ADCA news

April’08 ADCA WorkYoke Summary

Information – Dexter Chat Sites (continued)

Legal opinion is, even with the right of ‘free-speech’, if a post is not anonymous and is libelous, there are grounds for suit. If there is something just totally and clearly prejudicial to the ADCA, a stand and action needs to be taken at some point against the offender(s) that are set on destroying the registry.

Dexter Bulletin – Summer Issue

Official Announcement of ’08 Annual General Meeting
Statement regarding attorney draft of ADCA By-Laws/Rules & Regulations and compliance with DCL of submitted proposals from the membership.
Request for membership suggestions of topics to include on President’s AGM Agenda
Nomination form for ’08-’09 President & Vice President, Secretary & Treasurer
Nomination form for 2008 Regional Directors (9, 10, & 12)

By-Laws, Rules & Regulations

The consensus of the Board regarding the By-Laws and Rules & Regulations is to proceed with the recommendations of the attorney hired by the ADCA to bring the documents into compliance with Delaware Corporate Law.
If a vote for changes to the existing document(s) is made under the current format structure that does not comply with DE Corporate Law, those voted changes would be invalid.
A clear notice to the membership will be printed in the Summer Bulletin regarding the situation and the need to proceed with the recommendations of the attorney.
As the ADCA operates today, it would be much better served to be "for example" a Limited Liability Corporation, there is much more flexibility for all, members and officers. However, the transition would be extremely difficult, for this long-term alternative.

Web Publication of the Current By-Laws, Rules & Regulations

Although the By-Laws, Rules & Regulations have been printed and available for those attending the Annual General Membership Meeting each year, these documents have not been sent out to the entire membership since Dexter Bulletins:

- Fall ’03: pp 9-11/ By-Laws

- Winter’03: pp 9-16 / Rules & Regulations

It was the consensus of the Board to have the By-Laws, Rules & Regulations in their current form (without attorney recommendations) be placed on the web site for the membership.
It has been suggested that the By-Laws, Rules & Regulations be published every year as a standard part of the Membership Directory

Information AGM Agenda

Director suggestions for items to include on the agenda:

(Seydel) The fee for the registering of cattle on line – should the $1.00 fee be charged per animal or per transaction?
(Adams) New member packet contents and to make sure they are mailed out to all new members.
(Adams) Discuss placing an article on the website about Chondrodysplasia to make sure that our new members or even people that are not members but are out buying their first Dexters are at least aware of the issue.
(Adams) Explore the possibility of having our AGM on either audio or video conference call for members that cannot attend.
(Seydel) Attorney opinions from the past year containing: recommendation on Carol Davidson's added amendment....that was declared by the attorney to be ‘null and void’ and why,
(Seydel) Legality of WorkYoke.
(Seydel) By-Laws- update. What the ADCA has received for its $10,000.00 expenditure for an attorney versed in DE Corporate Law.
(Malciut) Regional realignment.
(Malcuit) DNA testing
(Thomas) Rules & Regulations review
(Seddon) Placement of check-off box on forms to allow use of data for scientific research DNA testing.
(Seydel) Standardization of cattle show classes for future AGM's.

Information: Excessive White/Odd Markings

There is no reason for the Genetics/Pedigree Committee's involvement if the animal has registered parents and that's all that’s required to register offspring.

If this position is wrong, it needs to be in writing....the attorney needs to be consulted to determine if registration can be denied under current published guidelines.

Information:

’08 AGM Membership Voting Eligibility /ADCA By-Laws, Rules & Regulations

Members shall be entitled to any of the rights and privileges of the ADCA during the year the annual fee has been paid.
Dues Cards are issued to each paid member – a master membership list will be used for establishing voting privileges at the AGM.

Members will be given written notice of the AGM meeting at least 45 days in advance by publication in The Dexter Bulletin.

Membership fees are considered in arrears at the time of the official notice (The Dexter Bulletin) was given calling the AGM meeting.

March ’08 ADCA Workyoke Summary

Information - Member Handbook

Chuck Daggett has two huge boxes full of Members Handbooks and one full of 2006 Herd Books. He will send out Handbooks to new members and others upon request.

Information – Beef Promo Data Project (continued)

Data is still being solicited by Director, Robert Seddon, for this project.

Information- Purity of Imported Dexter Cattle Response Statement

Due to information circulation on some Dexter chat boards and posted on certain websites concerning the purity of imported cattle registered in the ADCA., the Board of Directors (with input from the Pedigree and Genetics Committee) has issued the following statement:

“All Animals in the ADCA registry were entered in accordance with the regulations, procedures, and information that existed at the time of entry.”

Information – Attorney for By-Laws and Rules and Regulations

Progress information has been sent to the committee. This topic will remain active and will not fall to the wayside. There are, as probably can be imagined, a number of issues, some very easy to resolve some requiring more input and thought, but the committee is working on it and will continue to post updates.

Information – NAIS Discussion

There is nothing new about the NAIS program to report, however, concerns are being raised about COOL (Country of Origin Labeling) which has the potential of drastically changing or eliminating the current NAIS program.

Information - 2008 AGM Up-Date

Mary Young (chairman) has posted links where AGM registration packets and information can be downloaded: the ADCA site as well as the Region 7 site:http://www.region7adca.com/2008adcagam.htm.

Changes as well as additions and corrections can also be found on these sites.

Information –Random Parentage Testing to Guard the Registry

A mail out asking for input prior to the AGM was sent to the membership to outline the need for random parentage testing and the proposed procedure. All directors were requested to keep the BOD informed on the Work Yoke regarding opinions and calls they get in order to help in prepare a presentation for the AGM in Texas.

Information – Awards Committee

As the BOD has the final responsibility for their decisions, a resolution was passed in 2006 that all committees must be chaired (or) co-chaired by a member of the Board of Directors. The VP will inform committee members with no director that there will be a director appointed as chair (or) co-chair of the committee. A committee has the right and responsibility to research, recommend and report to the BOD its findings and then submit any requests for changes -or nominations in Award situations- to the full board for review and approval. (This doesn’t mean the committee members aren't doing a good job, but is in line with the ADCA rules as they stand now.)

It was suggested that all awards (BOD recognition, Talisman, Chris Odom, etc.) be consolidated into one committee with one director as chair (or) co-chair. Since the Talisman and Chris Odom Awards were put in place to honor these individuals and their commitment to the Dexter breed, it was suggested that the Hayes Family & Mickey Bush be contacted to include them for their input and involvement in recipient selection.

Information – Dexter Chat Sites

There was discussion regarding information on un-moderated sites and, in some instances, of the personal bashing which occurs on them. It was pointed out that even though the participants are sometimes offensive - in certain areas - points have been broached to which the ADCA has responded

Information – Classification Score Card Request

It was the consensus of the BOD to honor The Brown Swiss Cattle Association request for permission to use the ADCA classification score card when classifying all Dexters regardless of which registry (ADCA/PDCA) they are in. (A copy can be found on the ADCA website. Go to the home page, and scroll down to the bottom - section on the Classification System. A copy of the score sheet can be found there.)

Information – Procedure for Requesting ADCA Funds

The following procedure is intended when budgeted areas of expense are approved but the specific expenditure for whom or what is not known (ex: Fairs, other non-routine activity expenditures). This request procedure would not be needed for routine activity like paying bulletin printing costs, AGM committee requests to put on the AGM, etc.

The information the Treasurer will need on the request are:

Requested by whom & date of request
Who to make the check out to & address to mail to
Amount of funds requested
When are funds needed
What is the nature of the expenditure for proper account coding.
The invoice if you are requesting funds to pay an invoice.

Information – April Planning Calendar

SUMMER BULLETIN

- April 1^st – Deadline for Director & Officer messages

- AGM Schedule

- Talisman Award & Chris Odom Youth Award Nominees resumes

- Notice for member nominations of ADCA officers (President, Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer)

- Notice of member nominations for annual elections of Regional Directors

- Up-dated committee chair/co-chairpersons and members for the current year

MOTION TO CORRECT PUBLISHED TATTOO INFORMATION 3/25/08

A motion was made and seconded to allow Anne Feltus to send a postcard to the entire membership with the CORRECT tattoo information IMMEDIATELY.

Vote passed unanimously with 12 directors voting.

Jan/Feb, 2008 Workyoke Summary

Information – Beef Promotional Project Data (continued)

Data continues to be gathered for this project by Robert Seddon

Information – Regional Director Ballots (continued)

Consensus was to keep all ballots and results for a period of 3 years until the term is up. Mark storage envelopes with a destroy date and put them in the storage unit. A committee is working on proposed guidelines for all future nominations and elections.

Information – New Ad (continued)

It was suggested that the ADCA website address in the ads in the American Livestock Breeds Conservancy Bi Monthly News and the Annual Directory be used instead of Chuck's phone number and email address.

Information –Registry/On-Line Pedigree

Chuck has been working with the Genetic Committee to find and correct errors and add information to the registry that was not available in the past. Hundreds of correctable errors have been made in the last few weeks. Chuck’s goal is to give complete certificates of all registered animals. Putting in minimal info on all those in the PDCA, English, Canadian etc. means digging up information out of their online pedigrees. This can take about 10 times as long as a normal registration. It was his suggestion that at the AGM we should probably look at a different price structure for animals not in the ADCA registry. This is common in other registries. Searching the heading in the on-line registry with a sort of sort any field is interesting to those that want background history.

Information – Website Information

Again, the problem of using the word ‘minature’ in describing Dexters has come up regarding those who use it on the web as a search beginning. Without the word ‘minature’ many interested individuals would not find the ADCA site.

It was pointed out that the definition of ‘miniature’ is a representation or image of something on a small or reduced scale. Dexters are neither a small or reduced scale of a larger animal. A suggestion was made to add a new twist to the definition and advertise Dexters as the "Alternative to Miniature Cattle", thus still getting interested people to the site and at the same time boosting their curiosity to look in to this smaller breed that isn't a miniature......

Information - Committee Assignments

Vice President, Pat, asked the new directors what committees they would like to work with and for anyone interested to indicate preferences.

Information – Attorney (continued)

An update on progress being made by the attorney regarding the R&R and Workyoke procedures was requested. ADCA President, David, has had several emails with them and should have the information from them by the end of February so the committee can start with their comments ASAP.

Information – 2008 AGM

AGM dates are June 20-22

The Board will be scheduled to meet at 9:00 AM on Thursday June 19^th .

The nearest major airport will be in Waco which is just a bit north of Belton.

Motel info will be in the Bulletin, and pertinent info is on the Region 7 Website (www.region7adca.com)

Information – Membership Handbook

The advertising campaign has been very successful and Chuck is swamped with inquires with basic questions that require a response to specific questions. Chuck has been out of Membership Directories for several weeks. Dan has helped send out brochures and responses and Chuck has contacted CAT to get help in putting together a packet for information inquiries.

The present minimal response to inquries is the weakest portion of our customer relations and he would like to put together a membership directory giving the information that the inquiries are requesting.

Information – Registration Procedures

The Pedigree and Genetics Committee has released the following statement on the Website Regarding the Registration of animals:

"Animals in the ADCA registry entered it according to the regulations, procedures, and information that existed at the time of entry."

The word "information" is important as the ADCA can only register on the information given to the Registrar, whether by a member or by another country.

Information – Winter ’08 Bulletin

The Bulletin is at the printer and should be out the last week in February. The proof was reviewed on February 19^th.

Motion to Accept the 2008 Budget

A motion was made by John Foley to approve the 2008 budget as it had been sent to all directors with no comments received.

Motion seconded and passed unanimously, with 12 directors voting.

Information – Random Parentage Testing

In order to safeguard the ADCA registry, the BOD has been discussing the possibility of a random parentage testing program as well as mandatory testing of breeding bulls.

Testing ideas, with options, will be presented at the 2008 AGM for membership input.

The BOD will begin working on language for a motion over the next 4 months for presentation at the AGM, allowing the membership to assist in fine tuning prior to the Texas AGM.

The Following Proposal Regarding the Integrity of the American Dexter Cattle Association Registry was submitted to the ADCA Board of Directors, February, 2008.

Approval was given by 8 members of the BOD to be included as a published insert in the Winter Bulletin 2008 Issue.

Based upon the concerns expressed by ADCA Membership, the Board has been contemplating possible ways to maintain the integrity of our Dexter Registry. After some research, it is clear that most registries of various breeds of animals have a means of doing just this. Thanks to the wonderful progress with DNA research and development, it has become the way of doing business to require that at least the sires have been genotyped and that information is recorded. Some registries require that both parent animals have DNA records on file.
Rather than just diving into this process, the Board is considering implementing Random Parentage Testing in the ADCA. The proposal the Board has compiled follows:
The ADCA begins random DNA parentage testing on every 100th applicant for registration with the ADCA - to help insure the integrity of our registry. Every 100th applicant, picked by computer, will be required to submit three separate tail hair samples: one from the calf to be registered, one from the Sire, and one from the Dam reported on the registration application.
These would be tested at Texas A&M and the reports returned directly to the Registrar and the Genetics Committee for evaluation. Payment for these random tests will be covered by the Treasurer of the ADCA. The owner would then receive copies of these tests, as an added benefit for them. It will be the breeder's responsibility to submit the samples required, and refusal to comply with this testing would make the calf involved unable to be registered until the testing is accomplished. The results of these tests will be compiled in a database by the ADCA, and will be used in any research that the ADCA deems appropriate as an organization. (As a not for profit organization, we are supposed to contribute towards scientific research.)
In the event of the death of the sire or dam - DNA not already on file with the ADCA - alternative sampling of grandsire or granddam as required by the testing laboratory will be accepted. If sampling of necessary heritage is not available for some reason, a report stating the reasons must be submitted to the Genetics Committee and the procedure would then be determined on a case-by-case basis.
If the sire or dam of the animal selected for testing has been sold and removed from the breeder's property prior to the request for testing, the breeder is required to work closely with the ADCA and the new owners to acquire and submit the necessary samples in a timely manner.
The benefit to the owner - getting free DNA testing of sire and dam to be kept on file.
The benefit to our association - taking a small step forward to the eventual necessity of having breeding animals DNA on file. This helps to insure that Dexters are who we say they are…no slip-ups on "who's the Daddy?" and preservation of the purity of this great breed of cattle that we own and raise.
This is a small step forward, but the Board hopes that you will look at this with an open mind, and give us some suggestions between now and the AGM. We look forward to a good discussion on this at the AGM in Texas in June.

December, 2007 Workyoke Topics

Rules, Regulations and By-lays (continued)

Instructions were given to Jim Smith for the retainer payment. David made an update with Pam and the Members of the RR and Bylaw committee to determine method of communication.

Information – Beef Promo Data – Unofficial Beef Project (continued)

Discussion continued regarding the data project on Dexters for use in promotion.

Information - Regional Elections (continued)

Election results were received from Pat Mitchell with zero unofficial ballots – all had the ADCA seal imprinted.

Region 6 - 46 total votes Region 7 – 68 total votes

Clay Adams – 27 Pam Malcuit - 44

Gene Pittman – 19 John Hinkley - 24

Consensus was to send election ballots to Jim Smith to place in the storage unit for as long as the board would like. It was recommended that, like records for tax purposes, they be kept for 7 years.

Joanie volunteered to draw up guidelines for all future nominations and elections.

to be approved by the board and committees involved.

Information – Use of duplicate farm herd prefixes for a single farm.

In keeping with past practice (allowing for more than 1 herd prefix for a single farm) then both prefixes should be recorded as herd names belonging to an individual farm which would make it impossible for any one else to use the same prefix.

Up-dated registration policy should address the potential transfer from another registry, and likewise if a name is already taken in the ADCA registry, the name would have to be modified to reflect the farm origin of the animal in question

Wording of the clarification of registration policy will be made by committee.

Information – Show Results Reports Format (continued)

After board review and comments regarding the formats used by the four different shows (that were published in the Fall 2007 Bulletin), Joanie volunteered to prepare a standard format so the show results would be easier to read.

Motion to Accept 2007 BOD Minutes

A motion was made by Robert Seddon to accept the minutes of the 2007 Board of Director meeting minutes from Thursday and Sunday meetings for publication and permanent records as sent out by Carol Ann Traynor on 12/7/2007.

Motion seconded and passed….. Yeah – 7 Nay – 0 Abstain – 2

Information – New ADCA Ad

A photo ad was placed in the Livestock Magazine distributed by Tractor Supply four times a year. Robert felt that the audience is well targeted to Dexter people, as a lot of Dexter owners shop there.

Information – ’07 Herd Book (continued)

Chuck reported the Herd Book is made up of reports that he runs and then puts it together. We pay $10.50 for the printing and binding the 343 page Herd Book, shipping is $2.47. There is not cost for publishing it or shipping by media. Chuck tried to save money by sending the Herd Book as media mail. It would have cost nearly $5 each to do regular mail. They are being sent as quickly as he gets orders and has them ready to mail. He would like to know what condition they are in when they arrive.

Administrative – Workyoke voting procedures

There was discussion regarding the procedures regarding absentee ballot voting. It was suggested that an addition to the guidelines to cover procedure for topic removal and absentee voting is needed.

November, 2007 Workyoke Topics

Motion to Replace Editor

A motion was made by Robert Seddon to immediately undertake the search to find a new editor for the ADCA Official Publications, and instate them as soon as a suitable candidate is found. Motion was seconded and passed. 11/18

This motion was felt to be necessary due to the occurrence of late volumes, and the refusal of the present editor to send proof copies to or to work with the appointed liaison, Pam Malcuit, as well as not verifying data that is printed for these publications.

Following a search for a new editor, the committee reviewed the resumes of three candidates and recommended Anne Feltus on the strength of her credentials.

Motion to Accept New Editor

A motion was made by Pam Malcuit that Anne Feltus be accepted as the new editor for the ADCA. Motion seconded and passed unanimously. 11/28

Information – New Editor

Pam Malcuit has contacted the new editor and given her a short list of the do’s and don’ts regarding her new position. Anne will be gone on a short vacation during the holidays…so an early January Bulletin is anticipated. Directors are to have their messages in by 12/10. A vet has been located who will be happy to pick up the vet corner article. Anne’s email is: afeltus@sbcglobal.net.

Information - ’07 Membership Directory

Note was made that the ’07 Membership Directories had been mailed.

Information – ’07 Herd Book

Chuck Daggett, Registrar, reported that the Herd Book information was ready for printing and all that was holding up the process was identification of photographs from the AGM. They should be in the mail mid-December.

Motion to eliminate credit card surcharge 11/15

A motion was made by Joanie Storck that eliminate the $1.00 surcharge for the on-line payment of registrations and transfers be eliminated.

Motion seconded. The vote did NOT carry…..the $1.00 surcharge remains in effect

Information – Show Results Reports Format

Dexter Cattle Show results should be clear, concise and easy to read. They should be reported in an easy font to read font that isn’t flashy or fancy. Consensus was that cattle show results show results should be reported for publication as follows:

●Name of class - in bold print

●Winner of class - in bold print (animal name, owner's name and farm location)

●Followed in order of finish with animal name, owner's name and farm location.

Information – Beef Promo Data – Unofficial Beef Project (continued)

Discussion regarding the unofficial beef carcass data project on Dexters for use in promoting Dexters as a beef breed continued.

Necessary information includes the animal’s:

- geographic location - age at slaughter

- feed regimen - live weight

- hanging weight - weight of finished product

- butcher type (bone in- bone out) - (if known) carrier or non-carrier

- short leg body type or long leg body type

- any other data that is relevant to Dexter beef production

Please send data to: Robert Seddon

(540) 894 5571

775 Spring Rd.

Mineral, VA 23117

Information – Regional Elections

The ballots were mailed out to membership in Regions 6 and 7 on 11/19 with an extension return date of December 15^th. Candidates for Region 6 are Clay Adams and Gene Pittman. Candidates for Region 7 are John Hinkley and Pam Malcuit.

Regions 3 and 8 had only one nomination each…..Warren Coad in Region 8 and William (Bill) Kirkland in Region 3. Due to Mr. Kirkland’s previous membership in another registry, it was necessary for the BOD to undertake a vote per ADCA Rules & Regulations 3.1(f). New Directors will be notified and take office on January 1^st, 2008.

Motion to undertake a vote per ADCA Rules & Regulations 3.1(f)

A motion was made by Robert Seddon that the BOD of the ADCA undertake a vote to certify William (Bill) Kirkland to serve on the ADCA Board of Directors PROVIDED his resignation from the other registry is validated. Motion seconded and passed unanimously. 12/04

Information – US/Canadian Border Opening

The US/Canadian Border will be opening up 11/19 for beef cattle over 30 months of age. SO if you have had your eye on a particular Canadian blood line, now’s your chance. If anyone wants the entry requirements, contact Roberta Wieringa and she will fax them to you

Information – Rules, Regulations and By-Laws (continued)

Consensus was that a general progress report will be posted when information regarding work on these items is available…….which could also include several ongoing projects and their progress.

Information – AGM BOD Minutes (continued)

Discussion continued on additions and corrections before publication of the 2007 AGM BOD Minutes.

September, 2007 Workyoke Topics

Use of ADCA Insurance

Jim Smith will be speaking with the insurance agent to determine the exact number of events covered and if extra charges are a change from past requirements. He will also review coverage costs with other agents. We have records and financial data which will enable us to review other options upon request. More conversation may be needed regarding the number of events covered under the standard policy as we are starting to have more major shows.

New Member Dues

Consensus was that new members should receive current Bulletin issues (as available) through the Winter Issue and the current Membership Book (that is part of the reason that we print extra copies over the current membership) for the calendar year they become a member. Membership renewal (at the continuing membership rate) becomes due the following February.

Rules/Regulations and Bylaws

At the AGM, the question was asked regarding the rules and regulations as well as those of the Workyoke. It was clearly spelled out in the ensuing discussion that there may be some issues with bylaws meeting Delaware statutes, as well as the use of Workyoke. The BOD said then, and continues to say, that we are awaiting the opinion of an attorney. An ongoing update on the website may be published regarding progress with this activity to show the membership that the BOD is following through with its commitment.

Non-Member Chondro Testing Question from A& M

The chondro tests will be run through the ADCA. The ADCA paid the licensing fee, and charges only $10 more for non-members. This money helps in a small way to reimburse the ADCA for its initial expenditure. Both the Kerry and Miniature Jersey breeders, when using A&M for this service, will have to go through ADCA and pay the non-member fee.

MOTION:

A motion was made by Pam Malcuit, seconded and passed by simple majority that only ADCA members be allowed to do Chondrodysplasia and DNA testing at the member rate of $35 -- and that they may test animals other than Dexters at this same rate.

Informtion – New Attorney

President, David Jones, has written a letter to Jeff Blaylock informing him that the ADCA is securing a new law firm based in Delaware for further consultation regarding our rules, regulations and bylaws. Any legal services contracted under the name of the ADCA must be obtained in writing by the then current President or Vice President of the ADCA - verification of current officers to be found on the website of the ADCA at www.dextercattle.org. Any ADCA member or officer that engages legal services will be doing so for their own benefit and will be responsible for payment of those services

Information – AGM BOD Minutes

Carol Ann Traynor requested more clarification regarding the BOD minutes from the AGM so they could be printed in the Winter Bulletin issue.

Information – Replacement Director for Region 4

Since there were no further legal nominations for the position of Region 4 Director, Judy Nocks will assume the position as of October 1^st, continuing as Director until the next scheduled election for the region in 2009.

Information – Attorney Bill

The bill incurred by Carol Davidson for legal services from Jeff Blaylock was paid to the attorney 9/28/07.

Information – Temple Grandin Tape

The tape given to the ADCA is in the possession of Jim Smith. Discussion was that for personal use, ADCA was free to make copies; but if we intended to sell her tape, the money would go to her either through a link or PayPal. No formal decision has been made on this issue.

Information – Summer Bulletin

The Summer Bulletin issue is over a month late and once again, the ADCA is being publicly condemned for not sharing information with the membership. Lack of timely publication has resulted in lack of information in several regions regarding upcoming events for regional membership attendance. A letter has been written by the President to the editor voicing the BOD’s concerns.

Information – On-Line Payments

There are a significant number of people who use the ADCA because of the simplicity of registrations and payment. There would be no change if people chose to continue sending checks, but an additional fee is required for use of a credit card.

It was suggested the programmer for the registry software be contacted to see how much it will cost to bring the software up to snuff for accounting as well as the registry....more than one office has to use the information from it. Discussion will continue on this issue.

Information – 2009 AGM Plans – Weekend of June 29^th

Rick Seydel has contracted with a facility in Fort Dodge, Iowa about 30 miles west of I-35 on a 4-lane road so it's like an interstate driving to it (about an hour or two NW of Des Moines). They have a small airport probably about the size of Grand Junction. It's on a county fair ground but VERY well maintained. The people that run the fairgrounds actually live in the middle of the fairgrounds in a house so everything is maintained top notch. There is a camp ground in the middle of the grounds as well as around the edges. The cost for camping will be $10.00 per night. There is an air-conditioned room which will seat 300 people and a number of caterers that we could get at reasonable rates.

The minutes for the 2007 AGM were submitted for publication in the Bulletin on August 6^th. The BOD minutes have been compiled and sent to each Board Member for additions and/or corrections before they are printed in the Bulletin.

The BOD was under the impression that the insurance would cover the AGM as well as two other events. Missouri Dexter Breeders were told that there would be an extra charge for use of the insurance policy. Lately, many insurance companies have been dropping a lot of coverages from policies to raise their bottom line. Jim Smith will be speaking with the insurance agent to see if this is a billing error and exactly how many events are to be covered and if this is a change from the past. He will also review coverage costs with other agents.

Rick Seydel brought up the fact that he would no longer be a Director when the 2009 AGM takes place. Jim Smith stated that with funds for the AGM being paid and deposits made from the ADCA treasurer takes an extra burden off the AGM Committee putting on the event. Any member in a region with the support of their director and members should be able to chair event and put it on. Those needing money for the event can either send Jim data for a check or pay the deposits themselves and then send data to Jim get repaid.

Letters were sent to all members in Region 4 informing them of Becky Eterno’s willingness to become Region 4 Director and asking for any other nominations. Becky was to assume the position on September 1^st if no nominations were received. However, Becky informed the BOD right after the deadline that she would be unable to fill the position because her husband had accepted a job which would relocate them outside Region 4. Judy Nocks was nominated for the position and accepted the nomination and a 2^nd letter was drafted to the Region 4 membership asking for additional nominations with a deadline of September 20^th. Judy will assume the position of Region 4 Director on October 1^st, 2007, if no other viable nominations are received.

David Jones, President has gone through a referral process and has a question in to a large firm that focuses on Delaware Corp law. He asked that possibly a somewhat junior person might be able to handle this since it is not a huge document. If they will not take it on they most certainly will send us to an appropriate referral.

This is on the list for attorney review and proposed changes to clarify that if there is more than one position held by an individual, a vote is allowed if the position qualifies, but never more than one vote per individual is permitted.

Information – Packet Recommendations for Secretarial Response to Requests for ADCA Information

CAT asked for suggestions in up-dating the packet of information that is sent along with the brochure . In addition to the previous letter in which included contact information to the appropriate Regional Director, registration information and fees, and membership fees; CAT has added a page to the contact letter from the 2006 Membership Book Check List For New Dexter Buyers and How Many Dexters?

It was the consensus of the BOD that the additional phone line was to be handled as an office expenditure.

Use of the posting on Google has been positive and the BOD members felt the investment was producing excellent results as evidenced by numbers of inquires to the ADCA website.

The consensus of the BOD was to allow for use of the ADCA Insurance by MDBA as has been done in past years.

CHONDRODYSPLASIA UPDATE Pam Malcuit reported the lab at Texas A&M has been processing samples and returning results promptly to those individuals who have submitted them. Jim Smith reported that the first two invoices (license fee and first testing fees) have been paid.

It was felt that an individual holding the positions of both Immediate Past President and Vice President should be allowed to retain voting status of the IPP on the BOD.

Since Carol Traynor has been named Secretary for the ’07-’08 year, the interm position as Director of Region 4 is vacant. The vacancy should be taken care of as outlined in R&R Article III, Section 3.1 (d).

A motion was made by Robert Seddon to adopt and use the updated guidelines for use of the Workyoke Website UPD 2007. Motion seconded and passed by simple majority. 7/28/07

The meeting was called to order by ADCA President, Pat Mitchell and introductions were made. The 2007 agenda and minutes from the 2006 meeting were handed out.

Pat asked that the membership review the minutes of the 2006 AGM and note any additions or corrections.

- Patti Adams indicated that the height range listed in the report for the classification committee was not correct. The range printed in the October 2006 Bulletin, page 42 is correct.

Jim Smith presented the financial report for the Association and entertained questions from the floor on the report.

- Patty Adams asked if there would be an accounting for the Houston Show and will there be one for the next year. Jim explained that the show is not run through the ADCA books and it is a regional show run through their books. Jim also explained that all of the regions submit a report and it is included in the tax statement.

- Question was asked where the Association was in comparison with the 2006 year. Jim explained that in 2005 we had $2500 in revenues. In 2006 it was $5800 and in 2007 it was $27,000. Jim also explained that expenses have gone down, but postage almost doubled from 2005 to 2006.

- Robert stated that the most effective advertising for the organization has been the internet. It was mentioned that if there is an ad in a magazine with a web site, interest is shown by website activity.

- Chuck mentioned that the ADCA last year was receiving about 5000 hits a month on our website.

- The membership, by a show of hands, indicated they wanted Robert to look at a Google listing for the ADCA.

- Patty said that 108 animals have been measured and only 10 of them have been bulls. She requested the membership for additional height and weight (if available) measurements. She indicated that the height for cows was 36”-48” and for bulls it was 36”-47.5”.

- The heights in the classification system are the ones that were approved at the World Congress.

- Carol Davidson asked if age was getting added into the data and Patti confirmed that it was.

- A question was asked about steers and Patti said that she is only interested in breeding animals.

- Carol Davidson mentioned that she was concerned that the membership does not know the difference between a short-leg and a dwarf. Patti indicated that the leg length is not a trait that the classifier will be looking at.

Carol Davidson moved that the ADCA accept and implement the Classification Program, as indicated by the final draft, be implemented effective immediately, with the following word changes on the photo examples of excellent breed type using “short” and “long” leg instead of HC or HN states on Chondro.

- The registry and the online pedigree are backed up every night at 9:15 to a separate server in New York.

- Chuck talked about the new online registry and transfer. It has been up and running for about two months and almost 200 people have used.

- Jim stated that the budget finance committee is proposing that the budget be issued to the board not later than Feb 15^th of the year for approval.

- Sandi Thomas indicated that she is going through old Bulletins and compiling the minutes. When complete, these will be made available to the membership.

- Rick spoke about the results of the survey that he and his committee undertook and indicated that the results would be published in an upcoming Bulletin.

- Rick would like to see a CD produced on trimming of a Dexter. It was suggested that it be put on UTUBE so all can see via the internet.

- David reported on the membership nominations for Officers. He also requested nominations for Directors in Regions up for vote this year.

- The president will present the current format to an attorney to a lawyer for comments.

- John reported the responses that he received and mentioned that all responses have been included in the agenda.

- John reported he’d reviewed information from several sources and will type these up and submit them for consideration.

- A question was asked about the activities of the committee and Sandi indicated that the major issues are the verification of polled animals from horned parents and animals with no tattoos for parentage verification.

- Nancy asked for pictures and stated that 250 KB is a minimum and 450+ is better.

- SA Walkup Walkup stated that she would like to see a column on ‘favorite farm tool, favorite book, etc. in the Bulletin.

- Another suggestion was a photo classification section of Dexters with reasons behind scoring.

- Roberta Wieringa stated that if anyone has a vet question, send it to her as she works for a vet.

- Pam confirmed that the test has been set up at Texas A & M and is now running. She indicated that if you send samples to her, they will be at A&M within the week and you should have results within 2 weeks. The forms will be set up on the ADCA website.

- Pam will be going through the old samples and contacting the members to see if the still want the tests run. The ADCA will wave the fees for animals overage waiting for results. Females over 1 year and bulls over 2 years requesting late registration, because of Chondro test delay, will have the “overage” fee waived for 6 months (Dec ’07 to Jan ’08.

- Guy Porter asked about considering ‘no charge’ for the new certificates on animals that have been waiting for results. The Board will entertain this question during the Sunday meeting.

- Dan Butterfield mentioned how important it is for the breeder to check their own online pedigree for errors.

Jerry Rininger moved to adjourn the meeting at the end of old business and reconvene after the banquet.

- The ADCA position on NAIS is that the members should contact their local Federal Agricultural agent.

· The premiums for the youth in 2007 were raised and the Grand Champion paid $4000.

· Positive changes were made toward the Dexter exhibit and the location was better.

· Dexter Cattle and their owners have been well received at The Houston Livestock Show.

- New member handouts were discussed as well as what should be in a ‘membership packet’

· Joanie Storck asked Pee Wee Anderson to write an article about beef marketing and his successes in the area. She also suggested that Sally Coad be asked to write something about their beef marketing.

- The Dexter Cattle Society has old contact information on the ADCA and this has been addressed on numerous occasions. Chuck commented on the number of hits and questions from foreign Countries…this led to a report that the English Dexter Society still has Rosemary as contact for the ADCA.

- Carol Davidson commented on some of the findings of the Cardiff Study. Carol asked the membership if they would like to be involved in a study to research old US bloodlines. It was stated that any involvement of this should be through the Genetics Committee.

Mickey Bush moved that the ADCA proceed with the information gathering through the Cardiff Project of the genetics of Dexters through the Genetics Committee.

Nancy Phillips moved that the guidelines that resulted from the survey for the grooming/show standards be used as a starting point for a standard for the breed.

- Nominations for Directors at Large were made for the Sunday BOD Meeting. Proposed directors were: Carol Davidson, Dan Butterfield, Wendy Fultz, Jim Bennett.

- President, Pat Mitchell, announced he’d received proxy votes from two Directors – Joanie Storck representing Sally Coad and Sandi Thomas voting for Carol Koller.

- Open Membership Discussion followed including questions about Corporation status.

- Joanie requested the presentation of the Talisman Award be delayed until tomorrow (Saturday evening meal).

The Meeting was resumed at the Country Inn Conference Room by President, Pat Mitchell.

· The motion Joanie made regarding the removal of the EX designation was a typo and should have been EW (Excessive White).

· Two items (i.e. Embryo Implants and Chondrodysplasia Testing) need to be separated within the wording in the paragraph 10 of the Directors’ Meeting on June 18^th, 2006. The second sentence in the paragraph refers specifically to Embryo Transplants “…..she did not have any information on ‘this’ (i.e. Embryo Transplants)….” and needs to be a separate paragraph.

John Foley moved that the minutes be approved and accepted with the corrections as noted.

The Board went into Executive session to resolve two issues involving ADCA personnel.

Formal Action: A member was issued a letter to limit the ADCA’s liability for the potential release of confidential information that was obtained without the knowledge or approval of the ADCA.

Pam Malcuit moved that contact with an attorney to contract billable charges to/re ADCA only be done under the written direction of the BOD. The communication to the attorney be in writing to initiate business and carbon copy to the Board and Officers so they will be made aware of this contact.

Joanie Storck moved we fund putting a second phone line into the Registrar’s home for ADCA business.

Roberta Wieringa moved to compensate Nancy Phillips in the amount of $250 to cover her time spent on the special mailing.

Robert Seddon moved that the ADCA sign the three appropriate contracts to begin testing at Texas A&M and deliver the signed documents to Texas A&M.

Carol Ann Traynor moved that future AGM registration fees for Directors and Officers be waived.

John Foley moved the board approve the amount of $250 to cover travel costs for each officer and director attending future AGM’s.

John Foley moved to increase the advertising/internet budget to $9000 for the remainder of ’07 and to double the budget ($12000) for the next fiscal year.

Carol Ann Traynor moved that the ADCA pay for the retrieval of the archived Dexter Records from the USDA National Agriculture Library.