The Drover: December 2023

THE DROVER

ISSUE 55 | DECEMBER 2023

MERRY CHRISTMAS From ITLA Photo Courtesy of Krazy Kolors Ranch MEET THE NEW DIRECTORS INTERNATIONAL PHOTO CONTEST RESULTS BOARD OF DIRECTORS OATH

TABLE OF CONTENTS

06 directors oath

17 new directors

13 Merry Christmas

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itla executive board & directors

27 itla 40th annual judges clinic

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directors oath

29 youth leadership

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Itla past presidents & affiliate associations

30 itla youth updates

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calendar & schedule of events

35 recipe of the month

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a letter from the vice president

36 In memoriam

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New directors- Part 1

37 itla forms

21

international photo contest

25

New director- Part 2

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-ITLA Executive Board and Directors-

RUSSELL FREEMAN PRESIDENT russell@thefreemanranch.com 719-338-5071

BRAD WESTMORELAND VICE PRESIDENT

JOHN MOXLEY DIRECTOR AT LARGE #1

www.gangof5longhorns.com crosswrenchranch@msn.com 214 287-2303 240-446-9950

GUY COTE REGION 2 guycote236@gmail.com

MICHA HAMERSKY REGION 1 contact@texaslonghorn.at

MIKE METCALFE REGION 4

MIKE TOMEY REGION 3

mikemetcalfe8@icloud.com 719-491-3757

tomeyfarms@yahoo.com

SHADOW SEAMAN REGION 5 victoryranchlonghorns@gmail.com 208-428-2483

BILL HENDERSON REGION 9 wgh1@swbell.com

832-768-0430

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GARY LAKE DIRECTOR AT LARGE #2 gary@searleranch.com

TERRY BRINK REGION 6 brinkauction@gmail.com 580- 335-4126

JUSTIN SABIO REGION 7 & TREASURER drjustinsabio@gmail.com

BRETT KOT REGION 10 brettkot@hotmail.com 1-306-861-1526

JEREMY JOHNSON REGION 8 dosninosranch@gmail.com

LARRY SMITH II PAST PRESIDENT larrypsmith2@yahoo.com 254-396-9185

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-ITLA Executive Board OATHWhile many of us fondly recall the days when a person’s word was their bond and a handshake was an iron-clad agreement, in modern society oaths are increasingly important.

The President of the United States must take an oath before starting a new term of office.

Contracts often require verification before a notary. And in my other line of work, a court reporter swears-in each witness before I depose or cross-examine them. Oaths bind us to our word; and written oaths allow others to reference back to our promises made—and hold us to them. At the fine suggestion of Darol Dickinson, it was decided by President Freeman that our new and current International Board of Directors should take an oath of office as a pledge to each other and our membership to uphold those ideals to which we were each elected. For those Board members who were able to attend the Annual Meeting in October, the oath was orally taken upon being read by Stan Searle and was then signed in the presence of all. Our newest two members (Guy Cote and Gary Lake) have subsequently added their own signatures to the Oath. Collectively, the Board wanted to publish that oath here, as a declaration of our commitment to you: the ITLA member. Hold us to it.

--Brad Westmoreland, Vice President

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-ITLA Executive Board OATH-

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-ITLA PAST PRESIDENTSJERRY WILLIAMS 1990

BILL ANTHONY 1991

STAN SEARLE 1992-1993

JOE VALENTINE 1994-1996

BEN GRAVETT 1997

DAROL DICKINSON 1998-1999

RAY MOORE 2000

GARY BRUCH 2001-2002

MARY SURE CLINE 2003

JOHN HODGES 2004-2006

LARRY SMITH II 2007-2010

ROGER HUTTON 2011-2013

LARRY LANERO 2014-2015

GARY DON TAYLOR 2016

MIKE TOMEY 2017-2018

LARRY SMITH II 2019-2022 RUSSELL FREEMAN APRIL2023- PRESENT

RUSSELL HOOKS OCT 2022-APRIL 2023

-ITLA affiliate associationsALBERTA TLA PRESIDENT: CODY BAILEY codylbailey1122@outlook.com 780-352-6144

BEST OF TRAILS TLA PRESIDENT: JOHN DVORAK johndvorak25@gmail.com 620-382-7103

BRAZILIAN TLA DIRECTOR: HUMBERTO NOMBRE EMAIL: humbanobre@hotmail.com PHONE: +55 62 98118-2332

CHISHOLM TRAIL TLA GREAT LAKES TLA CANADIAN TLA PRESIDENT: JOHNNY HICKS PRESIDENT: PETE HILDEBRAND PRESIDENT: DANIELLE MERSHON EMAIL: p-lhildebrand@hotmail.com Danielle@whistlingtxlonghorns.com hicksamericanbulldogs@yahoo.com 306-774-8205 254-630-0053 PHONE: 269-721-3473 INDIAN TERRITORY TLA MIDWEST TLA THE LONGHORN POSSEE PRESIDENT: JOSH DINWIDDIE PRESIDENT: BRAD FIDLER PRESIDENT: MIKEAL DEATHERAGE EMAIL: bradley_fidler@yahoo.com EMAIL josh.plaindirtfarmservice@yahoo.com 765-720-0913 PHONE: 817-999-1836 PHONE: 580-812-2436 NORTHEAST TLA OHIO RIVER VALLEY TLA MOUNTAIN STATES TLA PRESIDENT: JOHN MOXLEY PRESIDENT: DOUG BURRIS PRESIDENT: TRAVIS CASEY dougburris45@gmail.com crosswrenchranch@msn.com tcasey357@yahoo.com 740-680-5973 240-446-9950 719-650-5234 TLA OF ONTARIO TOP OF THE WEST TLA PRESIDENT: CLARENCE DEKENS PRESIDENT: SHADOW SEAMAN EMAIL VictoryRanchLonghorns@gmail.com PHONE 208-420-2484 D R O V E R M A G A Z I N E 0 8

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SCHEDULE OF EVENTS 2023

DECEMBER12 ITLA Board of Directors Meeting

2024 JANUARY 19-20

MARCH TBD

MARCH 9

National Western Stock Show Location: Denver, CO Youth • Open Halter • Non-Halter Judge: Julie Pack Contact: Travis Casey 719-650-5234

The Winchester Futurity Bryan, TX Contact: Jennifer Francis 989-941-4271

Best of the Trails Livestock Sale Mo Kan Livestock Market Contact: John Dvorak 620-382-2067

MARCH TBD Legacy Sale Grapevine, TX Contact: Chase Vaust 512-917-8654

APRIL TBD

APRIL TBD

The Cherry Blossom Futurity Culpeper, VA Contact: Chase Vaust 512-917-8654

The Bluegrass Futurity Lexington, KY Contact: Johnny Hicks 269-998-8027

APRIL 19-20

APRIL 26

APRIL TBD

CTTLA Spring Fling Show Myers Park and Event Center, McKinney, TX Contact: Danielle Mershon 254-630-0053 •Haltered • Non-Haltered• •Youth • Mini•

Battle On The Prairie Stephens County Expo Center Duncan, Oklahoma Contact: Joshua Dinwiddie 580-812-2436 plaindirtfarms@gmail.com

The STLA Futurity Llano, TX Contact: Kathy Bruner 523-689-8624

MAY TBD

JUNE TBD

The Midwest Futurity Springfield, MO Contact: Johnny Hicks 269-998-8027

JUNE TBD

The NETLA Sale & Futurity Location: TBD Contact: Lizz Huntzberry 240-291-1958

The Piney Woods Winchester Futurity Lufkin, TX Contact: Donnie Taylor 936-414-1401

JUNE TBD The GLTLA Futurity Manchester, MI Contact: Josh Shaw 616-212-8226

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JUNE 8 MTLA Show Putnam County Fairgrounds Greencastle, IN Contact: Brad Fidler 765-720-0913

JUNE 21 NETLA Show The Frederick Fairgrounds Location: Frederick, MD Contact: Rebecca Scott 740-294-8187

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SCHEDULE OF EVENTS 2024

JULY 19 & 20

JULY 27

AUGUST 16

ORVTLA Show & Buckeye Classic Futurity Belmont County Fairgrounds Location:St. Clairsville, OH Contact: Doug Burris 740-680-5973

The York Fair Location: York, PA Contact: Remington King rem@latimorevalleyfarms.com 717-253-8275

The Montgomery County Fair Location: Gaithersburg, MD Contact: Lizz Huntzberry 240-291-1958

AUGUST 31

SEPTEMBER 8

SEPTEMBER 20

CTTLA Fall Shootout Show Wise County Fairgrounds Location: Decatur, TX Contact: Danielle Mershon 254-630-0053 •Haltered• •Youth • Mini•

The Maryland State Fair Location: Timonium, MD Contact: John Moxley 240-446-9950

The Great Frederick Fair Location: Frederick, MD Contact: John Moxley 240-446-9950

Don't see your event?

Feel free to reach out to drover@itla.com

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Idaho, Oak Lawn Farm

Forged On Fire, Albert Acres Cattle Company

Lazy R Miniature Lognhorns

Olaf the Longhorn

Butterball, Longhorn Valley Ranch and Feed

A LETTER FROM THE VICE PRESIDENT V I C E

P R E S I D E N T

214- 287-2303

B R A D

W E S T M O R E L A N D

brad@westmorelandlawfirm.com

www.gangof5longhorns.com

CHRISTMAS TIME Howdy. Like many of you I’m sure, Christmastime and the other holidays that surround it are a favorite time of year around the Gang of 5 household. While Texans are known for being friendly (“Friendship” is my state’s motto, after all), it seems that the holidays have a way of bringing out just a little more of that friendliness in most folks, regardless of where they reside. Maybe it makes us a tad more generous, a dash more thankful, and a smidgen more forgiving when we consider all that this time of year has to offer. After all, we are this much closer to having finished-out yet another year; and that time we’ve had is in and of itself a huge blessing. How have you spent your time this year?

Did you learn more about your cattle? Did you spread the good word about our breed to nonenthusiasts? Did you volunteer for any ITLA committees or attend any sponsored shows? Did you vote in the ITLA elections? Did you grow closer to your partners, family, or other Longhorn friends?

However you’ve spent your time, I pray that you feel it was spent well.

For the time we have left in 2023, I encourage each of us to show our friends and neighbors a little more “holiday spirit” than perhaps they’ll see from other folks. Let’s be the first to say “thank you” to harried holiday workers we encounter. Let’s remember to thank our customers who keep us in this business, the veterinarians and others who assist us, our ITLA workers and staff who keep this operation running, and our families who sacrifice for us. Let’s take a warm baked good to a neighbor or offer a meal to someone who needs one. Heck, let’s give our cows an extra sack of cake (you may call it “cubes” where you come from)! In short, as our wonderful breed of cattle leads the way among all other breeds, as Longhorn producers let’s lead the way in holiday cheer this month. After all, we are abundantly blessed.

As always, call me if you need me. May God bless you, your Gang, and your cattle.

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UPDATE FROM HEADQUARTERS O F F I C E

M A N A G E R ,

P A M

K I N S E L

staff@itla.com

254-898-0157

H U G H E S

itla.com

HOWDY FROM HEADQUARTERS! We have some exciting news! We are running a December Special on some registrations. All Dual Registrations are $10 and Registrations of Animals over 15 months old are $20! If you have older animals or animals needing to be dual registered, now is the time to do it. We are truly grateful for all of our members and wanted to show some appreciation during the holiday season. I am working diligently to get registrations and transfers mailed out quickly. Feel free to give me a call and we can work out the best way to send those in to make it easiest on you!

Don’t forget when submitting registrations on IRegister to add pictures of your animals to be printed on certificates! It really makes the certificates look nice! If you forget to add them or not sure how to do that, you can always email them to me at staff@itla.com and I will get those on there for you.

We are working on our 2024 calendar now so if you have events scheduled, please send the dates and info and we will get those posted on the website!

If you have questions or need help with anything please do not hesitate to give me a call at the office!

254-898-0157 or staff@itla.com Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!!

Pam Kinsel Hughes

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International Texas Longhorn Association Director at Large #2 Gary Lake Howdy ITLA Members, Most of you know me, but for those who do not, I am Gary Lake of Calhan Colorado. I have recently been elected as your representative on the International Board of Directors. After 45 years involved in the Texas Longhorn industry I come to the board with a knowledge of the history of the breed and a vision for the future. My association with ITLA began when the registry was formed, while ranch manager for Dickinson Cattle Co. and continues today. As a partnership owner in Silverado Ranch with Stan Searle, we exclusively register our herd with ITLA. The ITLA began as a member run alternative for breeders looking for an association that was controlled by the membership and worked in the interest of all breeders, promoting ‘value based’ Longhorn cattle. Today, ITLA cattle are known for winning prestigious futurities and topping sales around the country, thanks in part to the vision of its members and leadership.

As your director I plan to work to continue the rich legacy of the ITLA and help our registry move forward as a driving force that provides the tools for breeders to be successful in their programs. My goal is not to tightly govern the type of Longhorn you raise but to supply you with the information and resources necessary to live your dream in the Longhorn business.

ITLA is a leader in educating breeders on unique Longhorn traits that bring value in the marketplace, lean beef production, certified judge criteria and training plus innovative promotional opportunities with Longhorn cattle. I think you’re going to enjoy the future as ITLA continues to grow.

Thank you for your confidence in electing me to the board and please contact me with any questions or concerns that I can address as your representative.

-Gary Lake gary@searleranch.com

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International Texas Longhorn Association Region #2 Guy Cote Hello everyone! I would like to introduce myself as your new Region 2 Director for the ITLA. My name is Guy Cote and I live in the small town of Granby MA with my wife Charlotte. Together we own Cote Cattle Co. and have around 50 head of registered Texas Longhorn cattle. We have been raising longhorns since 2017 and are very passionate about the breed. Over the past several years we have travelled across the country attending many sales and shows. I have judged several futurities, visited many other breeder's ranches and built relationships with some of the best people along the way. I am proud to be elected to this position and I look forward to working with the other directors to help make the ITLA the best it can be. Thanks to everyone who voted for me. I will continue to promote the breed, educate others, work to bring in new members as well as provide support for existing members. I'm looking forward to seeing you all at next year's events. Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions, comments or just want to talk cattle. I can be reached at guycote236@gmail.com or 413-531-0647. Thanks again for your support and enjoy the holidays.

Guy Cote

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International Texas Longhorn Association Region #3 Mike Tomey Hi, I am Mike Tomey. I have been in the longhorn business since 1992 when I got my first longhorn. I was about to get out of the longhorn business and had only 20 cows left until I met my wife Jamie. She loved the longhorns, so I decided to stay in. I am glad I did because, I am on the ITLA board and was ITLA president. I have learned a lot and met a lot of the longhorn breeders along the way. With that being said, we have travelled the country and Canada judging longhorns. I have judged since 2014 and have been a training judge since 2016.

Together, Jamie and I have 5 kids, a daughter-in-law, Courtney, and 6 grandkids, we all live in Indiana and love the longhorns. We have about 150 mother longhorn cows and we also crop farm, corn and soybeans. I am a certified longhorn training judge. I have judged all over the U.S. and judged in Canada.

Mike Tomey

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2023 International Photo Contest For this contest we had our International members send in photos of their cows. There were 2 classes, Class 1 Junior Cow (Born 2018-2022) and Class 2 Senior Cow (Born 2017 and before). We had a judge pick out the winners before our banquet at ITLA Championship Show and we are pleased to announce these are your winners! Coming all the way from Germany and Austria!

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Class 1 Winner TEMPTERS BEAUTY (Dob- 9/14/2020) Owned by Texas Longhorn SBS GBR Spreng/Buechler/Strauss. Germany

Class 2 Winner SPOTTED COWGIRL CHEX (Dob-2/15/2017) owned by Micha Hamersky. Austria

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CLICK TO ENTER

International Texas Longhorn Association Region #1 Micha Hamersky Hey there! You might remember me from the ITLA Convention in Duncan, Oklahoma, this year.

But just in case we haven't crossed paths yet, here's a bit about me.

I'm in my forties, happily married to Elisabeth, who's not just my wife but an incredible ranchhand too. Together, we're raising four kids who are enthusiastic about pitching in around the farm and are already quite knowledgeable about Longhorns. Our home is nestled in an area called “Woodquarter” within the province of Lower Austria. Farming here consists of relatively small operations, primarily focusing on dairies or bull-feeding, with an average farm size spanning 60-80 acres but also lot smaller farms too. In this region, the norm involves keeping animals within closed stables, as grazing isn't commonplace. We receive an annual rainfall of about 600mm/m2 (around 23.6 inches per square meter). Most farms have one or even two salaries from outside of the farm.

My journey with Texas Longhorns began in 2010 when there were merely a handful of farms in Europe housing these cattle. Introducing this breed to Austria was no simple task. There were no available animals for purchase, no market, and minimal awareness about the breed.

Nonetheless, it turned out to be the best decision I've made.

Fun fact: I didn't grow up on a farm despite being from a small town in Austria. That meant a steep learning curve, but it also meant I could dive into farming without any preconceived notions. Any chance I got to hang around farms or animals, I was there, soaking up everything I could.

My passion for farming led me to pursue agricultural studies and an apprenticeship at Polyface Farms (Joel Salatin) in Virginia at the age of 17. When I began farming, I sought something distinctive, and the Texas Longhorn breed perfectly fit that vision.

We invested in top genetics, starting with embryos initially implanted in Switzerland, and consistently aimed to acquire the best available in the market Attending ITLA Judging Webinars and visiting farms in the USA before getting our first Longhorns were game-changers. Spending time at Dickinson Ranch, chatting with Darol Dickinson, and getting my hands dirty alongside Joel and his crew—priceless experiences.

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All the hard work paid of. Now, we're selling Longhorn breeding stock across Europe and helping other breeders get a handle on this fantastic breed. And hey, to make life easier, we throw in a free one-year ITLA membership for all our customers. It keeps the paperwork smooth and encourages new Longhorn owners to grow alongside ITLA. Between the end of April and October, we practice mob-grazing with our cattle. Additionally, we directly market all our steers as grass-fed beef from the farm. Establishing this market took time, but providing our own healthy meat has been immensely satisfying, appreciated by others as well.

Attending the ITLA Convention was a fantastic opportunity for my wife and me this year, and I am honoured to serve as a Director for Region #1. I'm deeply motivated to continue nurturing and expanding this exceptional breed internationally, actively promoting its growth within my region. Please feel free to reach out to me for assistance, queries, or anything else at: contact@texaslonghorn.at

-Micha

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International Texas Longhorn Association Region #1 0 Brett Kot Brett Kot is the owner of Kot Livestock, in Coronach, Saskatchewan, with his wife Stephanie and their two youngest children Steele and Easton. Kot Livestock strives to produce functional and efficient quarter horses and cattle.

In 2022, registered Texas Longhorn cattle were added to the operation, complementing the registered quarter horses, recreational cattle and grassland projects on the ranch.

Brett is a current director with the Canadian Texas Longhorn Association. He brings experience to this role, having served as a director with the Saskatchewan Bison Association, and as a representative to the Agricultural Producers Association of Saskatchewan. Brett believes all classes of livestock need to be functional, correct, and efficient. Brett has judged the Manitoba Bison Association Show, the Saskatchewan Bison Bull Draft, and is going into his 10th year as Bison Barn Boss at Canadian Western Agribition.

Brett and his wife, Stephanie, believe in the development of youth in agriculture through 4-H, high school rodeo and livestock shows. They developed the Canadian Bison Junior Judging Program for 4-H aged youth.

This past November Kot Livestock show cased some of our Texas Longhorns in the Canadian National Texas Longhorn Show at Canadian Western Agribition . We were fortunate enough to receive the Premier Exhibitor and Herdsman awards, a huge accomplishment for our ranch . We are excited for the future of the Texas Longhorn Industry.

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ITLA 40th Annual Judges Clinic The 40th annual ITLA Judges Clinic webinar has just been completed. Each of the 3 hour sessions was viewed live on line from any high speed internet in the world. There were 106 potential judges or producers enrolled wanting to increase knowledge on the fine points of Texas Longhorn anatomy.

Mike Tomey, Bedford, IN assisted with the commentary of judging. He has judged ITLA Texas Longhorn shows in 13 states in the last 5 years.

Felix Serna, Kingsville, Texas, of El Coyote Ranch endured the whole 6 hours. Felix, who has judged many breeds in several countries said it was enjoyable to review the different flaws and illustrations of the Webinar.

Micha Hamersky, new ITLA European Director of Parggstall, Austria watched his 5th Webinar, always fighting the viewing hours of 3 AM to 6 AM in the morning.

Mike Evans of Buna, Texas took in the full Webinar.

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Ellie Kinsel, age 3 daughter of ITLA Office Manager Pam Kinsel stayed up for the webinar and liked the photos of odd and unusual cattle anatomy.

Lana Hightower, Van, Texas, prominent judge of many Texas Longhorn shows did her annual review. ITLA approved judges are to review the Judges Clinic every two years to stay up to speed on changing values and procedure improvements.

The ITLA Longhorn Judging Clinic Webinar is open for all to join from anywhere in the world. It is the only training program of it's kind available to international cattlepeople.

ITLA continues to improve the show system, the judges, to improve consistency, professionalism and concise procedures. The Clinic teaches positive reasons to encourage exhibitors, increase marketing and promote the breed. No judge should be negative about the breed under any conditions.

Training judges for the 2023 ITLA Webinar included experienced Texas Longhorn show judges and producers of registered cattle, ITLA President Russell Freeman, past president Mike Tomey, past president Larry Smith, past president Darol Dickinson and training judge Dr. June Cohren. Every ITLA instructor has skin in the game--it is very important to them.

The 2024 Webinar will again be in November. Be ready to enroll.

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-ITLA youth leadershipWes & Amanda Evans Youth Directors sharpshooterlivestock@gmail.com 432-360-9355

Camilla Westmoreland

Kenley Huskey

Baylor Marti

2024 QUEEN

2024 PRINCESS

2024 LITTLE MISS

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Camilla Westmoreland 2024 ITLA Queen www.gangof5longhorns.com Howdy ya’ll! My name is Camilla Westmoreland, and I am your 2023-2024 ITLA Queen. I am a sixth-generation cattle rancher, and I am 1 of 5 in the Gang of 5 Longhorns crew. I am a senior at Tarleton State University which is nestled in Erath County, Texas, and I am majoring in business with the goals of expanding our longhorn program’s business operations and founding a western mercantile alongside my family. I am a member of the ITLA, trained in Artificial Insemination, and I am a certified private pesticide applicator which helps out with the daily operations of the business. For me, there is no futuristic ideal of “the dream” because I am already living it: every single day I get to interact with the people, cattle, and land that I love which all draw me even closer to my Creator as I witness firsthand His marvelous workmanship. I am so excited to have the blessing of getting to meet with and learn from so many incredible folks such as yourself! I can’t wait to hear your stories and share in your triumphs. My goals as your newest ITLA Queen are to represent the next generation of Texas Longhorn ranchers and to be a single glimmer of light which hints at just how bright the future of this industry is, while simultaneously soaking up all of the downright incredible knowledge that this industry and its pioneers have to offer. There are three titles I wear proudly: Christian, Gang of 5 Longhorns, and now ITLA Queen. Ultimately my goal is to radiate the love of God in all that I do and I will work at this with all of my heart as I do everything else as Colossians 3:23 says.

Thank you sincerely for this opportunity-I do not take it lightly.

Happy Hornidays Ya’ll!

What a busy time it has been. This past month I had the privilege of attending the ITLA Judging Clinic Webinar, hauled cattle all across Texas, weaned this year’s summer calf crop, prepared for college finals, and (of course!) engaged in lots and lots of fence building and repairs. Hang onto your hats, because before I get into the details of the Gang of 5 operations this past month, I cannot help but brag about the ITLA Judging Clinic Webinar. To anyone who did not attend the clinic, the best way I know how to describe it was like learning how to be a perusing art critic for a museum--except the art is way more breathtaking and mobile than a Monet or Picasso which sedentarily hangs on the wall. Prior to this clinic, I thought I knew quite a lot about longhorns and had dubbed myself as a pretty darn good judge of quality, but each subsequent session left me increasingly blown away by how much I learned and how much knowledge and downright talent Dr. June Cohren, Darol Dickinson, Mike Tomey, Russell Freeman and Larry P. Smith II had and were willing to impart. I took so many notes that my once clean and tidy judging manual looked more like a mad scientist’s blackboard: sketches, diagrams, quotes, and notes now litter my manual…and more than two pens were laid to rest as they ran out of ink in my wake.

Let me just stop right here for a moment and say that if you have not attended this clinic before, this is a royal decree that you attend next year--you will not regret it, my friend. While the entire clinic was fascinating, the most gratifying part of the seminar occurred during the last hour or so when each of the 5 hosts demonstrated how to judge cattle. The hosts openly exchanged feedback and challenged each participant to judge each pair of cattle for themselves. I was hesitant of my abilities when Mr. Dickinson announced that this activity was about to commence, but I was amazed as each subsequent class of cattle would come on the screen, that I was able to see and evaluate each aspect of the animals that the hosts mentioned.

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I remember one pair in particular when Larry P. Smith II was judging, and the pride I felt when I had made a mental note of exactly what he pointed out before he ever said it. This is not to say that all of the information was not overwhelming nor to say that booking off six hours of time on weeknights was easy, but folks, this knowledge is up for the taking if one is merely willing to work for it by attending seminars such as this one. While I could go on and on, let me update you on the Gang of 5 ranch operations this past month. There is a certain pasture at our property near Eddy, TX which has an electric fence that seems to stretch on for eternity. The fence is imperative to our winter pasture plans because it is what creates the barrier between our Coastal Bermudagrass hay fields and tons of hungry cattle. So, a few weeks ago, me and the rest of the Gang of 5 loaded up our supplies in the pickups and booked it to go check on the fences to ensure they were ready for the new cattle to be brought over for the winter. Well, one look at the fence and reality began to set in…we should have brought an RV instead of pickups because we were going to be there awhile! It never ceases to amaze me just how quickly weeds grow over fences. There is of course a deeper message here: just as weeds can grow up in a matter of weeks over a fence, so too can our hearts become calloused and overgrown without us even noticing it. 2 Corinthians 13:5 tells us to examine ourselves to ensure that we are in the Faith…this examination should be continuous and extensive just as our fence maintenance protocols should be.

Also on the ranch, we have been playing Waylon Jennings on an even higher volume setting than normal because it is weaning season, and the balling never seems to stop…not even for one second.

This reminded me of the famous passage in Ecclesiastes 3:2b which says, “A time to plant and a time to uproot.” With the New Year right around the corner, many people begin to reflect on what they can do to make their next year better. Let me suggest to you that letting go of unnecessary things is one of the best ways to do so. Just as our calves must be weaned from their (very grateful) mommas, so too must we let go of things which no longer deserve our time, or which hinder us from our God-given tasks. Lastly on the ranch this past month, we have been hauling cattle all across Texas to get everyone situated and comfortable in their correct winter pastures. Of course, this also means that instead of our usual four-figure miles traveled per week the figure is even larger. Thus, we have been in the cab together quite often. I used to view so much driving as a chore, but over the past few months I have begun to find the beauty in it. Ephesians 5:15-16 tells us to make the best use of our time. During the holidays, everyone drives more--whether it is to haul cattle or go visit family—thus, let me encourage you to find ways to enjoy the drive: look at the views that grace your windshield and notice how creative God is, listen to podcasts (such as my ranch’s “Iced Tea with the Gang” show!), and soak up those moments with your shotgun passengers. On behalf of the ITLA and my Gang of 5 crew, I wish you a beautiful and oh-so-blessed holiday. Let us never forget why we celebrate this season.

Camilla

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Kenley Huskey 2024 ITLA Princess www.savannahbellefarms.com Hello! My name is Kenley Huskey, and I am your newly elected Miss 2024 ITLA Princess. I am so excited to represent the ITLA this year! I would like to share with you a few things about myself m twelve years old and am a 7th grade a student at Westville Junior High School. In addition to showing longhorns, I enjoy playing volleyball, running track, and cheering for our junior high and junior varsity football and basketball teams. I also love to tumble. I showed my first longhorn in the summer of 2022 and fell in love with it. I have made so many new friends and always look forward to the shows. My two favorite longhorns are my steer, Outlaw and my heifer, Lady. I also have two dogs, Sadie, and Okie Lee. I live at home in Westville, Oklahoma with my mom, dad, older sister, and younger brother. I am looking forward to representing the ITLA in 2024!

What’s New!

November went by so fast! We had three shows in November and did lots of traveling. We attended the Ark-La-Tex show in Lufkin, Texas, the Kaufman Police Association show in Athens, Texas, and then we went to Louisiana for the Louisiana State Fair. I won showmanship at all three of these shows with my steer, Outlaw. After each of the Texas shows, we came home with one more longhorn than what we went with. I have been entrusted by two breeders to show one of their animals. I am excited to show DSM Nutmeg (heifer) for The Whistling Longhorn Ranch owned by Danielle Mershon and G&L Spotted Eagle (bull) for Lana Hightower. While we were in Athens, we got to tour Lana Hightower’s ranch. Her home was so beautiful. She has so much longhorn stuff! November also gave me a much-needed week off from school. We hosted Thanksgiving at our house and ate lots of good food. My favorite part of Thanksgiving break was spending most of the week with my Papaw. He has been teaching me how to drive. I am really looking forward to Christmas, it is my favorite. I love how our house is decorated for Christmas and that I get another break from school. My next show is the National Western Stock Show in Denver, Colorado. This is an ITLA/TLBAA joint show, and I am so excited to go and represent the ITLA as your 2024 Miss ITLA Princess. I can’t wait to share what that experience will be like with all of you. I hope you all have a very Merry Christmas!!

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Baylor Marti 2024 ITLA Little Miss Hi! I’m Baylor, and I am 8 years old. I am from Amarillo, Texas. I have so much fun with longhorns! I got my first one for my birthday in 2020, and we started Little hb Cattle Co. shortly after. The h is for my little sister Hayden and b for me. We have grown a herd since then and also created Bomb City Cattle Co. with our friend Michael Rolen. Bomb City is a nickname for Amarillo. I love going to sales and futurities and want to go to as many as I can. I just began halter showing by myself this year and have enjoyed the experience and learn something new every time. I am very excited to be ITLA Little Miss. I have met a lot of awesome people and can’t wait to meet more and share my love of longhorns. I love school, and my favorite subject is reading. I have a whole bookshelf to myself at home. I even have a book I got for my birthday about showing cattle. I just got done with a Texas school competition for Music Memory and Spelling. I am also in dance right now and will soon start basketball. I love crafts and projects. I enjoy making things from cardboard, even longhorns. I like being a part of lots of things but I LOVE anything to do with longhorns. I have already gotten the chance to tell new people about the ITLA. I enjoy telling them about all the new colorful calves we’ve had this year.

Happy Holidays!

I love December, because it means Christmas comes! We have an elf named Kiley and she is so funny. Once she cut a hole in a calendar page and made her face look like it was on the cow’s body. Holiday breaks from school are a good time to work with my calves. We have a young bull named Bob, and I use the stick that my dad made with a brush on the end to get him used to being touched, but it keeps me safe. I love just hanging around them and talking to them so we can bond.

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ON THE RANCH

What a Recent Game Fence Project has Taught Me About Life

By Camilla Westmoreland

The best place in the world is my great-grandparents’ cedar-jeweled ranch in Walnut Springs, Texas. This is the place where I was baptized in their stock tank, where my first calf crop was raised, and where I fell in love with ranching. Bordering this haven are three other ranches, one of which, at the time of this article, just completed the construction of a game fence which stretches alongside a corner of our property. I have always had a difficult time with nature being tampered with and taken out of its normal state, so watching helplessly as the dozers cleared acres upon acres of the Texas Hill Country’s woody foliage was anything but easy. Yet, as the dust cleared and the roaring of engines finally subsided, I realized that beautiful things were about to sprout from this seeming molestation of the land. You see, this property has always been blessed with White-tailed deer, and as many of you know, deer love cleared areas that have access to woods nearby in case of a predator. On our ranch, the White-tailed deer graze the grass and nibble at their corn right by the family homestead every morning. However, aside from a few pastures, that homestead front was about the only cleared area on the entire place…until the new game fence came along. What this game fence had created was a perfect new spot for deer to abide. Taking full advantage of this opportunity, my dad, Vice President Brad Westmoreland, took the liberty of planning a ratio of native grass seeds and brought the mixture out to the ranch where my family and I sowed the seeds on the now bared (albeit rocky) soil along the span of the cleared area on our property line by the fence. Sure enough, God, in His infinite goodness, blessed us with a gentle rain the very next morning; it almost felt like a signet of approval. What this experience has taught me is that sometimes, in order for growth to happen and exponential, beneficial progress to occur, dozing has to take place. Not merely the literal dozing via a CAT, but the principle overall. For example, in order for a fruit tree to grow larger it must be pruned, in order for a garden to facilitate more growth it must often be burned in order to create more nutrients in the soil, and in order for us to be more generous and loving, we must sometimes clear the brush away from the fence line of our hearts in order to foster delicate and beautiful new growth.

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IN MEMORIAM

CINDY MANION It is with great sadness that the ITLA announces the passing of dedicated ITLA Member Cindy Manion. Along with her husband Robert, Cindy owned and operated Long M Ranch in Wills Point, Texas. Cindy supported the ITLA, including the Championship Show, and enjoyed donating calves to deserving youth.

Please keep the Manion family and especially Robert in your thoughts and prayers.

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Work Order

International Texas Longhorn Association

Date:__________________________________________ Member:______________________________________________________________________ ITLA#_________________________________________________________________________ Address:______________________________________________________________________ City:__________________________________________________________________________ State:__________________________________Zip:___________________________________

Regi strati ons

QTY

FEE

TOTAL

Heifers 14 months & under

$ 15.00

Bulls 14 months & under

$ 15.00

Either Sex 15 months & older

$ 25.00

Steers any age

$ 15.00

ITLA Dual Registration (2 years and below)

$ 15.00

ITLA Dual Registration (2 years and older)

$ 10.00

Certificate Replacement

$ 15.00

Registration Certificate Correction

$ 15.00

Certificate Name Change

$ 25.00

Rush Orders (additional per certificate)

$ 10.00

Canadian funds par to US funds

Transfers

Fee

QTY

Within 60 days of selling date

$

15.00

More than 60 days of selling date

$

25.00

Transfer by Lease

$

15.00

Rush Orders (additional per certificate)

$

10.00

Non-Member Transfers

$

30.00

AI Sire Enrollment

$ 100.00

Total

Canadian funds par to US funds

Memberships

QTY

Fee

Lifetime Member

$ 1,000.00

10 Year Membership

$ 500.00

Youth Membership

$ 15.00

Annual Active Member

$ 75.00

Total

Subtotal Sales Tax Total Visa- Mastercard- Discover Card#__________-____________-____________-___________ Expires:__________/_____________

Make all checks payable to ITLA Thank you for your business!

Office Phone Number: 254-898-0157 PO BOX 2610 - GLEN ROSE, TEXAS- 76043

REGISTRATION APPLICATION 1.

Member Name (Applicant)

2.

Street Address

3.

City

State,

P.O. Box 2610  Glen Rose, TX 76043 Phone: 254 898-0157  Fax: 254 898-0165

Zip

4.

Day Time Phone No.

ITLA Member No.

Proper fees must accompany this application

4a.

Email

Size (please circle one) : Miniature or Full Size 5.

Cow 

6.

Name of Texas Longhorn (limit 24 characters)

7.

10.

Birth Weight

11.

OCV Number

Natural 

9.

8 Birth Date

Yes 

Bull 

Steer 

Embryo 

Clone 

Sex of Texas Longhorn

No 

A.I. 

In Herd AI 

Service

12.

Twin?

Color

13.

14.

Holding Brand (your registered brand)

Brand ID (number branded on animal)

Location of holding brand

18.

17.

Sire’s Name

Location of number brand

19.

Sire’s Registration Number

Sire’s Brand ID Number

19a Signature of Owner of Sire

.

20.

21.

Dam’s Name

22.

Dam’s Registration Number

22a.

22b.

Clone Parent Name (only for clones)

Dam’s Brand ID Number

Clone Parent Reg# (only for clones)

I hereby certify this to be a true and correct statement and I request to have same recorded in the International Texas Longhorn Association Registry, in consideration of which I agree to abide and be bound by the Articles of Incorporation, Bylaws, Rules and Regulations of the Association and amendments thereto.

23.

Date Texas Longhorn Acquired

24.

Breeders Name

25.

Breeder’s ITLA Number

X

26.

Signature of Applicant

Date

Owner of Texas Longhorn Being Registered

27.

30.

Owner’s ITLA Number

Send Certificate to:

28.

Owner’s Street Address

For Office Use Only

29.

City

State,

Zip

Owner  Applicant 

Received 0 - 60 days from "date of sale" = $15 _______

Received after 60 days from the "date of sale" = $25 _______

TRANSFER APPLICATION 1.

2.

3.

◆

P.O. Box 2610 Glen Rose, TX 76043 Phone: (254) 898-0157 Fax: (254) 898-0165

◆

4.

Proper fees must accompany this application

6. SEX COW BULL STEER

Name of Animal

5.

8.

7.

REGISTRATION NO.

10. FEMALE SOLD OPEN EXPOSED

(IF SOLD IN SALE)

ADDRESS

CITY,

ZIP

DAY TIME PHONE NO.

ITLA MEMBER NO.

EMAIL ADDRESS

FOR OFFICE USE ONLY

22.

SIRE’S REG. NO.

11.

DATE SOLD

24.

DATE CALVED

13.

1ST BULL EXPOSED TO

26.

TRANSFER ANIMAL TO 15. SER VICE NAT A.I. EMB.

14.

BULL’S REGISTRATION NO.

STATE,

21.

SIRE OF CALF AT SIDE

Brand/ID. NO.

9.

LOT NO.

MEMBER NAME (APPLICANT)

16.

DATES EXPOSED THRU 17.

2ND BULL EXPOSED TO

23. SERVICE NAT A.I. EMB. 25.SEX OF CALF COW BULL STEER

27.

NEW OWNER’S ITLA MEMBER No. 28.

ADDRESS OF NEW OWNER 29.

CITY

STATE

ZIP

EMAIL 19. SER VICE

18.

BULL’S REGISTRATION NO.

NAT A.I. EMB.

20.

DATES EXPOSED FOR OFFICE USE STA-3

THRU FEE

A.P.:

C.N.

B.D.:

: REVISED 1/9/2020 - k.d. - indd/PDF

I (we) the owner(s) of this animal, or authorized agent of owner(s), hereby warrant the information contained herin to be true and correct and apply for transfer of ITLA Certificate of Registration, and will legally defend ownership as represented.

X Date

Signature of Seller

30.Send Certificate to:

Buyer

Seller

Please Print Three Copies. Mail two signed copies to the ITLA and keep one for your records.

TRANSFER BY LEASE I,___________________________________________, __________________________ (Owner - Lessor) (Address) _______________________________________________ITLA Member #___________ do hereby lease this ____________________, named ____________________________ (Cow or Bull) (Animal Name) Identification Number ______________________ITLA Number____________________ (Brand #) (Registration Number) to _________________________, ___________________________________________ (Name of Lessee) (Address of Lessee) ITLA Member #__________________ for the following period: from _______________ (Date) to ________________________.

(Date) Lease/Loan of Sire: The signature of the Lessee may be used in lieu of the owner of the sire when submitting a registration application providing this form is completed and filed with ITLA by the owner within 30 days after delivery of sire to Lessee.

Lease/Loan of Dam: The signature and address of the Lessee may be used and shown as breeder on registration applications in lieu of the signature and address of the registered owner of the dam for the purpose of registering of recording progeny born during the period specified on this form, provided this form is completed and filed with the ITLA, by the owner, within 30 days after delivery of the dam to the Lessee.

______________________________ Signature of Owner/Lessor

______________________________ Signature of Lessee

________________ Date *PO Box 2610 * Glen Rose, Texas, 76043 * 254-898-0157 * Fax 254-898-0165 *

Artificial Insemination Sire Enrollment Form

Bull’s Registered Name: _________________________________________________________________ Brand / ID Number: ____________________________________________________________________ Registration Number: _____________________ Enclose copy of front and back of registration certificate Owner: ______________________________________________________________________________ ITLA Member #: _______________________________________________________________________ Ranch Name: __________________________________________________________________________ Street Address: ________________________________________________________________________ City: _______________________________________ State: ______________ Zip: __________________ Phone Number: ________________________________________________________________________ Signature: ____________________________________________________________________________

Application must include the Following: 1. Fee of $100.00 2. DNA type on applicable bull.

3. Health certification in effect at time of all semen collection, including negative tests for Brucellosis, Tuberculosis, 5 Leptospirosis, Vibriosis, and Trichomoniasis.

4. Copy of Bull’s Registration Certificate 5. Photo of Bull Failure to comply with procedures set forth in the ITLE Artificial Insemination Enrollment regulations will be cause for cancellation of enrollment. You may contact the lab of your choice for DNA kits and procedures. ITLA recommends Neogen for DNA results. Neogen Genomics 4131 N 48th St Lincoln, NE 68504. Email for Neogen; geneseekinfo@neogen.com and phone number 402-435-0665.

A.I. or Embryo Transfer Certification Form Name of Animal Being Registered: _____________________________________________________________________________

AI Breeding Certificate

Embryo Transfer Certificate

I hereby certify the following information to be true And correct concerning the Artificial Insemination of the following cow:

I hereby certify the following information to be true and correct concerning the Embryo Transfer of the following cow:

________________________________________________

_____________________________________________

Registered Name of Cow

Registered Name of Cow

________________________________________________

_____________________________________________

Registered Number Brand/ ID #

Registered Number

________________________________________________ Location of Brand/ ID # Holding Brand and Location

Brand/ ID #

_____________________________________________ Location of Brand/ ID #

Holding Brand and Location

________________________________________________ Name of Certified Sire

_____________________________________________ Name of Owner of Cow

Membership Number

________________________________________________ _____________________________________________ Registration # Brand ID A.I. #

Address

_____________________________________________________ Name of Inseminator Date of Insemination

__________________________________________________ Name of Certified Sire

_____________________________________________________ Address of Inseminator

__________________________________________________ Registration # Brand/ ID # A.I. #

_____________________________________________________ City, State, Zip

__________________________________________________ Name of Transfer Technician Date on Transfer

_____________________________________________________ Signature of Inseminator

__________________________________________________ Address of Transfer Technician __________________________________________________ Signature of Transfer Technician

P&C Cattle Pens 918-507-2222 Lubjosky $15,920 Lo

ng

ho

rn

Ca

ge

Longhorn Hayring $1,100

Longhorn Cage with Hornlocks $4970

THANK YOU FOR READING

Kara Dickinson & Sara Burris

DROVER@ITLA.COM