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President’s Address

published: February 5th 2010
by: Rosalee Coleman
source: ICA Of Texas

As I write this, I’m packing to go to the NCBA Convention in San Antonio. It is always interesting and informative to attend one of these meetings, even though we don’t support all of their policies. A big change is coming, and we should learn more about it at this meeting. NCBA is changing their dues structure and their Governance methods in an effort to be more efficient in their operations. We are not sure what will be expected of ICA in this new system. There is also some question about the working relationship between NCBA and the Federation of State Beef Councils. I’m sure Bill Hyman will have a lot to report when this meeting is over.
    I’m proud to report that one of our own Directors, Richard Hodge, is interviewing for a place on the Operating Committee of CBB. This is his last year to serve, and he will be an excellent choice for them, as well as a good representative for ICA.
    February is going to be very busy for ICA. On the 8th and 9th, we will attend the Agricultural Summit Conference hosted by Todd Staples, to be held in Austin. Bill, myself, Bob Nunley, and perhaps some others will attend. There should be a lot of discussion about the problems and challenges facing Agriculture in Texas and nationwide. It is small comfort, but the HSUS people seem to attack chickens and pork as much as they do beef. Their real agenda is to make vegans out of us all. I expect we will hear some observations and hopefully some solutions to the problems these people are causing. I think a whole range of subjects will be discussed, from the Go Texan program, to youth in Agriculture, to the farm program. Todd has shown himself to be very aggressive in protecting our interests and looking for new opportunities for Texas operators.
    I will leave there and travel to Palestine to visit the East Texas ICA group. I am looking forward to that, as they are a valuable part of our ICA family. One of the nice things about this job is that I get to meet new people all the time from all over the State.
    On the 14th I will attend the Livestock Marketing Association annual meeting in Austin. Keith Chapman invited me to their meeting last year, and I was surprised to see that they were discussing many of the same issues that ICA deals with. Keith always attended our Board meetings. He is retired now, but I intend to visit the LMA meetings while I am President, and hopefully their representative will come to ours.
    Recent happenings in National Politics have us all hoping that we will be looking at less regulation and taxation from our Federal Government. Whatever your political affiliation, I think every rancher was leery of cap and trade and environmental legislation that could really burden our industry, and our incredible national debt. Hopefully our Congress will listen to the people and act responsibly for the benefit of our great country. Until next time, Rosalee