THE DROVER

Calving ease? Longhorns, please. new calf care youth elections








Calving ease? Longhorns, please. new calf care youth elections
Hopefully you have noticed a few “public service announcements” that have gone out over social media and email the past few weeks. These announcements have not been designed to denigrate any other Longhorn associations out there; but rather, have been designed to bring to the collective attention of our industry a few of the special things that set the ITLA apart from our competition After all, the Board understands that each of you have a choice where to spend your very hardearned Longhorn dollars and we feel that choice is a good thing. So, why should YOU choose the ITLA? Here are a few things to consider:
We’ve kept our prices stable (and even offered the occasional discount) to assist our members during this time of economic challenge.
We are the only Longhorn association to own its own headquarters, due to the gifts and sacrifices of many who have gone before us. You should come visit you’ll be impressed.
We are the only association that requires its judges to be trained in how to actually judge Texas Longhorn cattle Our judges know how a Longhorn is supposed to look and act; and it’s not like an Angus, I assure you.
We have the best staff in the business. We currently have three very caring, very capable, Longhorn-knowledgeable ladies who work at Headquarters. Together, they process registrations and transfers, answer questions, and solve problems better and faster than anyone else out there.
We listen to our members. You wanted another printed Drover? It’s coming in June. You want a great Int’l Championship Show? You will LOVE what we have planned for October. You wanted an updated website? We’re on it. Lots more to come.
So, I want to thank each of you who support this Board, who pray for us, and who are patient with us. Together, we are doing great things. May God bless you, your Gang, and your cattle this month.
OCTOBER 8TH-12TH,2025 IN GLEN ROSE, TEXAS
HOME OF OUR HEADQUARTERS
BRAD WESTMORELAND PRESIDENT www.gangof5longhorns.com 214 287-2303
MICHA HAMERSKY REGION 1 contact@texaslonghorn at
DIRECTOR AT LARGE #1 larrypsmith2@yahoo.com 240-446-9950
KEITH BERKELEY VICE PRESIDENT joel d@texaslonghorn com 240-446-9950 JOEL
DIRECTOR AT LARGE #2 gary@searleranch.com 719-314-8294
REGION 2 & Treasurer kblb@frontiernet net 304-725-4202
SHADOW SEAMAN
REGION 3 tomeyfarms@yahoo.com 812-583-4622 JUSTIN SABIO REGION 7 drjustinsabio@gmail.com 940-902-3244 CRAIG KROEKER REGION 5 victoryranchlonghorns@gmail com 208-428-2484
JEREMY JOHNSON REGION 8 dosninosranch@gmail com 210-413-2105
REGION 10 brettkot@hotmail com 1-306-861-1526 MIKE
REGION 6 ckroeker5536@gmail com 620-285-5536
JOHN OLIVER REGION 9 wgh1@swbell.com 832-768-0430
TRAVIS J CASEY BRETT KOT
REGION 4 tcasey357@gmail com 719-650-5234
RUSSELL FREEMAN PAST PRESIDENT russell@thefreemanranch com 254-396-9185
JERRY WILLIAMS 1990
BEN GRAVETT 1997
MARY SUE CLINE 2003
LARRY LANERO 2014-2015
RUSSELL HOOKS OCT 2022-APRIL 2023
BILL ANTHONY 1991
DAROL DICKINSON 1998-1999
JOHN HODGES 2004-2006
GARY DON TAYLOR 2016
STAN SEARLE 1992-1993 JOE VALENTINE 1994-1996
RAY MOORE 2000
LARRY SMITH II 2007-2010
MIKE TOMEY 2017-2018
GARY BRUCH 2001-2002
LARRY SMITH II 2019-2022 ROGER HUTTON 2011-2013
RUSSELL FREEMAN APRIL2023- NOVEMBER 2024
The International Board of Directors has established the following Committees which are designed, in part, to help the ITLA run more efficiently, to remain competitive in the industry, and to provide our members with desired activities and volunteer opportunities. If you are interested in serving on any of these Committees, please contact the listed Chairpersons. We need your ideas and energies!
Chair: Gary Lake – (719) 314-8294
Jason & Barb Pshigoda - (806) 228-3100
Matt Marti - (806) 420-3779
Chair: John Oliver - (832)768-0430
Russ Thompson - (940)245-1411
Chair: Craig Perez - (979) 906-0043
Brad Westmoreleand
Micha Hamersky
Kirk Dickinson
Chair: Mike Tomey - (812) 583-4622
Joel Dickinson - (740) 359-0663
Lizz Huntzberry Fosheim - (240) 291-1958
Chair: Joel Dickinson - (740) 359-0663
Shadow Seaman - (208) 420-2484
Chair: Travis J. Casey - (719) 650-5234
Craig Kroeker - (620) 285-5536
Chair: Brett Kot - (306) 861-1526
Brad Westmoreland - (214) 287-2303
Chair: Meagan Minchew - (817) 946-6800
Bonnie & Shadow Seaman - (208) 420-2484
Anne Westmoreland - (214) 287-2303
Co-Chair: John Oliver - ( 972) 268-0083
Co-Chair: Larry Smith - (254) 396-9185
Chair: Justin Sabio - (940) 902-3244
Pam Kinsel Hughes - (254) 485-4269
Brad Westmoreland - (214) 287-2303
This will be the show stopper of your Easter dinner!
Ingredients
1 Beef Tri-Tip roast (1.5 to 2 lbs.)
1 Tbsp. Kosher salt
1 Tbsp. coarse ground pepper or your preferred seasoning rub
Preparation
Step 1 1.
Blot the roast with a paper towel and season generously with salt and pepper or seasoning rub. 2
Step 2 3
Lightly coat grates with vegetable oil spray. Close cooking chamber lids. 4.
Step 3 5.
6. Step 4 7
8.
Place 3-5 lbs. of charcoal, in center of the firebox. Open the firebox air vent approximately 1-2″ , and smokestack damper halfway. With firebox lid open, stand back, carefully light charcoal and allow to burn until covered with a light ash. (Approximately 20 minutes)
Once coals have ashed over, add wood chunks. Do not shut firebox lid until the smoke is clean, often called Blue Smoke.
Step 5 9.
Close firebox lid. Adjust the firebox air vent and smokestack damper to regulate cooking temperature. The ideal smoking temperature is between 275°F-300°F. 10.
Ingredients for Easter Punch
2 liters Strawberry Soda I used Fanta but any soda
2 cups Fruit Punch Koolaid 2 lid full, the kind with the sugar added. Or use 2 packets and add simple syrup, recipe at the end
1 quart Pineapple Juice
Sanding Sugar
Simple syrup for the rim of the glass
Peeps for decoration
In a large pitcher, pour pineapple juice, and drink mix. Stir until everything is mixed well and the drink mix is dissolved. Add in the soda. Mix just enough to combine Before serving, decorate the glasses.
2 small plates or containers big enough to dip the glasses in On one plate, pour some of the soda or punch and on the other plate, pour some of the pink sugar Dip the edges of the glasses into the soda and then into the sanding sugar. This will create a pretty pink rim of sugar.
10 cups shredded hash brown potatoes
1 10 oz can cream of chicken soup
1 1/2 c. sour cream
1/2 c. milk
1 c. grated Havarti cheese
1 c. grated gruyere cheese
1T freshly grated sweet onion
1-2 sprigs rosemary, minced
1 1/2 c. Panko bread crumbs
2 T butter, melted
Place hash browns in a large sized bowl. Set aside. In a medium sized bowl, whisk cream of chicken, sour cream, and milk together until smooth. Add rosemary and grated onion, whisk to blend. Stir mixture into shredded potatoes to blend evenly. Add cheese and mix well. For individual servings:
Place 8-10 individual sized ramekins on a large baking sheet. Carefully place a scoop of potatoes into parchment lined ramekins, pressing lightly on top
Repeat until all ramekins are filled Top each with about a tablespoon of bread crumbs, sprinkle lightly with sea salt, and drizzle a small amount of butter over each one
Bake at 350 degrees for 50-60 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly
To make basket handle, use long rosemary stems or fresh chives Tuck ends of stalks into opposite sides of the ramekin, se i ith t th i k if
For large serving:
Generously butter a 9×13 baking crumbs, and drizzle melted butte
Garnish with fresh rosemary spri
Bake at 350 for 50- 60 minutes, o Makes 8-10 servings
R E C I P E
What is your favorite recipe?
We would love for you to share it with us!
Submit your favorite recipe & see it featured in The Drover!
Send submissions to: franksarah82@gmail.com
MAY 16-18
2025 CTTLA Spring Fling Show
Myers Park and Event Center McKinney, TX
Contact: Danielle Mershon
Phone: 254-630-0053
2 non-halterered female shows
2 open haltered shows
2 open miniature shows
1 youth show
1 youth Miniature show
AUGUST 16
Montgomery County Fair
NETLA Show Chair: Lizz Fosheim fosheim23@gmail.com 240-291-1958
Haltered and Youth Shows Great Show & Excellent Premiums!
JULY 18 & 19
ORVTLA Buckeye Classic Futurity Henderson’s Arena Jackson, Ohio
AUGUST 30
2025 CTTLA Fall Shootout Show
Wise County Fairgrounds Decatur TX
Haltered and Youth, standards and minis.
Contact: Danielle Mershon
254-630-0053
OCTOBER 8-12
2025 international Championship Show & Convention Glen Rose, Texas
JULY 31-AUGUST 2
Longhorn Show of the Ozarks Open Haltered and Youth haltered, Standard and Miniature Classes available
Show Chair: Amy Mast 262-720-1510
le.longhorncc@gmail.com
SEPTEMBER 27
58th Annual Dickinson Cattle
Customer Appreciation Day Dickinson Cattle Co 35000 Muskrat Rd, Barnesville, OH 43713, USA
need assistance with calving - if ever.
Calving ease is a well documented characteristic of the Texas Longhorn. Often there is less emphasis put on the benefit to the rancher and more placed on the benefit of the cattle themselves. A healthy, easy birth decreases the risk of injury and fatalities to both the cow and reduces the occurrence of calf deaths during birth and the loss of newborn calves. Dystocia occurs when a cow or heifer experiences difficulty calving. A leading cause of dystocia is when a calf is too large to be delivered without assistance. Dystocia is a major cause of loss and ultimately death in cow/calf herds. This impact that this has on the rancher is not only the loss of the cow or calf and veterinary bills; studies have shown that losing a calf affects the pregnancy rate in the future. Thanks to the process of natural selection that our Texas Longhorns underwent, their genetic disposition lends to calving with ease and less worry for the producer.
Keep in mind that while Longhorns can calve at two and half years and on, it is recommended that you do not bull your heifers until they are three. Longhorns are later maturing and calving early can prevent them from growing on to become large mature cows. Knowing the date that your cow was served will allow you to plan almost to the day the date your calf will arrive. Calves should arrive approximately 283 days from service, individual cows vary and bulls can sometimes come a few days later that heifers. Toward the end of their gestation, you should check your cows at least twice a day. If a cow is off by herself, she may be in the first stage of labor, leave her in peace but keep an eye on her. As a rule, as mentioned before, Longhorns are easy calvers and most times you will find a healthy new calf suckling in the morning.
If you are present when your new addition arrives, rub its face with a towel and immediately dip its navel in high strength iodine. This will prevent any bugs from getting into the bloodstream via the open umbilical cord. The cord should shrivel within 24 hours and if it does not, it may be a sign of a sickly calf. In doing this, be cautious of overprotective mothers. Most Longhorn cows are happy for their owners to touch their new calf, but there is always an odd one that resents it.
No other breed can compete with the Texas Longhorn’s chances of birthing a live calf. The Texas Longhorns possess a larger birth canal than other breeds, this paired with the lower birth weights of Longhorn calves typically leads to an easy, unassisted, live birth even from first calf heifers. A mother cow can quickly re-breed after an easy birth. Longhorn cows also milk well and raise their calves efficiently.
In conclusion, thanks to hundreds of years of births that were unassisted, the Texas Longhorn has evolved into the amazing breed that we enjoy today. No breed of cattle has an easier time calving or with less pain the Texas Longhorn. Since the Longhorn came to this great country of ours, countless calves have been born without the interference of man-kind. Did they all make it? Of course not, but had the weaker one made it, the genetics that we have today would not be as hearty and strong.
By: Calamity Jane
Cattle get branded to show who they belong to, In all shapes and sizes of wrought iron do their markings come.
When metal meets fiery blaze their tough hides get marred, The smells of burnt hair and flesh mixed with pure heat sear the air.
Roped and tied or squeezed in a chute the animal lets out a bellow.
Possession is a painful necessity out here.
The cowboy gingerly moves his hands covered in scars and callouses,
Ah the stories those hands tell.
Slashes from rogue barbed wire, dull red marks from welding burns,
Thick knuckles swollen from the labor even harder than the rocky ground that demanded it.
Bruises from unruly horned beasts are scattered about his arms and legs,
Boasting colors almost as varied as the animals’ hides which gave him the marks.
The land possesses its own.
No true rancher leaves unscathed nor unbranded by its master.
Possession is a painful necessity and privilege out here for those who can take it.
254-898-0157
staff@itla com
com
Here at the office we have been enjoying Daylight Savings time because that means the birds chirp longer and the bright Texas sun keeps giving its glorious light well into the evening. Your office staff has been busy with all things registrations and new memberships, which is awesome! We have been experiencing growth in our association this Spring, just like the beautiful Texas Sage bushes outside our office that have started to fragrantly bloom. As we work diligently to continue to provide you with excellent service, we encourage you to make yourselves aware of the exciting promotions and events your ITLA has coming up:
1. Going on NOW through the end of April we have two special promotions for you: -FREE annual membership to new members with 5+ registrations. -ALL dual registrations are only $10!
2. The June printed Drover promoting foundation females which is an awesome advertising opportunity for your herd. Make sure to take advantage of this and call us to place your ad today!
3. The Judging Clinic Webinar has two sessions coming up: April 29th & May 6th!
4. Lone Star Classic will be here before we know it. We are so excited to see all of your wonderful cattle in June so make sure you have your calendars marked and your cattle ready!
As always, if you have any questions at all don’t hesitate to reach out to us here at the office, we are ready and willing to help you with all of your Longhorn needs.
Hi I’m Tucker Snyder. I am a member of the Ohio River Valley Texas Longhorn Association and I have been showing for 4 years. I am from Ohio and I am raising 10 Registered Longhorns. I like Longhorns because they have gentle personalities and they know where there horns are at. I like introducing other people to our herd and teach about them. I am excited to meet other kids who raise Longhorns like me.
Happy April! With the month of April marking the year 2025 being a third of the way complete, it got me thinking I have been thinking about the fact that whether we are measuring by each minute, each month, or each quarter, time can go by extremely fast or incredibly slow. I believe that whether it is the latter or the former often depends on if we’re particularly busy and/or occupied during that time or it can also depend on whether we are looking forward to something or dreading something.
Soon, many will celebrate Easter, the day that Jesus Christ rose from the dead Easter is a joyous time But you see, three days prior to Easter, many observe a day called Good Friday Good Friday is the day that Jesus Christ died And we can read in the book of Matthew, chapter twenty-six, that day was a day that Jesus was not particularly looking forward to. Jesus knew that both Easter and Good Friday were coming: a time that he was looking forward to and a time that he was dreading.
But what did Jesus do with his time?
He made the most of it He made the most of the time that he had He did this despite what occurred in the past and even though he knew what was to happen in the future So, to my ITLA and Longhorn family, I encourage you and me to aim to do the same. No matter what you have faced, are facing, or will face is inherently joyous or somber, do the most and do your best with the time you have been blessed with.
May God Bless You And Your Herds.
Evie Westmoreland
1 Peter 1:3
““He is not here, he has risen just as he said ” Matthew 28:6
Our calving season has started with a little white bull calf born to a first time heifer. Our standard calving procedure is to put iodine on their umbilical cord and watch to make sure they are up and nursing. This new momma was a little unsure about her new calf but she warmedup to him and is taking good care of him now We have been enjoying lots of calf snuggles on these warm spring days and just being outside
To help our herd with the coming fly season, this month we have added mineral tubs with fly control in addition to the salt blocks they have access to all year. We are also keeping a close watch on the herd to see who will calve next.
Wishing you and your family a happy Easter!
Ihopeyoudon’tmind,IhidsomeEastereggs inTheDroverforyoutofind!Iwantedto brushuponmyhidingskillsbeforemy bigday!
HappyEastertoyou&yourfamily! -E.Bunny
Clean and Dry Environment:
Calves should be born in a clean, dry, well-bedded area, either a grassy lot or a clean pen.
Stimulate Breathing:
Remove any mucus from the calf's nostrils and mouth to ensure proper breathing.
Navel Care:
Cut the umbilical cord with sterile scissors or a knife, leaving about 1-2 inches from the naval area, and dip the navel in a 7% or higher tincture of iodine solution.
Encourage Licking:
Allow the mother to lick the calf clean, as this stimulates circulation and encourages the calf to stand.
Warmth:
Ensure the calf is kept warm, especially in cold weather, as hypothermia can be a serious problem. Consider using a warming box or calf coats if necessary.
Colostrum Feeding:
Importance of Colostrum:
Colostrum is crucial for a newborn calf's health, as it provides antibodies and nutrients for the first few weeks of life.
Timing:
Calves should receive colostrum within the first 2 hours of birth, and ideally within 4 hours for maximum antibody absorption.
Quantity:
Calves need to consume 5-6% of their body weight in colostrum within the first 6 hours after birth.
Feeding Methods:
You can hand-feed colostrum using a bottle or allow the calf to nurse directly from the dam. A calf obtaining colostrum from its dam is ALWAYS preferable; but if the mother is unable to provide it, a substitute is the next-best option.
Finding a meat processor willing to handle big horned cattle is always a chore, so we decided to help! We reached out to some longhorn breeders to see which processors they were using and happy with. Below is the list that we have complied so far, hopefully this helps!
Timberline Meats
Penn Yann, NY.
Ray’s Meat Market
Woodward, OK.
Smucker’s Meats
Mount Joy, PA.
USDA
Kemps Custom Butchering
Middlefield, OH.
USDA
5th. Avenue
Sterling, OK.
USDA
Southern Meat Processing
Headland, AL.
USDA
Westcliffe Meats
Westcliffe, CO.
USDA
Rail 19
Sulphur Springs, TX.
Durand Smokehouse
Western, WI.
USDA
Homestead Meats
Guthrie, OK.
Smithville Meats
Smithville, TX.
USDA
Dalton, OH.
USDA
Bear Mt. Beef
Hot Springs, WY.
Fischers Meat Market
Meunster, TX.
Western Heritage Meats
Sheridan, WY.
Volunteer Meats Lexington, TN.
USDA
Butchery Shoppe WI.
USDA
Summit Meats
Science Hill, KY.
Keeters Meat Co.
Tulia, TX.
USDA
Mitchell’s Meat Processing
Walnut Grove, NC.
Whites Wholesale Meats
Ronan, MT.
Clay Co. Meat Processing
Henretta, TX.
Carters
Thacher, AZ.
Local Cuts
Zephyr, TX.
USDA
307 Meats
Laramie, WY
Country Market
Jerome, MI.
Duhon Processing
Leesville, LA.
Powell Meat Co. Clinton, MO.
Olpe Locker
Olpe, KS.
Huse’s Malone, TX. U
Edes Meats
Amarillo, TX.
USDA
McLean Beef York, NE
Voiron’s Abattoir Greensburg, LA.
Special D Macon, MO.
Yoder Meats Yoder, KS. USDA
*Bulk advertising must be paid in full at the start of term
or
I, , (Owner - Lessor) (Address) ITLA Member # do hereby lease this , named (Cow or Bull) (Animal Name)
Identification Number ITLA Number (Brand #) (Registration Number) to , (Name of Lessee) (Address of Lessee) ITLA Member # for the following period: from (Date) to (Date)
Lease/Loan of Sire: The signature of the Lessee may be used in lieu of the owner of the sire when submitting a registration application providing this form is completed and filed with ITLA by the owner within 30 days after delivery of sire to Lessee.
Lease/Loan of Dam: The signature and address of the Lessee may be used and shown as breeder on registration applications in lieu of the signature and address of the registered owner of the dam for the purpose of registering of recording progeny born during the period specified on this form, provided this form is completed and filed with the ITLA, by the owner, within 30 days after delivery of the dam to the Lessee.
Signature of Owner/Lessor
Date
Signature of Lessee
*PO Box 2610 * Glen Rose, Texas, 76043 * 254-898-0157 * Fax 254-898-0165 *
Bull’s Registered Name:
Brand / ID Number:
Registration Number:
Owner:
ITLA Member #:
Ranch Name:
Street Address:
Enclose copy of front and back of registration certificate
City: State: Zip:
Phone Number:
Signature:
Application must include the Following:
1. Fee of $100.00
2. DNA type on applicable bull (may be used for progeny verification).
3 Health certification in effect at time of all semen collection, including negative tests for Brucellosis, Tuberculosis, 5 Leptospirosis, Vibriosis, and Trichomoniasis
4 Copy of Bull’s Registration Certificate
5 Photo of Bull
Failure to comply with procedures set forth in the ITLE Artificial Insemination Enrollment regulations will be cause for cancellation of enrollment You may contact the lab of your choice for DNA kits and procedures. ITLA recommends Neogen for DNA results. Neogen Genomics 4131 N 48th St Lincoln, NE 68504. Email for Neogen; geneseekinfo@neogen.com and phone number 402-435-0665.
Name of Animal Being Registered:
AI Breeding Certificate
I hereby certify the following information to be true And correct concerning the Artificial Insemination of the following cow:
Registered Name of Cow
Registered Number Brand/ ID #
Location of Brand/ ID # Holding Brand and Location
Name of Certified Sire
Registration # Brand ID A I #
Name of Inseminator Date of Insemination
Address of Inseminator
City, State, Zip
Signature of Inseminator
Embryo Transfer Certificate
I hereby certify the following information to be true and correct concerning the Embryo Transfer of the following cow:
Registered Number
Registered Name of Cow Holding Brand and Location
Brand/ ID #
Location of Brand/ ID #
Name of Owner of Cow
Membership Number
Address
Name of Certified Sire
Registration # Brand/ ID # A.I. #
Name of Transfer Technician Date on Transfer
Address of Transfer Technician
Signature of Transfer Technician
ITLA SHOW RULEBOOK
INTERNATIONAL TEXAS LONGHORN ASSOCIATION CHAMPIONSHIP SHOWS &
QUALIFYING REGIONAL AFFILIATE SHOWS
Revised January 2023
INTERNATIONAL TEXAS LONGHORN ASSOCIATION
P.O. BOX 2610, GLEN ROSE, TEXAS 76043
PHONE: (254) 898-0157
FAX: (254) 898-0165
www ITLA com
Exhibitor attendance and participation is greatly appreciated throughout the show!! This Standardized Rule Book is the governing document to be used when producing the International Championship Show, the International Youth Show and any regional affiliate shows where ITLA Qualifying Points are to be awarded. Deviations from the rules set forth in this book may result in the show being classified as a Non-Qualifying Show (with no qualifying points or High Point Legacy points recorded) unless the show chairman receives specific permission from the ITLA Board of Directors prior to the show.
Periodically, the rules and regulations contained in this book are reviewed and revised by the ITLA Changes are presented to the ITLA Board of Directors for approval before inclusion Every attempt will be made to inform members of any rule changes through updates in the ITLA Drover or posted on the official ITLA website For a copy of this publication, or to verify that this booklet contains the most up-to-date regulations, you can visit our website for the most current version of this governing rule book at www ITLA com