The ITLA e-Drover
Official news of the International Texas Longhorn Association June 2012 |
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Greetings from your ITLA E-Drover.
This newsletter provides timely information and updates for the members of the ITLA, as well as those who love and admire the Texas Longhorn breed of cattle. |
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Longhorn sighting in Austria!
 | Meet "Win2Day," the 1st calf
born in Austria |
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 
WOW, the months are flying by.
Here we are in June and 2012 is almost half over. It has been a great year for the ITLA. Our membership is growing, our financial position is strong, we are making improvements to our registry software, and we are completing planning for the first ever Longhorn Extravaganza, where we will hold our Convention and Championship Show along with the TLMA's Longhorns World Championship, the premier horn measurement event in the industry. This reunion event provides an opportunity for all breeders irrespective of their association preference to come together, participate in the events of their choice, and enjoy each other's company. This event is truly a blessing for all of us. So, don't wait. Get your hotel reservations made and we will have entry forms on the web site very soon that will allow you to get your convention registration and show entries in early to claim your spot in this premier and historical event in our breed.
Memorial Day is just a couple of weeks behind us, yet I still dwell on the appreciation I hold for the men and women in our history who have given so much to secure our safety and freedom. We spent the holiday weekend traveling from North Texas to Colorado Springs and return. That is a lot of driving in five days, but it was a joyous time of remembrance and appreciation, fellowship with Carol and with the Searle and Lake families in Colorado Springs. As we drove across the country we enjoyed seeing the bounty afforded by the rain with which the country has been blessed. I don't think there is a prettier sight than a field full of hay bales. Continue your prayers that the blessings of rain will continue and that the drought of 2011 does not return.
Larry Lonero, our Championship Show Chair, and Robyn Lonero, our Convention Chair, are hard at work finalizing arrangements for both events. In the coming weeks we will share with you more details about our annual premier events and the new things that we will be doing this year to add variety, fun and excitement to our Convention and Championship Show.
Work is under way on the development of our new ITLA Registration and Transfer software. We are really excited about this significant improvement that will not only add efficiency to our office operations, but make it more convenient and faster for you to do business with ITLA. I know it is hard to believe, considering how fast Robin and Trish process registrations and transfers now. It is our plan to have the program complete in time to conduct introductory training at the Convention. In addition we will soon announce the details of a contest that we will conduct in July and August to select a name for the new program. So, get a head start and get your creative juices flowing so you can be ready to submit your entry in the contest.
The final piece of news I have for you is that I have appointed a Strategic Planning Committee comprised of Directors Lana Danielle, Larry Lonero, and Kirk Dickinson and Vice President Stan Searle. They have been working for a couple of weeks preparing a Strategic Plan for the ITLA. They will be bringing the plan before the Executive Committee in late June for review and input. The final plan will be presented to the full Board at its July conference call meeting for discussion, input and finalization. A strategic plan is a very important tool for any company or organization. It provides a clear statement of the organization's priorities, sets its goals, sets schedules for accomplishing those goals and gives continuity to the organization as it undergoes changes in its leadership. So, this is a significant step for the ITLA in its continued adoption of disciplined business principles. I am very appreciative of these Directors who have volunteered their time, skills and experience to this important process.
Warm Regards,
Roger Hutton President, ITLA |
| Cloverbloom Ranch |  |
| Dickinson Cattle Company Inc. |  |
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We Are Proud to Present the Longhorn Code of Honor
and we encourage every ITLA Member to adopt it as their own.
Over the last few months, Longhorn breeders from across the country have shown a strong interest in establishing a set of ethical standards for our industry. A group of highly regarded members of our industry agreed to address this issue:
* Dr. Frank Anderson Jr.
* Mike Casey
* John Helm
* Larry Lonero
* Johnnie Robinson
* Doug Stotts
The group has created the Longhorn Code of Honor, a voluntary set of standards that any Longhorn breeder, regardless of size, location, or association can use.
Introduction
The Longhorn Code of Honor (the Code) was created to identify and recognize members of the Longhorn industry who uphold the highest levels of ethical behavior. The Longhorn Code is available to all Longhorn breeders, sellers, and buyers, regardless of size, location or association affiliation. The Longhorn Code of Honor Seal (the Seal) is designed to designate or identify members of the Longhorn industry who have committed to operate by the standards set forth in the Longhorn Code of Honor. Anyone who commits to operate by the Code can use the Seal in their advertising, websites, catalogs, business cards, stationary, signage, banners, or any other media or manner that is consistent with the high professional standards of the Code. To use the Seal, simply read the Code and the Supplement below, and signify that you agree by checking the box at the bottom of the page. There is no cost or charge for the use of the Seal, nor any requirement that you join any organization or participate in any event. The Longhorn Code of Honor and the Seal are free to everyone.
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| Texas Longhorn Marketing Alliance | The Longhorn Code of Honor TM
 "Embracing Integrity, Honesty and Dignity in the Longhorn Breed"
We, the supporters of the Longhorn Code of Honor, understand that honesty, fairness, and mutual respect are fundamental to the way we treat each other. We will conduct our business in a moral and ethical manner, realizing that the integrity and public image of the Longhorn industry is based on the sum of all professional conduct of the men and women who buy, sell, and breed Longhorn cattle.
- We believe that one of our highest responsibilities is the proper care of our Longhorn cattle.
- We will not misrepresent the sire and dam of any of our Longhorn production.
- We will not misrepresent the date of birth of any of our Longhorn production.
- When we operate a public auction, we will not misrepresent the true buyer of any consignment.
- When we operate a public auction, we will not misrepresent the actual sales price of any consignment.
- We will treat everyone with respect and conduct our business in an honest manner.
No quality or trait is more important than integrity. An ethical person inspires trust. Without trust, we cannot build and maintain our industry or support our associations. By following this simple Longhorn code, we will continue to thrive as independent breeders, strengthen our associations, and maintain the highest level of credibility. We encourage all breeders of the Longhorn industry to embrace the Longhorn Code of Honor and commit to these basic values.
Supplement to the Longhorn Code of Honor ™
The overwhelming majority of Longhorn breeders, owners and sellers understand and agree that the Longhorn breed can only flourish in an environment free of discord, distrust, and dishonest tactics. The Longhorn Code of Honor ("the Code") is designed to encourage all responsible breeders, owners and sellers to aspire to the highest possible level of honesty, integrity and accountability in the trade. Although the Code is a set of voluntary standards, we strongly encourage that it be adopted by all Longhorn breeders or sellers, regardless of association or political affiliation. Breeders and sale operators who comply with the Code may display the Longhorn Code of Honor Seal in their advertising, catalogs, websites, letterheads, business cards, or in any other media or manner that is consistent with the high professional standards of the Code. Longhorn breeders may display the Seal as long as they operate in a manner that is consistent with the Code. The "Longhorn Code of Honor" and the Longhorn Code of Honor Seal logo are trademarked to protect from misuse. If a breeder is found to be conducting business in a manner that is contrary to the Code, permission to use the Longhorn Code of Honor Seal may be withdrawn.
Interpretation of the Code:
- We believe that one of our highest responsibilities is the proper care of our Longhorn cattle. Simply put, a responsible Longhorn breeder should always provide adequate food, water, and health care for their cattle, and not subject them to abuse.
- We will not misrepresent the sire and dam of any of our Longhorn production. The pedigree of a Longhorn can have a dramatic effect on its value. The Longhorn breeder commits that he will not knowingly communicate or register the wrong parentage for any Longhorn which he has produced. To be in compliance with the spirit of this provision, a breeder must take all reasonable steps to insure this information is accurate.
- We will not misrepresent the date of birth of any of our Longhorn production. To be consistent with this provision, the Longhorn breeder must take all reasonable and practical steps to maintain accurate records of birthdates and will not provide inaccurate information for registration of an animal. In cases where the birth is not observed by a breeder or his agent, the breeder must make an honest best effort to estimate the actual date of birth.
- When we operate a public auction, we will not misrepresent the true buyer of any consignment. Sale operators must commit to providing accurate information to the public. It is a violation of the Code to represent a "passed-out", PO'd, or otherwise unsold consignment as a sold consignment, or to provide false representation of any buyer's identity.
- When we operate a public auction, we will not misrepresent the actual sales price of any consignment. Unscrupulous operators may misrepresent prices to convince buyers that their sale is superior to others, or that cattle values are higher than actual. To comply with the Code, sale operators must report only actual cash prices for the animals sold. It is a violation of the Code to report barter deals as cash transactions or to conspire or arrange to set a price on a consignment that does not reflect the actual cash price paid for the animal.
- We will treat everyone with respect and conduct our business in an honest manner. The Longhorn industry is dependent on an atmosphere of cooperation and collegiality. When breeders publicly attack, smear, or slander other breeders, the industry suffers. To conduct business in an honest manner means we will not misrepresent breeding history, milk production, horn measurements, health records, or other aspects of any cattle.
In conclusion, the Longhorn Code of Honor is simple and easy to understand. Responsible Longhorn breeders will operate easily within the mainstream of this Code, and will not try to skirt the edges or operate outside the boundaries of moral, ethical or professional behavior.
To learn more about the Longhorn Code of Honor, and to have the Seal sent to you, CLICK HERE. |
| Cloverbloom Ranch - Marco Polo |  |
| Our Members Speak out... | |
 What We Have...
by Andrew Morris
Many times in life we don't realize or fully appreciate what we have until it is gone and only then do we really have the desire to hold onto what we had. Sometimes, however we find something new and we cannot believe what we have found. We have that full appreciation and plan to hold onto it. Then over time the newness begins to wear off and we lose sight of that great thing we had found.
How does this relate to us as Longhorn breeders in the ITLA? My family and I have been fortunate enough to become members of the ITLA family. We came to know some of the members in our home area when we purchased some registered stock to add to our herd about three years ago. We then joined the local ITLA affiliate and I noticed that they were all very friendly and more than willing to help us in any way they could. What seemed somewhat surprising to me was the help and advice we received from those who could have easily perceived us as their competition whether in the show ring or the market place. These individuals still were more than willing to lend assistance if they could.
I am not new to the cattle industry, spending most of my life working in the commercial beef industry and with my college major being in beef management I spent some time around registered breeders and in the show ring of breeds other than Texas Longhorn. What I found was the "new comer" was often an outsider and considered to be competition. Not much help was offered until you had earned your spot, so to speak. Many times much more effort was put into promoting one's own herd than the breed. Now there were some great people involved with these other breeds and I am sure there still are. What I have come to find out is that as I get more involved and meet more breeders in the ITLA family I find them to be just that, a family that wants to promote the breed they love and create friendships along the way.
This became evident to my family and I as we attended the convention in Glen Rose, TX in 2010. As new comers to the ITLA we were received as family by everyone we met. Within minutes complete strangers were friends. I believe this is because we were surrounded by individuals who have a true appreciation for the breed we all love.
What we have as an organization can never be taken for granted. My hope is that as we move forward and our ITLA family continues to grow that we don't lose sight of what we have. As we partner with others like the TLMA there will be many "new comers". They and our youth will be the future of our organization if they find the same family that I did.
Thank you, to all who have made us feel welcome.
Andrew Morris and Family
Walhonding, OH |
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ITLA
Youth Fun Field Day
May 12th, 2012
Coats Ranch - Taylor, TX
submitted by Danielle Andrews
I just wanted to say a HUGE thank you to the entire Coats family for opening up the ranch and home to produce such an awesome experience!
The morning started with the famous Round Rock Donuts...yum. Following that was Mr. Russell Hooks, who spoke on marketing and the different tools that could be utilized. Raelynn Stephens spoke on the plans that she has for the ITLA youth including buckles for the1st place showmanship, 1st place class winners, Division Winners, and All Age winners for the 2012 ITLA Youth show at the Championship show this year in Oklahoma City. She also discussed the upcoming youth camp and fund raisers. Next, the fun stuff....cow time! Cally Cox and Shelby Coats demonstrated different methods of halter-breaking. And guess what? Everyone does it differently! All the youth members helped gather some animals that have never been haltered before and started the halter-breaking experience. The youth soon found out that while some animals were very easy to handle, some were hard to get a hold of. Patience and being calm is the key to working both types. We then moved on to showmanship...the basics. We did a mock class in which our exhibitors learned how to lead, set-up, pivot, and keep their eyes on the judge the whole time. We discussed what shouldn't be done vs the intensity that really shines in the ring.
Lunch came around and it couldn't have been better. Beef fajitas, fixings, beans, chips, homemade salsa and much more! To top it off we have brownies and cookies that were out of this world! Everyone also kept a steady eye on the silent auction.
After lunch and very full bellies, we went back to the animals and John Coats demonstrated how to brand calves. After the demonstration, several of the youth members tried their hand at branding. Branding was a success. Judy Coats also discussed how she first got into raising longhorns and discussed how she works her ranch to achieve everything she desired to.
It was just an awesome experience and the youth members really learned a lot and had a lot of hands on time with the animals. I hope to see all these shining stars at the ITLA youth camp held June 20-22 at the S Lazy R Ranch in Chalk Mountain, TX!!! |
| Arch Acres | 
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 | | Win2Day First Longhorn born in Austria |
"Win2day" is First Calf born in Austria!
Micha Hamersky is the first registered breeder in Austria. He went to an agricultural college but never really used it after graduating. But, years later felt the need to start raising cattle, and a breed that not everybody had. It would have to look good and have a chance of being worth something on the market, whether sold as livestock or as meat!
 He knew it would be Texas Longhorns that he wanted to raise, but since there were no Texas Longhorns in Austria and just a hand-full in Europe, it took a while to find them. After 3 years of trying, researching, etc., he was able to get embryos implanted from a friend in Switzerland. (He was also thankful that he had the chance to spend a short week at Dickinson Farms in 2009).
In 2010, Micha was able to register the first 2 Texas Longhorns in Austria and at ITLA ("Finally Mine" and "MyWin" out of Winchester and Unlimited lines). He hopes that Texas Longhorn becomes a well-known and wanted breed in Europe and he is part of that process! |
| Searle Ranch |  |
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ITLA YOUTH
by Raelynn Stephens
 I'm very excited about the direction of the ITLA youth this year. We have several activities scheduled in 2012. ITLA youth camp will be held on June 20th thru June 23rd, ending with the CTTLA Show on Saturday. It will be held at the S Lazy R Ranch, home of Stan and Raelynn Stephens. For more information on the camp go to www.ITLA.com under "Events" and click on the links to copy the forms to attend. Camp will cost $35.00 to defray the cost of food. In addition to working and studying cattle we will be going to Fossil Rim Wildlife Park and Splashville in Stephenville, Texas to swim. The camp will culminate with the students showing off their skills at the CTTLA Youth Show.
Convention will be in Oklahoma City on the 25th thru the 27th of October. We have been diligently working on a promotion to donate buckles for the kids at convention. We have had an overwhelming response to this and have already sold 19 buckle donations, 30 more buckles are still available. This fund raiser is called Buckle Busters and can be purchased at $100.00 for Showmanship ( only 2 available), $100.00 for classes ( only 19 left), $125.00 Division ( 10 available) and All Age is Closed. For the donation you will be mentioned on the Buckle Buster page in the convention book and announced for the class donated. Thank you ahead of time for your donation to the ITLA youth.
We will have a booth at convention to benefit the promotion of the youth. Paul Evans has secured 110 lots of semen to be raffled in lots of 10. The tickets will be $5.00 each or 5 for $20.00. Judy Coats has donated a Longhorn rug and Terry Noey a fine Longhorn print which will also be sold. The theme of the booth will be The Past, The Present and The Future of ITLA. I would like to ask all members to send pictures of the youth: past, present and peewees. Please send copies, pictures will not be returned.
Calling all steers for the grand entry!!!! This year will be a western theme, so put on your spurs and hats and come on down for the best ITLA youth show ever.
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| WI Longhorns and Leather |
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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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Ohio River Valley Texas Longhorn Association
The OHIO RIVER VALLEY TEXAS LONGHORN ASSOCIATION, affiliate of ITLA held their spring meeting on May 26 at the Snyder, Snyder and Brovbscquish accounting complex, Grenville, Ohio. Plans were finalized for the 2012 ITLA show. The judge selected is Gary Bruch of Kansas.
Shown (l to r): Ed Callan, Sec., President Tim Mills, John and Martha Sherer, Andrew, Josie and Cole Morris, and director Robert Snyder.
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| Red Ink Ranch |  |
| Chewin' the Cud | |
A tough old cowboy told his grandson that if he wanted to live a long life, the secret was to sprinkle a little gunpowder on his oatmeal every morning.
The grandson did this religiously and lived to the age of ninety-eight.
When he died, he left sixteen children, twenty-nine grandchildren, thirty-seven great grandchildren, and a fifteen-foot hole in the wall of the crematorium. |
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Plan to Make a Profit with your Texas Longhorn Cattle
ITLA wants every member to make a profit. We host seminars, clinics, educational articles, videos and how-to publications, they are all a part of the continuing effort to help members develop a profitable Texas Longhorn program.
Dont' Miss Out on...
Seven Ways to Profit With Texas Longhorns
Creating A Customer File
Developing a Market Plan
Profiting From Print Advertising
Developing a Profitable Ad
Generating Profitable Sales
Salesmanship - The Competitive Edge
Developed by the International Texas Longhorn Association 2007. Concepts by Diana Miltimore, Charlene Semkin, Stan Searle, Darol Dickinson, and Larry Smith II.
Send $8 plus $1 for postage.
International Texas Longhorn Association
PO Box 2610
Glen Rose, Texas 76043
254-898-0157
The "Profit Book" is a must read, and a fast read.
Buy the book and good things will start to happen!
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| Cloud 9 Longhorns |  |
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 New to Texas Longhorns?
There's lots of good people who would love to help you get started !
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2012
ITLA Convention and Championship Show
at the Texas Longhorn Extravaganza
Oklahoma City, OK
Schedule
Thursday, Oct. 25
8:00am - 8:00pm Cattle Arrive
5:00pm - 6:00pm ITLA BOD Meeting
Friday, Oct. 26
8:00am - 12:00pm ITLA Championship Haltered Show
1:00pm - 4:00pm ITLA Championship Non-Haltered Show
11:00am - 11:45am Longhorn Educational Symposium
1:00pm - 1:45pm Longhorn Educational Symposium
2:00pm - 2:45pm Industry Leadership Symposium
Saturday, Oct.27
8:00am - 9:15am Breakfast of Champions - Skirvin Hotel
11:00am - 2:00pm ITLA Championship Youth Show
2:30pm - 4:00pm ITLA Annual Membership Meeting and BOD Meeting
Sunday, Oct. 28
7:00am - 12:00 pm Load out
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For questions call Robin or Trish at: 254-898-0157
Email us: staff@itla.com |
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2012 Dual Registration Sale
Offer Extended to December 31, 2012  You can register cattle of any age (that are already registered with another registry) for these Special Low Rates all year long! DUAL REGISTRATION Discount Rates (Cattle of Any Age)
1-24 ....................................$ 8.00
25-99 ...................................$ 6.00
100+ ....................................$ 4.00
*To have your Longhorn's picture on the certificate, simply email a cropped photo (5" x 7.5") in 100 dpi-as an attachment-to photos@itla.com and we'll do the rest.
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For questions or assistance with any registrations
call Robin or Trish at: 254-898-0157
Email us: staff@itla.com
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Make your check payable to ITLA and mail to: ITLA, PO Box 2610, Glen Rose, TX 76043 |
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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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