Zane & Elaine Sunday with Foxfire Farm, DeFuniak Springs, Florida decided to organize the first ever current social gathering for a group of Heritage Shorthorn breeders and enthusiasts mainly from southeastern states. On May 14, 2022 a total of 28 guests, 18 of which are directly involved with Heritage Shorthorns (HS), came together from Indiana, Virginia, Tennessee, Georgia, Alabama, and Florida.
Attendees were: Alan & Sara Leap, David Bender, David & Lydianne Chupp, Bobby Halcomb, James & Linda Halcomb, Rex & Donna Cook, Lance Whitmore, Joe & Hope Saxon, Stephen & Karen Cobb, Zane & Elaine Sunday, and also Penny Lyman who attended via Zoom! Additionally multiple members of the Sunday family were at the gathering to help with the hosting, food preparation & serving, and other “logistics”.
Hosts: Zane & Elaine Sunday
Benchmark Shorthorns, breeders of Heritage Shorthorns, donated a hand-made beautiful inlaid wooden table to be raffled off, with the proceeds raised going toward future HS ads in an eastern U.S. publication. Donna Cook of Colquitt Georgia was the lucky winner of this exquisite table. There were also door prizes given out which had been donated by the Heritage Shorthorn Society.
The Florida weather was a little warmer than desired; however that didn’t seem to dampen the enthusiasm of the guests. Those who ventured into the pastures to see the Foxfire Farm Heritage Shorthorns were impressed with the calmness of the herd. The cattle paid little attention to the guests who talked and walked through the cattle and petted the cows as they lay in the shade.
Stan Sunday grilling Heritage Shorthorn burgers
At noon a delicious luncheon was prepared and served by the hosts, Zane and Elaine Sunday. Along with other traditional picnic food, the luncheon featured HS burgers, fresh HS milk, and homemade HS ice cream.
L to R: Linda Halcomb, James Halcomb, Bobby Halcomb, Sara & Alan Leap, Katelyn Sunday, Lydianne & David Chupp, Heather Adkinson, Joe & Hope Saxon, Rex Cook
L to R: Joe & Hope Saxon, Rex Cook, Stephen & Karen Cobb, Donna Cook, and David Bender
Everyone agreed that the gathering was beneficial, enjoyable, and should be continued. Thanks to the efforts of committed Heritage Shorthorn breeders, this was an excellent venue to encourage the exchange of ideas for producing and promoting heritage livestock. Plans are already under way for another get-together next year.
