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ICA News for February 2023

published: February 3rd 2023
by: Independent Cattlemen’s Associatio
source: Southern Livestock Standard

 

Cooper Little, ICA executive vice president letter

Jan. 25^th 2023, the ICA State Board of Directors convened in Lockhart, Texas. Several pertinent items were discussed, and actions voted on. The state board of directors unanimously approved to support State Senator Kolkhorst’s SB147, which would prohibit citizens, companies, governments and entities from China, Iran, North Korea, and Russia from purchasing land in Texas. Additionally, a formal resolution is being drafted to signal to our elected officials ICA’s official position and its importance for State and National security. 

 

I am also pleased to report, ICA State Director and Past President, Chloe Wilson, has been appointed to the Cattlemen’s Beef Promotion and Research Board (CBB) for a term of three years. ICA congratulates her for this new opportunity and is confident in her ability to represent ICA on the CBB.

 

The state office is a resource to your operation and advocates for the interests of cattle producers.

 

If you have any questions or would like to become a member, please call the state office at 512/620-0162

 

Dr. Joe Paschal’s column

Cold winters and thin cows

This is the toughest time of the year for a cow, even is she is not nursing a calf -which many are. Cold weather, short grass and low-quality hay are hard on cow body condition. Even if the cows are adequately supplemented, the roller coaster ride in body condition takes a toll on reproduction and performance.

I always have a few cows that are in thinner body condition than I like this time of year (I calve both in the spring and fall), and the thin ones are usually my fall calvers. They do not transition well from fall to winter, especially a cold wet winter like we had in Central Texas with a calf at side, even with good grazing and proper supplementation. My guess is that they are just not as adapted and probably should be moved to the Spring calving herd, which will happen once and only once, if they are open at pregnancy check.

There are a lot of thin cows that I see as I drive up and down the roads. Some of them are due to lack of nutritional management, folks not wanting to feed or spend the money to maintain a cowherd in good condition, but a good portion of the poorer doing cows in the country are just not as adapted.

Keeping a close eye on the type of calf a cow produces and the weight that it is weaned at is a good indication of cow productivity, but monitoring the body condition of the cows, individually and as a group, through the seasons is also very important. Often thinner cows at breeding do not breed or they breed (and calve) late and their calves are therefore lighter when weaned. Thinner cows at calving produce less colostrum (first milk) both in quality and quantity, which impairs their calves immune system and deprives the calf of important nutrients and can reduce their growth potential.

Cows don’t have to be fat at breeding or calving but maintaining them close to ideal condition (no ribs showing) primarily through good grazing management and using adapted breeds or crosses, means you spend less money to improve their body condition at breeding and calving. It is worth thinking about.

 

 

Chapter Happenings

Colorado Valley ICA Chapter News

 

Our chapter will host a “Beef-It’s What’s For Dinner” event, on Saturday, Feb. 11^th at the La Grange KC Hall. There will be a trade show from 4 -6 p.m., a silent auction from 4-6:30 p.m., a barbeque beef meal at 6:30 p.m. and a gun raffle at 6:30 p.m. There will also be an auction, following the meal. Cash door prizes will be awarded also. If you are interested in being an exhibitor or sponsor, please reach out to an officer and more details coming in the new year.

 

Submitted by Steve Janda

 

Southeast Texas ICA Chapter News

We are excited to announce information for the 28th Annual SETICA Commercial Bull & Heifer Sale. This sale will take place on Saturday, March 11th at the Ford Park Complex in Beaumont, Texas.   Please note that this year hard copy catalogs will not be mailed out like they have been in the past. Catalogs will be available by request only. Electronic copies can be emailed or downloaded.   Consignments are now being accepted. For more information visit https://icatexas.com/events/.   Submitted by Debbie Riley

 

Guada-Coma ICA Chapter News

The Guada-Coma ICA Chapter held their first meeting of the year on Monday Jan. 23 at Seguin Cattle Company. Our guest speaker was Dr. Carolyn Alsop from Southern Winds Veterinary Services. Dr. Alsop gave an informative presentation dealing with retained placentas and different types of prolapses in cattle.

Long-time member Kenneth "Tiny" Mondine who passed on Jan. 1, was remembered for his friendship and all his contributions to our chapter. He will be greatly missed. Memorial contributions may be made to the Guada-Coma Chapter scholarship fund.

Our long-time secretary, Carilyn Johns is stepping down after 15 years! President Leroy Muenich and Greg Seidenberger, vice-president presented her with a beautiful plaque. Thank you, Carilyn for all the time you spent helping this club grow and prosper.

Guests are reminded that Guada-Coma ICA scholarship applications are due April 17,2023. The application form has been sent out to schools and is also on the ICA website at ICATexas.com

The next meeting will be Monday, March 20 at Seguin Cattle Company. The guest speaker will be Jeff Hanselka with the AgriLife Extension. One CEU credit will be given.

Let us all keep praying for rain.

Penny Knippa

 

 

 

South Central Texas ICA Chapter News

Hello to all our members and others interested in the cattle business. South Central Texas ICA had a member meeting on Thursday, Jan. 26, 2023, at the Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church Fellowship Hall, Poth, Texas. Members were treated to a carne guisada meal prepared by Tia Rosa. A big thank you to Lyssy and Eckel for sponsoring our meal.

 

The SCTICA Scholarship Committee lead by Weldon Riggs announced the applications need to be returned to us by April 1, 2023. You can contact a director for more information.

 

New officers were elected for 2023 and they are:

Dickie Jackson, President

Weldon Riggs, Vice President

Brenda Moore, Treasurer

Paula Riggs, Secretary

 

Returning directors for 3 years are:

Brad Cotton, Jim Marsh, Susan Gonzalez, Paul Riggs, and Paula Riggs.

New Director who will also serve as Reporter, Kay Love.

 

The speaker for the evening was Blaise Korzekwa, Texas Parks and Wildlife Biologist for Karnes and Wilson Counties. He spoke about, “Managing Ranches for Deer and Livestock.” His presentation include topics such as: grazable acreage vs usable habitat; stocking rate and deer density; preferred plant species; and managing expectations. 

 

ICA Executive Director, Cooper Little, gave his state report and shared how busy he is as our Texas Legislature is back in session.  (Thank you Cooper for representing the cattle producer at the state level.)

 

Laurie Miller thanked the group for their support over the last three years as she served as president. She is very excited for the new leadership for SCTICA and knows it is in good hands. Laurie will continue to serve on the local and state ICA boards as a director for each.

 

Submitted by Laurie Miller

 

 

East Texas ICA Chapter News

 

Just a reminder, our chapter meeting has changed meeting locations from the 1855 Steakhouse  (which is now closed) to the Anderson County Livestock Exchange in Elkhart, Texas. We are working on getting CEUs for the meeting. Start time is 6:30 p.m.

Until next time,

Lillian Marie Reed

 

 

Mid-Tex ICA Chapter News      

 

The chapter meeting held on Jan. 17, 2023 was quite successful in its new location at the Lockhart Sale Barn. Our hostess and chapter secretary, Madi Bexley had an excellent meal made for us and it was fun to have our meeting in the auction area.

Our next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, April 28^th, 2023, same location and time. We will be reviewing and voting on our by-Laws and will have a speaker not yet identified. We hope interested ICA members will attend.

Thanks!

Madi Bexley