STLA Members and Guests Brave Central Texas Storms for STLA Field Day
Photos courtesy of Daniel Harabis
Despite heavy rains and flash flood warnings across most of Texas, about 100 dedicated Texas Longhorn enthusiasts gathered at Star Creek Ranch, Somerville, TX, for the South Texas Longhorn Association’s Spring Field Day and Annual Membership Meeting this past weekend. New breeders Robert and Jennie Smoot drove all the way from Artesia, NM, for the Field Day, and guests from East Texas and West Texas made the trek.
As rain poured down, the Star Creek staff members ferried arriving guests from the parking area to the large covered equipment barn in Rangers. Hosts Darlene Aldridge, DVM and John Parmley welcomed the damp, but hardy souls. During the late morning, Dr. Aldridge gave a seminar demonstrating the techniques of preg-checking cattle by ultrasound, showing visitors the different stages of gestation in various cows.
At noon, everyone gathered to enjoy a chicken fried steak and fried chicken lunch, as well as a feast of delicious pot-luck sides and desserts provided by STLA members. When they finished, guests had time to browse the silent auction items and place their bids.
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Darlene Aldridge (right) and John Parmley (left) hosted the all-day Spring 2007 STLA Field Day and Annual General Meeting, opening their Star Creek Ranch near Somerville, Texas to over 100 visitors from across the state.
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STLA presented the first of the new Youth Scholarship Awards at the Field Day event. Recent high-school graduate Destiny Rogers, daughter of Dennis and Trisha Rogers of League City, TX, received this year's award, a $500 educational scholarship for her future college expenses.
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New graduate, Destiny Rogers of League City, Texas was the recipient of the 2007 South Texas Longhorn Association Youth Scholarship. The award was presented by STLA Vice-President, Steven Zunker, who chairs the Scholarship Committee.
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STLA then held the Annual General Membership Meeting. An election of association board members and officers for the coming year followed after the treasurer’s report and a general business meeting. Those elected to the Board of Directors for a new two-year term included: Steven Zunker; Suzanne Perry, Clarence Harabis, Bill Plaisance, Teresa Castillo, Ray Berger, and Glen West. Cindy Dennis was elected to a one-year term to fill a vacant position on the board. STLA Officers elected for 2007-2008 are Rick Adams, President; Steven Zunker, Vice-President; Clarence Harabis, Vice-President; Barbara Homer, Secretary; Bill Plaisance, Treasurer; and Christy Randolph will continue to serve as Past-President.
An STLA Lifetime Achievement Award went to George and Eileen Gillespie of San Antonio, TX. Long-time breeders, this quiet couple can always be counted on to support STLA and the TLBAA, and they were honored with an STLA Lifetime Membership and a special plaque.
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George and Eileen Gillespie, of San Antonio (in center), were honored for their years of service and support of STLA with the Lifetime Membership Award presented by STLA President, Rick Adams, (far left) and Treasurer, Bill Plaisance, (far right).
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About 2:30 pm, the rain stopped and guests were able to take the scheduled hayride pasture tour to view Star Creek’s fantastic herd. Youngsters took off to the lake with their fishing poles and guide Bradley Schubert to catch their limit, or at least one fish.
At the end of a great day, STLA Silent Auction winners were announced. STLA raised almost $900 from the sale of donated Longhorn items and all auction proceeds go directly to funding the Youth Scholarship awards each year. Star Creek Ranch also awarded two door prizes to their guests. Theo and Gail Kocian won a pasture breeding to their choice of a Star Creek herd sire, and Charles and Becky Magan received a free A.I. breeding at Star Creek’s facility.
STLA holds two Field Days each year. Look for another fun-filled field day and ranch tour event to be scheduled for Fall 2007. More information about joining STLA, the oldest of the TLBAA affiliates, can be found on the association's website at www.stla.org.
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As part of the Field Day activities, Darlene Aldridge, DVM conducted a seminar on the "Use of Ultrasound Technology in Pregnancy Determination," pointing out the various on-screen images to the audience as she preg-checked the cow in the chute.
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When the rain clouds moved off, the group piled on the trailers in mid-afternoon and were treated to a hay-ride pasture tour at Star Creek Ranch.
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Ron and Barbara Marquess and Rex Mosser Welcome Dr. Michio Kaku to Ranch
With a film crew tracing his steps, Dr. Michio Kaku found his way to the Marquess Arrow Ranch, Ben Wheeler, TX, to meet with Rex Mosser, Midway, TX, and Ron and Barbara Marquess, Ben Wheeler, TX, about their scientifically bred cattle on Sunday May 27, 2007.
Dr. Kaku is a professor at the New York City University and wanted to see the scientifically bred cattle because he was interested in the effects of technology on cattle breeding and he wanted Ron Marquess to explain the process.
Marquess enjoyed talking with Dr. Kaku and said “It’s pretty neat to have a man so scientifically renowned show up at your ranch and ask what you’re up to.”
“He was fully aware of what we’re doing,” Marquess said. “You think you’re pretty well hidden out here in the country and a man with his knowledge knows what you’re doing and comes a’lookin’.”
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Rex Mosser, Midway, TX; Dr. Michio Kaku; Ron Marquess, Ben Wheeler, TX. |
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Ron Marquess with Dr. Michio Kaku and his film crew in the pasture with the Marquess-Mosser cattle. |
Dr. Kaku is filming for 2057, a television series for the Discovery Channel and the BBC, and wanted to see the Marquess -Mosser collection of scientifically bred cattle. According to Barbara Marquess, Dr. Kaku was shocked by the amount of these special cattle. Dr. Kaku told the Marquess’ that the show should air sometime in September. See the 2057 Web site for more information about the show.See Dr. Kaku’s Web site for more information about his work.
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Dr. Michio Kaku’s film crew interviewing Ron Marquess. |
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Dr. Michio Kaku and his film crew with Ron Marquess and Rex Mosser . |
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Affiliate Field Day Announcements
2007 New Mexico Affiliate Field Day and Ranch Tour
Information courtesy of Rebecca Moeller, Socorro, NM
New Mexico Breeder Michael and Frances Hernandez, Datil, NM, will host a field day and ranch tour at their ranch Santa Terecita, a large ranch located high in the San Augustine plains about an hour west of Socorro, NM. They have put together a beautiful herd of Longhorns and have wonderful facilities with awesome, expansive views.
TLBAA and TLBNM members are invited to bring their campers, recreational vehicles and tents to campout at their compound. The premises has public bathrooms and the Hernandez’s will make water and electricity available
The date will be August 18th, perfect for folks wanting to escape the hot August nights. Campers are welcome to come earlier and stay later and the planned program will be from noon Saturday August 18 to noon Sunday August 19 . A special featured guest for the educational portion of the weekend’s events will be Carolyn Hunter, former Texas Longhorn Trails Editor and writer. In addition to the Ranch Tour and seminar, the Hernanadez’s will host a barn dance and BBQ on Saturday evening in an airplane hanger on their ranch.
Hotel rooms are available in Datil, NM, about 15 minutes from the ranch and Magdalena, NM, about 30 minutes from the ranch. For more information please contact Frances or Michael Hernandez at P.O. Box 390, Datil, NM 87821 or by phone at (505) 772-5206 or email at pmicha1@juno.com. TLBNM President Jim Johnson (915) 472-0463 or email at johnsonlivestock@aol.com.
Alberta Texas Longhorn Association celebrates 25 th Anniversary with Field Day
On September 1st and 2nd, the Alberta Texas Longhorn Association will celebrate its 25th Anniversary with a Field Day at Affiliate President Ron Walker’s Ranch north of Redcliff, Alberta, CAN. For more information please contact Ron Walker at (403) 548-6684.
Minnesota-Northstar Texas Longhorn Association Show Announcement
August 17-19, Hutchinson, MN, at the McLeod Fair. Animals will be accepted after noon on Friday August 17, for the show on Saturday August 18. A silent auction will be held to benefit MNTLA youth members. For more information contact Don Monsen at (507) 629-4236 or email at damonsen@mnns.com.
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Special Entertainer Announced for the Best of Texas Sale
On one night only, Elvis will be in Texas and at a Longhorn Sale. Harvey McFadden, an Elvis Tribute Artist, will be performing live at the Best of Texas Sale in Navasota, TX, on July 13, 2007. McFadden started with one jumpsuit and began performing as Elvis in 2000 and has built a career with his impersonating blue suede shoes. Now he counts eight jumpsuits, five albums and one DVD for his continuing tribute to the King of Rock and Roll. McFadden does perform other types of music including Country and Western, read more about him on his Web site at http://www.elvisisintexas.com. Look for more information about the sale on the TLBGCA Web site.
TLBAA Breeders Symposium Cancelled
The 2007 TLBAA Breeders Symposium will not be held on June 29-30.
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Drought Conditions Update
Click here for information about the seasonal drought conditions and updated national drought information directly from The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Here is an additional weekly drought monitor from NOAA.
Weekly Hay Report from the Texas Department of Agriculture
Compared to last week: Prices weak. Buyers bidding lower in hopes of pushing prices lower as new-crop hay enters trading channels. However, hay producers holding firm in reaction to continuing higher fuel and fertilizer costs. A large percent of hay has been cut and rained-on as rain showers continue to hamper hay ba ling. Very little supplemental feeding has been noted as most of Texas has received considerable rainfall over the last several weeks and pasture conditions are good to excellent. Green and lush pastures have been seen all over the state. The State of Texas Department of Agriculture has the Hay and Grazing Hotline set up for buyers and sellers. The number is 1-877-429-1998. The Web site for TDA is www.agr.state.tx.us. For a hay report from a state other than Texas please click here.
E-Trails Note: To get your Association News front and center on the E-Trails, email the information to Cole@tlbaa.org.
Cole Dowden
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