August 2026 President's Message

As I write my second article as your FCA President, I recognize that nothing truly prepares you for the complexities of our industry. Like most presidents, I started with a wish list and an agenda, but our focus quickly shifted to more pressing issues.

With elections approaching, the Legislative Committee is working hard alongside Dusty Holley and Sam Ard to make sure our issues are heard in every political arena. There are many political events and fundraisers each week where we must be represented, and this will continue throughout the fall.

In recent weeks, we have formed a New World Screwworm Task Force to monitor this threat, protect our herds, and keep commerce open. There has also been a rapid increase in the number of pasture mealybug infestations in our state. We are working diligently alongside UF/IFAS and FDACS to help mitigate the effects of these two pests.

Once again, our Annual Convention in Marco Island was a huge success, as you will see in the convention recap on pages 33-49. I truly believe FCA has one of the best cattlemen’s conventions in the country, offering a great blend of family, business, and fun. There is so much that goes on behind the scenes to make Marco what it is. Our staff and volunteer leaders work tirelessly to make it happen each year.

Recently, we traveled to Denver, Colorado, for the NCBA Summer Business Meeting. As an NCBA affiliate, FCA is there representing your interests on the national level and ensuring we remain at the forefront of issues affecting the cattle industry and agriculture as a whole. If you have not attended this event or NCBA CattleCon, I highly recommend attending one or both to stay informed on national issues and see your checkoff dollars at work.

Our annual FCA Quality Replacement Heifer Sale in Memory of Bill Barthle will be held on August 28th in Arcadia. I am excited about this year’s outstanding offering of cattle and hope you will join us for lunch, followed by the sale at 1:00 p.m. If you cannot attend in person but would still like to bid, online bidding will be available through DVAuction.com. This is a first-class sale put on by your Marketing Committee and the Arcadia Stockyard.

I’d also like to remind everyone that we need your help growing the FCA Foundation Herd, which supports our philanthropic efforts. It is as simple as donating the proceeds from the sale of one animal each year. In this market, “We’ll even take your dobies.”

I am very excited about the new monthly series, “Keepers of His Land,” that we are launching in the magazine. Each story will highlight an FCA operation or family and their commitment to stewardship of both the land and God’s creation. This month’s feature highlights Pearce Cattle Company, this year’s Environmental Stewardship Award recipient. I hope you enjoy the article on page 20 as much as I did.

For many of us, this is our busiest time of year and also one of my favorite seasons as we ship calves and reap the rewards of months of hard work and planning. It is also a busy season outside the cow pens, as your FCA continues working to protect our way of life. I have been amazed by the level of support from all of you as we work together to overcome challenges and strengthen our industry here in Florida. I am proud to be part of this association and what we stand for. I look forward to seeing and meeting many of you throughout the coming year.

God bless.

Sincerely,

John Williamson

#KeepersOfHisLand