2010 Annual meeting minutes of the RWHA

[earlyriser62]

Sorry it took so long to post these. I've been having a good bit of trouble with the forum. Thank you for your understanding.


Minutes of the Annual Meeting of the Red Wattle Hog Association as transcribed by Dot Parker Jordan , Secretary, from an audio recording made at the meeting.

The meeting was called to order by President, Brian Jordan.
Individuals present were:
Brian Jordan, Donna O'Shaughnessy, Keith Parrish, Clyde Grover, Ron Luce, John Koch , Erin Koch, Clarence Mays, George Loucks, Rebecca Lamb, Garrette Caryl, Terri Luce, Theresa Schieffelbein
Minutes of the 2009 annual meeting were read by Brian Jordan. A motion to approve the minutes as read was made by: Clyde Grover and seconded by Clarence Mays.
The 2010 Treasurer's report was reviewed by the membership. A motion to accept the treasurer's report as written was made by Clyde Grover with Keith Parrish seconding the motion.
Old Business:
Discussion of ratification of bylaws by the membership present followed. Motion to accept the bylaws as written was made by: Clarence Mays and seconded by Clyde Grover. Motion carried.
Copies of the RW Breed Standard were then circulated to those present. Discussion followed about creating a breed guideline in words and pictures to help new breeders more affectively and confidently select breeding animals. Teat count was discussed as an important trait to look for. It was suggested that gilts should have no fewer than 10 teats and Boars no fewer than 12 teats. Discussion followed on whether this would be a requirement or a guideline. Donna O'Shaughnessey agreed to help gather pictures for this project. A suggestion was made that all breeders take pictures of their stock and submit them. Pictures submitted of hogs should include front, back, right and left side and a view looking down on the pig.
Discussion followed about the variations within the breed from region to region and the importance of temperament of breeding Red Wattle hogs.
The subject of promotional items was discussed next. Brian outlined the Café Press online store program. Discussion followed about creation of an online store to produce promotional items. General agreement was reached to create the online store with Dot Parker Jordan to proceed with this process.
An announcement was made that customizable electronic brochures are now available upon request from redwattles@hotmail.com
Discussion of the vacant Technical Director position came next. The difficulty of filling this position with an ALBC Master Breeder was discussed. Questions were voiced regarding what it takes to be ALBC Master Breeder certified. It was suggested that the bylaws be amended to remove this criteria. No decision was made at this time. It was agreed that this issue will be revisited at the next BOD meeting.
A question was voiced regarding helping heritage hog breeders to create feeder pools or coop arrangements. Brian agreed to contact ALBC regarding this project. He will also check on the Meat Map project with ALBC.
Anneke Jake's {suggestion sent via email } that sellers pay for transfers/registrations at time of sale was discussed next. It was agreed the RWHA would recommend that all sellers pay the cost of registration or transfer and file the appropriate paperwork with the ALBC. Donna O'Shaughnessey motioned to approve this recommendation with Clyde Grover seconding.
The Recovery program phase out was next on the agenda. Copies of the recovery guidelines were distributed to those attending. It was announced that Recovery will close January 1, 2013. Specific questions regarding individual hogs were addressed and everyone was encouraged to recover any known Red Wattles that are not currently registered with the RWHA/ALBC.
How to become a member of RWHA and the new voting/membership system was reviewed . Several folks stepped up to become new members at the meeting.
Next on the agenda came the Life Time achievement award created by the Board of Directors earlier this year. Discussion followed regarding what the award should constitute within a $75/year budget. A plaque or Red Wattle T-shirt was suggested. Erin Koch motioned that a plaque be created for this award. This motion was seconded by Terry Luce.
Discussion followed on how to market finished hogs. Suggestions included: local grocers, approaching Chefs, farm store, and farmers markets. It was noted by Donna and Keith of South Pork Ranch that they sell by the 1/2 and whole hog to chefs and this includes organ meats and feet and heads. They noted that they cannot produce animals quickly enough to meet the demand. How to present your meats to let people know you have a quality product was also discussed. It was noted that a too low price sends a message that you do not have any thing special to offer.
The next item on the agenda was the Breed Up Program and the phase out of this program. Copies of the instructions for using the breed up program were distributed. Members were encouraged to consider this program.

Next, Brian Jordan announced the 2010 election results: Vice President: - Jim Parker, Board of Directors Members at large - Cindy Huggins and Clyde Grover
Discussion followed regarding the poor return of ballots for the election. Brian encouraged all present to exercise their right to vote. He called for any suggestions for increasing the participation in elections. No consensus was reached.
At this point, Donna O'Shaughnessy asked that each member present stand to introduce themselves and their farm. Introductions followed.
A motion to adjourn the meeting was made by Clyde Grover. Seconded by: Clarence Mays