For those who follow this newsletter, you’re likely aware of some of the significant operational changes within the Choctaw Nation’s Agriculture and Natural Resource program in recent years.
I’ve mentioned on occasion that our “story” is unique and should be the focus of our messaging campaign and, as an extension of this compelling “story,” have visibility in the tangible products we offer. Our current portfolio heavily leans toward marketing beef to various venues and bringing feeder cattle to auction.
An exciting incident occurred in early January. The Choctaw Nation’s feeder calves received national recognition for their quality, consistency and the resulting premium awarded in a competitive marketplace.
I encourage you to check it out. Look for the January 10, 2025 report. It took a lot of planning, strategy… and just a lot of hard work by many folks to achieve this recognition!
Also, The Choctaw Nation attended the annual convention of the Intertribal Agriculture Council (IAC), held this past December in Las Vegas. This event is an opportunity for all tribal nations to come together to highlight their agriculture and natural resource programs and to discuss opportunities for collaboration.
Specifically discussed was extending and expanding the local “Food for Schools” program through support from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). The Choctaw Nation was a supplier of beef to seven school districts within our Tribal boundaries, and we proudly support this program’s continuation and growth.
As part of this program’s launch, we visited two of the school districts and grilled hamburgers. It was extremely rewarding and satisfying to witness Choctaw Beef being enjoyed by so many students and staff within our Tribal boundary. As a side note, we also supplied beef for the main meal at the previously mentioned IAC meeting.
The menu’s ingredients were produced or supplied by indigenous sources, and was prepared by award-winning Executive Chef, Elena Terry of the Ho-Chunk Nation. The main entrée was maple-rubbed Choctaw Beef chuck roast that – I can confidently say from personal experience – was deliciously prepared and presented. Over 800 attendees enjoyed this meal. It’s pretty rewarding to see our efforts and hard work culminate in such a profound way.
Further, I’m pleased to announce the Agriculture and Natural Resources program was awarded a federal grant to purchase and license unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to be used for natural resource management purposes.
UAV’s have been around since the early 1900s but have historically been used to carry out military exercises. I’ve often said the vast sector of agriculture industries are early adopters of applied technology… but applied technology often is slow to evolve – both in price and in application – to be considered for adoption.
We will be testing, developing and utilizing these UAVs to carry out management activities (pasture spraying, inventory (hay/animal) monitoring, etc.), as well as in complementing some of the technology and software we currently utilize.