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TCFA 2020 Annual Convention

10/9/2020

 
Watch the full TCFA Virtual Convention here. 

Tax & Finance Webinar Series for TCFA Members

8/19/2020

 
Texas Cattle Feeders Association members are invited to join any of the following webinars, presented by the TCFA Finance and Taxation Committee. You can register here. If you have questions, please contact Josh Winegarner at josh@tcfa.org or Savanna Barksdale at savanna@tcfa.org.
Past Webinars
Purchasing and Selling Cattle
John Massouh, Attorney, Sprouse, Shadar, Smith PLLC
David LeBas, Attorney, Naman, Howell, Smith & Lee PLLC
WATCH SEMINAR RECORDING
Protecting Your Feedyard When Lending
John Massouh, Attorney, Sprouse, Shadar, Smith PLLC
David LeBas, Attorney, Naman, Howell, Smith & Lee PLLC
WATCH SEMINAR RECORDING
Tax Relief Incentives
Mike Johanns, Chairman of Agriculture, alliantgroup and Former Secretary of Agriculture
Tyler Noesser, Technical Director, alliantgroup
watch seminar recording

2020 Junior Fed Beef Challenge Results

7/28/2020

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Students from across the state made their way to the campus of West Texas A&M University on Friday, July 24, to showcase their skills and knowledge at the 2020 TCFA Junior Fed Beef Challenge.
 
This annual contest gives third-12th grade students the opportunity to gain industry knowledge and practical experience in commercial cattle feeding. Students feed a pen of three steers, take a written test and compete in interviews and oral presentations. Cattle performance points are also figured into the score to determine the winners.

Students compete for a combined $20,000 in college scholarships along with trophy buckles and plaques. ​
​​The Senior Overall Champion of the contest and winner of a $5,000 scholarship was Luke Bludau of Hallettsville. Senior Reserve Champion and winner of a $3,000 scholarship was Macy Lawrence of Canyon. The First Runner-Up and winner of a $2,000 scholarship was Grant Kubala of Schulenburg.
In the Junior Division, Emma Stevenson of Earth was named the Overall Champion and received a $350 scholarship.
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Senior Overall Champion, Luke Bludau, Hallettsville
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Senior First Runner-Up, Grant Kubala, Schulenburg
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Senior Reserve Champion, Macy Lawrence, Canyon
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Junior Overall Champion, Emma Stevenson, Earth
​Senior Division: Best Written Exam 
3rd Place Written Exam – Macy Lawrence, Canyon
2nd Place Written Exam – Gavin Kubala, Schulenburg; Grant Kubala, Schulenburg
1st Place Exam and winner of a $500 prize – Luke Bludau, Hallettsville
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​Senior Division: Best Interview 
3rd Place Interview – Hayden Holwick, McLean ; Kade Lawrence, Canyon
2nd Place Interview – AnneMarie Metzler, Cotton Center
Best Interview and winner of a $500 prize – Macy Lawrence, Canyon
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​Senior Division: Best Individual Carcass 
3rd Place Individual Carcass – AnneMarie Metzler, Cotton Center;  Clayton Stevenson, Earth 
2nd Place Individual Carcass – Shelby Berckenhoff, Hallettsville; Brayden Smith, Blair
Top Individual Carcass and winner of a $500 prize – Clayton Stevenson, Earth
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Senior Division: Best Pen Steer Points 
3rd Place Carcass Pen – James Golla, College Station; Lane Golla, New Braunfels
2nd Place Carcass Pen – Clayton Stevenson, Earth
Top Carcass Pen and winner of a $500 prize – Brayden Smith, Blair
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Senior Division: Top Rookie Award 
3rd Place Rookie – Jett Long, Yoakum
2nd Place Rookie – Hayden Holwick, McLean
Top Rookie and winner of a $500 prize – Brayden Smith, Blair
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Junior Division: Best Written Exam
3rd Place Written Exam – Alexandra Kelley, New Braunfels
2nd Place Written Exam – Kaydence Hood, Stratford
1st Place Exam and winner of a $250 prize – Jake Ressler, Hallettsville; Emma Stevenson, Earth
Junior Division: Best Presentation
3rd Place Presentation – Jenna Stevenson, Earth
2nd Place Presentation – Levi Golla, New Braunfels; Kaydence Hood, Stratford;
​Alexandra Kelley, New Braunfels

Best Presentation and winner of a $250 prize – Emma Stevenson, Earth
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Junior Division: Best Individual Carcass 
3rd Place Individual Carcass – Jenna Stevenson, Earth
2nd Place Individual Carcass – Landon Koehne, Hallettsville; Abby Ressler, Hallettsville; 
Walton Marshall, Midland; Virginia Stevenson, Bushland

Top Individual Carcass and winner of a $250 prize – Levi Golla, New Braunfels; 
​Lexi Golla, New Braufels; Luke Golla, New Braunfels;  Jenna Stevenson, Earth
Junior Division: Best Pen Steer Points 
3rd Place Carcass Pen – Alexandra Kelley, New Braunfels
2nd Place Carcass Pen – Jenna Stevenson, Earth
Top Carcass Pen and winner of a $250 prize – Levi Golla, New Braunfels; Lexi Golla, New Braunfels;  Luke Golla, New Braunfels
Junior Division: Top Rookie Award 
2nd Place Rookie – Landon Koehne, Hallettsville
Top Rookie and winner of a $250 prize – Kaydence Hood, Stratford
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TCFA Event Updates

5/14/2020

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The following is a status update on TCFA events in light of concerns surrounding COVID-19. Please know that the health and safety of participants is our number one priority. 

This list is subject to change as we learn more.

Canceled
TCFA Fed Beef Challenge - Originally scheduled for April 8
TCFA Feedyard Tech, Spring Semester - Originally scheduled for April 14-16 and 21-23
TCFA Spring Safety Seminar 
TCFA Feedyard Camp - Originally scheduled for June 23-26

On Schedule

TCFA Junior Fed Beef Challenge - Contest day July 24
TCFA Convention - October 4-10, Grapevine, Texas
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Take Us Back to Fort Worth: TCFA 2019 Annual Convention Highlights

10/28/2019

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​The TCFA 2019 Annual Convention has come and gone, and we wish we could go back. The Convention was a success with an estimated 450 in attendance.
     The Opening General Session, sponsored by Farm Credit, kicked off with Levi Berry’s chairman’s address. Berry opened by sharing his appreciation for the opportunity to serve as chairman and commended TCFA members for their hard work, passion and dedication to the industry over the years.  
​     “The day-in and day-out work of each of you is what provides people across the world with beef,” Berry said. “This is no small accomplishment.”
     Berry talked about partnerships TCFA has with NCBA, the U.S. Meat Export Federation and the Texas Beef Council, and how those partnerships have benefited the entire beef industry.
     “I can’t tell you enough what your investment in the beef checkoff does for our product,” he said. “Your investment helps promote the beef industry, not just here in Texas or in the United States, but all over the world. Every dollar you invest in the national checkoff returns almost $12. Couple that with the dollar invested into the state checkoff, and that is significant added value to beef.”
     Berry thanked his family, volunteer leaders, the TCFA staff and membership for all they do to for the industry. 
     “I could go on and on about the good and bad challenges facing the cattle feeding industry in 2019 — what we’ve accomplished and overcome this year alone could fill hours,” he said in closing. “What I can say is that you have remained focused and determined, and it’s those characteristics that will carry our industry successfully into the future.”  
​NCBA President Jennifer Houston followed with an update on federal legislative and regulatory challenges the industry will face in the coming year, and how TCFA’s partnership with NCBA is crucial to successfully navigate policy changes in the future.
     Karl Rove and Jim Messina followed and spoke about how new-day media effects today’s politics. An expert consumer panel moderated by Shalene McNeill addressed red meat in a healthy diet in conjunction with nutrition improvement and weight management.
     Miss Texas 2019 Chandler Foreman presented awards during the annual TCFA award lunch. That evening, the Lindsey Lane Band kicked off the Cattle Feeders Get Together. The successful BEEF-PAC live auction was a highlight of the evening followed by the announcement of the first Sweepstakes winner.
     Tuesday’s Closing General Session covered everything from demographics and politics to an entertaining perspective on perfecting your skill for the greater good of a team. Ken Gronbach discussed how demographics impact America’s buying decisions and political choices, and Kenny Aronoff closed the session with an exciting and interesting view of individual perfection.  
     Thank you to everyone for attending and making the 2019 Convention a huge success. Mark your calendars for the 2020 Convention, October 4-6 in Grapevine. To see pictures from TCFA Convention, visit our Facebook or Instagram (@txcattlefeeders).
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For a chance to win a new TCFA cap, take this short survey.
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Students Compete in 2019 TCFA Junior Fed Beef Challenge

8/2/2019

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​Students from across the state made their way to the campus of West Texas A&M University on Friday, July 26, to showcase their skills and knowledge at the 2019 TCFA Junior Fed Beef Challenge.
 
This annual contest gives third-12th grade students the opportunity to gain industry knowledge and practical experience in commercial cattle feeding. Students feed a pen of three steers, take a written test and compete in interviews and oral presentations. Cattle performance points are also figured into the score to determine the winners.

Students compete for a combined $20,000 in college scholarships along with trophy buckles and plaques. 

​The Senior Overall Champion of the contest and winner of a $5,000 scholarship was Leroy Stavinoha of Eagle Lake. Senior Reserve Champion and winner of a $3,000 scholarship was Will Hauerland of Columbus. The First Runner-Up and winner of a $2,000 scholarship was Macy Lawrence of Canyon. 
Leroy Stavinoha; Eagle Lake, Texas
Will Hauerland; Columbus, Texas
Macy Lawrence; Canyon, Texas
In the Junior Division, Kade Lawrence was named the Overall Champion and received a $350 scholarship.
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Senior Division: Best Written Exam 
3rd Place Written Exam – Luke Bludau
2nd Place Written Exam – Emily Heitschmidt
1st Place Exam and winner of a $500 prize – Leroy Stavinoha
Luke Bludau; Hallettsville, Texas
Emily Heitschmidt; Nazareth, Texas
Leroy Stavinoha; Eagle Lake, Texas
Senior Division: Best Interview 
3rd Place Interview – J’Cee Faith Petty
2nd Place Interview – Clayton Stevenson
Best Interview and winner of a $500 prize – Macy Lawrence
J'Cee Faith Petty; Adrian, Texas
Clayton Stevenson; Earth, Texas
Macy Lawrence; Canyon, Texas
​Senior Division: Best Individual Carcass 
3rd Place Individual Carcass – Lane Golla, Will Hauerland, Leroy Stavinoha, Annemarie Metzler, J’Cee Faith Petty, Justin Schumacher, David Schoenemann and Kady Weatherford
2nd Place Individual Carcass – Shelby Berckenhoff and Luke Bludau
Top Individual Carcass and winner of a $500 prize – Winston Stevenson 
Back L to R: Justin Schumacher, Dalhart; David Schoenemann, Caldwell; Will Hauerland, Columbus; Leroy Stavinoha, Eagle Lake; Lane Tindel, Honey Grove Bottom L to R: Kady Weatherford, Hamilton; Annemarie Metzler, Cotton Center; J'Cee Faith Petty, Adrian
Shelby Berckenhoff; Hallettsville, Texas
Luke Bludau; Hallettsville, Texas
Winston Stevenson; Bushland, Texas
Senior Division: Best Pen Steer Points 
3rd Place Carcass Pen – Annemarie Metzler
2nd Place Carcass Pen – J’Cee Faith Petty and Justin Schumacher
Top Carcass Pen and winner of a $500 prize – Winston Stevenson
Annemarie Metzler; Cotton Center
J'Cee Faith Petty; Adrian, Texas
Justin Schumacher; Dalhart, Texas
Winston Stevenson; Bushland, Texas
Senior Division: Top Rookie Award 
3rd Place Rookie – Edwin Alexander Valicek
2nd Place Rookie – Annemarie Metzler
Top Rookie and winner of a $500 prize – J’Cee Faith Petty
Edwin Alexander Valicek; Houston, Texas
Annemarie Metzler; Cotton Center, Texas
J'Cee Faith Petty; Adrian, Texas
Junior Division: Best Written Exam
3rd Place Written Exam – Kade Lawrence
2nd Place Written Exam – Kilian Leheska
1st Place Exam and winner of a $250 prize – Grant Kubala
Kade Lawrence; Canyon, Texas
Kilian Leheska; Canyon, Texas
Grant Kubala; Schulenburg, Texas
Junior Division: Best Presentation
3rd Place Presentation – Emma Stevenson, Grant Kubala, Hope Gleghorn
2nd Place Presentation – Brett Heitschmidt
Best Presentation and winner of a $250 prize – Kade Lawrence
Emma Stevenson; Earth, Texas
Grant Kubala; Schulenburg, Texas
Hope Gleghorn; Amarillo, Texas
Brett Heitschmidt; Nazareth, Texas
Kade Lawrence; Canyon, Texas
Junior Division: Best Individual Carcass 
3rd Place Individual Carcass – Cydney Kirkland and Samantha Unruh
2nd Place Individual Carcass – Alexandra Kelley and Ty Rogers
Top Individual Carcass and winner of a $250 prize – Jake Ressler
Cydney Kirkland; Vega, Texas
Samantha Unruh; Stratford, Texas
Alexandra Kelley; New Braunfels, Texas
Ty Rogers; Rockwall, Texas
Jake Ressler; Hallettsville, Texas
Junior Division: Best Pen Steer Points 
3rd Place Carcass Pen – Cydney Kirkland
2nd Place Carcass Pen – Alexandra Kelley
Top Carcass Pen and winner of a $250 prize – Ty Rogers
Cydney Kirkland; Vega, Texas
Alexandra Kelly; New Braunfels, Texas
Ty Rogers; Rockwall, Texas
Junior Division: Top Rookie Award 
2nd Place Rookie – Samantha Unruh
Top Rookie and winner of a $250 prize – Reese Wilson
Samantha Unruh; Stratford, Texas
Reese Wilson; Canyon, Texas
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High School Students Wrap Up TCFA Feedyard Camp

7/2/2019

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The 2019 Junior Fed Beef Career and Leadership Program better known as "Feedyard Camp"  wrapped up June 28 at West Texas A&M University. Hosted with Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension and WTAMU, the four-day camp is designed for high school juniors and seniors with an interest in pursuing a career in the fed beef industry. 
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Students went through an application process to be selected to participate in the program. This year’s program consisted of 19 students from Texas, Oklahoma, New Mexico and South Dakota. 
 
Throughout the four-day program, students observed a necropsy, visited a feedyard, toured a beef processing facility, received media training, toured the WTAMU Research Feedlot and Nance Ranch, gained knowledge from a feedyard industry professional panel and more.  
“Feedyard camp gives students with an interest in agriculture a truly one-of-a-kind experience,” said Brady Miller, TCFA director of market and membership. “The Amarillo area has a strong and diverse beef community, which makes it ideal for a camp like this. With feedyards, research and beef processing facilities all right here, we can give students interested in the beef industry a comprehensive learning experience that they will never forget.” 
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2019 Fed Beef Challenge Winners

4/25/2019

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The 2019 Fed Beef Challenge was a big success, with 43 pens of cattle represented by TCFA member feedyards at the Amarillo Livestock Auction. Individuals traveled from all over to view the best fed cattle around and to participate in the live evaluation contest and the TCFA Education Foundation Calcutta.

With the generous support from Feedyard Members, sponsors and TCFA supporters, $2,000 was raised in the Calcutta to go toward the TCFA Education Foundation, which is used to award scholarships to graduate students with a future in the fed beef industry. Additionally, participating feedyards graciously donated 7 head to the High Plains Food Bank’s beef fund. Thank you to everyone who participated in this year’s event. TCFA will announce the winners of the Fed Beef Challenge in the coming weeks.

The 2019 TCFA Fed Beef Challenge results are as follows:

Grand Champion Carcass
Hartley Feeders                                                                                                                                        Score: 117.15
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Heifer Division
First Place: Hartley Feeders                                                                                                                Score: 309.26
Second Place: CanTex Feeders                                                                                                           Score: 284.53
Third Place: Kirkland Feedyard                                                                                                          Score: 280.75
Fourth Place: Bovina Cattle Company                                                                                              Score: 261.00
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​Mexican Steer Division
First Place: F-Troop Feeders                                                                                                               Score: 320.07
Second Place: F-Troop Feeders                                                                                                          Score: 303.63
Third Place: Dawn Custom Cattle Feeders                                                                                       Score: 289.18
Fourth Place: Friona Feedyard                                                                                                           Score: 267.69​
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​Steer Division
First Place: F-Troop Feeders                                                                                                               Score: 298.69
Second Place: Dawn Custom Cattle Feeders                                                                                  Score: 270.22
Third Place: Randall County Feedyard                                                                                              Score: 261.93
Fourth Place: Dawn Custom Cattle Feeders                                                                                   Score: 253.37
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Shane Barnett with F-Troop Feeders won a custom handmade saddle in the Feedyard Evaluation Contest. The trophy saddle will be presented at the 2019 TCFA Convention in Fort Worth. Dave Link of Friona Feedyard won a Kenneth Wyatt painting in the Managers “Judge Your Own” Contest.

Jon DeClerck of Lubbock won first place in the Public Evaluation Contest followed by Johnny Treichel of Clarendon in second. Maddy Ainsley of Texas Tech University won first in the Collegiate Evaluation Contest followed by Austin Walter in second and Collin Cass in third — also of Texas Tech University.

Thank you to all who were able to participate in the contest and congratulations to the winners. Also, a big thanks to all the TCFA sponsors who help make this event possible, especially to those sponsors who provided the meal and helped at the event. TCFA would not be successful without you. For more on contest results, please contact Brady Miller at (806) 358-3681 or brady@tcfa.org. 
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TCFA Feedyard Tech Program Added to TEA List

4/4/2019

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​TCFA would like to thank all of our members who submitted comments to the Texas Education Agency on behalf of the TCFA Feedyard Tech Program.

Because of your involvement, the State of Texas reversed the decision that originally excluded our program from the new "A-F Accountability Program" list. This will allow students and schools to continue participating in the TCFA Feedyard Tech certification program.

​The fact that we were able to reverse this is significant, not only for the cattle feeding industry, but also for the students who participate in this program and go on to work in production agriculture. This was only accomplished because you took the time to get involved. Again, thank you for your dedication to the industry.

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