Overton County’s ZWT Ranch will host Tennessee Angus Field Day Saturday to celebrate beef cattle and the beef industry.
Farm Manager Wil Mayes said the event is meant to be informative and educational for beef produces of all ages, and he hopes it gets more kids excited about agriculture.
“It’s you know, getting harder every day with the way the world goes to encourage young people to run towards this industry and be a part of it,” Mayes said. “And that’s really, you know, what we want this event to be is to encourage young people to run towards the ag industry, the beed industry, and let them know they can do it.”
Mayes said he also hopes the Field Day shows aspiring beef producers that there are people out there they can learn from. Mayes said older generations have a duty to educate future producers.
“If someone’s looking to get into the business, they can do that,” Mayes said. “That’s probably the most important piece for older, more experienced cattlemen to pass down their knowledge to younger people to encourage them and let them know this can still be done.”
Mayes said the beef industry is still on the rise. He thinks people who attend the field day gain awareness, especially attendees who are not involved in agriculture or beef production.
Mayes said one of the draws to working in the ag industry is the lifestyle that comes with it. He said it is simply a different way of life, but one to be proud of.
“You work hard all day and you produce a product,” Mayes said. “And you’re really feeding the country, and that’s something to be very proud of. I think that’s something that a lot of people will learn from on Saturday, and be aware of how much work and time and effort goes into producing beef for the country.”
Mayes said the event will have a junior judging contest in the morning for kids aged 8-18. Kids can judge four classes of cattle, and the winner will receive a free heifer.
Mayes said there will also be panel discussions. In the morning, the “Making Your Cattle Work For You” panel will will help producers learn from each other. In the afternoon, the “Pursuing Your Passion in Livestock” discussion will be geared more for younger people.
The all-day Tennessee Angus Field Day will begin Saturday at 8am.