TSCRA/OB Ranch gathering a success

Nearly 200 folks attended the ranch gathering at the OB Ranch in Wharton April 10, making the event a whopping success. Twenty-six new members joined the Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association, along with eight student members, plus two who renewed their memberships. Many more picked up applications.

Linda Joy Stovall, TSCRA association promotion committee member, and her team consisting of Linc Lutrick, Philip Leopold, TSCRA Special Ranger Tommy Charbula and the OB Ranch's folks worked hard to make the gathering a success. A bit of drizzle had the team considering moving the event indoors, but the sun came out and it turned out to be a beautiful evening.

Linda Charbula worked the registration desk, and TSCRA Special Rangers Brent Mast and Jimmy Belt helped sign people in and assisted with membership recruitment. All three special rangers helped serve the meal and met all attendees.

Ross Russell served as emcee, and county agent Peter McGuill lent use of a public address system.

After dinner, Marcos Machado Borges Jr., OB Ranch director - who hosted the ranch gathering - spoke about the history of the ranch. TSCRA First Vice President Dave Scott gave a talk about the benefits of joining and what TSCRA does for beef producers. Then, Texas Beef Council's Richard Wortham gave an update on what Beef Checkoff dollars and projects are doing for the cattle industry.

Bayer sponsored gate signs for new members.

The event's sponsors were:

Gold: C3 Cattle Co.; ACCO Feeds; Capital Farm Credit; Farmers Co-op of El Campo; Mark J. Forgason; J.D. Hudgins Inc.-Celebrating 100 Years; Frank H. Lewis Jr.; Port City Stockyards; Runnells/Pierce Ranch; Ryan Services Inc.; Shoppa's Farm Supply; Stovall Ranch and Texas Beef Council

Silver: Boehringer-Ingelheim Vetmedica; El Campo Livestock Commission Co.; Intervet; NewFirst National Bank and Wharton & Edna Livestock Auction.

Special appreciation also goes to the sponsors who gave more than 100 wonderful door prizes that were real crowdpleasers.