Greetings from beautiful sunny South Georgia,
This is my first communication with the Devon faithful as President of the North American Devon Association and I will say it is an honor and privilege to be entrusted with such a responsibility. As certainly many of you know by this time, the Gourmet Beef on Grass 2009 was an event to be remembered with chamber of commerce Texas weather and hospitality that can be described as true southern charm.
Those that were fortunate enough to attend will never forget this one, all the way from top notch educational programs to seeing some of the finest Devon cattle ever assembled in one place. The lucky bidders that took home the Devon from the sale will be starting and improving herds with value packed genetics that will leap them ahead many years in their breeding programs.
It’s always a pleasure to see the joyous faces of new Devon breeders when they get their first Devon animals to start a new herd. Many of us already know the satisfaction and many hours of pleasure they will receive spending time with these gentle, friendly creatures of the pasture.
The past sacrifice and dedication of Gearld Fry and previous board members of NADA makes this transition to president a much easier task. Thankfully, Gearld will continue to stay active on the NADA board promoting Devon while being able to spend more time with his precious Margie. Thanks Gearld for all you have done and continue to do to further this beautiful movement with Devon cattle.
My story starts back in 2002, frustrated with poor results from my herd and looking for cattle that would finish on grass, into my life steps Gearld. After listening to him for a short but meaningful break-out session at a conference I approached him and told him I needed his help. He had something I was searching for and desperately needed answers to my questions and a path to get me started. Fast forward a couple years and he asked me to attend a meeting where the Devon Association would be holding their annual event and sale in Virginia and I might be able to get my hands on some Devon cattle. In 2003-4 there were only a handful of Devon breeders but they were anxious to encourage me and welcome me to the flock.
I left with a few embryo carrying recips and a smile on my face with hope of a bright future ahead. Now Devon cattle are part of my farm family and part of our livelihood. We show them off to anyone who will stand still long enough to listen and anyone we can drag out to the pastures to take a look. I had been raising cattle for 15 years and direct marketing some beef before Gearld introduced me to Devon.
Gearld took me by the hand and showed me a better way. He didn’t just tell me, he spent time with me in person and on the phone. He answered all my “ignorant” questions and guided me along the path to where I am today. Sure I’m still learning, as we all are, but I can see the way now and help others find it as well.
I want NADA to continue to be that guide for all who desire to learn and make the transition to the freedom many producers know of raising Devon cattle on grass. My family and I get a blessed spirit every time we sell a family beef for their table that we know will be delicious and healthy. Isn’t it great to hear your customers say, ”This is the best beef I have ever tasted” or “I can't live without your beef for dinner”.
As the board sat in meetings over the weekend the common theme was to continue to add value to a NADA membership and help producers with all aspects of the task of raising Devon cattle. In that light lets review what NADA has accomplished in the past three short years.
- Starting in 2006 with just a dozen members, we have grown to over 140 memberships from 34 different states and two foreign countries.
- Members of NADA have spearheaded the resurgence of Devon cattle all over this country and we plan to make our numbers grow through promotion and education.
- NADA continues to offer a website like no other, providing information and interesting articles to help everyone get the most out of their animals and forages. For anyone not familiar with the web site the address is www.northamericandevon.com. I encourage you to take the time to go back and look though the archives at all that is on the website, it is truly a remarkable site if you’re interested in cattle and cattle breeding on grass. The website is a virtual cattle university. At our recent board meetings we discussed ways to expand the web site and make our on-line registry more user friendly.
- NADA has continued to offer topnotch nationally noted speakers at each yearly conference at very reasonable prices. We plan to continue seeking the best of speakers while maintaining low prices so that we may draw in new members and benefit from their experiences.
- Since there are such large differences in climate and growing conditions across this great country, NADA has assigned its members to various sections of the country with a helpful representative you can talk to for consultation. Management styles and action plans vary depending on where you live so it is our hope to make our advice specific for your region.
I believe one of the more exciting aspects of working with the NADA members is that this is a true think-outside–of-the-box gang. We have some real cutting edge operations that are pushing the limits of what these Devon cattle can do. I agree the academic establishments are a great resource but Dr Woody Lane, a livestock consultant, summed it up pretty well when he wrote in a recent article in the Shepherd magazine, ”The most progressive graziers, the leaders in their field, are operating out beyond the scientific research establishment. Current information isn’t addressing their needs, even though their financial and production achievements demonstrate that they are clearly doing lots of things right.” Amen. One of the values of our cooperative effort and pioneering spirit. We’re not waiting around.
As Devon breeders we have an animal that can get it done in cold to hot, wet to dry climates and we need to continue to spread the word and celebrate the difference between our Devon and the rest.
As we look forward to entering another winter season NADA wants to hear from you with your ideas and your needs that we might make NADA more useful to the membership. Please send the Board an email or give us a call (phone numbers and telephone numbers may be found on this web site) with anything you think will make your NADA membership more valuable.
Blessings on Ya
Jeff Moore
