CATTLEMEN’S COLUMN

Since 1917

1221 H Street Sacramento, CA 95814 (916) 444-0485

by CCA Treasurer Beverly Bigger

I would like to begin by saying that I am grateful for the experience of being a part of the CCA officer team. Two years ago, when I received a phone call from Dave Daley asking if I would be interested in running for CCA Treasurer how could I say no? Dave has done so much for CCA and the cattle industry that he inspired me to step up. I have to say that in the beginning, being on the officer team was a little intimidating but CCA staff and presidents Mark Lacey and now Tony Toso have been very inclusive. The past two years have been filled with learning about other aspects of the cattle industry with political education thrown in as well. I have also learned that it is more important than ever to show up and speak up. Being on the CCA Price Discovery Subcommittee opened my mind about cattle pricing beyond the auction yard. I never gave much thought about what happened in the food chain after my cattle were sold. After all, I received a check. Sometimes it was not as much as I thought it would be, and I still had cattle to attend to. Sure, I knew that they went to a feedlot or a ranch somewhere other than southern California that had an abundance of feed, but I never thought about the process beyond that. The price discovery subcommittee has opened my mind to the process that takes place and the challenges to get a fair price to both ranchers and feeders. The CCA subcommittee chair and members have put in a tremendous amount of time and research so that changes can be made to the process on a national level. I witnessed the work of the subcommittee and CCA staff come to fruition this February at the NCBA convention in Houston. As President Tony Toso detailed the process in his column in last month’s CCA magazine, CCA formed an alliance with other states producing a resolution stating that we must have open disclosure by packers and the ability for ranchers to market their cattle

in a manner that works for them without a government mandate. This was political work at its best and an eye-opening experience of how as a like-minded group we can make a difference. I realize that most of our cattle ranchers are in less populated areas of our state. However, this is a recent example of what can happen in an area with urban influence. The city of Los Angeles is trying to pass an ordinance to outlaw horse and cattle events by restricting use of spurs and cattle prods. This regulation would affect rodeos, roping, barrel racing and charro events. If passed it is widely believed that this restriction would also pass in Los Angeles and Ventura counties. In support of the Los Angeles equestrian community and in opposition to this ordinance a group of Ventura County residents chartered a bus to attend the February Professional Bull Riders event held at the Staples Center in downtown Los Angeles. A Santa Barbara County cattle rancher and world champion cowboy and his family were also in attendance to support rodeo and the Los Angeles equestrian community. This volume of support made Los Angeles TV news. These are just two examples of supporting ranching and our way of life. What can you do? You don’t have to be a CCA officer, for many there is not much time for anything other than running your cattle operation. There are many ways you can speak for cattle ranching and our way of life. Write a letter or e-mail to state legislators when a bill is proposed that will affect the industry. Contact your county elected officials when your local cattlemen’s association asks for your support. Our voice becomes a larger voice by these small things. Get involved with whatever issues are in your area, property rights, fire prevention, water, predators or public lands grazing. Your help can make a difference.

Bolded names and businesses in editorial represent only current members of the California Cattlmen’s Association or California CattleWomen, Inc. For questions about your membership status, contact the CCA office at (916) 444-0845. The California Cattleman (Publication #8-3600) is published monthly except July/August is combined by the California Cattlemen’s Association, 1221 H Street, Sacramento, CA 95814, for $20/year, or as part of the annual membership dues. All material and photos within may not be reproduced without permission from publisher.

Periodical postage paid at Bakersfield, CA and additional mailing offices. Publication # 8-3600 National Advertising Group: The Cattle Connection/The Powell Group, 4162-B Carmichael Ct, Montgomery, AL 36106, (334) 271-6100.

CATTLEMEN’S COLUMN 4 We can all do something

BUNKHOUSE Communication more simple than ever 6

YOUR DUES DOLLARS AT WORK 8 CCA always on guard in Sacramento NATIONAL STAGE 18 Midterm elections insight COUNCIL COMMUNICATOR 20 Dietitian says beef is best

RANGELAND TRUST TALK Rancher puts subdivision on its heels

CHIMES Correcting consumer knowledge 22

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CAHFS Lab a tool for beef producers 10 Charolais genetic evaluation stacks up 26

Obituaries Cattlemen’s Report Buyers’ Guide Advertisers Index 32, 34 33 36 41

This month’s cover photo was taken by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in San Luis Obispo County. With dry rangeland conditions persisting across the state, the spring time window for green grass and wildflowers is narrowing as temperatures rise.

To submit your photos for consideration in this publication, e-mail them to magazine@calcattlemen.org.

San Diego

Rancho Murieta