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Chapter Happenings...

published: April 30th 2010
source: ICA Of Texas

East Texas ICA
By Opal Oliver
    ETICA held its monthly meeting April 13, 2010. Our guest speaker was LaCresha Dale, County Executive Director, USDA Farm Service Agency, Anderson County. Ms. Dale discussed Non-insured Crop Disaster Assistant Program for 2009 and subsequent years, Farm Loans and Loans for Socially Disadvantaged Persons (Minorities and Women). Ms. Dale also reminded members of the FSA County Committee Elections. The nomination period begins June 15,2010.
    ETICA’s next meeting will be May 11, 2010 at Engledow's Farm and Ranch Supply. Mr. Mark D. Price, County Extension Agent Ag/NR, Anderson County AgriLife Exten-sion Office will be our quest speaker. Anyone interested in attending, please contact: Mark Price at 903-723-3735 to reserve a seat or Opal Oliver, secretary, East Texas ICA 903-389-4648. A meal will be served.
South Central Texas ICA
By Laurie Miller
    The April meeting of the South Central Texas Independent Cattleman’s Association (SCTICA) was held in Jourdanton at the Community Center on Campbell Avenue. The meeting was called to order by SCTICA President Dickie Jackson, followed by a prayer given by Pastor Pete Pawelek of Cowboy Fellowship, Pleasanton, Texas. Alton Kuykendall led the Pledge of allegiance to the American Flag. Dinner was then served which included BBQ Brisket with all the trimmings. The financial report was given by Treasure Larry Wiley. Two sponsors supported the SCTICA meeting.
    The first sponsor/speaker of the night was Dusty Abney, PhD, Beef Specialist of the South Central Region of Cargill Animal Nutrition. Dusty spoke about cattle receiving proper nutrition by feeding the right feed for the age and cycle of the animal and feeding it as it was designed by the nutritionist. Dusty also talked about feeding minerals. He stated it was important, “To make the right mineral available at the right time of the year, according to the amount of forage available, the weather, and the condition of the animal.”
    The next sponsor/ speaker was Joe Mc-Clelland with Pfizer Animal Health. Joe informed the crowd of improved weight gain on calves implanted and dewormed. He stated, “This added weight gain turns into added profit at time of sale or weaning.” Joe also talked about the myth of implanted calves having a residual of estrogen that could be passed on to the consumer.
    Bill Hyman, ICA Executive Director, took the floor and gave attendees updates on trichomoniasis regulations and statistics on animals testing positive in Texas. Bill also talked about the ICA State Convention to be held June 9-11 and invited everyone to the ICA website at icatexas.com to see the great speakers and entertainment planned for the annual convention to be held in College Station. He also announced the All Breed Bull & Female Sale to be held in Gonzales, Texas on October 22, 2010. This sale is put on by five area chapters. The Independent Cattleman’s Association (ICA) chapters include: the South Central Texas Chapter, Guada-Coma Chapter, Colorado Valley Chapter, Mid-Tex Chapter, and Gonzales Chapter.
    Next, A.L. “Windy” Miller, ICA state secretary and membership chair, made a presentation to encourage membership at the local level, asking everyone to do what they could to spread the word about ICA and encourage their friends and other cattle raisers to support our cause.
    At the close of the meeting President Jackson informed everyone the next meeting would be the Buck Taylor SCTICA Team Roping held in Stockdale, Texas on July 24, 2010. This is the group’s annual fundraiser that supports our chapter. Donations of roping steers to be used at the roping were asked for along with anyone having time to help with the roping. South Central Texas Independent Cattleman’s Association consists of members from Atascosa, Bexar, Karnes, and Wilson Counties and is one of the fastest growing chapters in the Independent Cattleman’s Association.
Southeast Texas ICA
By: Katie Spencer
    Howdy!
    SETICA recently held a Producer’s Meeting on Thursday, April 15. Dr. Vanessa Corriher, Texas AgriLife Forage Specialist and Assistant Professor, gave an overview featuring various grass varieties and forage systems that producer’s found exceptionally useful while still easy to understand. She focused on the different varieties that strive in the Southeast Texas area, species best suited for local producers’ needs, and the extent of management needed for different forages. The meeting was sponsored by M&J Fertilizer Company and attendants enjoyed a beef brisket dinner with all the trimmings.
    Southeast Texas ICA will host a Texas Beef Quality Producer training on Thursday, May 27 at the Winnie-Stowell Commun-ity Building in Winnie, Texas. The certification program will cover Beef Quality Assurance, industry updates, record keeping, environmental stewardship, and proper management practices associated with genetic selection, cattle handling, culling, vaccination, drug use, and more. The meeting is a collaborative effort of Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raiser’s Assn., and Texas Beef Council. Registration will begin at 3:30 p.m. and a dinner will also be provided. If possible, please call (409) 296-2127 by May 21st to RSVP.
    With summer approaching, don’t forget to mark your calendar to attend the ICA Convention on June 9-11 in College Station. Hope we see you all there! For additional questions, please call (409) 296-2127 or email SETICA-PR@hotmail.com.
Victoria Crossroads ICA
By Gary DuFour
    The March meeting was held at the Town Hall Room and we thank the First Victoria Bank again for making this room available for such occasions.
President Connie Jacob presided and opened the meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance. Henry Roy Schaar provided the invocation.
    President Jacob read a letter from the Victoria Livestock Show organizers thanking ICA for its donation. Another letter came from 4-H member Cody Bishop, thanking ICA for its support for the show and the heifer she showed.
    Howard Spies reported that the plans for the annual fundraiser were on track. Volunteers were welcomed to help with setting up the hall and with the various activities before, during and after the meal on Saturday. The day has invariably been successful in the past because of the generous support of all those working together to make it happen. All of you are really appreciated.
    Our treasurer, Joe Conti, reminds us to renew memberships if they haven’t been for 2010. As a review of the tax aspects of the dues, they are not deductible as a charitable contribution. They are, however, 60% deductible as a business expense.
    Traveling the roads in our region has been more scenic of late with the color and variety of the wildflowers giving tribute to the past rains. Cattle body condition scores are climbing as they enjoy the spring grasses. It doesn’t take long however, as the periods between the showers grow, for the soil to relinquish its moisture to sun and wind.
    Among the areas of study deemed important by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security in protecting the nation is foreign animal and zoonotic disease research. The department has provided a $21 million package toward these studies to be shared by the two leading universities for this research, Texas A&M and Kansas State. Zoonotic diseases are those transmittable between humans and animals, such as the H1N1 flu. Foreign animal diseases are those not found in the U.S. but could be introduced naturally, accidentally or by terrorist attack. The focus over the next six years will be on vaccines and rapid diagnosis.   
    Our get-well wishes go out to Howard Spies. He’s recuperating from an accident and is at Warm Springs in San Antonio.
    See you at the meeting! Bring a friend! garydufour@suddenlink.net