Not Skipping a Beat
Hello Florida Cattlemen and CattleWomen, Hope everyone is doing well and accomplishing the goals you have set forth. Florida CattleWomen had a “Hot” summer, and I am not talking about the weather. Florida CattleWomen set up an aggressive summer schedule, along with many projects to accomplish. I am happy to say, great accomplishments were made and promise to grow these past summer events into the future.
Florida CattleWomen had a great Florida CattleWomen’s General Membership Meeting on July 11th, in Ocala, FL. Ladies from all over the state joined in a time to complete FCW business, share in fellowship, and plan for the future. It is with blessings that Levy County CattleWoman, Emily Hobby, was awarded the Florida CattleWomen’s 2020 Outstanding CattleWoman of the Year. Please make sure to check out the 2020 Outstanding CattleWoman of the Year article also included in this month’s magazine edition. There was many parts that stood out to me that day, Florida Cattlemen’s Executive Board Member, Rick Moyer’s humble and inspirational talk, Miss Imogene’s Social Distance Neighbor Hug, listening to the Outstanding CattleWoman of Year Nominee’s Bios being read, working with the Marion County CattleWomen as they opened their beautiful meeting place for us. The most important part that stood out to me was watching the membership connect, the friendships being made, the county Presidents and Liaisons giving a report of what is going on in their county. Those are the dynamics you cannot write about unless you personally witness them. July 11th, was a day committed to a wonderful memory.
On July 31st, Florida CattleWomen held our Florida CattleWomen’s Beef Ambassador Contest, in Tampa, FL. We had a great turn out of youth competing in the contest. Thank you to Tami Newsome, the Florida CattleWomen’s Beef Ambassador Committee Chair, for chairing a great event. I also want to thank Hillsborough County CattleWomen, Chris Andrlik, and Kelly Fulford, and Hernando County CattleWoman, Kayla Ferrell, for agreeing to judge the Florida CattleWomen’s Beef Ambassador Contest. I am happy to announce the new 2020/2021 Florida CattleWomen’s Senior Florida Beef Ambassador, Nick Hammer, and Intermediate Florida Beef Ambassador, Allison Suggs. Both these young adults have a burning desire to promote the Florida Beef Industry. Please be sure to contact myself or Tami Newsome, if you would like the Florida Beef Ambassadors to help you all at your county event or beef promotion.
On August 1st, Florida CattleWomen held our first Florida CattleWomen’s Workshop, in Tavares, FL. The workship covered many topics from consumer communication, safe food handling, children’s education, social media training, to encouraging a stronger county association. We had many hands-on lessons along the way, down to an impromptu working cow pen, to teach young people how to work cattle. This workshop offered many useful explanations, ideas, and guidance, to use in member’s home counties. Florida CattleWomen look forward to growing future FCW Workshop’s offering a wider array of topics of what Florida CattleWomen are looking for in our association.
On August 15th, Florida CattleWomen held our Florida CattleWomen’s Beef Short Course, in Chiefland, FL. Florida CattleWomen spent the day touring Quincey Cattle Company and learning how their operation operates. Again, Florida CattleWomen came near and far to learn, fellowship, and build upon the enthusiasm of being a Florida CattleWoman.
As we move into the Fall, Florida CattleWomen is excited for the opportunities of what lies ahead of us. Florida CattleWomen know to be a viable association we must offer events and other forms of connection to keep our association relevant to our membership. With those thoughts in mind, Florida CattleWomen will be offering a Fall Ranch Tour Series. Our first ranch tour will be taking place in the panhandle of our state, Saturday, September 26th, Bigham Farms, Marianna, FL. The second ranch tour will be in central North Florida, Saturday, October 17th, Florida Youth Ranch, Live Oak, FL. Stay tuned in my October FCW article for the dates of the November and December ranch tour dates. Please make an effort to attend one or all of these great ranch tours. These tours will be very beneficial in learning hands-on ranch practices and gaining a better understanding of how ranches operate around the state. Florida CattleWomen will be sending out a post card to all Florida CattleWomen members with all the ranch tour dates, times, and locations.
In closing, I, along with the Pasco County Cattlemen and CattleWomen invite you all to join us in beautiful Pasco County, FL, September 10th & 11th, as Pasco County hosts the Florida Cattlemen’s and CattleWomen’s September Quarterly. Please be sure to locate the FCA/FCW September Quarterly Agenda in this month’s magazine. My home county loves to host parties and entertain everyone who come near and far. A stranger becomes our friend in Pasco County. The Pasco County Cattlemen and CattleWomen would be honored to have you all attend the meetings and Steak-Out. We look forward to seeing everyone at the Quarterly.’
“The difference between a successful person and others is not a lack of strength, not a lack of knowledge, but rather a lack in will.” ~Vince Lombardi, Jr.
