I, along with my parents, own Mill Creek Land & Cattle.  We are a registered Brangus seedstock operation and have raised and shown Brangus cattle for over 15 years.  We market show heifers and donor prospects, both domestically and internationally.  Our bulls are marketed through a joint venture program with Cow Creek Ranch, Aliceville, Alabama (www.cowcreekbulls.com).

I was actively involved in the International Junior Brangus Breeders Association, serving as President of the organization in 2003. I attended college at Middle Tennessee State University and Murray State University, graduating with honors in 2006 with a B.S. in Animal Science/Pre-Veterinary Medicine and a minor in Business Administration.  During college, I was a member of the livestock judging team and involved in Block & Bridle, Sigma Alpha, and MTSU Student Agriculture Council, serving as President of all three organizations.

Post-graduation, I returned home to work in our 4th generation family business, Middleton Lumber Company, LLC.  We are a producer of premium quality hardwood lumber that is marketed in the United States, as well as to export markets in Germany, Spain, Italy, Sweden, and Mexico.  This arrangement has allowed me to have the best of both worlds, focus on my passion for the beef industry and prepare to carry on the traditions of our family business!

The next few years are critical for our success as beef producers.   One of my primary concerns that we as young producers face is the transition of our family owned farms and ranch from generation to the next.  In our hardwood lumber business, this is a primary concern that weighs heavily on our minds each day.  With the passing of each generation, it becomes increasingly more difficult to shift ownership without detrimental impacts to our individual operations.  This is just one issue that is a concern for the members of the NCBA Young Producer’s Council.  With unified voices, we can help shape the future of our industry, instead being forced to react to the consequences of not working together toward our common goal of success!

I am thrilled about the new blog to keep us current on beef industry information and look forward to meeting many of you!