FEBRUARY 2026
A LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT
214- 287-2303
brad@westmorelandlawfirm com
Gearing Up For Spring and Beyond!
Who is ready for Spring?! Spring is a time of remembrance. During the winter months I sometimes forget what it’s like to be surrounded by green grass, and bugs, and warmth outside; but Spring magically brings it all back to me as Texas awakes from its slumber. Spring is a time for renewal: when favored cows have calves that keep their genetic legacy going for one more generation. And Spring is a time for working: we know that mild weather won’t last, that Spring rains will be a memory come July and August, and that real work needs to be done in preparation. I love Spring! Maybe you do as well.
Let me reassure you that the ITLA Board is also ready for Spring. We’ve not forgotten our members this winter and have conducted a lot of good business already through good oldfashioned hard work. We already have our International Championship Show schedule planned many months ahead of the usual timing. And wow, do we have excitement and opportunities in store for you! We will be supporting our beloved Affiliates in their Shows. We have ad campaigns of all sorts that you’ll be seeing in the months to come that will educate our members – and beyond-- about the great things we are doing and stand for. We just welcomed an exciting new Affiliate into our fold, and we hear that at least two more may be on the near horizon. We’ve got a Judging Clinic on the calendar (thank you Mr. Dickinson). The ITLA is fiscally stable and financially responsible. And last but not at all least, our very competent Office Manager Kenzie has settled into her role and will soon (as promised) welcome a rotation of volunteer workers and a new part-time employee into her Headquarters domain to ensure that things continue running smoothly as Spring gears up and gets super busy. In short, we are ready for Spring and excited about it!
And how about those truly international members of ours! I hope that you enjoy reading about our winners of the revamped International Photo Contest that occurred this past October at Champ Show. We look forward to drawing even more attention to our international members in the coming months. They are an integral and valued part of our Association.
So, enjoy the tail-end of winter, but I say: “C’mon Spring!” As we enjoy each of His seasons, may God bless you, your gang, and your cattle.
sageinbloomart@gmail.com https://sites.google.com/view/sageinbloomart/ Originalartorcustomartfromyourphotosoryourimagination!
HOWDYfrom
HEADQUARTERS
Howdy!
I wanted to provide a quick update from the ITLA office and share how things are currently going. It’s hard to believe it is already February this year is already flying by so fast.
The office has been staying busy as we continue working through registrations, transfers, memberships, and general member support We are making steady progress on outstanding items and addressing any issues that arise as efficiently as possible. Our focus remains on accuracy, clear communication, and providing the best service we can to our members.
We are currently having a membership drive, and this is the perfect time to call into the office to make sure your membership is up to date and that all of your contact information is correct In addition, our office is actively reaching out to expired and inactive members to help update their information and memberships as part of this membership drive. Our July print issue of The Drover is right around the corner and will include a full membership directory, so ensuring your information is current is very important.
I would also like to take a moment to recognize how great the January print issue of The Drover turned out. A huge thank you to everyone who advertised in that issue your support truly helps make it possible. Additionally, a very special thank you to Sarah Frank for the incredible job she does Her hard work, dedication, and attention to detail play a major role in the success of The Drover, and we are extremely grateful for all that she does.
If you are interested in advertising, please contact the ITLA offic in the July print issue of The Drover.
If you have any questions, concerns, or need assistance with an e to reach out to the office. We are always happy to help.
Thank you for your continued support of ITLA.
Best regards,
Kenzie Woycheshin Office Manager
6 International Photo Contest Winners
CLASS 1 - FEMALES
1 PLACE: THUNDERS BEAUTY (GERMANY) ST
OWNED BY: SPREND CHRISTOPH, MICHEAL STRAUB & LUKAS BUNERS ITLA CHAMPIONSHIP SHOW 2025
GLEN ROSE, TEXAS
CLASS 2 - FEMALES
1 PLACE: SWEET BELLA (AUSTRIA)
OWNED BY: MICHA HAMERSKY
2 PLACE: SPEAKING STORM (NETHERLANDS)
OWNED BY: LUKAS KAMPS
CLASS 2 - FEMALES
3 PLACE: TEMPTERS BEAUTY (GERMANY) RD OWNED BY: TEXAS LONGHORN SBS, GBR (SPREND CHRISTOPH, MICHAEL STRAUB, LUKAS BUNERS)
CLASS 3 - FEMALES
1 PLACE: D7 SPUR RHYTHM & BLUES (AUSTRALIA) ST OWNED BY: GORDON/DESLEY DAVIDSON
2 PLACE: SPOTTED COWGIRL CHEX (AUSTRIA)
OWNED BY MICHA HAMERSKY
3 PLACE: AA GREY SPIRIT (GERMANY)
OWNED BY: ANNA/ALEXANDER LEICHTENSTERN
4th PLACE: TUXEDO’S BEAUTY (AUSTRIA)
OWNED BY: MICHA HAMERSKY
CLASS 4 - BULLS
1ST PLACE: TK PRECIOUS DRIED (NETHERLANDS)
OWNED BY: LUSCAS KAMPS
CLASS 5 - BULLS
1 PLACE: TBAR BOGART (AUSTRALIA)
OWNED BY: SHANE TREVOR
2 PLACE: SILENCER (AUSTRIA)
OWNED BY: MICHA HAMERSKY
3 PLACE: MKL KNOX (SWITZERLAND)
4 PLACE: DIEPENHOEK CHUCK NORRIS (NETHERLANDS)
OWNED BY: RACHELLE dE PORTER DINGEMANS
CLASS 7 - STEERS
1 PLACE: D7 SPUR 2 UP (AUSTRALIA)
OWNED BY: GORDON/DESLEY DAVIDSON
2 PLACE: BIG SHOT (GERMANY)
OWNED BY: TEXAS LONGHORN SBS, GBR (SPREND CHRISTOPH, MICHEAl STRAUB, LUKAS BUNERS)
3 PLACE: TRIGGER (GERMANY)
OWNED BY: TEXAS LONGHORN SBR, GBR (SPREND CHRISTOPH, MICHAEL STRAUB LUKAS BUNERS)
ITLA CHAMPIONSHIP SHOW 2025 GLEN ROSE, TEXAS
G R A N D C H A M P I O N
F E M A L E
D 7 S P U R R H Y T H M & B L U E S ( A U S T R A L I A ) O W N E D B Y : G O R D O N
( A U S T R A L I A ) O W N E D B Y : M I C H A H A M E R S K Y
G R A N D C H A M P I O N
B U L L
T B A R B O G A R T ( A U S T R A L I A ) O W N E D B Y : S H A N E T R E V O R
( A U S T R A L I A ) O W N E D B Y : M I C H A H A M E R S K Y
G R A N D
C H A M P I O N S T E E R
D 7 S P U R 2 U P ( A U S T R A L I A ) O W N E D B Y : G O R D O N / D E S L E Y D A V I D S O N
ALISSABUTLER AnotefromyourYouthPresident
As we move further into the year, it’s hard not to start thinking about what comes next especially with officer elections right around the corner. For many youth members, this season brings an important question: How do I want to be involved, and how can I make a difference? Serving as a youth officer, especially as president, has been one of the most rewarding experiences I’ve had. My favorite part of being president wasn’t the title it was the opportunity to represent our youth, connect with members across the association, and help create an environment where everyone felt welcomed and encouraged to get involved. Being able to support others, share ideas, and watch people grow in confidence throughout the year made every challenge worth it Leadership isn’t about having everything figured out. It’s about showing up, being willing to learn, and caring about the people around you. n Throughout my term, I learned how important communication, teamwork, and responsibility really are. I also learned that leadership looks different for everyone. Whether it’s organizing events, helping behind the scenes, speaking up with new ideas, or simply being someone others can count on every role matters
As officer elections approach, I encourage youth members to start thinking about how they’d like to contribute. You don’t have to have years of experience or know all the answers. What matters most is having a desire to serve and a willingness to step outside your comfort zone.
Along with leadership opportunities, we still have some exciting ways to support our youth program. We are continuing to sell youth bandanas, and we also have our rifle raffle coming up, with proceeds benefiting our cow camp. These fundraisers play a huge role in making experiences like cow camp possible, and we appreciate everyone who continues to support and participate.
Being able to serve as president has been something I will always be grateful for, and I hope others consider stepping into a leadership role when elections come around. This organization has given me so many opportunities, and I look forward to seeing how the next group of officers carries that forward.
AI
Enhancing Genetics
One Straw At A Time
A l t h o u g h s t i l l c o n s i d e r e d a r e l a t i ve l y n e w, o r n e we r, m e t h o d o f c a t t l e
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i n d u s t r y s i n c e t h e 1 9 4 0 s A l l o ve r t h e wo r l d A I i s b e i n g u s e d i n s e r i o u s
b r e e d i n g p r o g r a m s . A I h a s q u i c k l y e a r n e d i t s p l a c e a s a c o r n e r s t o n e i n
t e c h n o l o g y f o r s e r i o u s , m o d e r n b r e e d e r s a n d w i t h s o m a n y b e n e f i t s
w h y wo u l d n ’ t i t b e a va l u e d t o o l u s e d b y a l l b r e e d e r s ?
I f yo u a r e l o o k i n g t o q u i c k l y i m p r o ve
t h e g e n e t i c s o f yo u r h e r d , A I i s a ke y
t o o l H o r n g r o w t h , t w i s t s c o l o r a n d
c o n f i r m a t i o n c a n a l l b e m a n i p u l a t e d ,
t o s o m e e x t e n t , b y u s i n g A I W h i l e a
v e r y s m a l l p e r c e n t a g e o f L o n g h o r n s
i s e s t i m a t e d t o b e c o n c e i ve d u s i n g A I ,
t h e o p t i o n i s t h e r e a n d a l l o w s f o r
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t h e y d e s i r e i n t o t h e i r h e r d s i n a s i n g l e
g e n e r a t i o n B y t a r g e t i n g s p e c i f i c , desirable traits, such as a unique color
p a t t e r n , y o u a r e i m p r o v i n g f u t u r e
g e n e r a t i o n s i n y o u r h e r d w h e t h e r y o u
c o n t i n u e o n w i t h A I o r f i n d a h e r d s i r e
t h a t w o r k s f o r y o u a n d m o v e f o r w a r d
w i t h n a t u r a l s e r v i c e A I i s a l s o a v e r y
a f f o r d a b l e m e t h o d , e s p e c i a l l y f o r
s m a l l p r o d u c e r s w h o a r e j u s t s t a r t i n g
t h e i r o w n h e r d o r h a ve n ’ t f o u n d a b u l l
ye t t h a t t h e y l o ve e n o u g h t o i nve s t i n
f o r t h e i r o w n . L e t ’ s f a c e i t : b u l l s a r e
n o t c h e a p a n d t h a t ’ s i f y o u c a n e v e n
f i n d o n e t h a t c h e c k s a l l o f t h e b o x e s
t h a t yo u wa n t f o r yo u r h e r d . I nve s t i n g i n a yo u n g b u l l t h a t h a s ye t t o
p r o ve h i m s e l f m a y s e e m l i ke a g r e a t i d e a i f yo u a r e o n l y l o o k i n g a t
t h e p r i c e t a g o n h i m , b u t w h a t i f h e i s a d u d ? A l t h o u g h t h a t i s p r e t t y
r a r e, i t s t i l l c a n h a p p e n a n d yo u d o n o t wa n t yo u r i nve s t m e n t t o b e s e n t o f f t o f r e e z e r c a m p d u e t o l a c k o f a b i l i t y t o p e r f o r m a n d d o h i s j o b W h i l e yo u n g, u n p r o ve n b u l l s a r e m o r e a f f o r d a b l e t o o w n , b u y i n g
t h e s t r a ws o f p r o ve n h e r d s i r e s c o u l d b e e ve n m o r e a f f o r d a b l e w i t h o u t s o m u c h o f a r i s k t o yo u r b o t t o m l i n e
To p - t i e r, e l i t e s i r e s a r e E X P E N S I V E a n d n o t i n e ve r yo n e’ s b u d g e t ; l e a s t o f a l l w h e n t h e y a r e j u s t s t a r t i n g o u t , B U T t h e i r s e m e n s t r a ws a r e o b t a i n a b l e n o m a t t e r w h a t l e ve l yo u a r e a t i n yo u r p r o d u c t i o n Ac r o s s t h e b o a r d s e m e n s t r a ws r a n g e f r o m a s l o w a s $ 1 5 p e r s t r a w t o a f e w h u n d r e d D R O V E R
dollars per straw Remember that the higher the price does not necessarily mean the better the bull the straw came from Cattle owners set the prices for their straws and they may overprice them for a number of reasons including to limit progeny on the market
Regardless of how much you spend on semen straws, or how little, access to these elite herd sires is a priceless asset to producers; especially small producers or producers looking to add the genetics of a bull that is not geographically close to them The Longhorn breed in Australia was built almost entirely through imported semen Not to mention the opportunity that this presents to you for diversity no matter your herd size. A producer with only six or eight heifers could easily have each one bred by a different bull through AI thus having every calf sired by a different high end herd sire
As with everything, you will want to do your research It is recommended to purchase your semen straws directly when you can Buying them elsewhere does not guarantee their storage, age and therefore viability Sometimes there are introductory prices, specials if you will, on straws from young unproven bulls that come from a strong genetic line Buying sexed straws is also an option to consider; but keep in mind that sexed female straws are higher priced and they take away any chance you might have of raising the next great, sought after herd sire on your very own ranch
AI does require more planning than other methods Accurately tracking the heat cycles of your cattle and having a trained individual on call to be there when the time is right is a must Not to mention, make sure when you are ordering your straws, you allow plenty of time for them to arrive
There are several economic benefits to using AI over natural service; the most obvious being that if you are a small producer it is not practical for you to purchase a bull of quality for less than ten cows. If you were even able to find one that was up for discussion, and had proven himself as a great herd sire, you would never be able to pencil out his cost spread out over ten cows Another obvious advantage: when you AI you know without a doubt when your cows will calve which allows you to be prepared and ready for the calves to arrive. You can also guarantee that your calves will be born in the first three weeks of calving season which will allow you to present a larger more uniform group of calves to the market
If you already own a great herd sire, take advantage of him while you can, by not only selling semen straws but by stocking up for your future You never know when a bull may be injured, pass away or need to be sold for a reason out of your control and not in your plans necessarily Plan ahead, invest in a semen tank and stock your own reserve
The benefits of AI come in that it is easy for us to share our herd sires with those far from his home base and also that we can store straws to pass-on a great herd sire’s genetics even after he is deceased So, if you are not already using AI in your breeding program: consider doing so For more information on AI bulls that are registered with the ITLA, just call the Office Staff with any questions you may have and they can point you in the right direction.
The Heartbroke CowpokeA Love Story
He was a heartbroke cowpoke
Whose gal up and fled And took his heart with her Without a single word said.
He was a heartbroke cowpoke
Who was counting the days
That he’d heard no word from her ‘Til his mind was a haze.
He was a heartbroke cowpoke. Wasn’t sure he could last:
With his future unwanted His present haunted by past. With his nights long and restless. And his days dim at best.
With his thoughts focused on her (And that dang hole in his chest.)
With his joy in life hidden. With no peace night or day. With eyes red from his weeping ...over love thrown away.
You see love is a blessing, but can be a curse. Love leaves you guessing (at best), and at worst Love can flat kill you if ever it’s lost.
So ensure you don’t lose it, whatever the cost. Tell your loves ones you love them, but better still show it. ‘Cause if you fail to do that, then pardner...you’ve blown it. And you’ll discover that love, so sweet when invited? Is the bitt’rest of galls when it goes unrequited. Don’t be like the cowpoke. Don’t dwell on regret. Don’t take loves for granted. And don’t ever forget That true love is priceless, yet worth all the cost. For life is tough living once true love is lost.
So what of the cowpoke
With his hat in his hands?
Who’d given in to his misery And given up on his plans?
Well, that one lucky cowpoke
Recalled before it was too late A verse there in the Good BookRomans 8:28
He remembered, you see, what he was taught as a lad: That God works for good, what man might call bad If only you love Him. If you only stay true. If you keep your eyes on Him (and not so much on you).
See, God saved the cowpoke (though his own foot he shoots) And helped him get up by the straps on his boots.
So remember your lessons. And be careful to teach. Those under your care, so when their end is reached
They’ll be like the cowpoke, who after taking his licks Was blessed by his parents. Proverbs 22:6
-Chip Bowdrie
BButler Butler utler
2026itlaqueen
Here in Texas, we recently experienced a major winter freeze that affected many areas of agriculture, including cattle operations across the state For breeders and exhibitors within the International Texas Longhorn Association, the extreme cold added challenges to daily cattle care and management, placing an even greater emphasis on cattle health and well being. During this time, the natural hardiness of Texas Longhorns became especially evident Their adaptability, lean build, and strong immune systems allow them to withstand sudden temperature changes, helping them handle harsh winter conditions better than many other cattle breeds. Coming out of the freeze, the focus now turns toward the next phase of the year for the International Texas Longhorn Association. Preparations are underway for the upcoming spring shows, where exhibitors have the opportunity to highlight the quality, resilience, and unique traits of Texas Longhorn cattle. These events not only showcase the breed, but also reflect the strong support and sense of community within the association. As the spring show season approaches, I am excited for what this year has in store with the International Texas Longhorn Association I am just getting started and look forward to representing the association, supporting fellow exhibitors, and seeing what the rest of the year brings
Sincerely
Alissa Butler ITLA 2026 Queen
h a v e l o t s o f h a y a n d f r e s h
w a t e r. I d i d t a k e a d v a n t a g e o f t h e w a r m w e a t h e r, w
May
gates stay latched & your homes be warmtalk to you next time.
MacenRogers MacenRogers MacenRogers
2026itlalittlemiss
Finally the warmer weather is starting to come out I sure was ready after all of this cold weather My family and I recently moved to Kemp, Texas We love it here, and now we have 20 acres of our own land Also, two of our heifers just calved so that was very exciting My brother and I love playing and walking in our four acres of woods too I’m really glad we found a place to move to Moving is hard work. I was really little the other two times that we moved I’m glad this time I was able to help out a little more I spend most of my time now working with my steer, Obi, and playing with our dogs, Moose and Kip I’m really excited to start going to more shows While we were moving we could not go to many shows because we were so busy But like I said, I’m super excited to go to more shows this year
I also recently competed in the Wildlife Contest at the Fort Worth Stock Show and got 3 place. I worked really hard and have learned a lot about habitat management rd
-Macen Rogers Little Miss
COMMITtEES 2026
Breed Standards Committee: Dr. Keith Berkeley and Mike Tomey (co-Chairs)
Drover Oversight: Brad Westmoreland (chair)
Futurity: John Oliver and Gary Lake (co-Chairs)
IT/Computer: Kirk Dickinson (chair),
with members Gary Lake and Micha Hammersky
By-Laws: Shadow Seaman (chair), with members Brett Kot & Brad Westmoreland
Youth: Meagan Minchew (chair)
with members Shadow and Bonnie Seaman
Beef: Travis Casey (chair)
Marketing and Events: Russ and Anita Thompson (co-Chairs)
2026 Championship Show: Larry Smith (chair)
WITh members Russ Thompson, Travis Casey, Brett Kot, John and Brenda Oliver, and Brad Westmoreland
Affiliates: Doug and Sara Burris (co-Chairs) with member russ Thompson
Judges Oversight: Larry Smith
Show Rules: John Oliver and John Moxley (co-Chairs)
with members Shadow Seaman and Larry Smith
interested in participating in any of these committees?
please contact the noted Chair and/or Pres. Brad Westmoreland
we WOULD WELCOME YOUR HELP!
CORNER LITTLE COWPOKES LITTLE COWPOKES
TEXAS
VOCABULARY
LISTOFAFFILIATES
B E E F P R O D U C E R S L I S T RAIDER RANCH
OWNER: JOHNATHAN AELMORE PHONE: (281)239-5812 email: johnathan.aelmore@yahoo.com
DICKINSON CATTLE CO. LLC
PHONE: (740)758-5050 email: information@texaslonghorn.com
CASEY RANCH LONGHORNS
OWNER: TRAVIS CASEY PHONE: (719)650-5234 email: tcasey357@yahoo.com
DERBY CITY LONGHORNS
OWNER: RICK BUCHANAN PHONE: (502)321-1619 email: buchananrljr@aol.com
LAZY T-BONE CATTLE
OWNER: J.A. THOMAS PHONE: (209)761-7740 email: Jat1997@gmail.com
PLEASANT VALLEY PASTURES
OWNER: GREGG FENICLE & KELSEY STAAB PHONE: (717)682-4501 email: pleasantvalleypastures23@gmail.com
24/7 RANCH
OWNER: TYLER & LESLIE LAWS PHONE: (423)823-0369 email: tylaws2009@gmail.com
MAYOR FAMILY LONGHORNS
PHONE: (605)786-5808
N E E D A D D E D TO T H E
C O N TAC T T H E I T L A O F F I C E TO DAY!
$ 5 0 . 0 0 P E R C A L E N D A R Y E A R ( M U S T B E A N I T L A M E M B E R )
Your information will be published in any print versions of The Drover magazine, every online Drover and at least one e-blast per year!
Your home raised beef must be produced having at least one parent being a texas longhorn (you may specify whether your beef is 50% or 100% Longhorn). for more information, contact the itla office today!
