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Chapter Happenings Around The Lone Star State

published: October 3rd 2008
source: ICA Of Texas

Chapter Happenings
East Texas ICA
By Nyanza Price
    The East Texas ICA had its regular scheduled meeting in September.  The guest speaker was Chad Winn, Pfizer Animal Health Representative.   His speech was related to vaccinations, its history, and the cost effectiveness of the program.  He discussed the pros and cons of all vaccination programs.  His presentation was very informative.
    The organization is looking at rewriting its scholarship program to make more students who are interested in agriculture available for scholarships.
    The October speaker will be Truman Lamb, VP and Manager of the Palestine office of Heritage Land Bank.  Truman is the past Agricultural Agent of Anderson County.  The meeting is sure to be entertaining and informative.
Gonzales ICA
By Brian Malaer
Howdy all,
    First and foremost, I want to thank all of the Gonzales Chapter and the State ICA office and Board for their overwhelming help and support in my first term as President. Secondly, I want everyone in Southeast and East Texas that was affected by Hurricane IKE to know that our thoughts and prayers are with you. Special thanks to the State ICA office for their immediate and continued efforts in the relief effort and on the local level to Cal-Maine Foods and E.F. Ehrig & Sons for each donating a truckload of hay. Also, to E.F. Ehrig & Sons, Kenneth Hayden and Blake Elstner for the transportation of the two truckloads, the transportation of 200 rolls donated by John Gary of Bolling, Texas and Billy Bob Low for the work in coordinating this effort.
    At our last meeting on September 16th, we enjoyed a meal and presentation by Steven King and Garrett Young with the Silveus Insurance Group about range land insurance and its potential for added income into the ranching industry. The motion to donate $300.00 to the relief efforts’ lodging expenses for local drivers was made by Sissy Mills and was seconded by the Honorable Darrel Becker. The motion passed unanimously. Any remaining donation will go to the state ICA office to use in the relief efforts. Until next time friends!
Guada-Coma ICA
By Sharon Tate
    On September 22, 2008 the chapter held its last official business meeting of the year.  Instead of the usual meeting in November,  there will be a Christmas Party on December 7 from 1 to 5 P.M. at the Texas Agricultural Education and Heritage Center in Seguin.  A catered dinner will be followed by a Live Auction conducted by  auctioneer, the Honorable  Edmund Kuempel. There are children’s games, door prizes and fantastic homemade desserts provided by the members. Music will be provided by Best Friends. Members and non-members are welcome.  Cost is $10.  Tickets may be obtained by calling Carilyn John at 379-2488, Leonora Kuhn at 639-4931, or Sharon Tate, 639-4625.
    At the September 22 meeting an excellent program “Getting the Most Money for your Beef Cattle” was presented by John Brown, Luling Livestock Auction, Don Knight, Knight Cattle Company, and Benno Luensmann, Seguin Cattle Company, to help the members identify the live calves brought into the ring as to frame size, grade, weight, and selling points of each calf.  Members heard these three presenters discuss the pros and cons of each steer or heifer, especially focusing on breed positives and negatives.  Estimated prices by the pound were given for each calf and members were encouraged to look carefully at their stock before bringing them to the sale so they would understand how blemishes hurt them in the sale process.  Members were encouraged to do a minimum of ear notching, castrate bull calves, and dehorn their animals to increase their profits at the sale.
    At the meeting the members also voted to give Bill Hyman a check for $500 to help the state ICA’s efforts to assist the distressed ranchers due to Hurricane Ike. In addition, an ICA Cattle Drive was slated to be held on October 1 at 11:45 at the Seguin Cattle Company, proceeds to go to ICA for hurricane assistance.
 South Central Texas ICA
By Laurie Miller
    South Central Texas Independent Cattlemen’s Association (SCTICA) will have its next meeting on Tuesday, October 21, 2008, at Falls City Community Hall starting at 6:30 pm. A complimentary BBQ dinner will be served.
    Members and potential members are welcome to come and hear about the hot topics and updates with cattle issues that affect us all. Topics include: MCOOL updates; fever tick in South Texas; Trichomoniasis; and Beef Checkoff and an update on the Ike Relief efforts in southeast Texas.
    The SCTICA Officers and Directors are working to meet around the counties that are represented by this organization.  SCTICA has met in Wilson County, Atascosa County and now will be meeting in Karnes County.
    Please call 210-215-1139 to RSVP for the meal.
Southeast Texas ICA
By: Debbie Riley
    Hello from Southeast Texas. Yes, we are still here…Ike may have given us a kick in the pants but we’re fighting back!!!
    I’m so proud to be a Texan.  The pouring out of help from across the State is more than this country girl can grasp on most days.  There are so many stories, good and bad, but I promised to share a special thank you from Barbara Ann and Roland Blanchard.  Most of you only see Chuck Kiker in meetings or talking “cattle”.  Since Ike hit, he’s been putting “feet to his words”.  Barbara Ann calls Chuck and Danny Elrod her “angels” (well, I wouldn’t go THAT FAR…) but she wants to thank them from the bottom of her heart for helping her save the cattle herd her parents worked so hard to build.
    Agronomists from Texas A & M and LSU along with the County Extension Agents are working diligently to determine the effects on the pastures and crop lands from the saltwater intrusions that Hurricane Ike brought. There is already a study on a rye grass that does well in high saline soil.  Watch for more info soon.
    SETICA Members …Things to do today….
    1) Call 1-800-621-FEMA for your case number.  There are programs out there but you have to have a case number. 
    2) Call your local mosquito control agency.  There are special funds set aside for additional spraying … BUT … they don’t know where to go unless you tell them specifically where YOU and YOUR animals are in the rural areas.
    Special thanks …
    1) County Extension Agents, Kelby Boldt and Tyler Fitzgerald have been working hard coordinating the Ag POD at Whites Park.  At the writing of this article they are looking for a place to move the Ag POD.  If you are in need of supplies or hay please contact Chuck Kiker, Bill Hyman, Debbie Riley or Toni Spencer.
    2) Novartis and Pfizer have donated free vaccines that proved to be helpful after Katrina.  Contact Debbie Riley, Toni Spencer, Chuck Kiker, your Country Agent or your Vet for more information. 
    3) FEMA for “picking up the tab” to haul cattle out of the devastated areas to clean pastures.
    4) Bill Hyman & staff and ICA members from across the State for coming to our rescue
     I guess you noticed we didn’t have our September meeting that would have been sponsored by Merial.  Thank you Todd Huebner, Merial rep, for your past support and we look forward to re-scheduling in the near future.
    No, I didn’t forget the Drawdown.  Please hold your checks until the Drawdown Committee can meet.  At present, the Winnie Stowell Communi-ty building is being used as a staging area for Hurricane Recovery efforts.  Watch for more information soon.
    And as always, remember to keep your membership current which keeps ICA strong and a voice to be heard in Austin & Washington.  
    HAPPY TRAILS. 
Victoria Crossroads
By Gary Dufour
    Speaking at our August meeting was Tim Anders, General Manager of the Victoria County Ground Water District. Tim explained the development of the proposed rules and management issues for the future protection of the region’s ground water. The committee has worked diligently to provide the county with a rules and management package that will provide controls for the future use of our ground water. The general public has become more educated on the consequences of excessive usage of our groundwater and more aware that it’s not just a farm and ranch issue. Water reduction would have a domino effect on every business and citizen in the region. Tim also announced the reduction of the tax rate for their operation this year, a most welcome change in current trends.
        The annual ICA Cattle Drive fundraiser is underway and needs your support in any amount. These funds allow the ICA to represent all involved in food production, especially those in land and cattle management. Close scrutiny is required of legislation development for issues ranging from “death taxes” to eminent domain. Being alert to the wording in all related bills is especially important in these times of economic stress and congressional efforts to find additional funding.
    One example of legislation passed primarily on emotion rather than facts was the banning of horse processing plants. Horse auctions are drying up and animal abuse and abandonment is on the rise. A related incident is the recent discovery by Susan Whitehouse of two horses wandering near the Memorial Cemetery on Highway 87 North .
    Concern for the dangers to them and the highway users prompted her efforts to corral and care for them. Her efforts to find the owners or someplace to relocate the animals have been unsuccessful to date. Susan said the horses were halter broke and learned that she can legally offer them to anyone if the owners don’t claim them. A veterinarian estimated their ages as 14-16 yrs. for the Red Rhone Paint Mare and 4-6 yrs for the White and Black Paint Gelding. Susan can be reached at 361-572-9382.
    ICA, in partnership with Sam’s Club, is presenting an exclusive membership offer. You will receive a $10 gift card when you purchase your 1-year business membership ($35)! All you have to do is go to any Sam’s Club membership desk and present your ICA membership card. Your membership will be processed (with your payment of $35) and you will receive your gift card! Go to the “Upcoming Events” tab on the web to print your coupon. You will receive three cards with your business membership; one personal card, a card for one household member (over 18 yrs) and a company card. The only catch is you must purchase by October 17! Go to the web today to print your coupon. If you don’t have access to a computer you can call this number for assistance: 361-575-8816.
    The Victoria County Farm and Ranch Show is coming in October on the 22nd and 23rd. Our chapter will be represented with a booth there and welcome members wishing to spend some time in it. It was decided to offer a meal certificate door prize for the lucky person whose name is drawn from the registrations at the booth.