“It’s Time to Come Together”
NADA/ADCA Merger – A plea for member support

While I’ve long been a staunch proponent of merging our two Devon breed organizations, the possibility of it occurring didn’t gain traction until last year.  Merger discussions were generated out of an humble inquiry from the ADCA, but the subject was tabled due to the prioritization of certain issues within our own organization.  Given the impending changes at NADA (new Registrar, new Office location, new Website delivery, By-Law revisions, etc.), I feel the time is right to bring NADA and ADCA together.

The benefits of a merger are so clear that they deserve our fullest attention.  Many of us are spending additional dollars as members of both organizations, supporting duplicate duties and maintaining mixed sets of papers.  The simple fact of two registries existing within such a rare breed generates questions from the onset.  These questions often lead to a lifting up of one association and a tearing down of the other.  We shouldn’t be competing against ourselves, as it hinders either organization from effectively promoting the Devon breed and breeders.  We need to streamline and focus our efforts on capturing the opportunities that our wonderful breed has to offer the larger cattle community.

Both the NADA and the ADCA are focused on purity, and have tightened standards to fully illustrate its importance.  I believe that both organizations fully realize that breed purity is one of Devon’s competitive advantages, and that it can’t be compromised.  Having said that, any registry is built on a foundation of trust, as individual breeders bare responsibility for honest dealings and will ultimately be trusted to provide the correct registration information in most situations.  The NADA and the ADCA can provide the appropriate “filters” for registry qualification, but it is also incumbent upon the buyer to understand each seller’s breeding practices and regimen.  Over time, the cream always rises to the top.

I speak directly about purity because it’s been one of the “lightening rod” issues when comparing our breed organizations.  Having been involved in NADA since nearly the beginning, I’ve questioned many people about the merits of both organizations.  After dozens of hours of interviews and conversations, I’ve come to believe that our two organizations are far too similar to warrant the confusion and additional costs.  My view (and yours, I hope) is that we need to resolve any personality conflicts and come together for the good of the Devon breed and breeders.

The NADA Board heard the membership “loud and clear” at our Rock Falls Event.  We are progressing down the path of increased transparency and member voice and involvement, and these themes will be at the forefront of changes made either within NADA or a merged entity.  I feel that we can craft a “win-win” situation thru a merged organization that will allow us to finally deploy significant talents and resources toward the greater cattle community in a unified and coordinated fashion.

I propose that the NADA Board work with ADCA Board to craft an “Agreement in Principle”, which will highlight the major points of a prospective merger.  This would include items such as merged Board structure, Finances, Corporate status, By-Laws, Registry, Home office, and Marketing strategy.  This Agreement would serve as the template for the necessary NADA/ADCA organizational approvals and follow-thru by eventual Board of the merged organization.

I urge you to support this effort by e-mailing the NADA Executive Committee.  They are:

Jeff Moore – NADA President  - dixiedevons@windstream.net
Greg Hickl – NADA Vice President – greghickl@arkwest.com
Pam Trent – NADA Secretary – pjtrenco@aol.com
Deb Manahan – NADA Treasurer – fivemfarm@yahoo.com
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,

Greg Hickl – NADA Board Member
Owner/Operator – Fourche River Farm & Cattle Co. – www.fourcheriverfarm.com
Partner – Artisan Beef Genetics – www.artisanbeefgenetics.com