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Chapter Happenings... Around The Lone Star State

published: October 31st 2008
source: ICA Of Texas

Colorado Valley ICA News
respectfully submitted by Bruce Dopslauf
    CVICA held its monthly meeting on Oct 20th at the Randolph Recreation Center in La Grange. President Bill Psencik called the meeting to order followed by the pledge of allegiance and invocation. Minutes were approved as was the treasurer’s report after discussion of scholarship funds and potential future financial commitments. The members list of surrounding counties was discussed and approval of starting a database to incorporate these persons with the existing 3 county area into one list for possible newsletter was unanimously made. Annual BBQ/Placemat/Auction Fundraiser tickets was passed out to all directors. The date for the 2009 Fundraiser is February 21 at the KC Hall in La Grange. The annual Christmas meeting was discussed and it will be held on December 15 from 6-8pm at The Oak's Restaurant close to Warrenton. The ICA Replacement Female and Bull Sale in Gonzales to be held in October 2009 was discussed as to our chapter participation and was tabled until further information was available. President Psencik reminded all the directors to get out and vote for the upcoming election. No further business, meeting was adjourned.
    Colorado Valley ICA Chapter awarded five scholarships this year. Scholarships went to two students from La Grange and three students from Fayetteville.
La Grange graduates (left to right) Zachary Karish and Taylor Korenek received scholarships from board member and Scholarship Chairman, Jack Pyburn. 





















Fayetteville graduates (left to right) John Minarcek, Matthew Sodek and Marcus Sodek received scholarships from board member Ivan Cordes.
SCTICA - South Central Texas ICA
    The SCTICA directors wish to thank those in attendance at the fall ICA meeting held at the Falls City Community Center in Karnes County. A great reception was given to the different speakers. Rosalee Coleman, first Vice President of the ICA state organization, spoke about her involvement in ICA, Proposition 2 in California (proposition 2 refers to animals in cages), Mandatory Country Of Origin Labeling (MCOOL) and Animal ID.
    Bill Hyman, Executive Director for ICA gave an update on what is happening to members in Southeast Texas affected by Hurricane Ike, and the importance of banning together regarding cattle issues. Bill passed around pictures taken of southeast Texas after Ike hit the area. He said some photos were removed as the graphics showed the tragedy at its highest level.
    Mike Terry spoke about hay and pasture insurance and stated the sign-up has been extended through November 2008 and if you miss the deadline you will have to wait until next year to sign-up.  He stated that most participating have received monies back and he was not aware of anyone who had to pay over their premium.
    President A.L. "Windy" Miller shared the importance of cattlemen coming together to have their voices be heard. Four potential directors for SCTICA from Atascosa County were introduced and will be voted on as directors from that county at the January meeting - Gus Gonzalez, Jim Marsh, Gary West and Kristie West.
    The fall meeting was the first meeting held in Karnes County. President Miller said, "Since the South Central Texas ICA chapter was started in 2006, the directors felt it important to move the quarterly meetings around to the different counties represented by the SCTICA members. At this time, members come from Wilson, Atas-cosa, South East Bexar, Medina and Karnes Counties."
    Miller states this organization is important because, "As the economy effects us all, we must come together to keep our industry alive. Daily you hear about different cow/calf producers selling out – but for those of us staying in the business - we must get the best dollar available and must keep our cattle a safe product for the consumer. "
    SCTICA Secretary Laurie Miller stated while giving away door prizes, "I believe that rural Ameri-cans are the ones going to get America back to its values" and she encouraged  everyone to vote.
    The meeting was ad-journed by President Miller and he stated in closing, he appreciated the support given to the local ICA chapter.
SETICA—
South East Texas ICA
By Stacie Jannise
    It’s hard to believe that it’s been more than a month since Hurricane Ike roared into Southeast Texas.  And to this day, the sound I recall most vividly isn’t the howling winds or pounding raindrops, but the sounds of hearts breaking and worlds shattering as we watched waves crashing across Highway 73.  For ranchers across the coast, the next several weeks became a blur of sun-up to sun down rescue operations.  Saltwater as far as you could see, 15 foot mounds of debris, alligators, water moccasins, and mosquitoes that laughed in the face of ‘OFF’ repellent, became the obstacles you battled in a race against time to save the cattle that had already beaten the odds by surviving to this point.  And each day was faced with a diet of MREs or something between two slices of bread, warm drinks, cold showers, and more mosquitoes. 
    And yet, in the midst of the devastation, disbelief, frustration and heartache, there emerged story after story of courage, kindness, perseverance and even humor as the true qualities of what a real Texas cowboy or cowgirl were made of became evident.  Those who had nothing left but a slab for a home showed up everyday to help and look out for each other.  Age didn’t matter – whether you were over 70 or under 16, you saddled up and learned new ways to herd cattle.  You marveled at white pelicans sitting on 73 and no longer were startled when you saw saltwater fish or shrimp swim by.  You wondered whose beach house remains those were laying in the pasture or how a naked Barbie doll found its way into the middle of acres of what was once green pastures.  The sounds of helicopters and airboats became common place.  You found joy in rescuing horses from barb wire and water or cats trapped on the tops of air conditioners.  If a cowgirl ripped her jeans, she grabbed a roll of duct tape, patched things up and rode on.  And you got through it with a lot of prayer and faith and deep gratitude for the things that were good. 
    The quick response of ICA as they jumped into action was truly a blessing.  If you ever question whether your dues or involvement in this organization are worthwhile, just give any rancher along the coast a call and see what they say.  They truly proved that we are a family in every sense of the word – providing needed supplies, prayers, encouragement and organizing relief efforts.  I hesitate to mention all those who helped because the list is so extensive and I don’t want to leave anyone out, but along with ICA, the efforts of county extension agents, Agrilife, Texas Southwest-ern (with a special thanks to Hal Dumas and the Rangers), the farm service agency, local volunteer fire departments,  sheriff’s de-partment, news media, ag dealers, pharmaceutical suppliers, helicopter pilots, equipment suppliers, Texas A&M, feed companies, and countless individuals who offered help, hay, pasture, and prayer, will forever be remembered.  It’s really hard to sum the last weeks up in a few paragraphs, but space constraints call for it.  In conclusion, we are deeply grateful for the tireless efforts of everyone in-volved (and if I’ve overlooked anyone, know your efforts and contributions were not unnoticed). These last few weeks have only reinforced my belief that the qualities of a real cowboy are the ones that have made this country what it is and why I’m proud to be a part of this wonderful heritage.  They are also the qualities that reassure me that we will rebuild and emerge stronger than ever.  And one special note to my immediate family – I’ve never been more proud of you and the strength you’ve shown.  Finally, we are compiling a book from the rancher’s perspective of Hurricane Ike, with proceeds going to the effected ranchers, so if anyone has photos they’d like to contribute, please contact SETICA.  And don’t forget – the Drawdown has been moved to Nov. 8 .  If you have any questions or would like tickets, please contact Debbie Riley at (409) 866-8271.
VCICA-Victoria Crossroads ICA
By Gary DuFour
    We had a good meal catered at our September meeting at the Masonic Lodge. Our thanks go to Dierlam’s Feed and Full-O-Pep/Crystalyx who sponsored the meal. The Crystalyx representative displayed a well-organized power point presentation on the value and economics of their products. The members were given the opportunity to place orders with Dierlam’s for their products with a discounted price for a limited time.
    It’s hard to imagine the damage and losses that Ike brought to property and livestock as it went through the eastern part of our state and headed north through the country. The crucial need was feed and fresh water and the response was immediate and abundant. So much has been offered that the Texas Department of Agriculture is loaded with hay offers. They will still record offers to be called on if transportation catches up with the supply. The Austin Hotline numbers are 877-429-1998 or 800-835-5832 and press 0. The ICA Office number is 512-620-0162.
    The rains have been very spotty in this region in spite of the mix of disturbances from Ike and passing fronts. The current clear weather has hay workers busy getting the last cuttings of the year. In the dryer areas dust devils could be seen dancing through the meadows and balers left dust clouds in their wake. Drying pastures bring drought memories all too common in this region.
    Country of Origin Labeling (COOL) is here. As of September 30th you can expect your auction facility to require a form to be signed declaring the origin of your animals. It is only required once if you don’t change this origin.
    We will not have a November meeting. The next get-together will be the Christmas party/meeting in December.
    Overheard: Give a man a fish and he will eat that day. Teach him to fish and he will sit in a boat and drink beer..
    See you at the meeting!                                              garydufour@suddenlink.net