October 2026 President's Message
The fall season signifies the beginning of my favorite time of year. After a brutally hot and uncharacteristically dry summer, nothing is more refreshing than that first cool morning. There are so many wonderful things I look forward to this time of year, one of those being the start of our normal calving season. There is nothing more rewarding than watching all those calves and their mothers do what they are supposed to do: grow BEEF. The cycle starts all over again with those calves hitting the ground and plans being made for the upcoming breeding season.
There are dozens of bull sales on the FCA calendar through the end of the year. When making decisions on genetics to use this fall, please take into consideration whether they support the FCA PAC. The bull credit donations made by our bull donors at the convention in Marco Island have been the lifeblood of the PAC for years. If they are not supporting the FCA PAC, a friendly mention from you, their customers, could go a long way.
I am particularly proud of the FCA Quality Replacement Heifer Sale in Memory of Bill Barthle, recently held in Arcadia. Its success over the last 30-plus years has only been possible because of the hard work and passion of our Marketing Committee volunteers. Originally designed to provide a service to FCA members wanting to buy or sell high-quality females in smaller numbers, the sale has certainly achieved its goal and has become an event not to be missed. With 442 head of cattle consigned, 29 different consignors, 67 participating buyers and record prices, the FCA Quality Replacement Heifer Sale in Memory of Bill Barthle has proven to be one of the top female sales in the Southeast.
We just completed our first quarterly event in Kissimmee, hosted by my friend and FCW President Debora Whaley. There was great attendance at the quarterly, with several important action items coming to the board from committee meetings. I would like to thank both Dr. Wallau and Dr. Sellers for their presentation during our opening general session on the mealybug infestation across the state. Although we are still looking for solutions regarding this pest, I am confident we will prevail with the help of both UF/IFAS and FDACS. It was a great two-day event filled with informative meetings and an amazing steakout hosted by the Osceola County Cattlemen’s Association and CattleWomen.
Check out The Headquarters' Range, a weekly podcast released every Friday afternoon by FCA Executive Vice President Dusty Holley. It focuses on the current issues affecting our association, along with market reports and industry updates. Dusty has promised to keep it under 15 minutes so many can listen while commuting.
Please start making plans for our next quarterly, Dec. 10-11 in my hometown of Okeechobee.
There are so many blessings I look forward to this time of year. Whether it’s calving season, Gator football, hunting season or just being able to spend more time outside with family and friends, fall is truly a special time. I look forward to meeting with many of you as the year-end county Cattlemen’s meetings start to take place.
God Bless,
John Williamson
