ICA News Source

Top 10 reasons for attending this year’s ICA Annual Convention
1. Enjoy commroderie with fellow cattle producers.
2. View an expanded table top trade show.
3. Hear speakers update you on current industry issues.
4. Support the Iowa Cattlemen’s Foundation auction.
5. Participate in ICA committee meetings.
6. Vote on ICA policy resolutions.
7. Take advantage of reduced registration rates.
8. Enjoy the amenities of the Gateway Hotel in Ames.
9. Make convention your winter “mini vacation.”
10. PARTICIPATE IN RESHAPING ICA!

41 table top exhibits at the ICA Annual Convention
This year there will be 41 table top exhibits at the ICA Annual Convention. Be sure to take time to stop by these exhibitors displays throughout the two-day event and pick up information on products they have to make your job more productive and profitable.

Table Top Trade Show exhibitors include Accu-Steel Buildings, Inc.; AgInfoLink; American Angus Association; American National Bank-Holstein; Archer Daniels Midland Company; Bayer Animal Health; Cargill Animal Nutrition; Cover-All of Northwest Iowa LLC; Farm Credit Services of America; Fort Dodge Animal Health; Intervet, Inc.; Iowa Beef Breeds Council; Iowa Beef Center; Iowa Beef Connection & American Simmental Association; Iowa Beef Industry Council; Kent Feeds, Inc.; Land O’Lakes Purina Feed LLC; Livestock Plus, Inc.; Merial/Igenity; Meyer Natural Angus; Midwest Marketer/Iowa Farmer Today; Miraco; Moly Manufacturing, Inc./Silencer; Multimin USA, Inc.; Penford Products Co. and D&R Feed, Inc.; Pfizer Animal Health; Pioneer, a Dupont Company; Ritchie Industries, Inc.; Schering Plough Animal Health; Settje Agri-Services & Engineeering Inc.; Sioux Automation Center, Inc.; The National CUP Lab & Technology Center; The Pinnacle Group; US Bank; US BioEnergy & UBE Ingredients, LLC; US Premium Beef; VeraSun Marketing, LLC; VetLife; Vigortone Ag Products; Wells Fargo Bank; and the Wyoming Business Council.

Advance registration forms due by Dec. 28
With less than four weeks until Christmas, don’t forget to send in your Iowa Cattlemen’s Annual Convention advance registration forms to the ICA Headquarters before Dec. 28, 2007 in order to take advantage of advance registration discounts on registration fees as well as meals.

If you have any questions don’t hesitate to call Ingrid at the ICA office, 515-296-2266.


The bull test performance timeline and data
Dunlap test bulls arrive at Van Meter Feedyard test station. Sale is April 21.
Sixty-two bulls were delivered on Monday, Nov. 5, to the Van Meter Feedyard Test Station in Guthrie Center, Iowa, for the Iowa Cattlemen’s Association (ICA) Dunlap test. Breeds represented include Angus, Charolais, Gelbvieh and Simmental. Thirty Angus bulls will be tested from 17 producers for the Dunlap Sale. Six Charolais producers enrolled 12 bulls in the Dunlap test. Ten Gelbvieh bulls will be on test from three producers. Ten Simmental bulls were brought in from seven producers. The bulls will complete their 21-day warm-up on Nov. 26.


Clarinda test bulls arrive at Van Meter Feedyard test station. Sale is April 25.
On Monday, Nov. 5, a total of 63 bulls were delivered to the Van Meter Feedyard Test Station in Guthrie Center, Iowa, for the ICA Clarinda test.

Breeds represented include Angus, Simmental and Simmental composites. For the Clarinda test, 24 Angus producers have 47 bulls enrolled. Seven Simmental producers brought nine head. Seven Simmental composite bulls were consigned by five producers.

This is the third year for the composite bull test. These bulls are registered with the American Simmental Association as percentage bulls. The committee added the opportunity to test these papered composite bulls as a response from bull test buyers interested in using them in their herds.

Clarinda bulls will be weighed on-test on Nov. 26, marking the start of the 114-day test period.

Tama test bulls arrive at Van Meter Feedyard test station. Sale is May 4.
On Monday, Nov. 5, a total of 91 bulls were delivered to the Van Meter Feedyard Test Station in Guthrie Center, Iowa, for the ICA Tama test. Breeds represented include Angus, Charolais and Simmental. Thirty-four Angus producers have 67 bulls enrolled in the Tama test. Eleven bulls from six consignors form the Charolais contemporary group for the Tama test, while10 Simmental producers brought 13 head. Tama bulls begin the 120-day test on Nov. 26.

ICA bull test information is available for all four tests and sales on the ICA Web site at www.iacattlemen.org. The site includes a calendar of all weight dates for the 2007-08 season.

If you have any questions regarding the ICA Bull and Heifer Tests, contact Kellie Carolan, Seedstock Manager, 515-296-2266 or e-mail kellie@iabeef.org.

Send registration forms into the ICA Headquarters
This time of year is very busy with Thanksgiving less than a week away, the start of the holiday shopping season and then before you know it, it’s Christmas and then the beginning of a new year. Don’t get caught up in the holiday madness and forget to send in your Iowa Cattlemen’s Annual Convention registration forms to the ICA Headquarters before Dec. 28, 2007 in order to take advantage of advance registration discounts on registration fees as well as meals.

If you have any questions don’t hesitate to call Ingrid at the ICA office, 515-296-2266.


Looking for a perfect stocking stuffer or a small thank you gift?
If you haven’t started your Christmas shopping yet, now’s the time to start! The Iowa Cattlemen’s Association has a few stocking stuffer or small thank you item ideas – just for you!

We have pocket calving books that will be a hit with your cattleman or cattlewoman for the start of the spring calving season. Each book holds records for 100 head of cows and are available for $1 plus postage. To order please contact the ICA office, 515-296-2266 or e-mail Kellie Carolan at kellie@iabeef.org.

We also have koozies with the ICA logo printed on one side to keep your drinks cool in the summer and will allow you to show your support of the Iowa Cattlemen’s Association by sporting the new ICA koozie. Collapsible, lightweight koozies, perfect for travel, are available for $2 each. And last but not least, we have ICA hats available for $10.

For more information or to order pocket calving books, koozies or hats, call the ICA office at 515-296-2266.


2008 Environmental Quality Incentive Program
Time is running out to apply for 2008 Environmental Quality Incentive Program (EQIP) cost-share on numerous practices that could benefit your operation. The cut-off date is Nov. 30, 2007. EQIP is a voluntary conservation program promoting agricultural production and environmental quality and is offered through the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). This program provides financial/technical assistance to install or implement structural and management practices on eligible land.

For more information, please check out our Web site at www.ia.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/stateeqipmap.html, click on your county and pursue the practices that are being offered.

November 3, 2007


ICA Annual Convention advance registration forms available

Register early for this year’s Iowa Cattlemen’s Association (ICA) Annual Convention and Table Top Trade Show! This year’s ICA Annual Convention will be held January 7-9, 2008, at the Gateway Hotel and Conference Center in Ames, Iowa. Advance registration forms and a tentative agenda can be found on the ICA Web site at www.iacattlemen.org or in the upcoming November issue of the Iowa Cattleman magazine. To qualify for discounted rates, advance registration forms must be postmarked on or before Friday, Dec. 28, 2007. Download your registration form from the Web site and fax it back to the ICA office at 515-296-2261, or send to 2055 Ironwood Court, P.O. Box 1490, Ames, Iowa 50014. Be sure to take advantage of early registration discounts!

Tentative agenda
Don’t miss this two-day even filled with committee meetings, issue forums, 30-minute Info Expo sessions, a full table top trade show, an auction, special ladies programs, wine tasting and annual meetings.

Our festivities will begin Tues., January 8, 2008, with Table Top Trade Show displays set up by 9 a.m., you can sneak a peek in on the auction items, then jump right into feedlot and cow/calf issue forums. By 10 a.m. committee meetings will be underway, followed by a luncheon with award presentations. After lunch, convention goers will be able to participate in an ICA By-Laws and Potential Checkoff Changes Forum. Also scheduled are 30-minute, mini Info Expo sessions that will start after the luncheon program – you won’t want to miss these informational sessions. A “tasteful” session called “Beef. It’s Got Flavor” presented by Nancy Degner, will explore beef cookery and flavor combinations and you’ll learn why certain beef entrees taste so great! Following the afternoon forums and meetings, we will have wine tasting by White Oak Vineyards leading us up to our President’s Reception, Dinner, Awards and Iowa Cattlemen’s Foundation Auction.

An 8 a.m. omelet breakfast, cooked by the district director of your choice, will kick off the events planned for Wed., January 9. Awards will be given during the omelet breakfast. Last minute bids will be accepted until 10:30 a.m. on all silent auction items. And don’t forget to visit the Table Top Trade Show displays you didn’t get to visit on Tuesday. Finally, the 2008 ICA Annual Convention will wrap-up with the ICA and Iowa Beef Industry Council Annual Meetings.

The tentative agenda for this year’s ICA Annual Convention can be also be found on our Web site and the November issue of the Iowa Cattleman magazine as well. Updates will be made to that agenda as they become available. For more information on the event, call Ingrid at the ICA office at 515-296-2266.

Deadline extension
The deadline for the 2007 award nominations for the Woman of the Year, Commercial Producer of the Year and Hall of Fame into the Iowa Cattlemen’s Association (ICA) has been extended to November 30.

Please send nominations to the Iowa Cattlemen’s Association, 2055 Ironwood Court, P.O. Box 1490, Ames, IA 50014. Award nomination forms and more information on each of the awards are available on our Web site at www.iacattlemen.org or call the ICA office, 515-296-2266.

“Wheels for Bucks”
The Iowa Cattlemen’s Foundation Auction will hold it’s annual auction that raises funds for youth scholarships and county cattlemen’s projects. At this year’s ICF Auction, Schering-Plough Animal Health has brought back it’s “Wheels for Bucks” program. For every 10 empty wheels received, Schering-Plough will donate one full Ralgro wheel to the fund-raising event. Save your empty Ralgro wheels and turn them over at the Schering-Plough trade show table or send them to the ICA office ahead of time if you will be unable to attend the conference. Start saving now!

District Meeting Schedules
District meetings are in full swing. Information on district meetings can be found on the Iowa Cattlemen’s Association Web site at www.iacattlemen.org. Many of you will being receiving postcards in the mail soon with the information. Or you can also contact your district director or call the ICA office, 515-296-2266 for more information.

October 27, 2007


ICA Annual Convention Table Top Trade Show is full
Due to the great response for the Table Top Trade Show that will be held during the Iowa Cattlemen’s Association’s (ICA) Annual Convention, Jan. 8-9, 2008, we regret to inform everyone that the trade show is full because of limited space available.

If you or your company would like to receive more information on future Table Top Trade Shows, please contact Ingrid Nesbit at the ICA office, 515-296-2266, and she will add you to the contact list for next year.

Registration forms and tentative agenda
Advance registration forms and a tentative agenda can be found on the ICA Web site at www.iacattlemen.org or in the upcoming November issue of the Iowa Cattleman magazine. Be sure register in advance, there are advantages to registering early this year!

The tentative agenda for this year’s ICA Annual Convention can be found on our Web site and the November issue of the Iowa Cattleman magazine as well. Updates will be made to that agenda as they become available.

Final countdown
The deadline to submit 2007 award nominations for the Woman of the Year, Commercial Producer of the Year and Hall of Fame into the Iowa Cattlemen’s Association (ICA) office is November 2. The recipients will be honored and recognized at the ICA Annual Convention and Table Top Trade Show on January 8-9, 2008, at the Gateway Hotel and Conference Center in Ames, Iowa.

Please send nominations to the Iowa Cattlemen’s Association, 2055 Ironwood Court, P.O. Box 1490, Ames, IA 50014. Award nomination forms and more information on each of the awards is available on our Web site at www.iacattlemen.org or call the ICA office, 515-296-2266.

“Wheels for Bucks”
The Iowa Cattlemen’s Foundation Auction will hold it’s annual auction that raises funds for youth scholarships and county cattlemen’s projects. At this year’s ICF Auction, Schering-Plough Animal Health has brought back it’s “Wheels for Bucks” program. For every 10 empty wheels received, Schering-Plough will donate one full Ralgro wheel to the fund-raising event. Save your empty Ralgro wheels and turn them over at the Schering-Plough trade show table or send them to the ICA office ahead of time if you will be unable to attend the conference. Start saving now!


Bloomfield bulls start the 113-day performance test. Sale is March 10.
On Monday, Sept. 24, a total of 79 spring-born bulls were delivered to the Amana Test Station in Amana, Iowa for the Iowa Cattlemen’s Association (ICA) Bloomfield tests. Breeds represented in the spring test are: Angus, Charolais, and Simmental. This year’s consignments include: 59 Angus bulls from 26 producers; five Charolais bulls from three producers; and 15 Simmental bulls from seven producers.

The bulls completed a 21-day warm-up period following delivery that ended on Oct. 15. Bulls were weighed twice going on-test at the completion of this warm-up. The two weights are averaged and this marks the starting point of the performance test.

Going on test, the Angus bulls averaged 258 days of age and 713 pounds with an average weight per day of age of 2.79 pounds. The Charolais bulls averaged 269 days of age, 848 pounds and had a weight per day of age of 3.16 pounds. Simmental bulls averaged 241 days of age, 745 pounds, and had a weight per day of age of 3.10 pounds.

Bulls will be fed a ration intended to achieve maximum gain during a 113-day test period. One interim weight will be taken at the mid-point of the testing period on Dec. 11. At off-test, all bulls will be weighed twice and the weights averaged once again to mark the end of the test period. The off-test is scheduled for Feb. 5-6, 2008, and at this time all bulls will be ultrasounded and semen checked.

Bulls will be evaluated for carcass merit, reproductive soundness, structural correctness, disposition and growth. The top two-thirds of each breed making test requirements as outlined in the guidelines by the Production Efficiency Committee are catalogued to sell March 10, 2008, at the Bloomfield Livestock Auction Market in Bloomfield, Iowa.

ICA bull test information is available for all four tests and sales on the ICA Web site at www.iacattlemen.org. The site includes a calendar of all weight dates for the 2007-08 season. For more information, contact Kellie Carolan, 800-888-1730, or e-mail kellie@iabeef.org.


District Meeting Schedules
Information on district meetings can be found on the Iowa Cattlemen’s Association Web site at www.iacattlemen.org. You can also contact your district director or call the ICA office, 515-296-2266 for more information.
 

New information posted to our Web site regularly – check us out! www.iacattlemen.org

October 20, 2007


Only 3 weeks left…
There are only three weeks left to get your 2007 award nominations into the Iowa Cattlemen’s Association (ICA) office before the November 2 deadline. Don’t leave out the deserving cattleman, cattle woman or family who has made an impact on the cattle business. Your nominations for the Woman of the Year, Commercial Producer of the Year and Hall of Fame are critical to recognize those who “give their all” to make our industry the best it can be.

The recipients will be honored and recognized at the ICA Annual Convention and Table Top Trade Show on January 8-9, 2008, at the Gateway Hotel and Conference Center in Ames, Iowa. We are very proud of the contributions made by the producers in our industry and this is an opportunity to recognize them both personally and professionally.

Please give some time and thought into whom you might nominate for these awards, they truly are an honor to those who receive them.

Nominations are due to the ICA office no later than Nov. 2, 2007. Please send nominations to the Iowa Cattlemen’s Association, 2055 Ironwood Court, P.O. Box 1490, Ames, IA 50014. Award nomination forms and more information on each of the awards is available on our Web site at www.iacattlemen.org or call the ICA office, 515-296-2266.

Remember, nominations must be received by the ICA office no later than Nov. 2, 2007.

Send in county events and news
Please send in any news and events happening in your county to the Iowa Cattlemen’s Association (ICA). We want you, the counties, to be a part of our County Roundup page in the Iowa Cattleman magazine each month. This is a great opportunity to let other counties know what you are involved in, who you have honored, how your banquet or special meeting went, who you had for entertainment or that you had a successful grilling for 500 people in the pouring rain. We want to share that information with all of our fellow cattlemen and women as well as businesses across the state. Don’t forget to send photos along too!

If you had an event and you aren’t sure what information to send it, go to our Web site, www.iacattlemen.org, click on Affiliates and you will find a “generic” county events form that you can download that may help you decide what information to send to the ICA office.

Send information to Jackie at the ICA office 2055 Ironwood Court, P.O. Box 1490, Ames, IA 50014 or e-mail the information and photos to jackie@iabeef.org.


Check to see if your district has set a meeting time
Be sure you know when your district meeting is and plan to participate. Your input is very important, so get involved and stay involved in the Iowa Cattlemen’s Association!

Watch the ICA Web site, www.iacattlemen.org for updated information on your district meeting as well as locations, times and RSVP dates.

If you don’t see your district meeting here, contact your district director or call the ICA office, 515-296-2266 or visit the Web site at www.iacattlemen.org, we may have received information after the print deadline for the remaining meetings.

District meeting schedule
District 1: Tues., Nov. 6, 2007 • Farmers Coop Society basement • Sioux Center, IA • 7 p.m.
District 2: Wed., Nov. 14, 2007 • Regional Events Center, Clay County Fairgrounds • Spencer, IA • 7:30 p.m. • RSVP to Greg Wood, 712-260-5691 or 712-262-0234
District 4: Fri., Nov. 30, 2007 • Clarmont Country Club • Clarion, IA • 6:30 p.m.
District 7: Mon., Oct. 29, 2007 • Lake Creek Country Club • Storm Lake, IA • 6:30 p.m. Social • 7 p.m. Supper • RSVP by Oct. 26 to Mason Fleenor or your county president.
District 8: Mon., Nov. 12, 2007 • West Central Coop Basement • Boxholm, IA • 6:30 p.m.
District 10: Tues., Nov. 20, 2007 • 6 p.m. • LaPorte City • More details coming soon!
District 11: Mon., Nov. 26, 2007 • Buzzy’s • Welton, IA • Time TBD
District 12: Thurs., Nov. 1, 2007 • Charter Oak Community Center • Charter Oak, IA • 6:30 p.m.
District 13: Tues., Nov. 13, 2007 • Community Center • Adair, IA • 7 p.m.
District 14: Wed., Nov. 28, 2007 • Checkerboard Restaurant • Pleasantville, IA • 6:30 p.m.
District 15: Mon., Nov. 19, 2007 • Keokuk Expo Grounds • Sigourney, IA • 6 p.m.
District 16: Mon., Nov. 26, 2007 • Buzzy’s • Welton, IA • Time TBD
District 18: Mon., Nov. 19, 2007 • Creston, IA • More details coming soon!
District 20: Sat., Nov. 17, 2007 • 11 a.m. social • 12 p.m. lunch • 1 p.m. meeting • Brazelton Hotel in Mount Pleasant. RSVP by Nov. 14, 2007 to Larraine at 515-296-2266.


New information posted to our Web site regularly – check us out! www.iacattlemen.org

October 13, 2007


Get your rooms booked early for the ICA Annual Convention
Get your rooms booked early for the Iowa Cattlemen’s Association (ICA) Annual Convention and Table Top Trade Show. January 8-9, 2008, mark the dates of the annual convention being held this year at the Gateway Hotel and Conference Center in Ames, Iowa.

The ICA has set aside a block of rooms at the Gateway Hotel and Conference Center as well as the Best Western University Park Inn and Suites, formerly known as the Baymont Inn and Suites. Rooms are blocked from January 7-9, 2008 and will only be reserved until Monday, December 17, 2007. When making your reservation, please mention that your reservation is for the ICA block.

The Gateway Hotel and Conference Center is located at 2100 Green Hills Drive, right off of University Boulevard, formerly known as Elwood Drive. A flat rate of $89 for a single or double room is being offered. To book your room at the Gateway Hotel and Conference Center, call 515-292-8600 or 800-367-2637.

Rooms at the Best Western University Park Inn and Suites, 2500 University Boulevard, are available for a flat rate of $56 for a single or double room. To book your room call 515-296-2500 or 800-428-3438.

For more information on the ICA Annual Convention and Table Top Trade Show, visit our Web site at www.iacattlemen.org.


Limited space available for the Table Top Trade Show
The Table Top Trade Show at the 2008 Iowa Cattlemen’s Association (ICA) Annual Convention has limited space available. The trade show is set for January 8-9 at the Gateway Hotel and Conference Center in Ames, Iowa. If your company would like to be a part of this year’s event, be sure to call the ICA office as soon as possible, there are only a few tables left! The Table Top Trade Show allows your company to display information and literature during the ICA Annual Convention. The ICA will furnish you and your company with a 6-foot table, covered and skirted. Tables do not need to be manned. We encourage you to set up your table, put up a company sign and then participate in the ICA Annual Convention activities throughout the 2-day event.

Table Top Show hours are Tues., January 8, 2008, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., with setup from 7-9 a.m., Wed. January 9, 2008 from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and tear down anytime after 12:30 p.m.

Join us in the Gateway Hotel and Conference Center Gallery Lobby and Hallway for the 2008 Table Top Trade Show. The cost is only $300 per table and includes one registration to the ICA Annual Convention. To reserve your table or for more details, call Ingrid at the ICA office, 800-888-1730 by Nov. 2, 2007, in order to be recognized in the December Iowa Cattleman magazine.

Again, watch our Web site, www.iacattlemen.org, for more details on this year’s ICA Annual Convention and Table Top Trade Show!


2007 award nominations deadline quickly approaching
By now some of you should have received packets containing information on the 2007 award nominations for the Iowa Cattlemen’s Association (ICA) Annual Convention and Table Top Trade Show. Others of you may have seen the award nomination deadline on our Web site, www.iacattlemen.org, or in the Iowa Cattleman magazine. Hopefully you have given some time and thought into whom you might nominate for these awards, they truly are an honor to the families and individuals who receive them.

Your nominations for the Woman of the Year, Commercial Producer of the Year and Hall of Fame are critical to recognize those individuals who “give their all” to make our industry the best it can be.

The nominations for the awards are due to the ICA office no later than Nov. 2, 2007. Recipients of the awards will be honored during the ICA Annual Convention on January 8-9, 2008, in Ames, Iowa. Please send nominations to the Iowa Cattlemen’s Association, 2055 Ironwood Court, P.O. Box 1490, Ames, IA 50014. Award nomination forms are available on our Web site at www.iacattlemen.org or call the ICA office, 515-296-2266, and we’ll send or fax you one.

Remember, nominations must be received by the ICA office no later than Nov. 2, 2007.


Check to see if your district has set a meeting time
District meetings are almost in full swing. Be sure you know when your district meeting is and plan to participate. Your input is very important!

Watch the ICA Web site, www.iacattlemen.org for updated information on your district meeting as well as locations, times and RSVP dates.

District meeting schedule
District 1: Tues., Nov. 6, 2007 • Farmers Coop Society basement • Sioux Center, IA • 7 p.m.
District 2: Wed., Nov. 14, 2007 • Regional Events Center, Clay County Fairgrounds • Spencer, IA • 7:30 p.m. • RSVP to Greg Wood, 712-260-5691 or 712-262-0234
District 4: Fri., Nov. 30, 2007 • Clarmont Country Club • Clarion, IA • 6:30 p.m.
District 7: Mon., Oct. 29, 2007 • Lake Creek Country Club • Storm Lake, IA • 6:30 p.m. Social • 7 p.m. Supper • RSVP by Oct. 26 to Mason Fleenor or your county president.
District 8: Mon., Nov. 12, 2007 • West Central Coop Basement • Boxholm, IA • 6:30 p.m.
District 10: Tues., Nov. 20, 2007 • 6 p.m. • LaPorte City • More details coming soon!
District 11: Mon., Nov. 26, 2007 • Buzzy’s • Welton, IA • Time TBD
District 12: Thurs., Nov. 1, 2007 • Charter Oak Community Center • Charter Oak, IA • 6:30 p.m.
District 13: Tues., Nov. 13, 2007 • Community Center • Adair, IA • 7 p.m.
District 14: Wed., Nov. 28, 2007 • Checkerboard Restaurant • Pleasantville, IA • 6:30 p.m.
District 16: Mon., Nov. 26, 2007 • Buzzy’s • Welton, IA • Time TBD
District 18: Mon., Nov. 19, 2007 • Creston, IA • More details coming soon!
District 20: Sat., Nov. 17, 2007 • 11 a.m. social • 12 p.m. lunch • 1 p.m. meeting • Brazelton Hotel in Mount Pleasant. RSVP by Nov. 14, 2007 to Larraine at 515-296-2266.


New information posted to our Web site regularly – check us out! www.iacattlemen.org

October 11, 2007

Reserve space for the 2008 Table Top Trade Show today!
The 2008 Iowa Cattlemen’s Association (ICA) Annual Convention is set for January 8-9, 2008, at the Gateway Hotel and Conference Center in Ames, Iowa. This is your opportunity to display your company information and literature during the ICA Annual Convention. The ICA will furnish you and your company with a 6-foot table, covered and. Tables do not need to be manned. We encourage you to set up your table, put up a company sign and then participate in the ICA Annual Convention activities throughout the 2-day event.

Table Top Show hours are Tues., January 8, 2008, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., with setup from 7-9 a.m., Wed. January 9, 2008 from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and tear down anytime after 12:30 p.m.

Join us in the Gateway Hotel and Conference Center Gallery Lobby and Hallway for the 2008 Table Top Trade Show. The cost is only $300 per table and includes one registration to the ICA Annual Convention. To confirm your table or for more details, call Ingrid at the ICA office, 800-888-1730 by Nov. 2, 2007, in order to be recognized in the December Iowa Cattleman magazine.


District 7 sets meeting date and destination
District 7 has set its meeting date as October 29, 2007. Producers and Associate members from Buena Vista, Cherokee, Ida, Pocahontas and Sac counties should mark their calendars to meet at the Lake Creek Country Club in Storm Lake, Iowa. The event will begin with a 6:30 p.m. social followed by a 7 p.m. meal. Please RSVP by Oct. 26, 2007, to Mason Fleenor, or your county president.

Watch the ICA Web site, www.iacattlemen.org for updated information on your district meeting as well as locations, times and RSVP dates.

District meeting schedule
District 2: Wed., Nov. 14, 2007 • More details coming soon!
District 4: Fri., Nov. 30, 2007 • Clarmont Country Club • Clarion, IA • 6:30 p.m.
District 7: Mon., Oct. 29, 2007 • Lake Creek Country Club • Storm Lake, IA • 6:30 p.m. Social • 7 p.m. Supper • RSVP by Oct. 26 to Mason Fleenor or your county president.
District 8: Mon., Nov. 12, 2007 • West Central Coop Basement • Boxholm, IA • 6:30 p.m.
District 10: Tues., Nov. 20, 2007 • 6 p.m. • LaPorte City • More details coming soon!
District 12: Thurs., Nov. 1, 2007 • Charter Oak Community Center • Charter Oak, IA • 6:30 p.m.
District 20: Sat., Nov. 17, 2007 • 11 a.m. social • 12 p.m. lunch • 1 p.m. meeting • Brazelton Hotel in Mount Pleasant. RSVP by Nov. 14, 2007 to Larraine at 515-296-2266.


New information posted to our Web site regularly – check us out! www.iacattlemen.org

 

September 29, 2007


ICA kicks off 2008 membership year Oct. 1
The Iowa Cattlemen’s Association (ICA) 2008 membership kickoff begins Oct. 1. Your renewal notice has been sent from the ICA headquarters and will be arriving shortly. Join the ICA and it’s 9,700-plus members to promote, protect and make an even stronger voice for the cattle industry in Iowa!

All ICA members are encouraged to help grow this organization. In the first few months of the 2008 membership drive, consider who you might ask to join the ICA. Often, people are interested in supporting our industry. They simply haven’t been asked.

The 2008 county and state ICA membership dues have remained the same as in 2007. Dues for producers are $75 per year, or $200 for three years. Family dues are $75, plus $10 for each spouse and child (22 and younger) that you would like to include in your membership. Associate member dues are $60 per year or $160 for three years. Please send any memberships that have been collected to the ICA office.

Also included in the membership invoice are the options of ICA Fair Share, President’s Council and Friends of the Industry. The ICA Fair Share is optional and in addition to the basic membership dues, levels range from $25 to $500. The invoice also has a County Booster Club option to send money back to your county association.

New this year to the invoice is a short survey collecting information on what types of operations our producers are involved in. Please take time to check all boxes that apply to your operation.

For information on the ICA, how to become a member or for a membership form, call the ICA office at 515-296-2266. Membership forms can also be found on our Web site at www.iacattlemen.org.


District meeting dates being set
The Iowa Cattlemen’s Association District meetings are starting to be scheduled. Watch the ICA Web site for updated information on your district meeting as well as locations, times and RSVP dates. District 10 has set Tuesday, Nov. 20, 2007, as the date for their annual event. Producer and associate members from Benton, Black Hawk, Buchanan, Linn and Tama counties are encouraged to participate in the meeting at 6 p.m. in LaPorte City.

Members in Clay, Dickinson, Emmet and Palo Alto counties should mark Nov. 14, 2007 on your calendars for the District 2 meeting. More information will be available soon.

Watch our Web site www.iacattlemen.org for more information on district meetings.

District meeting schedule
District 2: Wed., Nov. 14, 2007 • More details coming soon!

District 10: Tues., Nov. 20, 2007 • 6 p.m. • LaPorte City • More details coming soon!

District 20: Sat., Nov. 17, 2007 • 11 a.m. social • 12 p.m. lunch • 1 p.m. meeting • Brazelton Hotel in Mount Pleasant. RSVP by Nov. 14, 2007 to Larraine at 515-296-2266.


New information posted to our Web site regularly – check us out! www.iacattlemen.org

 

September 22, 2007


Clarke County Cattlemen to hold “Preconditioning Pays” meeting
The Clarke County Cattlemen’s Association plans to hold a “Preconditioning Pays’ producer meeting on Thursday, September 27, 2007 at American State Bank in Osceola, Iowa, sponsored by Farmers Cooperative Company. The meeting will highlight fall preconditioning programs. A light meal will begin at 6 p.m. with the meeting following, starting at 7 p.m. For more information or if you have questions regarding the meeting, contact Kenny Blair at 641-223-0106.


ICA Winter Conference
Plan to attend this year’s Iowa Cattlemen’s Association Winter Conference. The conference will be held Jan. 7-9, 2008. A new location has been selected and this year’s conference will be held at the Gateway Hotel and Conference Center in Ames, Iowa.

If you have questions regarding the event or are interested in having a table at our Table Top Trade Show, please call Ingrid Nesbit at the ICA office, 515-296-2266.

Attention ICA Board of Directors and County Officers
The ICA Board of Directors and County Officers should be watching the mail for nomination forms for the Commercial Producer of the Year, Hall of Fame and ICA Woman of the Year awards. Forms are also available to download at www.iacattlemen.org. The deadline for nomination entries is Friday, November 2, 2007. Please send nominations to the Iowa Cattlemen’s Association office at 2055 Ironwood Court, Ames, Iowa, 50022. If you have any questions regarding the awards, please call Trent Wellman at the ICA office, 515-296-2266.

More information can be found on the ICA Web site when available.


District 20 has set date for meeting
The Iowa Cattlemen’s Association District meetings are just around the corner and District 20 has set Saturday, Nov. 17, 2007, as the date for their annual event. Producer and associate members from Des Moines, Henry, Lee, Louisa, Jefferson and Van Buren counties are encouraged to participate in the 11 a.m. social hour, 12 p.m. luncheon and 1 p.m. meeting at the Brazelton Hotel in Mount Pleasant, Iowa. Please RSVP to Larraine by Nov. 14, 2007, at 515-296-2266 if you plan to attend.


New information posted to our Web site regularly – check us out! www.iacattlemen.org

 
September 15, 2007


ICA Winter Conference plans ‘Under Construction’
Plans for the Iowa Cattlemen’s Association’s (ICA) Winter Conference are under construction. Cattlemen and women will meet on Jan. 7-9, 2008, at the Gateway Hotel and Conference Center for the annual meetings, events and table top trade show.

This year’s schedule is still being finalized but will include the annual meetings for both the ICA and Iowa Beef Industry Council (IBIC). Policy-making committees will meet and review industry issues and help set direction for the upcoming Iowa legislative session. ICA policy-making committees include the Beef Product, Business Issues and Cattle Production Committees.

Wheels for Bucks
Several other fun and social events will be held such as the Iowa Cattlemen’s Foundation Auction that raises funds for youth scholarships and county cattlemen’s projects. At this year’s ICF Auction, Schering-Plough Animal Health has brought back it’s “Wheels for Bucks” program. For every 10 empty wheels received, Schering-Plough will donate one full Ralgro wheel to the fund-raising event. Save your empty Ralgro wheels and turn them over at the Schering-Plough trade show table or send them to the ICA office ahead of time if you will be unable to attend the conference. Start saving now!

If you would like to donate empty wheels or other items for the Iowa Cattlemen’s Foundation Auction, please contact Michelle Baumhover at 515-296-2305.

Plan to attend
Plan to attend this year’s Winter Conference and have your voice be heard. If you have questions regarding this year’s event or are interested in having a booth at our Table Top Trade Show, please call Ingrid Nesbit at the ICA office, 515-296-2266. Also watch the ICA Web site, www.iacattlemen.org, for advance registration forms and more detailed agendas.



Consign now, time’s running out!
We still have a few spots left for the 2008 Iowa Cattlemen’s Association (ICA) bull and heifer tests. Enter your top bulls and heifers now, as time is running out and some sales are already full!

ICA’s long reputation of offering elite genetics to commercial breeders and other purebred producers is just one reason to enter your top bull or heifer. You also have the chance to benchmark you genetics with large and small producers and gather ultrasound and performance data that might not have been cost effective at home.

The ICA bull test program has four sale and test sites available. Registered bulls and females must be born between Jan. 1, 2007 and May 15, 2007. For more information, or to reserve space contact Kellie Carolan, ICA Seedstock Manager at 515-296-2266 or e-mail kellie@iabeef.org. Information is also available on the ICA Web site at www.iacattlemen.org.


New information posted to our Web site regularly – check us out! www.iacattlemen.org

 
September 4, 2007

Wellman joins ICA staff
The Iowa Cattlemen’s Association is pleased to announce that Trent Wellman has joined our staff. Trent’s title is Member Communications Manager, and a portion of his responsibilities will be serving counties in the Eastern Region of Iowa as membership coordinator.

Trent is a native of Lee/Van Buren counties and is a graduate of Iowa State University. He resides in the Ames area and will continue to do so, allowing for more time in the office than what we ordinarily receive from membership coordinators who live in the region. Most recently Trent was working for a Marshalltown-based radio station and was responsible for their advertising sales in the Ames area.

In addition to coordinating and communicating with county cattlemen’s associations, Trent will be involved with our member communications programs and will strive to improve our public relations efforts with the media.

We feel that by having Trent available to work with our county associations while still being in the office and closer to programs, we can enhance our services to members and gain additional exposure to potential members.

Please welcome Trent to the staff and feel free to utilize his services and talents. You can contact him via e-mail at Trent@iabeef.org. His telephone number at the office is 515-296-2266 ext. 205, and his cell phone number is 515-291-6332.


Have you started your Christmas shopping yet?
If you haven’t started your Christmas shopping yet, now’s the time to start! The Iowa Cattlemen’s Association has a few stocking stuffer ideas for you.

We have pocket calving books that will be a hit with your cattleman or cattlewoman for the start of the spring calving season. Each book holds records for 100 head of cows and are available for $1 plus postage. To order please contact the ICA office, 515-296-2266 or e-mail Kellie Carolan at kellie@iabeef.org.

Keep your drinks cool and show your support in the Iowa Cattlemen’s Association by sporting a new ICA koozie. Collapsible, lightweight koozies, perfect for travel, are available for $2 each. And last but not least, we have ICA hats available for $10.

For more information or to order pocket calving books, koozies or hat, call the ICA office at 515-296-2266.


First-time advertiser discount--limited time only!
Start advertising in the Iowa Cattleman magazine today! We are offering first-time advertisers a 25% discount on any ad 1/2 page or larger placed in our November issue. Hurry and call today to reserve your space! The ad deadline for the November issue is October 5, 2007. Offer good one time only and is not valid with any other discounts.

For more information on advertising in the Iowa Cattleman magazine, contact the ICA office, 515-296-2266 e-mail Jackie Ditsworth at jackie@iabeef.org or visit our Web site www.iacattlemen.org for current ad specials and rates.

 
August 25, 2007


Call ICA to reserve your space in the 23rd ICA Bull & Heifer Tests
It’s time to start thinking about performance testing your bulls and heifers to benchmark your genetic progress!

We have opportunities to test and market your bulls and heifers through four Iowa Cattlemen’s Association (ICA) sales. Registered bulls and heifers must be born between Jan. 1, 2007 and May 15, 2007. The top two-thirds of bulls will sell at the Bloomfield Auction Market, Dunlap Livestock Auction, Clarinda Livestock Auction and the Tama Livestock Auction. Heifers will be sold at the Tama sale location only.

We also have a limited amount or space to private test bulls and heifers for your operation. These cattle will undergo the same testing regimen as the sale qualifying group, but will not go through and ICA sale.

For more information on consigning, contact Kellie Carolan, ICA seedstock manager, 515-296-2266 or kellie@iabeeforg. Also visit the ICA Web site at www.iacattlemen.org for more information.

 
July 28, 2007


Northwest Iowa Regional Meeting
The Northwest Iowa Regional meeting will be held at the Wild Rose Casino in Emmetsburg on Tuesday, July 31, 2007. The meeting will begin at 10 a.m. and adjourn at approximately 3 p.m.

Speakers include ICA President Kevin Carstensen, ICA Executive Vice President Bruce Berven, NCBA's CEO, Terry Stokes, and ICA Lobbyist, Jill Altringer. Topics will include a "State of ICA" address, national issues, the 2007 Farm Bill and a critique on the upcoming legislative session.

The meeting will be free of charge due to great sponsor support. We ask that you RSVP to the ICA office in order to assist with noon meal reservations. Please call 515-296-2266 to RSVP. But, please feel free to come at last minute without a reservation. Contact Craig White at 712-260-5140 with questions or for more information.


Call ICA to reserve your space in the 23rd ICA Bull & Heifer Tests
It’s time to start thinking about performance testing your bulls and heifers to benchmark your genetic progress!

We have opportunities to test and market your bulls and heifers through four Iowa Cattlemen’s Association (ICA) sales. Registered bulls and heifers must be born between Jan. 1, 2007 and May 15, 2007. The top two-thirds of bulls will sell at the Bloomfield Auction Market, Dunlap Livestock Auction, Clarinda Livestock Auction and the Tama Livestock Auction. Heifers will be sold at the Tama sale location only.

We also have a limited amount or space to private test bulls and heifers for your operation. These cattle will undergo the same testing regimen as the sale qualifying group, but will not go through and ICA sale.

For more information on consigning, contact Kellie Carolan, ICA seedstock manager, 515-296-2266 or kellie@iabeeforg. Also visit the ICA Web site at www.iacattlemen.org for more information.


New look at the Iowa State Fair booth
Be sure to stop by and check out the new Iowa Cattlemen’s Association (ICA) booth at the Iowa State Fair August 9-19, we will have a brand new look. ICA staff and volunteers will be available to answer questions and address concerns throughout the duration of the fair. Stop by and see us!

Also during the fair, become a 2008 Iowa Cattlemen’s Association member and you will receive the rest of 2007 for FREE. Be sure to ask and ICA staff member or volunteer how to receive this offer!

While you are at the fair, don’t forget to attend other fun beef events like the Big Bull Contest on Thurs., August 9 at 7 p.m., the Governor’s Charity Steer Show on Sat., August 11 at 4 p.m., and the Beef Heifer Award presentations on Tues., August 14 at 3:30 p.m. All of the events listed above will be held in the Pioneer Livestock Pavilion on the Iowa State Fairgrounds. After attending these events enjoy the new Cattlemen's Ranch Steak Sandwich or the ever popular Hot Beef Sundae while dining at the Cattlemen’s Beef Quarters.

 For a complete listing of other livestock events visit the Iowa State Fair Web site at www.iowastatefair.org. Or for more information on the ICA booth, call the office at 515-296-2266