|
VOLUME XIX, NO. 3 |
TEXAS DAIRY REVIEW |
MARCH 2010 |
|
CLICK ABOVE FOR MORE INFORMATION |
|||
 |
|||
|
Texas dairy industry now on TDA website USDA grants and guaranteed loans available for wind turbines in agricultural use Miller wins big; runoff set for commissioner’s race Future looks bright for student who wins Texas Armed Services Scholarship Ag engineer relieved permit process adventure nearly over Sticking with what you know best makes good for owning a successful business Fuel Up To Play 60 promotes nutrition and exercise in schools Stephenville Chamber presents agriculture awards
|
|||
|
Texas dairy industry now on TDA website |
|||
|
By Sherry Webb Dear Dairy Readers: If just goes to show if you connect to the right person at the right time, great feats can be accomplished. So, look on the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) website(www.agr.state.tx.us) and you will now find a Texas Dairy Industry Fact Sheet. This came about only after an article on the front page of the Texas Dairy Review last month spoke about how southwest dairy farmers were overlooked when Vilsak’s Dairy Advisory Committee was recently appointed. It noted this seemed odd since a good chunk of milk comes from the southwest, and Texas led the nation in 2008 with a 14% increase in milk production and even managed more than a 5% increase in 2009, when the economy was at its worst. The article went on to point out, however, that perhaps just as bad or worse, this very important information about increased milk production was also overlooked at the state level by the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) on their home page. In fact, no information about the Texas dairy industry could be found on the TDA website. The article said, “it appears the Texas dairy industry has little connection with its own state, much less Washington, since it did not merit a place of recognition anywhere on the TDA website.” The article questioned why the beef, wine, fuel, grain and cotton industries were on the website, but nothing about the dairy industry. I brought this up to Rep. Sid Miller and told him I was going to send my article to Texas Agricultural Commissioner Todd Staples with a letter asking why the Texas dairy industry was not mentioned on his website with other industries? I told Miller “it’s like the Texas dairy industry doesn’t even exist.” Miller said, he wasn’t aware of this neglect and “not to worry,” he would take care of it. Within three days, the TDA office notified me it had acknowledged my concern and thanked me for bringing it to their attention. They said they had heard from Rep. Miller and had also contacted Dr. David Anderson, an economist at Texas A&M, whose resources I had used in my article, to verify and gather additional industry information. The next day, the Texas Dairy Industry Fact Sheet was posted on the TDA website. Besides bringing about the recognition to the Texas dairy industry it so deserves, this most recent event immediately brings to mind how quickly this connection was achieved. Planting the thought, to the right person, at the right time, was all it took. The Washington connection is next. My sincere thanks and gratitude goes to all those who helped to accomplish this deed: Rep. Sid Miller, Dr. David Anderson, economist, Texas A&M; Drew DeBerry, TDA; and Commissioner Todd Staples. |
|||
|
|
|||
|
USDA grants and guaranteed loans available for wind turbines in agricultural use |
|||
|
By Sherry Webb How to save on high energy bills is top priority among producers in the agriculture sector after trying to survive the economic breakdown of the past 18 months and moving forward into 2010. But, Ben Boothe, Sr., CEO of Wind, Inc., a Fort Worth, Texas-based wind turbine distribution enterprise, is providing a solution via the new 2010 USDA funding programs for wind turbine applications, specifically geared for the agricultural community. “Your farm or ag-related businesses may quality for extensive grants and loan guarantee programs,” Boothe said. “If you are in agriculture, or have a business of almost any kind in the agricultural community, you may qualify for these grants and loan guarantees to purchase wind turbines to create electricity for your farm or business. These turbines can reduce electric bills in the amount of $12,000 to $20,000 per month,” he said. Boothe is anxious to discuss the advantages provided by these programs and can be reached at 817-738-9595. Wind, Inc., (www.wind-inc.com) turbines are recognized as state-of-the art products in the U.S. and also widely distributed on the European market. Demand for wind energy has dramatically increased over the years as energy bills continue to escalate. This alternative energy source is clean with no threat of pollution and is well-accepted as an environmentally-friendly alternative energy source. The largest wind energy farm in the world is located at Roscoe, Texas. Booth said the new USDA programs should be of special interest to dairymen, cattle feeders, and those in ag-related businesses. Recently, Boothe discussed how to acquire USDA grants and loans for wind turbines with Daniel Torres, the rural development coordinator for Texas’ USDA. USDA information provided by Torres refers to Section 9007, Rural Energy For America Program Grants (REAP) along with Renewable Energy Systems/Energy Efficiency Improvement Program (REAP/RES/EEI). Torres explained an agricultural customer or businessman who wants to acquire $2,440,000 worth of wind turbines, could get $500,000 in USDA grants, plus a guaranteed loan for $1,330,000 for 15 to 20 years. “Thus, on a $2,440,000 project, the borrower only has to come up with $610,000 cash out of pocket,” Torres said. In this particular scenario, Boothe said a wind turbine purchased from his company, Wind, Inc., would cover debt service and repay the cash investment, plus provide free electricity for the next 20 to 40 years. One lending institution Torres specifically named for its interest in guaranteed loans is First National Bank in Beeville, Texas. Senior Vice-President Dudley Thomas, said the bank is familiar with wind turbines and willing to work with those interested in the REAP guaranteed loan program. Torres suggested that as the program becomes more visible, interested parties should check with their local banks as well. Torres said those interested in pursuing funding for the turbines should apply as soon as possible. The Notice of Funding Availability for Fiscal Year 2010 will be published soon and will include application submission deadlines. The REAP Grants program is specifically limited to small rural businesses and agriculture producers as defined in the USDA fact sheet available on the its website: Click Here. Also available are documents that describe the grant, the guaranteed loan program and a list of grant writers. Torres said the (REAP/RES/EEI) Grants Program provides grants for energy audits and renewable energy development assistance. It also provides funds to agricultural producers and rural small businesses to purchase and install renewable energy systems and make energy efficiency improvements to existing buildings/facilities/equipment.
Applicants can determine which program best
fits their needs by looking at a comparison chart on the (REAP/RES/EEI)
Grants Program website that identifies program requirements. The program is designed to assist farmers, ranchers and rural small businesses that are able to demonstrate financial need. All agricultural producers, including farmers and ranchers, who gain 50%or more of their gross income from the agricultural operations are eligible. Small businesses that are located in a rural area can also apply and rural electric cooperatives as well. Most rural projects are defined as those that reduce energy use and result in savings for the agricultural producer or small business are eligible as energy efficiency projects. These include projects such as retrofitting lighting or insulation, or purchasing or replacing equipment with more efficiency units. Eligible renewable energy projects include projects that produce energy from wind, solar, biomass, geothermal, hydro power and hydrogen-based sources. The projects can produce any form of energy including, heat, electricity, or fuel. For all projects, the system must be located in a rural area, must be technically feasible, and must be owned by the applicant.
To apply for a grant, information is
available from the following link:
http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/tx/section_9007.htm. The website for
determining whether an area is considered a rural area is available at
http://eligibility.sc.egov.usda.gov/eligibility/welcomeAction.do?pageAction=RBSmenu&NavKey=property@13 |
|||
|
|
|||
|
Miller wins big; runoff set for commissioner’s race |
|||
|
In the Mar. 2, 2010, Republican primary, Rep. Sid Miller, Distr. 59, managed to pull out all the stops with 65.23% of the votes over opponent J.D. Sheffield’s (R-Gatesville) 34.77%. Miller has a cake walk from here on out since he has no Democrat opponent in the November General Election. A runoff is scheduled on April 13, 2010, for candidates in the Erath County Commissioner’s race Pct. 2 and Pct. 4. The winners of the runoff will be the candidates on the ballot to face their Democratic opponents in the fall General Election. In Pct. 2, the runoff is between Herbert Brown, with 41.94% of the votes in the primary election and Danny Crouch, who got 35.98%. Ben Kirklen, came in third at 22.08%. The winner of the runoff will oppose Democrat incumbent commissioner Lynn Tidwell in the fall election. In Precinct 4, the runoff is between Scot Jackson, with 31.54% of the votes in the primary election against Jim Buck who got 22.08%. Kenneth Jackson was third with 17.05%; James L. Medders, 15.46%; and Stephen Peterson, 13.87%. The winner of the runoff will oppose Democrat incumbent commissioner Randy Lowe in the fall election. In the County Court at Law race, Incumbent Judge Bart McDougal got 59.17% of the votes over Heath Allen’s 40.83%. McDougal will face off in the fall election against Democratic opponent Bill Oxford. |
|||
|
|
|||
|
Future looks bright for student who wins Texas Armed Services Scholarship |
|||
|
By Sherry Webb Friday, February 25, started out as an ordinary day for Lingleville High School senior Eitze Huisman. But, before the day was over, Huisman’s future was looking very bright and promising. Huitsman was named as the recipient of the first-ever $10,000 Texas Armed Service Scholarship Award presented to him at school by State Rep. Sid Miller, Dist. 59.
“I knew Rep. Miller would be at the school but I had no idea that I was going to get the scholarship from him,” Huisman said. “But, when my parents drove up, right before the announcement, I began to put two and two together. They were really excited,” he said happily. The $10,000 scholarship award , funded from legislation passed during the 81st legislative session, aims to encourage students to participate in Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) programs at civilian colleges and to become members of the Texas Army National Guard, members of the Texas Air Force National Guard, and commissioned officers in any branch of the armed services of the U.S. “I was very surprised and so honored,” Huisman said. His parents, Meine and Rita Huisman own a family dairy near Lingleville where the young Huisman works along with his younger brothers Hendrik, 14, Gerben 13, and Meine, 11. When he’s not working on the dairy, he is actively involved in FFA, many other school activities, Track and Field and Cross Country teams, and his church. He volunteers for numerous community organizations, Texas Health Stephenville Hospital, and has earned many academic and community awards. Huisman said he applied for the scholarship awhile back and requirements included a resume, transcripts, letters of recommendation, and writing an essay. “I put the package together and sent it to Rep. Miller, not knowing how it would turn out,” Huisman said. Miller said he was very pleased to award Huisman the Texas Armed Services Award. “He is a tremendously talented young man who has worked hard to achieve his goals yet also volunteer and give back to his community. I know he will represent our area well and I could not think of a more deserving individual.” Huisman said he will hopefully attend the ROTC program at Texas A&M and after he graduates will enter the U.S. Navy Aviation program as a commissioned officer to become a jet pilot. |
|||
|
|
|||
|
Ag engineer relieved permit process adventure nearly over |
|||
|
By Sherry Webb When Norman Mullin came to central Texas in 1998, he went back to Amarillo with a pretty good idea he would be revisiting Erath County and the surrounding area for a long time to come. With the only established agricultural engineering business in the state, Mullin had been successfully designing dairy facilities to comply with both state and federal regulations in the southwest since 1993. But, when he began to take an interest in the dairies located on the impaired Bosque River watershed, he had no idea of just how enormous the challenge or how far it would take him. Glad ordeal to end “It’s been an adventure,” Mullin laughed, adding he is very glad to report this month that of his clientele list, there are only three permit renewals left to be acted upon by the state of the total 51 permits in the Bosque River watershed. But, the battle that has lasted for more than a decade has been severe and outlandish at times, and Mullin, like the dairy owners, is relieved the ordeal of permit renewals is nearly over. Looking back at ‘98, Mullin said he saw several compliance issues with dairies located in the three county areas of Erath, Hamilton and Comanche. Those on the North Bosque River were especially debauched---all the way from poor facility engineering----to an incomplete or incorrect permit application. “The one thing you don’t want,” Mullin said, “is for a permit to come back on you. It needs to be done right the first time.” Mullin met resistance Mullin initially met resistance from dairy farmers who were not interested in making changes or taking the necessary steps to meet compliance demands of the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). But, he persisted, and by visiting dairies daily and talking earnestly to producers, he gained their trust and was soon able to establish a business in Erath County that thrived on commitment. Colossal setbacks The combination of objections and setbacks regarding dairy permits from then until today has been colossal---with most of it caused needlessly by the persistent and underhanded dealings by Waco to derail any and all dairies north of its city and lake. In fact, only in the past three years, after the TCEQ began to take a different approach to Waco’s lamentation, have permits begun to move through the system. But, it was a long time coming and some wondered if their dairies would ever be permitted. CAFOs get attention Although no one could have predicted it, Erath County and the surrounding area experienced an incredible dairy growth in the mid 80s to the mid 90s resulting in many changes. This booming dairy and CAFOs growth brought with it lots of attention that was all too noticeable by the state and interested parties. By the mid 90s, the state had declared the North Bosque River an impaired watershed and CAFOS were obliged to become part of the Dairy Outreach Program (DOPA). At that time, dairies had been operating under a “registration” that was rolled over as they came up for renewal. But, the agencies were beginning to make additional requirements for (CAFOs), considered to be a point source by the EPA. Also, registrations were soon to expire. Overhaul of rules It became evident the state and EPA would soon do a complete overhaul of TCEQ rules to address several conflicting issues including the Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDLs) of nutrients in the watershed and how to get rid of it. Meanwhile Mullin was hard at work, using his expertise to get his dairy clients into compliance and to keep them there, although the rules were unclear and kept changing. Mayor raises head Sometime or another during all the extensive exposure North Bosque CAFOs were getting from the media and other sources, Waco Mayor Linda Etheridge raised her head. By the latter 90s, the voice of Waco, under her direction, was becoming loud and clear. Simply put, Waco did not want any dairies upstream from its city or lake, period, and it would do everything possible to carry out this threat. By 2000, Etheridge was especially menacing when she surmised and determined the CAFOs on the North Bosque were the sole polluters and cause of Lake Waco’s drinking water problem that reeked with bad odor and tasted “funny.” The TCEQ was getting numerous complaints and Waco was heating up more each day. In an effort to provide a fair opportunity for all those concerned with the North Bosque River, stakeholder meetings were called that would enlist the help of producers, industry leaders, state and federal officials to revise CAFO rules that would be stricter and more stringent. Etheridge insisted Waco have its hand in the new writings. The TCEQ reported a timeline for the final revision would be culminated through 2003, with a final deadline for April 2004. Waco sues dairies As the final deadline approached, Etheridge had been wielding her own plan and suddenly, the worst to be feared came crashing down when the City of Waco suddenly slapped 14 lawsuits on Bosque River dairies. (Eight filed in February 2004 and six additional suits in March, 2004.) Etheridge her Waco groupies had filed the lawsuits before the final rules were adopted and put into effect. She had managed to pull the rug out from under all; but it was especially disturbing to those who had sat side by side or faced her eye to eye across the table during stakeholder meetings. Dairies were still operating under the old rules; several of them now were in lawsuits, and Waco, meanwhile, continued to defeat renewals by objecting and protesting to each permit that came up. Suits resolve little Mullin probably cannot count the number of hearings and contested case hearings he’s been through in the past few years. As imagined, the Waco lawsuit proved to be long and drawn out and because of his clients, he attended many of the court cases. The outcome of some of the suits was divided. Some dairies felt compelled to move; others gave up their permits; and some ended up making deals with Waco to resolve their suits. Nevertheless, six dairies braved it out until the end although the victory proved somewhat fruitless since the entire lawsuit cost millions of dollars and resolved very little. Although Etheridge has long since left office, her followers have continued destructive measures under the name of the Bosque River Coalition. They, too, continue to protest dairies. “New” rules in effect As new dairy permits have finally been issued, the new rules from 2004 immediately went into effect. Stricter changes have been made with the most significant being larger lagoon storage capacity to hold a 25 year, 10 day rainfall event; an individual permit for most over a general permit; more extensive and detailed recordkeeping of lagoons, irrigation, and leaks in water lines from holding ponds and water troughs. If Mullin has a choice, it is not to dwell on the bizarre or unnecessary events over the past 10 years but instead, the success. Although he will be the first to admit it was the toughest dare he’s ever taken, he is glad for the result and for the time being, he can sleep a little easier. “The TCEQ is much better to deal with, now,” Mullin said. “They have quit listening to Waco’s woes and are sticking to the rules. As for my experience in this area, my clients are doing a great job and they’re responsible. I’ve met a lot of good people and made a lot of good friends.” New Challenge Mullin said the next challenge area is in east Texas where EPA is making unannounced inspections and filing compliance orders and sometimes levying fines regarding the operations in this area. |
|||
|
|
|||
|
Sticking with what you know best makes good for owning a successful business |
|||
|
By Sherry Webb T.J. Tolboom, owner of Dairy Solutions, Inc., in Dublin, is living the American dream. But, by no means has it been easy, even though he touts an impressive 6’7” frame. “My advice to anyone is to stick with what you know best if you want to have a successful business,” Tolboom said. “I’ve made a lot of mistakes but I learned from them.”
Coming to the U.S. in 1984 from the Netherlands, Tolboom had no idea then what his future held. He had graduated from a school in Holland with a two-year degree in dairy management. But, at that time, the country’s unemployment rate was at an all time high and he had a hard time finding a job of any substance. It was only when he saw an announcement in a Friesian newspaper about a Dutch dairyman who was going to Texas that his spirits began to soar. Tolboom called the dairyman and learned he had bought an old feedlot south of Dallas to convert into a dairy. The dairyman, Kars Tamminga, offered Tolboom a job and an invitation to come along with him to America. That was the beginning of what would be a succession of jobs, trials and errors, before Tolboom would finally find his niche in his new American way of life. The job at Fri-Tex Dairy lasted a year and-a-half when Tolboom started looking for other work. He said he will always be grateful to Tamminga for providing the grand opportunity to come to the U.S. But, Tolboom had been raised on a dairy farm in Holland and knew he would rather work on equipment than with cows. Tolboom went to work for Lone Star Milking Equipment in Stephenville for six months and later at a Germania dealership owned by Ricky Pack. But when he quit Pack, he took on a whole new endeavor. “That was when I made one of the biggest mistakes in my life,” Tolboom said. “I started a restaurant, called Chubby’s, and didn’t have a clue about the restaurant business. Within three months, I lost every dime I had---about $30,000 dollars.” Tolboom feels comfortable enough now to laugh about it. “But, it wasn’t very funny back then,” he said. Tolboom said he realized at that point he needed to stick with what he knew best and it sure was not the restaurant business. Tolboom ended up going to work in Montezuma, Georgia, for a family-owned Germania dealership. He spent a few years servicing and repairing dairy equipment all over Georgia and Florida. He liked what he was doing and his expertise was growing with each job. It was in Florida where Tolboom met his wife Peggy. They first married in a small civil ceremony and later in a traditional Catholic wedding in the Netherlands. Everything went well for a few years but his job was threatened when the Germania family-owned business began to fall apart. As it dwindled from 26 employees to only two, Tolboom knew he had to jump from the sinking ship. As luck would have it, he got a call from Lone Star Dairy Equipment. It had undergone new management and they wanted him to go back to work for them. So, he packed up and was Texas-bound, once again, to work in Stephenville. The Lone Star job fell through after a few months and Tolboom was forced to make a plan. His goal had always been to work for himself. When it finally dawned on him what he really should be doing, he gathered his expertise and knowledge and began his own business out of the back of his truck. “I had worked on a lot of dairies by then. I had put in Beco, Surge, Boumatic Germania and all other kinds of milking equipment. When I finally started working for myself, it took a lot more of my time. I put in a lot of long hours---all day, nights, and weekends, but it was worth it.” In 1997, Tolboom launched Dairy Solutions, Inc. He had graduated from his truck to an office at his home and later to a portable building and containers. He eventually bought his present property, office and large shop off the Dublin Highway. The past 13 years have earned Tolboom a solid reputation in the dairy community and a successful business with nine employees of whom four are certified and trained service and refrigeration technicians. Dairy Solutions is a Boumatic, Beco, and Mueller, dealership, and also handles Turner stalls and EcoLab chemicals. “This could all fall apart tomorrow, but I hope not. None of it would have been possible without my family and wonderful employees,” he said. “I really enjoy the people I’m around, the dairies, the cows, and being outside and working on equipment. “You just have to keep trying no matter how hard and do a good job for your customers,” he said. “We like to do it right the first time so we don’t have to go back.” The Tolbooms live in Dublin and have two daughters, Suzanna, 17, and Laurie, 15, who both attend Dublin High School. www.dairysolutionsinc.com. |
|||
|
|
|||
|
Fuel Up To Play 60 promotes nutrition and exercise in schools |
|||
|
In addition to the many milk promotions carried out by Dairy Max, the organization also safeguards the industry by doing whatever it takes to ensure milk is a viable product always available to the child’s nutrition program. Today’s children need to believe eating right and staying active go hand-in-hand and it is vital to the overall health of their futures. The National Dairy Council (NDC), Dairy Max, and the National Football League (NFL) have teamed up in a long-term partnership to create Fuel Up To Play 60, a comprehensive nutrition and sixty- minute exercise program led by students to promote healthier youth in schools.
During the 2009-2010 school years, the Fuel Up to Play 60 initiative will be launched in more than 60,000 schools nationwide. Students in participating schools will find the Fuel Up to Play 60 program fun and rewarding while gaining a wide experience in team-building, fellowship with their peers and the opportunity to own their individual healthful destinies. The energy derived from the student-oriented program inspires students to get focused on the importance of nutrition and physical activity in their lives. Students will find they are the living testimony of healthy eating habits and physical activity while learning to work closely with adult program advisors, school personnel and nutritionists. Students will also promote ideas to involve parents, local news media, guest speakers, and many more endeavors for the continued success of the program. Healthy foods bring about a healthy mind and nutritionists claim mornings are the key to better performance throughout the day. Along with breakfast, physical activity is also encouraged to take place in the mornings to help kick off and jump start learning and to promote momentum throughout the day. Physical activity can be anywhere, anytime. Students can find new spaces, times and places in school where they can be active which may include dances, games, activity courses, reorganizing playgrounds and creating their own fitness centers. After school “pick-me-ups” are activities to help students become active during out of school time. This includes after school fitness and football drills, dance clubs, family activities and even the development of intramural sports programs. Studies conducted on “take-a-break-for-health” show that short breaks during the school day to stretch, do cardio exercise and other physical activities can improve classroom performance and readiness. A selection of different eating-healthy actions for students includes choosing a better breakfast, resulting in improved attendance and classroom performance. Some new ideas for breakfast include breakfast foods outside the cafeteria, grab-n-go options, special breakfast events, and breakfast picnics. Everyone likes to eat in a pleasant environment. Studies have shown environment has a huge influence on student behavior. “Cafeteria restyle” is an effort that provides a pleasant place to eat by decorating with new paint, posting appealing signs and providing time to enjoy friends. This interaction encourages better student participation in school meals that ultimately influences healthier choices in the process. Healthy foods can be fun, and strategies for this are simple approaches to influence student food choices that improve their consumption of nutritious foods. Food promotions include contests, activities and a colorful food focus. In addition, students can inspire the “try it…you’ll like it” philosophy by trying nutritious foods already on the school lunch menu and/or adding foods everyone would like. The goal of Fuel up to Play 60 is to engage and empower the youth of schools to take control of their own health and wellness. The program requires a commitment that encourages kids to eat low fat and fat free dairy foods, fruits, vegetable and whole grains and to play for 60 minutes a day. Fuel up to Play 60 inspires students to treat their bodies’ right but it is up to them to make a difference. Action strategies of Fuel up to Play 60 are a fun and focused way for students, along with adult advisors, to help plan, implement and participate in strategies of which the entire school’s healthy environment will benefit. Dozens of action strategies are available on the Fuel up to Play 60 website. Students are encouraged to work with their friends and form a school team and adult program advisors can help guide students in carrying out these strategies. Students can earn points and prizes for themselves and for their schools by making their schools a healthier place. There is also a national school competition that is both fun and inspiring to students. For more information or to sign up for the program, go to FuelUpToPlay60.com. |
|||
|
|
|||
|
Stephenville Chamber presents agriculture awards |
|||
|
This year’s winners of the Stephenville Chamber of Commerce annual awards were announced and presented at the Chamber banquet on Fri., Feb. 19, at City Limits, City Hall, Stephenville. Ag Producer of the Year was presented to Hedy Leyendekker, owner and operator of Leyendekker Dairy, located at Selden, south of Stephenville. Leyendekker’s three sons, Sidney, Steve and Cody, live at home and help with the dairy operation. Her daughter, Nelly, is married to Rusty DiCiccio, and is a student and employee of Tarleton State University (TSU). Hedy and her husband John, moved to the U.S. from the Netherlands in 1984. After working on dairies for family members and others, the Leyendekkers were able to move to Texas and build their own dairy in 1994 at Selden. In 2006, John died of cancer but Hedy and her children determined to continue the dairy operation. Friend of Agriculture was presented to Jerry Singleton, who has served as board member and officer for numerous organizations, over the past 20 years. He is especially known for his timeless efforts regarding the Erath County Livestock Association and as chairman and co-chairman of the Erath County Junior Livestock Show for the past ten years. Singleton’s leadership is recognized for the many significant improvements to the arena facilities and for implementation of a new committee structure for show operations. More than 400 youth have benefitted from these changes as the livestock show continues to grow in numbers, quality and sales. Entrepreneur of Agriculture was presented to Boyd & Floyd Bull Co., owned by Brad Boyd and Toby Floyd. Established in 2005, the company includes about 500 head of bucking bred females and 300- plus head of bucking bulls. Boyd and Floyd are shareholders of the American Bucking Bull Association, Inc. (ABBI), a registry for bucking bred cattle, of which Brad is currently president. The entrepreneurs are big promoters of the Professional Bull Riders (PBR) and ABBI events. |
|||
|
|
|||
|
All internet content of this site
are Copyright © 2005-2010 TDR Publishing Co. All Rights Reserved. |
|||
 |
