Raising Quality Cattle in Tennessee

Fifty-four years ago, this young couple, Gary and Denise Thorne, began their journey. What began as high school sweethearts they married, started a family and moved to the rural area of Wison County in the heart of Middle Tennessee to a farming community outside of Watertown, called Cherry Valley. They were gifted a two-acre lot that joined a family farm off Beech Log Road and built their dream house. Gardening became a way of life. As their family grew, they helped with corn crops, hay and cattle. Raising freezer beef since the second year they were married, has now become a family tradition. What began as a family affair they began sharing this delicious commodity with locals and their friends from Tennessee and beyond.

Back when cattle were branded, the Rocking T Cattle brand, registered with the state, has been a source of pride and commitment to quality, producing the best Prime Black Angus Beef possible. Their three children, Eric, Traci and Caleb roamed the 200 plus acres of woodlands, fields, creeks and ponds, chasing and riding their pony and other horses. The farm life provided camping, hunting and fishing opportunities year-round. The countryside setting provided an opportunity for an array of animals that became part of the family, ducks, dogs, rabbits and cats to name a few.

Gary and Denise were able to purchase farmland that joined the original family farm and began their own cow and calf operation. They had outgrown their original home and moved to the middle of the farm. Building a limestone home from reclaimed hand-hewn stone from two foundations, chimneys and an historic demolished site in Lebanon became an almost three-year process from start to completion. They hired two talented stone masons that hand chiseled the remaining needed material from limestone from the farm. The dry stacked stone entrance was also built during this time. 

After the passing of Robert and Sylvia Thorne, Gary’s parents, the opportunity arose for them to purchase the remaining acreage from family members. Now the farm has grown to 315 acres of working farmland.

Southeast Wilson County provides the beauty of rolling hills and scenic lush green valleys. The home sets on a hilltop with a “borrowed landscape” and provides a breathtaking vista from the veranda in their own backyard. Perennial gardens surround two sides of the home with rose arches, fountains, English boxwoods and herbs to complete enjoyable and relaxing afternoons.

Gary, Denise and the family are devoted to sustainable farming practices and caring for the land to provide for the future generations of farmers to come.

 Educational experiences though the wonder of nature are invaluable to expand the minds of children and adults alike.

More Than 50 Years of Family Agriculture in Watertown, Tennessee