Farm and Ranch Tour spotlights cattle, wildlife

Rich Flowers, Athens Daily Review, Texas
·2 min read

May 22—Farm and Ranch Tour spotlights cattle and wildlife

The 59th version of the Henderson County Farm and Ranch Tour drew a large crowd that packed the First Methodist Church Fellowship Hall for the awards banquet.

The Joe B. Fulgham Award for Agriculturalist of the Year went to Dewey and Carolyn Roberts who operate a busy feed store in the eastern Henderson County town of New York.

"What they are most known for is the volume of feed and fertilizer that moves through that small community," Danny Davis said as he revealed the award winner.

The store is a constant mass of activity, Davis said.

"I was shocked, but I sure appreciate it," Dewey Reynolds said.

The Jay Benson Memorial Award was presented to Linda Crabtree. She has been active in 4H for decades and Davis estimated that she has had 1,400-1,500 members in her 4H clubs through the years.

Each year at the Henderson County Livestock Show she operates the petting barn so small children can see and meet the animals.

"She has a heart for the youth of Henderson County," Davis said.

The Wyndel Tackett Award spotlights a person who is upcoming in the field of agriculture. The late Tackett was at one time the youngest county extension agent in Texas. His son, Lee Tackett, presented the award. This year Korey Brown received the honor. Brown grew up in Henderson County and participated in the Livestock Show for many years. After high school, he started a square bale hay business.

Tackett said Brown worked for Frito Lay for a while, then returned to ag business.

"He's had a love for agriculture all of his life," Tackett said.

Keynote speaker Kyle Brunson of Texas Parks and Wildlife explained how the department steps in to make a more favorable environment for deer and other species.

Stops on the tour this year, were the Athens Commission Company where about 78,000 cattle are handled annual, Tappan Cattle Company, specializing in Registered Red and Grey Brahman Cattle and PRCA Smith Pro Rodeo, winner of 11 national Stock Contractor or the Year Awards.