December 2024 President's Message

Hello everyone!

At the beginning of each month, I sit and think about what to say in these letters that won’t be read until the following month. A lot can change in a month, especially a month like October where Floridians were hit by two Hurricanes in the span of just ten days. I wrote my previous President’s message while assisting with Hurricane Helene Relief, not knowing what devastation Milton would bring a week later.  Life was put on hold for about a month while we made repairs and waited for water to recede, some members I spoke to had upwards of 37” of rain in a week. The Florida Cattlemen’s Association and Foundation continue to be an asset after these storms. The relief effort after Hurricane Helene was prompt and organized. I’m happy to report the same after Hurricane Milton. I was moved by the number of materials that were donated within just a few days after Hurricane Milton had passed. We plan to publish a detailed list of those who donated their time and resources to the relief efforts of both hurricanes soon, but I would like to highlight Dusty Holley, Jim Handley, Bridget & James Stice, Erik Moretuzzo, Amie Facente, Kalan Royal, Jake Pendergrass, Justin White, and the Seminole Tribe of Florida for their work in the Hurricane Milton relief efforts.

I had the pleasure of giving UF Provost Dr. Angle a tour of Horse Creek, one of my family’s ranches. Our relationship with the University of Florida is extremely important in furthering industry research and preparing future leaders.  I encourage members to take advantage of the learning opportunities at events like the Ona and North FL Research Center Field Days.

I had the opportunity to spend some time with members at the Jackson, Polk, and Seminole county meetings, and know my fellow officers were welcomed at overlapping county meetings that I couldn’t make it to. Gathering with FCA members at the county and state level is always a pleasure.

Thank you for getting out to vote in November! The FCA Director of Governmental Affairs, Sam Ard, and the FL COW PAC continue to be successful in lobbying for representatives and policies that will protect Florida Cattle Producers.

Beth and I look forward to hosting you in Hardee County for the Year-End Quarterly December 5th and 6th. During this meeting we will get to see our membership report marking the halfway point of our “Just Ask” membership contest. In the last 90 days we’ve had a combined total of 140 new FCA, Collegiate, Allied, and JFCA members.

Lastly, I would like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas!

Sincerely Honored,

Dale Carlton