1917 – 1989

Married: Jeanne Justice

2 Children

On April 12, 1917, Ralph McKee was born in Wilson County to Tom and Byrdie Knox McKee. Following the declining health of his grandparents, Alex and Martha Haley McKee, his parents, an older sister and Ralph returned to the 413 acre farm purchased by his grandparents in 1877. The family home was constructed from timber harvested from the farm and remains the center of the farm now honored as one Tennessee’s Century Farms, having remained in continuous operation for more than 100 years by the McKee family. Ralph graduated from Central High School in Murfreesboro in 1936 and completed his Bachelor of Science degree at Tennessee State Teachers College (now MTSU) in 1940. Following graduation, he was drafted into military service. He served four years during WWII with most of the time being spent in Reykjavick, Iceland at Base Command. In 1944, Ralph married Jeanne Justice and they had two children, Carol and Ralph, Jr. Following his military discharge, Ralph and Jeanne bought a farm in the Milton community where he served in numerous leadership roles for the Milton Community Improvement Club. He attended and served as a Ruling Elder of the Hopewell Presbyterian Church in the Milton Community. In the early 1950’s, Ralph and Jeanne purchased his parent’s family farm where he and his brother continued to farm the land and do custom farm work in the community and in surrounding communities. At the age of 44, Ralph suffered a catastrophic illness, the residuals of which terminated his active participation in farming activities and necessitated the land be used for cattle and hog farming. In the early 1970’s, Ralph, Jr. and his wife, Opal, changed the operation to an active dairy farm and Ralph, Sr. began a new career as the first Executive Director of the Wilson County Water and Waste Water Authority, where he served until his retirement. He was a member of the Wilson County Court (Commission) for 27 years. Ralph was a leader of the Agricultural Committee of the County court which was instrumental in securing land and funding for the James E. Ward Agricultural Center. Ralph McKee passed away on December 21, 1989.

August 30, 1947 to October 23, 2018

Married: Debbie Doebler, June 27, 1982

John William Mitchell was born August 30, 1947 to Jerry Edward (J.E.) Mitchell and Elizabeth Lamb Mitchell. He was proceeded in death by his son Scott and his siblings Charles E. and Kenneth G., and he is survived by his sister Margaret Mitchell Tomlinson.

Johnny was raised on a Century Farm named Clendennan’s Branch located on Center Hill Road. The home on this farm was built by Johnny’s great-great-grandfather, Archibald D. Norris. A.D. Norris was a soldier, educator, and statesman. He was County Superintendent of Public Instruction in Wilson Co., represented Wilson County in the House of Representatives in 1887. He served as a Captain in the 7th Tennessee Regiment commanded by General Robert Hatton. At the Battle of Gettysburg, he commanded Company K. The 7th Tennessee lost 3 color bearers and the flag was only saved by Capt. Norris by tearing it away from the staff and bearing it out beneath his coat.

J.E. and Elizabeth Mitchell raised their family on this farm with the primary operation being beef cattle, hay, tobacco. Johnny attended school at Taylorsville, Highland Heights, and graduated from Lebanon High School. He was a member of the FFA and 4H and enjoyed showing his cattle. Upon graduation he worked as a mechanic on foreign cars at dealerships in Nashville and farmed in the evenings and on weekends. He later became a mechanic at the Wilson Co. Road Commission until his disability/retirement. Johnny and Debbie built their home on a farm across from the Century Farm he was raised on. Debbie still resides there and continues the farming operation.

In October 1991 Johnny and 16 other men formed the Wilson Co. Antique Power Association which is still an active Club that has an annual show in Fiddlers Grove and operates the sawmill during the Fair. Johnny became a member of the International Harvester Collectors Club in 1990. This Club has approx. 7500 members from across the United States and foreign countries. Johnny served as a director/officer of this Club from the years 2002-2010. In 1994, Johnny and Debbie and several delegates from Lebanon went to Pennsylvania to make a proposal to host the 1996 Red Power Round Up and were successful. The 1996 Round Up attracted 15,000 plus spectators from 48 states and 4 foreign countries. An estimated 600 plus tractors were on display. In 2005 the Red Power Round Up was held again in Lebanon which Johnny and Debbie were chairmen also. This event attracted thousands of spectators and exhibitors also. Johnny and Debbie traveled across the United States attending IH sponsored events and assisting this National Club. Since Johnny’s passing Debbie has continued to serve on the National Board of IH and is also active in the Wilson Co. Antique Power. Although Johnny was a collector of International Harvester, he loved all brands of farming equipment.

Debbie has donated several items in Johnny’s memory to display in the Heritage Barn, one is Johnny’s 1936 Farmall F-12. This steel wheel tractor was totally restored by Johnny and is a nice addition to many collectibles on display in this building. Throughout their travels he was mostly proud of the many friendships they acquired across the United States.

Charles B. Moss
1918 - 1990
Married: Ilene Hale.
Children: Hale Moss and Susan Owen.
4 Grandchildren

Louis A. Moss
1920 - 1952
Married: Virginia Powell

John M. Moss
1924 - June 2, 2014
Married: Martha Dale.
Children: Louis, Mack, John Dale & Kyle Moss
5 Grandchildren & 2 Great Grandchildren

In the early 1950’s, three Moss brother and their Dad (Charlie Mack) established Moss Brothers Seed Company. The Moss family moved to Mt. Juliet in Wilson County from Smith County in the early 1900’s where they continued the family traditions of farming and living off the land along with their mentor and uncle Noel Nokes. The Moss brothers, Charles, Louis and Johnny, came from a large family which included sister, Betty Moss Powers, Josephine Moss Reynolds and Alice Moss Trice. Their parents were Charlie Mack Moss and Florence Beasley Moss.

Charles, Louis and John had several successful ventures in farming including cattle, hogs and sheep. In 1958, Charles and John also started a "pig parlor" which was a new method of raising "porkers" from birth to market in the same building. The parlor was a 26 by 36 foot building with a concrete floor, automatic waterers, farrowing stall and heat lamps.

They also raised crops that included corn, KY 31 fescue and clovers. They expanded their farming into an agri-business that began on Division Street in Mt. Juliet. When their growing business needed to expand they purchased land on Highway 70 and moved their "state of the art" seed cleaning operation which featured all electric equipment such as corn shellers, graders, separators and gravity table to prepare seed for the market. Tragically, Louis Moss died in an accident while helping to construct the new building in September, 1952.

Moss Brothers Seed Company catered to farmers in the farming community. Their store carried seed, feed and fertilizer. The company became a member of the Tennessee Crop Improvement Association where Charles served as president for several years. The association marketed the products produced by Moss Brother such as certified hybrid seed corns "Tennessee 10" and "Dixie 17". Along with huge stacks of bagged fertilizers and seed inside the store, local farmers would gather each day to discuss the weather and local politics. Many fine crops were planned and political situations resolved around the old coal burning stove. Mr. Johnny fondly remembers those days while today the business continues to operate as a garden center and florist serving the changed West Wilson County community. Though the business has changed with the times, Mr. Johnny’s philosophy is still that the keys to success have been "integrity, the golden rule and repeat-generation customers."

October 12, 1948

Married: Brenda Horton – 1973

Children: Joe and Lauren (wife) Moss

Hale Moss was born on October 12, 1948 at the old McFarland General Hospital in Lebanon. Hale is a lifelong resident of Wilson County. He graduated from Mt. Juliet High School in 1966 in a class of 63 students; most of whom started together in 1st grade at Mt. Juliet Elementary. Hale and his sister, Susan, were active in 4-H and showed beef steers and heifers for many years on the county and state level. In high school, Hale became very involved in FFA where he served on many judging teams and officers including Chapter President. At the annual FFA convention in May of 1966, he was elected state FFA President.

In the fall of 1966, Hale entered the University of Tennessee, Knoxville to pursue a degree in Agriculture. He joined the Alpha Gamma Rho (AGR) Fraternity, a social and professional organization for college students interested in careers in agriculture. He served AGR in many capacities including Noble Ruler. While at UT, Hale was a member of Professor E.R. Lidvall’s livestock judging team and was the high scoring individual at the Southeastern Collegiate Livestock Judging Contest at the University of Georgia in 1969. He then graduated with a BS in Animal Science in 1970. After graduation Hale continued his commitment to AGR by serving as Regional Vice-President from 1973 – 1998. Hale married Brenda Horton on June 16, 1973. In the fall of 1970, Hale accepted the job as the VoAg teacher at Lebanon High School.

After teaching for 4 years, he accepted an appointment with the TN Department of Agriculture as Director of Fairs & Livestock Show in the summer of 1973. This was the start of a passion and years of tremendous success with the Wilson County Fair. Hale served as the Beef Cattle Superintendent of the Tennessee State Fair Advisory Board from 1977 -2005. In 1977 Hale returned to Mt. Juliet to manage the family business of Moss Bros Seed Co. and along with Brenda, his mother, Ilene, and his aunt opened Moss’ Florist and Garden Center. The family continued to work here for 39 years until their recent retirement in 2016. However, not much down time, son Joe and daughter in law Lauren have opened the next generation of Moss’ Florist at a new location. Hale and Brenda, along with Joe, and Lauren, dogs CJ and Jasper, cat Neylee enjoy spending time on their family farm "Knobblehurst" in Mt. Juliet where they raise Hereford based, black baldy beef cattle.

In 2016 Hale was inducted into the AGR National Hall of Fame as only the second Tennessean to be awarded this prestigious honor for his years of service. Hale Moss’ name is synonymous with the Wilson County Fair. Hale helped to form Wilson County Promotions in 1977 and has served as President of the Executive Committee for 35+ years. Ask Hale why he has spent thousands and thousands working and improving the Wilson County Fair; his answer is very simple: "It is all about the kids".

04/24/1926 – 10/13/1999

Married: Ina Mae Swan

Children: Pal, Pam, Phil, and Perry

Grandchildren: Houston, Hannah, Haden, Rachel, Mark, Kyle, and Adam

Kenneth Neal was a lifelong resident of the Tucker’s Crossroads Community in Wilson County. He worked on his farm in this community until his death in 1999. His three sons, Pal, Phil and Perry Neal continue to work on this farm with a beef cattle operation. Kenneth’s parents were Pallas and Bennie Neal. His grandfather was William Haskell Neal, the developer of Neal’s Paymaster Corn.

Kenneth married Ina Swan in 1957 and they built a house on the farm and raised their four children there. Ina taught school at Tucker’s Crossroads while Kenneth farmed full time. He primarily raised tobacco, corn, and beef cattle.

Although Kenneth had a very strong work ethic, he did enjoy a few hobbies. As he got older and scaled back a little on farm work, he spent more time fishing. One of his favorite places to fish was the Cordell Hull Dam. He also enjoyed dove hunting. He would always host a dove hunt on opening day of the season. He enjoyed spending long winter evenings playing rook with family and friends.

In addition to his farm work, Kenneth was active in his community and county. He attended Bethlehem Church of Christ his entire life and served as a deacon for 16 years and as an elder for 11 years. His wife and children still attend this church.

Kenneth along with John Eatherly and Newell Jenkins provided land and were instrumental in starting a softball park for the children of the Tucker’s Crossroads Community. Two generation of children have now enjoyed the opportunity to play softball in this park.

Kenneth was also an avid supporter of Friendship Christian School and served on the Board of Directors for 16 years. He and Ina made it possible for their children and grandchildren to attend this school.

Kenneth was very active in the Farm Bureau Agency; serving locally, as well, as at the state level. He was elected to serve as director-at-large at the state level from 1987 until 1994. He served as president of the Wilson County Farm Bureau from 1082 until he became ill in 1999. He also served on the board of directors for the Wilson County Farmers Co-op and Lebanon Bank. He was selected as Soil Conservation Farmer of the Year in 1972.

Kenneth Neal left behind a legacy of hard work, integrity, and community service.

1859 – 1934

Married: Mary Lucinda Waters

Children: Pallas, William, James, Paul, Lucy Neal Grandstaff Simpson, Marjorie Neal McDearmon, Nell Neal Murphy, Annie Neal Dudney, Haskell

Mr. Neal was born and reared in Wilson County. Mr. Neal began farming at age 19 and at age 21 purchased a sawmill. In 1905 he purchased a house and farm on Trousdale Ferry Pike called "Maple Dale" where descendents continue to farm. In 1898 he began experimenting with a revolutionary idea of breeding seed corn by selecting seed only from two-eared stalks. The result of his experimentation was a new corn known as "Neal’s Paymaster Corn." This corn variety resulted in increasing the corn yield of farmers in the aggregate of many millions of dollars. Mr. Neal was the first chairman of the Wilson County Farm Bureau and the first member of the Tennessee Agricultural Hall of Fame. He was chairman of the Wool and Lamb Club and chairman of the Home Telephone.

Henry: 1919-1988

Paula: 1925-2015

Married 1943

Daughters: Pam Hoffman, Laleta Shipper, Kristina McKee and Nicola Vantrease

Henry Odell Oldfield, the oldest of six children, was born in the Watkins Community of Van Zandt County, Texas. Henry was educated in the Wise community near Canton, Texas. In 1941 he enlisted in the US Coast Guard, serving five years.

Paula Evelyn Groom was the middle daughter of six children. She spent her childhood in Liberty, Tennessee, before the Groom family moved to Watertown when she was a freshman. Paula graduated from Watertown High School in 1941 at the age of 16.

In the summer of 1941 Paula moved to Canton, Texas, to live with her mother’s sister in hopes of continuing her education. It was there that Paula first met the handsome, red-headed Henry Odell Oldfield. During World War II while stationed in Memphis, Henry would hitchhike to Watertown to court Paula. After several trips across the state he proposed to her on the little bridge across from the Stephens Building on Main Street in Watertown. They were married on March 21, 1943 and made their home on Linwood Road in Watertown.

When the war ended, Henry built a house for his family on the Groom home place. He used his military money to purchase land on Poplar Hill Road that become known as the "Poor Farm".

Henry and Paula milked cows on the Groom farm for several years before buying the Borum place next door. He built a Grade A dairy parlor with a pipeline-pit style herringbone system that was top of the line. His dairy was visited by county agricultural students, numerous area dairy farmers, and neighbors. The daughters all had a hand in getting the cows to the barns, washing out the milk tank, cleaning out the barn and feeders, and also doing the painting and cleanup. Henry and Paula operated the dairy for 35 years.

Paula was the glue! She had homemade biscuits and oatmeal every morning when he returned from milking. She kept the finances in order and cooked for farm hands during tobacco cutting and silage chopping season. She stripped tobacco, ran to town for parts, and kept spirits up during all the difficult events that define life on the farm. Paula was a beautiful seamstress, making most of the girls’ clothes, keeping Henry’s jeans patched, and making "sausage sacks" for hog killing time.

She was a volunteer 4-H Leader for 20 years and was awarded the Florence Lester Memorial Leadership Award in the 1970’s. Paula transported numerous 4-H participants to County and District competitions. She served as President of the American Legion Auxiliary and was active in the TXR Grange, Home Demonstration Club and Senior Citizens Club.

Henry served on the Watertown Special School District Board and the Wilson County Board of Education, as well as being a Deacon and church treasurer for many years. Henry raised and educated four daughters on a farmer’s salary.

After the girls graduated and left home, he sold the dairy and purchased a bulldozer, starting his second career. He loved land clearing and improving the looks of his community. Stories too numerous to be included could be told about Henry redesigning brand new farm equipment and assisting neighbors with repairs.

The Oldfield family has a special connection to all the 2021 inductees. Henry chopped silage for Albert and Bertha Goodall as well as attending TXR Granges functions with them. He purchased farm equipment and parts from Donald Rowland. Roy and Diane Major considered purchasing the Oldfield dairy farm in Watertown prior to making the move to Cainsville Road. The girls consider it an honor for their parents to be included in this group of inductees.

Born: October 3, 1935

Married: Lynda Bass Patton (1954)

Children: Kimberly Patton Tuggle (Brian Tuggle)

Son: James Anthony (Tony) Patton

Grandchildren: Kristin Tuggle Sagerholm, Dr. Jessica Patton, and Cole Patton

Great Grandchildren: Isabella and Vikka Sagerholm

On October 3, 1935 the third child of Maggie and Dayton Patton was born in Crossville, Tn. Harold has two sisters and three brothers(one deceased). During his early years the family moved several times whenever his Dad’s job led them. Harold began school in Franklin, TN. The family moved to the family farm in Watertown when he was in the third grade and then he became a young farmer. He continued helping his Dad in the dairy and growing crops through his high school years. Milking cows, football practice and games were time consuming, but Harold lettered 4 years and was team captain his senior year. He was active in FFA and music and was selected "Best All-Around Student". After graduating in 1953, he began working in Nashville with Ragland-Patton Co. (a wholesale food distributor).

In 1954 he married his high school sweetheart, Lynda Bass. They lived in Watertown for 5 years and moved to Shop Springs Community to help care for Lynda’s Dad and brother.

In 1958 Harold was employed by Tennessee Farmers Co-op. First working in inventory control, then moving to a buyer in the hardware division. After 11 years at TN Farmers Co-op, he came to Wilson Farmers Co-op to work as assistant manager with Mr. Ira Partlow. When Mr. Partlow retired in 1969, Harold became manager. In 2002 Harold retired with 43 years of combined service to the farmers of Wilson County and Tennessee.

Harold is very active in our community. He is a deacon, treasurer and assistant music director at Shop Springs Baptist Church. He has served on the board of directors for Wilson Bank & Trust for 25 years. Harold is also a member of the Wilson County Fair Board and Wilson County Livestock Association. He raises registered Angus and Chiangus cattle and owned the 1994 National Chiangus Champion Female and the 1995 National Chiangus Cow-Calf Champion. Harold has received the Mike Baker Award.

Harold enjoys going by the Co-op and visiting with customers he has known for many years, gardening, and traveling. Lynda and Harold are most proud of all of their family and happy that their son and daughter live in Wilson County.

July 25, 1938 – April 30, 2015

Married: Faye James Patton on September 1, 1958

Children: Lisa Patton Wheeler, Lora Patton Hall, Lyle Patton

8 Grandchildren

William Lee "Bill" Patton was born to Thomas William and Maymie Lee (Midgett) Patton of Watertown on July 25, 1938. As a boy Billy rode his bicycle to deliver groceries to customers of the Midgett family grocery in Watertown. However, it was being a little boy in overalls racing to keep up with his granddaddy Everett Patton on the Smith Hollow Road family land that stirred a life-long love of farming. Billy’s Aunt Janet remembers that he just couldn’t wait to drive the cattle across the creek.

As a teenager Billy embraced his hometown as quarterback of the Watertown High School football team and earned Most Valuable Player on the school’s basketball team his senior year. Within a couple of years of graduation, Bill married Margie Faye James of Mt. Juliet and joined the United States Air Force. The service took him to Japan for a year, then he and his young wife to Oregon for 2 ½ years. Afterwards the couple returned to Wilson County with a baby daughter and moved into a home in Mt. Juliet. Bill began a 40-plus year career with Western Electric and eventually AT&T, but he never left his love for farming and continued to raise produce and beef cattle by working early shifts so he would have the rest of the day to farm. Another daughter and a son blessed Bill and Faye, so he had three farmhands to plant tobacco, tie-up tomatoes, and rake the hay.

Bill’s commercial cow herd was generally multi-breed. His bull stock ranged from Charolais, Red & Black Angus to others. With multiple herds on his own land as well as various locations around the county, Bill was open to new thinking and challenges in today’s farming industry. He participated in the Advanced Master Beef Producers offered through the Tennessee Agriculture Enhancement Program which offers continuing education classes focused on economics, raising forage and herd management. Bill acted as a mentor aiding and encouraging young farmers in Wilson County. He worked tirelessly harvesting hay for his own herds as well as others.

Bill also worked in the logging business for a time. He was an active member of the Wilson County Farmer’s Coop, Wilson County Fair Board, Wilson County Farm Bureau Board of Directors, The Cattleman’s Association as well as various other community organizations.

Bill also served his community government as an elected official of the Wilson County Commission for 16 years and the Mt. Juliet City Commission for one term in the 1980s. Bill and Faye are charter members of Victory Baptist Church in Mt. Juliet.

Above all, Bill’s love of God and family stood first in his life, but farming was a close second. Over his last 11 years, Bill fought an intense battle against cancer. His oncologist explained to Bill that he needed to limit activity and farming didn’t fit that prescription. In a soft but firm voice, Bill simply said, "Doc, if I’m not farming, I’m not living." Bill passed to his heavenly home at age 76 on Thursday, April 30, 2015 where he is certainly farming fields of gold.

Birth Date: 8/10/1937

Born in 1937 to Robert and Allene Vantrease Powell of Watertown.Married Charline Hamilton in 1963

Children:
Thomas (1966) currently Executive Director of American Meat Science Association
Mark (1968) currently General Manager of Wilson Farmer’s Coop
Amy (1973) currently Extension Agent – Loudon County

8 grandchildren

Education

• Graduate of Watertown High School (1955)
• B.S. in Animal Husbandry, University of Tennessee (1959)
• M.S. in Animal Husbandry, University of Tennessee (1966)

Career Information

Ben Powell worked his entire career for the Tennessee Agricultural Extension Service, focusing on youth development and education through the 4-H program. He started in 1959 as an extension agent in Rutherford County before moving to Knoxville in 1969 where he would spend the next 30 years on the staff of the State 4-H Office. In 1981, he was promoted to State 4-H Leader and guided Tennessee 4-H as it became one of the top programs in the United States. He retired in 1997 and moved in 2002 to join his son, Mark, at the family farm in Watertown.

Agricultural Accomplishments

Ben Powell’s legacy to agriculture is the millions of individuals who were the beneficiaries of the life skills training in the Tennessee 4-H program. Under his leadership, two generations of rural and urban youth received education in agricultural projects, citizenship, leadership and personal development.

Some of his key contributions to the program were the development of the 4-H awards program, the establishment of a comprehensive literature library and the publishing of the Tennessee 4-H History. During his tenure, Tennessee 4-H was nationally recognized as one of the leading programs in the country. For 15 years, the state boasted of more national 4-H project winners than any other. He worked vigorously to secure private and public funding for critical 4-H programs like Tennessee 4-H Congress and the state’s 4-H scholarship programs.

Livestock programs were a particular passion for him. He was a leader in the efforts to establish the Tennessee 4-H Livestock Exposition, which quickly became one of the largest in the country and is still considered one of the most effective means for keeping young people directly engaged with animal agriculture.

Tennessee’s sheep industry would not exist as it does today without the leadership of Ben Powell. As a leader of the Tennessee Sheep Producers Association, the American Hampshire Sheep Association and through untold hours of volunteer work on fair boards and committees, he has been directly responsible for numerous programs that bring more people in touch with the sheep industry.

Civic and/or Community Involvement

While living in Knoxville, Mr. Powell worked tirelessly as a volunteer leader for Knox County’s
4-H livestock project group. He worked one-on-one with hundreds of 4-H members, providing mentorship and encouragement as they worked with their animal projects.

The Powell family also played key roles in Knoxville Youth Symphony Orchestra, the Knoxville Nativity Pageant and Cedar Springs Presbyterian Church.

Since retirement, he has remained active in the agricultural community, continuing to serve on Tennessee State Fair, Tennessee Valley Fair and Mid South Fair sheep committees. He is also an active member of the Nashville Ag Club.

He is a member of Fall Creek Baptist Church in Norene.

Other Awards or Information

• National 4-H Hall of Fame
• Distinguished Service Award and an American Spirit Award from the National Association of Extension 4-H Agents
• Distinguished Service award from the National Association of County Agricultural Agents.
• Member of Alpha Zeta, Gamma Sigma Delta, Epsilon Sigma Phi and Phi Delta Kappa honorary fraternities.
• Tennessee Sheep Producers Association Secretary for 58 years
• President of the American Hampshire Sheep Association
• 1958 FFA American Farmer Degree

Married: Anita Walker

4 Children: Bobby, Amanda, Andy, and Jonathan

Bob Pruitt was born in Jackson County, TN to Carl and Mable Pruitt. He was one of four children who lived on a farm in Granville where they grew tobacco, baled hay, and raised cattle and chickens. He attended the small, single teacher school at Nameless until they moved to Lebanon in 1961 at the beginning of his sophomore year. During his school years he was involved with the 4-H program showing cattle and served as Vice President of the FFA. After graduation he began farming. He raised cattle, grew tobacco, and baled hay for farmers across Wilson County.

In 1974 he married Anita Walker and soon had four children: Bobby, Amanda, Andy, and Jonathan. He again became highly involved in the 4-H program while his children were in school showing sheep, cows, chickens, and horses. He helped organize and became an active leader of the 4-H Horse Express. It was during this time Bob and family became known as THE PRUITT GANG. In 1986 at the age of 38 he gave up full time farming and started working at the Wilson Farmers CO-OP as the warehouse manager. After 32 years of working and talking with all the farmers of Wilson County he retired in 2018 due to an injury and the death of his wife.

He has served as President of the Watertown Saddle Club and The Tennessee Saddle Club Association. He is a former member of the Livestock Association and the Wilson County Farm Bureau Board. He attends Gladeville Church of Christ where he serves as an Elder. He enjoys raising a big garden where he gives most of the vegetables away, riding his golf cart with his dog Samson, and spending time with his grandchildren who call him Papa.

Willam Edward Rice, Sr.

1913-1999

Married: Mamie L. Smith (1937)

Children: William E. Jr . & James D.

5 Grandchildren

William Edward Rice, Jr.

May 29, 1938

Married: Ginger Crockett (1960)

Children: Vickie Pelfrey, William "Bill" III, & Virginia "Ginny" Dabbs

3 Grandchildren, 1 Great Grandchild

Ed Rice, Sr. was born in 1913, to William & Mary Rice, the eldest of 8 brothers and sisters. Ed Sr. grew up on a farm on North Greenhill Rd and later on a farm on South Green Hill Road in Mt. Juliet. After graduating from Mt. Juliet High School, he went to work for his Uncle Edd Hunter in his country store on Lebanon Road in Mt. Juliet. The store was built in 1886, and stands today as the retail outlet for Rice's Country Hams. He purchased the store from his Uncle in 1935. He married Mamie Smith in 1937.

In 1949 and 1950, the country grocery business began to slow down. In looking for a way to support his family, his brother-in-law Buford Smith suggested he cure some country hams. Not knowing anything about curing country hams, Ed Sr. went to the Agricultural Extension Service in Lebanon and got a booklet written by Dr. Curtis Melton, The first year he cured 18 hams. All but one of these hams were stolen. It took two years before he could afford to buy hams again. Before retiring in 1981 Ed, Sr. was curing over seven hundred hams each year, many of which were served to Presidents, country music stars and other celebrities.

William Edward Rice, Jr. was the eldest child of Ed Rice, Sr. Ed, Jr. and his brother Jim grew up working in the country store and helping their father cure country hams. Ed, Jr. spent his life learning and mastering the art of curing country hams from his father in their backyard smokehouse.

Ed, Jr. also attended Mt. Juliet Schools. He was a member of the FFA, and Vice President of his senior class. In 1958 Ed Jr. won the Safe Teenage Driving Championship for the State of Tennessee. He won a college scholarship and represented the State of Tennessee in the National Contest in Washington D.C. He attended Tennessee Tech on his scholarship.. He was active in the community and was a pioneer in starting the Mt. Juliet Little League. He was a member of the Lions Club.

In May, 1960 Ed, Jr. married Ginger Crockett and began working forGlass Plant in June,1960. He retired in 1991. In 1981 Ed, Jr. took over the Country Ham Business. Ed and his wife Ginger worked side by side, to transform the business from a small family concern into a large direct-shipping and retail operation that is renowned throughout the nation. Ed, Jr. has been featured on several television shows, including Tennessee Crossroads, Nick Beres' Morning Line, The Martha Stewart Show, The Larry Brinton Show, Talk of the Town and Living Green Tennessee.

The Rice Family have been winning awards at State and County Fairs for over forty years for their country hams. The family has lost count as to how many awards they have won but, know that they have had forty-three Grand Champion Hams since 1971.

Ed, Jr. retired for the second time in 2004. At that time he was curing over forty-five hundred country hams each year. The country ham business contitonues thive throughthe leadership of his daughter and son-in-law Ginny and Scott Dabbs. It is the oldest retail business still in operation in Mt. Juliet.

Once again in 2013 a Rice's Country Ham won the Grand Champion at the Tennessee State Fair. Dr. Curtis Melton, the author of the original manual Ed Rice, Sr. used to learn how to cure country hams was the judge.

1948

Married: Nancy Baker

Children: John, Mitzi Pigg, Paul

7 Grandchildren

Dr. Cliff Ricketts, the son of Hall and Louise Ricketts, was raised on a dairy farm in Mt. Juliet. He is a graduate of Mt Juliet High School. He attended Middle Tennessee State before transferring to the University of Tennessee where ihe received a BS degree in Agricultural Education. While teaching agriculture at Mt. Juliet High School, he got a Master’s Degree from the University of Tennessee in Education Administration and Supervision. He received his PhD in Agricultural Education from The Ohio State University in 1982. He has been a Professor of Agricultural Education at the School of Agribusiness and Agriscience at Middle Tennessee State University for 37 years.

His distinguished academic career has focused on alternative fuels for the future and exemplary work with students that have a desire to teach Agricultural Education at the secondary education level. Dr. Ricketts’ commitment to students is exemplary. Ricketts developed the first dual-credit grant in the State of Tennessee to allow high school students to receive college credit for courses through MTSU while attending high school. He continues to mentor MTSU students who have followed in his footsteps. Many of his former undergraduate students have obtained their Ph.D. in various agriculture-related programs. He s continues to serves as advisor to the MTSU Collegiate Future Farmers of America.

He has run engines off ethanol from corn, methane from cow manure, soybean oil, solar electric, hydrogen from water, natural gas, and developed a vehicle that runs of four different fuels: gas, ethanol, electric and hydrogen from water. He is internationally known for his alternative fuel research. He and his team went coast to coast on only sun and hydrogen in March 2013

Dr. Ricketts has received many awards and accolades over the years of his distinguished teaching career include 6 Outstanding Agricultural Eduction Teacher awards, MTSU Outstanding Teacher Award, 2 Alpha Gamma Rho Agriculture Teacher of the Year awards, MTSY Outstanding Public Service Award, MTSU Career Achievement Award and The Silver Column Award. He also received the FFA Blue and Gold Award, the Meritorious Teacher Award from NCATA, was named Top Agricultural Education Program in the Southeastern United Stated by the American Association of Agricultural Educators, the Bob Womack Outstanding Teacher Award in 2003 and is one of only seven to have received the National FFA VIP Award.

In 2006 Dr.Ricketts was selected as one of the top six Agricultural Technology Instruction Programs in the nation by the National Association of the State Departments of Agriculture and R. J. Reynolds Industries, Inc. Dr. Ricketts has written over 27 curriculum guides for Agricultural Education, Division of Career-Technical Education, and State of Tennessee. He has written six textbooks, including texts for Delmar-Thomson Learning on leadership, and two textbooks on Agribusiness all printed in English, Chinese, and Spanish. He has made approximately 1,000 presentations throughout the state and nationally on the topics of Leadership and Alternative Fuels in his 37 years at MTSU. He has partnerships with Tractor Supply Company. TVA, Bridgestone/Firestone Tire, Valspar Paints and HyPower Fuel of Calgary, Canada. Dr. Ricketts has received several hundred thousdand dollars in grants during his 37 year tenure at Middle Tennessee State University.

Dr. Ricketts is still active farming with his 60 herd Cow Calf Operation on his 200 acre farm in Mt. Juliet as well as at MTSU still preparing future agricultural education teachers and working on a couple more alternative fuels to help America become engine independent in the future.

Dr. Ricketts has one brother, Johnnie Ricketts, who has had a cow/calf operation for several years. The oldest son, John, is an Agricultural Education Professor at Tennessee State University. His daughter, Mitzi Ricketts Pigg, is an Agricultural Education teacher at Mt. Juliet High School. His youngest son, Paul, has a cow/calf operation on the outskirts of Lexington, Kentucky and works at the Lexington Sale Barn. His wife, Dr. Kris Ricketts, teaches at the University of Kentucky in Agricultural Leadership.

He began the Agricultural Education Program at MTSU. He taught for 6 years at Mt .Juliet High School. Among other accomplishments, his FFA Parliamentary Procedure Team won the State Championship, his chapter was the top FFA Chapter in Middle Tennessee, and his program was selected as the top program in the Southeastern United States. He attended graduate school at UTK where he received his Master’s Degree in Education Administration and Supervision. Dr. Ricketts has been on the faculty of the MTSU for 37 years as a

Professor of Agricultural Education in the School of Agribusiness and Agriscience and He received his PhD in Agricultural Education from The Ohio State University in 1982.

His distinguished academic career has focused on alternative fuels for the future and exemplary work with students that have a desire to teach Agricultural Education at the secondary education level. Dr. Ricketts’ commitment to students is exemplary. Ricketts developed the first dual-credit grant in the State of Tennessee to allow high school students to receive college credit for courses through MTSU while attending high school. He continues to mentor MTSU students who have followed in his footsteps. Many of his former undergraduate students have obtained their Ph.D. in various agriculture-related programs. He s continues to serves as advisor to the MTSU Collegiate Future Farmers of America.

He has run engines off ethanol from corn, methane from cow manure, soybean oil, solar electric, hydrogen from water, natural gas, and developed a vehicle that runs of four different fuels: gas, ethanol, electric and hydrogen from water. He is internationally known for his alternative fuel research. He and his team went coast to coast on only sun and hydrogen in March 2013

Dr. Ricketts has received many awards and accolades over the years of his distinguished teaching career include 6 Outstanding Agricultural Eduction Teacher awards, MTSU Outstanding Teacher Award, 2 Alpha Gamma Rho Agriculture Teacher of the Year awards, MTSY Outstanding Public Service Award, MTSU Career Achievement Award and The Silver Column Award. He also received the FFA Blue and Gold Award, the Meritorious Teacher Award from NCATA, was named Top Agricultural Education Program in the Southeastern United Stated by the American Association of Agricultural Educators, the Bob Womack Outstanding Teacher Award in 2003 and is one of only seven to have received the National FFA VIP Award.

In 2006 Dr. Ricketts was selected as one of the top six Agricultural Technology Instruction Programs in the nation by the National Association of the State Departments of Agriculture and R. J. Reynolds Industries, Inc. Dr. Ricketts has written over 27 curriculum guides for Agricultural Education, Division of Career-Technical Education, and State of Tennessee. He has written six textbooks, including texts for Delmar-Thomson Learning on leadership, and two textbooks on Agribusiness all printed in English, Chinese, and Spanish. He has made approximately 1,000 presentations throughout the state and nationally on the topics of Leadership and Alternative Fuels in his 37 years at MTSU. He has partnerships with Tractor Supply Company. TVA, Bridgestone/Firestone Tire, Valspar Paints and HyPower Fuel of Calgary, Canada. Dr. Ricketts has received several hundred thousdand dollars in grants during his 37 year tenure at Middle Tennessee State University.

Dr. Ricketts is still active farming with his 60 herd Cow Calf Operation on his 200 acre farm in Mt. Juliet as well as at MTSU still preparing future agricultural education teachers and working on a couple more alternative fuels to help America become engine independent in the future.

Dr. Ricketts has one brother, Johnnie Ricketts, who has had a cow/calf operation for several years. The oldest son, John, is an Agricultural Education Professor at Tennessee State University. His daughter, Mitzi Ricketts Pigg, is an Agricultural Education teacher at Mt. Juliet High School. His youngest son, Paul, has a cow/calf operation on the outskirts of Lexington, Kentucky and works at the Lexington Sale Barn. His wife, Dr. Kris Ricketts, teaches at the University of Kentucky in Agricultural Leadership.

Married: Gayla Carter

2 Children

Johnnie Gershon Ricketts was born August 4, 1946, to Hall and Louise Ricketts. Johnnie was raised on a Grade A dairy farm on Central Pike. Johnnie graduated from Mt Juliet High School, where he played football and basketball, was an officer in the FFA and was vice president of his senior class. After graduation, Johnnie wanted to partner with his dad in dairy farming, but his dad recommended he choose another business due to smaller dairies around the area going of business. His father’s advice was to "get a good job with a retirement. "In August of 1964, Johnnie went to work at the Ford Motor Glass Plant, but he wanted to stay connected to agriculture, so he rented some pasture ground and started a beef herd. In 1966 his parents moved to the family farm on Posey Hill Rd, Mt Juliet. In 1967 Johnnie purchased twenty-five acres in the same area to begin his own farm. In 1970, he married Gayla Carter, and they have two daughters. Both daughters and their families also have homes on the family farm. Johnnie worked two full-time jobs for 37 years. He worked at Ford Motor Glass Plant and farmed until he retired in 2001. During this time, he managed four hundred plus acres which included his land and land he leased. He raised beef cattle and produced hay. Due to health problems, he now has forty-five head of beef cattle and produces hay on 143 acres.

Johnnie has served his community in many capacities. He has served on the board of directors for the Wilson County Co-op and the Wilson County Livestock Association. He has served on the Wilson Bank and Trust Community Council, Gladeville. He served as a member of the University of TN Extension Agricultural Committee. He has also served on the Wilson County Board of Zoning and Appeals and the Wilson County Planning Commission. He was selected to by the TN Farmers CO-OP to participate in the "Big Picture Leadership Advance Tour" and by the Middle Tennessee Electric Membership Board to participate in the MTEMC Young Leaders Conference. After retiring from Ford Motor Glass Plant, Johnnie also worked at the Wilson County Livestock Market with Alvin McKee. He loved greeting the many farmers on sale day. He referred to himself as the "Wilson County Sale Barn Greeter. Johnnie has been a member of Gladeville Baptist Church his entire life. He has taught Sunday School, served on many committees, and now has the honor of being a Lifetime Deacon. He believes in Faith, Family and Farming.

September 13, 1913 – June 27, 2010
Married: Christine Waters - August, 1943
Son: Howard Riggan
Daughter: Nancy
Grandsons: Chad and Brett

Rufus H. Riggan was the only child of Rufe Elsie Riggan and Nancy Flowers Sullivan. The family lived in the Leeville Community. Rufus was educated in Wilson County, was on the basketball team at Mt. Juliet High School and graduated in 1937. He attended University of Tennessee where he graduated
with a degree in Animal Science in 1942.

After college, Rufus trained returning war veterans by holding night classes and traveling to farms to teach hands-on agricultural skills. While attending the University of Tennessee, he worked on a dairy farm which
provided him with room and board. During this time, he met his future wife, Christine Waters. Christine was raised in the Shop Springs community of Wilson County. She also graduated from University of Tennessee in 1942 and went on to become a Home Demonstration agent in Spring Hill, TN. Rufus made many visits to Spring Hill during this time. They married at the Bethel Church of in Shop Springs on August 27, 1942. They purchased the Denny property in the Leeville Community of Wilson County. She then began to teach at Mt. Juliet High School while Rufus began dairy farming in 1951 selling Grade A milk in cans, milking in a stanchion Barn.

In 1955 Rufus traveled to Wisconsin to look at a Herring-bone milk barn. He loved the idea and installed a Herring-bone milking parlor with 6 cows on each side. This was the first Herring-bone milk parlor ever built in Wilson County. Rufus continued milking and growing his business to 120 cows. He dispersed the milking herd in 1968 but continued to purchase and sell Holstein heifers. In the late eighties he continued with Charolais cattle that were known as "Registered Hickory Ridge Charolais". Rufus was always progressive in all he did. He was a County Commissioner (Magistrate) in the 60’s and 70’s. He helped start the parent-back club at Lebanon High School in 1964. He served on the Board of Wilson County Farm Bureau and was a member of the Mt. Olive Baptist Church. He was survived by his son, Howard and daughter Nancy, two grandsons. Chad and Brett and 5 great-grandchildren. Mr. Rufus H. Riggan passed away in 2010 at 93 years old. He was blessed with a long, productive life: well respected with many friends, and family who he loved dearly.

January 10, 1935

Married: Doris Cripps

Daughter: Cindy (Mike) Marks

Grandchildren: Josh and Amber Marks

Donald Gene Rowland was born January 10, 1935 in Dekalb County, Tennessee to Elmer and Berdie Rowland. He is the oldest of three children. His sister is Sue Manning and a brother, Albert, who passed away in 2010. When he was eleven years old, his mom and dad bought a dairy farm on Tuckers Gap Road in Lebanon. In addition to the dairy, they also raised tobacco, hay, corn and a garden. His mom also worked at the Lebanon Garment Factory.

After moving to Lebanon, he went to McClain School where he played basketball and football and he attended Lebanon High School. Donald then joined the United States Navy in November 1953. During his navy years, he served in Japan as an aviation mechanic. He served on the USS Essex and was discharged in September 1957.

After returning home, Donald married Doris Cripps and worked at Otis Elevator for a short while. Soon he went back to farming on the family farm. In 1959, he bought his first new tractor, a John Deere 730 which he still uses on the farm today. Little did he know that this purchase would be the start of his long-time career.

One day during hay season, he walked into Donnell Motor Company, the local John Deere dealer, needing a part for his hay baler. He was told that they only kept one of this particular part on hand and they had sold it the day before. The part would have to be ordered. Frustrated and on his way out the door, he mumbled a little too loud "I ought to just buy the darn (not the word he used) place"!! Enoch Comer, the parts man who had just waited on Donald, followed him out the door and said, "it’s for sale". So, Donald borrowed the money and his little brother’s pickup truck, rented the building and opened Rowland Implement Company in April 1963.

Donald’s dad and brother continued to farm full-time and helped with the business when they could. He then became a part-time farmer, milking every morning before going to the shop. During the early years of the business, Doris was the bookkeeper while also helping with the dairy and caring for their daughter, Cindy.

As property around the dealership became available for sale, Donald bought it and built and new, much larger building in 1975. This allowed space for a showroom, several offices, a larger parts and service department and much more room outside for new equipment.

Also, in the early 70’s Donald began buying land between Leeville Pike and Hickory Ridge Road. Much of it was overgrown and had to be cleared and cleaned up. To this day he likes nothing better than burning a brush pile. This farm or "the hill’ as it’s called grew into 230 acres. Now he raises beef cattle, hay, and of course a garden.

In 2006 John Deere decided that it was time for him to close. He always said he wanted to work for 50 years, but that was not to be. After 43 years of hard work, employees who became family, lots of wonderful customers, and a whole lot of joy, in September 2006 Donald closed the doors for the last time. At 85 years old he has come full circle, he’s back to farming full-time that would be after the Price is Right goes off. Stop by anytime and visit, he would love to see you.

1934 - 2023

Married: Peggy Thorne Simpson

Don Simpson was born in Watertown, TN on December 11, 1934, to parents Roy and Irene (Davis) Simpson. The Simpson Family owned and operated a Grade-A Dairy Farm in Watertown. Don graduated from Watertown High School in 1954. Then, in 1958, he completed work at Middle Tennessee State University with a degree in Social Science and Economics. After a brief teaching career in Wilson County, Don was selected by Governor Frank G. Clement to serve with the State of Tennessee as a Regional Director of Industrial Development. It was during this period that Don worked toward and received a Doctor of Jurisprudence from the YMCA Law School by attending night classes. In 1965, Don was appointed to fill the unexpired term of Wilson County Court Clerk, Curry Dodson, following the Clerk’s unexpected death. Don was re-elected to the position where he served for the next nine years. This marked the beginning of his life in politics with service and commitment to the community. In 1974, Don was elected County Judge where he would serve for the next 20 years. Over time, the title and responsibilities of the job would change, but the lessons of hard work, teamwork and commitment learned on the farm always served as Don’s "North Star". All the years Don was involved in education, industrial development, and the administration of county government, he never forgot the farm – land, cattle, and horses. When Don and Peggy married in 1965 and were living in Lebanon, they began planning their future which included a farm of their own. When Mr. Roy’s dairy was dispersed, the farm operation changed to beef cattle, basically Hereford cattle. Don bought some acreage that joined Mr. Roy’s farm and built a barn. He and Peggy bought a cow a piece-- thus a beginning a partnership and a herd – a herd of Hereford!!! Later in the early 70’s they built a house on the farm, making Watertown their home. Don has enlisted and received farm help and support from his nephew, George Simpson, his neighbors, and countless Ag and FFA students at Watertown High School. Don was a former member of the Lebanon Jaycees and the Lebanon Sportsman Club. He was president of the Lebanon Lion’s Club (1973-74) and the Lebanon Wilson County Chamber of Commerce (1973). He was also a member of the Wilson County Livestock Association, the Wilson County Horseman’s Association, and Wilson County Promotions where he served as Chairman of the Mule Show for many years. Additionally, he served 10 years on the Wilson County Election Commission.

Born: 10/18/1930

Married: Vondie Tarpley, 1962

Mr. Dan Smith has lived and farmed in Wilson County all his life. In 1942, after the bottomland of the farm where he was born was taken by the construction of Old Hickory Dam on the Cumberland River, the Smith family moved to a farm in the Greenwood community, a few miles southeast of Lebanon. Smith continues to farm there, raising beef cattle — primarily Angus — along with hay and permanent pasture on 360 acres. He was once among Wilson County’s leading burley tobacco producers and at one time raised Tennessee walking horses.

Smith bought stock in Wilson Farmers Cooperative, which was chartered on Nov. 22, 1949, when it was organized and was among its first customers when it opened for business in January 1950. In 1953, at age 22, Smith was elected to Wilson Farmers Co-op’s board of directors. Obviously recognizing and appreciating the young farmer’s leadership abilities, Wilson Farmers Co-op members elected him to their board numerous times thereafter — enough times, in fact, for him to rack up 42 years of service. He held each of the board’s various offices — president, vice president, and secretary — several times through the years.

Co-op farmer-members from across the state took notice of the Wilson Countian’s leadership, too, and elected Smith to Tennessee Farmers Cooperative’s board in 1972, launching his productive and eventful nine-year tenure as a TFC director. He is one of the few directors to serve two terms as chairman of TFC’s board, holding the top position in both 1977 and ’81. In 2007, Mr. Dan received the Cooperative Spirit Award from TFC. The Cooperative Spirit Award is given to an individual who, through a special love and devotion, helps further the cause of cooperatives and provides strength and stability to the Cooperative Farm Supply System in Tennessee.

Member-owners of rural electric cooperatives across the state and nation have also been well served by Smith, a valued member of the board of Murfreesboro-based Middle Tennessee Electric Membership Corporation — one of the nation’s largest electric co-ops — since 1971. Nationally, he has served for 22 years as sergeant at arms of the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association’s annual meeting and is now chief sergeant.

Smith was a pioneer in youth and young farmers’ activities in Tennessee. As an FFA member in 1949, he received that organization’s highest distinction, the American Farmer Degree. He was a charter member and first president of Wilson County’s Young Farmers and Homemakers organization.

Mr. Dan Smith is the current president of the Wilson County Farm Bureau, a position he’s held for the last ten years, and has been on its board for over 40 years. He served a three year term on an advisory committee for Co-Bank in Louisville, KY. He and his wife were awarded a Life Time Membership in the Wilson County Livestock Association. In addition, he served on the USDA ASCS County Board for several years.

Smith and his wife, Vondie, were married in 1962 and are active members of Highland Heights Church of Christ in Lebanon. Mrs. Smith was in the banking business for over 50 years and retired as a vice president of Lebanon’s Bank of the South in 2008.

1906 - 1987

Married: Elsie Margaret Ivy Smith

4 Children

6 Great-Grandchildren, 13 Great-Great Grandchildren

Dave Smith, Sr. was born in Wilson County in 1906. He grew up on the family farm on Coles Ferry Pike. He attended Oakland Elementary School as a child. Later he bought 120 acres on Horn Springs Rd. Dave, Sr. was a lifelong farmer. He raised beef and dairy cattle, hogs, tobacco and had a large sheep operation for many years. At one point he farmed over 450 acres. He worked for his brother, Fisher Smith, at the Wilson County Livestock Market and graded tobacco at the Hancock Barns in Gallatin for many years. He served as the President of the Wilson County 4-H Leaders Association.

Dave, Sr. was very active in civic organizations and took pride in serving his community. He served on the Wilson County Board of Education from Feb. 1964 until August of 1971, serving as Chairman of the Board during part of his tenure. He served on the Board of Directors of the Wilson County Farm Bureau from 1960 - 1984 and again in 1987 - 1988. He was a member of the Wilson County Livestock Association and the Wilson County Sportsman Club. He was a long time member of the Ruritan Club. Dave attended New Hope Cumberland Presbyterian Church where he served as deacon, elder, Sunday School teacher and Sunday School Superintendent.

Dave, Sr. married Elsie Margaret Ivy in 1940. The couple had three daughters, Ruby Lynn Steele, Margaret Ivy Hyde, Mary Beth Malone, one son, Dave William Smith, Jr., six grandchildren, and thirteen great grandchildren. Mr. Smith passed away in 1987.

Born: 1958

Married: Julie

3 Children

Lanas was born December 23, 1958. He was raised on the family farm on Cainsville Road between Lebanon and Norene where his mother still resides and his oldest brother, Quintin, still farms. He is the third of four boys, born to Ray and Dorothy Jean Smith. Lanas has always been proud of being a "fifth grade graduate" of the now closed Shop Springs School. He then attended schools in Lebanon and in 1976, graduating from Lebanon High School. While in high school, he served as President of the Wilson County 4-H Club and was an officer in the Lebanon FFA Chapter. He received his State FFA Degree and later his American Farmer Degree. In 1979, Lanas graduated from Middle Tennessee State University with a degree in Animal Science and a minor in Agricultural Education. He won numerous individual and team awards as a member of the Livestock Judging Team and served as President of the Block and Bridle Club. It was during this time that he met his wife, Julie, who was on the Horse Judging Team at the same time he was on the Livestock Judging Team. In the fall of 1979, Lanas received a teaching fellowship to the University of Kentucky where he taught animal production and evaluation classes and coached the collegiate Livestock Judging Team while working on his graduate degrees. He received his M.S. degree in Animal Sciences in 1983 and his Ph.D. in Ruminant Nutrition in 1986. In the fall of 1986, Lanas accepted a position in St. Louis with Purina Mills as a cattle nutritionist. He was then transferred to Liberal, Kansas in 1987 as a consulting feedlot nutritionist. In 1989, he left Purina and started his own feedlot consulting business, Midwest Feedlot Nutrition. It was later that same year that he entered an agreement to do consulting for a small liquid premix company, Midwest PMS, Inc. It was from that small group of cattle specialists that they were able to build a cattle consulting nutritionist group that today services more than 40% of cattle on feed in the United States. In 1996, Julie and Lanas moved the family to Colorado, where they now reside on their horse and cattle farm outside of Boulder. Lanas operates his consulting business out of his home office and maintains accounts in ten states. He has also consulted internationally with cattle firms in Canada, Mexico, Brazil, Argentina, Australia, and South Africa. Lanas and Julie have three children, Paige, Parker, David.