BREAKFAST
MEETING
COWBOY HATS AND SUITS ABOUND DOWNTOWN FOR 43RD STEAK & EGGS BREAKFAST by CCA Associate Director of Communications Maureen LaGrande On March 13 cattlemen and women made their way to Sacramento for the 43rd California Cattlemen’s Association Steak and Eggs Legislative Breakfast and Lobby Day held at the Sutter Club in Sacramento. Attended by legislators, legislative staff and government officials, the event helps members share their unique ranching stories, discuss issues and the share the importance of ranching in California with those who may not be familiar with livestock production. Many CCA members and legislators have participated in the breakfast tradition over the years that comes with the option for the legislative staff to take home their very own cowboy hat. As conversation and cowboy hats flooded the banquet room, CCA’s President Steve Arnold, Santa Margarita, welcomed everyone to the breakfast. Aside from ranchers mingling with legislative staff at the breakfast, another crucial component of the event is hearing from various speakers about the positive impacts livestock production makes in the state, issues the industry may be facing and what ranchers and legislators must work toward to ensure the future of rangelands and beef cattle production in California. Arnold introduced Assemblyman Jim Wood for the morning’s opening remarks. Wood, who represents California’s Second Assembly District, started by recognizing ranchers from his district and thanking fellow legislators and staffers for making their way over to the Sutter Club. He shared that over his last 10 years in office, he has looked forward to attending the breakfast each year. He also reflected on memories from his childhood on his grandfather’s small Angus ranch. Wood acknowledged the importance of cattle grazing and the impact it has on the environment, urging those at the breakfast to 16 California Cattleman April 2024
reach out and learn more about ranches and livestock by taking a ranch tour. CCA member and Santa Barbara County Deputy Fire Chief of Operations, Anthony Stornetta, Atascadero, discussed the importance of grazed rangelands and how these managed open spaces impact the way fires burn and are fought. “Wildfires make a big impact on us and what our kids will see in the future,” added Stornetta who also noted that California is a resilient state, facing droughts, wildfires and other natural disasters on a yearly basis, and applauded the legislators who have worked with agencies to implement plans for when disasters such as wildfires occur. A firefighter for 29 years, Stornetta detailed how he has observed open space, public parks and rangeland and has seen firsthand how grazing and implementing fire mitigation practices, such as prescribed fire and fire breaks lead to less fire damage compared to lands that are unmanaged. While there is always work to be done, Stornetta highlighted recent collaborative successes including passing legislation for the Livestock Pass Program and getting more prescribed fires on the ground. Stornetta recognized and thanked legislators for all the work they have and continue to do on behalf of the cattle industry. “It’s our time to communicate, collaborate and develop those partnerships with one another,” said Stornetta. To round out the morning’s speakers, California Natural Resources Agency Secretary Wade Crowfoot took the podium. He has served as secretary since 2019, working to conserve the state’s natural resources and environment. Crowfoot thanked ranchers for the work they do to help maintain America’s food security and addressed how California’s farms and ranches contribute largely to the country’s food supply. Aside from food security, Crowfoot spoke