California Cattlemen's Foundation Strategic Plan

STRATEGIC PLAN 2024-2029

a message from the California cattlemen’s Foundation California rangelands are the backbone of our state’s ecosystem. These lands provide over 38 million acres of naturally managed open space for thousands of endangered and non-endangered species. These species and ecosystems are thriving - not despite centuries of grazing - but because they are grazed. Preserving these open spaces is the legacy and future of every ranching family in California.

The California Cattlemen’s Foundation supports ranchers through advocacy, education, and research centered on improving and sustaining California’s diverse rangelands – the foundation of every ranch. This document serves as a roadmap for the board and staff tasked with carrying out work in each of those areas. These efforts, guided by this plan’s mission, purpose, values, and strategic priorities, will preserve the proud heritage of California’s cattlemen and cattlewomen and ensure that future generations are prepared to face the challenges ahead.

After hours of careful consideration and thoughtful reflection through a strategic planning process, the Foundation’s board members reached a consensus on the wording and statements presented in this strategic plan. Now, through focused measures and the implementation of the diligence put into the creation of this roadmap, the Foundation will continue to strive towards achieving its purpose of preserving and improving our state’s natural environment through sustainable grazing and beef production to make California resilient.

BILLY GATLIN EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT

MISSION

what we are working towards The Foundation is made up of ranchers and experts working towards this goal.

BY 2030, EXPAND CATTLE GRAZING TO 40 MILLION ACRES IN CALIFORNIA. -2-

values

how we conduct our efforts These core values drive our decisions and the work Foundation leaders prioritize.

WE ARE COMMITTED TO THE HIGHEST ETHICAL STANDARDS.

WE BELIEVE IN HARD WORK AND THE ENJOYMENT OF IT.

WE BELIEVE IN OPEN DIALOGUE AND BEING INCLUSIVE OF DIVERSE OPINIONS.

WE ARE COMMITTED TO RESEARCH THAT MATCHES SCIENCE TO THE NEEDS OF CALIFORNIA.

purpose

the meaning of our work This is the end goal for all the time, energy and effort put into our work.

PRESERVE AND IMPROVE OUR STATE’S NATURAL ENVIRONMENT THROUGH SUSTAINABLE GRAZING AND BEEF PRODUCTION TO MAKE CALIFORNIA RESILIENT. -3-

STRATEGIC PRIORITIES

how we will achieve our mission The Foundation’s leadership will focus on work in the areas of advocacy, education, partnerships and development to carry out the mission of the organization.

STRATEGIC PRIORITY 1: ADVOCACY • Reach 1 million Californians with messages on the positive roles of ranchers in managing our state’s natural resources.

• Deliver the message of the significant role ranchers play in managing our state’s natural resources to 1000 legislators, regulators, and staff members.

STRATEGIC PRIORITY 2: EDUCATION • Provide education to 1500 ranchers to improve resource management and profitability.

• Educate 500 legislators, regulators, and staff on the vital role grazing plays in managing our state’s natural resources.

• Foster relationships with 12 major media outlets in California to ensure credible information is being reported about ranching in California.

• Ensure 1500 ranchers are prepared for any potential threats or disruptions by regularly communicating relevant news, activist activity, and trends.

• Develop 300 ranchers to serve as spokespeople for California’s ranching families.

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STRATEGIC PRIORITY 3: PARTNERSHIPS • Build a coalition of 25 organizations that are committed to working with CCF to achieve its mission.

• Build a bi-partisan coalition of 25 legislators that proactively work with us to achieve our mission.

• Partner with 25 key regulators that proactively work with us to achieve our mission

STRATEGIC PRIORITY 4: DEVELOPMENT • Secure $500,000 in grant funding.

• Develop 10 corporate partnerships.

• Raise $200,000 annually in donations and contributions.

who created this plAN? The Foundation board, has strong representation from the ranching community, possessing hundreds of years of collective rangeland management experience. However the Foundation is also represented by members in the fields of resource management, engineering, risk management, and finance who provide expertise for Foundations endeavors in education, leadership, and land management.

The following board members went through a strategic planning process to create this plan and completed it in December of 2023.

Walt Giacomini, Humboldt County Jill Heely, San Luis Obispo County Pat Kirby, Amador County Natalie Koopmann, Alameda County Mark Lacey, Inyo County

Jack Lavers, Kern County Myron Openshaw, Butte County Rich Ross, Placer County Seth Scribner, San Luis Obispo County Mike Williams, Ventura County

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3841 N. Freeway Blvd.

Suite #130 Sacramento, CA 95834 (916) 409-6902 https://calcattlemenfoundation.org