Warren Co. Farmer Dale Parker joins Tennessee Cattlemen’s as EVP: ‘Respect the Past, Look to the Future’

The newly elected Executive Vice President of the Tennessee Cattlemen’s Association (TCA), Dale Parker, joins us on-set to share his vision for his state’s cattle industry.

NASHVILLE, TENN. (RFD-TV) — Tennessee’s cattle industry generates more than $5 billion in annual agricultural cash receipts, supporting tens of thousands of jobs across the state. Now, the industry is welcoming new leadership as Warren County native Dale Parker steps into the role of Executive Vice President of the Tennessee Cattlemen’s Association (TCA).

Parker, who operates a commercial cattle farm with his brothers, joined us in the studio during Monday’s Market Day Report to discuss his background and his vision for the organization.

In his conversation with RFD-TV News, Parker began by sharing details about his family’s operation in Warren County and how that hands-on experience with commercial cattle production has shaped his perspective. He also walked us through his more than 25 years of experience in sales and business development and how that career path ultimately led him to this new position with the TCA.

Parker noted that it is an essential moment for cattle producers across Tennessee. As he takes on responsibility for leading all of TCA’s organizational operations, he outlined several top priorities for the association. He shared what he is hearing most from producers right now and what they are focused on as market conditions continue to evolve.

Parker also expanded on his guiding principle — “respect the past, look to the future” — explaining how that philosophy will shape his leadership approach as the industry moves forward. Before wrapping up, Parker highlighted the TCA’s annual convention in February, offering a preview of what attendees can expect.

Related Stories
Prepare for softer milk checks into winter, watch cull-cow values and timing, and stress-test cash flow as product prices recalibrate.
Expect incremental near-term lift for feed grains, proteins, and ethanol as tariff cuts and smoother approvals translate into real orders.
Dr. Ashley Johnson, with the National Pork Producers Council (NPPC), joins us to share the sector’s perspective on new FDA initiatives targeting ultra-processed foods.
Cattle markets are collapsing this week, and analysts say that several factors are at play. Consumer beef prices also remain near all-time highs, threatening long-term demand.
Trade pacts with Malaysia and Cambodia unlock tariff-free and preferential lanes for key U.S. farm goods, expanding long-term demand in Southeast Asia.
Alan Bjerga, Senior Vice President of Communications with the National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF), shares updates and resources available to dairy producers.

Marion is a digital content manager for RFD News and FarmHER + RanchHER. She started working for Rural Media Group in May 2022, bringing a decade of digital experience in broadcast media and some cooking experience to the team.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Input costs are top of mind for farmers, as they contribute to higher prices and smaller profits.
The President’s trip to Asia this week follows a trade mission by the Iowa Soybean Association. Farmers say they were reminded that U.S. soybeans have an international reputation that can be easy to take for granted here at home.
Farmers who rely on H-2A workers will see a few key changes to speed up the process and make it fairer. On the ground, producers say labor issues create shortfalls in otherwise productive harvests.
John Appel with the Farmers Business Network (FBN) joins us for a closer look at the 2026 Crop Protection Market Outlook Report.
Industry leaders representing more than 40 nations gathered to discuss the future of ethanol and other corn-based products.
Farmers display a unique optimism — planting with the expectation that weather, basis, and prices will improve by harvest — asserting that the profession is an identity, not just a job.
Agriculture Shows
Hosted by Scott “The Cow Guy” Shellady and RFD News Markets Specialist Tony St. James, Commodity Talk delivers expert insight into the day’s ag commodity markets just before the CME opens. Only on RFD-TV and Rural Radio SiriusXM Channel 147.
A look at the news, weather and commodities headlines that drove agriculture markets in the past week.
Everything profits from prairie. Soil, air, water — and all kinds of life! Learn how you can improve your land with prairie restoration, cover crops and prairie strips, while growing your bottom line.
Special 3-part series tells the story of the Claas family’s legacy, which changed agriculture forever.