Chris Fenton
Family: Wife, Susan Fenton; with sons Kass, 14; Kix 11; and Kord, 9
Hometown: Poteau, Okla.
Town Life: Chris Fenton is the president and director of the Central National Bank in Poteau, Okla. The bank has branches in Heavener, Panama, Pocola and Stigler.
“I have been with the bank for 20 years and began as a vice president, but have served as president for the last 11 years. Our children go to the Poteau schools and are involved in football, basketball, track and baseball,” Chris said. “The boys also enjoy showing cattle and outdoor activities such as hunting and fishing. I am involved in the Leflore County Child Advocacy Network, which aids abused and neglected children. I also serve as a director of the Leflore County Development Coalition, which seeks to enhance economic development through business recruitment and improving the business environment for existing businesses in the area. I serve as a trustee on the Carl Albert State College Foundation and serve as a director for The Bankers Bank in Oklahoma City.”
Country Life: “Our operation consists of approximately 2,500 acres of leased and owned land. The operation is definitely a family-oriented venture. My brother, Dr. Kevin Fenton, and I manage around 400 cows, utilizing artificial insemination and embryo transplant in an effort to improve our genetic base. The cow herd consists of registered Angus, Simmental, Hereford and Charolais. The ranching operation is located in Leflore and Haskell counties. We focus on phenotype, efficiency and performance traits when selecting replacement females and sire selection. The 74-51 Cattle Company in Fairmont, Okla., has purchased our bull calves for several years and our heifer calves are primarily sold private treaty to repeat customers. In terms of our cow base, we believe profitability begins with a very moderate frame along with essential maternal qualities. Our cows need to be sound and fertility is mandatory.”
Future: “Currently, we joke about our cattle may spook if they see us in the daylight hours,” Chris said. “Time requirements of the operation and our jobs keep us spread very thin. We will continue to grow and expand the operation when feasible. We will also continue look for ways to better manage input costs and improve herd quality through better genetics. We have successfully marketed semen and embryos and we believe this sector of our operation will continue to grow as well.”
