ITLA and TLMA Enter Into Cooperative Agreement
 

In a landmark pact intended to help Texas Longhorn producers weather the drought and down economy, ITLA and the Texas Longhorn Marketing Alliance (TLMA) have reached a Cooperative Agreement.  The arrangement will not affect the independence of either entity and is focused exclusively on cooperative efforts to build recognition and value for all Longhorn herds.   Features of the agreement include several pages of each issue of the monthly Texas Longhorn Journal being devoted to ITLA news and events. 

The TLMA will actively encourage its members to utilize the economical registration and transfer services of ITLA--which has already put forth a drastically reduced fee schedule for "dual registrations" received before year end.  Reinforcing the attractiveness of the dual registration fees, ITLA president Roger Hutton commented that "For a few dollars apiece, a dual registration gives you a gold embossed ITLA certificate with a color photo of the animal.  And when it comes to prompt, accurate handling of paperwork, our staff is the best in the business."

A third key feature of the Cooperative Agreement between the organizations is the exploration of the benefits of holding the 2012 ITLA Convention and Championship Show in conjunction with the Longhorn World Championship (LWC) horn measurement awards and sale.  The goal is to increase participation in all four of these major industry events.  On that point, Hutton quoted a Longhorn breeder and ITLA member who always takes part in the LWC but has never exhibited in the ITLA show.  "If I could bring my cattle to both the LWC and the ITLA show at the same place and time, I'd probably bring 20 entries." 

ITLA Show Committee Chairman Larry Lonero, who participated in formulating the Cooperative Agreement, emphasized that "Even if we are able to move up to a much nicer venue, by coordinating with the LWC, we will stick with the same budget as if we decide to return to the Glen Rose facility.  The difference is that we will attract a lot of new exhibitors and spectators, adding greatly to the prestige of the International Championship Show."

Wes Chancey, CEO of the TLMA said, "We are extremely pleased to have such a close working relationship with the ITLA, which resulted in the ability to reach an agreement to cooperate on many issues. Both organizations are very aware that we exist to serve the breeders of the Longhorn industry, and this cooperative agreement will allow each of us to do more for our members. Operating more efficiently and effectively while reducing costs will benefit everyone. We are especially excited to have the opportunity to bring the members of both groups together at our events. The chance to build personal relationships with other breeders is good for our members and good for the Longhorn industry."

The respective Boards of Directors of ITLA and TLMA have approved the Cooperative Agreement, which includes the pledge to "look for ways to provide special rates for services to members to help Longhorn breeders control costs."

In recognition of the impact of the widespread drought conditions, the International Texas Longhorn Association Board of Directors has approved reduced rates for registrations and dual registrations through Dec. 31, 2011. To be eligible for these special rates, your membership must be current.

(Payment of $60 annual dues now will cover the balance of 2011 and all of 2012.)

Note that special rates apply to cattle of any age-with no penalty for being over 14 months. This is an opportunity to register those "overage" individuals at a discount, rather than a penalty!

Color photographs on registration certificates, an ITLA exclusive, are included at no additional cost. Simply email a cropped photo, identified with animal's name. Size the photo to 750 pixels wide by 500 pixels tall or 7.5" x 5" at 100 dpi. Call Robin or Trish at the ITLA office (254-898-0157) with any questions or for assistance in getting your cattle registered.

Delle A. Rohmer, born June 24, 1940 in Lakeland, FL went to be with our Lord on November 25, 2011 at the age of 71. Delle and her husband Bob joined ITLA in the spring of 1990 (membership No. 206). They were active in development of the Salorn cattle, a composite of Salers and Texas Longhorns. Delle served for many years on the Board of Directors of the International Salorn Association, including a number of terms as its President.

Delle was an executive secretary for many years and was also a licensed real estate agent in Georgia and Texas. She was the Executive Director of Guadalupe Valley Quarter Horse Breeders Association (GVQHBA) and Alamo Quarter Horse Breeders Association. Besides being a successful breeder of livestock she pursued hobbies of bowling, camping, fishing and golf. Delle was a member of Grace Bible Church in Wilson County, TX.

She was preceded in death by her mother Vera Drew Tillis, sister Delois Alderman, and nephew

Jon Alderman. She is survived by her loving husband, Robert "Bob" Eugene Rohmer Jr., daughter Judi Alvey and her husband Tim and grandchildren Tyler and Jordan Alvey of Newnan, GA; sisters Nancy Montieth of Virginia Beach, VA., Barbara Howard of Glendale, AZ., Kathy Hinely and her husband Bobby of Guyton, GA; and numerous nieces, nephews and friends. Delle also had a special love for her animals and left behind her two dogs, Rhode and Katie. She will be remembered for her generosity and faithful devotion to her family and friends.

Photo: Mission Parks