SPGCA Field Day

Teddy Gentry
Teddy Gentry, bass player for the county music group Alabama, was born and raised on Lookout Mountain in Fort Payne, Alabama. He, and his wife, Linda, have two children, five grandchildren, and one great grandchild. After receiving his first check from RCA records in 1980 for $61,000, he purchased 60 acres from his grandfather, which he called Bent Tree Farms.

Teddy started the South Poll breed in 1989 when he got the idea to genetically combine the best traits of four maternal Bos Taurus breeds to form a more heat tolerant animal that would work for his cattle operation. The South Poll is a four way cross of Hereford, Red Angus, Senepol, and Barzona. He wanted an animal with a gentle disposition and would produce tender beef on grass.

Bent Tree Farms is the home of the South Poll. Our cattle are always grass fed and naturally pasture raised.

Greg Judy
Greg and Jan Judy of Clark, Missouri run a grazing operation on 1620 acres of leased and owned land. Greg and Jan went from near bankruptcy in 1999 to paying off a 200 acre farm and house in 3 years with custom grazing on leased land and are completely debt free today. Today they own 4 farms and lease 12 farms. Planned grazing is used to graze cow/calf pairs, bred heifers, bulls, and stockers. They own a 350 head grass genetic South Poll cow herd, hair sheep flock, graze pastured pigs and pastured layers. Greg has written two books on ranching practices, “No Risk Ranching” and “Comeback Farms.” Greg has given numerous talks and schools all over the US, New Zealand & Canada teaching the benefits of planned grazing, leasing land, multi-species grazing & custom grazing. Greg quit his off farm job in 2009 and is now a full time rancher.

Steve Freeman
Steve Freeman is a seasoned cattle farmer dedicated to sustainable and profitable livestock management. Since 1987, he and his wife, Judy, have been raising beef cattle, searching for a breed with the fertility and resilience to thrive in the heat and humidity of the Ozark summer. This pursuit led them to South Polls, and since 2006, they have been breeding up from a foundation of commercial Brahman-crossed cows. As co-owners of Woods Fork Cattle Company in Hartville, Missouri, they have built a herd of 160-200 Purebred and high-percentage South Poll mother cows, along with 60-70 yearling heifers. Their cattle are raised on a managed grazing system designed to enhance fertility and adaptability, ensuring a profitable, easy-keeping herd. With decades of expertise in heifer development and a commitment to regenerative grazing, Freeman continues to shape the future of sustainable cattle farming.

Becky Miller - coming soon!

Israel Farms
Larry and Riley, the father daughter duo, started Diamond I Cattle Company in 2021. Larry has farmed his whole life with a love for cattle. Growing up he was raised on a dairy and worked for various dairy farms after his family sold out. He eventually started his own beef operation Israel Farms. He ran everything from commercial cattle to registered limousine. Larry started making moves to get a more efficient and heat tolerant cow. In 2016 he bought his first SP bull while running PCC genetics. He had always raised beef for his family and friends the conventional way, but then got turned onto the idea of grass finished beef. 

Riley has always had a passion for farming and has been helping her dad since she could walk. She worked on the family farm all through high school learning the ropes. Once she graduated high school she went to college and worked on various operations getting different experience from each one. In 2021 she saw an opportunity to grow what her father had started. Now the Israel’s are finishing and butchering their own beef and selling it direct to consumer.  

Nathan Hahn
Nathan Hahn is a dedicated and passionate farmer and rancher committed to land and livestock stewardship. Alongside his family - Ellie, Sadie, Mathew - Nathan and his wife established Unity Farms in 2021, located north of Harrodsburg, Kentucky. Transitioning to full-time farming, Nathan and his family felt a strong calling to share, inspire, and promote their passion for sustainable agriculture. Embracing a philosophy rooted in the principles of observation and biological and ecological function, Nathan has eliminated industrial norms from their farming practices. With an unwavering belief in highly adaptable management strategies, the Hahn family strives to promote natural cycles, creating resiliency in their land and livestock. Having previously experienced the limitations of conventional farming methods, Nathan and his family discovered the truth in working with creation, aligning their processes with the Creator's original design. They now advocate for an adaptively managed, low-input operation that allows farmers, ranchers, land, and livestock to thrive. Through their journey, the Hahn family is privileged to share their experiences and are grateful for the support they receive.

Paul Epting
My wife and I, along with our three children, operate Rolling Hill Ranch located in Mountville, SC. Ranching started as a hobby shortly after we got married in 2008, as my wife Caroline was a cosmetologist and I was a General Contractor. Our passion to steward and care for God’s creation quickly grew as we began seeking ways to turn our hobby into a full-time occupation. Over the course of the next 12 years with many failures, a few successes, and a lot of study and education, our conventional farming practices transformed into regenerative farming practices as we wanted to be profitable while making our land better. That’s also when our cow herd began to transition from black to red. We bought our first South Poll cattle in January of 2020 and haven’t looked back since. We also purchased our new farm that same year, allowing us to expand our operation and reach our goal of being full-time first-generation ranchers. That dream became reality in October 2022!

Today, we raise registered South Poll cattle using management-intensive grazing practices to produce the best quality bulls and replacement heifers possible. We strive to develop low input cattle that excel in our heat and humidity and thrive on our fescue dominant pastures, all while raising a healthy calf every year.

Dakota Blanks
Born and raised in central Virginia, my agricultural background started early in raising tobacco on the family farm without a cow in sight. When tobacco wasn’t viable any longer, I moved into horticulture at a local wholesale tree nursery where my interest in plant life began to grow. Later, I worked as a professional firefighter for over 10 years while growing produce for retail customers as well as restaurants and convenience stores.

After being introduced to cattle by a neighbor I decided to buy a group of eight sim-angus heifers. A few months after, I decided to expand a bit and bought another 160 head of cow-calf pairs and leased several farms in the area. I left the fire service shortly thereafter to raise cattle full time.

I began to realize quickly these high input cattle wouldn’t cut it. I started intensively grazing our farms, taking away a lot of inputs and the cattle started falling to pieces. That led me on the search for cattle that could handle my environment and management. I landed on South Polls and have never looked back. From the cattle to the people, this breed is the best we’ve found.

My wife Ruth and I live in Appomattox VA with our two sons and daughter.

Rodney Cravens
My wife, Jenna, our three children, Lucy, Henry, Grady and I reside on the family farm that was purchased by my great-grandfather in 1918. I grew up on a dairy farm a mile down the road where I developed a passion for agriculture and cattle. My Christian faith and sports, especially basketball and baseball, played a huge role in my formative years. After high school I attended College of the Ozarks, majoring in physical education, and upon graduation I taught social studies and coached a variety of sports for 9 years in my hometown of Hartville. I am currently the elementary principal at Hartville School District in south-central Missouri and have served in that position since 2013.

My father, Joel, and I have run commercial beef cattle together since he retired from the dairy in 2013. Steve and Judy Freeman have been a huge influence on our operation. We have gained invaluable knowledge from them regarding soil health, grazing practices, cattle adaptability, and profitability. They are the reason we began using South Poll bulls and since 2014 we have been "breeding up" using fullblood bulls. We currently run approximately 150 cows and are continually working to improve our genetics. I have a passion for pedigrees and improving genetics through proper selection. We have begun registering our females and in the future I hope to be able to provide the commercial cattlemen with bulls and females that work in a low-input, grass only environment.

Top Attractions Near Perryville, AR

1. Petit Jean State Park and Lodging/Camping

📍 Address: Mather Lodge - Petit Jean State Park, 1285 Petit Jean Mountain Rd, Morrilton, AR 72110 
🌟 Highlights: Arkansas's first state park boasts rugged natural beauty, rich history, and a variety of outdoor activities. Explore hiking trails, Cedar Falls (a stunning 95-foot waterfall), Bear Cave, and more. Enjoy amenities like cabins, campgrounds, swimming pools, and a historic lodge with breathtaking canyon views. This park is also a certified site on the Trail of Tears National Historic Trail, offering cultural and historical insights. 
🛶 Activities: Hiking, fishing, boating, swimming, picnicking, and wildlife observation. 
📜 More Info: Petit Jean State Park - https://www.arkansasstateparks.com/parks/petit-jean-state-park

2. Holla Bend National Wildlife Refuge

🌳 Highlights: A haven for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts. This refuge offers hunting, wildlife observation, and serene natural landscapes. 
📜 More Info: Holla Bend Wildlife Refuge - https://www.fws.gov/refuge/holla-bend

3. Lake Sylvia Recreation Area

📍 Address: 810 AR-324, Perryville, AR 72126 
🕒 Drive Time From Heifer Ranch: 17 minutes 
🌲 Highlights: Nestled in the Ouachita National Forest, this tranquil 18-acre lake is perfect for swimming and fishing. The area also features hiking trails, a swimming beach, picnic spots, and connections to the Ouachita National Recreation Trail for more adventurous backpacking or trail-running experiences. 
📜 More Info: Lake Sylvia Recreation Area - https://www.arkansasstateparks.com/parks/lake-sylvia-recreation-area

4. Perry County Historical Museum

📍 Address: 408 W Main St, Perryville, AR 72126 
🌟 Highlights: Dive into the local history of Perry County with exhibits showcasing artifacts, photographs, and stories from the region's past. 
More info:https://www.arkansas.com/perryville/landmarks/perry-county-historical-museum

Holiday Inn Express – South Poll Field Day - Click to view Hotel Block Info

Hotels Near Heifer Ranch with Drive Times

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Morrilton

📍 Address: 8 Bruce Street, Morrilton, AR 72110 
🌟 Highlights: Comfortable and modern hotel offering convenient amenities and excellent service. 
⭐ Rating: 4/5 (Tripadvisor) 
🕒 Drive Time: ~25 minutes 
🌐 Website: Holiday Inn Express Morrilton -https://www.ihg.com/holidayinnexpress/hotels/us/en/morrilton/litbb/hoteldetail?cm_mmc=BingMaps-_-EX-_-US-_-LITBB 
📞 Phone: (501) 215-4924

American Inn, Morrilton

📍 Address: 356 Highway 95, Morrilton, AR 72110 
🌟 Highlights: Budget-friendly choice with basic yet cozy accommodations. 
⭐ Rating: 3.4/5 (Tripadvisor) 
🕒 Drive Time: ~25 minutes   
📞 Phone: (501) 354-0181 

Super 8 by Wyndham Morrilton

📍 Address: 1818 AR-9, Morrilton, AR 72110 
🌟 Highlights: Affordable lodging with clean and comfortable rooms. 
⭐ Rating: 4/5 (Tripadvisor) 
🕒 Drive Time: ~25 minutes 
🌐 Website: Super 8 Morrilton - https://www.bookonline.com/hotel/super-8-by-wyndham-morrilton?msclkid=ffe2f957237d159c4e7e9ebddec63263  
📞 Phone: (501) 242-5921

Mather Lodge

📍 Address: 1285 Petit Jean Mountain Rd, Morrilton, AR 72110 
🌟 Highlights: Historic lodge with breathtaking views of Cedar Creek Canyon, located inside Petit Jean State Park. 
⭐ Rating: 4/5 (Tripadvisor) 
🕒 Drive Time: ~35 minutes 
🌐 Website: Mather Lodge - https://bing.com/search?q=drive+time+from+Mather+Lodge+to+55+Heifer+Rd%2c+Perryville%2c+AR 
📞 Phone: (501) 727-5431

2025 Speaking Contest

Eligibility

1. The student contestant, at the time of his or her participation, must be a Junior member of the South Poll Grass Cattle Association from 8 years to 18 years of age.
2. Junior members will be split into 3 age categories:

Junior: 8 and under

Intermediate: 9–13

Senior: 14-18

Rules and regulations

1. One topic for the speech will be provided to the contestants at sign-up on Friday of the field day.
2. Speeches will be given to field day participants (and judges) starting at 1:00 p.m. on the Saturday of the field day.
3. Each speech shall be the result of the participant's own effort using reference material of their choice.
4. The SPGCA board reserves the right to amend the rules and regulations at their discretion.

Judges

1. Three judges consisting of South Poll board or other members will score and rank the contestants.

Awards

1. Cash prizes will be awarded in each age category for 1^st, 2^nd, and 3^rdplaces, respectively.

1st place - $250

2nd place - $150

3rd place - $100

Participate - $50

Speaking Topics

The speaking topics will be given out at the field day.