April 2019
During the second week of the Florida Legislative Session (January in even numbered years, and March in odd numbered years), one of the most important activities of the Florida Cattlemen’s Association traditionally occurs. This year was no different, the annual FCA Legislative Quarterly was a great event highlighted by cattlemen’s (along with cattlewomen, junior members, and agricultural college students) visits with every state senator, state representative, and cabinet member’s office. We flood the capitol grounds with boots and cowboy hats; it’s quite the sight to see all the cowboys crisscrossing through the halls of government. The message they carried to the offices they visited was a familiar one. We advocated for continued support of the important research funding for the Florida Cattle Enhancement Board, and the appropriate budget levels for FDACS, Conservation Easements, and the College of Agriculture at UF. Those present, were armed with our new Beef Cattle “infographics” (see page 66). These infographics helped our members provide the facts about our industry to policy makers, on topics such as economic importance, BMP’s, our role in preserving natural resources, and our positive impact on the environment. I hope that these “infographics” can be also be used by members like you to help spread our positive message to the general public, reaching out to others about our industry is a great way to #showyourpassion. FCA not only advocates for the cattle industry at the state level, in this first week of April, myself and several other FCA Officers will travel to Washington, D.C. as part of NCBA’s Legislative Conference. We will meet with many members of the Florida Congressional Delegation, and discuss important federal issues such as ELD/HOS regulations on livestock haulers, trade, fake meat, and EPA overregulation amongst other issues. A big thank you to all who attended the Legislative Quarterly, and for all the members who advocate on behalf of our industry, please continue to stay engaged as we need every voice to make sure we are represented politically at the local, state, and federal level.
June and the annual convention is fast approaching and we anticipate a very well-attended event. Convention preparation is coming along well and our staff is working hard every day to make sure it flows seamlessly. I encourage you to donate items to the silent auction at the convention, the proceeds benefit the Florida Cattlemen’s Foundation, and are important to the programs they support. I would also like to thank the bull donors and allied members with trade show booths for participating in our convention, and helping the industry, please remember these folks when you make purchasing decisions. County affiliates make sure you are turning in your award nominations so that your outstanding members can be recognized at the annual convention. It seems that this past year has flown by and I can’t believe my journey as your President is only a few months from its end. I urge everyone to continue sharing your story daily on social media, and I hope to see you all soon, as always #showyourpassion.During the second week of the Florida Legislative Session (January in even numbered years, and March in odd numbered years), one of the most important activities of the Florida Cattlemen’s Association traditionally occurs. This year was no different, the annual FCA Legislative Quarterly was a great event highlighted by cattlemen’s (along with cattlewomen, junior members, and agricultural college students) visits with every state senator, state representative, and cabinet member’s office. We flood the capitol grounds with boots and cowboy hats; it’s quite the sight to see all the cowboys crisscrossing through the halls of government. The message they carried to the offices they visited was a familiar one. We advocated for continued support of the important research funding for the Florida Cattle Enhancement Board, and the appropriate budget levels for FDACS, Conservation Easements, and the College of Agriculture at UF. Those present, were armed with our new Beef Cattle “infographics” (see page 66). These infographics helped our members provide the facts about our industry to policy makers, on topics such as economic importance, BMP’s, our role in preserving natural resources, and our positive impact on the environment. I hope that these “infographics” can be also be used by members like you to help spread our positive message to the general public, reaching out to others about our industry is a great way to #showyourpassion. FCA not only advocates for the cattle industry at the state level, in this first week of April, myself and several other FCA Officers will travel to Washington, D.C. as part of NCBA’s Legislative Conference. We will meet with many members of the Florida Congressional Delegation, and discuss important federal issues such as ELD/HOS regulations on livestock haulers, trade, fake meat, and EPA overregulation amongst other issues. A big thank you to all who attended the Legislative Quarterly, and for all the members who advocate on behalf of our industry, please continue to stay engaged as we need every voice to make sure we are represented politically at the local, state, and federal level.
Alex Johns
President
Okeechobee
863-634-1546
ajohns2@semtribe.com