Cattlemen’s Leadership Academy Session III Exceeds Expectations

Twenty-two Cattlemen’s Leadership Academy class members, representing the Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Association and the state of Oklahoma from corner to corner traveled to Texas for CLA, Session III on August 11 and 12, 2008. 

“CLA Session III included several cutting-edge, educational opportunities to experience and several industry professionals for our young Oklahoma cattle producers to visit with,” said Chancey Redgate, CLA Coordinator.

Over the course of 2 days, CLA class members traveled more than 1000 miles visiting Wheeler Feedyard, White Energy, the American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame, the Texas Cattle Feeders Association, Tyson Processing Plant and Dumas Feedyard.

The first stop was at Wheeler Feedyard outside of Wheeler, Texas.  Don McCasland, owner and long-time member of the OCA, climbed aboard the bus to guide CLA members on a tour of his feedyard and explain operating practices.  Following the tour, Don treated the group to a delicious chicken fried steak dinner while answering questions pertaining to his strategies and options experience.

White Energy Company, an ethanol plant in Hereford, Texas was our second destination.  White Energy is positioned among the top ethanol producers in the United States and currently operates 3 plants.  The Hereford, Texas plant produces 100 million gallon of ethanol per year.  CLA class members were enlightened on this cutting edge technology by Plant Manager, Jesse Barrera and guided on a walking tour through the process of making ethanol. 

That evening, the group was hosted by Gary Carpenter at the American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame for a reception and a tour of the renowned AQHA Hall of Fame.  Following the reception, CLA members traveled to the home of Tim Whittaker of Vitalix beef supplements, where they were treated to a chuck wagon dinner, the perfect ending to a busy day.

Tuesday morning began at the office of the Texas Cattle Feeders Association in Amarillo, Texas.  TCFA President and CEO, Ross Wilson welcomed the group over a hearty breakfast.  Because of the partnership and legislative ties shared by the OCA and TCFA, many current issues were discussed among the group of producers.

Next on the schedule was the Tyson Beef processing plant in Amarillo, Texas.  All 22 CLA class members were equipped with hard hats, ear plugs and white frocks before entering the plant.  As producers, the CLA members showed great interest in the plant tour as it provided them with a visual dimension of the processing aspect of the beef industry and why producing quality beef is so important.

The final stop was at Dumas Feedyard in Dumas, Texas.  Owners, George Foote, Jr., OCA member and native Oklahoman and Doug Lantz provided the group with a tour of their operation.  They highlighted the feed mill and sprinkler system on the tour of their 22,000 head feedlot.

“From the beginning of the year, this session has been one of the most anticipated by the CLA class members and I think I am safe to say that their expectations were exceeded,” Redgate said. 

CLA session IV is scheduled for October 15, 16 & 17 in Stillwater Oklahoma.  CLA members will attend the Oklahoma Beef Council’s Beef Quality Summit held at the Food and Agricultural Products Center on the campus of Oklahoma State University.

The Cattlemen’s Leadership Academy is a service of the Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Association.  For information on how to get involved in CLA, call Chancey Redgate at the OCA office at 405-235-4391 or visit www.okcattlemen.org.