdietforthegrowthanddevelopmentofherfetus.Iftheserequirementsaren’tmet,shemayloseweight,deliverasmallfoal,and/ornotproduceanymilkforthefoal.

Also,itisimportanttoremembertheeffectsoffescueonthemareduringthistime.Werecommendthatmaresberemovedfromfescuepastureandnotgivenaccesstofescuehay90dayspriortofoaling.Endophyte-infectedfescuecancauseseveralproblemsforthemareandfoal,includingprolongedgestation,thickenedplacenta,nomilkproduction,and“dummy”orweakfoalsyndrome.

Afterthefoalisborn,themaremustproducemilk.Atthistime,hernutritionalrequirementsincreasefurther.Withouttheproperadjustmenttoherdiet,themaremayloseweightinanattempttoproduceenoughmilktomaintainhergrowingfoal.

So,howdoyoumakesureyourmare’snutritionalrequirementsaremetduringbothlategestationandearlylactation?First,aswithanyfeedingpro-

gram,itisimportantthatthemarereceivesthebest-qualityforageavailable.Next,thefeedyouselectshoulddependonthetypeofforagethat is available. Specifically, during the last trimesterofgestation,themareneedstobeplacedoneither16-percentCo-opMareandFoalDeveloper(#331)ifshereceivesgrassforageor14-percentCo-opEquineAdvantage(#321)ifshereceivesalegumeormixforage

Remember,too,thatbecausethemare,afterfoaling,willhaveincreasednutritionalrequirements,theamountoffeedthatshereceivesshouldalsoincreasetomeetherneeds.IfyouarefeedingMareandFoalDeveloperorEquineAdvantage,youshouldincreasetheamountyouareprovidingbyabout15to20percent.Asalways,whenmakingfeedchanges,makethemgradually.

Nutritionisn’ttheonlythingthatwillkeepyourmareingoodshapeandassureyouofahealthyfoal.Properdewormingandvaccinationareben-eficial as well. Six weeks prior to foaling, we recommend that the mare be givenboosterstohervaccinationstohelpprovidethefoaladditionalprotec-tionthroughthecolostrumuntilavaccinationprogrambegins.Themareshouldalsobedewormedatthesametimeasboostering.

Ihopethisarticlewillhelpyouprepareforthenewfoalcrop.Iwisheachofyouaprosperousandhappynewyear.Ifyouhaveanyquestionsconcern-ingthisarticleoranyothers,contactmeat1-800-366-2667,extension8108,[email protected].

Nurturemares,foalswithextranutrition


Story and photos by Maura Satchell

ClaudiaTurnerneverhadahorsewhenshewasyoung.Herreality,growingupinEast

Berlin,Germany,wasoneofhungerandfear.HerfatherwaskilledinthewaningdaysofWorldWarII,andasayoungteenClaudiawasforcedtoevacuatehernativecity,escapingthroughtherazorwirethatdividedCommunist-controlledEastGermanyfromthefreeWesternworld.

Thoughtswerenotonhorsesbutonherveryexistenceasshespentthenexttwomonthsinarefugeecamp,doingwhatwasnecessarytosurvive.

“Itissomethingyouneverforget,”ClaudiaacknowledgesquietlyinherGerman-accentedEnglish.“Ilostfriendsandacquaintancesduringourescapethroughthewire.”

YoungClaudiasettledinHeidel-berg,Germany,whereshevisitedlibrariesandporedoverbooksabouthorses.

“AllmylifeIwasinterestedinhorsesbutneverhadachancetohaveonethere,ofcourse,”shesays.

ItwasthroughbooksthatClaudialearnedaboutwarmbloods,hand-somesporthorsesthatoriginatedintheGermaniccountriesandarebredandtrainedforthemajorinternation-alequestriandisciplinesofdressage,show-jumping,andeventing.

Oneparticulartypeofwarmblood,theTrakehner,capturedClaudia’simaginationwhenshelearnedofthebreed’shistoryanditsinvolvementin“TheFlight”––thehurriedevacua-tionoftheEastPrussianpeoplewiththeirnativeTrakehnerhorsesastheyfled from the advancing Russian forcesattheendofWorldWarII.Scoresofthehorseswerelost,killed,orcapturedduringtheirescapetothe

West,andwhenthewarwasover,only600broodmaresand50stallionsremainedofthebreedthatoncenum-beredinthetensofthousands.

Struckbythebreed’sparallelstoherownlife,ClaudiavowedshewouldhaveTrakehnersofherownsomeday.AfteradjustingtolifeinWestGermany,shemetandmarriedanAmericanG.I.whowasbasedtherefollowingatourinVietnam.HisfamilyownedafarminCalifor-niawithhorses,andwhenthenew-lywedsarrivedforavisittotheU.S.in 1971, Claudia was given her first horse.Itwastootameforher,andshetradeditinforaspiritedArabiannamedFaschingsPrinzess,whichremainedontheCaliforniafarm.

Claudiacouldvisitonlyoccasion-allyuntil1987whenherhusbandobtainedatransfertoamilitarybaseinWashingtonstate.Atthattime,theymovedfromGermanytotheSeattlearea,andwithherownhorseasthefoundation,ClaudiastartedanArabianhorsefarm.

In1990,ClaudiadivorcedandrelocatedhersmallhorsefarmtoOr-egon.There,shegainedexperienceandknowledgeintheproductionandtrainingofracingthoroughbreds,Arabians,andwarmbloods,appren-ticedasabreedingassistant,andbecameaprofessionalfarrier.

Morethanadecadelater,ClaudiametBobTurner,acomputerconsul-tantandnativeofHawkinsCounty,Tenn.,whowaslivinginthePort-land,Ore.,area.

WhenhemetClaudia,Bobwasstillreelingfromthelossofhiswifeof33yearsin2000toamassivestrokeandthedeathofhis20-year-oldsonduetoacongenitalheartde-fect five years earlier. But Claudia’s interestinhorseswasinfectiousand

helpedhimmovebeyondthetrag-edies.Theymarriedin2004.

ClaudiaandBobacquiredtheirfirst champion, Pasha, a Hungar-ianwarmblood,in2003.PashawasimportedfromHungarybyafellowequineenthusiast,andhisarrivalattheTurners’farmwasfortuitous.

“AfriendofminekeptPashainherbackyardinWashingtonanddidn’tknowwhattodowithhim,”saysClaudia.“Thepreviousownerdidnothavethemoneytoinvestintrainingorboardingthehorseproperly,andPashawasdeterioratingthere.SoIsaid,‘I’lltakehim.’”

“Wewerebothenthralledbyhispresenceandmovementsandjusthadtobringhimhomewithus,”addsBob.

Pasha,afterfourmonthsoftrainingandbeingonthereceiv-ingendofClaudia’sspecialat-tention,wasenteredbytheTurnersintheU.S.EquestrianFederationOregonDressageFirstLevelChampion-shipinSep-tember2004,whichhe

won.Thefollowingmonth,hecom-petedintheU.S.DressageFederation(USDF)Region6competitionandtheGreatAmericancompetitionheldthesameweekendinOctober2004atEmeraldDownsinSeattle.

“HewontheOpen1stLevelonFriday,theUSDFLevelIRegionalonSaturday,andtheGreatAmericanLevelIonSunday––threeentries,threeblueribbons!”Claudiaexclaims.

PashabecamethefoundationofthebreedingstockatTurningPointFarm,whichBobandClaudiaestablishedwhentheymovedtotheir300-acrepropertyinHawkinsCountyin2005.ThefarmnowhasthoroughbredandTrakehnerbroodmares,apairofstal-lions,andseveralyearlingsandfoals.

“TurningPointrepresentedastateofmind,”explainsBob.“Comingbackhomeandestablishingasporthorsebreedingandtrainingfacilitywastrulyaturningpointinourlives.”

WhenthecouplemovedtothefarmonBeechGroveRoadnearRogersville,itwasessentiallybarelandthatlayfallowformanyyears.TheTurnersbuilta20-stallbarnwithan apartment on the first level, which isintendedforatrainer.Theylivein it now while finishing a roomier residenceforthemselvesontheupperlevelthatwillhaveglasswindowsoverlookingthestallstomonitormaresinfoal.

“They’vedonealotofworkhere,andit’sajobkeepingeverythingroll-ing,”saysTomHenard,managerofHawkinsFarmersCooperative,whohasknownBobsincethetwowereinhighschooltogether.“Theyhavegottenitintorealgoodshapeandhavemadeashowplaceoutofit.”

ThattheTurnersliveinthebarnisnotremarkable,saysLeeAnnMoore,asalesrepresentativewiththeCo-op,adding,“Claudiajustwantstobeclosetoherhorses.”

LeeAnn,whospecializesinequineandpetproducts,saysinterestinhorse-relatedactivitieshasboomedinHawkinsCountyinrecentyears.Forexample,therehavebeenEastTen-nesseeHunterJumperAssociation

Claudia Turner is obviously happy with where life has taken her — to her beloved Turning Point Farm in Hawkins County. Her journey has been one of adventure, fate, and determination.

Rogersville l

Claudia works with Pasha, her first champion warmblood, who won three blue ribbons in three consecutive days in 2004. He is a mixture of Hungarian and German warmbloods.


horseshowsintheareaforthepastthreeyears,includ-ingonehostedbyTurningPointFarmthispastJuly.Co-opisasponsoroftheevent,whichdrawssome80to100com-petitorseachyear.

“Tenyearsago,ifyou’dhavetoldusweweregoingtobemovingasmuchhorsefeedaswearenow,we’dhavethoughtyouwerecrazy,”saysLeeAnn.“Thisyear,we’rejusttwotonsshortofbeingevenwiththesaleofbaggedbeeffeed.”

TheTurnersspeakhighlyofLeeAnn,andClaudiarecallshowtheequinespecialisthandledapoten-tiallydisastroussituationthecouplefacedwhentheyrelocatedthehorsestoTennesseefromOregon.

“Weshipped12horsestoRogersvillethatwouldbethefoundationofTurningPointFarm,”saysClaudia.“Oncetheyarrived,thehorseswereindistress.”

Foronething,LeeAnnsays,feedsfromOregonarequitedifferentfromwhatisavailableinTennessee.

“Also,thetemperatureandpastureswerecompletelynewtothehorses,”addsClaudia.“Thesedrasticchangesmadethemlosetremendousamountsofweight.SowithLeeAnn’sguid-ance,wejustexperimentedtogetheruntilwefoundtherightproducttosuitmyhorses.”

ThatproductisCo-opGoldenYearsSupreme(#323),andtheTurn-ersnowfeedittoalltheirhorses.

“Notjusttheolderhorses,butevenher,”Claudiasays,indicatingayoungfilly named Windrose who is show-ingoffnearby.“Ijustusethatoneproduct,andIhaveeverythingIneedforeveryhorseontheplace.”

AlongwithPasha,a2-year-oldmarenamedHoffnunghasgivenBobandClaudiaadditionalchampionshiplineageandpossibilitiesforthefuture.

“She’smyhope,”Claudiaex-plains,notingthattranslatedfromGermanintoEnglish,“hoffnung”means“hope.”AstheelegantTrakehner floats around the show ring,ClaudiacallsattentiontothegracefulsuspensioninHoffnung’strot,acharacteristicdesiredfordres-sage,asportsuitedforTrakehners.Hoffnungisthesecond-generationoffspringofInduc,aGermanstallionwho,inGermanyin1994,wasratedtheoverall4-year-oldchampionofallGermanbreeds.ButHoffnungcomeswithsomeimpressiveratingsofherown.

“WetookhertoOhioforthein-spectionthat’srequiredtogethorseslisted in the official stud book, and

shereceivedthehighestgradesofany2-year-oldinthecountryattheTrakehnerinspection,”Bobsays.

Inadditiontobreeding,training,andprovidingridinglessons,Turn-ingPointFarmhostsspecialeventsliketheprofessionalequineclinicheldthispastDecember.Withalargestable,impressiveshowring,andseveralnearbyridingtrails,thefacilityismorethanatypicalhorsefarm.

“It’sanequinesportscenter,”Bobpointsout.“Wehostallsortsofevents,foralldisciplines.”

Claudia,anaccomplisheddres-sagerider,alsotrainsyoungstersinthedisciplineandplansonhost-inganinformalyouthcampthissummer.Theyoungequestrians,ranginginagefrom5to15,willhelpcareforthehorses,workontheirridingskills,andparticipateinsocialeventsandgames.

“Iliketohavekidshere––theyneedtogetawayfromcomputersandtelevisions,youknow?”saysClaudia,whooperatedaprogramofthis sort in Oregon, too, and finds it rewardingtoencouragechildreninequestriansports.

Asiftheyweren’tbusyenough,theTurnersalsobreedandraiseDachsunddogsandhostandcom-peteinWesternshootingevents,bothmountedandunmounted.

However,evenwithherotherinterests,Claudiadoesn’thidethefactthatherdrivinginterestisherhorses.Bobsumsitupwithoutwastingwords:

“She’sgotherhorses.That’sallittakestomakeherhappy.”

FormoreinformationaboutTurn-ingPointFarm,visitthefarm’sWebsiteatwww.turningpointwb.comorcalltheTurnersat(423)235-7280.

ABOVE: The Turners’ hard work shows as formerly unused land in Hawkins County now boasts the attractive Turning Point Farm stable and facilities, which sit on 300 acres near Rogersville. The barn includes a trainer’s ground-floor apartment and, once completed, an elegant home for the Turners above. LEFT: Tom Henard, right, manager of Hawkins Farmers Cooperative in Rogersville, and Bob Turner are classmates who were reunited when Bob returned to Hawkins County and established Turning Point Farm. The Turners buy feed and other supplies from the Co-op.

Young filly Windrose has her father’s photogenic appeal and frisky temperament. Her mother, Cisco Cindy, is an English thoroughbred and one of the farm’s foundation mares. She stands 17 hands high.


Although many of the students reluctantly come to Freedom Mountain Academy, they soon become one big family with each other and the school’s teaching staff.

Mountain City l

Patricia and Kevin Cullinane, the unconventional educators and founders of Freedom Mountain Academy, together have more than 60 years of experience in education.

Student Kendra Morgan stands at the woodburning stove, where she and other students take turns preparing meals.

Story and photos by Maura Satchell

TuckedintoamountainvalleysixmilesnorthofMountainCity,atinyboardingschool

drawsstudentsfromthefourcornersofAmerica.Thisyear,theyhailfromWisconsin,Georgia,Pennsylva-nia,Texas,Washington,California,Maryland,NewJerseyandTennessee.

WhentheyarriveinSeptemberforasingleschoolyear,mostoftheseyoungmenandwomenareangry,wounded,andnegative.Atyear’send,theyleavereluctantly,sometimestearfully,butalways with newfound confidence in themselvesandadeeperunderstandingoftheworldaroundthem.

TheyarethestudentsofFreedomMountainAcademy,aspecialtyboardingschoolwhererebelliousteensarehewnintogentle,opensouls,eagerforlearning,sharing,andcontributingtosociety.Itsuniquenessliesinthecurriculumthatinterspersesacademicswithfourhoursoffarmworkeverydayandaweekofmoun-tainsearch-and-rescuetrainingeachmonth.

FoundersKevinandPatriciaCul-linaneopenedtheschoolinSeptem-ber2000andhavesinceeducatedmorethan60students,ages14to19.Theacademy,whichcanaccommo-

dateupto20studentsayear,operatesinarusticone-roomschoolhouseenvironment,surroundedbynaturalwoodwalls,ceilings,andfurnishings,warmed by a stone fireplace, and lit solelybylamplight.NoiPods,videogames,television,orotherelectronicdevicesthatmightdetractfromFree-domMountainAcademy’sdoctrine

areallowed.

“Ourprogramallowsstudentstostepoutoftheirnormalsub-

urbanroutinesandviewlifefromanentirelydifferentpointofview,”saysPatricia.“Freedfromthepressures

ofmodernsociety,theycanbegintodevelopamorebalancedperspectiveanddiscovertheirinnategifts.”

TheCullinanesbothhaveextensiveexperienceinprivateeducationthatinspiredthemtoestablishFreedomMountainAcademy.Kevinalsohasamilitarybackgroundthatsuitstheirstyleofteachingwell.

“IcameoutoftheMarineCorpsin1964,”Kevinsays.“IwassoupsetwiththewayAmericanculturehadchangedwhenIgotout––withsev-eralchildrenofmyownalready––Ilooked around and fled.”

Kevin and his first wife uprooted their five children from their East Coasthomeandmovedtonorthern

Idaho,just20milesfromtheCana-dianborder.Afewyearslaterandfirmly settled in Idaho, Kevin founded AcademyoftheRockiesSchool(ARS),asmall,family-styleboard-ingschoolforteenagersthatbecamethesuccessfulblueprintforFreedomMountainAcademy.

“The‘work/study/adventure’cur-riculumattheschoolprovidedacalm,near-perfectenvironmentfortheover-stimulated,under-structuredsociallifeofsomanyofthecountry’steenag-ers,”Kevinexplains.“Ifelttherehadtobeafree-marketequivalenttothemilitarytohelppeoplegrowup.”


WhileKevinwaseducatingteensinaminimalistenvironmentinIdaho,PatriciawasteachingherowntwodaughtersandhundredsofotheryoungstersinCaliforniaatCardenHall,aprivateeducationalinstitutionshefoundedaroundthesametime.Thesuccessfuldayschoolcycledapproximately500studentseachyearthroughitsdoorsat35locations.

KevinandPatriciametinthemid-1970swhenanIdahoneighborinsistedKevinvisitCardenHalltointerviewaprospectivestudent.Thepairequallyimpressedoneanotherwiththeirsharedpassionforeduca-tionalexcellencewithinanunconven-tionalframework.

Acoupleofyearslater,PatriciasentoneofherdaughterstoKevin’sAcademyoftheRockies.Whenshecametovisit,PatriciawasagainimpressedwithKevin’seducationalphilosophyandmore.

“Irealizedinsteadofaschool,mykidsneededadaddy,”Patriciasayswithalaugh,notingthatbothsheandKevinweredivorcedbythistime.Theirrelationshipeventuallybecameamergerofbothfamiliesandeduca-tionalinstitutions.PatriciasoldherCardenHallschoolsandmovedwithherchildrentoIdahotobecomebothbusinessandlife-partnertoKevin.TheCullinaneshavebeenmarriedfor30yearsnow.

Asfortheschooling,thepaircon-tinuedtooperatetheARSandexploreothereducationalopportunities.Inthe

late1980s,theCullinanesleftIdahotoestablishabusiness-traininginstitute,FreedomCountryExecu-tiveConferenceCenter,inSouthCarolina,wheretheyeducatedmanage-mentandexecutive-levelbusinessprofessionals.

“Ialwayswantedtogetbackintoboardingschools,sowesoldthataf-terafewyearsandboughtlandhereinMountainCity,”Kevinsays.

HeandPatriciasearchedalongtheTennessee-NorthCarolinaborderandfoundthattheisolated,peacefulsettinginJohnsonCounty,Tenn.,wastheideallocationtoestablishanotherunconventionaled-ucationalfacility.TheireffortsresultedinFreedomMountainAcademy,whichemploystheprinciplesofacademics,farming,andmountaineeringadventuretodeveloplifetimebonds,solideduca-tion,outdoorsurvival,andsociallifeskillsforteensseekingawayoutoftheinstinctiverebelliousyears.

Many,likeKendraMorgan,asophomorefromSeattle,aresenttothisremoteplaceunwillinglyand,oncehere,arecutofffromalltheyknow.

“Ididn’tknowaboutituntilthedayIcamehere,”Kendrasaysmatter-of-factly.

Ontheotherhand,AllieManning,ajuniorfromPhiladelphia,sayssheelectedtocometoFreedomMountainAcademyonherown.

“Ihadtoconvincemyparentstoletmecome,”saysAllie,sittinginhersmallroom,readingabookaboutWorldWarIhistory—forpleasure.Fresh,homegrownrosessitonherdesktop,giventoherinhonorofher16thbirthdayjustdaysbefore.

Intheschool’shighlystructuredprogram,studentscombineclassworkinliterature,writing,science,history,ethics,andmathwithahostofchores,includingpreparingtheirownmealsinteamsoffour,Kevinexplains.

“Muchofwhatwe’lleatforlunchtodayoriginateshere—homemade

noodlesandapplesauce,chickengrownonthefarm,carrotsfromthegarden,andourhomemadejam—bothbuf-faloberryandgrape,”Patriciasays,addingthatthere’salsofreshpeanutbutterandwarm,home-baked,wholewheatbread.

Inadditiontomaintainingthekitch-en,schoolrooms,andtheirresidences,studentsalsocleantheirownlaundry,whichcanbeunpleasant.Forexample,todayAtlantastudentAyanaFarrarisforcedtowashhermuddyjeansafteradisciplinarytaskhadherbailingoutasmallbutwell-usedduckpond.

A typical day includes nearly five hoursofclassesandfourhoursofchoresandfarmworkwiththeremain-deroftimespentwithmeals,social-izing, reflection, study, reading and sleep.Theteensworkinthegarden,raisechickens,andtendaCharolaisbull,asow,andahandfulofgoats.Severalofthestudentsarealsodig-gingadrytrenchforafutureirrigationproject.

Theadventurecomponentoftheschool’scurriculumisdesignedaroundchallengestoenhancesurvivalskillswhilecreatingcompetencyinsearch-and-rescuetechniques.

Thestudentsspendsevenormoreof their first 10 days on a mountain expedition—achalleng-ingintroductiontotheirnewlives.Alltold,theywillwindthroughthesurroundingmountainsfor50daysduringthecourseoftheschoolyear,whichrunsfromSeptembertoMay.

“Theycarryalltheirfoodontheirbacksalongwiththeirbedsandtheirclothing,”Patriciaexplains.“Theweakestorslow-eststudentistypicallyintheleadtoensurethegroupworksasateam.Also,theyhikewithsomedistancebetweeneachstudenttocutdownontheteenbabbling.”

MuchofwhattheCullinanesbuyinfuel,farmsupplies,andfeedcomesfromTri-StateGrowers,Inc.,basedinMoun-tainCity.

“Miss Weasel was one of the first personsIencounteredwhenIwasastrangerintown,”Kevinsays,refer-ringtoCarolineBrown,a10-yearem-ployeeatTri-State.“CarolineisalwaysgreatabouthelpingmeifIhaveanyquestions—oridentifyingsomeonewhocouldhelpme.”

Kevin’sdaughter,Margaret,andherhusband,MichaelBesneatte,arepartoftheteachingstaff.Margaretinstructsthestudentsinlanguagearts,ethics,andvalues.Michaelistheoutdoorleadershipdirectorandfarmmanagerattheschool.Thetwohome-schooltheirownchildren—Liam,10,Maura,7,andAidan,3—whojointhestudentsandCullinanesformealsandfreetime.

Character-buildingisacommonthreadthatrunsthroughouteachschoolday.Inadditiontoethicsandvaluesclasses,thestudentsreceivere-ligioushistoryandspiritualeducation.

“Theyprobablyhadthebestteach-ingoftheTenCommandmentsforthepastmonthandahalf,tiedinwiththeseparatistswhofoundedthiscountry,”Patriciasays,explainingthattheschooldoesnotfollowaparticularorganizedreligion.StudentsareexposedtothefundamentaltenetsofJudeo-Christianprinciples that influenced America’s foundingfathers.

Whenallissaidanddone,though,itiswhatthestudentstakeawaythatmatters,bothPatriciaandKevinac-knowledge.

“Wehavestudentswhobecamedoctors,airlinepilots,teachers—allwonderfulpeople,”Patriciasays,addingthatmoststillkeepintouchthroughtheyears.“Itisbeautiful…theyformlifetimebonds.”

Allie,astudentattheschoolbychoice,sayssherecognizesthatwhilemostoftheotherscamereluctantly,allwillgrowtoappreciatetheirtimeattheacademy.Some,likeKendra,havealreadygrowntoacceptandap-preciatethewisdomoftheirparents’decisions.

“Wasitagoodthing?”Kendraasks. “I think so – it was definitely somethingIneeded.”

In a classroom lit only by kerosene lamps, Kevin Cullinane instructs the students on the topic of saturated and unsaturated fats.

Rachel Swilley grins as some of Freedom Mountain Academy’s chickens race past her into the barnyard.

Allie Manning reads in her room during a break in the structured day. Behind her are freshly cut roses from the school’s garden given to her in honor of her 16th birthday.

Eric Harris, left, of Texas knits a cap as Josh Windham of Nashville provides a little company. Later, Josh showed off his own brightly colored cap he had finished earlier.


By Allison Morgan, editorh a T’S cookIn’?

Co-opcookshavealongtraditionofsharingrecipesinthe“What’scookin’?”column,whichhasbeenaregularfeatureoftheTennessee CooperatorsinceJune1978.

W

Nancy Kyte of New Market, our Cook-of-the-Month, says party-goers always ask for her delicious “Hot Punch” recipe. — Photo by Mark E. Johnson, food styling by Allison Morgan

SomelikeithotWhilethiswinterhasbrought

someunseasonablywarmweather,Tennesseetempera-

turescandropatanymoment.That’swhyyou’llwanttokeepthismonth’s“What’scookin’?”columnhandy.

Co-opcookslikeNancyKyteofNewMarkethavesuppliedplentyofdrinkrecipestowarmupachillyday.Nancy,ourCook-of-the-MonthforJanuary,sharesherfavorite“HotPunch”recipesthat’sperfectforawinterparty.

“Thisrecipewasgiventomemorethan20yearsago,butIhadnevermadeituntillastyearduringtheholi-days,”saysNancy.“Noweveryonewhotriesitlikesitandwouldliketohavetherecipe.”

OtherrecipesfeaturedareHotCranberryMull,CitrusSpicedCof-fee,HotCinnamonCocoa,CocoaforaCrowd,WinterWassail,StrawberryTea,SpicedCranberryCider,WarmChocolateEggnog,HotAlmondTea,andHotAppleDrink.

Enjoy.

Hot Punch

1 small box cherry Jello2 teaspoons black tea or

4 small tea bags15 whole cloves3 cinnamon sticks½ teaspoon allspice1 (12-ounce) can frozen

lemonade4 cups pineapple juice4 cups orange juice2 cups sugarDissolveJelloin2cupsboiling

water; add enough water to make a gallon.Placecloves,cinnamon,andallspiceinJellomixtureandsimmerfor20minutes.

Dropteain1pintboilingwaterand steep for five minutes. Strain bothmixturesandmixtogether.Addlemonade,juices,andsugar.Mixwell.Servehot.

NancyKyteNewMarket

JeffersonFarmersCooperativev

Hot Cranberry Mull

1 gallon cranberry juice2 (6-ounce) cans frozen lemonade2 (6-ounce) cans frozen orange

juice1 cup sugar1 teaspoon whole cloves½ teaspoon allspice

Peel from ½ orange, cut into stripsPeel from ½ lemon, cut into strips¼ stick butterCombinejuicesandsugarina

largekettleorsaucepan.Placespicesandpeelsinsquareofcheesecloth.Tiesecurelyanddropintojuicemixture. Bring to a boil; reduce heat immediatelytolow.

Keepburnerturnedonjustenoughtokeepmullhot.Removespicebagand add butter; stir well.

DorisHarknessMunford

TiptonFarmersCooperativev

Citrus Spiced Coffee

¾ cup ground coffee1 teaspoon grated lemon peel1 cup water¾ cup brown sugar

3 (3-inch) cinnamon sticks2 tablespoons unsweetened

pineapple juice2 fresh orange slices½ teaspoon vanilla extractPlace coffee grounds in a filter or

basket of a coffee maker; add lemon peel.Prepareninecupsbrewedcoffeeaccordingtomanufacturer’sdirections.

Inasmallsaucepan,combinewater,brownsugar,cinnamonsticks,pineapplejuice,orangeslices,andvanilla.Cookandstirovermediumheat until sugar is dissolved. Strain; discardcinnamonandoranges.Poursugar mixture into mugs; add coffee andstir.

Yield:Nineservings.KathyReneeMiller

Guthrie,Ky.MontgomeryFarmersCooperative

v

Hot Cinnamon Cocoa

¼ cup baking cocoa¼ cup sugar¹/8 teaspoon salt1 cup boiling water3 cups scalded milk2 (3-inch) cinnamon sticks1 teaspoon vanilla extractIntopofadoubleboiler,stirto-

gethercocoa,sugar,andsalt.Gradu-allyaddboilingwater.Placeoverdirectheatandboilfortwominutes,stirringconstantly.Addmilkandcinnamonsticksandplaceoverboilingwater.Stirandheatfor10minutes.Removesticksandstirinvanilla.Beatwithawirewhiskuntilmilkisfrothy.Serveimmediately.

Yield:Fourservings.MarieDelffs

NormandyCoffeeFarmersCooperative

v

Cocoa for a Crowd

5 cups baking cocoa3 cups sugar2 teaspoons salt5 quarts water, divided10 quarts milk1 quart heavy whipping cream2 tablespoons vanilla extractWhipped cream and additional

baking cocoa for garnishIneachoftwolargestockpots,

combine2½cupscocoa,1½cupssugar,and1teaspoonsalt.Graduallystir5cupswaterintoeachpot.Bringto a boil; reduce heat. Whisk in milk, cream, and remaining water; heat through. Remove from heat; stir in vanilla.Garnishwithwhippedcreamandadditionalcocoa.

Yield:65(1-cup)servingsMildredH.Edwards

LebanonWilsonFarmersCooperative

v

Winter Wassail

2 cups cranberry juice cocktail7 cups water²/³ cup sugar2 (4-inch) cinnamon sticks


ChickeninthekitchenforMarchWe’repickingchickenrecipesforourMarch“What’scookin’?”column.

Sendusyourfavoriterecipeusingchicken,andthepersonsubmittingthebestonewillbenamedCook-of-the-Monthandreceive$10.Otherssendingrecipeschosenforpublicationwillreceive$5.

Monday, Feb. 5, is the deadline for your favorite chicken recipes.Don’tforget:Onlyrecipesthatincludecomplete,easy-to-followinstructions

will be considered for publication. Several recipes are disqualified each monthbecausetheydonotcontainalltheinformationwefeelisneededtopreparethedishessuccessfully.Recipesfeaturedin“What’scookin’?”arenotindepen-dentlytested,sowemustdependontheaccuracyofthecookssendingthem.Alwaysusesafefood-handling,preparation,andcookingprocedures.

Sendyourentriesto:Recipes, Tennessee Cooperator, P.O. Box 3003, LaVergne, TN 37086. Youcansubmitmorethanonerecipeinthesameenvelope.Youcanalsoe-mailrecipesto:[email protected].

Besuretoincludeyourname,address,telephonenumber,andtheCo-opwithwhichyoudobusiness.It’simportantthatyourCo-opbeinclud-edbecausewewanttogiveitrecognitionifyourrecipeisprinted.Recipesthatappearinthe“What’scookin’?”columnwillalsobepublishedonTen-nesseeFarmersCooperative’sWebsiteatwww.ourcoop.com.

(Editor’snote:Ifyouhavea“CountryChurch”you’dliketoseefeaturedintheCooperator,sendusarecentpicturethatisofgoodquality,alongwithpertinentfactsandhistoryaboutthechurch,to:Country Churches, Tennessee Cooperator, P.O. Box �00�, LaVergne, TN �7086. We’dlovetohearfromyou.)

147thinaseriesofphotographstoshowwhereourruralCo-opfriendsworship

CedarCreekPresbyterianChurchinGreeneCounty

The quaint Cedar Creek Presbyterian Church near Greeneville evolved from the Cedar Creek Academy, established in the early 1900s and based in the Presbyterian doctrine. Built in 1922, the church continued to support the Cedar Creek Academy until it was closed in 1938 when Greene County began a public school in the Cedar Creek community. — Submitted by Gwyn Southerland

ou r co u n T r y ch u r c h e S

1 tablespoon whole cloves1 tablespoon whole allspice1 (46-ounce) can pineapple juice1 (12-ounce) can frozed red fruit

punch concentrate1 (6-ounce) container frozen

orange juice concentrate, divided

Combinecranberryjuice,water,andsugarinasaucepanovermediumheat. Tie spices in cheesecloth; add tocranberrymixture.Simmerfor20minutes.

Remove from heat; discard spice bag.Stirinpineapplejuice,fruitpunch,andhalfoftheorangejuice(reserveremainderforanotherpur-pose).Heatthrough.Servewarm.

Yield:Onegallon.PatsyKelley

LexingtonHendersonChester

FarmersCooperativev

Strawberry Tea

4 tea bags6 cinnamon sticks, broken into

pieces1 teaspoon whole cloves1 (6-ounce) can frozen orange

juice concentrate, thawed1 (6-ounce) can frozen lemonade

concentrate, thawed1 (46-ounce) can pineapple juice1 (3-ounce) package strawberry

gelatinPour2cupsboilingwaterovertea

bagsinaglassbowlorothercontain-er.Letstand,covered,for12minutes.Removeanddiscardtheteabags.

Combinecinnamonandclovesina large tea ball or cheesecloth bag; placeinaDutchovenovermedium-highheat.Addtea,orangejuice,lemonade,pineapplejuice,drygela-tinmix,and2cupswater.Bringtoaboil; reduce heat, cover, and simmer for45minutes.Removespiceballandservehot.

CarolynDeversSouthsideMontgomeryFarmersCooperative

v

Spiced Cranberry Cider1 quart apple cider3 cups cranberry juice2 to 3 tablespoons brown sugar2 (3-inch) cinnamon sticks ¾ teaspoon whole cloves½ lemon, thinly slicedCinnamon sticks for garnish Bring first six ingredients to a boil

inlargekettle,stirringoften.Reduceheatandsimmer15to20minutes.Removespicesandlemon.Garnish,ifdesired,withcinnamonsticks.

Yield:7cupsMarcellaSpence

LewisburgMarshallFarmersCooperative

v

Warm Chocolate Eggnog

1 quart eggnog½ cup chocolate syrup¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg3 teaspoons vanilla extractWhipped creamInalargesaucepan,combineegg-

nog, syrup, and nutmeg; heat thorough-lyoverlowheatforabout15minutes(do not boil). Remove from heat; stir invanilla.Pourintomugs.Topeachwithadollopofwhippedcream.

Yield:Fourservings.EttaLay

Williamsburg,Ky.ScottMorganFarmersCooperative

v

Hot Almond Tea

6 cups water1 cup sugarJuice of 2 large lemons2½ teaspoons almond extract3 cups strong brewed tea1 teaspoon vanilla extractCombineingredientsandheat

thoroughlyinanon-metalpan.Donotboil.Servehot.

JudyLawsonNicholsKylesFord

HawkinsFarmersCooperativev

Hot Apple Drink

2 quarts apple cider¼ cup brown sugar6 cloves6 cinnamon sticks or ½ teaspoon

ground cinnamon

1 sweet orange, thinly sliced2 thin slices lemonCombineingredientsinaslow

cookerandheatonlowforthreehours.Yield:12servings

JeanJacksonWestPoint

LawrenceFarmersCooperative


Tennesseenurserymen,Christ-mastreegrowers,andcommercialfloriculture operators whose sales rank them above specified levels will beaskedtoparticipateinupcom-ingsurveystohelpdeterminethenationwidestatusoftheirrespectiveindustries.

Withinthenextfewweeks,theTennessee Field Office of the U.S. DepartmentofAgriculture’sNa-tionalAgriculturalStatisticsService(NASS)willcontactallnurseryand

Christmastreegrowerswhohaveannualsalesof$10,000ormoreandcommercial floriculture operations thatproduceandsellatleast$10,000inproducts.Growersandopera-torswillbeaskedforinformationonproduction,sales,inventory,andthenumberofagriculturalworkersintheirbusinesses.

“ProducerparticipationineachofthesesurveysiscrucialandhelpsensurethatNASScanprovidetimely,accurate,andunbiasedinformation

onnursery,Christmastree,andcom-mercial floriculture production,” says DebraK.Kenerson,Tennessee’sdi-rectorofNASS.“Thedatasuppliedbygrowerswillserveasthefoun-dationformeasuringtheeconomiccontributionoftheindustrytoU.S.agricultureandthecountry.”

KenersonsaysthatnurseryandChristmastreegrowersintheU.S.reportedmorethan$3.9billioninsalesfor2003,anincreaseofalmost20percentfrom2000.“Inaddition,”

Tennessee growers to take part in nursery,Christmas tree, floriculture surveys

shesays,“during2005,growersinthiscountrysoldmorethan$5billionin floriculture products, an increase ofnearly36percentfrom1998.Bothoftheseindustriesareimportantnationally,andespeciallytoTennes-see.”

Cashreceiptsfrommarketingofnursery and floriculture products in Tennesseereached$273millionin2005,rankingthirdamongthestate’sleadingagriculturalcommoditiesbehindbeefcattleandbroilers.

TheTennesseeBeefIndustryCouncil(TBIC)recentlyelectednewstate officers and national representa-tivesandislookingtonewconsumerresearch to fine-tune positive beef messages.

TheTBICoverseesthestate’sBeefCheckoffprogramforcattleproducers.Thecheckoffprogramprovidesfundingforstatewidead-vertising,freeeducationalmaterialsforTennessee’steachers,nutritioninformationforconsumersandhealthprofessionals,andpoint-of-purchasematerialsforretailersandfoodser-viceoperators.

TheTBICismanagedbyaboardofdirectorsnominatedbythestate’sleadingcattleorganizations.Newofficers for 2007 are Chairman John Butler, Dyersburg; Vice Chairman Larry Patterson, Bradford; Secretary Janice Williams, Knoxville; Trea-surer Larry Cunningham,Spring City; andPastPresidentDaveFugate,Greenback.

TBICdirectorsalsoserveonseveralnationalboards.U.SSecretaryofAgricultureMikeJohannsrecentlyappointedRobReviereofRipleytojoinFugateasTennessee’srepresenta-tivesontheCattlemen’sBeefBoardofDirectors.CurrentlyservingasdirectorsoftheNationalCattlemen’sBeefAssociationareJenniferHoustonofSweetwaterandRonnieYearginofGreenfield. TBIC directors Jim Ligon ofCookevilleandSteveScottofPros-pectserveontheU.S.MeatExportFederationBoard.

NewtotheTBICboardthisyearisEddiePaschallofGordonsville,whowillassistwithoversightandman-agementofcheckoffdollars.

Formoreinformationabouthowcheckoffdollarsarebeingusedstate-wideandnationally,visitwww.beefup.orgorwww.beefitswhats fordinner.com or call the TBIC office at(615)790-3947.

Cattlemen serve on Tennessee Beef Industry Council


Co-op Beef Builder Cubes with Rumensin

Duetotheseason’shighdemandforforageextenders,Co-op’spopular

BeefBuilderfeedisnowavail-ableinacubeformmedicatedwithRumensin.

Co-opBeefBuilderCubes-RUM(#94448)areeconomical

andeasytofeedintroughsorontheground,contain13-percentproteinandallnaturalingredients,andare fortified with bothvitaminsandminerals.Thisfeedisavailableinbothbulkandbagatpar-ticipatingCo-ops.

Inanefforttobetterserveourdiversemixofcustomers,Co-opsarecontinuallyofferingnewproductsandinformativepublications.Thisspecialsectionisdesignedtokeepourreadersinformedaboutwhat’sgoingon“downattheCo-op.”HereareafewofthenewitemsthatcanbefoundatyourparticipatinglocalCo-op.AlwayscheckwithyourCo-opforavailabilityandprice.Someproductsmayrequireashortdeliverytime.

e W aT co-opn ®

American Farmland’s 10-foot Metal Grain Feeder

Madeofall14-gaugesteel,thismetalgrainfeedermanufacturedbyAmericanFarmlandistheheaviestbunkfeederonthemarket.Ithasheavy-dutylegsandataperedbottomwithholesfordrainage.Thefeederweighs170poundsandis21incheshigh,28incheswide,and120incheslong.

Victory Lane Complete Calf FeedsInordertoassistcalfproducers

insavingonbothforageandlabor,TFCisintroducingnewVictoryLaneCompleteCalfFeedstoreplacetheCo-opCalfPrimerProgram.

Co-opVictoryLaneCompleteI(#93114)has18-percentprotein,is specifically formulated for calves frombirthto300poundsbodyweight,andismedicatedwithBo-vatecforthepreventionofcoccidio-sis.

Co-opVictoryLaneCompleteII(#93125)has14-percentprotein,isspecifically formulated for calves from300to600poundsbodyweight,andismedicatedwithRumensinforpreventionofcoccidiosis.Bothfeedsfeatureidealproteinlevelswithbalancedproteinsourcestoallowformaximummuscledevelopmentand structural growth. Multiple fiber sourcesareincludedforhealthiercalvesandimproveddigestivesys-tem,whichallowsformaximumabsorptionofnutrients.

CALF FEEDS

Pequea Round Bale TransportThePequeaRoundBaletransport

is designed with a low profile and afrontdollywheelturningsystemforeasymaneuveringintightspots.Quicklyloadedandunloaded,thesebalemoversalsohavecentermarkingantennastoaidinproperbaleplace-ment.Itmeasures9feet,1inchwideby23feet,4incheslongandhasa23-inchloadingheight.

New FFR corn hybridsImpressivecharacteristicsareof-

feredbythreenewFFRcornhybridproducts,availableexclusivelyatyourCo-op:

lFFR 650RRBT—ThishybridfeaturesYieldGard™technologyfortolerancetocornborersandRoundupReadytechnologyfortolerancetoRoundup™herbicideapplication.Itisveryhigh-yieldingforitsmaturitywithexcellenttopyieldandearlyvigorforno-tillandearlyplanting.Italsohasverystrongstalksandrootsandperformedexceedinglywellinallzonesinwhichmoistureandfertilizerwerenotlimitedandathighpopulations.Theearlengthcanshrinkundermoisturestress,butthehybridisaverageorbetterforstresscomparedtohybridsofthesamematurityclass.

lFFR 756RRBT—Thishybriddisplayedoutstandingperformancein2006andissuitableforusewithRoundup™herbicide.YieldGard™providesnearimmunitytoEuropeancornborers.Ithasexcellentrootsandstalksandhandlesheatanddroughtstressverywellwithtestweightsbetterthanmostcompetitors.FFR756RRBTperformedexceedinglywellinallzonesinwhichitwastest-edand,comparedtomosthybrids,offeredgoodtop-endyieldaswellasverystrongyieldunderstress.

lFFR 686RRHX—Thishybridperformedverycompetitivelyathighpopulations.Itproducesaconsis-tentgirthyearoneverystalkandhasgoodtop-endyieldpotentialforitsmaturity.Suitableforusewith

#300626, model 646

Roundup™herbicide,thishybridisnearlyimmunetoEuropeancornbor-ers,Southwesterncornborers,fallar-myworms,blackcutworms,andotherpests.Theplantandearheights

workwellinirrigatedandhighmanagementareas,andtheroots

andstalksofthisvarietywerethebestinitsmaturityclassin2006.Thehybrid

hasgoodemergenceandspringvigorforno-tillandearly-plantedcondi-tions.

EQyss Grooming ProductsFeaturingitemsforboth

equineandpets,EQyssGroom-ingProductsaretheonlyonesonthemarketthatdonotcontainingredientsthatcoatordamagethehair.Eachproductisfreeofoil,alcohol,silicone,wax,and

harshdetergentsthatstripnutrientsandmoisturefromhair.

YourCo-opcarriesacompletelineofEQyssproducts,includingshampoos,conditioners,detanglers,sprays,washes,andwrapstotreatconditionssuchasskinproblems,barespots,hotspots,rainrot,cutsand scratches, cribbing, chewing, flea bites,hoofproblems,crackedordrynosesorpawpads,andmuchmore.

�� January 2007 Tennessee Cooperator

By Mark E. Johnson

henBobWilliswasan-nouncedaswinnerofthe

SwisherSweets/SunbeltSoutheasternFarmeroftheYearattheSunbeltExpoinMoultrie,Ga.,onOct.17,thelookonhisfacewasoneofpuredisbelief.Itwasclearthathedidn’texpecttohearhisnamecalled.

“Theyhadtoldallofustowriteaspeechandbepreparedtostaytwoextradays,”saysBob,referring to the nine finalists for the prestigioustitlerepresentingAlabama,Florida,Georgia,Kentucky,Missis-sippi,NorthCarolina,SouthCarolina,Tennessee,andVirginia.“AfterIwatchedthevideobiographiesoftheothereightcontestants,Ipackedmybags.Ididn’tbotherwithaspeech,andmywifeandIcheckedoutofthehotel[themorningoftheannounce-ment].Ididn’tthinkIhadachance.”

Butthejudgessawitdifferently,andsuddenlyBobwasgropingforawaytoexpresshisgratitudeinfrontofthousandsofonlookersattheWillieB.WithersExpoLuncheon.

Rutledge Hill’s Bob Willis has overcome tragedy to become a true ambassador of agriculture

“Winningthisawardistrulyasurprise,”saidBobasCarol,hiswifeof18years,stoodbyhisside.“Itisatributetomanypeoplewhohaveencouragedmeduringsomeverydif-ficult times. Without their wonderful helpandsupport,thisawardwouldnotbepossible.”

J.ThomasRyan,presidentofSwisherInternational,said

thatBob’s

manyaccomplish-mentsasafarmer

speakforthemselvesandcalledhiscareer“trulyoutstandingintheagri-culturalindustry.”

“ItisanhonortohaveBobWillisastheSoutheasternFarmeroftheYearwinner,”saidRyan.

Nowtwomonthslaterandwithalittle time to reflect on the Sunbelt ex-perience,Bobseemsnolesssurprisedbytheaward,which,amongotherthings,garneredhima$14,000cashprizeanduseofanewMasseyFergu-sontractorofhischoiceforayear.

“I’mjustasimpleTennesseefarmboy,” says Bob as he stokes the fire inthelivingroomofhisandCarol’smodesthomeintheRutledgeHillareaofCoffeeCounty.“Ifeelblessedtobe

abletolivewhereIliveanddowhatIdo.Andit’sanhonortobeinaposi-tionofpromotingagriculture.”

AlthoughagriculturecameearlyforBob,itcertainlydidn’tcomeeasy.Bornin1938,hewasthelastchildtoarriveinafamilyof10andsayshewasraised“behindamuleandahoehandle”aboutsevenmilesfromhiscurrenthome.

“Myparentsbroughtupthemajor-ityofusduringtheGreatDepression,sowehadtoworkfromaveryyoungage,”hesays.“Somepeoplemightconsidergrowingupwithallthosebrothersandsistersadisadvantagebecausewedidn’thavealotofmate-rialthings,butlookingback,Iseeitasapositive.Ilearnedfromtheexperi-encesofmyoldersiblings,brothersandsisters,andwasbetterforit.”

Aftergraduatingfromhighschool,BobjoinedtheArmy,spendingeightyearsintheactiveandinactivereservesandfarmingwhenpossible.He bought his first farm, 145 acres, in1961andbegangrowingsweetpotatoes.Inthe45yearsthathavepassedsincethen,Bob’sfarmingoperationhasevolvedandexpandedintoawell-knownenterprise.In2006,Bobandhis44-year-oldson,Donald,grew1,500acresofsoybeans,1,450acresofcorn,900acresofpastureandgrasshay,andsome575acresofgrainandforagewheat.Theyalsotendedtoroughly800Holsteinheifersand130beefcows.

“We’vealsodonesomethingsthatweresuccessfulbutjustkindofrantheircourseovertime,”saysBob.“For15years,from’84to’98,weranaGradeAdairy.Ibuiltacompletefarrow-to-finish swine house in 1975, andwequitthatin2001.Thesewerebothgoodoperations,butmarketcon-ditionsdictatedthatwefocusonotherthings.”

AndoneareaofBobandCarol’sfocusisineducatingyoungstersaboutagriculture.Intheearly1990s,theWillisesbeganorganizinganAg-in-the-Classroomeventontheirproperty.Eachyear,withthehelpoftheCoffeeCountyFarmBureauandotherlocalorganizations,theyplayhosttosome1,100 area schoolchildren — first to thirdgrade—whotakeaninteractivetourthroughstopsthatencompassagronomy,dairy,swine,beef,vegeta-bles,andfarmchemicalsandsafety.Therearealsodemonstrationsonbee-keeping,veterinarianservices,nurserystock,andotheragriculturaltopics.

WhileBob’sfarmingcareerandyouth-relatedactivitieshavecontinuedto grow and evolve over five decades, hehasalsoexperienceddevastatinglossesinhispersonallifewiththeunexpected deaths of his first wife, Vivian,in1978andhisyoungestson,John,in2000,inafarmaccident.Bob

saysthatwhilebothtragedieswerenearlydebilitatingemotionally,theyalsohadaprofound—andpositive—impactonhispersonalfaith.

“I’veknownpeoplewhohavegonethroughsimilarsituationsandbackedawayfromGod,evenblamedHim,”Bobexplains.“Butsomehow,mylosseshavebroughtmeclosertoGod.Whenthingslikethathappen,soonerorlateryourealizewhoyou’vegottocometoforcomfort…andifyou’regoingtocontinuetogo.Ihadtomakemypeaceandrealize,‘I’mstillhere,andIneedtocarryonanddothebestIcan.’”

BobsaysthatamessageplacedonthemarquisofalocalBaptistchurchafewyearsbackstruckapoignantchordwithhim.

“Itread,‘Goddoesn’tpromiseyouasmoothpassage.Hepromisesyouasafelanding,’”recallsthesoft-spokenfarmer.“Thatheldalotofmeaningformepersonally.”

Astowhatheattributesthesuccesshehasachievedinagriculture,Bobisquicktocreditfamily,friends,andneighborsforhelpinghimonhisway.

“AndI’mextremelyproudofmyson,Donald,”headds.“Fortunately,he’sinterestedintakingoverthebusi-ness—hasalready,sotospeak—andIknowIcancountonhim.Wehaveatleasta30-minuteconversationeverymorning.What’sgoingon,wherehewillbe,howarethemarkets,thatsortofthing.Aslongaswe’veworkedto-gether,we’veneverhadacrossword.That’sprettyspecial.”

Asforthequalitiesofasuccessfulfarmer,Bobtheorizesthatmostshareacommonquirk:Theylovetowork.

“Idon’tknowifthat’sablessingoracurse,buthonestly,Idon’tneedtowatchaballgametoenjoylife,”hesays.“Ijustlovegettingoutthereandaccomplishingsomething.See-ingabrand-newcalfontheground,orwatchingacropemergefromthesoilandlookingoutoveritasitgrows…It’sjustanimmensepleasureforme.”

IfBobhasa“secretoflife,”itmightbealessonhelearnedquiteunexpectedlyonahotsummerdayyearsago.

“Istoppedatanearbystore,Cooper’s,togetacolddrink,”Bobrecallswhileaddinganotherlogtothefire. “There were some old fellows sit-tingintheretalking.Abuddyofminewalkedupandsaid,‘Icaughtyouloafing!’ and I said, ‘Well, I had three smartmenhereandIthoughtImightlearnsomething.’

“Well,oneoftheoldfellowswasaMr.King,regardedasoneofthewealthiestmeninthearea,”Bobcon-tinues.“HewasaRussianimmigrant,andwhenhecametothecounty,hesurvivedbypeddlingstuffoutofabackpack.SoMr.KingspokeupandsaidinbrokenEnglish,‘No,I’mnotsmart.IjustusewhatI’vegot.’Thathasstuckwithmeoveralltheseyears,andIthinkitsumsmeupprettywell.

“I’mnotsmart.IjustusewhatI’vegot.”

Safe landingsBob Willis, a longtime member of Coffee Farmers Cooperative, was named Swisher Sweets/Sunbelt Southeastern Farmer of the Year in October and, among other things, was given free use of this Massey Ferguson 145-horsepower tractor for one year.

W

lRutledge Hill

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