The ITLA e-Drover
Official news of the International Texas Longhorn Association October 2011 |
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Welcome to your International Texas Longhorn Association's e-Drover. You are receiving this because of your interest in Texas Longhorns.....Forward this on to your friends to let them know what's happening in the ITLA Longhorn World!
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Longhorn sighting near Aspen, CO
A Texas Longhorn Sculpture by bronze artist Jim Thomas was sighted in Edwards, CO when it was being installed. It makes the perfect statement near the entrance to a high altitude resort/housing department.
Send us your favorite unique Longhorn photos, we would love to share some of them here in the e-Drover. |
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Around the Campfire 
Just EIGHT days from now the International Texas Longhorn Association (ITLA) will converge on Glen Rose, Texas to participate in and enjoy the extraordinary experience of its 22nd Annual Convention and Championship Show. Preparation for the Association's marquee event of the year has gone on for months. Championship Show Chair Larry Lonero and his committee have affected changes in the show this year that will bring new excitement and the enthusiasm that will create memories for years to come. Convention Chair Corena Henderson has organized a wonderful experience for everyone to enjoy.
In addition, we have the always well attended Judging Clinic that will be presented by Darol Dickinson, Lizz Huntzberry and Bill Henderson. Come learn how to judge the cattle you buy and sell and it will equip you to make more money with your future transactions. This seminar is the highlight of our Convention and you won't want to miss it.
If the economy and the drought have dampened your enthusiasm and you have not made arrangements to be a part of this great event, IT IS NOT TOO LATE TO COME. We have waived late fees for show entries. Those of you already bringing a trailer, put more cows in it. Or haul cows for your neighbor to share cost. You will be glad you brought more cattle to compete for the awards and bragging rights. What better experience to take your mind off of the economy and the drought than to enjoy a few days with your friends and show your beautiful Texas Longhorn cattle.
So, call the office NOW and send your entries immediately. Call a hotel and get your room. Please don't look back in a few months and regret that you missed the 22nd ITLA Convention and Championship Show.
I look forward to seeing you in Glen Rose next week.
Regards,
Roger Hutton |
| Cloverblooom Ranch |  |
ITLA Convention and Championship - October 20-22, 2011 | 
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Geurin Heifer Tops Rocky Mountain Sale
 Pleasant weather greeted visitors to the Rocky Mountain Select Sale, held in the forested foothills near Colorado Springs. Buyers from 10 states converged for the popular social evening and sale. Although the impact of the drought affecting the entire Southwest and southern plains was reflected in prices, the Grand Champion Jr. Heifer went for $10,000 and bidding was active on the fancier cattle.
Jim and Sarah Hutchinson of Prescott, AZ bought the Champion Jr. Heifer, Awesome Tony, consigned by Butch and Kelly Geurin's Mountain Creek Longhorns. Hutchinsons also bought the Reserve Champion Jr. Heifer, sired by 7-11 Sir Winchester and consigned by Linda Farnsworth, and took home the Weatherby rifle as Premier Buyers.
Second high selling lot was a heifer embryo out of RM Touch N Whirl Pat by Respect Me. Consigned by XC Longhorns of Hillsboro, TX, the recipient with embryo sold for $4,600 to Warren and Cathy Dorathy of Caballo Bravo Longhorns at Sanger, CA.
The ITLA Building Fund was the beneficiary of $3,300 from the sale of a fancy two year-old with calf at side. The pair was donated by Linda Farnsworth in memory of Durell Farnsworth--with contributions being made by Best of Trails Texas Longhorn Association, John Nelson, Doug Hunt and the Iversen family. In an added touch of generosity Craig Iversen donated the pair to a young lady who was helping out in the sale clerk's office.
Average price for the All-Star Heifer Showcase consignments was $1,637 with an overall sale average of $1220.
Auctioneer was Joel Lemley, of Blackwell Texas, with Gary Lake doing the pedigree commentary. Sale sponsors were Joe & Debbie Assad, Brett & Darcy DeLapp, Linda Farnsworth's 7-11 Ranch, Doug & Dianne Hunt, Jim & Sarah Hutchinson, Craig, Cel & Rietta Iversen, John & Darlene Nelson and Nik & Kim Nikodym. Hosting the sale for the 13th year were Stan and Lorna Searle of Monument, CO.
CLICK HERE FOR SOME MORE PICS OF THE SELECT SALE DAY |
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Don't Miss the ITLA Judging Clinic -Thursday October 20th
 Texas Longhorns are known for their calving ease. Many are aware of a Texas A & M University study that proves Texas Longhorn cows dilate to 110 cm when calving while commercial cattle only dilate to approximately 90 cm. But do you know how to look at the hooks, pins and tail-set of a cow and tell if she has the right conformation to dilate to 110 cm? The ITLA Judging Clinic will demonstrate how to tell the difference.
On October 20, 2011, from 9 A.M. to 4 P.M. the ITLA will host a Texas Longhorn Judging Clinic in the Glen Rose Expo Center.
The clinic will be taught by the three people approved by the ITLA Board of Directors to teach Judging Clinics: Bill Henderson of Texas, Lizz Huntzberry of Maryland and Darol Dickinson of Ohio. Learning about Texas Longhorns from these three can save you money when buying and make you money when selling. Each participant (one per family) will receive an ITLA Judging Manual.
The ITLA Judges Clinic is open to the public! You do not have to be an ITLA member or show Judge to attend. Most of the people who attend the Judges Clinics are there to learn more about Texas Longhorns and may never be a show judge. However, if you'd like to become an approved ITLA show judge, the ITLA Judging Clinic is the first step. The ITLA Judges manual can be purchased for $50 if you are unable to attend. Many consider the manual a great evaluation tool. The ITLA Judges Manual is given to all who attend the Clinic. The manual instructs potential judges to "judge the cows like they would sell". The information contained in the manual explains how to look for the profitable characteristics in a Texas Longhorn and how to recognize the unprofitable flaws.
Darol Dickinson's presentation will be a two part series of photos accumulated over the last 44 years of good points, bad genetic defects and simple flaws in the breed. He will share his research with nearly 300 power point photos. No college has this extended teaching data that will be presented. It presents illustrations from the Royal herd in England, French import breeds, then to Pretoria, South Africa, skeletal anatomy drawings, photos inside the mouth, skin cancers, horn shapes, etc. The illustrations are revised, added to, and improved for every clinic. Beyond the power point, there will also be reasons, demos, procedures and live cattle illustrations. Lunch will be provided.
The entire day's one-of-a-kind experience for only $75!
>> Just fill out the form here below to reserve your seat.<<
(To reserve lunch, send reservations by Oct 10.)
Make your check payable to ITLA and mail to: ITLA, Bx 2610, Glen Rose, TX 76043
Questions? 254-898-0157 staff@itla.com
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Visit us at WI LONGHORNS AND LEATHER in Lone Wolf, Oklahoma.
Offering Texas Longhorn, WI Longhorn brand healthy grass-fed ground beef.
Bulls, Steers, Cows and Calves FOR SALE at all times. |
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Here are the ITLA Officer election results: President Roger Hutton Uncontested Vice President Stan Searle (Winner) 117 Shadow Seaman 75 Region 1 Mark Stewart Uncontested Region 3 Jim Small Uncontested Region 10 Larry Lonero Uncontested Region 11 Brian Brett Uncontested At Large #1 Ken Berryman Uncontested At Large #5 Debby Goodrich (winner) 94 Gregory Brown 84 Article 5, Sect. 2 Approve (Passed) 169 Reject 12 Article 5, Sect 3 Approve (Passed) 167 Reject 13 Article 7 Approve (Passed) 168 Reject 10 Thank you to all who are willing to serve! |
| Red Ink Ranch | 
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Whatever it takes!
Get to the Show!
 | | Everybody is heading to the ITLA Convention! |
It's NOT TOO LATE to enter and/or attend the
2011 ITLA Convention and Show in
Glen Rose, Texas - Oct 20-22, 2011 |
| ITLA Convention and Show Link | |
Be sure to click below for the...
ITLA Convention and Show REGISTRATION AND INFORMATION LINK |
| Dickinson Cattle Company Inc. |  |
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Longhorn World Championship Show and Sale
The 2011 Longhorn World Championship was another resounding success, with Longhorn breeders traveling from all across the country to see many of the industry's most impressive Longhorn cattle. Saturday night, the annual event culminated with the awards dinner featuring great food and the fabulous Championship bronzes.
Here's just some of the cattle highlights:
 | | J.R Grand Slam. |
The LWC "Lifetime Achievement Award" award went to J.R. Grand Slam, bred by Ron and Jo Jones.
 | | Hunts Command Respect |
"Ultimate Longhorn Bull" was Hunts Command Respect, bred by Doug Hunt.
 | | BL Rio Catchit |
And the "Ultimate Longhorn Cow," was BL Rio Catchit, bred by Bob Loomis.
Horn Measuring Competition
The measuring competition progressed smoothly under the direction of Tessa Millsap, Dale Hunt & Russell Fairchild.
 | | Shadow Jubilee |
The longest TTT measurement for a cow was Shadow Jubilee CFA at 88", bred by Dickinson Cattle Co, and owned by Jim and Barb Steffler. Shadow Jubilee was followed closely by BL Rio Catchit at 87.5".
 | | Respect Me |
With the longest TTT measurement for the bulls was Respect Me, at 85.375", owned by Briscoe/Hunt partnership; with Top Caliber a close second at 84.75".
 | | Top Caliber |
For Complete Horn, Top Caliber came in with 220 3/4", owned by the
DeLapp/ Hutton/ Geurin/ Searle/ Casey /Allen/ McGill partnership.
CLICK HERE FOR THE COMPLETE LIST OF MEASUREMENTS AND CLASS WINNERS
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Also honored with the 2011 Longhorn Spirit Award, was Joe Valentine, for his tireless efforts to promote cooperation in the Longhorn industry.
 | | Joe Valentine - TLMA 2011 Longhorn Spirit Award recipient |
SALE RESULTS
The 2011 Longhorn World Championship Sale was well attended with an enthusiastic crowd and a group of excellent cattle.
Sale Average: $ 2,532
High Selling Lots
$14,000 - EOT Outback Rangerette Buyer: Panther Creek Longhorns | Consignor: Hudson Longhorns
$11,000 - Rose's Overalls TCB Buyer: Hudson Longhorns | Consignor: Tom Billingsley
$10,000 - Horseshoe J Charm Buyer: Hudson Longhorns | Consignor: Jimmy Jones
$8,700 - SDR Rios CJ Buyer: Panther Creek Longhorns | Consignor: John Wampler
$8,000 - FGR Sunny's Hot Shot Buyer: Tom Christopher| Consignor: Allen/Filip Partnership
Volume Buyers:
$22,700 - Hudson Longhorns
$14,000 - Panther Creek Longhorns
$8,700 - John Wampler
$8,000 - Mike Crawford
$8,000 - Tom Christopher
Used with thanks to Wes Chancey and the Texas Longhorn Marketing Alliance
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| Cloud 9 Longhorns |  |
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ITLA FUNDS SUCCESSFUL BREED TESTS
by Darol Dickinson
 Many cattlemen in mountain areas who run cattle at elevations above 5000 feet have experienced reduced performance, higher rates of sickness and death losses from Heart Stress or Heart Failure caused by high elevation. Ranching in high elevations can be a challenge, particularly when a producer's cattle are not genetically capable to handle the stress.
One of the highest elevation ranching areas in the nation is Gunnison, Colorado. A special line of cattle have been raised there for over a hundred years consisting of mostly foundation Hereford blood that is almost totally resistant to heart failure losses. At the same elevations most Angus genetics have poor resistance. Each breed reacts different to scientific testing.
The condition is commonly called "Brisket Disease". Cattle raised under thin oxygen environments of high elevations develop an enlarged brisket which is one visible sign of the disease. These animals are starved for oxygen because it is difficult for the heart to force blood through their lungs. Death by heart attack is a result. In Wyoming it is estimated annually that 3 to 6 percent of the calves are lost due to pulmonary hypertension, or "brisket." Considering that the Continental Divide crosses only part of Wyoming, cattle in the highest elevations are up to double or triple that percentage loss. To evaluate the magnitude of this issue, cattle producing areas are affected from the Continental Divide in Canada extending down into Mexico.
Stricken livestock fail to thrive and are characterized by swelling in the neck and chest due to fluid accumulation. The cattle also experience depression, weakness, diarrhea, and eventually complete heart failure.
"It can mean the difference in profit and loss in some operations," says Wyoming Professor Mark Stayton of the College of Agriculture's Dept. of Molecular Biology. Knowledge gained from testing cattle can be helpful in human research. Many genes are similar among vertebrates.
Animal scientists and veterinarians from Colorado State University have developed a test which is used to identify cattle that may be either "more at risk" to develop this condition, or conversely, may have "a lower risk" for high elevation heart related problems.
This test is commonly called a PAP test. PAP stands for Pulmonary Arterial Pressure. It measures the blood pressure as the blood leaves the heart. Cattle with low blood pressure levels, (lower PAP scores), are proven to be less at risk than cattle with high blood pressure levels. The threshold PAP score for cattle running at elevations above 5000 feet is 42 or below.
In order to be valid, cattle being PAP tested must be raised at elevations higher than 5000 feet or resident for at least 30 days preceding the test.
Dr. Tim Holt, Town and Country Veterinary Clinic, Gunnison, Colorado is the recognized authority on high elevation heart failure, and has PAP tested more than 200,000 cattle during his 27 year career. He has worked with Colorado State University and the University of Wyoming to develop the testing equipment and methods of testing.
The test process by Holt involves passing a fine plastic tube through the jugular vein into the lower right heart ventricle and lung of a bull to measure the blood pressure. Holt only requires a few minutes to record the pressure number and evaluate the heart qualities or weaknesses. Once tested the heart remains almost the same through life and it is proven to be genetic. PAP runs high or low in breeds and families of cattle.
ITLA directors were first alerted to the PAP test when ITLA member Ron Jones of Salida, Colorado used the services of Dr. Holt on his young Texas Longhorn bulls. From sample PAP tests of Jones's cattle the early results were amazingly positive on the tests, however it only involved a small sampling.
 ITLA provided funding to test a larger group of bulls provided by Longhorn producers of Colorado. As a result of this testing it is now conclusive that the Texas Longhorn breed has excellent tolerance to high elevation stress. Texas longhorn purebred and crossbred cattle have proven to possess extra longevity and now have scientifically shown this quality can be profitable in the highest elevations.
Dr. Holt only has data on fewer than 500 Texas Longhorns. On some other breeds he has over 50,000 tests. He, being a conservative scientist, does not guarantee Texas Longhorns to be as good or better than the historic cattle developed around Gunnison, but the tests on this small sampling do indicate the most positive results.
During the last 30 years large numbers of Longhorn and percentage cattle have multiplied in the high country. Longhorn females can be mated with the old line of Gunnison cattle for very profitable proven "strong hearts" to help successful commercial cattle operations.
As a result of this ITLA Research Project once again the Texas Longhorn breed has proven to be excellent, not because man did something special, but because hundreds of years of survival eliminated the "weak hearts." Now Longhorn producers can claim a special profit factor, proven by the best science of our day, as characteristic of the historic Texas Longhorn...GREAT HEARTS!!
Dr. Holt is the gentleman featured in the photos, performing the tests in Ellicott, CO. The Colorado bulls that were raised at Ellicott were off the charts excellent...Darol
This article originally appeared in the Longhorn Drover in 2007. |
| ITLA Convention and Championship - October 20-22, 2011 |  |
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SAVE $60
...that's
a lot of MOO-LA!
:) |
YOUTH JUDGING CLINIC OFFER
ALL YOUTH can register and receive a $60 DISCOUNT to the ITLA Convention and Championship Show's Special Judging Clinic on Thursday, October 20th at the Somervell County Expo Center, Glen Rose, Texas.
You and your parents can attend for ONLY $35 EACH! Each child and parent receives a FREE LUNCH, and each family receives ONE FREE JUDGING MANUAL.
Contact the ITLA for more information: 254-898-0157.
Staff@ITLA.com www.ITLA.com
| | Offer expires so don't miss out! Be sure to attend! |
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Texas Animal Health Commission Responds to Raging Fires across the State
AUSTIN - The existing wildfire situations across the state of Texas have The Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC) emergency responders currently working in Bastrop, Travis, Cass, and Waller counties. The TAHC is the lead state agency for livestock related disaster response and continues to provide assessments of animal needs in the affected areas while working closely with local authorities to resolve those needs. The TAHC staffed the State Operations Center (SOC) in support of response operations.
As part of the state's Animal Response Team, the Texas A&M Veterinary Emergency Team (VET) has a 13-member team working with the local sheriff's department and animal control officers to triage and stabilize animals being removed from the burned areas in Bastrop County and to provide veterinary care to the search and rescue canines deployed with Texas Task Force 1.
According to Russell Iselt, Region 7 Supervising Inspector, the TAHC has been assisting local livestock officials in escorting producers into affected/restricted areas to help or allow them to feed and water their stock. A number of local veterinarians have taken in displaced animals and treated injured or burned animal patients. The TAHC and Texas A&M VET, along with Texas Veterinary Medical Association (TVMA) are working closely to support veterinarians and their needs. "To our knowledge, no veterinary clinics have been destroyed by the fires and many remain open and actively involved," Dr. Tommy Barton, Region 7 Director, said. ..."We are proud to assist the citizens of Texas in resolving animal related disasters and to partner with several state agencies and industry groups that all have a variety of skills that complement each other in our shared mission of addressing the needs of animals in disaster situations," Hensley said.
State officials remind Texans about the continued extreme wildfire danger throughout the state. Texans are urged to be cautious, stay alert and be smart when partaking in activities that involve "fire." Most counties in Texas are under burn bans, so obey the burn bans as they apply.
As the TAHC continues to monitor wildfire situations across the state and assist as emergency situations arise, Amanda Bernhard, TAHC Emergency Management Coordinator, says, "You should always try to take your pets and livestock with you if at all possible if a fire occurs, but if you are not able to, make sure to contact the local livestock deputies and animal control officers to find out where animals displaced by the fires have been taken for shelter."
FULL PRESS RELEASE HERE
Also, here's an excerpt from the Oct 7th release:
TAHC Accepting Comments on Three New Rule Proposals
AUSTIN - The Texas Animal Health Commission (Commission) is currently accepting public comments on rule proposals that were authorized during the September 20 Commission meeting.
The Commission proposed amendments to Chapter 33, entitled "Fees, Lab Fees." The proposed amendments are for the purpose of assessing fees related to testing performed by the State-Federal Laboratory System in Texas, which is operated by the Commission...
The Commission also proposed amendments to Chapter 33, entitled "Fees, Herd Certification." The proposed amendments are for the purpose of assessing and collecting fees for services related to the Commission creating, maintaining, and/or validating disease free certification or status programs. Examples of such programs include brucellosis free herd programs for cattle and swine, and chronic wasting disease monitoring programs for cervids. ...The proposed fee will be $100 for each certificate or status approved or renewed and issued by the Commission...
Lastly, the Commission also proposed amendments to Chapter 53, entitled, "Market Identification." ...to require that livestock market personnel apply permanent identification to specific species and classes of adult cattle or record existing identification on the cattle as well as ensure that the information is recorded in a manner prescribed by the Commission. This rule will specifically require that all livestock markets identify each head of sexually intact cattle that are parturient or postparturient, or 18 months of age or older; all dairy cattle (all cattle breeds typically used to produce milk or other dairy products for human consumption); and all cattle and bison used for rodeos, recreational events, shows or exhibitions, with an official approved eartag. Also, the rule will require that the market shall record the identification in a manner prescribed by the Commission...
READ THE ENTIRE RELEASE HERE
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Show Policy on Awards Announced
A decision has been announced regarding awards to be presented at the 2011 Annual Convention and Championship Show recognizing regional and national achievement in the 2011 show season. Reviewing past practice, president Roger Hutton stated that "when the state of the national economy and the Texas Longhorn Industry were robust and participation in our events was at high levels, awards were upgraded to wood plaques for many of the awards. It is understandable that after a few years in the good times it became expected that this level of award should continue. In recent years this has proven to be more and more difficult, culminating in 2010 with a decision to provide all award winners with very nice quality certificates.
"The change, as does all change, was met with disappointment by some of our members. However, the reality is that ITLA can no longer afford to present the expensive plaques to all award winners. Additionally, not all award winners want them. Many appreciated the quality certificates that can be framed and admired just as well. But, in recognition of the diversity of views we agreed to consider a different approach this year. Accordingly, the Board established a committee to review the 2011 awards approach and make a recommendation to the President that would balance the view of the members as well as the Association's ability to finance the awards. The committee made a recommendation that I believe achieved the direction of the Board.
"Accordingly, I am announcing that the 2011 awards will again be certificates, however, each recipient will have the option to exchange the certificate for a plaque. Any recipient electing the exchange option can surrender the certificate and pay for mailing of the plaque. We will observe how this approach works for 2011 and then determine what the awards will be for 2012 and announce the approach early next year." |
| Cloverbloom Ranch - Marco Polo |  |
| Arch Acres |
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 New to Texas Longhorns?
There's lots of good people who would love to help you get started !
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Don't Forget about the Show!
"...IT IS NOT TOO LATE TO COME.
We have waived late fees for show entries. Those of you already bringing a trailer, put more cows in it. Or haul cows for your neighbor to share cost."
Roger Hutton, President |
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How are we doing?
We took a couple extra days to pack in as many timely updates and news as we could. We were glad to be able to include the recent election results as well as some TLMA results; many of our members participated, with some taking top honors in their category.
What are your thoughts? How are we doing with the e-Drover? Take a minute to let us know what we are doing right, and what things could continue to be improved.
SUBMIT YOUR COMMENTS:
editor@e-drover.com
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Email for more info: kevin@e-drover.com
For the Love of Longhorns, 
Kevin Trigueiro e-Drover editor |
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