You can count on a gathering of the MTLA to include great people, great food and great Texas Longhorns.........our October meeting had all these and much more.

The event was hosted by Jim & Jodi Small at their Attica, Indiana ranch and featured brisket and chili soup along with salads and desserts. Some members also brought items to really make a real feast.

Following the meal, we gathered in the dining room of their log home had a short business meeting. The quick meeting touched on the details of our summer show in Princeton and plans for an even better show in 2016. President Steve Paloncy thanked everyone for all the work they did at the show. "If everyone contributes just a little bit, we can all have more time to enjoy one another's company and see great cattle," he said. Several improvements and options were discussed, but the overwhelming feeling was that returning to Princeton next year is the first choice. Repeating at a location always produces more of the public in attendance and more cattle registered. We will hear details about returning to Princeton at our next meeting and make a final decision then.

Nominations for open board and officer positions were opened and many positions now have a candidate from those in attendance. Those who weren't able to come will be given the chance to nominate someone ~ then the election will be held. This year we will have an "e-election."  Paper ballots will only be sent to those members who don't use email. Committee was set up and we will have our annual election of officers and board members at our next meeting. 

After the business portion, the meeting was turned over to Mike Tomey to share the best techniques for showing longhorns at halter. A reluctant heifer was led by Matt Tomey. Mike explained methods for making her show her best, how to deal successfully with her mood after being trailered, and having to deal with crowd noise, strange cows and the show arena. Many questions were answered and the presentation will hopefully bring more cows to our haltered show.

Then Jim Small gave everyone a thinly cut piece of walnut from a tree on his property. Those who brought their irons got to brand the wood for a wall hanging plaque. Following this activity, many returned to the house for just one more bowl of Jodi's chili soup.

The day was a great example of Hoosier Hospitality and everyone thanked Jim & Jodi for opening their home to the group. Word of our meetings is spreading and each time our numbers grow. It seems the more fun we have, the more people want to come and join in the next meeting.