September 2025 President's Message
- membership233
- Sep 1
- 3 min read
Quote of the Month
“I have not failed 10,000 times. I have successfully found 10,000 ways that it will not work.”
This quote, often attributed to Thomas Edison, is one of my favorites. It speaks to perseverance, resilience, and the importance of maintaining a positive mindset in the face of adversity—lessons that are not only relevant in our personal lives but especially applicable to our work in the cattle industry.
Since its founding in 1934, the Florida Cattlemen’s Association has continued to face many of the same challenges year after year: water issues, animal health, property rights, government overreach, population growth, eminent domain, conservation, and maintaining strong membership numbers. Over the years, we’ve implemented countless strategies to grow and engage our membership—from drives and incentives to mailouts and outreach campaigns. Some have worked; others haven’t. But one thing remains constant: we will never stop working to strengthen this organization and the industry we love.
While membership growth is essential, active member participation is equally important. Currently, our quarterly meetings see consistent attendance from about 100 to 150 members. This year, I’d love to see that number double. We understand that not everyone can take time away from work to attend—but if you can, I strongly encourage you to do so. Whether you have 1 head or 1,000 head of cattle, you are welcome, and we need you.
Your voice and your vote matter.
Participation in committee meetings gives you a vote and a direct role in shaping the direction of our organization. It’s also a valuable opportunity to witness firsthand the dedication of our staff and volunteers and to become more deeply involved in the grassroots efforts that define the FCA. I’m confident that if you show up, you’ll find it time well spent.
FCA in Action
It’s been a busy month across the state. Dusty Holley and I joined other agricultural groups in a productive meeting with Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins, discussing pressing issues like immigrant labor, tariffs, and the New World Screwworm, which has been slowly approaching the Texas border.
I also had the pleasure of attending the Osceola County Cattlemen’s Association’s annual golf tournament fundraiser—congratulations to Tater Porter, Scott Ramsay, Mike Facente, and the entire team for another successful event! Your efforts to raise scholarship funds for youth are truly commendable. A special thanks to Anna Cowell and the Osceola County Cattlewomen for their support as well.
That same evening, I attended the JFCA’s “Hottest Show on Earth” at the Southeastern Livestock Pavilion in Marion County. Rick and Annette Hartman, along with Christine Damron, are doing an incredible job mentoring our youth. Thank you to the outstanding cooking crew: Frank Markham, Sammy Albritton, Bo and Knox Hobby, Dusty Holley, Zion Braithwaite, and Hillsborough County’s Wesley Joyner and Tommy Hubble for their help with the fries!
Next, FCA Sweetheart Valerie Yoder and I visited the Putnam County Cattlemen’s meeting in Palatka. Valerie, thank you for your continued enthusiasm and excellent representation of the FCA!
We also held an executive board and committee chair meeting at FCA headquarters in Kissimmee to discuss our goals and structure for the upcoming year. Thank you to all who attended and continue to #LeadTheWay.
Most recently, I was honored to attend a dinner hosted by the Hillsborough County Cattlemen’s Association. The turnout was fantastic, and the energy in the room was high. It’s clear that HCCA is closely connected with its community, with many ag law enforcement officers and elected officials in attendance.
Mark Your Calendars
Don’t miss the 2nd FCA FUN N’ GUN event, scheduled for March 7, 2026, at the Florida State Fairgrounds. More information will be shared soon, but if you’d like to get involved early, feel free to contact the FCA office or reach out to me directly at 352-427-0988.
IT’S GONNA BE HUGE!
Thank you once again for the opportunity to serve and help #LeadTheWay for the Florida Cattlemen’s Association.
Sincerely,
Rick Moyer
