Hello everyone!
I hope this message finds you all well and recovered from Hurricane Helene. I am honored to be part of an association with members so willing to step up and help their fellow cattleman. The Disaster Relief task force, soon to be committee, chaired by Justin White was staged and ready to respond before Helene made landfall. As soon as the skies cleared our teams were on the move to help the ranchers in Helene's path. I am thankful that we had the resources and volunteers to help over 25 farms and ranches secure their cattle. I would like to shout out president elect Rick Moyer, past presidents Pat Durden and Alex Johns, Clint Sumner, Jordan Peeples, and teams from The Seminole Tribe of Florida, Hardee County (Mark McGee), Sumter County (Tyler McAlister), Okeechobee County (Brad Phares), Deseret Cattle & Citrus, and Buck Island Ranch. These cattlemen worked tirelessly to remove downed trees, rebuild perimeter fences, repair wells and get cattle back into safe pastures. At the end of a long day Kevin & Hunter Horne, and Dwight Kummer provided a place for our volunteers to set up camp each night. I apologize if I have failed to mention anyone, but I extend my sincerest thanks to all of those who donated their time, resources, or funds to help with storm relief. I pray that this is the only storm to impact our ranchers this year, but I’m confident that our members will be there for one another when it matters most.
While many events were canceled or postponed due to the hurricane, I was still able to attend the meetings of the Seminole and Jackson County Cattlemen’s Associations and provided an FCA update at the Ona Field Day.
Our membership numbers are on the rise, and I encourage you all to keep up the good work and recruit new members. I am constantly reminded of how important our membership is whether I am attending a county meeting, operating a chainsaw during storm relief or listening to a legislative update from Director of Governmental Affairs, Sam Ard. Your membership makes a difference and so does your vote, I encourage you all to get out and vote this election!
I wish you all a happy Thanksgiving and remind you to always stay Loyal to the Land.
Sincerely Honored,
Dale Carlton