Orange County Cattlemen’s Association

07/04/2026

06/10/2026

Hello everyone,

With the recent cases of NWS in Texas and now New Mexico, we are especially asking that you share this survey with your producers asking them to take it if they haven't already. Their responses will assist in making sure the model is as accurate as possible to estimate the impact if NWS gets to Florida.
__________________________________________

Dear Florida cattle producer,

The University of Florida is asking for 25 minutes of your time on something that could shape how the state and federal government respond if New World Screwworm reaches our cattle herds.

NWS hasn't been a routine threat in Florida for decades, but recent detections in Mexico and Central America and now Texas and New Mexico have changed the picture. We're working to understand what an outbreak would actually cost Florida operations - in vet bills, lost sales, labor disruptions, and worker safety - so that policymakers, industry groups, and emergency response planners have real numbers to work with instead of guesses.
Your answers will help build that picture. We need responses from operations of every size and type, from family cow-calf outfits to large commercial ranches. There are no right or wrong answers, and your best estimates are exactly what we need.

What to know before you start:

Time: About 25 minutes
Confidentiality: All responses are confidential. Nothing about your operation will ever be shared individually — only aggregate results will be reported.
Voluntary: You can skip any question you'd prefer not to answer.

Take the survey here: https://ufl.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_eM2oashXOEhGvP0

If you have questions or run into trouble with the link, please reach out to Dr. Nargiza Ludgate directly at [email protected] or 352-294-0220 (University of Florida, Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering).

Thank you for everything you do to keep Florida's cattle industry strong. Your voice in this study genuinely matters.

RCREC focuses on solutions related to and improving profitability of beef, forage and field crops, and dairy production in central and south Florida.

04/08/2026

Don't leave it to guesswork! 🌡️🥩

To get that perfect "Medium Rare" finish every time, remember that internal temperature is key. Here’s a quick guide for your next backyard BBQ:

Rare: 125°F

Medium Rare: 135°F (The fan favorite!)

Medium: 145°F

Medium Well: 150°F

Well Done: 160°F+

Pro-Tip: Always let your steak rest for at least 5–10 minutes after it comes off the heat to keep those juices inside.

04/07/2026

Understanding Beef Grades is the secret to a perfect dinner! It all comes down to marbling—those white flecks of intramuscular fat that melt during cooking to provide flavor and tenderness.

USDA Prime: The "gold standard" with the most marbling.

USDA Choice: High quality and widely available—perfect for the backyard grill.

USDA Select: A leaner option that’s great for marinating or slow-cooking.

No matter the grade, when you choose beef, you’re choosing a nutrient-dense protein raised with care by families like ours right here in Florida.

03/23/2026

Did you know? 🤔 A single cheeseburger is a masterpiece of agricultural teamwork!

Teamwork makes the dream work:
🌾 Crop Farmers for that toasted bun
🥬 Vegetable Farmers for the crunch
🧀 Dairy Farmers for the melt
🥩 Beef Farmers for the protein-packed heart of the meal

Next time you fire up the grill in Orange County, remember the hard-working hands that made it possible.

03/08/2026

This week we are at the Central Florida Fair for Market Steers, the Orange County Cattleman’s sponsored a division for county born steers below are the results:

Grand Champion Orange County Born Steer:

Shown By: Bentlee McQueen
Breeder: Greg Corson

Reserve Champion Orange County Born Steer:

Shown By: Kinley Ward
Breeder: W5 Cattle

02/19/2026

OCCA is excited to support the East River High School Ag Day.