Volume 2, Issue 3
May/June 2014
ANNUAL MEETING MEMBERSHIP RENEWALS Calendar of EVENTS
YOUTH NEWS
ETLA Newsletter
7994 CR 1115 Athens, Texas 75751 ETLASecretary@gmail.com
ETLA Fri e nds & Fami l y,
Did we jump from winter to summer with only a few days of Spring? Sure feels like it! On a good note, we have received some Spring showers & who doesn’t like rain? Helps with the grass and hay production and grows some size & horns!
ETLA Officers
I would like to say a huge THANK YOU to everyone who sent in information for this newsletter - it makes it so much easier & better! Hope to see everyone at the 50th TLBAA Anniversary this weekend in Ft. Worth, if not, I would like to invite everyone to our Spring ETLA Meeting on May 17, 2014. Please remember to RSVP & invite your friends. (Find more details on next page.) We know there is a conflict with the Millenium Futurity in Glenn Rose that weekend and we will miss some of you, but wish you the best of luck. As summer approaches and kids aren’t required to attend school, I would like to challenge your youth to spend time outdoors & possibly in the longhorn pasture working with new show projects. Capture their memories along the way and submit photos and stories.
Longhorn Lovings, Amy Weatherholtz ETLA Secretary
ETLA Youth officers
Editors Note: I will try to publish articles from Mr. Darol Dickinson, with Dickinson Cattle Co., Inc. he has been gracious enough to share his knowledge and photos. You can find more of his articles at www.dickinsonlonghorn.net.
If you have an article or would like to see a particular topic, please send an e-mail to ETLASecretary@gmail.com, this would be great advertisement for your local longhorn production.
ETLA Board of directors
Next Issue July 2014 deadline is June 20th. But, don’t wait until the deadline, start sending the information in today!
www.facebook.com/EastTexasLonghornAssociation
ON THE COVER... Cover Photo by: Alexandria
Rivera, ETLA Youth Reporter
etla Youth advisory board
Calendar of Events
May 9-11, 2014
ETLA MEMBERS PLEASE SUBMIT YOUR UPCOMING EVENTS, ACTIVITIES, SALES TO BE LISTED HERE, DESCRIPTION AT NO CHARGE. SEND YOUR INFO TO ETLASECRETARY@GMAIL.COM
June 11-15, 2014
TLBAA 50th Anniversary Celebration Weekend Fort Worth, TX Banquet May 10th 6:00 PM-River Ranch at the Stockyards The ETLA has a table reserved! $75.00 each/ $85.00 at the door- funds go toward the new TLBAA Office and Museum Contact: Lana Hightower-903-963-7442 or 903-681-1093 Longhorn and Lace Luncheon and Fashion show at 11:am on May 10th...Featuring clothing from The Maverick, Leddys and Pearls and Old Lace..Goodie bags for all who are attending $40 at the door.
2014 Autobahnanza Will Rogers Memorial Center • Fort Worth, TX Larry Barker (817) 988-6110 lbarker@abahn.com www.autobahnyouthtour.com
ETLA Spring General Meeting May 17th- 10:00 AMPot Luck Lunch- Meat Provided by ETLA Election of Officers- Ranch Tour- Youth Meeting and Clinic Marquess Arrow Ranch Ben Wheeler, TX RSVP to Amy at ETLASecretary@gmail.com or 903-681-0353
East Texas State Fair - Longhorn Show The dates for the East Texas State Fair have been changed to Friday, Saturday and Sunday, September 26, 27 & 28th. Haltered an Non-Haltered will show on Saturday and Youth on Sunday. Cattle must be in place by Friday at 4pm. There will be less congestion loading and unloading as we will be the only cattle breed showing on these dates. For more information, contact: Lana Hightower 903-963-7442 or 903-681-1093.
May 17, 2014
September 26-28, 2014
Longhorn history By Darol Dickinson www.dickinsonlonghorn.net
The cattle of the world, regardless of their wide and diverse body types and color patterns, are believed to originate from Bos indicus (the humped cattle of Asia) or Bos taurus (the wild cattle of Europe). Annals of history trace the movement of African cattle accompanying the Moors to Spain and their evolution into many cattle types. On the voyages of Christopher Columbus, the Spanish first brought long-horned cattle to the Americas in 1493. Descendants of these ocean voyagers were the first cattle population in North America. The English, in colonizing North America, brought their native cattle in 1623, and as they moved west so did their cattle, pulling wagons and plows and providing milk. In 1821, cattle of North Carolina origin began to intermingle with the Spanish and English cattle. American Indians had developed their own strains of cattle from the Spanish and English strains.
the States out of the Longhorn Herefords of England. Others believe the blue and roan speckled stock reflected early Durham (shorthorn) introductions. The Spanish influence was represented by drab, earth tone colors.
Although "Mexican" cattle of the long horned variety provided the basic strain, historian J. Frank Dobie documented that an infiltration of cattle of mongrel American blood contributed to the evolution of the Texas Longhorn. Dobie estimated the Texas Longhorn evolved as 80 % Spanish influence and 20% mongrel influence. Thus, Mexico, Texas, and what was the Texas Longhorn was created, then the Louisiana Purchase be- imported to North America from came the major blending pot for many different routes, defined and the evolution of this history-making refined by nature, tested by the Texas Longhorn breed of cattle. crucible of time and the elements. Old-timers contend the big horns, speckled colors and body types Through the mid-1800s, these were derived from importation to range-rugged, big horned cattle
multiplied without the help of man. Traits were genetically fixed, and as a result of survival of the fittest, resulted in ecologically adapted bovine families with extremely good heath, fertility, teeth, disease resistance, and soundness of body and limb. They multiplied by the millions. In 1876, an estimated 1000-head breeding herd was introduced into southern Alberta, Canada. By 1884, these cattle were estimated to have multiplied to 40,000 head with natural births and importation. A national convention of cattlemen in St. Louis in 1884 made plans for a national cattle trail rightof-way from the Red River north to the Canadian border, but they were thwarted when Congress failed to pass the bill. After this, the great trail drives began to dwindle as deeded, fenced property and rapidly developing civilization
cluttered the trails. In 1890, the United States Department of Agriculture estimated the nation's cattle population at 60 million head, mostly containing Texas Longhorn Blood.
In the early 20th Century, purebred cattle breeds from Europe and Asia became available to fit the differing desires of early ranchers. The foundation stock of introduced breeds such as Hereford, Shorthorn, and Angus were bred up to purebreds in this country from a native Longhorn base. Because of the great mothering ability of the Longhorn and the popularity of this "breeding up", pure Longhorn blood was practically bred out of existence. By the dawn of the 20th Century, candles, had been the chief source of light for nearly 2000 years. Tallow, the main ingredient in candles
is obtained by rendering animal fat. Soaps, lubricants and cooking also required tallow. "Hide and Tallow" companies, as early beef processing plants were known, were a major industry in the early days of the industrial revolution. Meat was mostly an economic by-product. The demand for the tallow and hides was the driving force of the cattle business. Cattle geneticists were selecting for the heaviest tallow-producing animals. It is no wonder that the naturally lean Longhorn, with 80% less renderable tallow than the English breeds was not in demand. As a result of this high percentage lean carcass, the Texas Longhorn came close to extinction. By 1930, much open range was fenced, and southwestern cattle barons zeroed in on their favorite breeds of fat cattle. However, the historic Texas Longhorn was the
time tested choice of some serious producers. Although later trading occurred between Longhorn producers, six unique strains were selectively perpetuated by private ranch families before 1931. Several early producers were instrumental in providing Longhorn genetics when the United States Government realized the near extinction of these creatures. The government herd, established in 1927 at the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge, Cache, Oklahoma, was to become the seventh of the preserved Texas Longhorn families. These family genetics established in the early thirties and before are still maintained by family members and friends. Today producers of Texas Longhorns either raise their favorite family bloodline in a pure state or mix and select combinations of several family bloodlines. As trends continue to change, tallow is now of low value. High protein lean meat is a premium item with trends toward healthier foods. As producers capitalize on producing desired products, longhorns are again in favor. Investors not only in the USA, but many export countries are purchasing Texas Longhorn breeding stock and frozen semen. Large ranches are breeding Longhorns as well as back yard afficionados. Whether they are small or large, herds are being developed to capitalize on the lean profitable Texas Longhorn. 速 Article and photos; Dickinson Cattle Co., Inc. www.dickinsonlonghorn.net.
shoW QUEstions - Just Ask Submitted by: Alexandria Rivera, ETLA Youth Reporter
If you are new in the show world you probably have some questions, like, “Who can show?” “How old do you have to be to show?” “What will happen at a show?” “What do we need to bring to a show?” All of these are simple questions; ANYONE can show! No matter what age you are there is something for you! Babies show as well as adults! Now of course, babies need someone to carry them but they can show! When you go to a show you will see people laughing and having a good time while they work with their cattle. Shows are always a great time! You spend time with old friends and even make some new friends! Now don’t think shows are a walk in the park, there will be some work to do with your cattle, make sure they are fed and watered and make sure they are ready to walk in the ring! You need to make sure you have PLENTY of feed and hay! You do not want to have to find yourself driving to the nearest feed store to get hay or feed! You need to have feed pans and make sure you have a water tub, not everyone likes for someone else’s cow to drink from their tub. Make sure you have soap (Mane and Tail, Ivory Dish Soap, general livestock soap), make sure if you use dish soap that it is a mild soap, something for sensitive skin. Have your own water hose, the morning of the show the wash racks are pretty busy and not everyone has an extra water hose they can spare, be prepared! You may use Show Sheen on your calf if you choose; using any spray adhesives, gels,
Trace the Longhorn and draw a body!
Photo by: Alexandria Rivera, ETLA Youth Reporter
Shayanne McClendon exhibited several head of cattle at the Stillwater Shootout in Stillwater, Oklahoma. She is demonstrating if your calf stalls its okay to give it a tug and never give up.
horn/hoof polishes are NOT allowed! If you have something you want to use but aren’t sure if you are allowed ask someone there at the show if it is allowed. When showing Texas Longhorns, the goal is to keep them as natural looking as possible. You need to have show halters for your calf along with brushes to keep your calf looking slick! You will also need to have a number clip which should be worn on your left side, some people loop the number clip to their belt and some people just clip it to their belt, all depends on what is easiest for you! Be sure to have a showstick! You definitely don’t want to forget that! If you ever have any questions, don’t be shy! Ask a fellow showman, they will be more than happy to help you! Everyone was new to showing at some point in their life!
Youth SHOW NEWS Glen Rose
Submitted by: Alexandria Rivera, ETLA Youth Reporter
The 2014 Glen Rose show was a huge success! Not only was it fun, it was run very well! The youth had a great time showing as well as just hanging out! There was the usual Adult Showmanship which is never something you want to miss! There were all kinds of crazy things brought into the ring; dogs, a wagon, kids on leads, anything you can think of can be brought in! The Glen Rose show is one show that you can always look forward to! If you didn’t get to make it this year, be sure to make it next year! You don’t want to miss the laughs and the exciting show!
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Active You
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Colorado Youngsters Meet Texas Role Model Submitted by: Dr. Timothy Roddam, ETLA Board Member & ETLA Youth Advisor
ETLA Board Member Dr. Timothy Roddam was recently surprised by a visit from four of his grandchildren who live south of Denver, Co and in the course of their Texas stay met up with TLBT exhibitor, Haley Calhoun of Athens, Tx. They knew Haley by reputation from Grandpa’s accounts of Haley’s multi-state show ring success after starting with three Roddam heifers in 2010; now, they know her personally and hope to follow in her footsteps with longhorns they own (courtesy of Grandpa).
Pictured with Haley are Willie Brudenell; Alexis Roddam; Brianna McLucas; and Zachary Hughes. Grandpa is smiling from behind. The New TLBT Rocky Mountain quartet returned to Colorado excited over Longhorn cattle and inspired and encouraged by Haley.
LONGHORN FUN & GAMES DID YOU KNOW?
The first cattle to set foot in North America was the...
Texas Longhorn
Send you Longhorn fun ideas to ETLASecretary@gmail.com
Mr. & Mrs. Osborn Congratulations!
Jamie Ollive and Tim Osborn were married in December 2013 and celebrated with their family and friends March 21, 2014 with a beautiful ceremony, dancing, and dinner at Holly Lake Ranch. They are presently residing near Big Sandy.
LOVE Barkley & Ollive
Bruce and Connie Ollive are pleased to announce the engagement of their son, Lanham Ollive to Amanda Barkley. The couple have not set a date.
The ETLA is Proud To Be A Sponsor of the 50th Anniversary Celebration.