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Independent Cattlemen’s Assn. Of Texas President’s Address

published: May 28th 2010
by: Rosalee Coleman
source: ICA Of Texas

Well, it’s always nice to see a little good publicity for Beef, and the most viewed article for “Self” magazine this month was one naming steak as a “superfood” for weight loss. The article was actually published in August of 2008, but is still being viewed by a substantial number of people on the “Self” website. It quoted a study published in the American Journal of Clinical nutrition that said that women on a diet that included red meat lost more weight than those eating equal calories but little beef. An article like this can help sell beef more than ten articles in industry publications. I think most of us that watch our weight can certainly affirm that a nice steak curbs our hunger for longer than any other food, and also keeps our energy level up. Next time I am in the grocery store, I will throw a copy of “Self” magazine in the basket on top of those steaks and roasts.
    I am told that Howard Spies is improving daily from his bad four-wheeler wreck of last month, and that is certainly good news. I am one of those that kept him in my thoughts and prayers, but did not ever get a card to him. I hope he will read this and will know there are a lot of people pulling for him that never actually got word to him about it. Congratulations on your healing, Howard, and best wishes to you.
There are big issues in Washington that can change the way we do business, such as the Cap & Trade bill, which has been passed by the House, and is being considered by the Senate. Immigration Reform and securing our borders is a hot topic as well, especially since Mr. Krentz was killed in Arizona. There is a big outcry to secure our borders first, then deal with Immigration Reform, and that makes sense to me. It is the drug runners that are making our borders so unsafe, not the people that are sneaking across just to work somewhere. Climate change legislation and EPA regulations are stirring the pot. All these issues have been superseded by the oil spill for the time being in our news, but they will not go away. And, of course, the National Debt must be considered and dealt with. I would ask you all to stay informed, and vote every chance you get, from school board races to National offices, your vote counts more now than ever.
    There will be a House Agriculture and Livestock public hearing on May 26 in Alice, Texas. The purpose is to consider “Interim Charge No. 1: Evaluate the impact of tick-borne diseases in domestic and exotic livestock and of plant diseases and pests on the Texas Agriculture Industry. Examine barriers limiting the State’s response and identify resources to enhance the State’s ability to control, prevent, and respond to disease vectors“. I am planning to attend this meeting, along with Bill and possibly some other interested parties. Even though we are still having outbreaks outside the permanent quarantine zones, some new weapons in the battle are being tested. We have been hearing about a vaccine developed in Cuba to fight the fever tick, and we have finally acquired it. Field trials are expected to begin this fall. Molasses tubs containing Ivomec are awaiting approval, and I am told that a stronger Cydectin formula is being considered that would increase the time between treatments. Dectomax trials have been successful, allowing cattle to be treated every 28 days instead of 14.
    Dr. Ellis, the executive director of the Texas Animal Health Commission, is interested in working individually with owners to develop plans that take into consideration high fence, low fence, big ranch and little ranch. Also of concern are the ranches that have been depopulated of cattle, but still have deer carrying the fever tick on them. It is a big problem, but Dr. Ellis is bringing some fresh ideas to it, and if he can secure adequate funding I think we will see some good progress in beating the tick back to the quarantine zone.
    I hope everyone is getting enough rain. It has been an outstanding spring in Live Oak County, and we are very thankful for that.         Until next time, Rosalee
ICA