A Life Lived to the Fullest Remembering Past CCA President Jerry Hemsted by CCA Associate Director of Communications Maureen LaGrande
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or the last 107 years, the California Cattlemen’s Association (CCA) has supported cattle ranchers and beef producers up and down the state. But in order to reach that level of support, strong leadership, member involvement and dedication towards the betterment of the industry must be present. CCA has been fortunate to have so many forward-thinking and strong members who strive for excellence and persevere through thick and thin to lead the Association. At the forefront are the members who serve in a leadership capacity, helping to form a path for the beef producers of the future. Growing up a Cattleman To be a cattleman in the Golden State, one must have grit, grace and the willingness to listen. Northern California cattleman, Jerry Hemsted possessed all those characteristics and many more throughout his life. Hemsted, born April 24, 1942, made his way to heaven's never-ending green pastures on June 4, 2023. A cattleman, leader and advocate for the beef cattle industry Hemsted, left behind a legacy for many to follow and fondly remember. Growing up in the northern part of the state in Redding, Jerry found his passion for the cattle industry through his father who became involved in the livestock hauling business, which led him to become involved in raising cattle. Hemsted attended Shasta High for three years and graduated from Red Bluff High School in 1960. At this time, Hemsted’s family made the move from Redding to a piece of property near Cottonwood known as “Nine Mile Hill” where a home and a shop for their trucks were built. Upon graduation, Hemsted made his way down to California State University, Fresno to pursue a college degree. Due to his father falling ill, Hemsted left school to come home and run the family’s cattle and manage the trucking business, Hemsted Livestock Transportation. A True Family Man While home and running the business he
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met his wife, Joan and married her in 1965. Together they had three children Jamie, Jesse and Julie. Joan shared how involved Jerry was with raising their children and how much he loved them. Aside from day-today work, Hemsted served as a 4-H leader, beef leader and coached multiple sports teams for his children. Even with a busy hauling schedule and family life, Hemsted found ways to give back to local youth and the community. He would donate his trucks and time to haul fair animals free of charge for local and surrounding counties. His dedication to family led him to earn the first “Father of the Year Award” from the Tehama County Cattlewomen. With challenging times facing the beef cattle industry, the family sold their trucks in the early 80s. Joan shared that while the decision to sell was a hard one, at the time it was what made sense. Still running the cattle herd, Jerry began to summer their livestock up in Hat Creek. Leading Local, State and National Associations Jerry’s keen ability to talk and distinctive voice, put him in front of many a spectator. “He could talk at a young age, he could talk to a fence post,” added Joan. In 1985 he was elected president of the Tehama County Cattlemen’s Association and had also served as secretary. In 1986, Hemsted added the title of CCA Membership Chair to his list of roles, serving under the current CCA President at the time, Myron Openshaw, Oroville. This was just the beginning of his time in leadership at the Association followed by serving as chairman of CCA’s “Protecting Our State’s Stewardship, Environment and Economy” legal fund known as POSSE, animal health committees, CCA