January 2026 President's Message
- Jan 1
- 3 min read
Quote of the Month:
"If you aim at nothing, you will hit it every time." - Zig Ziglar
Zig Ziglar's words remind us that success is rarely accidental, it comes from intentional direction and clearly defined goals. Goals give our efforts focus and purpose, helping us move forward with clarity instead of drifting or reacting to circumstances.
Equally important is setting goals that challenge us without overwhelming us. When goals are ambitious yet attainable, they build confidence, maintain momentum, and guide steady progress toward meaningful success.
In June, I set the goal of doubling membership attendance at our quarterly meetings, from approximately one hundred people to two hundred, and I am pleased to say that you, the membership, have responded. We had over 200 people #LeadingTheWay at the year-end quarterly meeting in Ocala, and approximately 275 steaks were served at the steak out held at Richardson Brothers Ranch in Evinston, Florida. Thank you, Caitlin Justesen, for organizing the venue at the Extension Office and working so hard to help make this important event a HUGE success, you did an awesome job. A big thanks also goes out to my wife Leslie Moyer, Jay Moyer, Ashton Perryman, Ray Smitherman, Alexander Smitherman, Joy Papy, and the Marion County Cattlemen's Association, as well as Sam Daugherty and the cattlemen from Volusia County who helped with the festivities at the steak out. And to our membership, thank you for showing up and supporting this grassroots effort to keep our industry thriving. Lastly, thank you to our sponsors, Lucy Bowers with 6B Cattle and Brent Lawrence with Alltech. FCA appreciates all that you do for our association.
FCA in Action
The last six months have been busy, and December was no exception. Here are a few of the events I was honored to attend:
UF Artificial Intelligence Groundbreaking - Balm, FL
LINC hosted by American Education Service & Technology - Jacksonville, FL
Polk County Cattlemen's Association Dinner
Legislative Appreciation Gathering - Tallahassee, FL
Marion County Ag Hall of Fame Dinner
UF/IFAS Dinner of Distinction - Alachua, FL
Top Hand Appreciation Dinner - Ocala, FL
Okeechobee County Cattlemen's Christmas Dinner
Sarasota County Cattlemen's Christmas Dinner
Farm City Week Awards Banquet - Marianna, FL
North Florida Agriculture Leadership Banquet, Havana, FL
Indian River Cattlemen's Banquet - Vero Beach, FL
Dr. Saundra TenBroeck's Retirement Party - Williston, FL
Highlight of the Month
The more events I attend, the more highlights there are, and the harder it becomes to pick just one. So this month, it's a tie.
First, I would like to recognize the Sarasota County Cattlemen's Association for surpassing their goal and milestone of 101 members. Many people have contributed to the success of this association throughout the years. Thank you, Lisa Carlton, Norman Stockton, and Chuck Johnston, current and past presidents, respectively, for your leadership. And congratulations to Delanie Bartell Woods, Sarasota County's newly elected President.
Another highlight was the tremendous turnout at the Gadsden County Cattlemen's Association's North Florida Agriculture Leadership Banquet, honoring Commissioner of Agriculture, Wilton Simpson. Country music star and Gadsden County native Billy Dean stole the show with a special song honoring his beloved county. Thank you to Mr. and Mrs. Vince Moore, Pat and Phebe Durden, Ben White, Wayne and Jamie Whiddon, Ann Blount, and the entire Gadsden County Association for #LeadingTheWay and bringing your community together for such an oustanding event.
Finally, I hope everyone had a Merry Christmas celebrating our Lord and Savior's birth, and I wish you all a prosperous new year. Once again, thank you for allowing me the honor of serving our great association.
Sincerely,
Rick Moyer
