Julie Chapin, THA Legacy Award

by Kathryn Ingram

Julie Chapin was recognized as the THA Legacy Award winner in 2021. She has left a remarkable legacy for the Tennessee Hereford Association from its formation in 2014 to the present day. She has made history as the first female president of our association, but the legacy she will leave is much more.

To be an effective leader, you must have a genuine desire for the organization to succeed. Another essential leadership quality is the ability to coordinate members to work together as a cohesive unit to achieve the organization’s goals. Julie stepped up and took the challenge to unite our membership to improve the programs and outreach of our association.

Julie’s determination to grow our newly combined organization and promote Hereford cattle has always been evident. Her character and willingness to work are what helped make it happen. THA board members that have served with Julie describe her as straightforward, honest, humble, dedicated, and a calming influence. She has a great gift for logistics, with the ability to look at a situation from all sides and see the possible future ramifications of actions taken.

In addition to serving as President from 2015 to 2017, Julie has served on the Agribition and THA Show Committees since the organization was formed in 2014. She currently serves as chair of the THA Show Committee. She was also a board member and served as secretary in the former Tennessee Hereford Association.

Julie grew up in a Hereford family in Northern Ohio. Her grandparents started the herd in the 1950s. Her parents, Keith and Becky Chapin, grew the herd to approximately 100 head. Her parents traveled the show road. They participated in shows as far away as Nashville, Memphis, Harrisburg, and the Ohio State Fair for many years. Julie explained that she has been involved in the Hereford industry and the showring her entire life. She said “As a matter of fact, my first trip to Nashville was in my mother’s womb. She tells the story that she was 8 months pregnant and out on the show road and miserable. She finally told my dad that it was time to go home! So, I guess you could say I didn’t have much choice but to love Hereford cattle. Growing up my brothers, sister and several cousins showed heifers and Hereford steers at our local county fair and sometimes the Ohio state fair.”

Julie and Martha Dixon operate River Circle Farm in Hartsville, Tennessee. River Circle Farm is a diverse enterprise, consisting of a cow-calf operation and row crop production (corn, beans, and wheat are produced on shares with a local grain farmer). The cattle herd consists of 20 purebred Hereford cows and 100 commercial cows. They use AI and Embryo Transfer to produce about 25 to 30 Hereford calves each year.

The farm markets approximately 5 bulls and 10 heifers each year through private treaty, the Tennessee Beef Agribition, and the Burns Farms and Friends Sale. Julie says “The farm, like many others, is dwindling in size. It is the retirement plan. Hopefully, a small piece of it will always be here and have Hereford cattle walking on it!”

I asked Julie a few questions about her accomplishments and experiences in the Tennessee Hereford Association and the Hereford industry in general. Here is what she had to say.

What has been your favorite part of serving the Hereford industry?

The people. I have heard it a hundred times myself and completely agree with the statement that Hereford people are the best folks to be around. Seeing families work together at shows and around the farm is so gratifying to me. The Hereford industry is still for the most part a family atmosphere and I am proud to be a part of it.

What do you feel is your greatest accomplishment for the THA?

First of all, it is not my accomplishment. We as a breed association and more specifically the show committee has put in a lot of work to get our state show to the caliber that it is today. It is not only a state show but is also a regional point show. The last several years we have had over 100 head in the open show and 75 to 85 in the junior show. Our state members and several out-of-state consignors continue to bring quality cattle year in and year out. It took many dedicated volunteers to get this show where it is today and to maintain it year after year.

Why have you chosen to serve on the Agribition and Show committees?

I try to look at it logically. I am 15 minutes from Lebanon fairgrounds where the Tennessee Beef Agribition and the state show is held. I think it has helped to have someone so close to these events. Many times, it has been useful to be on-site to get questions answered or details worked out before the event. I feel it has saved other committee members from having to travel unnecessarily.

What is your favorite “Hereford” memory?

The 2014 show season. We were showing RC Bohlin 307 ET. He was by far the best bull we have ever raised. He was undefeated that year going into the NAILE. He was selected Reserve Champion national bull that day. He was a lot of fun!

What advice do you have for someone who may want to get involved in the leadership of our association?

We are always looking for new fresh ideas and new faces to lead us. If someone is interested in getting involved just introduce yourself to any of the board members. We are all easy to talk to and would welcome anyone willing to pitch in and help. The pay isn’t great, but it is rewarding to see everyone come together for a common goal. I have been blessed to be a part of this organization for many years!

Julie’s work ethic and selflessness have helped the Tennessee Hereford Association extend its outreach to promote Hereford cattle. Her work and support of Tennessee Hereford producers is greatly appreciated. We are grateful for the legacy she has given and look forward to her continued work and support of our association.

Julie’s grandmother at a local fair.

The 2014 NAILE Reserve Champion bull RC Bohlin 307 ET.

Julie was presented her award at the THA State show in Lebanon. Pictured are Martha Dixon, Sally Wingler, Stan Webster, Julie, and Tommy Coley.