May 2026 President's Message

Quote of the Month:

“30 I went past the field of a sluggard, past the vineyard of someone who has no sense; 31 thorns had come up everywhere, the ground was covered with weeds, and the stone wall was in ruins. 32 I applied my heart to what I observed and learned a lesson from what I saw: 33 A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest 34 and poverty will come on you like a thief and scarcity like an armed man.” – Proverbs 24:30-34

This passage reminds me how small lapses, neglected relationships, unattended spiritual life, or deferred responsibilities can grow into real problems that steal our joy and productivity. Practically speaking, it also brought to mind a conversation I once had with an old friend of mine, Steve Howell Jr. about “mending our fences.”

Cow-calf producers are experiencing unprecedented times. With calf prices at historic highs, even the smallest operations may find themselves with extra resources. The question becomes: what do we do with this blessing? Do we diversify, reinvest in the operation, do both, or simply set it aside?

I’m not a financial advisor, but Proverbs 24:30-34 is a useful lens: if your pastures are overrun and your fences are in disrepair, or if some run down piece of equipment keeps breaking down and is costing you too much to keep fixing, consider addressing those needs first. Jesus’ Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:14–30) also offers wisdom about stewardship, using what we’ve been given wisely and faithfully. Whether the fences we mend are spiritual, physical, or both, I hope our efforts reflect faithful stewardship and that we might one day hear, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”

A Storied Tradition

The 76th annual Volusia County Cracker Day, organized by the Volusia County Cattlemen’s Association, was another outstanding success. For more than three-quarters of a century, folks have come from across the Southeast to compete, to watch, and to celebrate the Florida Cracker cowboy heritage and the cattlemen and women who helped shape Volusia County. Growing up in DeLand, Cracker Day was always a highlight, and I’m grateful to President Lane Conway, Steve Wilson, Andy Briggs, Mark Sutton, Troy Rentz, KC Conway, Sam Daugherty, and the entire Volusia County Cattlemen’s Association for keeping this tradition alive, and for including me in the celebration.

It’s hard to believe how quickly this year has flown by. As my time serving as your President begins to draw to a close, I’ve found myself reflecting on the opportunities we’ve had to work together, the challenges we’ve faced, and the progress we’ve made as an association. It has been a true honor to serve this membership and to help #LeadTheWay for Florida’s cattle industry.

As we look ahead, I want to encourage each of you to make plans to attend the upcoming FCA Convention & Allied Trade Show. Convention is always a highlight of the year and a chance to reconnect, conduct the business of our association, and celebrate the people and industry we’re proud to be a part of. If you haven’t already, be sure to register and secure your spot.

From our committee meetings and leadership sessions to the trade show, social events, and time spent with fellow cattlemen and women, there is something for everyone. Whether it’s your first convention or one you’ve attended for years, I hope you’ll join us for what promises to be another outstanding event.

Also, don’t forget that this is the last month to recruit new members for the Just Ask Contest!

Thank you once again for the opportunity to serve and help #LeadTheWay for the Florida Cattlemen’s Association.

Sincerely,

Rick Moyer

#LeadTheWay