Robertson County Youth Recognized in Tennessee Cattlemen’s Top Tier Program
ROBERTSON COUNTY, TENNESSEE: (Smokey Barn News) — Robertson County youth were among those honored at the Tennessee Cattlemen’s Association (TCA) and Tennessee Cattlemen’s Youth Association (TCYA) awards banquet for the Tennessee’s Top Tier program, sponsored by Merck Animal Health. The event, held on January 18, 2025, at the Lane Agri-Park in Murfreesboro, recognized over 35 outstanding young cattle exhibitors from across the state.
The Tennessee’s Top Tier program was established to encourage youth participation in cattle shows statewide and to create more opportunities for young cattle enthusiasts to gain recognition. Now in its seventh year, the program continues to grow, drawing interest from exhibitors across Tennessee.
Ethan Bartee of Robertson County was among the top honorees, earning the High Point Tennessee-Bred Female award for 2024. His heifer was also the highest-ranking Chi female in the competition. Ethan, the 13-year-old son of John, Jr. and Christy Bartee of Springfield, Tennessee, represented Robertson County with distinction in this prestigious program.
The Top Tier program awards points in three divisions: heifers, steers, and showmanship. Youth participants must be members of the Tennessee Cattlemen’s Association to compete. Other winners in the Tennessee-Bred Heifer division included:
- Ethan Bartee, Robertson County
- Avery Rowlett, Wayne County
- Van Richardson, Union County (tie for 3rd)
- Lila Sims, Humphreys County (tie for 3rd)
- Remi Gardner, Henry County
- Kutler Tinin, Lawrence County
Additionally, Bartee secured top placement in the Chi breed category, further demonstrating the excellence of Robertson County’s young cattle exhibitors.
The TCA’s Tennessee’s Top Tier program is made possible through the generous support of sponsors, including title sponsor Merck Animal Health and various other agricultural organizations and businesses dedicated to youth development in the cattle industry.
The eighth year of the Tennessee’s Top Tier program is now underway. Rules and a full list of shows on the points circuit can be found online at tncattle.org/youth.
TCA, founded in 1985, serves over 5,100 members across Tennessee and the Southeast, working to protect and promote the interests of cattle producers statewide.
