Independent Cattlemen's Association of Texas :: Premier representative of Texas cattle industry

The Independent Cattlemen’s Association has been representing cattlemen since 1974. As the premier representative for the cattle industry, ICA works hard to provide an effective legislative voice for farmers, ranchers, and cow/calf producers. Our objective is to promote change that supports efforts of cattlemen and their wellbeing, while combating policy that hinders the progress of the cattle industry.

Story of ICA

Independent Cattlemen’s Association of Texas was formed in 1974, by T.A. Cunningham of Goliad, TX. At the time, there were severe problems with beef dumping into the US market and the implementation of the brucellosis program, which concerned many farmers and ranchers. In response, Mr. Cunningham convened a group of 17 like-minded cow/calf producers together to discuss forming an organization that specifically represented their sector of the beef industry. Thus, the Independent Cattlemen’s Association of Texas was born.

The ICA provided representation for the average Texas rancher. Since then, the association has grown from a small assembly to a grassroots organization that represents thousands of agricultural families.

L to R: Robert Bruner, Darrell Sklar, Phil Sadler, Brian Malaer, Curtis Calhoun, A.L. “Windy” Miller, Verlin Callahan, and Paul Looney all pose for a picture after being newly elected
as the 2012-2013 ICA Executive Board of Directors

	Today, ICA is doing better than ever under the leadership of the association’s 14th President, Phil Sadler of Alba, TX. The ICA state headquarters office is located in Lockhart, where the 37 volunteer state directors and officers meet on a regular basis to discuss hot topics facing the cattle industry.

Why ICA?

Independent Cattlemen's Association is a grassroots organization devoted to fighting for the rights of Cattlemen. With so many new laws and regulations being brought forth daily, it is vital for Cattlemen to have representation in the halls of both the state and national capitols and that's where we come in!

As government gets further and further away from the rural community, it’s our job to educate officials on the importance of the beef industry. ICA advocates for the rights of each and every cattle producer.

Your ICA membership helps us to successfully achieve these goals and objectives which include but are not limited to…
    · Promotion of beef consumption
    · Creating stronger eminent domain laws to protect the land owner
    · Promoting Country Of Origin Labeling (COOL)
    · Supporting voluntary animal identification
    · Protecting private property rights
    · Encouraging youth involvement in the cattle industry
    · Educating consumers on the importance and safety of US beef
    · Representing the voice of Texas cattlemen
    · Fighting for the future of the cattle industry

ICA believes in the cattle industry and strives to preserve cattlemen's thinking, way of life and values.

Membership Services

ICA provides different membership benefits, for a complete list please see the membership page of this website.

This Association makes health, life, and accident, and dental insurance available to its members. Through our agent of record, 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. View comparison chart.

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

Chapters

Independent Cattlemen’s Association has various chapters throughout the state. Chapter involvement is highly encouraged but not required. Chapter and local meetings are excellent venues allowing cattlemen to learn about current industry trends, provide input to the state association, receive updates on ICA’s government relations efforts, and network with fellow cattle producers. When possible, chapter meetings feature CEU credits toward their pesticide applicator license applications.

Unfortunately, there are still areas in the state that do not have a chapter. Chapters are not necessary to hold a local ICA meeting. ICA staff will come to your area and help organize meetings for local ranchers if a chapter is not present. However, if you wish to start an ICA chapter in your area, please contact the ICA office and we will assist you in the process.

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

Annual Convention & Trade Show

	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 2013 convention will be held June 26-28 in Bastrop, TX at the Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort and Spa. Download the Convention Trade Show Exhibitor Packet. For more information please see our Upcoming Events Page.


	Quilt to be auctioned off at the 39th Annual Convention and Trade Show. Proceeds collected from the quilt will benefit our scholarship fund.		Download the Convention Registration Brochure

Join ICA

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

If you believe in our efforts and would like to become a corporate sponsor of the Independent Cattlemen’s Association of Texas, please contact the ICA state office.