Lawrence/Wayne Cattlemen’s Association Holds Annual Meeting
Members of the Lawrence/Wayne County Cattlemen’s Association and their families gathered on January 25th for their annual meeting. The members and their families were treated to a wonderful meal of roast beef and all the trimming prepared by the Lawrence County High School Cafeteria Staff. Sponsors of the meal and entertainment include Farmer’s Supply, Bush Hog, Bank of Waynesboro, Wayne County Bank, Peoples Bank, Bank of Frankewing and Farm Credit Services. Approximately 300 people were in attendance to hear important issues affecting the cattle industry. Ventriloquist David Turner was the featured entertainment, and the new Tennessee State Veterinarian, Dr. Samantha Beaty, addressed the group on the function of the state vet’s office. Don Lampley with the Tennessee Department of Agriculture gave an update on TAEP and Extension Agent Megan Harris provided updates on Extension Programs. Lawrence County 4-H Livestock Club member Jansen Robbins gave an excellent report on the youth projects and thanked the members for their support and sponsorship of Lawrence & Wayne County 4-H Livestock Clubs.
Each year the highlight of the evening is when the association recognizes a “Cattleman of the Year.” This year the board decided to present this recognition to longtime Lawrence County beef producer Bent Larsen. Bent grew up on a small family farm in Uldum, Denmark. At age 19 Bent enlisted in the Danish Army. Returning after serving two years, he went to trade school, bought a farm in Denmark and started milking cows. In his late thirties, Bent decided he wanted to see and experience other parts of the world, especially America. Leasing his farm for two years, he spent some time in England where he studied the English Language. Bent also worked in the Australian Outback, punching cows and driving the chuck wagon on cattle drives.
Eventually Bent landed in the U.S. After a few weeks of traveling around the country, Bent saw a job announcement for a Dairy Farm manager in Ethridge, TN. He was hired as farm manager at Della Dairies where he worked for two years. He fell in love with Lawrence County and bought a farm on Chisholm Creek. In 1986 he bought his first Simmental cows and raised some of the highest–quality Simmentals in our area, later transitioning over to raising Red Angus. Bent and his wife Nina bought Bentwood Farms in 1987.
In 1995 Bent was named the NRCS Conservation Farmer of the Year. He is BQA Certified and a Master Beef Producer. In addition to raising high-quality cattle, he is also a very productive row crop farmer.
Congratulations to a genuine American Patriot who left his family and homeland with true grit, determination, and a dream to be an American Cattleman!
Another highlight of the evening is when the youth scholarship winner is announced. Each year the Lawrence/Wayne County Cattlemen’s Association awards scholarships to children or grandchildren of members who are in college or plan to attend college. The 2019 winners were Katelyn Gambel and Abigail Dial. A scholarship was presented to each of the young ladies. Katelyn is attending the Tennessee College of Applied Technology where she is majoring in Cosmetology, and Abigail is attending UT Martin at the Parsons Campus where she is majoring in nursing.
The meeting concluded with the presentation of door prizes and the election of the 2020 board members.
