MAKING CONNECTIONS CCA events connect California ranchers and policy professionals in Sacramento by CCA Associate Director of Communications Maureen LaGrande
In May, CCA hosted two events aimed at connecting professionals in and around California’s capitol with CCA members and staff. The first of the two events was CCA’s Steak and Eggs Breakfast, back after a three-year hiatus. The week wrapped up with CCA hosting a legislative staff appreciation luncheon serving burgers. To kick off the week, conversation, cowboy boots and cowboy hats filled the Sutter Club in Sacramento on Tuesday, May 15 at the 42nd California Cattlemen’s Association and California Cattlemen’s Foundation’s Steak and Eggs Breakfast. The breakfast, which started back in 1978, was created as a way for the Association to educate legislators on ranching in California, connect members to those who represent their district and communicate how their support can aid in the betterment of the industry. Due to the pandemic, 2019 was the last time the event had been held. The announcement of the breakfast’s return brought about excitement from legislators, regulators, staffers and CCA members leading to an enthusiastic and informative morning for all parties. As legislative and regulatory attendees checked in and made their way up the stairs to the dining room, ranchers greeted them and they were able to pick out their very own cowboy hat to fully partake in the western way of life. A warm welcome from CCA President, Steve Arnold signaled the start of the breakfast. As attendees made the way to their seats, an invocation was given by Presley Phillips who participated in the event with others from Fresno Livestock Commission. CCA members and legislative staff sat among one another discussing insights into the life 42 California Cattleman July 2023
of a rancher while eating a breakfast spread of steak, eggs, fruit and potatoes. This year’s event featured two guest speakers: Secretary of the California Department of Agriculture Karen Ross and California State Treasurer Fiona Ma. Both shared with the group their understanding of California ranching, and the value it brings to the state and all Californians. Once finished with breakfast, CCA members reconvened and were prepped by CCA’s Vice President of Government Affairs Kirk Wilbur and CCA contract lobbyist Jason Bryant on how to make the most of the scheduled meetings with elected officials in their respective districts that they would participate in that afternoon. At these meetings members had the opportunity to share with legislators the importance of ranching in California and the obstacles they face as ranchers on a dayto-day basis. The meetings allow legislators to learn more about the ranching industry, ask questions on how specific bills would affect ranchers and communicate with ranchers on how they can each help each other out. In addition to bringing up local issues or concerns, in these meetings members specifically spoke about the impacts of four CCA-opposed bills making their way through California’s Legislature at the time. CCA prepared members with a factsheet to take to their meetings on a trio of water rights and water rights enforcement bills, AB 460 (BauerKahan), AB 1337 (Wicks) and SB 389 (Allen). These were priority bills CCA’s government affairs team encouraged attendees to flag in meetings with their representatives. Another factsheet members shared with officials