John A. McKnight, Jr.

John A. McKnight, Jr., of Searcy, made his name in the beef cattle industry. For more than 30 years he was a premierHerefordbreeder. He is owner-operator of River Oaks Farm where he has produced top-quality Polled Hereford, Braford and Gelbvieh seedstock. McKnight is a much sought-after cattle judge and presently serves as a livestock consultant, while continuing to judge national, state and county cattle shows. He graduated in 1954 fromOklahomaStateUniversityand in 1992, his alma mater honored him with the Graduate of Distinction Award for service to animal science. McKnight’s beef cattle ranch near Searcy became known statewide for the production and marketing of award winning Herefords for 30 years. In addition to remaining active in his church and community, McKnight’s accomplishments include serving as past president and member of the board of White County Farm Bureau; member of the board of the White County Fair and Livestock Show and chair of the Livestock Show andSale; past president and board member of the White County Cattlemen’s Association. He was a charter member of the Arkansas Cattlemen’s Association and at the age of 29 was elected president in the organization’s second year of existence.