Introduction:
On a warm day in Alabama, regenerative grazing advocate Greg Judy sat down with a special guest—Teddy Gentry, the founder of the renowned South Poll cattle breed. The occasion was the annual South Poll Field Day, where producers from across the country gather to celebrate practical, profitable, and sustainable cattle genetics. Gentry, known both for his musical achievements and his visionary livestock work, shared the remarkable journey behind developing one of the most influential grass-based cattle breeds in America.
The story of the South Poll breed began decades ago when Gentry was first introduced to rotational grazing. After seeing cattle moved daily on lush pastures, he immediately understood the potential—but his existing livestock simply couldn’t handle the pressure. Traditional Southern breeds struggled in the heat, became stressed, or failed to thrive on strictly grass-based systems. “I didn’t have the tools to do what I wanted to do,” Gentry recalled. That realization sparked a mission: to create a breed built specifically for heat tolerance, docility, efficiency, and exceptional meat quality.
Gentry began a long, patient genetic journey. A turning point came when he discovered the Senepol cattle of the Virgin Islands. Their ability to slick off heavy coats in a single generation signaled the heat tolerance southern producers desperately needed. Later, introductions from the Barzona breed brought additional traits: small birthweights, hardy bodies, excellent udders, and structural soundness. 
These building blocks formed the foundation of what became the South Poll—a four-way composite designed to excel on grass.
What truly stood out in Gentry’s vision was his commitment to tender, flavorful beef. Many Southern cattle contained Brahman influence, which increased toughness in shear-force tests. Gentry wanted to prove that producers didn’t need grain, supplements, or massive cows to deliver high-quality meat. Early testing of Senepol–Red Angus crosses confirmed his belief—Colorado State researchers reported astonishing tenderness, describing the meat as “so tender you could cut it with a butter knife.”
Despite skepticism from peers who insisted the cattle industry didn’t need another breed, Gentry pushed forward. He wasn’t from a cattle background—raised on a cotton farm and known for his music career—but his determination was relentless. “I studied every chance I had,” he said. On the road, between performances, he read cattle magazines, visited old stockmen, and learned everything he could about commercial production.
The result was a breed that changed lives—especially for small farmers. South Poll cattle are gentle, easy to handle, thrive on grass, rebreed consistently, and remain productive well into their teens. Their docility has become one of the breed’s most valued traits, making them ideal for families and new farmers.
Today, thousands of producers credit both Gentry and advocates like Greg Judy for proving that regenerative grazing, small-frame cows, and grass-based genetics can create profitable, sustainable operations. As Judy reflected on their long friendship, he expressed gratitude for Gentry’s perseverance: “There are a lot of people eternally grateful to you.”
The South Poll breed stands as a testament to innovation fueled by passion, humility, and dedication to helping everyday farmers succeed—one pasture at a time.