The ITLA e-Drover
Official news of the International Texas Longhorn Association February 2012 |
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 Happy Valentines Day from your
International Texas Longhorn Association's E-Drover!
Spreading the Love of Longhorns throughout the world! |
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Everybody needs a little love...
Photographer and Artist Jacqueline Kinsey of Southern Ontario, Canada captured this Longhorn moment she calls "Kissing Cows." She and her husband, Mike, have a thing for Longhorns, and hope to get some of their own some day. www.westwindranchcreations.com
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 
Seems like just yesterday that we were preparing to celebrate Christ's birth at Christmas and here it is already early February...one whole month of 2012 is behind us. It has been a blessed month for all of us. The southwest which suffered all summer from drought has been blessed with rain and in many areas lakes and ponds have taken on substantial water and the ground moisture is poised for the spring to come. I look forward to a wonderful spring for all of us who love Texas Longhorn cattle.
I want to update you on a few things going on around the ITLA. First, some of the aspects of our cooperation agreement with the TLMA are moving forward well. By now all of you who are not already TLMA members should have received your complimentary copy of the Texas Longhorn Journal, the premier publication of the TLMA. ALL of us at ITLA are now a part of that great publication in our industry. You will notice that the February issue contains ITLA specific content and news. If you have not received the February issue of the TLJ, call our ITLA office or the TLMA and request yours. You will receive the complimentary copy for a few months after which you can continue to receive it and other TLMA benefits by joining through the SPECIAL ITLA Membership rate of $69.00 which has been extended to you. Don't miss this opportunity to enjoy the TLJ and the ITLA and other Texas Longhorn news it will contain.
Another aspect of our cooperation agreement is that our organizations agreed to pursue holding our major annual events at the same time and in the same venue in 2012. This would be the TLMA's Longhorn World Championship (LWC) and ITLA's Annual Convention and Championship Show. This is a very exciting opportunity for the ITLA to enjoy the benefits of holding our event in a world class facility and also offer our participants access to the LWC events. The TLMA is equally excited about having the opportunity to meet and enjoy being around ITLA members and events. This is a great opportunity for our organizations and individual members to benefit one another. We are already seeing great interest from TLMA members who are interested in being a part of our Championship Show. We have been working closely with TLMA leadership in evaluating potential sites. While our search has narrowed and we are now negotiating with the venue and surrounding hotels, I will reserve announcement of the site until we have everything finalized. My hope is that we will announce the chosen site in our March publications. This is really exciting and I cannot wait to let you know.
On another front, we agreed to enhance our ITLA registration/transfer process to include on-line capability. I have been evaluating proposals for this work and will make a recommendation for ITLA Board approval soon. This is another very exciting step for the ITLA and it will provide you, our members, a wonderfully convenient way to conduct your registration business with the ITLA. And the ITLA will be able to operate more efficiently thereby holding down operating costs so that we can continue to be the best value registry. I look forward to telling you more about this soon.
And finally, as you know, we introduced promotional fees in the latter part of 2011 that will end on February 29, 2012. The good news is that this did exactly what we wanted. It benefitted many breeders who had been financially impacted by the depressed economy and the drought as well as other disasters. We experienced a significant increase in our registration volume and, even more wonderful, we grew in members during an otherwise difficult time for breeders.
I want to thank all of you who took advantage of this opportunity and welcome all of you who joined the ITLA during this time. We welcome you and are committed to providing you outstanding cattle registry services. Please review the more detailed report that you will find later in the issue.
Well, that is a lot of news for one issue. So, I will save some for March. I have been hearing from a lot of breeders who are excited about the future of both the ITLA and the Texas Longhorn Industry. I am excited about the future as well. I believe we have this organization and as a result the industry on a course to great times. Thanks for your help and support in that cause. I pray that your February will be grand and look forward to telling you more in early March.
Warm Regards,
Roger Hutton President, ITLA |
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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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ITLA Registration Discounts bring Huge Response!
Office manager Trish David reports that registrations processed during the 4th quarter surpassed the same quarter of 2010 by 130 percent! She credited the special rates introduced near year-end and, in particular, the Cooperation Agreement with TLMA which included attractive savings on both new and dual registrations.
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They still have a smile on their face! Trish (L) and Robin (R) have been scrambling to keep up with a work load that has more than doubled for the past 90 days! |
The positive trend has continued into the new year, with January registration volume reaching 269 percent of the January 2011 level.
President Roger Hutton voiced praise for the dedication of Robin Hancock, the Association's Registrar, whose workload has nearly tripled during the past 90 days. The leadership and staff of the International Texas Longhorn Association, declares Hutton, "is determined to work diligently with our affiliates and the TLMA to promote Texas Longhorn ownership and bolster market values."
Memberships have also increased during the past few months, with 4.5 percent more Active Memberships than one year earlier. The special registration rates-which included an "amnesty" provision for overage cattle-were extended through February. This is expected to sustain the level of new applications well above the seasonal norm.
Remarking on the strong response by members, and the addition of new memberships, Hutton expressed his "appreciation for the confidence in our registry which has generated an unprecedented amount of business, particularly during what is normally a very slow time of year." He went on to say that "We are fully aware that the impact of the drought has not run its course-we still have our work cut out for us!" He adds that "Each and every Texas Longhorn owner is encouraged to bring us your ideas, questions, even constructive criticisms, so that we can all work together in building recognition and value of our great breed of cattle."
The ITLA number is (254) 898-0157. The website is www.itla.com. |
| Arch Acres |
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| Texas Longhorn Marketing Alliance | |
The Texas Longhorn Legacy Sale VIII is coming March 16 - 17, 2012
We are inviting all ITLA members to come and be a part of the fun!
 Make your room reservations now:
Hyatt Regency North Dallas
701 E Campbell Road Richardson, TX 75081
Reservation Line: (888)591-1234
Be sure to tell them you are with the
Texas Longhorn Legacy Sale!
Online Reservations: www.northdallas.hyatt.com
Special Group code #: G-TXXS
Book by February 22 to receive special $129 room rate!
Don't miss the most extravagant Longhorn event of the year!
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Dear Texas Longhorn Lovers,
Welcome to the 2012 Texas Longhorn Legacy Sale VIII - the most extravagant event of the year for Longhorn breeders and enthusiasts across the country! Year after year, this extraordinary sale has continued to excite the Longhorn industry by establishing new records and setting the highest dollar averages in the business. This is possibly because only the finest quality Longhorn cattle are selected for the Legacy - a group of cattle which draws an audience of over 500 of the top breeders from across the nation.
Each year, the Legacy Sale features Longhorn cattle that set new standards for the breed. As you look over this year's sale offerings, be sure to take note of the outstanding consignments from many of the most successful Longhorn programs in the country. There are the cattle that can be beneficial to every breeder - both old and new - and can often boost a breeding program to new levels.
This year, the Legacy will again be hosted at the luxurious Hyatt Regency Hotel in Richardson, Texas. Located in north Dallas, the Hyatt offers a perfect venue for this special event, with spacious dining and lounge areas. Plus, it is convenient to shopping and many other attractions nearby. The friendly Hyatt management and staff are committed to providing you a very special weekend.
 So join us for a fun weekend surrounded by good friends in a great hotel. You'll be surrounded by fun people, great food, excitement, and best of all - breath-taking Longhorns. It is one-of-a-kind event that could only take place with Texas Longhorn cattle and the people who love them!
On behalf of all the sponsors of the 2012 Texas Longhorn Legacy Sale VIII, thank you for being here. We hope you have a great time!
Sincerely,
The Sponsors of the Texas Longhorn Legacy Sale VIII
More info at the Texas Longhorn Marketing Alliance website |
| Red Ink Ranch |  |
| Cloud 9 Longhorns |  |
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Obituary of Ronda M. Dickinson
 Ronda Dickinson of Ellicott, Colorado departed life on earth January 20, 2012, just after her 89th birthday. She passed peacefully in her home of 57 years, surrounded by family, friends and many loved ones. Her desire to live out her days at the ranch was honored. She declined rapidly after the diagnosis of an inoperable brain tumor.
Ronda was born near Burleson, Texas to Lester and Minnie Wilshire, the third of five daughters. Her husband Frank and two children moved to Colorado on September 8, 1955 where she raised a family, worked as a ranch wife, a professional seamstress, 4-H Instructor, El Paso County Horse Show secretary and served great southern cooking for family and drop-in friends.
Husband of 64 years, Frank D. Dickinson preceded her in death. She is survived by a son Darol Dickinson and wife Linda M. Dickinson of Barnesville, Ohio, and daughter Vicky Pylant and husband Joe Pylant of Redmond, Washington. She has six grandchildren: Kirk Dickinson (wife Linda "Teu"), Chad Dickinson (wife Stefanie), Joel Dickinson (wife Misty), Dela Lenz (husband Steve), Will Austin (wife Lisette), and Cary Westerbeck (wife Julie). She has eleven great grandchildren: Brice Dickinson, Shane Dickinson, Trista Dickinson, Marshall Dickinson, Kara Dickinson, Bry Dickinson, Nicole Lenz, Austin Lenz, Zane Austin, Lana Westerbeck, and Leah Westerbeck.
After the passing of her husband Frank on August 23, 2005, Ronda drove herself to church 25 miles on Sundays, and lived on the home place until her last day. She took care of herself, did baby sitting with great grand kids and spent several hours each day on her computer. Once she designed a fancy decorated hand-made pillow and sent it to Oprah, of which she promptly received a letter and phone call from Oprah in gratitude.
After her husband's passing the ranch was leased to Searle Ranches to run Texas Longhorn cattle. It was not unusual for Searle Ranch cowboys to stop in for a visit slightly before high noon and check on a hot lunch, cookies or fresh pie. There was always food and sweets used for "bait" for all ages, at all times. Everyone was welcome in Ronda's kitchen, Ronda was a member of Circle Drive Baptist Church of Colorado Springs for 56 years, where she was the longest attending member. |
Dickinson Cattle Company Inc. |  |
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ITLA Youth Vice President's Message
by Shelby Coats
 Hopefully you all know me by now but if not I will let you know who I am. Hello my name is Shelby Coats I am sixteen years old and have been showing Texas Longhorn cattle for nine years. I have been in all kinds of organizations that involve animals. I plan on graduating college as a large and small animal veterinarian.
I found a picture my grandmother (Judy Coats) holding a Longhorn heifer on a rope, when I was about five years old. I asked my grandma what she was doing and she said she showing the heifer and that she used to show way before I was even thought of. I asked her if I could show a Longhorn and she told me that when I was a little older if I still wanted to show I could. So when I asked her about it a few years later she said OK!!
My first show I was scared to death. I had two heifers, a solid red one and a white with a million red speckles all over her. My second show ever I tried the showmanship class and got first place and a belt buckle that is nicely scratched up now. My dad was so jealous because he said he never won a belt buckle when he was showing.
Well that's enough about me. I am very honored to be the ITLA youth Vice President. I know I couldn't have ran for office without knowing one of my best friends and amazing ITLA youth President Cally Cox is going to be there. Cally has a bunch of great ideas, and as we are working together on our ideas he will always be there every step of the way.
I know one of our biggest idea is to have two Showmanship camps. One in Glen Rose, Texas and the second one is undecided. We are also planning on having a Field day/ halter braking class at my ranch in Taylor, Texas. I am arranging guest speakers for the field day.
Cally and I are discussing a lot more ideas for this year, and upcoming future. Hope to see you at the McKinney show. I look forward to having a great year and I am open for suggestions.
Shelby Coats
ITLA Vice President
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| Cloverbloom Ranch - Marco Polo |  |
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Longhorn Sale to Serve Northern Plains States
The first High Plains Texas Longhorn Sale, to be held Saturday May 19 at Fort Collins, Colorado, is designed to facilitate buying and selling quality cattle at minimal expense. The sale will be held at Centennial Livestock Auction, conveniently located at Interstate 25 and Highway 14. A complimentary lunch will be served at 11:00 a.m. with sale starting at 12:30 p.m.
 | | Wiregrass Courtly is one of the 80 registered Longhorns that will sell at the High Plains Texas Longhorn Sale on May 19 at Fort Collins, Colorado |
Sale chairman John Nelson comments that "We all enjoy the blue ribbon sales events when we have the opportunity to attend." However, he is persuaded that "There is a need for an affordable auction venue within a reasonable distance of folks in Wyoming, Montana, Nebraska, Kansas, Utah and Colorado." The High Plains Sale will put a good selection of cows, pairs and a few herdsire prospects within easy driving distance of a great many Longhorn owners for whom sales in distant states are not practical.
The sale will offer 80 lots of pre-screened registered Longhorns, "providing the opportunity for breeders to add replacements to their herds at the perfect time of year," according to Randy Witte, one of the event organizers. "Consignments include fancy, big horned cows as well as high quality replacement heifers," he adds, "so we expect to have buyers from several states."
The consignment fee is $95, with a yardage fee of $25 that covers straw bedding and hay. A sales commission of 8 percent will be discounted to 5 percent for participating buyers. Information and consignment forms can be obtained at HighPlainsLonghornSale.com, by e-mail at HighPlainsSale@gmail.com or by contacting John Nelson at 970-897-2444 or Randy Witte at 719-749-9071. |
| Cloverblooom Ranch |  |
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Marriage is an institution in which a man loses his Bachelor's Degree and the woman gets her Masters. |
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ITTLA Smoke Signal
Submitted by Doris Snyder
Folks, ITTLA is headed for a great 2012 so grab Wesley Watson's coat tail and hang on.........
Our next meeting will be at Larry and Gala Johnstons place in Lookeba. The meeting will be on FEBRUARY 11, 2011, rather than in March. Larry and Gala will furnish all the food, however it would be a big help if you would RSVP to them so they will know how many to prepare for. If you have any trouble finding it just give Larry a call at 405/457-7469 and he will guide you. The meeting will start at 11:00 AM and we will eat at 12:00 PM. Mark your calendar now, you'll be glad you did! Our new ITTLA President, Wesley Watson, has many ideas that he would like to talk about with the membership. Let's have a great ITTLA turnout. come and listen to his ideas. You won't be disappointed! Some of the ideas he wants to discuss are: 1. The "Trail of Tears" futurity and the "Sooner Cattle Stampede" on June 15th and 16th. You will not want to miss this event where exhibitors, buyers and sellers join forces and everyone wins. ! 2. The "Sooner Cattle Stampede" will be an opportunity for breeders to offer their prize animals for sale and buyers know the actual price before the event. The buyers will have an opportunity to participate in the 'Trail of Tears' futurity to win super prizes at no additional cost to them. What a deal! 3. The ITTLA annual sale on June 14th and 15th in Durant, OK. For the same low $150.00 consignment fee, your animal will be listed on the live internet auction services for the world to bid on in addition to the buyers who attend the sale. What an unbelievable opportunity! 4. Want to know what he has in mind for 'Bull Alley' at the ITTLA annual show? He wants to put the bulls on the live Internet auction prior to the sale to showcase the breed bulls and to allow those that purchased pens to market their bulls on the live Internet. That will showcase your breeding program! 5. He wants to involve everyone in setting long range goals that are tailored to the member interests, such as seminars for Marketing on the Internet and facebook for the membership. Development of an ITTLA 'face book' site where we can showcase all of our events and utilize the electronic media services for the association. Breed research and development (ET, AI, Invetro, Cloning, etc). Bovine health, maintenance and prevention. Development of an ITTLA Internet 'swap shop site', Longhorn beef sales (USDA labels, marketing, grants, beef contracts with USDA senior citizen and school sites, etc.) Sounds interesting! Would you like to purchase an Advertising banner at cost? Orders will be taken at the meeting. Our core group of ITTLA members has continued to dwindle and we need some exciting new ideas or projects to stay viable, so come and be a part of this affiliate.. A new membership roster will be attached to your February Smoke Signal. Please check you current membership roster and let me know of any changes in either your current residential address and your email address, if you have one. If you can't locate your roster feel free to either call me at 580-492-4739 or email me at dbsnyder1995@hotmail.com and I will be happy to tell you what I have for you on the roster. We hope in the future to send the Smoke Signal electronically. This will save ITTLA money and my time. |
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Texas: Ag Exempt Law Changes
From: Window on State Government, Texas
 There are NEW sales tax laws for Ag Exempt as of January 1, 2012.
The buyer will need to register and get an Ag Exempt number before an auctioneer remove tax on ag use!
IF YOU DO NOT HAVE YOUR NEW AG ID NUMBER, WE ARE REQUIRED TO COLLECT SALES TAX ON ALL ITEMS UNLESS YOU HAVE THAT NUMBER! So, do not get upset with us, just use the links below to go online and get your new Ag Id.
Here is a summary and some links to the State Comptroller web sites for more info.
IMPORTANT: New Texas Agricultural Sales Tax Exemptions 1/1/2012
Do I need a registration number?
Beginning Jan. 1, 2012, if you claim an exemption from sales tax on the purchase of certain items used in the production of agricultural and timber products, yes. In the Texas 82nd Regular Legislative Session, a bill was passed (House Bill 268) that requires a person claiming an exemption from sales tax on such purchases must provide a registration number issued by the Comptroller of Public Accounts on the exemption certificate issued to the seller. The Comptroller will provide a registration number to you upon your successful application for registration.
Beginning Jan. 1, 2012, a person claiming an exemption from sales tax on the purchase of certain items used in the production of agricultural and timber products is required to have a Texas Agriculture and Timber Exemption Registration Number (Ag/Timber Number).
Texas Agricultural Sales Tax Exemptions http://www.window.state.tx.us/taxinfo/taxpubs/tx96_1112.pdf
http://www.window.state.tx.us/taxinfo/agriculture/get_ready_texas.html |
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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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The SALE PEN | |
DIRT CHEAP: How would you like to advertise your cattle or business in a line-ad in the E-Drover Sale Pen?
A line-ad is text only, does not include pictures or hyperlinks, and would be roughly (+/-) 60 words/300 characters, (with spaces) in a 10 pt font.
$25 for 1 time, 3 months for $60 (prepaid), or 12 mos. for $200 (prepaid).
That would look about like this:
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COW FOR SALE. When she had four legs, she was really something to look at. But, tell ya the truth, since she lost her left horn, it really balances her out. Got about $3500 in feed since she was born, would like to break even. Call Me: 123-456-7890, talk real loud, cause I ran out of cord on my mobile phone, its' by the barn.
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DIRT CHEAP. I got some dirt, real cheap. Not as cheap as a line ad in the E-Drover, because hey, I gotta make a living here. A line ad is just the thing I needed. $200 per year makes it real affordable to advertise my business to longhorn producers, lots of them might need my dirt, cheap. 123-456-7890 SAMPLE AD
GET YOUR DIRT CHEAP LINE AD - TODAY!
contact: kevin@e-drover.com |
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Thank you for your continued support of the International Texas Longhorn Association's E-Drover. The E-Drover remains one of the most cost effective ways to reach Registered Texas Longhorn cattle owners and enthusiasts.
Be sure to advertise your ranch, cattle and other special events.
For the Love of Longhorns, 
e-Drover editor |
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