Tennessee WildCast · Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency

TW 426 - Ames Plantation: History, Research, and Outdoor Adventures

·29 min·2 clips

Matt Backus shares how a Scottish cattle herd brought in 1913 became the second oldest in the U.S.

This episode of Tennessee WildCast features host Jason Harmon interviewing Matt Backus, the new director of the Ames Ag Research and Education Center. They explore the history, operations, and research conducted on this large West Tennessee property. Matt Backus is a University of Tennessee graduate with a deep background in animal science and prior experience working at the center. The 13,000-acre property, historically known as Ames Plantation, operates under a unique trust established to benefit the University of Tennessee's College of Agriculture. Key activities include a premier field trial event, the National Championship, alongside significant agricultural research. The center generates income through farming row crops like cotton and soybeans, maintains a historic closed herd of Angus cattle dating to 1913, and manages both deer and turkey hunting clubs. Archaeological partnerships with Rhodes College and the University of Memphis have documented over 200 sites, offering insights into 19th-century life, including slave culture through artifacts like porcelain. One surprising insight is the plan to use GPS collars for geofencing cattle as a modern brush management tool, revisiting the property founder's original intent. The property also contains a manor house and massive brick stables from the early 1900s, which are still in daily use and open for public tours monthly. Forestry research includes a premier white oak stand and a long-term hardwood genetics program. A major upcoming habitat project with Tall Timbers aims to restore wild bird populations for field trials through large-scale timber removal and prescribed fire. The conversation reveals the staff of 14 all perform diverse tasks, from cattle wrangling on county roads to field trial preparation. A common misconception is that the center is closed to the public, while it actively encourages visits and research collaboration. The tone is conversational, educational, and filled with local pride, as both host and guest share personal anecdotes and enthusiasm for the property's legacy. Listeners interested in Southern history, agricultural science, or land management will find this episode fascinating. Those seeking fast-paced hunting and fishing action may find the detailed operational focus less engaging.

As heard by us

A calm guided tour of Ames that ties together history, archaeology, and visitor details.

The episode treats Ames as both a historic field-trial property and the Ames Ag Research and Education Center, and it keeps the focus on what is there rather than trying to turn it into something bigger.

Read the full review in PlayNext →

Why you'd press play

A field-trial landmark opens up its history, research, and visitor access.

Read the full recommendation in PlayNext →

Listen to the show on

Apple Podcasts Spotify

Play clips from this episode More from Tennessee WildCast