Introduction:
A Legacy Built on Grass, Truth, and Time: Greg Judy in Conversation with Teddy Gentry
At a South Poll Field Day in Perryville, Arkansas, Greg Judy of Green Pastures Farm sat down with a man whose influence stretches far beyond music or cattle alone. Teddy Gentry, best known as a founding member of the legendary band ALABAMA, is also the visionary founder of the South Poll cattle breed. What unfolded in their conversation was not merely an interview, but a testament to purposeful breeding, honest agriculture, and long-term thinking.
Greg Judy and Teddy Gentry’s relationship dates back more than two decades, beginning in the early 2000s when Judy first visited Gentry’s ranch in Alabama. What immediately caught his attention were not flashy animals or exaggerated claims, but small, efficient cows that quietly did their job. Those early South Poll cattle, selected during a time when smaller cows were out of favor, would become the backbone of Judy’s herd and a defining example of Gentry’s philosophy.
At the heart of the South Poll breed lies a singular focus: fertility and longevity. Gentry emphasized that the average beef cow in the United States produces fewer than five calves in her lifetime. In contrast, South Poll cows routinely double that number, remaining productive well into their teens. Stories of cows calving successfully at 12, 14, even 22 years of age are not exceptions, but goals deliberately bred for.
This longevity is not accidental. Gentry carefully selected foundation cows from multiple breeds, prioritizing sound structure, strong udders, and the ability to breed back consistently on forage alone. Extremes were avoided. Heavy milk, oversized frames, and high-maintenance traits were rejected in favor of moderation and adaptability. As Gentry stated plainly, the only traits he is willing to pursue to an extreme are fertility and longevity.
Equally important is record keeping. Gentry believes true progress comes from documented performance, not marketing narratives. A cow’s pedigree should clearly show how many calves she produced, how long she stayed productive, and whether she calved every year. With accurate records, Gentry argues, a knowledgeable breeder can identify elite maternal cows within minutes.
Adaptation to environment is another cornerstone of the breed. South Poll cattle are selected to thrive on grass, handle heat, tolerate fescue, and shed hair early in the spring. Gentry cautioned producers to select animals suited to their own climate, noting that cattle performing well in the South may require different traits than those in northern regions.
Beyond economics and efficiency, Gentry’s mission carries a deeper purpose. He began building the South Poll breed after witnessing small farmers struggle with cattle that could not survive on grass alone. His goal was simple: create a “blue-collar cow” that could make a living without excuses. Today, that vision has grown into a national community of producers and an event drawing hundreds of attendees.
Perhaps most telling is Gentry’s commitment to the next generation. By involving young people, offering scholarships, and giving starter cattle to deserving youth, he seeks to teach the realities of commercial beef production, not just the show ring.
As Greg Judy concluded, Teddy Gentry’s legacy is already firmly established. Built on truth, discipline, and respect for the land, the South Poll breed stands as proof that simplicity, when done right, can change an industry.