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

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

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

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

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

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