Matt Macfarlane | (916) 803-3113 m3cattlemarketing@gmail.com
BILLING SERVICES
Lisa Brendlen lisa@calcattlemen.org
SERVING CALIFORNIA BEEF PRODUCERS SINCE 1917
Bolded names and businesses in editorial represent only current members of the California Cattlmen’s Association or California CattleWomen, Inc. For questions about membership status, contact the CCA office at (916) 444-0845. The California Cattleman (Publication #8-3600) is published monthly except May/June is combined by the California Cattlemen’s Association, for $20/year, or as part of the annual membership dues. All material and photos within may not be reproduced without consent of publisher.
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POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: California Cattleman, 3841 North Freeway Blvd., Suite 130 Sacramento, CA 95834
UPCOMING EVENTS
CCA & CCW Midyear Meeting + Cattle-PAC Fundraiser
Aug. 14 & 15 | Paso Robles Event Center
109th Annual CCA/CCW Convention Dec. 3-5 | Atlantis Casino Resort | Reno, NV TO HEAR A RECENT EPIDODE OF SORTING PEN: THE CALIFORNIA CATTLEMEN’S PODCAST, SCAN THIS CODE
Announcing the new vaccine from Hygieia Labs:
Your Foothold Against Foothill Abortion.
Costing the industry more than $10 million annually, Foothill Abortion — formally known as Epizootic Bovine Abortion, or EBA — has robbed profits from ranchers for almost 100 years as the leading cause of calf loss in affected areas of the Western United States.
Until now.
After years in development and testing, the new Foothill Abortion Vaccine is available from Hygieia Biological Laboratories. The Foothill Abortion Vaccine has been shown to protect more than 95% of animals from the disease when administered as directed. Administration is safe, simple and proven to give your heifers a strong start for greater productivity.
Protect your investment and promote your profitability. Ask your local veterinarian if the Foothill Abortion Vaccine is right for your herd, or contact Hygieia Labs to learn more.
HYGIEIA BIOLOGICAL LABORATORIES
P.O. Box 8300, Woodland, California 95776 USA
Contact Jenna Chandler at Hygieia Labs for additional information.
HOW THE WEST IS STILL WON California ranchers sharing their operations with tourists
STOCKPONDS
History and legal water rights
REMEMBERING DARREL SWEET The loss and legacy of CCA leader
BQA Audit finds ways producers can better protect consumers
GRADUATE RECOGNITION
Hats off to elite young beef enthusiasts
This month’s cover photo comes courtesy of the Hunewill Ranch in Bridgeport, which shares the ranching way of life with guests from across the globe. To learn more about the Hunewill Family and others that promote the cattle business through their own family hospitality businesses, see the article on page 36.
REGISTER ONLINE OR CONTACT THE CCA OFFICE
Visit www.calcattlemen.org/events or call the CCA office at (916) 444-0845 to register today.
TENTATIVE MEETING SCHEDULE
The schedule below is tentative and subject to change.
THURSDAY, AUGUST 14
8 - 10 am California Cattlemen’s Foundation Board Meeting
9:30 am - 10:30 am A CA Cattlewomen Heritage Foundation, Inc.
10 - 11 am CCA Officer Meeting
10:30 am - 11:30 am CCW Executive Board Meeting
11 am - 12 pm Cattle-PAC
12 pm Registration Open
12 - 1 pm Lunch
1 - 4 pm General Session #1
4 - 6 pm Closing Reception
FRIDAY, AUGUST 15
7 am Registration Open
7 - 8 am Breakfast
7 - 8 am CCA Nominating Committee Meeting
8 - 10 am General Session #2/Policy Meetings
10:15 - 11:15 am CCA Board Meeting
10:15 am - 12:15 pm CCW Board Meeting
11:15 am - 12:15 pm Local Presidents Meeting
4 pm Cattle-PAC Reception
5 pm Cattle-PAC Dinner/Dance/Auction
MIDYEAR HOTEL RESERVATIONS | ROOMS AVAILABLE AUG. 13 - 15
If you plan to attend the Midyear meeting, a room block is available at the Adelaide Inn. If you are attending both Midyear AND the Cattle-PAC fundraiser this hotel is a great option. To book your room for Midyear, please call (805) 238-2770 and ask for the CALIFORNIA CATTLEMEN’S ASSOCIATION room block.
CATTLE-PAC HOTEL RESERVATIONS | ROOM AVAILABLE FOR ONLY AUG. 15
For those attending the Cattle-PAC Auction and Dinner Dance, CCA has secured rooms for Friday, Aug. 15 at the Best Western Black Oak. To make your reservations visit our website for the room block link.
The last day to pre-register is Friday, August 8
All registration prices will be increased onsite. No registration refunds will be given after Monday, July 21
REGISTRATION PACKAGES
Full Registration (CCA/CCW MEMBER)
$150
Registration includes access to all meetings, lunch Thursday, an evening reception Thursday and breakfast Friday morning. Cattle-PAC tickets are not included with registration and must be purchased separately.
Young Cattlemen’s Committee
$100
Registration includes access to all meetings, lunch Thursday, an evening reception Thursday and breakfast Friday morning. Cattle-PAC tickets are not included with registration and must be purchased separately.
THE LAST DAY TO REGISTER ONLINE IS FRIDAY, AUGUST 8. REGISTRATION REFUNDS WILL NOT BE GIVEN AFTER MONDAY, JULY 21.
TOTAL
Cattle-PAC Event Tickets: $85/person or $150/couple
Cattle-PAC tickets include reception, dinner, hosted bar and entertainment. To learn more about additional Cattle-PAC sponsorship opportuntites visit our website. # Registrations $ Amount
TOTAL
Name(s) Attending:
Local affiliation:
Payment Method:
Card #:
Cardholder’s Name:
Cardholder’s Phone:
Billing address:
City/State/Zip:
Check made payable to the California Cattlemen’s Association
Register online at https://calcattlemen.org/events or mail form to the CCA office at 3841 N. Freeway Blvd., Suite 130, Sacramento, CA 95834.
CATTLEMEN’S COLUMN
TURNING THE SHIP
BEST DAYS AHEAD FOR CALIFORNIA BEEF PRODUCERS
by CCA First Vice President Mike Williams
As I write this officer column, I want to express how saddened I was to learn of the passing of Ken Tate, Ph.D. I am certain I am not alone in that. Ken’s data-driven, reasoned approach to the emotionally-charged challenges facing ranchers has had an incalculable impact—not only on my own operation but on ranching across California and the country. My deepest sympathies go out to his wife Tina and all who knew and loved him. He will be deeply missed as an individual and as an advocate for our way of life.
It’s been nearly a decade since I last served as a CCA officer and as I returned to the officer team this year, I’ve been struck by how far California ranchers—and ranching itself—have come in that time. Ten years ago, we spent a great deal of time and money defending ourselves from environmental and animal rights organizations intent on painting beef production in the worst possible light. Cattle were cast as environmental villains, beef as unhealthy, and ranchers as inhumane. While we had some allies in the Legislature, regulatory agencies, and among the public, it often felt as though ranching was met with indifference—or even outright hostility—in our own state.
Today, things look different. We still face major challenges. Wolves threaten the livelihoods and well-being of many ranchers. Water issues continue to burden much of the state. Legislative overreach and regulatory creep require constant vigilance. And yet, our ability to address these issues—and the credibility and respect that the California Cattlemen’s Association (CCA) has earned—are stronger than I recall them being a decade ago.
Public perception has improved. Ranchers now enjoy greater respect. Beef is largely regarded as healthy. Grazing is increasingly recognized as a valuable tool for improving landscapes and supporting the environment. And CCA has built a powerful and respected presence in Sacramento among legislators and regulators alike. This didn’t happen by accident.
It’s the result of hard work by many individuals and organizations across the state who have remained committed to advancing the interests of ranchers and beef producers. The staff and leadership at CCA have played an especially pivotal role, applying a deliberate, data-driven, science-based approach to each issue we face.
Crucially, CCA has built strong relationships with researchers and scientists. This has provided us not just with the information we want to hear, but with the facts we need to hear—facts that strengthen our credibility and sharpen our message.
Understanding the political landscape has also been key to CCA’s success. Our experienced staff has spent years developing relationships with legislators and regulators, earning the kind of trust that opens doors and fosters meaningful dialogue. The CCA Cattle PAC, though small compared to many other political groups, punches well above its weight. Our campaign contributions are strategic and thoughtful, ensuring CCA has access to key committee members, legislative leaders, and other vital allies throughout government.
Years of patient, thoughtful planning—and steady, deliberate action—have positioned CCA as a respected, reliable voice of reason. While others resort to emotional outrage, fear tactics, or outright misinformation, we’ve stayed focused on science, facts, and level-headed arguments. And it’s paying off.
As the credibility of environmental and animal rights activists erodes under the weight of their own hyperbole and misinformation, our reputation continues to grow. The narrative is shifting—slowly, yes, but surely.
Changing public perception is never quick or easy. But the tide is turning, and I believe our best days are still ahead.
Dal Porto Livestock 20 1st calf Angus heifers
John Ginochio 20 1st calf Angus heifers
Lawrence Ginochio 15 1st calf Angus heifers
Renz Ranches 35 1st calf Angus heifers
RM Livestock 70 Angus and Angus cross 1st calf heifers
Stornetta Ranch 35 4-6 year old Red Angus cows
Art Anderson 80 1st calf Angus & black/white face heifers
Gilliland Livestock 200 Angus and SimAngus 1st-4th calf heifers and cows
Bloodmoon Ranch 100 Angus fall-calving cows aged 3-8 years old and 21 1st calf heifers
RM Ranch 30 8-9 year old Angus cows
UPCOMING MIDSUMMER FEEDER SPECIALS
JULY 22 • AUGUST 5 • AUGUST 19 • SEPTEMBER 9
BUNKHOUSE
PATRIOTISM FOR CALIFORNIA RANCHERS
by CCA Associate Director of Communications Maureen LaGrande
GOD BLESS America, GOD BLESS California cattle ranchers and GOD BLESS perfectly cooked beef! There is nothing I enjoy more this month than wearing red, white and blue, eating a steak, and watching fireworks on the Fourth of July. This holiday, in my opinion, is the best, hands down, as we remember and celebrate all of the hard work and struggles our ancestors faced to give us a life of freedom and independence.
Much like our founding fathers, I like to think that CCA staff and the leadership team work day in and day out to fight the battles our members face, trying to pave the way for the upcoming generations. While there have been a few pros to cattle ranching these last few years, good cattle prices, rain and feed, there are still the challenges of wolves, water rights, fire and much more. While at times these challenges are daunting, you all are always ready to push on and find a solution.
Three years fly by in the blink of an eye, especially when you are having fun sharing the story of California cattle producers. As I reflect on my time at CCA, I feel extremely fortunate to have met so many of our members, continued to learn about the various facets of the cattle industry, and communicate with the membership about what is going on in the association. The memories I have made in the office, on the road and at all of our meetings I will forever cherish. My time here has shown me how truly resilient ranchers are, caring for their land, livestock and family, doing anything to ensure its safety.
Last month, a member mailed to our office the 1967 issue of the California Cattleman. Ironically, it was the July/August edition, and as I read through the magazine, I realized that while time has continued, many of the issues, concerns, and advocacy for the industry have stayed the same.
Now, halfway through 2025, CCA has ample opportunity for involvement, education, and discussion at our upcoming meetings. This year’s Midyear Meeting and Cattle-PAC Auction and Dinner Dance will take place Aug. 14 – Aug. 15 at the Paso Robles Events Center. Registration for Midyear Meeting and tickets for the Cattle-PAC dinner dance and auction our now available on our website at www.calcattlemen.org/events. To view a tentative schedule, registration, and hotel information, visit pages 8 and 9. If able to attend, I invite our membership to come and hear from our guest speakers
in addition to updates from staff on what the association has been working on and the outlook for the remainder of the year. These meetings serve as a place for our membership’s voices to be heard so that we can continue to make sure that we are putting our best foot forward in our efforts to advocate for you and your fellow producers.
There is no better way to commence two days of meetings than to partake in conversation, dinner, dancing, a live auction and good times, all of which will be included in the Cattle-PAC event. As we approach the start of the school year, I would like to encourage college students to apply for the CCA Scholarships and CCA Convention Internship. Serving as coordinator for the scholarship and internship programs for the Association, I have had the honor of meeting YCC members who are forward thinkers and the future of our industry. Getting to know so many of you and your career goals gives me high hopes for the future of cattle production in California. Applications for the internships and scholarships are now being accepted. For additional information, visit page 48 or our website at: www.calcattlemen.org/scholarship.
In the coming months, I look forward to seeing you all at Midyear, Cattle-PAC and Convention. In the meantime, if you ever have any communication questions, please contact me at maureen@calcattlemen.org.
YOUR DUES DOLLARS AT WORK
A SUMMERTIME TEMPERATURE CHECK ON CCA’S
LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES
by CCA Vice President of Government Affairs Kirk Wilbur
June 6 was the “house of origin deadline” in the California Legislature. Under joint rules adopted by the Senate and Assembly, June 6 was the final day for bills to advance out of the chamber in which they were introduced to remain viable.
But in the state’s third consecutive budget deficit cycle, the tougher deadline proved to be May 23, the day on which the Senate and Assembly appropriations committees dispensed with their ‘suspense files.’ Any Senate bill with estimated costs of at least $50,000 is eligible for the suspense file, and the Assembly may place any bill with a price tag of at least $150,000 on suspense. With a challenging budget picture to contend with, both chambers this year nixed roughly one-third of the more than 1,000 bills considered on ‘Suspense Day’ – including several bills supported by CCA.
There is reason for optimism, however: some of the CCA-supported bills held in appropriations committees may be revived next year as ‘two-year bills’ or will be reintroduced in future legislative sessions. Additionally, both bills sponsored by CCA are alive and well in the Capitol, each having advanced to the second house without sustaining a single ‘no’ vote.
Below is an update on CCA’s legislative priorities at the mid-way point of the 2025 legislative year.
AB 353 (Boerner) –Communications: broadband internet service providers: affordable home internet
OPPOSE
Status: Pending referral in the Senate
Prior Action: Passed the Assembly 58-18
The Affordable Home Internet Act of 2025 would mandate that Internet service providers offer broadband Internet at a cost of no more than $15 per month to households enrolled in certain public assistance programs. While CCA supports affordable internet services, allowing Internet costs to be set by the Legislature – rather than the market – has the potential for dire unintended consequences.
ISPs have cautioned that the financial pressures imposed on providers by AB 353 could force them to reduce investments in low-density communities, undermining the viability of broadband access in rural neighborhoods. In an effort to stave off unintended harm to farmers and ranchers in less populous regions of the state, CCA has opposed the measure.
AB 411 (Papan) – Livestock carcasses: disposal: composting
CCA-SPONSORED
Status: Referred to Senate Committees on Agriculture and Environmental Quality
Prior Action: Passed the Assembly 79-0
California livestock producers have limited options for disposal of onranch mortalities. Only five rendering facilities remain in the state; concentrated in the Central Valley and Southern California, they are out-of-reach of many ranches, particularly those in the North State. Burial is legal in some counties, but terrain and climate often make legal burial challenging. Many ranchers
simply resort to bone piles, but these can be attractants for mountain lions, coyotes, wolves and other predators. In Humboldt County, producers have even been known to drop carcasses into the ocean via helicopter.
Forty-two other states offer another disposal option: composting. Even California permits the practice in certain declared emergencies, but on-ranch composting of routine mortalities has been prohibited by CalRecycle regulation for decades. AB 411 seeks to change that, legalizing on-ranch composting of approximately six-ten carcasses at any given time so long as ranchers implement basic best management practices outlined by CDFA.
AB 411 is supported by a diverse coalition representing agriculture, wildlife and environmental advocates, sustainable food producers and rural counties. Despite aggressive opposition from some renderers, AB 411 has not taken a single no vote in the Legislature thus far this session (it should be stressed that CCA is confident AB 411 will not impact the viability of rendering facilities).
AB 491 (Connolly) – Climate goals: natural and working lands
SUPPORT
Status: Held in the Assembly Appropriations Committee
Prior Action: Passed the Assembly Natural Resources Committee 9-3
Last year, the Newsom Administration released a document identifying targets for the application of various nature-based climate solutions. The roadmap was largely favorable for California’s cattle producers. For instance, the document calls for the state to implement 2.5 million acres of wildfire resilience treatments per year by 2045 via controlled burns, prescribed grazing and other mechanisms, and prioritizes grazing to help restore more than 55,000 acres per year of degraded grasslands.
AB 491 would have codified the state’s nature-based climate solution targets in statute, potentially spurring further action by the state to achieve its targets for prescribed fire and expanded grazing. Unfortunately, with an estimated one-time cost of $4.4 million and annual costs exceeding $500,000, the bill was the victim of a challenging budget cycle and was held in the Assembly Appropriations Committee.
AB 525 (Lackey) – Basic Inspection of Terminals program: agricultural vehicles
CCA-SPONSORED
Status: Will be heard in the Senate Transportation Committee on June 24
Prior Action: Passed the Assembly 71-0
The California Highway Patrol’s Basic Inspection of Terminals Program requires
certain motor carriers to periodically submit their vehicles, maintenance records and driving records for CHP inspection, with attendant fees paid to the Department of Motor Vehicles. But while these safety inspections may be sensible for California’s large semi-truck fleets, they serve little public safety benefit when applied to agricultural vehicles and can be costly and timeconsuming for livestock producers.
Fortunately, CCA has managed to exempt livestock producers from the BIT Program since 2016 via legislation authored by Assemblyman Tom Lackey (R-Palmdale). With the current exemption set to sunset on Jan. 1, 2026, CCA has again partnered with Asm. Lackey to extend the agricultural vehicle exemption until 2031.
While AB 525 initially sought to make the exemption permanent, CCA accepted limiting amendments to avoid opposition from organized labor – though the Association will of course work to renew the exemption as the new sunset date nears.
Status: Will be heard in the Senate Natural Resources and Water Committee on June 24
Prior Action: Passed the Assembly 78-0
AB 846 would create a voluntary, streamlined process for local governments to coordinate wildfire preparedness activities – including prescribed grazing – with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. Specifically, the bill authorizes local governments to submit to CDFW wildfire preparedness plans which include designs for minimizing impacts to threatened and endangered wildlife.
The bill would then give CDFW 90 days to advise the local government whether an incidental take permit is needed for the activities or whether “there are other considerations, exemptions, or streamlined pathways that the wildfire preparedness activities qualify for.”
Governor Newsom previously vetoed similar legislation, CCA-Supported AB 2330 (Holden, 2024), arguing that it would create “significant, ongoing costs that should be considered in the annual budget process.” CCA and a broad coalition of wildfire resilience advocates are pressing for a more favorable outcome this year.
AB 1232 (Ávila Farías) – Proposed regulations: cost of living impact on residents of the state
SUPPORT
Status: Held in the Assembly Appropriations Committee
Prior Action: Passed the Asm. Economic Development, Growth and Household Impact Committee 8-0; passed the Asm. Judiciary Committee 12-0
When legislators met for a year-end sesson organizational session on De.c 2, 2024, Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas (D-Hollister) announced that lawmakers’ central focus this session would be affordability, advising his colleagues “to consider every bill through the lens of Californians who are anxious about affordability.” In that spirit, Asm. Ávila Farías (D-Concord) authored AB 1232, which sought to require state regulatory agencies to analyze and disclose the cost-of-living impacts of proposed regulations. CCA has consistently urged regulators to consider the economic implications of proposed regulations, and thus eagerly supported AB 1232. Unfortunately, amid fears that this sensible policy would cost state agencies “millions of dollars to tens of millions of dollars annually,” appropriators held the measure in the Assembly
AB 1311 (Hart) – California Rangeland, Grazing Land and Grassland Protection Program
SUPPORT
Status: Held in the Assembly Appropriations Committee
Prior Action: Passed the Assembly Natural Resources Committee 14-0
Sponsored by the California Rangeland Trust, AB 1311 sought to allocate $400 million from the $10 billion Climate Bond approved by voters in 2024 to fund voluntary conservation easements through the California Rangeland, Grazing Land and Grassland Protection Program administered by the Wildlife Conservation Board. Unfortunately, the bill was held in the Assembly Appropriations Committee.
SB 90 (Seyarto) – Proposition 4 grants: mobile rigid water storage: electrical generators
SUPPORT
Status: Held in the Senate Appropriations Committee
Prior Action: Passed the Sen. Governmental Organization Committee 13-0; passed the Sen. Natural Resources and Water Committee 6-0
SB 90 sought to make funds available from Proposition 4, the 2024 Climate Bond, for a variety of wildfire prevention and response projects, including the pre-positioning of mobile rigid water storage and mobile rigid dip tanks to support firefighting efforts.
Because the bill was targeted at improving the state’s wildfire resilience – particularly in rural and remote areas of the state – CCA supported the measure. As was the fate of several bills seeking to earmark Proposition 4 funds, however, SB 90 was held in the Appropriations Committee and will not advance this session.
SB 223 (Alvarado-Gil) – The Wildfire Smoke and Health Outcomes Data Act
SUPPORT
Status: Held in the Senate Appropriations Committee
Prior Action: Passed the Sen. Health Committee 11-0; passed the Sen. Natural Resources and Water Committee 6-0
The Wildfire Smoke and Health Outcomes Data Act would have directed state agencies to establish a data platform combining wildfire smoke data and health data to provide “adequate information to understand the negative health impacts on California’s population caused by wildfire smoke” and evaluate “the effectiveness of investments in forest health and wildfire mitigation on health outcomes in California.”
CCA hoped that such a platform would help assess the health benefits of wildfire-prevention strategies such as prescribed fire and livestock grazing that prevent or reduce noxious smoke from wildfire. Unfortunately, SB 223 was held in the Senate Appropriations Committee, suffering a similar fate to Sen. Alvarado-Gil’s identical 2024 legislation, SB 945, which was held last year in the Assembly’s Appropriations Committee.
SB 462 (Cortese) – California Farmland Conservancy Program: conservation easements: funding SUPPORT IF AMENDED
Status: Held in the Senate Appropriations Committee
Prior Action: Passed the Senate Natural Resources and Water Committee 6-0
AB 462 would have annually appropriated $20 million from the General Fund to the California Farmland Conservancy Program Funding Account to fund conservation easements preserving agricultural land. Troublingly, though, the legislation defined “agricultural land” as “land that is flat and produces crops,” thereby excepting rangelands from the program.
CCA joined the American Farmland Trust and California Climate and Agriculture Network in signaling our willingness to support the bill if it were amended to make grazing lands eligible for the program.
The bill was held in the Assembly Appropriations Committee before such amendment could be negotiated, however –not surprisingly, given that the bill would have diverted millions from the General Fund.
SB 601 (Allen) – Water: waste discharge OPPOSE
Status: Pending referral in the Assembly Prior Action: Passed the Senate 23-12
In 2023, the U.S. Supreme Court issued its decision in Sackett v. EPA, significantly limiting the Environmental Protection Agency and Army Corps of Engineers’ jurisdiction over wetlands to those which have “a continuous surface connection” with a traditional navigable water.
SB 601 seeks to apply state law protections to all wetlands and other waters which lost federal protections as a result of the Sackett decision. CCA welcomed the Sackett decision because it reduced regulatory and permitting barriers for agricultural producers, and we have opposed SB 601 because it would reimpose those same bureaucratic obstacles at the state level.
SB 601 passed the Senate with only two votes above the bare minimum needed to advance. While the bill has been favorably amended during the legislative session (most recently to remove the specter of citizen suits against businesses from the bill), CCA remains opposed to the measure.
Selling 1,000 head of Angus sired, program feeder calves along with 2 loads of bred cows.
Keith & Jennifer Gardiner, owner Shafter, CA
VET VIEWS
5 MYTHS OF PARASITE CONTROL
IDENTIFYING THE MISUNDERSTANDINGS OF PARASITE CONTROL
from Zoetis
It’s estimated that the cattle industry loses about $3 billion each year in lost weight gains, poor feed conversion and increased disease because of internal parasites. With the financial impact and animal welfare concerns on cattle operations, it is important for producers to understand parasite control, as well as the misconceptions about parasite control.
Here are five parasite control myths that might be putting a producer’s management program at risk.
MYTH NO. 1: All active ingredients in parasite control products have the same efficacy.
There are different active ingredients and different classes of dewormers, which should be used strategically on an operation for effective parasite control, advises Mark Alley, DVM, managing veterinarian with Zoetis.
Products such as Dectomax® Pour-On, Dectomax® Injectable or Valcor® (doramectin and levamisole injection) provide both extended therapy and good efficacy against both adult and inhibited Ostertagia, the brown stomach worm. However, in populations of cattle where Cooperia, Nematodirus or Haemonchus are an issue, white dewormers such as Valbazen® Suspension may be a better selection. It is important that a producer has a discussion with his or her veterinarian or animal health provider to determine which is most appropriate.
MYTH NO. 2: My animals look fine, so I don’t have a parasite resistance problem.
“Parasitologists agree that no dewormer provides 100 percent effectiveness against parasites,” said Alley. “We make the assumption that all parasite control products are 100 percent effective, but even with 50 percent kill of parasites, producers will see a clinical improvement in the animals.”
Alley says producers can’t tell visually if there is a resistant parasite problem in the herd. They need to work closely with their veterinarian to diagnose resistant parasites and establish a comprehensive deworming program.
MYTH NO. 3: Parasites cannot
withstand winter’s cold temperatures.
“It is a mistake to think it gets cold enough to kill parasites over the winter,” Alley said.
Parasites can simply overwinter in cattle or pastures. While winter may take its toll on many things, studies demonstrate that infective larvae were able to survive on pastures during winter months.
MYTH NO. 4: Antiparasitics can be administered to work at a producer’s convenience.
Timing is critical for administering antiparasitic products. Often, producers deworm when it’s most convenient for them, rather than when it’s most effective to control parasites or most beneficial to the animal. Alley recommends deworming prior to turnout on fresh pasture, typically in the spring, and later when pastures become dormant. Geography and weather conditions may alter this timing.
MYTH NO. 5: Dosing to the average weight of the group is adequate.
It’s important for producers to not only match the dewormer to the type of parasite challenge but also to administer each dose per the animal’s calculated weight. Incorrect dosing has been identified as a major contributor to the development of resistant parasites. A common practice is to dose products to the average weight of the herd, rather than to the individual weight of the animal. In this case, half the herd could be underdosed.
5% OFF SELECT WATER TROUGHS
Pictured: 415 Gallon Painted + Galvanized Water Troughs
HELLO, THERE!
Get to know Assemblywoman Heather Hadwick
by CCA Director of Communications Katie Roberti
QMany CCA members got to meet with you at our legislative day this Spring. For our members who haven’t had the opportunity to get to know you, let’s start by hearing a little bit about yourself.
AI was raised by a single mom in Siskiyou County, right on the Oregon border, in a town of about 800 people called Dorris. I didn’t grow up in the agricultural world. When I was 15 years old, though, I started dating my husband, and his family had cattle and timber. I fell in love with FFA and agriculture.
I have a degree from Chico State in agriculture science and later went back for my master’s in leadership and business management. I then taught for a while and ran our county 4-H in Modoc County. This year, we have lived in Modoc County for 20 years. We wanted to raise our kids rurally but be close to our family. Modoc was a
good compromise for all of that, and we grew to love it. My husband manages the United States Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service’s Alturas Service Center, which serves the entire Modoc County and into Nevada. We also have a farm.
After teaching, I went into emergency management and ran our county’s office of emergency services (OES) for five years, through fires, floods, and COVID. I then moved to the county office of education for the last two years doing safety and preparedness. Then I ran for office, which was not in my original plan, but here I am.
QI want to hear more about your farm in Modoc County. I know you and your husband grow hay, vegetables, and pumpkins, as well as raise Highland cattle. How did you get into the Highland breed and is there anything else you would like to share about your farm?
AWe run our county’s only pumpkin patch. I attended Shasta College for my first two years of school. We ran a pumpkin patch there and I just kind of fell in love with it. My husband and I love kids, and we’re very passionate about agricultural education, so it was a natural fit for us. We also raise hay, vegetables, and cut flowers.
We’ve always had cows of some kind—mainly just to put in our freezer. But we took a trip to Scotland, and I became obsessed with the Highlands. When we got home, I actively started looking and found some in Oregon. And then the Highland trend hit, and it became this crazy, niche market where everybody wants a pet Highland cow. The craze is insane to me, but it has been very good to us.
Representing California’s Assembly District One, Assemblywoman Heather Hadwick is balancing the needs of 11 counties as she serves Alpine, Amador, El Dorado, Lassen, Modoc, Nevada, Placer, Plumas, Shasta, Sierra and Siskiyou Counties. In this conversation get to know the freshman legislator from Alturas as she shares about her family, farm and priorities at the State Capitol. This dialogue was edited for brevity and clarification.
Assemblymember Hadwick with her sons.
I’ve never been around cows like them; they’re just very docile and very chill. For Ag Day at the Capitol, we brought them down to Sacramento and they had never been to a city. My husband was having nightmares all week and was sure that we were going to be in the headlines. But we just walked them right up to the pen and they were fine. With them being so docile, it is a fun opportunity for people to learn about them and agriculture in general. It is a good connector because everybody loves a Highland cow.
QAssembly District One is a region of Northern California that many know nothing about. Why did you decide to run for the district’s assembly seat and what made you want to represent the 11 counties within it?
AI’ve always been fascinated by it, but politics was never really in my plan. When I was at the sheriff’s office with OES, I had the opportunity to learn more about the political side of things. I love policy, and I got to work with the Dahles (current state Senator Megan Dahle and her husband, former state Senator Brian Dahle) a lot because they were both on the emergency management committee. I have also always been tied into the community, serving on a school board for five years and serving as president of that of a charter school, but this is my first elected position. The Dahles talked to me about running and I was unsure about it. I thought “I’m just a small-town girl.” But we talked about it as a family, prayed about it, and decided that this was a good way to serve and be that rural voice. And that’s why I wanted to run.
There are not enough people who understand rural living, especially in Sacramento, and we need that voice. The same goes for agriculture too—there are not enough people who understand ag and our challenges. Wildfires are also a very complex issue that people often don’t understand. Because I have experience with fires working in emergency services, I know the fire process is frustrating, whether it is being proactive or after the fact in recovery. I hope that while I’m down here, I can teach people about that.
There are too many things worth fighting for, and I’m one of those people who can’t complain about anything unless I’m willing to throw my hat in the ring. I also really want my kids to live here and come back. My oldest is in college in Nebraska and he doesn’t want to come back. He can start a life easier there and we have to change that.
QIn this first year of your freshman term, you authored and introduced 17 bills. One of those bills, if passed, authorizes the California Fish and Game Commission to “establish a bear hunting season during which a person, pursuant to a
bear tag, would be authorized to allow dogs to pursue a bear in any area determined by the commission.” Tell us about the purpose behind this bill and why you authored it.
AMy entire bill package is very district-focused. Each of them came from a district problem, constituent, or county within the district. That is why I am here—to represent them. I want to actually get stuff done for my district while I’m here. Bears are a massive problem for us. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) needs tools in its toolbox, and California has even crippled them to an extent on what they can do. They haven’t used hounds for bears since 2012. This bill doesn’t let them hunt with hounds. It is just to keep them in the forest and not have bears come to town.
The first human death from a bear in California history occurred in my district a few years ago. I think we’re just having more human-bear encounters, not to mention the decline of our deer population. We have a lot of predators in our district, so this is just one, but this bill will help us keep bears wild and keep them out of town. It uses hounds for hazing and that’s it. It can teach bears before they become a problem so that they don’t have to be euthanized or relocated.
The number of bears in our State is through the roof now. They estimate that there are 60,000 to 80,000 bears in the state, with half of them located in our district. I have a very large district, so it makes
Assemblymember Hadwick and with a Highlander steer at Ag Day at the State Capitol.
sense that half of them would be in our district; however, our footprint is not growing. We live in very rural communities. We’re not building out. The bears have plenty of land to roam on. They’re coming to town because they don’t have that natural fear of humans anymore. And if they can find trash cans, that’s easier, and they are going to stay. We only hunt about two percent of the entire bear population and are nowhere near the risk of overhunting. We need to start managing on a more holistic level, and I think this bill is a start to get that.
Post-interview update: This bill (AB 1038) failed to pass out of committee at the end of April. “I am deeply disappointed that the Legislature has failed to act on the urgent and escalating crisis posed by California’s out-of-control black bear population,” Hadwick said in a release after the vote. “Communities in rural and mountain regions are already paying the price—property destroyed, pets and livestock killed, and worst of all, a life lost. We had a chance to step in with a safe, non-lethal solution. Instead, we’re leaving families vulnerable and wildlife mismanaged.” Reconsideration of the bill was granted, and Hadwick said the legislation will continue to be worked on during this two-year session.
QOn our favorite topic of predators, I’m sure you’ve been talking a lot about wolves lately. It seems this issue has recently exploded in conversation.
AYes. I would say for me, it’s right there with fire insurance as our number one issue.
QWhat plans do you have to address this issue?
APredation of livestock, in general, is a massive issue for District One, and people don’t understand it in Sacramento, so I talk about it a lot. About half of California’s Assembly members are from Los Angeles. Approximately 20 of the 80 are from the Bay Area. They don’t live like we do. They don’t understand. Some of them didn’t even know we had wolves in California, and I’m showing them pictures and explaining what happens. I’m being very real about it because I think that’s what we have to do at this point.
I’ve been trying to encourage everyone to submit their kills because we don’t have accurate numbers. I talk to people all the time, and they’re like, “We lost 32 last year, but we didn’t turn any of them in.” I know nobody wants more government, and they don’t want to be bothered, but until we have those numbers, we won’t be able to change things.
The animal people are very, very passionate, and very organized. But it truly is an educational piece. And that’s why we brought our cows down
to Ag Day at the Capitol, for that. I talked about wolves the entire time. It’s just something that we have to keep talking about. This isn’t just that we’re losing cattle. We haven’t had a human interaction yet, but it’s going to happen. They’re not afraid of humans, and that’s scary. We have to be able to protect our property and ourselves. There’s a lot of misunderstanding about it and the more we can talk about it, the more we get real pictures out there, hopefully we can get some changes.
QWhat about compensation for losses?
ASenator Dahle and I did put a budget request in for $50 million this year and $50 million next year to try to make ranchers whole or as whole as they can get, but we really need people to turn their kills in because unfortunately, things have to cost money before the State will act most of the time and then we have to get that public pressure. We have to have a movement, and I think people are getting loud. They’re becoming more outspoken, and that’s something we haven’t always done in the past, so I’m very proud that people are standing up, telling their stories, and getting the word out.
QHave you received any feedback or updates on the budget request?
AWe haven’t yet. It’s a very long process. We did get other people to sign out onto it and we’re talking about and lobbying it constantly.
QYou understand the impacts of catastrophic wildfires, having assisted with evacuations, support, and recovery after burns for Modoc County and surrounding communities. You now are running multiple bills on wildfire. One of the bills you’re championing would exempt prescribed fire, thinning, and fuel reduction projects from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) in certain instances. What else should readers know about this bill?
AI think CEQA is a process that has been abused by many different groups and hinders really important fire projects, especially on our roads. This bill would affect communities with one way in and one way out— like Paradise and Greenville. Both could have benefited from streamlining like this. There are a lot of CEQA bills this year, some good, some bad. And some are very, very broad. My office decided to go into more detail in hopes that we could get it passed because most of the communities in our district are like that. I’m hopeful that it will pass, but CEQA has a ton of amendments. At what point does the State need
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to say, “Hey, if we have this many amendments, we need to reassess what’s working and what’s not.”
I’m not sure we can get it through, but there are a lot of bills around fire for CEQA, so we’ll see what the outcome is.
Post-interview update: As of time of press, this bill, AB 442, had been heard in the Assembly Committee on Natural Resources. After amendments, it was re-referred to that committee and is waiting to be heard again.
QWhat other solutions are you working on related to wildfire?
AWe ran AB 297. This bill would have would have increased penalties for arsonists who burn over 500 acres of forest land. It was killed in the Assembly Public Safety Committee. The members of the committee felt only six years was plenty, which is very frustrating.
Arson must be proven willfully and maliciously, making it difficult to prove anyway. If you can prove it, I think this would be a fair enhancement, especially for the thousands and thousands of acres we’re burning every year. We thought we could appeal to that environmental side that the Democratic Party seemed to be very supportive of, but unfortunately, that didn’t happen. I was bummed that it was killed, but we did ask for reconsiderations, and we’re going to try to make some changes and run it through again. The other wildfire bill I have is AB 441. It permanently extends the California Wildfire Mitigation Program. That had a sunset and was set to end, and we want to make sure that those partners can still collaborate on all their mitigation plans.
Post-interview update: On May 23, AB 441 was reheard in the Assembly Rules committee
after being amended. One other wildfire bill Hadwick authored is AB 429—a bill that the Assemblywoman’s office says “exempts settlements for losses from the 2021 Dixie Fire or the 2022 Mill Fire from personal and corporate income tax.” AB 429 is also moving forward as of May 23 after passing out of the Appropriations Committee. Both of these wildfire bills now go to the Assembly floor for a vote.
QAnd I’m sure there are hundreds of other wildfire bills you’re watching too.
AYes. Oh, there are so many. There are a lot of really bad bills out there too, but a lot of them, we were able to stop. It’s a very complex sector. If you’re not in it, you don’t understand how it works. So, I remind my colleagues a lot: please be mindful of your solutions because the North State will be the ones who burn. We’re going to have fires. We’re going to have them every year. We know it, and we don’t have the capacity to respond in the same way as a metropolitan area.
QSomething you’re probably experiencing, yourself as a farmer, is how expensive it is in California, with input costs being really high. Do you have any ideas on making costs more affordable or is there a way to do that through a means in Sacramento?
AThis is such a huge problem. Last year was the first year ever our family didn’t plant grain hay because the prices were so low. We were going to be about $5,000 in the hole because our costs went up about 55%, and then the price of hay went to basically nothing. That was a hard choice for us because we’ve always just done it because it’s our way of life, and we like it. We used it for cows and grazed it instead, but it is really hard right now. Those are choices that farmers and ranchers are having to make every day.
Our profit margin is small, and every little thing adds up. So, what my team is trying to do in Sacramento is look for exemptions. We’re looking for those marginal issues that we can agree with the other side on and trying to obtain exemptions for rural and agricultural areas. We’re just trying to get a little relief. Everybody’s drowning right now. I’m trying to be a voice that educates and stops a lot of the bad policy that comes out of here. I think being in constant contact with cattlemen’s, Farm Bureau, and the agriculture groups that are great about getting the word out is super helpful.
Having everybody come down
here and talk to their legislators is huge—so is taking them on tours. We’re taking them and talking about the costs. They don’t know how much it costs to keep one cow alive all year, or how much fertilizer costs have increased, or the cost of waterpower. I think keeping our energy costs down, keeping fuel down, keeping power down, all those things have that ripple effect on agriculture, so that’s kind of where I’m focused. It is a lot of educating my colleagues so that they know how this affects agriculture.
Q
Are there any other priority issues unique to your district that you plan to act on in Sacramento? I know we talked about predators being a big one for your district, but any other ones you want to highlight for our members that you’re working on?
AWe’re very rural-focused. I think almost all of our bills are kind of adapted for rural. We’re trying to take some pressure off our counties and small communities because they should be thriving, but they’re not.
Our schools are an overlapping issue. I’m on the education finance budget subcommittee and was given a list of seven schools, four of which were in my district, that need immediate help with fiscal issues. I told the committee—because they’re all from the city—that what the schools in these towns have in common is that they all have been plagued by huge fires. They were also once huge mill and agricultural towns. So, this is what happens when bad policy catches up with us. When you stop logging, those mills lose their supply and demand, and then your student population is going to decline, which puts you into a fiscal crisis.
Fire insurance is also huge. I wish I had a great answer. There are some bills that would be helpful, but I’m not sure they’ll pass. I hope they do. We have to find a better balance on how insurance companies can run their business here, but also how we take care of our citizens. I worked on way too many fires that people didn’t have insurance because they couldn’t afford it.
Q Are there other conversations happening in Sacramento that ranchers should be aware of?
AThe budget crisis. This is the first year that our revenue does not exceed our expenses, so this is historic for California. We’re dipping into our reserves, and we’re taking half of it this year. This is with a higher revenue prediction from the Governor’s office compared to the Legislative
Analyst’s Office. They predict that in 2027-2028, we will have a deficit of $30 to $50 billion. That’s a lot of money, and we should be planning for that now—and we aren’t. The Republican Caucus has been very outspoken about this and has emphasized the need to start now. There will have to be cuts made, and the parties have different priorities for what those cuts should look like. Affordability is huge on both sides, and I feel like there are a lot of things we can agree on. I’m hopeful that the cost and hardship don’t fall on the citizens, but it’s going to hurt everybody.
QHave you found a favorite place to eat beef in Sacramento yet?
ACorti Brothers. This is an old grocery store, and they serve the best sandwiches in the world. Their roast beef sandwiches are to die for, and it’s very affordable. It’s one of the best sandwiches I’ve ever had.
Q What’s your favorite cut of meat and go-to dish with beef?
A
I’m a tri-tip girl. I love it. Our family eats a lot of ground beef. Korean beef bowls are probably our favorite dish at home. They are just rice and our ground beef, topped with a Korean barbecue sweet sauce, green onions, and a fried egg. It’s very simple, but one of our favorites because it’s quick and easy
Keep up with Assemblywoman Hadwick on Facebook, Instagram, and X. Also, visit her website: https://ad01.asmrc.org. Scan the QR code to subscribe to her newsletter.
SECRETARY ROLLINS APPLAUDS EXECUTIVE ACTION TO BOLSTER WILDFIRE RESPONSE
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins and U.S. Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum joined President Donald J. Trump for the signing of Executive Order Empowering Commonsense Wildfire Prevention and Response, at the White House on June 12. The newly signed order directs federal agencies to consolidate and streamline federal wildland fire capabilities and enhance local response by adopting practical, technology driven strategies for land management, wildfire mitigation and response. It also directs agencies to modernize wildland firefighting efforts and expand efforts to prevent wildfires from starting in the first place.
“American farmland, forests, and communities have suffered the devastating consequences of slow and inadequate fire response cause by reckless mismanagement and lack of preparedness. President Trump’s suite of executive orders show that this Administration will not sit back and watch the destruction of our forests and property. We have the largest and most well-respected wildland firefighting force in the world, and the Trump Administration is working
in lockstep to reduce fire risk and respond quickly to emerging fires. We will keep working to ensure that no American town or family is left vulnerable to wildfires,” said Secretary Rollins.
Secretary Rollins was joined in the Oval Office by U.S. Forest Service Wildland Firefighters, including Forest Supervisor of the National Forest in North Carolina James Melonas, Helena Hotshot Superintendent Charlie Palermo, and Assistant Fire Management Officer of the Flathead National Forest Justin Kaber, for the signing of this Executive Order. On Tuesday, Secretaries Rollins, Burgum and Noem provided President Trump and his key senior leadership a comprehensive briefing on national preparedness efforts ahead of wildfire and hurricane season.
Key themes discussed during the President’s briefing included:
• Wildfire season outlook
• Federal agency preparedness and resources
• Current wildfire situation
• Canadian wildfire resource mobilization; and
• The Administration’s efforts to increase timber production and unleash American energy.
4,663 ACRES NORTHERN CA
DUNIPACE ANGUS INAUGURAL BULL SALE
Basin Jameson 1076
EZAR Gettysburg 1061
FEEDER MEETING...In full color
by CCA Director of Communications Katie Roberti
At the end of May, California and Arizona cattle feeders, producers, allied industry representatives, industry experts, and others made their way to San Diego for CCA’s Annual Feeder Meeting. An event that continues to grow, the Feeder Meeting offers a comprehensive program featuring education and industry updates in a one-day format. It also provides an opportunity for cattle feeders to connect and network with others in the industry. In this photo story, get a look into the discussions, presentations and activities that took place at the 2025 event.
FEEDER COUNCIL BOARD MEETING KICKSTARTS THE EVENT
WELCOME TO SAN DIEGO
For this year’s welcome reception sponsored by Boehringer Ingelheim, attendees gathered at a popular eatery in San Diego, Puesto at the Headquarters, for a time to mingle and enjoy some of the best tacos in the area.
CCA Feeder Council Chair Mike Sulpizio led the CCA Feeder Council board meeting to start the event.
Serving alongside Sulipizio as CCA Feeder Council Vice Chair is Jack Hoekstra, Oakdale. The chairs and feeders who serve on the Council are responsible for bringing forth speaker ideas and topics for the program, as well as activities for the welcome party and Thursday night dinner.
The Hilton San Diego Bayfront welcomed the event once again.
Animal Health International’s Leno Estrada and Frank Enriquez enjoying the Welcome Party.
CCA President Rick Roberti and CCA Feeder Council Vice Chair Jack Hoekstra at the Welcome Party.
Boehringer Ingelheim’s Juan Rodriguez and Jacob Conway with FERA Diagnostics & Biologicals’ Cortney Lawrence
Most Valuable Performance
Elite
Most Valuable Phenotype
Most Valuable Profit
Our customers’ calves continue to bring a premium – The only reason we do this is for our commercial customers to be profitable.
PACKED PROGRAM
The program started bright and early Thursday morning with the CattleFax Update and Outlook given by analyst Holden Ramey.
Western United Dairies Director of Environmental Services and Regulatory Affairs Paul Sousa shared an environmental update with attendees.
“Inbreeding Levels in Dairy Cattle: Where do we stand & should we be worried?” was the topic presented in the afternoon by David Erf, M.S., dairy technical services geneticist for Zoetis.
Throughout the program, attendees heard from nine speakers ranging in topics including animal health, policy, trade and more.
Annette B. Jones, D.V.M., state veterinarian for the California Department of Food and Agriculture, gave a full overview on avian influenza: “The Basics, Impacts, Way Out.”
Feeder Council honored cattle feeder Bill Brandenburg, Calexico, for his 48 years of volunteer leadership to the California Beef Council. Brandenburg is the longestserving member of any state beef council.
Blake Foraker, Ph.D., assistant professor in meat science from Texas Tech University’s Department of Animal & Food Sciences, spoke about the evolution of beef x dairy.
Thank you to all of the Allied Industry supporters who helped make the 2025 Feeder Meeting a success!
NCBA Senior Vice President of Government Affairs Ethan Lane and NCBA President-Elect Gene Copenhaver participated in the event.
Grimmius Cattle Company was also applauded for winning the 2025 Beef Quality Assurance Feedyard Award.
The
Chef Todd Fisher, owner of The Meatery Butcher and Eatery in Seaside, closed out the program by sharing his story and unique insights from serving beef.
Ethan Lane, NCBA Senior Vice President of Government Affairs, painted a picture of what operating under the first few months of Trump’s second term have looked like.
WITH A VIEW
Mike Sulpizio, Gunnar Griggs-Bell, Annie Sulpizio, and Jenny Sulpizio enjoying the San Diego air before the evening’s harbor cruise.
Bimeda Animal Health’s Shane Strickler and Vaxxinova’s Craig Bosworth at the reception following the full day of speakers.
Laird Manufacturing’s Issac Isakow and David McComb are regular Feeder Meeting attendees and sponsors. For this year’s event Laird generously sponsored Thursday evening’s harbor cruise and dinner.
El Toro Land and Cattle Company’s Marybelle and Bill Plourd joined in on the post-program reception before the harbor cruise.
VSI’s Steven Gardner and his wife Leslie get ready to board the dinner cruise.
Mesquite Cattle Feeders’ Tanner and Riley Dill with El Toro Land and Cattle Company’s Joe and Fernanda Claverie pose before boarding the boat.
YOUR nhtc approved marketing location
SUMMER STOCKER & FEEDER SALES EVERY MONDAY IN JULY Featuring Large Runs Calves and Yearlings from Local and West Coast Ranches ‘Opportunity‘ bred cow sale MonDAY, august 4: 12 p.m.
FEATURED EARLY CONSIGNMENT:
200 Fancy, Black, 3- and 4-Year-Old, Fall-Calving Cows Bred A.I. to Calving-Ease Angus Bulls: E W A King William 9141(at right) and 44 Good News 1130 (below right).
Don’t miss this opportunity to buy these local bred cows and profit on this record-high calf market next year. Follow us on social media at Famoso Western Stockmans Market for more consignments coming by sale day!
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 17: Famoso Western Stockman’s Market Invitational
60th famoso female & all-breed bull sale Saturday, October 18 Bull Sale Consignment Deadline: September 15 Featuring 200 Reputation Bulls from Top California Breeders, plus 300 Fancy, Bred Females
PROMOTING AND PROTECTING “THE
CROWN JEWEL”
OF AGRICULTURE
by National Cattlemen’s Beef Association Chief Executive Officer Colin Woodall
During the May announcement of the framework for a trade deal between the United States and the United Kingdom, Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins stood next to President Trump in the Oval Office and pronounced American beef was “the crown jewel of American agriculture.” I should stop writing this article right here because that’s about as good as it gets. It is reassuring to have a Secretary of Agriculture who believes in us and understands that the role of the Secretary is to promote American agriculture and the farmers and ranchers who make it all happen. In just a few short months, Secretary Rollins has demonstrated she has the skills and fortitude to be a strong and effective leader.
Her advocacy was critical to the inclusion of beef in the U.S./U.K. deal. This bilateral deal has been one of our priorities for many years, but too often progress was thwarted by political hurdles and a lack of trying. The NCBA team has maintained our focus in demonstrating the quality of our product and our production systems to British producers, consumers and government officials, so when the opportunity finally presented itself, we would be ready to pounce.
When President Trump announced his plans to use tariffs as a tool to get new or better deals, getting this kind of deal was exactly what he was talking about. Once this deal is done, we will have exponentially more access for U.S. beef in Britain than we’ve had in the past. Patience and preparation have resulted in a trade win for NCBA.
I believe there will be more lucrative trade deals, especially since news broke as I was writing this article that we have started trade talks with China and the tariffs are going down. Secretary Rollins is doing a great job of being our advocate. In the first meeting I had with her, we focused on the importance of trade to cattle producers. I was thoroughly impressed that she took her own notes. I have never had a meeting with a cabinetlevel official who took their own notes. It was even more impressive when, just two days after our meeting, she participated in a cabinet meeting that resulted in the president announcing tariffs would not apply to products, such as cattle and beef, included in the U.S.-Mexico-Canada trade agreement. She listens and she acts.
Her skills are now proving useful in leading USDA’s efforts to help us defend against New World screwworms. You’ve seen us talk about screwworms since they were discovered in southern Mexico right before Thanksgiving last year. At that time, USDA accelerated their efforts with the Mexican government to hold the line and keep them from coming further north.
Due to a lack of cooperation, effective protocols and government bureaucracy, the Mexican government was not able to hold the
flies back. They are now headed north, and I believe it is no longer a question of whether we get screwworms, it’s when. This could have been avoided had the Mexican government done their job and listened to advice given by USDA.
Secretary Rollins understood that she needed to take swift and definitive action to get the Mexican government’s attention, so she decided to close the border. We are standing by the secretary on this decision because we need to do all we can to mitigate this pending pestilence. We hope the Mexican government will step up its action so we can try to slow the screwworm incursion.
This will give us more time to get prepared. In the next weeks, you will be seeing resource materials from NCBA on how to identify these pests, who to call, and how to treat your cattle. We haven’t had to deal with this since the 1960s, so many of us don’t have experience in what we are about to fight. We must do all we can to protect the health of our cattle, but please remember screwworms can affect wildlife, dogs, people and other warm-blooded animals.
Closing the border is not without its consequences, and it is already having an economic impact on us. Many of our members rely on feeder cattle coming out of Mexico. We are already dealing with historically low cattle
numbers, so we could see packing plants scale back or possibly shut down. That will have a ripple effect across all segments of cattle and beef production. There are no easy answers to this situation, but we are approaching it by keeping all variables in mind and pushing for a quick resolution to the screwworm scourge.
The only effective way to eradicate New World screwworms is with introduction of sterile males. New World screwworm females only mate once, so the sterile males are the way to stop, control and ultimately eradicate this pest. However, it will take hundreds of millions of sterile flies each week to get this done.
We are working with several of our state partner associations to push Secretary Rollins and Congress to build a domestic sterile fly production facility to help us win this war. This will be a war, and it is our cow-calf members in south Texas who are on the initial front lines. The state and national partnership will be critical in providing the help and resources cattle producers need to be prepared.
If you wondered what the next “black swan” event was going to be for us, this is it. They are flesh-eating larvae that turn into black flies with big red eyes. What they don’t realize is they are now facing a formidable foe… America’s cattle producers.
HOW THE WEST IS STILL WON
by Managing Editor Stevie Ipsen
There is an old anecdote that says something to the effect of, “Once in your life you need a lawyer, once in your life you may need a doctor but three times a day every day you need a farmer.” The fact also remains that the overwhelming majority of people loathe the thought of needing a lawyer or doctor while farmers and ranchers are embraced for being among America’s most trusted professions.
A recent fashion magazine credited Beyonce’s western album for a recent uptick in western fashion trends but it seems far more likely that depictions of the real wild west inspired Beyonce to release a western album. Regardless of which came first, one thing is holding true – people everywhere are fascinated with western culture and want to be a part of it. For some, western life depicted on the big screen may be as close as they will ever come to meeting a cowboy or riding a horse but for others, knowing people like the Dutton Family becomes an aspiration and has tourists flocking to western locations to be part of the action.
For ranchers who may have, at times, felt underappreciated for their day-in and day-out labor of love, it may be refreshing to see A-list celebrities like Luke Grimes, who plays Kaycee Dutton on Paramount’s Yellowstone series, embracing a culture he has known for less than a decade. Though Grimes is a native of Dayton, Ohio, his exposure to the ranching way of life has led him to long-term interest in ranching and the great outdoors. Most recently, Grimes accepted a deal to be spokesperson for Stetson, capitalizing on the cowboy image he has become known for.
Though not everyone exposed to this rugged lifestyle will be a permanent convert, it is likely they will at a minimum become an advocate. In recent decades there has been fear that cowboys are a dying breed and that the needs of urban America will overtake the simplistic joys from rural America.
Fortunately, there is something that can be done to calm these fears, convert urban dwellers to a different way of thinking and save the west as we know it.
Depending on what area of the country ranchers call home, their perspective on this “western wave,” might vary. Opinions of the “reality” portrayed on television definitely raises the eyebrows of those that know the horse and cattle industry best. But at the very least Yellowstone producer Taylor Sheridan has shed light on the adventure of cattle ranching, the beauty of the great outdoors and the vitality of America’s farmers and ranchers. What we do with this new-found glory is really up to us.
RIDING THE WESTERN WAVE
When the west was first settled, the golden coast of California was as cowboy as anywhere in the western hemisphere. Settled by Spanish Vaqueros in the south and fearlessly rugged gold miners in the north, California was covered by the bravest of the brave – hoping to either peacefully run cattle in the best climate on earth or strike it rich in the California sun. Just as in other regions, the aspirations of most of the early settlers changed due to circumstance and they changed course. An influx of optimistic immigrants rapidly turned California into not just the most populous state but also arguably the most diverse.
What many people know of California is her palm trees, beaches, Disney and Hollywood destinations. But for the ranching families that evolved from the early settlers, preserving the western way of life for the future becomes more and more important with each generation. The Rankins, Hunewills and Varians are just three California ranch families who have a life-long commitment to preserving ranching in their region and helping educate the general public to do the same.
Rankin Ranch
Amanda Rankin Barrett, from the small community of Caliente, was born and raised on her family’s 31,000-acre cattle ranch in rural Kern County, about two hours north of Los Angeles. Family-owned and operated since 1863, the Rankin Family opened their picturesque property to the public in 1965 and have been warmly welcoming guests ever since. Today, the fourth, fifth and sixth generations of Rankins are the heart of the operations.
Agriculture advocacy has always been important to the Rankins. Amanda’s grandfather was a president of the California Cattlemen’s Association and she, her sisters and mother have always been involved in the California CattleWomen’s Association, which serves as an auxiliary organization to the Cattlemen, educating the public on beef production and nutrition.
Amanda says the Rankin family has always felt passionate about sharing their way of life with others and the Yellowstone phenomenon has definitely piqued the curiosity of guests on the ranch in recent years.
“Overall I think the show has had a positive impact on the dude ranch industry. It has made some guests ask about issues we face in the ranching community,” Amanda said. “There is always a good ‘train station’ joke to be had, especially since guests cross railroad tracks on their way to the ranch.”
With fewer and fewer people having a direct connection to agriculture and food production, Amanda said Rankin Ranch gives guests first hand exposure to a way of life that they may not experience otherwise. She said guests have the opportunity to experience life on a ranch for a few days and hopefully gain an appreciation for not only the beauty, but also complexity of raising beef cattle.
“Whether at the dinner table or out on the trail, it is an authentic opportunity for them to ask questions. We feel there is no better way to reach the more urban populations of consumers,” Amanda said. “We hope that through our family’s story they can understand the dedication that ranchers across this great nation have to their livestock and the land. It is not just a job, it’s a lifestyle that we love deeply. We hope that this will
impact future perceptions when they see a story on the news or are filling out their ballot and there is an issue that impacts farmers and ranchers.”
Megan Hunewill and Betsy Hunewill Elliott are sisters and fifth generation ranchers in Bridgeport, The Hunewill Family has run cattle since the 1870s when Napolean Bonaparte Hunewill expanded his lumber operation to include cattle, which were used to supply miners in the area.
Today, the Bridgeport Valley is still known for being a ranching oasis in the highly urbanized state. Bridgeport’s harsh winters provide an outstanding summer grass season near the Nevada border, about two hours south of Reno, Nev.
In 1931, Megan and Betsy’s grandmother LeNore had the idea of opening a guest ranch to help support the families cattle business. The model she started continues today and has led to some of Bridgeports most coveted traditions, like cattle drives and second-to-none patriotic celebrations.
With a seventh generation of Hunewill children now helping and running around on the ranch, Megan and Betsy express their optimism for how the ranch will continue for future generations.
“We were shown the importance of stewardship of the land and livestock husbandry by those that came before us and already the next generation is carrying on the traditions of the cattle and guest businesses and then are adding new twists such as our direct marketing of Hunewill Ranch Beef,” Betsy said. “Preserving our ranch also means educating the next generation on how to work together to do succession planning and team building so they can keep the legacy that is Hunewill Ranch. We have been working with facilitators who have been training our sixth generation to take over. The fifth generation isn’t ready to retire, but when we do, we want to feel reassured that the ranch is in good hands.”
Educating guests about what responsible ranching practices look like has long been part of the Hunewill Family’s program. which is something that television shows and movies do not show.”
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“Our guests love to hear about all aspects of ranching, whether it be irrigation, how a cow/calf operation works, what conservation easements entail, direct marketing of beef, horse training, livestock behavior, concentrated grazing and more,” Megan said. “We like to show them that ranchers can get along with each other as well as with government agencies.”
Though California comes with many stereotypes, The V6 Ranch in Parkfield, provides opportunities for city folk to experience a real working ranch just a stone’s throw from the coast.
John Varian, who has been on the V6 since it started operating in 1961, understands better than anyone the threat of urbanization to the ranching community in California. He has made it a mission to not just protect and preserve his family ranch, but also to educate the public and visitors to prevent further damage to the rural landscape in his area.
The V6 Ranch envelopes 20,000 acres of the most diverse and alluring country in the heart of Central California. Each year on the V6 Ranch, they raise 800 to 1000 stocker cattle. Calves are purchased after they’ve been weaned and raised until they are ready to be finished at a feed lot. John says the stocker cattle gives them flexibility with herd size, allowing them to rest the ranch when needed.
During select times, guests are invited to experience life on the V6 Ranch, learn ranch skills and soak up the beauty of the spectacular property.
The V6 Ranch hosts one of the most diverse ecosystems in the United States. Its grasslands, chaparral, tree groves, lakes and more provide a home to black tailed deer, wild boar, coyotes, native plants, over 200 species of birds and so much more.
In 2001, 17,000 acres of the V6 Ranch were protected under a conservation easement. This ensured that the V6 Ranch will stay open, undivided
and undeveloped for perpetuity.
Because of their proximity to much more urban areas of the state, John says most of their visitors are unfamiliar with ranching or come with many misperceptions that are hopefully corrected by the time they leave the ranch.
“We hope that when guests leave our ranch they understand the deep love and respect ranchers have for the land and its inhabitants and that they gain a sense of pride in this unique American subculture and tradition that still lives strong today,” John Varian said. “We try our best to show guests that ranches can be an incredible tool for conservation, protecting our futures while also maintaining the rich cowboy tradition and the knowledge that it holds. We’ve done our job right if guests leave the V6 with an understanding that ranching can be so much more than just raising cattle.”
Dude ranches, John explains, can be incredible outreach tools. “They literally allow people to ‘walk a mile in our boots,’ and witness ranch life firsthand,’ he said. “Here at the V6 it is so important for us to provide an accessible and authentic entry point into the ranching world so people from all walks of life can gain a true understanding of ranchers and the important work they do.”
TAKING THE BAD WITH THE GOOD
While the guest ranch areas of California are not in immediate threat of population overgrowth, the state as a whole is. It is doubtful that the wonderment in the western world will cause California’s population to grow further. In other areas, however, the infatuation with the wild west has led to increased stress to surrounding natural resources and infrastruction. In parts of Utah, Colorado, Idaho, Wyoming and Montana, Americans are seeking to integrate into the western world to be part of cowboy culture.
There is understandably some down sides that comes with the renewed “country is cool” movement. There may be unseen factors to mitigate – more traffic, more pollution and more people needing to be educated. But in the end, outsiders are drawn to the western world because they want to be part of what the ranching community has. It then becomes the job of ranchers to authentically share the ups and downs of their way of life. For most ranchers and land managers, the uptick in western interest is generally seen as a positive thing. The more the public understands, the more they will support what ranchers do, the more beef will be on dinner tables and the longer ranch families will continue for future generations.
V6 Ranch
STOCKPONDS & LEGAL WATER RIGHTS
by Noah Lopez for the Ranchers Technical Assistance Program
I recently had the pleasure of attending the annual dinner of the Santa Clara County Cattlemen’s Association. At the dinner, outgoing president Brent Kirk shared about his recent pursuit through the association’s old records. He described trying to read nearly indecipherable handwriting on fragile paper dating back to the 1930s. In addition to noticing familiar last names and ranches still in operation today, Kirk was struck by the similarity between the issues then and now. He explained that the association’s records showed cattlemen were discussing the same issues that we are today; things like tariffs, transportation and, of course, water. It seems that although the particulars might evolve, the core issues facing our industry in California are ever persistent. As Kirk’s dive into the record displays, perhaps this is most true with water rights and, in particular, for cattle ranchers: stockponds.
The history of stockponds in California is actually quite interesting. While some ponds date as far back as the early settlement of the State, the middle 20th Century saw a substantial increase in the number of stockponds as the bulldozer and New-Deal era agencies like the Soil Conservation Service (which would become NRCS) promoted and even funded stockpond construction. The improvement of the land through stockponds was notable and the development of these water sources benefited both cattle and wildlife. There was only one problem: many stockponds constructed before 1914 never received water rights from the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB).
Although there is a relatively common misconception that stockponds don’t need a water right, stockponds are indeed considered a diversion of water and thus require a legal water right. Under California Water Code § 5100(c) the “impoundment of water in a reservoir” constitutes a diversion. Under § 1052, such diversions require a water right. While ample text has been dedicated to discussing the nuances of California’s water rights system, what’s important to remember for stockponds is that they require a water right and are subject to annual reporting requirements.
This is true if you build a pond today, and it’s true if your grandfather pushed up a dam 70 years ago.
This brings us back to our current concern; many of the stockponds in California do not have legal water rights. Long recognizing this, the State has created several programs over the years to bring stockponds into compliance. While ponds built before 1914 may have “pre-14” rights, ponds built after 1914 need to have some authorization from the State. For unlicensed stockponds, the most efficient way to obtain the required water right is through the Livestock Stockpond Use Registrations.
The Livestock Stockpond Use Registration program allows for the registration of stockponds less than 10 acre-feet used for the primary purpose of stockwatering, though incidental uses of aesthetic, fire protection, recreational, and fish and wildlife preservation and enhancement are allowed. Unfortunately, and unlike certificates, registrations incur an initial filing fee of $250 and require a $100 annual fee to maintain the right. If a registrant has more than one small stockpond they may add multiple ponds to one registration, so long as the total registration does not exceed 10 acre-feet and a ratio of one pond per 50 acres per registrant. Doing so allows the registrant to maximize the number of ponds per registration and incur a minimal amount of fees.
Given the significant fees that come along with filing and maintaining registrations, many ranchers wonder why they would go through the process at all. While this is a fair question, it is important to be aware that failing to obtain a water right poses a risk of steep fines. California law authorizes the SWRCB to issue fines for illegal diversions at the staggering rate of up to $500 per day. This actually increases to $1000 per day in critically dry years (Water Code § 1052). Even with these potentially onerous penalties, some may still wonder why they should register their ponds. After all, many stockponds have existed for decades without registration or enforcement for violation - why worry about it now?
While we’re not aware of any new enforcement effort underway, the advances in technology and satellite imagery mean that detecting stockponds without associated water rights is theoretically
now easier than ever. Satellite imagery can be compared to digitally mapped locations of known water rights, meaning enforcement could be vastly streamlined and potentially even partially automated. This is underscored by the SWRCB’s soon-to-be-completed Updating Water Rights Data for California (UPWARD) project. This project will transition the existing eWRIMS system to the new CALWTRS system, which will modernize the SWRCB’s electronic water rights system. Given these advancements, the days of hidden ponds seem to be quickly passing. It may be worth reconsidering whether now is the time to bring stockponds into compliance.
So how does one apply for a registration? While not nearly as complex or time consuming as applying for a normal appropriative water right, the registration application can take significant time. Applicants must provide ownership information, information about the source of the water, its diversion and use, as well as photographs and topographic maps. The application becomes even more complicated when attempting to group several small ponds under one registration. Additionally, the application requires notification of streambed alteration to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW). Thankfully, California ranchers don’t need to do this alone.
The Rancher Technical Assistance Program (RTAP) is here to help. RTAP is funded by the California Cattle Council and provides assistance on all kinds of regulatory, business and environmental issues to California ranchers at no cost. RTAP can help ranchers prepare and submit their registration applications - handling everything from tracing the water source to preparing the maps. Over the past few years, RTAP has successfully helped numerous ranchers navigate the process of completing stockpond registrations. If you’re interested in receiving assistance or learning more about stockponds and the Registration process, please reach out to RTAP at rtap@wrstrat.com or (916) 4096902.
Additionally, RTAP will be hosting a Stockpond Workshop via Zoom on July 23, at 4 p.m. The workshop will provide an overview of the Registration process as well as the ongoing measurement and reporting requirements. Attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions and work through scenarios they might face on their ranches. To attend this virtual workshop, visit: www. calcattlemenfoundation.org/webinars.
LIVESTOCK MARKETING ASSOCIATION APPLAUDS INTRODUCTION OF HERITAGE ACT
applauds the introduction of the Helping Ensure Rural Inheritance Transfers Are Generationally motion by Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Mississippi), would help preserve family-owned agricultural land by adjusting the Internal Revenue Code that forces many families to sell their farmland to pay
Mike VanMaanen, LMA president and owner of Eastern Missouri Commission Co., applauded negatively impacts not only livestock producers,
The HERITAGE Act would amend IRC Section the estate tax value of farming operations. The just $750,000. Adjusted for inflation in 2025 that figure is $1.42 million, and woefully inadequate
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RANGELAND TRUST TALK
BRINGING CALIFORNIA’S RANCHING INDUSTRY TO THE BIG SCREEN
by Alyssa Rolen for the California Rangeland Trust
At a time when fewer and fewer people have a direct connection to agriculture, the California Rangeland Trust is taking an unconventional approach to help bridge the gap—reconnecting people to the land and those who steward it through the power of film.
You Just Can’t See Them From the Road is a 50-minute documentary that shares the real stories of California’s ranching families—people whose work often goes unnoticed but whose impact extends across every corner of the Golden State. Directed by Keely Brazil Covello and Michaela Brazil Gillies and presented by the California Rangeland Trust, the film offers an intimate perspective on the challenges ranchers face in modern society, as well as the far-reaching benefits their work provides— not just in food production, but for the environment as well.
The film profiles five ranches across the state: Koopmann Ranch in Alameda County, Bufford Ranch and Tejon Ranch in Kern County, Hearst Ranch in San Luis Obispo County, and Elgorriaga Ranch in Fresno County. Each of the individuals and families behind these ranches tells a unique story—of resilience, legacy, innovation and the quiet strength that defines so many in the agricultural community. Four of the featured ranches are conserved through the Rangeland Trust, while the Elgorriaga family is actively pursuing a conservation easement.
Through sweeping cinematography and raw storytelling, You Just Can’t See Them From the Road has struck a chord with audiences—from those unfamiliar with working landscapes to ranchers themselves. The film doesn’t sugarcoat the challenges. It shows the real, day-in and day-out work it takes to live on the land, fight for it, and leave it better than you found it.
“We’re not in the filmmaking business; we’re in the business of conserving rangeland,” said California Rangeland Trust Chief Executive Officer Michael Delbar. “We’ve produced short videos in the past that captured parts of the stories of our ranching partners, and those were great. But they didn’t quite convey the full picture of what these ranchers face, what they are doing every single day for the benefit of all of us, and why conserving rangelands matters. This film is helping to showcase just that.”
And that full picture is resonating. Since its release, the documentary has been featured in nearly 30 film festivals across the
country and earned more than 15 awards, including best documentary, best California film, and people’s choice honors. Most importantly, it has sparked meaningful conversations in communities across California.
With the film’s festival run complete, the Rangeland Trust has launched a series of public screenings—something previously limited by festival exclusivity rules. Several screenings have already taken place, with more planned throughout 2025 and into 2026.
In Sacramento, the film was shown in celebration of California Agriculture Day, bringing together elected officials, agency leaders, and community stakeholders. California Natural Resources Secretary Wade Crowfoot and CDFA Secretary Karen Ross welcomed attendees and reminded the audience that working lands are more than open space—they are actively and thoughtfully managed by real people. They produce food, store carbon, recharge groundwater, and protect biodiversity.
At the California FFA State Leadership Conference, hundreds of high school students—the future of California agriculture—watched the film together. Their responses were immediate and heartfelt. Some saw their own families reflected on screen; others, many from urban backgrounds,
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You Just Can’t See Them From the Road is a documentary portrait of modern West Coast ranchers—invisible to and misunderstood by the rapidly modernizing society they sustain.
were introduced to the resilience, sacrifice and sense of purpose that define the ranching way of life.
Additional screenings in Santa Barbara, Livermore, and most recently Red Bluff brought ranchers and urban residents into the same room, facilitating honest conversations about the social, cultural, ecological and economic importance of keeping ranchers on the land. Attendees included ranchers, conservation partners, and members of the public—many of whom said they left with a renewed understanding of the challenges ranchers face and the value they bring to California’s agricultural and environmental landscape.
The film’s directors describe the purpose of the film best.
“We made this film to record the way West Coast ranchers live and how they view their relationship with the land,” said directors Covello and Gillies. “Growing up in rural California, we realized this world was invisible to most audiences. The chasm between cities and rural communities is widening. We learned that less than two percent of Americans feed the country, and their way of life is becoming almost untenable. The question we sought to explore was: If we lose these men and women in California and across the country, what else do we stand to lose?”
As an organization founded by ranchers for ranchers, the California Rangeland Trust understands exactly what’s at stake. Every day, we witness how much the land gives—and how much care and management it requires in return. With growing pressure from development, misinformation, and regulatory overreach, it’s more important than ever to tell the stories of our ranching partners—and to tell them well.
You Just Can’t See Them From the Road is more than a film. It’s a platform for truth, a bridge for understanding, and a tribute to the grit and grace of California’s ranching families.
To learn more about the film and find an upcoming screening near you, visit: www.fromtheroadfilm.com.
CCA SCHOLARSHIP & INTERN APPLICATIONS
NOW BEING ACCEPTED
The application period for the 2025 California Cattlemen’s Associate Scholarships is now open, and CCA encourages you to apply! In 2024, over $51,000 was awarded to students studying agriculture. The scholarships aid students in their current studies and future careers helping them to stay active in the industry.
“The Grimmius Scholarship has alleviated some of the financial burden of a college education and allows me to fully engage in campus activities and be successful at the highest academic level,” said Teahan Wunschel, a sophomore at Chico State University. “Being a scholarship recipient has allowed me to continue to pursue a rigorous academic program while also becoming an active member of my college’s clubs and organizations such as Chico State Young Cattlemen’s Association where I now serve as the club’s reporter!”
Scholarship recipients have pursued continued education opportunities and work in various facets of the industry ranging from veterinary practices, education, animal health and much more. Scholarship interviews will take place at the 109th CCA and CCW Annual Convention and California Cattle Industry Tradeshow on Tuesday, Dec. 2, at the Atlantis Casino Resort Spa in Reno, Nev.
“I would encourage someone looking to apply to the CCA scholarships to remain persistent and not be discouraged,” said Mia Jess, an incoming Senior at Texas Tech University. “My first year in college I applied and did not receive a scholarship, and instead of convincing myself it was something I would not ever be able to receive, I put my head down and applied with even more purpose the following year, which paid off as I am now writing this as a scholarship recipient!”
Applications for the scholarship must be typed and returned in full to Maureen LaGrande at maureen@calcattlemen.org Scholarship applications are due by Wednesday, Oct. 1 at 11:59 p.m. PST.
CCA’s annual convention serves as a chance for college students to participate in hands-on experiences, gain knowledge and connect with others involved in the industry by serving as a convention intern. Interns help CCA staff with convention duties such as running CCA’s tradeshow booth, onsite registration and other various jobs throughout the event. Interns have the opportunity to attend select meetings, general sessions and access to the tradeshow with complimentary registration. Interns will be able to interact with beef industry leaders and connect with other young cattlemen attending the meeting.
To apply to be a convention intern send a resume and cover letter explaining why you would like to serve as an intern to Maureen LaGrande at maureen@calcattlemen.org. Applications are due by Friday, Oct. 10, at 11:59 p.m. PST.
The film offers an intimate perspective on the challenges ranchers face, as well as the far-reaching environmental benefits their work provides.
In 2025, CCA awarded over $51,000 in scholarships to students studying agriculture.
Livestock Memorial Research Fund Scholarship • CCA Allied Industry Scholarship • Tom Grimmius Memorial Scholarship • Hank Stone Memorial California Beef Cattle Improvement Association Scholarship
Learn more about the 2025 requirements for applying & download the CCA Scholarship application at calcattlemen.org/scholarship. APPLICATIONS FOR THE 2025 CCA SCHOLARSHIPS ARE BEING ACCEPTED NOW THROUGH OCTOBER 1, 2025. APPLY TODAY!
RIDING OFF INTO THE SUNSET
REMEMBERING PAST CCA PRESIDENT DARREL SWEET
by CCA Associate Director of Communications Maureen LaGrande
Many family ranching operations in California are multi-generational, each with their own unique story of how they came to be. As time moves forward, those who helped pave the way for the next generation of cattle ranchers will always be remembered for their perseverance, dedication, and leadership. The California Cattlemen’s Association has been fortunate to not only have so many great members but also a long line of highly respected members in leadership roles over the years.
BORN A COWBOY, ALWAYS A COWBOY
Darrel Craig Sweet had ranching in his blood from the time he was born on April 12, 1947, to the day he rode off into the sunset of heaven on Feb. 15, 2025. A lifelong resident of Livermore, Sweet lived in town with his family, but could always be found out at the ranch on the weekends working alongside his grandfather and father. “He really grew up with ranching in mind and readily available to him,” said Darrel’s wife Karen. As Sweet grew, so did his interest in the cattle business, leading him to participate in the local 4-H and FFA groups, raising market steers and breeding animals.
Gaining experience and mentorship are both important factors when it comes to learning the ins and outs of cattle production. Karen shared that in Sweet’s teens and adulthood, he had three great mentors. The first was Alameda County Farm Advisor, George
McNeely. McNeely would take Sweet out to help with his trials and other operations, tagging along, he learned about the value of range seeding. Sweet’s FFA Advisor Jim Coelho also played a big part in giving Sweet additional learning opportunities. Coelho would take him out to his operations in Fremont and Dixon to help out. Lastly, Gordon Rasmussen, who was an active CCA member, encouraged Darrel to become involved in the Association and the California Beef Council.
Upon his high school graduation in 1965, Sweet attended Modesto Junior College, where he obtained an associate degree in animal science. Before Sweet headed to California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, to continue his studies in animal science, he married his high school sweetheart, Karen. While at Cal Poly, Karen was a home economics major, where she had the opportunity to take a meat-cutting class and as soon as she took it, she immediately told Sweet the class would bring all of Sweet’s cattle experiences full circle. Through his studies, Sweet helped to raise calves from birth, to feeding them out and then slaughter. Karen shared that when Sweet ran the idea of taking the class by his professors, they thought it was silly for an animal science student to learn about cutting meat. Aside from his professor’s
thoughts, Sweet, along with his friends, went ahead and took the class anyway. “Taking that class led Darrel into his dedication to the beef council and promoting nutrition,” said Karen. In 1971, Sweet was ready for his next adventure.
CONTINUED RANCHING AND CAREER IN AGRICULTURE
In search of a job, Sweet’s mentor, McNeely, heard about an opening in Mount Hamilton, located in Santa Clara County. Karen shared that an individual from Silicon Valley had purchased the ranch and needed a ranch manager to run their cattle operation. Sweet jumped at the opportunity and soon after he and McNeely went out and purchased some bred heifers for the owner’s herd.
Two years later, Sweet’s other mentor, Coelho, who served on the Production Credit Association Board, notified Sweet of a job opening at Livermore Production Credit. Wanting to move closer to where he grew up, Sweet accepted the position and became an agriculture credit banker and would work as one for the next 20 years. This new role allowed Sweet to continue helping his father out on the family ranch. “After spending a few years back in Livermore, we were able to purchase our own ranch in 1973, and it is the same one I and my son Eric live on today,” said Karen.
Sweet was thrilled to be back in his hometown of Livermore, where he continued ranching. “The Sweet family had a long history of raising Hereford cows, but as soon as Angus
became popular, we transitioned to raising a commercial Angus herd,” said Karen. Their son Eric continues to help Karen on the family ranch and lives there with his family. Karen’s daughter Melani resides in Colorado with her family. Family meant a lot to Sweet and Karen, both enjoying the time they got to spend with their kids and grandkids on and off of the ranch. “As a person, Darrel always wanted to spend more time with family, we loved to go watch their sports games and support them,” said Karen. In addition to Sweet’s career at Livermore Production Credit, he also worked for the Stockton Land Bank for a number of years. When Sweet left his role in production credit, he went on to work for fellow rancher Jack Sparrowk, Clements, in business management and held that role until he was selected to serve as CCA First Vice President. “Darrel was the smartest guy I ever knew,” said Sparrowk. “He was an avid reader and would remember everything he read.”
SERVICE TO THE INDUSTRY
Over the years, Sweet held a number of leadership roles, serving on various boards and associations. “He enjoyed and was committed to all of the groups he was a part of,” said Karen.
These groups included the Alameda County Resource Conservation District and Agriculture Advisory Committee, Contra Costa – Alameda County Cattlemen, California Cattlemen’s Association, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) Executive Committee, Cattlemen’s Beef Board, appointed by the USDA Secretary, California Rangeland Trust board of directors, founding member and emeritus director, and California Beef Council.
Sweet joined the California Beef Council in 1997 and spent 27 years participating in the Council and served on the executive committee several times. “Darrel would never miss a meeting, was always prepared and was always dialed in to our mission, contributing thoughtful ideas and support for the staff,” said California Beef Council Executive Director Bill Dale.
Karen serves as the director for the California Rangeland Conservation Coalition and shared how Darrel’s involvement in various groups and his past experiences helped in getting the coalition off the ground. Often that meant lengthy conversations to explain ranching and rancher thinking to others. He even made a presentation at the Central Valley Bird symposium. “I admired Darrel’s steadfast commitment and foresight on CRT’s role for ranch conservation,” said Karen. “With his knowledge of conservation and ranchers’ perspective, he was able to help us start the
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Karen and Darrel Sweet attending the California Rangeland Trust’s “A Western Affair,” near home at Wente Farmily Vineyard in Livermore.
California Rangeland Conservation Coalition.”
The Coalition has and continues to share the value of the states’ rangelands, natural resources, and ranchers working hand in hand to maintain a healthy environment and ecosystem. Caring for the land and cattle, Sweet had a deep passion for educating others on the importance of proper land management to help ensure continued access for future ranchers. “Darrel would want other ranchers to be well-rounded in their decision making for the land, and the cattle, kind of like an ecosystem,” said Karen. “He always promoted local resources such as the University of California Cooperative Extension and the resources conservation districts and the Natural Resources Conservation Service.”
Sweet and Karen both stayed active in their community through agricultural outlets. Ever since they were in college they worked every year at the Alameda County Fair and continued to do so for years to come. “We viewed the fair as a very important pillar of the agricultural community,” said Karen. “It served as an outlet to help promote agriculture and teach kids the importance of raising an animal and following the rules.”
INVOLVEMENT IN CCA
Sweet held a number of roles as an active member of CCA. Starting off, he served as chair of the marketing committee for a number of years before he transitioned into the leadership role of second vice president. From there he would go on to hold the role of first vice president and eventually president of the association from 2003-2004. When Sweet served as second vice president, he was the last to hold the three year term. By the time he became president, he had served on the executive committee for seven years. Recognizing what a large commitment and honor it was to be selected by the nominating committee to hold the office of
president, Sweet accepted the role with honor and excitement for the year ahead. “One of Darrel’s favorite parts of the office was being able to attend the tour meetings; he and John Brawley, then executive vice president, traveled all over the state,” said Karen.
Looking back on his time as president, Karen shared how Sweet’s involvement with CCA leadership took them to so many interesting places. She recalled when one of their trips brought them and Rob (then CCA President) and Margaret Frost to Washington, D.C., for legislative meetings with Senator Feinstein. The Senator had previously worked with Rob on an issue and wanted to visit more. She invited both couples to her home later that evening for refreshments and conversation. “We had a lovely and friendly chat in her front room, it was refreshing to converse with a legislator as a person,” said Karen. Another highlight was flying in our plane to an NCBA meeting in Jackson Hole and afterwards taking a car into Yellowstone National Park before flying back.
With ranching being a part of the family business, Sweet and Karen were so very grateful that Eric was willing and so capable to mind the chores during their meetings and trips. While alive, Sweet’s father gladly did so, too. “My dad ate, slept, and breathed the cattle and agriculture business,” said Eric. “Every vacation we went on as kids, we would stop at someone else’s ranch to look at their operation, land, and talk all about grazing.” In addition to all the ranch work, Eric has been busy with raising his very active children, Blake and Audrey, Eric and his wife, Michelle, have been behind the scenes.
Even when his years of leadership came to a close, Sweet continued to participate as an active CCA member, attending meetings and conventions along with Karen. As the next generation of Sweets take the reins, the memory of Darrel and his love for the cowboy way of life will carry on.
Darrel and Karen Sweet at the 2024 CCA Convention with friends Patty and Chris Ising.
Darrel talks about rangeland management on one of many tours at his family ranch in Livermore.
HIDDEN HAZARDS
PROTECTING THE CONSUMER EXPERIENCE
from the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association
Despite inflationary challenges, consumers continue to demand beef. At the grocery store, shoppers choose beef for its taste, versatility and nutritional value. The industry has worked tirelessly over the last four decades to improve quality and eating experience, however, a hidden hazard has the potential to derail those efforts. Foreign objects, such as buckshot, birdshot, needles and darts are found embedded in muscles during processing at alarming rates, and some of those items are making it all the way to the meat case in retail outlets.
According to the most recent Beef Checkofffunded National Beef Quality Audit (NBQA), all plants surveyed reported finding foreign objects during the harvest and fabrication of market cows and bulls, and a majority of surveyed plants (53.3 percent) reported instances of their customers finding foreign objects in their products. While plants have installed metal detectors and x-rays to help prevent foreign object contamination, it remains a problem throughout the beef supply chain. And, the problem isn’t only reserved for market cows and bulls, but for fed cattle as well. Foreign objects originate during production phases, beginning at the farm and ranch level.
In the early 80s, little focus was placed on quality and beef demand was cut in half between 1980 and 1997. Findings from the 1991 audit helped the industry shift from a supply-driven market to a demand-driven market and in 2024 beef had its strongest demand in 37 years, according to Patrick Linnell, analyst at CattleFax.
“Our industry has made improvements for generations to bring the best product to our customers,” said Trey Patterson, CEO of Padlock Ranch. “We’ve demonstrated resilience by persevering through the pandemic and other challenges, but we can’t rest on past successes.”
Per the USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service, beef containing foreign materials, regardless of size or physical characteristics, is considered adulterated and must be pulled from the human food supply chain.
Over 50 percent of U.S. beef consumption is ground beef and CattleFax estimates that a record $58.2 billion was spent on ground beef in 2024. Foreign objects wreak havoc on grinding operations and can negatively impact the profitability of supply chain partners from pasture to plate.
To understand the breadth of the problem, if more than one BB is identified in beef trimmings, the combo bin (2,000 pounds) of trim, and those produced before and after, are considered contaminated for a total of 12,000 pounds of trim. On average, today’s carcasses weigh 940 pounds, with 25 percent or around 235 pounds of the yield going to beef trimmings. To fill a 2,000-pound combo bin, source material is combined from typically nine or more head, meaning that a single carcass could jeopardize 12,000 pounds of beef trimmings. Thus, for every head contaminated with foreign material (like a BB), trimmings from 51 non-contaminated head are at stake of never making it to the consumer.
“Food safety is non-negotiable; it is an expectation of our customers,” said Patterson. “Consumers also deeply care for how cattle are handled, and it is our responsibility as producers to continue providing the product they demand.”
While the newest technology, including x-ray machines and metal detectors, is helping find foreign objects in processing facilities, they are not 100 percent fail-safe. Foreign material contamination in the live animal needs to be identified and ultimately prevented in the pre-harvest sector. Recent Checkoff-funded research conducted by West Texas A&M University is looking for ways to identify foreign materials in live animals.
“Our goal is to understand the efficacy of different devices to identify foreign objects in live animals and then determine how we can implement these systems,” said Trent Schwartz, Ph.D., with West Texas A&M University. “We hope to create one more way to check animals for foreign objects before they enter the packing house.”
Foreign objects in beef cause inefficiencies throughout the supply chain, which ultimately leads back to hurting the product’s value and creates a consumer perception problem that can erode demand. Reducing foreign objects in beef ultimately comes down to producers changing handling practices.
“We are professionals and are the best in the business at what we do; we as an industry must fix this problem before animals get to the packing plant,” Patterson concluded. “If you can’t manage cattle without shooting them, then you have no business being in the industry.”
WHAT’S GOING ON?
7PROPERTY & LIABILITY CONCERNS FOR RANCHERS
Schedule
Email: info@wsrins.com Website: www.wsrins.com
1) Rising Costs from Natural Disasters:
Increased frequency of wildfires, hurricanes, and floods is raising claims costs, leading insurers to hike premiums or exit high-risk markets.
2) Inflation and Supply Chain Issues:
Higher construction material and labor costs, along with supply chain disruptions, are straining insurers' profitability.
3) Reinsurance Market Struggles
Reinsurers are raising rates or reducing coverage, leaving primary insurers with higher costs to pass on to consumers.
4) Coverage Gaps in High-Risk Areas
Insurers are withdrawing from regions prone to disasters, limiting homeowners' options and pushing them towards costly state-backed plans or self-insurance.
5) Regulatory Pressure
Governments are scrutinizing insurers' rate hikes and coverage withdrawals, complicating efforts for financial stability.
6) Technological Challenges
Integrating AI and data analytics to assess risk and streamline claims is difficult and costly.
7) Litigation and Fraud
Increased claims disputes and fraud in disaster areas are inflating costs and complicating underwriting.
Graduation celebration
Each year, CCA recognizes graduates from each of California’s major university agriculture programs. The following students were nominated and selected by their university professors for their standout performances during their undergraduate career.
Not only has each of these graduates excelled in the classroom, they have also went above and beyond by seeking involvement in their school’s
KAIT BLEVINS
Coalinga ANIMAL SCIENCE
Plans to pursue a career in livestock and equine appraisal
WYATT KANE
Cottonwood
BIO-RESOURCE AND AGRICULTURAL ENGINEERING
In addition to as career as an engineer or welding inspector, plans to return to Northern California with the goal of owning and operating a cow calf ranch
extracurricular opportunities. Most importantly, each of these students has plans to continue on to a career still directly related to the beef industry.
CCA members should be pleased to see the future of our industry being so dedicated to their cause and to the agricultural way of life. CCA extends congratulations to the class of 2025 for the perseverance they have shown in working to obtain an education!
MARIS PRADO
French Camp AGRICULTURE EDUCATION
Pursuing a Master’s Degree in Agricultural Science
LISSET VACA Sanger
ANIMAL SCIENCE
Planning to attend Vet School
AUDREY COCKRELL Sanger
ANIMAL SCIENCE
Returning to family and neighbor ranches
SAM EVANS Ojai
AGRICULTURE BUSINESS
Planning to pursue a career as a game warden in California.
ASHLEY CRABTREE
Porterville
AGRICULTURE SCIENCE & EDUCATION
Will be entering the Master/ Credential program at Cal Poly SLO to further teach agriculture education
TATUM SITZ
Sisters, Ore.
AGRICULTURAL COMMUNICATIONS
Will be moving to Boise, Idaho to pursue a career in beef cattle marketing
CLARICE GUTIERREZ Sanger
ANIMAL SCIENCE
Plans to work as a veterinary technician
ANNA BIBBY
Sloughhouse
AGRICULTURE BUSINESS
Plans to continued advocating for the beef industry while also working toward a goal of becoming the first beef producer in her family
20 25 class of HERE’S TO YOU
AMELIA FLETES Alhambra
ANIMAL SCIENCE
Will be pursuing a Masters in Animal Biology at UC Davis
ELIZABETH MATTHEWS
Chico
ANIMAL SCIENCE
Has been selected for an internship with Gardiner Angus Ranch in Kansas
MIA PARK San Marino
ANIMAL SCIENCE
Will be attending veterinary school at The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies in Edinburgh, Scotland
DEYANIRA FAUSTO RAMIREZ Red Bluff
ANIMAL SCIENCE
Will be going to veterinary school to pursue a career as a large animal practitioner
MAKELLE BRYANT
Chico
PLANT AND SOIL SCIENCE
Is pursuing a career in rangeland management
GUADALUPE REYES PAZ Rubidoux
AGRICULTURE SCIENCE & EDUCATION
Is pursuing career in the agriculture industry
HANNAH WAYNE Cottonwood
ANIMAL SCIENCE
Will be pursuing a Masters in Animal Science with the UC Davis Animal Biology Graduate Group
SYDNEY HAGERMAN
Wilton
ANIMAL SCIENCE
Will be pursuing a career as a CDFA Dairy Inspector
IN MEMORY
SAMUEL JACKSON
Samuel Berling Jackson was born to Samuel Clinton and Amy Virginia (Kinnicutt) Jackson, on Oct. 26, 1932, at the Weed Hospital in Weed. He was raised on the Jackson Ranch in Edgewood, which was founded in 1854. The oldest boy of the seven children born to the couple, Sam was the fourth Samuel Jackson on the Jackson Ranch.
Sam attended Butteville Elementary School, and then Weed High School where he graduated in 1950. After high school, Sam joined the Navy, serving four years, 1951 to 1955, on the Fleet Tugboat, USS Tawasa, including time in the Korean War. After serving his country, Sam used the GI Bill to attend Shasta College for two years and transferred to Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in animal husbandry in 1960.
Sam married his sweetheart, Erlene Annette Ove, on Sept. 11, 1958, at the courthouse in Yreka, followed by a reception at the Jackson Ranch. Sam and Erlene lived in San Luis Obispo while Sam attended college. After graduation from Cal Poly, Sam and Erlene returned to the Jackson Ranch, where they spent the rest of their lives. They had four children: Samuel Earl (Stacey), David (Carol), Steven (Barbara) and Sheri.
Sam and Erlene loved being part of their community and always enjoyed getting together with friends and family for barbecues, playing cards, or social events. They also had a great time at dance club, hitting the floor regularly. As a couple, they looked so elegant and graceful whenever they danced—everyone loved watching them!
After college, Sam managed the Sam Jackson Ranch, dedicating his life to raising the finest beef cattle and hay. Sam was passionate about agriculture, advocating for and supporting cattle producers and the entire farming community.
He was a proud member of the Siskiyou County Cattlemen’s Association, as well as the California Cattlemen’s Association. He served on the SCCA Board of Directors in all positions, including President. Sam was a State Director of the CCA for many years. He and Erlene loved attending the CCA Convention each year. In 1995,
Sam was honored to be named the Cattleman of the Year.
Sam was a member of the Siskiyou County Farm Bureau, also serving on the Board of Directors and in the capacity of President. He was the Farm Bureau’s Man of the Year in 1981.
In 1982, Sam took great pride in being appointed as a member of the Board of Directors for the Klamath Production Credit Association (PCA), now known as Northwest Farm Credit, helping many people with agricultural financing for over 25 years. He and Erlene would travel to meetings and trainings for the PCA, enjoying meeting new people and making friends all over Washington, Oregon, and California.
Sam was a board member of the Siskiyou Water Users Association, working hard to preserve water rights for agriculture. Sam was an Advisory Member for Ag Preserve for the Siskiyou County Board of Supervisors, a 4H Leader, a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the National Rifle Association, and a lifetime member of the Cal Poly Alumni Association.
His friends, Frank and John Gorgi, introduced him to the Santa Maria Style Barbecue which became a lifelong passion. He built his own barbecue trailer and, for years was well known for barbecuing beef at numerous events, including brandings, ag fundraisers, annual Farm Bureau and Cattlemen’s events, and family gatherings. And don’t put any chicken on his barbecue!
Sam loved his wife and family, hosting many holiday events and gatherings. He and Erlene had ten grandchildren: Tyler, Megan, Ashley, Chelsea, Brittney, Heather, Ryan, Samuel Clayton, Colton and Lacey, and eight great-grandchildren. Sam lived long enough to meet the seventh Samuel Jackson, Samuel James, born on March 29. Sam passed away unexpectedly after an injury and brief illness on May 13. He will be greatly missed by his friends and family.
A family graveside service was held on June 7, followed by a memorial and celebration of life at the Montague Community Hall, with lunch barbequed by the Siskiyou County Cattlemen in Sam’s honor.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a monetary donation to the Siskiyou County Cattlemen’s Association for the Samuel B. Jackson Agricultural Scholarship, created to support the agricultural education of youth from Siskiyou County.
KENNETH ROGERS
Kenneth Bernard Rogers, Sr., 96 years of age, affectionately known as KB or Kenny, passed away peacefully in Fillmore on April 2, 2025. Joy Brockus Rogers, his beloved wife of 58 years, preceded him in death in 2009.
KB was born Nov. 15, 1928 to Chester and Velna Rogers. Just months before his birth, his parents lost his four brothers and sisters and his maternal grandmother in the flood waters of the collapse of the St Francis Dam. As one might expect, Kenny was a deeply cherished child, as were his sister Barbara and brother Charles, born several years after the flood.
KB Rogers was a cattle rancher, a farmer of Valencia oranges, and the owner of several businesses in Fillmore. He owned and operated the Chevron Service Station on Highway 126. For many years he was the owner and proprietor of the Fillmore Amusement Parlor, also known as the Pool Hall. It was a place for all ages to have a cherry coke, a barbecue beef sandwich and a game of pinball, snooker or pool.
For many years Kenny and Joy, with partners, ran cattle on a variety of ranch lands in the mountains surrounding Fillmore. The memories of the camaraderie of the cattle round ups are events that family and friends still treasure. Kenny was a loyal supporter of the beef industry and purchased many animals raised by young people in Future Farmers of America and 4-H clubs at the Ventura County Fair. He was a member of the Ventura County Cattlemen’s Association and in 2000 KB was chosen The Ventura County Cattleman of the Year.
Valencia oranges have been grown for almost 100 years and are still being grown by the Rogers family on their Piru ranch. After the passing of his mother in 1975, Kenny took over the running of the ranch. He remained actively involved in the labor and the operation of the ranch well into his mid 80s. He was a long-time member of the Fillmore Piru Citrus Association and was elected a number of times to the Board of Directors.
Graduating from Fillmore High in 1946, Kenny attended Ventura College. In high school he was a student leader as ASB President of the Student Council. He was an outstanding athlete. As a senior, both his basketball and football teams were League champions. As a football tight end, he was chosen all County Honor Team. In 2010, KB was inducted into the Fillmore High School Sports Hall of Fame in recognition for his contribution to the 1946 League Champion FHS Football Team.
As an active member of his community, Kenny was both a member and past president of the Piru Sportsmen’s Club, Piru Petroleum Club, and
Fillmore Club. For his long service with the Junior Chamber of Commerce, also known as the Jaycees, he was awarded a Plaque of Distinction. The Jaycees provided a number of community service activities for young people to develop leadership skills and create positive change in their communities.
The City of Fillmore honored KB for his 25 years of service as a volunteer fireman, captain and assistant fire chief.
As a long time donor and athletic booster, In 1972, the students of Fillmore High School honored KB Rogers by choosing him as the Homecoming Grand Marshall of the homecoming football game and downtown parade.
Growing up in Fillmore, Kenny learned to love catching fish in the Sespe River and backpacking and hunting in the Sespe mountains. It was a passion that lasted a lifetime with hunting and fishing trips to Alaska, Colorado, Utah, many parts of California and Baja California. In his 80s, he was still hiking the Rocky Mountains hunting elk and deer. The family remembers many fine meals of venison, dorado (mahi mahi), trout and salmon
Rincon Beach was the favorite vacation spot for the Rogers family. Family and friends were always invited and welcomed. There was plenty of fun in the sun and surf, ball games in the sand, board and card games, and it was Always Five O’clock Somewhere. KB was an enthusiastic Scrabble player, probably because he was usually the winner. Many years of voracious reading and crossword puzzles had sharpened his word play skills.
Raising Cymbidium orchids was a source of great pride and satisfaction for Kenny’s wife Joy. Upon Joy’s passing, Kenny took over the tending of the orchids and they thrived. The orchids have been in the family for three generations. Dividing and repotting of the orchids continues so that family and friends can share the joy of the orchids.
Graveside Services for KB were held May 7 in Piru. He will be deeply missed by his four children, Rebecca Rogers Eller (Tom), Kenneth Rogers, Jr. (Martha), Phillip Rogers, Samuel Hansen (Debbie); five grandchildren, Marie Haase (Brian), Amy Rogers, Kelly Rogers, Katie De Anda (Mitch), Christy Christodoulides; 5 great grandchildren; and many close cousins, nieces, and nephews.
The Rogers family wises to extend a special thanks to Dr. Micah Dickey, to the Fillmore Country Club, and to Los Robles Hospice for their professional and compassionate care.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Kenny’s name to the Fillmore High Alumni Scholarship Fund, 559 Sespe Avenue, Fillmore, CA 93015.
Longtime West Coast cattleman Nile Pearce celebrated his 100th birthday surrounded by 200 family members and friends at a party at the Glenn County Fairgrounds on May 3. Leaving home at age 17 with $2 in his pocket and knowledge about working cows in his head, Nile made his way to California and has been involved in the California cattle industry ever since. Friends from across the west and northern California gathered to help him celebrate the milestone occasion.
Pictured in Orland on May 3 are Brad Peek, Kay and Nile Pearce, and Ellington Peek.
WEDDING BELLS NILE PEARCE CELEBRATES 100 YEARS
MORRIS AND MURRAY
Emma Morris and JT Murray were married at the Timmons Ranch in Etna on May 31. The bride is a Program Manager at Siskiyou Economic Development Council. The groom Krueger Construction and also manages the Timmons Ranch, where the couple has made their first home in JT’s great-grandparents’ house.
KETCHUM AND GRIFFIN
On June 14, Bowdy Griffin and Hayden Ketchum were married in a beautiful meadow near the Sierraville Rodeo Grounds. Bowdy is the son of Bryan and Cali Griffin, Sierraville. The bride is from Loyalton and is the daughter of Tom and Christa Ketchum. Bowdy is a representative for Cattlemen’s Livestock Market and Western Video Market. Hayden is a director for ITS Logistics.
NEW ARRIVAL
LEDDY PICKERING
Jake and Liz Pickering, Gerber, welcomed their daughter Leddy Jean Pickering on May 28. Leddy weighed 7 pounds 5 ounces and was 19 inches long. Grandparents are Chuck and Jeanne Crain, Red Bluff and Kevin and Tina Pickering of Oroville.
installed miles of
visit with
your
NAME(S):
PRODUCER MEMBERSIIP
FOR CATTLE OWNERS AND THOSE SEEKING A VOTING MEMBERSHIP LEVEL
Cattle Numbers Dues
& Over
2,030
1,465
1,115
835
710 300-499 $530
100-299
0-99
$375
$275
• Calves under 6 months of age are not counted.
• Stockers pay at ½ the total number of stockers owned each year or minimum dues, whichever is greater.
MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION
3841 N. Freeway Blvd., Suite 130 Sacramento, CA 95834
FOR T HOSE W HO S UPPORT CALIFORNIA CATTLE PRODUCTION BUT DO NOT OWN CATTLE NON-V OTING MEMBERSHIP LEVEL
Statewide Allied/Feeder Associate $255 (includes Feeder Council Associate, Allied Industry membership and second membership. Second membership does not include Allied Industry voting rights.)
Statewide Stewards of the Land $175 (Available to non-producers that own land on which cattle could or are run.)
CCA Supporting Member $115 (Available to non-producers who support the industry.)
be 25 years of age or younger or a full-time student
Applicant’s Birth Date: - ORif over 25 years of age
Applicant’s expected date of Graduation:
INVESTMENT: $170 (Individual supporting members without cattle ) MEMBERSHIP CBCIA is an affiliate of CCA and is a producer driven organization that fosters beef cattle improvement and economical production based on information and education.
$1,870 *Fair Share is $1,586 base dues plus $1,304 incremental dues over 2001 head at $$.4307 per cow/calf
MEMBERSHIP: (Circle up to four below)
Noah’sRanchAngus
John Teixeira: (805) 448-3859
Allan Teixeira: (805) 310-3353 Tom Hill: (541) 990-5479
