SHELBYVILLE, Tenn. – The Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration is proud to announce the addition of Tennessee Farmers Cooperative (TFC) to its family of corporate partners and the designation of Co-op as the “Official Horse Feed of The Celebration”.
“We’re honored to add Tennessee Farmers Co-op to our list of great corporate partners,” said Celebration CEO Dr. Doyle Meadows. “Both organizations have been around for over 60 years and have meant a great deal to people from all across the state. To have them come on board during our 70th anniversary is something special.”
Co-op in Tennessee, recognized as one of the strongest federated farm supply cooperatives in the nation, includes TFC and its 59 member Co-ops that are locally owned by the farmers in their communities. Co-op horse feeds are manufactured in Tennessee at TFC’s three state-of-the-art feed mills located in LaVergne, Jackson, and Tenco, near Knoxville.
“Tennessee Farmers Cooperative is very excited to enter into this relationship with The Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration,” said Bart Krisle, TFC chief executive officer. “The Celebration is one of the most attended agricultural events in Tennessee each year, and for Co-op to be named the ‘official feed’ is a real honor.”
The agreement makes TFC a Premier Sponsor at The Celebration, which will include a large presence at The Celebration and Trade Fair with Co-op feed experts on hand throughout the week to answer questions regarding equine nutrition and Co-op’s line of feeds.
“As a horseman and educator, I’ve really been impressed with the research that has gone into this line of high-quality horse feed,” said Meadows. “Tennessee Farmers Co-op is making a statement that the walking horse industry is important to them. I encourage those in our industry to give their feed a try, if they haven’t already. I think they’ll be highly impressed.”
Kim Smith, TFC equine specialist, agrees that the sponsorship shows Co-op’s commitment to the walking horse industry.
“The Celebration and Co-op are both longstanding Tennessee traditions, so it’s only natural for our organizations to work together,” said Smith. “We make a great team.”
Smith says TFC and its members will work together to promote The Celebration to equine enthusiasts and other customers who shop at the Co-op system’s 120 retail outlets located in 83 of Tennessee’s 95 counties.
“All of our corporate sponsors are important to the success of our event and this company,” added Meadows. “Without them, we would not be able to offer the prize money our trainers enjoy and the prices of tickets and other services we provide would be difficult to keep in check.”
The Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration takes place each year during the 11 days and nights prior to Labor Day. It is the premier event for the Tennessee Walking Horse, during which the breed’s World Grand Champion Tennessee Walking Horse and some 33 other World Grand Champions are crowned. It is a festival event, encompassing exciting classes in competition where more than $700,000 in prizes and awards are given. Other activities include a barn decorating contest, a trade fair and a dog show. For more information, visit www.twhnc.com.
(photo by TWHNC)