November 2025 President's Message
- membership233
- 3 days ago
- 3 min read
Quote of the Month
“Whether you think you can, or you think you can’t, you’re right.”
I’ve always believed that anyone can do anything, they just have to want it badly enough to figure out how to achieve it. But the mere thought of achieving a goal won’t get it done. Once your vision is in place, you must act.
Our minds are where most ideas go to fail, and “Stinkin’ Thinkin’” is usually the culprit. If we believe we can’t do something, or if we listen to someone else tell us it won’t work, it surely won’t. I’m convinced those negative thoughts are brought on by the devil himself. He doesn’t want us to succeed, so he subtly creeps into our minds. And if he’s successful, we begin to believe his lies, and we fail.
So when “Stinkin’ Thinkin’” enters your mind, don’t entertain it. Tell the devil to “Get Behind!” so we can #LeadTheWay and achieve our goals.
I’m Surrounded by Believers
One of my main goals this year is to increase our membership by 500. It’s a lofty target, but when I first shared this goal with Membership Chairman Tom Bryant, he didn’t flinch. He simply said, “We can do it.” When I mentioned it to the rest of the Executive Board, they all said, “Let’s do it!”
This kind of positive thinking wasn’t just words. Counties across the state have turned that energy into action, all #LeadingTheWay to achieve our goal. I’m proud to report that it’s only November, and we’re already more than a third of the way there, with 177 members added to our total.
Let’s keep the momentum going and finish what we started, I believe we can do it!
A Vision of Success
Historically, our quarterly meetings have averaged around 100 attendees. My second major initiative this year is to increase membership involvement by doubling that, to see over 200 members attending our quarterly meetings. I’m excited to say we’re on track! Our Fall Quarterly had 160 registered attendees, putting us well over halfway to our goal. Let’s carry that energy forward and hit our target of 200 at the year-end quarterly on December 4th in Ocala. Come see how our association is structured, meet our dedicated staff and volunteers, and learn how we work to protect the way of life we all love.
This meeting will also feature keynote speaker Ethan Lane, Senior Vice President of Government Affairs for NCBA. Ethan will provide critical updates on the legislative issues affecting our industry and how NCBA is positioning us for success in Washington, D.C. You don’t want to miss this, it’s truly eye-opening.
Also, don’t forget to join us for our quarterly Bible study at 8:30 AM.
FCA at Work
This past month was packed with progress. I had the opportunity to:
Take an airboat ride on Lake Okeechobee with 2nd VP George Kempfer, FCA Water & Environmental Manager Benita Whalen, and Paul Gray of Florida Audubon. We discussed the lake’s history and how our producers might engage in its future. Thank you, Benita and Paul, for sharing your knowledge.
Speak at the Alachua, Marion, and Gadsden County Cattlemen’s Associations and attend the Pasco County BQA Certification program. Thank you all for your commitment to our industry and for passing down values to the next generation of leaders.
Attend Beef 101, sponsored by the Florida Beef Council and hosted by the University of Florida’s Animal Science Department. This educational event showed food service leaders how cattle are raised and harvested, while highlighting carcass quality and meat cuts. Huge thanks to Deanne Maples, Rick Hartman, Dr. Chad Carr, Dr. Todd Thrift, Dr. Jason Scheffler, and Matti Moyer for organizing this successful and impactful event.
Highlight of the Month
The true highlight for me was spending the day with a Taiwanese delegation of beef importers. The people of Taiwan love American beef, and they want more of it from Florida!
Special thanks to Matt and Todd Rudnianyn of FM Meats in Ft. McCoy for hosting a tour of your facility, and once again to the University of Florida Animal Science Department for supporting this meaningful exchange.
As always, thank you, FCA, for allowing me to serve. Let's continue to dream big, act boldly, and always #LeadTheWay.
Sincerely,
Rick Moyer
