History

Giant tree in the horizon, makes the cattle look like ants! Originally purchased in the 1870’s, the family farming operation produced “king cotton”, corn and soybeans while operating the areas only cotton gin; today, the property represents one of Georgia’s oldest family owned and operated farms. In the 1940’s registered Polled Hereford cattle were introduced by Dan’s father, Richard Beckham. The purebred Hereford’s ran on the farm until the early 1970’s when the business transitioned into a commercial cow-calf operation. Today the original farm serves as one of Kensington’s development facilities for bulls and replacement females for the purebred Angus herd.

Kensington

The origins of our name, Kensington Cattle Company, and the oak tree have deep ties with the land. The Beckham and Dunn families made their way to Georgia from England in the 1700’s with their first recorded land purchases in the state around 1800. The oak tree which stands on the farms highest point served as one of Mrs. Beckham’s most cherished places; this oak, as well as others planted on the farm were from sprigs originally transported from Kensington, England.

Angus

A new beginning with Angus cattle officially began in 2008, when Dan Beckham purchased the Lemmon Angus herd of 1100 head. This high performance cow herd was founded in 1971 when Harvey and Nina Lemmon purchased 113 Angus females. Harvey, an early leader in performance data and testing, has been a champion for the Angus breed and the business serving as President of the American Angus Association. This cattle program throughout its history has contributed to the breed’s advancement producing outstanding females such White Fence Pride H1, Lemmon Pride G804 and Lemmon Blackbird 3287 as well as AI sires Lemmon OG and Lemmon Newsline C804 to name a few.

The Kensington Team

Dan Beckham

Dan Beckham, owner of Kensington Cattle Company, formerly known as “Lemmon Angus”, found his passion for Angus cattle working as an understudy with Harvey and this herd of cattle. Beginning in 1976, Dan worked for Lemmon Angus for eight years while in high school and college, gaining valuable experience as an active member of the Georgia Junior Angus Association and participating on the livestock judging team while at the University of Georgia. Dan and his wife Mia reside in San Francisco, Ca with their two daughters and son.

Roland Starnes

Roland and Janet Starnes

Roland Starnes, Managing Partner of Kensington Cattle Company, joined the partnership in March, 2008. He is responsible for the farm's management and genetic selection to further the development of the Angus herd. After graduating Auburn University in 1982, Roland has remained at the forefront of the Angus business and active in the beef cattle industry throughout his career.

Roland has advanced a number of Angus programs under his management including Twin Valley Farms (September, 1992, thru May, 2003), Southern Cattle Company, (May, 2003, thru July, 2006), and as unit and marketing manager of the Millarden division, Three Trees Ranch, (August, 2006, thru March, 2008). Along with managing or working on these operations, Roland has been a strong supporter and actively served the beef industry as past county cattleman's presidents, (Shelby and Autauga, AL). Past president of the Alabama Angus Association, chairman for the Alabama BCIA, and also served on the Florida Cattleman's Association executive committee. Roland is married to his High School sweetheart Janet of 30 years. Together they have two grown children. Their daughter Amanda, earned a Bachelor degree in Accounting at Auburn University, and a Masters of Accountancy from the College of Charleston. She is now an Audit Assistant with Deloitte & Touche LLP, Atlanta, Georgia. Their son John, is currently a Senior at Auburn University and is earning his degree in the College of Agriculture.