The Drover: February 2024

THE DROVER

ISSUE 57 | FEBRUARY 2024

National Western Stock Show, Denver CO Lonestar Classic 2024 National Western Longhorn Show Wrap Up

TABLE OF CONTENTS

national western texas 25 longhorn Show

26 Got pictures?

22 Rollin’ Rollin’ Rollin’!

5

itla executive board & directors

22

National Western Stock Show

6

Itla past presidents & affiliate associations

27

youth leadership

8

calendar & schedule of events

28

ROYALTY COURT UPDATES

15

A LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT

31

ON THE RANCH

16

a letter from the vice president

32

recipe of the month

17

UPDATE FROM HEADQUARTERS

35

itla forms

19

OUTREACH FROM TIP TO TIP

46

2023 ITLA Rule book

21

INTERNATIONAL LIVESTOCK CURRENT NEWS

-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

D R O V E R

M A G A Z I N E

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 0 5

-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 HOOKS OCT 2022-APRIL 2023

RUSSELL FREEMAN APRIL2023- PRESENT

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

BEST OF TRAILS TLA BRAZILIAN TLA DIRECTOR: HUMBERTO NOMBRE PRESIDENT: JOHN EMAIL: humbanobre@hotmail.com DVORAK PHONE: +55 62 98118-2332 johndvorak25@gmail.com 620-382-7103 CHISHOLM TRAIL TLA GREAT LAKES TLA CANADIAN TLA PRESIDENT: JOHNNY HICKS PRESIDENT: PETE PRESIDENT: DANIELLE MERSHON EMAIL: HILDEBRAND Danielle@whistlingtxlonghorns.co hicksamericanbulldogs@yahoo.com p-lhildebrand@hotmail.com m PHONE: 269-721-3473 306-774-8205 254-630-0053 INDIAN TERRITORY TLA MIDWEST TLA THE LONGHORN POSSEE PRESIDENT: MIKEAL DEATHERAGE PRESIDENT: JOSH DINWIDDIE PRESIDENT: BRAD FIDLER EMAIL EMAIL: bradley_fidler@yahoo.com PHONE: 817-999-1836 josh.plaindirtfarmservice@yahoo.com 765-720-0913 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.co PHONE m 0 8 D R O V E R M A G A Z I N E 208-420-2484

SAVE THE DATE ITLA CONVENTION & CHAMPIONSHIP SHOW OCTOBER 9-12, 2024 STEPHENS COUNTY FAIR GROUNDS DUNCAN, OK

F E B R2024U A R Y MONDAY

SUNDAY

D R O V E R

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

GREAT LAKES TERRITORY ASSOCIATION MTG

4

5

6

7

1

2

3

8

9

10 OHIO RIVER VALLEY ASSOCIATION MTG

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

21

22

23

24

25

26

27

28

29

M A G A Z I N E

0 8

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS 2024

MARCH 2

MARCH 9

MARCH 15 & 16

The Winchester Futurity Bryan, TX Brazos Valley Livestock Commission Contact: Jennifer Francis 989-941-5271 Deadline: Feb 10th

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

Legacy Futurity & Sale Grapevine, TX Contact: Chase Vasut 512-917-8654

APRIL 12

APRIL 19 & 20

APRIL 19-21

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

The Cherry Blossom Sale & Futurity Culpeper, VA Contact: Chase Vasut 512-917-8654

CTTLA Spring Fling Show Myers Park and Event Center, McKinney, TX Contact: Danielle Mershon 254-630-0053 Click here for: Show Packet

D R O V E R

APRIL 26

APRIL TBD

MAY TBD

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

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

MAY 3

MAY 31

MAY 31-JUNE 2

Glendenning Fiesta Futurity Celina, Texas

Appalachian Trail Futurity Lebanon, Pennsylvania

ITLA Lone Star Classic Hopkins County Regional Civic Center Sulphur Springs, Texas

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

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

JUNE 21 Futurity of the West Dundee, Oregon

M A G A Z I N E

JUNE 16

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

JUNE 22 The GLTLA Futurity Manchester, MI Contact: Josh Shaw 616-212-8226

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

JUNE TBD

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

0 9

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS 2024

JULY 19 & 20

JULY 26

JULY 27

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

Cheesehead Futurity Gresham,Wisconsin

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

AUGUST TBD

AUGUST 16

AUGUST 31

Double Down Futurity Colorado Springs, Colorado

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

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

SEPTEMBER 7

SEPTEMBER 8

SEPTEMBER 13 & 14

Crossroads of the West Salt Lake City, Utah

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

G & G Classic Sale & Futurity Culpeper, VA Contact: Chase Vasut 512-917-8654

SEPTEMBER 20

SEPTEMBER 20

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

OCTOBER 4-5

Horn Showcase Futurity El Reno, Oklahoma

Legends Futurity Duncan, Oklahoma

OCTOBER 9-12

ITLA Championship Show & Convention Stephens County Fair Grounds Duncan, Oklahoma

SEPTEMBER 28 DCC Customer Appreciation Day Barnesville, Ohio Contact: Kirk Dickinson 740-758-5050

OCTOBER 18 & 19

Millennium Sale & Futurity Lexington, KY Contact: Ann Gravett gravett99@yahoo.com

Don't see your event?

Feel free to reach out to drover@itla.com D R O V E R

M A G A Z I N E

1 0

SARA I’d bought her as a suckling kev, though ‘twas her mama I was after.

(Some other feller bought the mom, then walked away with laughter) Leaving me with this dogie kev, blonde with little horn nubs.

T’weren’t nothing left for me to do, so with soothing words and neck rubs I placed her up on ol’ Ben’s back, then myself climbed in the saddle, and began my ride to the Running Cup, to introduce her to my cattle.

But a bond was formed that winter night as Ben and I, we travelled those well-worn trails through cedar brakes, light snow covering mud and gravel.

That kev, she stayed so quiet and still, though the trails crossed hills and plains.

I kept an ungloved hand on her soft warm hide, while my gloved hand held the reigns.

By the time we arrived at the Running Cup, and I had rubbed down tired ol’ Ben, I felt right wrong ‘bout turning her out in that cold, and snow, and wind.

So I placed her in the bunkhouse; then in the barn by dim lantern light I milked my one lone Jersey cow on that frostbit wintery night.

That kev! She nursed that bottle boys, like she was born right to it!

And I knew though winter would test her strength, that she would pull right through it.

That girl: she ate, she drank, she grew--as happens with all God’s creatures.

And her horns, they grew the most of all—the proudest of all her features.

For twenty-one years the Running Cup was graced with that lady’s presence.

Not another cow that we’ve run out here has brought such joy and pleasance.

Every year with the warming spring, when the dandelion puffs’d burst she’d deliver one more suckling kev, her last pretty as her first.

A testament to her longhorn blood, she gave the Running Cup nineteen in all.

And every one of those blessed kevs grew up strong, and long, and tall.

I now see the sunset o’er the hills, though the light of my eyes is fading.

And I wonder how long I’ll be able to write, before my own short life I’m trading for a range up above, where it’s always spring, and the streams don’t ever dry?

Where the cities stay put, and my bones won’t ache, and the good cows never die?

So while I’ve still time, thought I’d just better write, before the ending of my era This one last poem, ‘bout my favorite good cow: that longhorn…name of Sara.

D R O V E R

-Author Unknown…but undoubtedly a cowboy M A G A Z I N E

1 3

A LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT P R E S I D E N T

719-338-5071

R U S S E L L

russell@thefreemanranch.com

F R E E M A N

thefreemanranch.com

BEEF IMPROVEMENT FEDERATION 2024 SYMPOSIUM

The Beef Improvement Federation (BIF) is an organization centered around improving the beef industry in all processes through the advancement and coordination of segments, BIF strives to “connect science and industry to improve beef cattle genetics”. The 2024 symposium will be held in Knoxville, TN on June 10-13.

To get more information, please visit their website:Click Here

D R O V E R

M A G A Z I N E

1 5

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

ARE YOU A TALKER OR A DOER? Howdy! Let’s make this month’s V.P. letter a little interactive. Here is a question I’d like for you to ask yourself: “Why did I join the ITLA?” Seriously…why did you join? Did you decide to invest your hard-earned membership dues money with us on a whim? That’s doubtful. Maybe fed up with politics, you were seeking a better alternative to another association where your loyalties used to lie? Perhaps you were attracted to the ITLA because of our excellent cattle registration process (the best in the business, by the way)? Maybe you liked the fact that our show judges are actually trained and Board-approved Texas longhorn judges (not those who can’t tell a long-horned bos taurus taurus from a long-eared bos taurus indicus)? Possibly (like me) you joined us because we’re justifiably known in the longhorn industry as the most member-friendly and accommodating association?

Regardless of your reasons, now ask yourself this next question: “What am I doing to help the ITLA?” Any cattle organization is only as good as its members and what the members collectively put into it. Maybe you see things that you think could be improved? Well, don’t sit there: do something about it! This month I want to encourage every one of you to get involved with this great organization. We need you. Each of you have expertise, experiences, and ideas that can be brought to the table to help move the ITLA forward. Your Board of Directors is currently in the process of reworking some Committees and there is a place for you on those!

This is a perfect time to get involved. Are you interested in beef production and sales? Contact the Beef Committee. Do you have experience or interest in marketing? Boy, do we have a committee for you! Ideas of how to improve the annual Convention and Champ Show? We want to hear them! Are you interested in computer systems, showing cattle, working with youth? The list goes on and on. Simply put folks: we want you involved, and we need your skills! After all, this is not “my” ITLA or the Board’s ITLA. This is our ITLA. So, while it’s already great—let’s work to make it even better. Akin to I Corinthians chapter 12, we’re all part of this ITLA body, and the body functions best when all of its members are working together.

Want to get involved but not sure where to start? Please, contact me directly at (972) 937-7273 or brad@westmorelandlawfirm.com. Or contact our wonderful Office Manager Pam at (254) 898-0157 or staff@itla.com. We are here to help; and we look forward to putting you to work!

As always my friends, may our gracious God continue to bless you, your Gang, and your cattle.

D R O V E R

M A G A Z I N E

1 6

UPDATE FROM HEADQUARTERS O F F I C E

M A N A G E R ,

254-898-0157

P A M

K I N S E L

staff@itla.com

H U G H E S

itla.com

HOWDY FROM HEADQUARTERS! In honor of Valentine’s Day, we wanted to show our love and appreciation to our members and all longhorn breeders. We had such a great turn out with our Christmas Specials, we are bringing them back for the month of February! All dual registrations are $10! And Females and Bulls over 15 months are $20 (normally $25). If you are needing to get caught up on registering some animals, now is the time! I try to make it very easy on your part, so give me a call and we can get your animals all set up before the start of Show and Futurity season!

We are gearing up for our Lonestar Classic in Sulphur Springs TX! This is sure to be an amazing show and great time with our longhorn family! There are several wonderful sponsorship opportunities available, so if you would like to donate please email or call me and we can discuss what works best for you, your business, or ranch!

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 Pam Kinsel Hughes

D R O V E R

M A G A Z I N E

1 7

Purchase Tickets Here

For the Love of Livestock: Outreach from Tip to Tip

By Camilla Westmoreland

Shows and snows and everything in between…January and the beginning of February have been no joke! This past month the Texas Longhorn industry has been busy with the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo as well as the National Western Stock Show. I was unable to attend the National Western Stock Show, but I had the honor of attending the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo and had a blast representing the ITLA. My family and I had the opportunity to reconnect with some longhorn friends we hadn’t seen in months which was so rewarding. It was like a family reunion; getting to hear about their lives and families and of course, longhorns. It was so powerful to get to meet folks who were new to the Texas Longhorn breed and to meet fellow young people who share the same passion for livestock that I do. I also made new friends and was very impressed with how kind and welcoming so many young cowgirls and cowboys were to show us their treasured animals, extend a friendly hand, and share a few laughs. It always amazes me just how uniting the world of agriculture is. I’d argue that cattle bring more people together than my Granny’s homemade Texas pecan pies (but don’t tell her I said that!)

I love the FWSSR for many reasons, but one that really stands out is its blatant accessibility to everyone. The FWSSR is unique in that it provides an affordable and immersive western experience to anyone who is willing to risk getting a little manure on their boots. Yes, it is a fantastic livestock show with incredibly talented showmanship and beautiful animals, but it is also a beckoning door for thousands of people who have never had the chance to experience the majesty of livestock, especially longhorns. There were few things that warmed my heart more than watching people stop and gawk at the longhorns in the FWSSR cattle #4 barn. I hope that all of us never lose the awe that I saw on the faces of folks as they got their first glimpse of our majestic breed.

A recent study has found that 54% of U.S. citizens ages 11-24 have NEVER seen a cow in person. That blows my mind and breaks my heart simultaneously…and yet folks are still baffled as to why this generation seems to be going off the rails! Yes, I know that cattle are not the only solution to turning this generation around, but I’d argue that instead of the Beatles famous musical declaration, this is closer to the truth: “All we need are longhorns.”

D R O V E R

M A G A Z I N E

2 0

INTERNATIONAL LIVESTOCK CURRENT NEWS LIVESTOCK POLITICS

A MESSAGE FROM BILL BULLARD

Listen to this 5 minute video by Bill Bullard.

Bill Bullard President of R-Calf

Agenda 21, COOL, mRNA, and the Federal 30 30 programs are all designed against food profits in the USA. This is part of the "War on Food" sabotaging the American ag business.

Governments of the world want to control and tax every animal in every pasture in every country. The USA cattle people have fought against this, unified against it. It, like digital currency has flown over the USA like a lead balloon. This short audio by R-CALF CEO Bill Bullard further defines what governments want to do to every Texas Longhorn producer.

CLICK HERE

WAR ON FOOD

D R O V E R

M A G A Z I N E

2 1

ROLLIN’ ROLLIN’ ROLLIN’!

NATIONAL WESTERN STOCK SHOW Written By: Gary Lake

In 1866, Col Charles Goodnight and his friend Oliver Loving, began a piece of history that is part of the romance of the West today. They pioneered a cattle trail out of the Texas panhandle up through New Mexico driving several hundred head of horned cattle north as far as Denver Colorado. On the first drive Goodnight sold steers to the government agent at Fort Sumner New Mexico, bringing 8 cents per pound. Loving continued on north with 800 pairs of stocker cattle which sold to John Wesley Iliff in Denver. Later cattle drives saw thousands of head of longhorn cattle come into the stockyards of Denver and on to the railways of Cheyenne Wyoming. In 1906, with western agriculture in full swing, The Denver National Western Stock Show opened its gates for cattlemen and farmers from around the Western US to buy and sell cattle, learn new agricultural techniques and spend time visiting with neighbors and friends from around the area.

Today 117 + years later, the National Western is one of the most prestigious events in agriculture as nearly 700,000 visitors come From 14 floors up in downtown Denver through its gates to show their wares, enjoy livestock shows and performances and catch a glimpse of the top cowboys in the nation competing in the first major rodeo of the season.

At the 100th anniversary of the NWSS, the stock show committee looked for ways to improve attendance, especially that of the downtown rodeo parade that occurred a few days before the show opened at the stockyards.

The idea was to re-create the allure of the west with a realistic Longhorn trail drive right through the downtown business section of Denver, very close to the route that Goodnight and Loving might have traveled 150 years prior.

Kassie Reynolds from Silverado Ranch and Colorado Brand Inspector Charlie Saunders riding point.

The stock show committee made a call to Stan Searle of Monument Colorado, who owned a local herd of Texas Longhorns, and explained their plan. Stan immediately called his partner and ranch foreman, Gary Lake, with the question, “could it be done”.

After a few months of planning, sorting cattle for the best animals suited for the event and engaging local cowhands that could handle a horse and a rope, the first trail drive of Longhorn cattle through Denver became a reality. Sixteen cowhands pushing around 40 head of cattle moved through the streets of Denver from Union Station railyards down 17th street amidst the

towering buildings of downtown Denver to the delight of a few thousand onlookers. Although the parade had lost some of its luster up to that point, the majestic sight of the amazing Longhorns began to draw larger and larger crowds. Now, seventeen years later the streets of Denver are packed with around 100,000 spectators on the first Thursday of January to “see the longhorns”. The Longhorn cattle from Silverado Ranch not only wow the crowd downtown and lure folks out to the stock show, but can be seen in the Wild West Show, rodeo performances and on display for the entire three weeks of the show.

D R O V E R

M A G A Z I N E

2 2

Leon Vick, Vice President of Rodeo and Livestock Operations for the National Western says, “The Longhorns are the highlight of the show. There are always spectators packed around the display pen where the cattle are”. The Longhorn cattle from Silverado Ranch have become so prominent during stock show that they are driven around the tables of the Denver Chamber of Commerce “Boots and Business” lunch while dignitaries such as the CEO of the National Western, the Colorado governor and others speak to the crowd. The crowd at the Wild West Show performances gasps with amazement as the big horned cattle come running into the arena under spotlights. One spectator said, “it’s why we come out to stock show, to see the longhorns”.

After three weeks of wowing the daily crowds, the annual NWSS Texas Longhorn show begins in the Yards Arena. More than 100 head of Longhorn cattle from around the west show up for the only bipartisan Longhorn show in the nation. Cattle from both the International Texas Longhorn Association and the Texas Longhorn Breeders Association of America compete for the coveted title of Grand Champion of the Denver National Western Stock Show.

Denver downtown Chamber of Commerce annual Boots & Business lunch

Longhorns delight the crowd in the National Western Wild West Show

Gary Lake of Silverado Ranch keeping an eye on the herd

D R O V E R

M A G A Z I N E

If you’ve never been to the Mile High city, or maybe have never seen the sight of longhorns loose downtown, then make your way to Denver Colorado in January. You won’t regret the trip! If you raise and show Longhorn cattle, there’s no more prestigious event in the nation than the National Western and its 117 year history. So, start getting ready now, there’s only eleven months until the 2025 National Western Stock Show in Denver…. Where (thanks to the longhorns) “The West Comes Alive”!

Stan Searle and Marlene Lake lead the herd with historic Union Station in the background

Larry and Heatherly Smith of New Mexico were along for the ride

2 3

national western texas longhorn show The 2024 National Western Texas Longhorn show is in the books. The National Western Longhorn show is the only bipartisan show in the Nation hosted by the Mountain States Texas Longhorn Association and the Mountains and Plains Texas Longhorn Association, representing both National registries, the ITLA and the TLBAA. Exhibitors from around the Central and Western US came to compete for the championship titles in loose, haltered and youth competition. The weather was beautiful and the new indoor facilities at the Stock Show were amazing! Co-chairman and ramrod of the show, Lana Pearson, of Windy Point Longhornss tells us that there were over 100 entries again this year. The open shows were judged by certified Longhorn judge Dr Julie Pack of College Station Texas while the youth show champion winners were decided by Zaida Espinosa of Kit Carson Colorado. A huge thank you to MSTLA president Travis Casey and his crew, for expert cattle handling making the show run smoothly.

Championship results for the non-haltered division are: Champion Jr Heifer: Sweet Caroline owned by Carter and Amy Hunt Res Champion Jr Heifer: Stop the storm owned by Casey Ranch Longhorns Champion Sr Heifer: Jet Dried owned by Casey Ranch Longhorns Res Champion Sr Heifer: Amelia AC owned by Carter and Amy Hunt Grand Champion all age heifer: Jet Dried Res Grand Champion all age heifer: Sweet Caroline Champion Jr Cow: WCC Black Saphire owned by Jesse and Amber Dewey Res Champion Jr cow: El Pointo owned by Casey Ranch Longhorns Champion Sr Cow: Windy Point Penelope owned by Lana Pearson, Windy Point Longhorns Res Champion Sr cow: Fancy Shootin’ owned by Silverado Ranch Grand Champion all age Female: Windy Point Penelope Res Grand Champion all age Female: Fancy Shootin’ Champion Bull: Big Chief owned by Jordan Jarnigan Res Champion Bull: Stop the Show owned by Casey Ranch Grand Champion Steer: Astro 1018 owned by Jesse and Amber Dewey Res Grand Champion Steer: Optimus owned by Silverado Ranch

D R O V E R

M A G A Z I N E

2 4

national western texas longhorn show Championship Results for the haltered division are: Champion Jr Bull: Pecos Winner owned by Bill and Tammy Dennert Res Champion Jr Bull: G& L spotted Eagle owned by the Hightower/Huskey Partnership Champion Sr Bull: Nix Dried Pecos owned by Christopher Nix Re Champion Sr Bull: SL Bearclaw owned by Shelby Mohr Grand Champion All Agę Bull:Nix Dried Pecos Res Grand Champion All Age Bull: Pecos Winner Champion Jr Heifer: Nix 316 Pecos Jett Chex owned by Christopher Nix Res Champion Jr Heifer: Nix 310 Bueno Span owned by Christopher Nix Champion Sr Heifer: Nix Cute n Cut owned by Christopher Nix Res Champion Sr Heifer: OCC Clementine owned by Belle Longhorns Grand Champion All age heifer: Nix Cute n Cut Res Champion All age heifer: Nix 316 Pecos Jett Chex Champion Mature Female : Windy Point Anna Jammin’ owned by Lana Pearson REs Champion Mature Female: DV Peaches owned by Art Anders Championship Results for Youth are: Grand Champion Bull: Pecos Winner shown by Mason Nix Res Champion Bull: Nix 356 Lil Red Iron shown by Madie Nix Champion Jr Heifer: Nix 16 Pecos Jett Chex shown by Mason Nix Res Champion Jr Heifer: OCC Carmelita shown by Emma Velazquez Champion Sr Female: Nix Cute n Cut shown by Mason Nix Res Champion Sr female: OCC Go Heeled shown by Emma Velazquez Grand Champion Female: Nix Cute n Cut Res Grand Champion Female: Nix 316 Pecos Jett Chex Champion Steer: G&L Indian Outlaw Shown by Kenley Huskey Res Champion Steer: Belle Salty Carl shown by Mick Velazquez Youth Showmanship Winners: Class 1 Juniors: Brinley Dewey Class 2 Intermediates: Emma Grace Velazquez Class 3 Seniors Molly Nix

D R O V E R

M A G A Z I N E

2 5

GOT PICTURES? SEND THEM IN DROVER@ITLA.COM

WE ARE ALWAYS LOOKING TO ADD SOME GREAT PHOTOS OF OUR LONGHORN FAMILIES RANCHING TOGETHER

-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

D R O V E R

M A G A Z I N E

2 7

Camilla Westmoreland 2024 ITLA Queen www.gangof5longhorns.com

Agape Well, it’s that time of year again, when chocolate sales explode, red and pink hearts litter town squares, and frightened young men everywhere pursue the girls of their dreams…yep, it’s February and that means Valentine’s Day. Personally, I have always thought that this holiday was quite dumb, not because I don’t like chocolates and boys but because I believe that love is something that needs to be celebrated all year round and also that it shouldn’t take a holiday for a guy to give his girl flowers and chocolates; that should happen all year round too (take notes ladies!) Our world today has a very twisted view of love, as I am sure that you all know. Love today is all about fleeting feelings. That is not the love of the Bible and that is not the love that we as humans are called to exhibit, exercise, and practice.

The love that we are encouraged to emulate is called “agape” love.

Loosely translated, this love is one that puts the other person’s needs and wellbeing above their own-even to the extent that a life would be laid down for the sake of the loved one. The ultimate example of this rare and extraordinary type of love is the sacrifice that Jesus Christ made as He laid down His beautiful life for you and me (1 John 3:16). I firmly believe that we as Texas Longhorn cattle ranchers have been given quite the unique and special opportunity to experience and apply agape love more deeply than most people. During these brutally cold winter months, I would argue that our love for our longhorns is just about as close to agape love as one can get. We risk life and limb (literally due to hypothermia) and sacrifice our sleep and our warmth as we minster to our majestic cattle. From breaking ice in water troughs and tanks, to prepping straw-laden barns for expecting and nursing mamas, to driving from property to property shoveling snow and feeding some extra grain, to laying in bed at night praying that God gives you the energy and feeling in your toes to do it all again the next morning, our work never stops. To most, this degree of care for an animal may seem strange or even crazy, but that’s just it-to us, our cattle aren’t just animals…they are family too. Thus, we will do everything in our power to nurture and provide for them. Agape love. So, during this challenging season, I am praying for each of you and thinking warm thoughts on behalf of us all as we care for our beloved families and herds.

D R O V E R

M A G A Z I N E

2 8

Kenley Huskey 2024 ITLA Princess www.savannahbellefarms.com

What’s New! January was an exciting month for me! I got to travel to Denver, Colorado to the National Western Stock Show. Not only was it my first time in Colorado, but it was also my first time representing the ITLA as Princess. I helped the local affiliate, Mountain States Texas Longhorn Association, hand out awards during the open show, sell raffle tickets to help support their youth program, and got to assist with the silent auction at their banquet. I got asked many times what ITLA stood for on my sash, so I had lots of opportunities to share with people about the ITLA and about longhorns. I went out to Colorado hoping I would continue my winning streak for showmanship. I fell short and placed second, but I was still proud of my accomplishment. I was thrilled my steer G&L Indian Outlaw placed first in his class, was named Youth Champion Senior Steer, and won Youth Grand Champion All Age Steer. My bull G&L Spotted Eagle also did very well, placing second in his class and winning Reserve Champion Junior Bull. I also was able to get a picture with our ITLA President, Russell Freeman. Overall, this was a great experience and I hope I get to go back next year.

D R O V E R

M A G A Z I N E

2 9

Baylor Marti 2024 ITLA Little Miss

What’s New! January went by so fast! We had about a week of really cold weather.

We continue to get our halter calves ready for upcoming shows. My main goal this month is to work more with our Spokesman heifer, LHB Dance-Off, because she can be a handful. February is usually Amarillo’s coldest month of the year, so I’m ready to get through this month and clip some of the winter hair off of our calves. I’m very excited to show our newest calves, this show season!

I have been playing basketball, and our team is really good. We’ve won our last 3 games! I love playing basketball, but I can’t wait to get outside and play warm weather sports.

Happy Valentine’s Day, Baylor

D R O V E R

M A G A Z I N E

3 0

ON THE RANCH By Camilla Westmoreland Your genetics load the gun. Your lifestyle pulls the trigger.”

-Mehmet Oz I will never forget the day that I agreed to enroll in my first artificial insemination (or “AI” for short) seminar. I had been in deep discussion with my father and grandfather regarding ways that we could enrich Gang of 5 Longhorns and we decided that I needed to learn AI in order to take our Texas Longhorn breeding program to the next level. I willingly obliged and signed up for a two-day AI intensive in Dublin, Texas. It was freezing cold in the dead of winter and the intensive took place in a stale, old dairy sale barn that smelled every bit as delightful as you can imagine. My instructor did not allot me any mercy, as the first exercise I was taught was feeling around in the reproductive systems harvested from dead cows which had been taken to slaughter the day prior. He promptly taught me how to wield a Kombicolor Universal gun and challenged me to successfully insert the gun into the reproductive system…with my eyes closed. Now, the normal human response would likely be horror or disgust but, gag-reflexes aside, all I felt (sans the mysteriously still-warm, squishy tissue between my fingers) was admiration and excitement. Admiration because of how incredible God made bovines and the brilliant minds that He gave scientists to be able to conceive (excuse the pun) such an idea as artificial insemination, and excitement because I was learning a skill that would allow me to personally better the Texas Longhorn breed one cow (or heifer) at a time. What an honor. The class was exhausting: we spent 10 hours with our hands inside of cows and another 10 in lectures and demonstrations. Yet, at the end of it, we had a bible study, broke bread together, and walked away with knowledge that was not only life changing but life-altering for more species than one. Ok, so I know what you may be thinking, “That sounds cool, but why should I care? Our industry has herd sires galore that break records every year. Why do we need AI when I can simply have a living herd sire service my females?” My response? We need AI BECAUSE of all of the magnificent bulls that our industry is breeding. In the paragraph to follow, I want to propose my top five reasons why I believe AI is beneficial to our industry, but please bear in mind that there are many experts who are exponentially more qualified than myself on this topic, so if you have any questions or want to implement AI into your breeding program, contact the ITLA office where you can be directed to folks who can guide you every step of the way. Nevertheless, here are my five cents on the matter. The first reason that artificial insemination is beneficial to the Texas Longhorn industry is logistics: AI allows for a larger quantity of quality genetics to meet with a larger quantity of quality females. The second reason is time: by utilizing AI, a breeder can potentially save years and years of time by utilizing an assortment of genetics that would otherwise take years to build up via one servicing bull per season. The third reason is money: AI simultaneously provides opportunities for a breeder to potentially save money on their breeding programs (pull out a calculator and consider how much it can cost to maintain a herd sire per breeding season) and to make more money (your bottom line not only grows from fewer expenses but also from the potential for more sales to occur). The fourth reason that AI is beneficial is education: AI allows for new bulls to be tested and their characteristics observed in their progeny (bearing in mind that the diversity of the Texas Longhorn breed makes this task impossible to predict in its entirety) if you will, before you breed your whole herd to them. Lastly, as I mentioned before, the final reason artificial insemination is beneficial is improvement: AI allows us to have more opportunities at our fingertips to replicate traits we want to preserve and correct traits which need to be fine-tuned. The caveat of this of course, is that each female may have different genetic needs for potential progeny (i.e. more lateral horn growth, deeper body, etc.) which cannot be attained via the same herd sire. Thus, the potential benefits of AI can hardly be overstated. With all of that being said, I will always be a proponent of raising, cherishing, and using herd sires of your own in addition to utilizing AI. The beauty of our breed is its diversity and blessedly for us, our breed can benefit from a diverse range of breeding practices as well.

D R O V E R

M A G A Z I N E

3 1

L E A N

L O N G H O R N L O N G H O R N

B E E F

C H I L I

Ingredients: 2 pounds Longhorn Beef Ground 1 lb stew meat 1 diced onion 1 chopped green pepper 5 gloves garlic, minced 2 (15oz) cans kidney beans 1 (15oz) can tomatoes 1/2 c. chopped onions 1 tsp black pepper 1 T cumin 2 T chili powder 1 T oregano 1 T salt 1 small can green chilies Instructions: 1. Brown beef and chopped stew meat in olive oil 2. Add onion, garlic, and pepper 3. Cook until onion is soft 4. Add rest of the ingredients and simmer for 2 hours or place in crockpot on low for 6 hours

Brenda Bruch - Strong City, KS

D R O V E R

M A G A Z I N E

3 2

-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

D R O V E R

M A G A Z I N E

3 3

-ITLA Executive Board OATH-

D R O V E R

M A G A Z I N E

3 4

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

ITLA SHOW RULEBOOK INTERNATIONAL TEXAS LONGHORN ASSOCIATION CHAMPIONSHIP SHOWS & QUALIFYING REGIONAL AFFILIATE SHOWS Revised January 2023

INTERNATIONAL TEXAS LONGHORN ASSOCIATION P.O. BOX 2610, GLEN ROSE, TEXAS 76043 PHONE: (254) 898-0157 FAX: (254) 898-0165 www.ITLA.com

2024 ITLA RULE BOOK Exhibitor attendance and participation is greatly appreciated throughout the show!! This Standardized Rule Book is the governing document to be used when producing the International Championship Show, the International Youth Show and any regional affiliate shows where ITLA Qualifying Points are to be awarded. Deviations from the rules set forth in this book may result in the show being classified as a Non-Qualifying Show (with no qualifying points or High Point Legacy points recorded) unless the show chairman receives specific permission from the ITLA Board of Directors prior to the show.

Periodically, the rules and regulations contained in this book are reviewed and revised by the ITLA. Changes are presented to the ITLA Board of Directors for approval before inclusion. Every attempt will be made to inform members of any rule changes through updates in the ITLA Drover or posted on the official ITLA website. For a copy of this publication, or to verify that this booklet contains the most up-to-date regulations, you can visit our website for the most current version of this governing rule book at www.ITLA.com

CLICK HERE TO VIEW & DOWNLOAD FULL RULE BOOK

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