“You can’t go back and change the beginning, but you can start where you are and change the ending” – C.S. Lewis. To some, the New Year is a completely blank page waiting to be filled, for others it is just a continuation of the story already written, either way I hope you remember the words of Nelson Mandela, “there is no passion to be found in settling for a life that is less than the one you are capable of living”. I believe passion is what drives each of us to get up each day, face the challenges and then still come back the next day to do it all again. Passion is what drives my year of service as FCW President, passion for the beef industry, passion for leadership, and passion to inspire others. “Purpose is what guides us, but passion is what drives us!”
The Florida CattleWomen’s passion to promote the Florida beef industry allowed us to connect with over 10,000 people through the Tampa Junior Women’s League Holiday Market in November at the Florida State Fair Grounds. We gave beef samples, recipes and information, and offered attendees the opportunity to purchase fresh Florida beef from Quincey Cattle Company. The amount of people who wanted to purchase or were already purchasing beef directly from a Florida rancher was inspiring. Huge thank you to Quincey Cattle Company, Florida Cattle Ranchers, FL Beef Council, and all the FCW members that came out to work this event!
Each year at the Decemeber Quarterly, FCW collects the Christmas presents and donations for beef certificates for the Hope Children’s Home in Tampa, FL. Thanks for the generous donations of FL Cattlemen and CattleWomen we were able to provide over $5,000 in beef certificates and the Florida Cattle Ranchers donated beef product to help support this program. Thank you to everyone who helped to make this a wonderful Christmas season for the Hope Children’s Home!
The passion of CattleWomen from across the state is evident as they are busy getting organizaed and supporting the beef industry. Jackson County CattleWomen held a luncheon to recruit new members and get their association moving forward. We are excited to see what big plans they have for the new year!
Read any good books lately? Mrs. Immogene Yarborough has, as she reads the Florida Ag in the Classroom Ag Literacy Day book “The Cattle Tale”, which tells the story of Florida cattle rancher Korey Griner. This spring FCW will be organizing a day for CattleWomen to get in the classrooms and read “The Cattle Tale”. Visit the Florida Ag in the Classroom website to order your free book and classroom supplies.
We hope to see you at the upcoming Ranch Tours, follow Florida CattleWomen on Facebook for more information. Do more of what makes your soul happy, never stop chasing your passion!
Michele Curts
