By Justin Young, TCA Intern
16-year TCA members, Bill and Debbie Young reside in the peaceful community of Beech Hill, Tennessee in Giles County. The couple has established themselves as quality seedstock producers, not only in the area but in the state. They pride themselves on producing top-notch Black Angus genetics for the commercial producer. Bill and Debbie, like other great farmers, serve as a wonderful example to future producers. When you meet them, or if you know them, you will find out quickly how passionate they are about anything that they are involved in. For example, they are both very involved in their local Civitan International chapter, and they are major advocates of the rural and economic development of Giles County. It is safe to say, that everything they do, they are improving it in some way or another.
Q: How long have you and your family been involved in raising cattle? Tell us about how it got started.
A: I live on the farm where I grew up, so my family has been involved in raising cattle all my life. My direct involvement began in 1998 when my wife and I purchased the shares of the family farm from my family members.
Q: Tell us about your farm today.
A: Today, we raise registered Black Angus beef cattle. We have worked hard to raise animals that have high-standard genetics, and because of that, we provide high-quality herd improvement to our buyers. We sell bulls that are produced to have genetics that will benefit the commercial beef farmer.
Q: What was your favorite part about growing up on the farm?
A: My father had dairy cattle and I was never fond of milking. My favorite day was when he changed from dairy cows to beef cows and I no longer had to be available to milk 24/7 – when 24/7 was not the popular catchphrase it is today.
Q: What have been some of the trials you or your family has had to overcome?
A: Understanding how to care for the cattle and staying current with progressive operations in the agriculture field requires constant vigilance and training. Many people think you just buy cows and put them in the field. There is much more effort required than that for quality, healthy animals.
Q: What is one thing you wish more people knew about life on the farm?
A: Life on the farm teaches you the importance of hard work and producing a quality product that you can stand behind. Your reputation is on the line and the future of your herd depends on you, and the care and effort you put forth.
Q: What is your favorite aspect of farming?
A: Watching the calves play, grow, and become great producers is my favorite part.
Q: What are some of the biggest challenges that producers like yourself face day-to-day?
A: As I age, my biggest challenges today is handling the cattle and the equipment myself. Getting help on the farm when I need it is difficult. Farming is rewarding work, but it’s not for everyone.
Q: What are you most passionate about in the beef industry?
A: The Beef industry has high standards; maintaining those standards will benefit the beef producer.
Q: Do you have any advice for young Tennessee cattle producers about the business?
A: Learn everything you can from the agriculture resources and promote your product. We have a slogan we use to promote our product: “Improving your herd is our business.”
Q: What’s your favorite beef dish?
A: Porterhouse steak on the grill cooked medium.
For more information on Bill and Debbie Young and their Angus business, please visit their website at http://www.friendshipacresfarm.com/
Tennessee Cattlemen's Association 