James Bennett, Red House, Va., operates Knoll Crest Farm (KCF), which has long been known for its performance-based genetics. KCF consists of more than 500 registered cows in south central Virginia.

The Bennetts have been in the seedstock business since 1944, when James’ father bought his first polled Hereford cattle. In 1963, after getting their feet wet in the business, they started collecting performance data and tracking beef improvement.

Not only have James and his wife, Barbara, strived to improve their herd, but they have also worked to help others test their cattle. In 1972 KCF started a bull test station for the Virginia Beef Cattle Improvement Association, which served breeders for 25 years. James became involved in BIF and in 1973 was elected to the board of directors. He served as BIF vice president in 1974 and president in 1978.

He was also involved in the American Polled Hereford Association, serving on the board of directors from 1983-86 and as chairman in 1987. His dedication to improving his herd and the Hereford breed is evident as KCF was named a spring 2007 Gold Total Performance Records (TPRTM) breeder.

James Bennett has represented the Hereford breed well. KCF was awarded BIF Seedstock Producer of the Year in both 1978 and 1998.

Despite all the awards won and leadership positions served, most importantly, James is a true cattleman, says Don Trimmer, Accelerated Genetics beef genetics manager. “James is a true gentleman in the cattle industry. His friendly smile and firm handshake greet everyone he meets, whether they are an old friend or new visitor,” Trimmer says.

James is also a family man. He and his wife, Barbara, have a daughter, Beth, and four sons, Paul, Jim, Brian and Jonathon. Fellow cattleman Sid Rogers, Rolling Hills Farm, Winchester, Va., says of Bennett, “Those who know James can attest to his outstanding character, love of family and church, and devotion to producing performance-improving cattle.”