Secretary's Minutes
General Membership Meeting
Florida State Fair, Tampa, FL
February 4, 2010
Pres. George Kempfer called the meeting to order at 1:05 PM
George Kempfer asked each attendee to stand and state their name and hometown.
In Secretary/Treasurer Henry Kempfer's absence George Kempfer gave the Treasurer's report. He reported a balance $1271.69 and the most recent transaction of the sponsorship of the Florida State Fair Junior Brahman Show.
Ricky Booth gave a report on the new website - www.floridabrahman.org. Ricky reported on the website's progress, membership benefits associated - such as classified listings for cattle and semen, and the online membership application. Ricky urged members to visit the site, give suggestions, and submit photos for use on the site. It was suggested that we contact Rachel Williams for additional help and possible hosting and development.
Chad Chase from the USDA Research station in Brooksville gave a report on the new direction of the station. They will be researching Brahman reproductive traits and are asking producers to donate cows to be flushed to build a herd of 400-500 head of Brahman cows.
Joe Butt discussed the upcoming Field Day to be held 4/17/10 in Ft. White. Mr. Butt shared details of event including; showmanship and judging contest, ultrasound demonstration, heifer sale, and fund raising auction. George Kempfer suggested we form a sale committee. With no objections a sale committee was formed with Joe Butt as it's chairman. Mr. Butt circulated the advertisement that will run in the March issue of the FL Cattlemen's Magazine. A motion was made by Ricky Booth to run the ad in April as well, Larry Barthle seconded. Motion passed unanimous. There was then discussion on providing a meal at the FBA's expense. Members suggested UF Block & Bridle be contacted first and have the sale committee handle the details from this point forward.
George Kempfer discussed the state of the FL Junior Brahman Assoc. Junior member parents in attendance asked for the FBA to help get the FJBA active again as there has been no activity for over a year. It was decided with no objections that a new slate of officers would be elected at the FBA Field Day. Also, it was suggested that Matt Warren of Cheifland be contacted concerning his willingness to advise the new FJBA.
Kelvin Moreno discussed the Miami International Agriculture & Cattle Show and Sale to be held March 20-21. He urged members to participate in the event and stated that the show was a great place for FBA members to visit with Brahman producers from Central and South America.
George Kempfer stated that Florida had added a 3rd director on the ABBA board due to the increase in registrations. He also added that the ABBA Performance committee created a program to send all members a calf tape for measuring birth weights. Larry Barthle said the ABBA was still looking for the right manufacturer and right price before the program could be executed.
Marcus Shakelford gave the nominating committee's recommendation for the new slate of officers and made a motion for its adoption. Jerry Stack seconded. The motion passed unanimously. (New officers are listed online, click here to review)
Meeting was adjourned.