More than Meats the Eye

Jim Bret Campbell, Director of Communications and Member Relations for the Texas Cattle Feeders Association gave us a very informative talk on the importance of the cattle industry to our region. The TCFA represents 200 feed yards occupying 165,000 acres on which 5000 cattle feeders process over 6,000,000 head of cattle in the Panhandle. With 18 employees in the Amarillo office, the TCFA serves its members through lobbying, marketing, public relations and communication, interpreting government regulations, arbitrating disputes between yard owners and feeders, education and research.

The Panhandle region, a 150-mile radius circle with Amarillo at the center, is home to 30% of America's cattle industry and takes in the majority of the beef production for Texas (85%), New Mexico (98%) and Oklahoma (95%). Cattle have been and continue to be an indispensable part of our region's prosperity, adding $15 billion to our economy. The TCFA has been an advocate and watchdog for cattle feeders since 1967, working to ensure a high quality product for consumers within a sustainable industry to benefit the entire region.

During the Q & A session following his presentation, Mr. Campbell reminded us that hamburger should always be cooked at 160 degrees, that the drought has had a dramatic effect on the cattle industry, that the price of corn (artificially inflated thanks to government ethanol policies) has put added stresses on cattle feeders, and that beef is good for us. With 29 cuts of beef rated as "lean" by the government and with a 3 oz. serving supplying 50% of a daily need for protein, it remains an important staple of the American diet. Melvin Edes was all smiles.

John Early reported that there are spaces for 8 students (rising 11th or 12 graders) to attend this year's Camp Ryla in June.

Tickets for the Hawaiian Cruise ticket stubs should be filled out and returned to Gina by April 11. The winning ticket will be drawn at the District Conference May 2. The winner will receive a cabin for 2 for a 7 day Hawaiian Cruise on August 3-10, 2013.

Mike Good proposed David Saied,Sales Rep for Street Toyota, classification, Auto Sales, Retail for membership in the club.

Thanks to those who helped run our meeting today, including:

Renee Wilson, our President, who presided over the meeting

David O'Dell, who introduced his tenor from the Amarillo Opera's upcoming performance of Candide who led us in the national anthem and pledge of allegiance

Dick Marcear, who offered the invocation

Paul Borchardt, who introduced our visitors and guests

Shara Hinchey, program chair for March, who introduced today's program.

While today's drawing did not result in the drawing of the ace of spades, it did yield winners who went home with opera tickets, Papa Murphy's pizza coupons, and beef jerkey.

At our next meeting, April 4th, we will welcome Dean Yates, Panhandle Inventory Professionals who will tell us about photo and video inventory of your home and property to help in insurance and estate planning.