Dedmon Shorthorns:
Kris, Kevin, Rodney and Roy Dedmon three generations of Shorthorn breeders.
Dedicated to the Shorthorn Breed by Jennie Rucker The Dedmon Family of Shelby, North Carolina is dedicated to Shorthorn cattle and have been for three generations. Roy Dedmon first raised cotton on the family farm, plowing the ground behind a mule, but he chuckles as he says, “the boll weevil got us out of that business.” Then the land went into grass production for a cattle operation. Roy gradually went from commercial cattle to a herd of Shorthorn simply because he really likes them. His son, Rodney praises the Shorthorn breed for “growing off good calves and milking well on forages. Shorthorn are also gentle cattle with a breed association full of good people.” The Dedmons have been members of the American Shorthorn Association since Roy joined in 1952. Now the third generation of Rodney’s sons, Kevin and Kris, are involved in Shorthorn production just like their
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father and grandfather. The Dedmons registered their cattle The Dedmon Shorthorn cattle graze under the prefix of DF, which stood for fescue pastures that are overseeded with Dedmon Farm, however years ago the ryegrass in the fall. Rodney utilizes American Shorthorn Association rotational grazing to get the most out decided to sell prefixes on a first-come of his land. This farm has been in the basis. Someone else bought the DF Dedmon Family for over a prefix so Roy hundred years with 180 and Rodney original acres. Years ago, chose the DS Roy and his brother and prefix, for sister decided to split up D e d m o n the farm while they were Shorthorns. still competent to do so The three bulls and hopefully, keep their that Rodney descendants from credits with bickering. Now the Roy much of their Dedmon Family farms his success all share by grazing good carry the DF DF General Lee 001 Shorthorn cattle. Roy, at prefix: DF the age of 91, is still involved with the General Lee, DF Tar Heel Drive, and cattle and “lights up whenever the DF Gold Eagle 0019. Shorthorn Country magazine comes to DF General Lee was a red & white the door,” says Rodney. bull with a lot of frame and thickness.