The Independent Cattlemen's Association of Texas is the premier representative of the cattle industry providing an effective legislative voice for all cow/calf producers and ranchers with the vision to accept and promote changes impacting their well being.
In 1974, a well-respected rancher from Goliad named T. A. Cunningham convened a group of 17 like-minded cow/calf producers together to discuss forming an organization to specifically represent their sector of the beef industry. At the time, there were severe problems with beef dumping into the U.S. market and the implementation of the brucellosis program, which concerned these small business operators.

In just a short while, the Independent Cattlemen’s Association of Texas (ICA) was formed and managed to fill the void of representation for the average Texas rancher. The association has since grown from that small assembly to a grassroots group that represents thousands of agriculture families.

Today, ICA is doing better than ever under the leadership of the association’s 11th president, H. A. “Peanut” Gilfillian of Stowell, Texas. The ICA state headquarters is located in Lockhart, the “Barbeque Capital of Texas” where the 36 volunteer state directors and officers meet on a regular basis to act as the voice for the Texas cow/calf producer.


Independent Cattlemen’s Association is a grassroots organization devoted to advocating industry views and providing services that will boost its members’ bottom lines and improve their livelihood. Educational meetings about trends, technology, insurance programs, and offering continuing education credits are developed with the ICA member in mind.

What’s more, ICA is dedicated to presenting a strong voice for the beef industry in the halls of federal and state government. As rural Texas loses population and thus representation in our Capitol buildings, we must leverage our interests on beef industry issues by presenting a united effort so that a more urban Legislature and Congress understands and appreciates the needs of Texas cattlemen. Your ICA membership furthers our opportunities to achieve this goal. Independent Cattlemen’s Association actively advocates pro-beef producer positions in Austin and Washington D.C. Lawmakers and regulators hear from ICA on:

  • Tax Relief for cattlemen and landowners
  • Private Property Rights
  • Science-based environmental rule-making
  • Animal health requirements that protect Texas livestock herds
  • Animal Welfare
  • the Endangered Species Act
  • Other Important Issues


The changes the beef industry is experiencing offer great opportunities for producers and consumers. The introduction of “convenience” products allows consumers to enjoy delicious beef items that are quick and easy to prepare. Independent Cattlemen’s Association supports organizations and companies like the Texas Beef Council and H.E.B Supermarkets, to name a couple, that promote beef dishes are convenient and nutritious for today’s busy American family. ICA also supports Texas Beef Council promotions of Texas beef in foreign countries.

Membership in the Independent Cattlemen’s Association includes an annual subscription to the Southern Livestock Standard, a bimonthly publication for and about cattlemen. ICA’s monthly newsletter – Roundup Review – appears in the Southern Livestock Standard and contains news about the association, industry trends, chapter and other local meetings and other timely issues.

The Association’s Web site is an important tool for members and the general public. It provides up-to-date information on ICA and the beef industry. Upon request, members may receive e-mail updates about industry developments and government actions of interest to cattlemen.


The Association makes health, life, accident and dental insurance available to its members. Through our exclusive agent, Larry Windham, ICA members, their families and employees have access to group health, individual health, prescription drugs, choice of doctors, office visit copays, AD&D and disability. Additional plans are being developed. Click here for our comparison chart.

What’s more, Independent Cattlemen’s Association provides members access to affordable auto coverage through Agricultural Workers Mutual Auto Insurance Company. Ag Workers offers our participating ICA members good rates and excellent service. Certain restrictions apply – contact ICA or Ag Workers for details.


Independent Cattlemen’s Association chapters and local meetings are excellent venues to allow cattlemen to learn about current industry trends, provide input to the state association, receive updates on ICA’s government relations efforts and socialize with other cattlemen. Several counties and areas have developed strong chapters – a very important component to the overall ICA organization. ICA staff will also come to an area and organize meetings for local ranchers. A chapter is not necessary to hold a local ICA meeting.

When possible, all Independent Cattlemen’s Association meetings feature CEU credits toward their pesticide applicator license applications.

Speakers for meetings and events is another service ICA offers local agricultural and civic organizations (when available).


Independent Cattlemen’s Association annually sponsors an informative and entertaining convention each summer. The convention features excellent speakers on a variety of educational topics important to cattlemen. An outstanding trade show features vendors offering the latest products and services available to the beef industry. The 2008 convention will be held June 25 - 27 at Moody Gardens in Galveston.


Obviously, there are many benefits by becoming a member of the Independent Cattlemen’s Association. ICA needs cattlemen and others involved or even interested in the cattle industry to help make the association the nation’s most effective state cattle organization. Please join us in this effort and become a member of the Independent Cattlemen’s Association today.

     
   
         
  Forage Star
GOLD SPONSOR
  Barenbrug
GOLD SPONSOR
  Cargill
GOLD SPONSOR
  AgriLand Farm Credit
GOLD SPONSOR
 
                 
  Silver Sponsors:
Capital Farm Credit
Capitol Feed & Milling
 

Bronze Sponsors:
Shoppa's Farm Supply
Gonzales Livestock Market
J. C. Ramsdell Enviro Services, Inc.
Blue Bonnet Dodge, New Braunfels

 
   
Membership | Chapters | Upcoming Events | Media Center | ICA Shop | Home

Independent Cattlemen's Association of Texas
P.O. Box 1168
220 W. San Antonio St.
Lockhart, Texas 78644
Phone: 512-620-0162
Fax: 512-620-0610
Email: tica@icatexas.com
Web: icatexas.com

Web design by: Ranch House Designs
©2007 Independent Cattlemen's Association of Texas