FCW Report September 2021

“Be fearless in the pursuit of what sets your soul on fire.” –Jennifer Lee. Passion, it’s what drives us every day to push through the hard moments and keep driving towards our goals. Passion is what inspired my motto for the year and has fueled my climb of becoming a Florida CattleWomen’s President. Everyone has a passion, for some it’s to build a successful reputation in the cattle industry, or building a legacy that can be passed on for generations to come. Maybe it’s a passion to produce a champion show animal or produce a sire with top performing traits. Whatever your passion, I hope you never stop working towards, fighting for, and chasing that goal! Find your passion and let it drive you to your success.

As Florida CattleWomen we are passionate about promoting the beef industry and educating others on the important role that ranchers play in our world. In August, cattlemen and cattlewomen from all across the country gathered in Nashville, TN for the annual Cattle Industry Convention and NCBA Trade Show. What an amazing opportunity to be surrounding with other passionate individuals all striving to have a positive impact on the beef industry.

Florida CattleWomen are also passionate about constantly learning new techniques and making improvements to their herd health. CattleWomen from all across the state of Florida gathered in Citrus County at Fenco Farms for the FCW Beef Short Course. We learned important herd health management tips and techniques from Dr. LuJean Waters Stein and Dr. Todd Thift, toured Fenco Farms cattle operation and working pens, and enjoyed lunch during the annual Queen of the Rope Contest! If you missed out on this event, be sure to check out social media for photos on the FCW Beef Short Course.

Join us in the Swamp for the Fall Cattlemen’s & CattleWomen’s Quarterly meeting in Gainesville, FL on September 9^th & 10^th. All CattleWomen are welcome and encouraged to attend the FCW Board of Directors meeting on Friday, September 10^th. We will get committee updates, and discuss many of the upcoming events, including handing out names for the Hope Children’s Home Christmas event we do each year. This is great opportunity to get involved, see more of all that FCW is doing, and meet other CattleWomen from across the state.

I am excited to share that we will be hosting our Fall Ranch Tour on Saturday, October 9^th at Diamond D Ranch in Jacksonville, FL. Make plans to attend and learn all about this ranch that goes above and beyond to welcome visitors from the surrounding urban community and educate them on beef production and ranch life. For more information on the ranch, visit their website.

It is my honor to introduce our two new Beef Ambassadors. The 2021 – 2022 Senior Beef Ambassador is Emile Limoges from Pasco County and the Intermediate Beef Ambassador is Raegan Hancock. These two will have the opportunity to represent the Florida Beef industry at various events over the next year and an opportunity to earn their scholarship. These students are excited to get out and promote the beef industry, please follow their journey on the Florida Beef Ambassadors Facebook and Instagram pages.

I hope to see you at some upcoming events, take the time to get involved and introduce yourself to a new person. Remember to always be kind and lead with passion!