GCWA Update, By Terri Parker

UPDATE

By Terri Parker, Georgia CattleWomen’s Association President

Hello, my friends of the cattle and beef industry. Here we are again at the closing of another year. December is upon us – and many of us are taking time to sit back and relax by a nice fire in the living room, sharing stories with extended family over a cup of hot cocoa as we wait to ring in the New Year. The time seems to have flown by. As I sat reflecting myself, I was reminded of the great strides that our organization has made for us as women and us as a collective group. My first thoughts were how GCWA has invested in young ladies each year; I wonder where many of them have grown. My very own Eryn Elliott was a recipient of one of GCWA’s scholarships years ago, and she is successfully teaching Ag education at Madison County High School. To watch how that money was used to grow had seemed to be one young lady; in truth, however, it is several young people, as she continues the mentoring and legacy. She completely embraces the GCWA creed of “instilling in the coming generation the love of the land and of the life, the humility and awe before Nature, and the hope and faith in the future that is inherent in cattlemen and cattlewomen.” Watching the fruit of the seed that the GCWA planted in her has been a blessing. It would be a treat to have those recipients from prior years report to us on where they are today, so that GCWA can see how far the reach has grown.

My thoughts then reflected to other aspects of GCWA. This past year, we have witnessed much growth and opportunity. If you will recall, GCWA began the year petitioning for our membership to be considered the same as our male counterparts in the Georgia Cattlemen’s Association. This was, to some degree, the beginning of a new era for us in the industry that we so love. For many of us already actively engaged in the cattle industry, our roles did not alter and our passions did not wane; instead, the passion-flame was fanned and grew ever brighter and stronger.

Our Mid Georgia Cattlewomen have been active and working. The ladies within that chapter set the standard for the others across the state. They are constantly engaged in the local events and state events. My first encounters with GCWA were with Cynthia Douglas. The local chapter in my area was modeled after her suggestions. Reach out to her if you need suggestions on activities for your group.

The West Georgia Chapter has hit the ground running. Get your running shoes on if you want to catch up. This group of ladies has spent time ensuring that the cattlewomen in the area have information and education at their fingertips. If you live in the area and have not joined, may I recommend that you give them a try.

For the Georgia CattleWomen’s Association, this is a time for us as cattlewomen to begin closing the books on the previous year and begin looking ahead to the next. Many of us are preparing for the new year to come in the GCWA – while a few of our members are adjusting to life with their own new additions. Congratulations to our own Brandi Varnadoe, with the new addition to her family; and to Hailey Partain, with the new addition to her family. My great predecessor, Theresa Molle, expressed it well when she said that it takes quite a cattlewoman to get out and work cows, hay and all those other jobs – and then come in and manage the home and family. Each of these ladies whom I have mentioned – and so many more – are amazing in the cattle industry, and they have a passion that is unparalleled. As you sit and reflect on this year, my prayer for you is that you have witnessed many wonderful transitions and can bask in memories that cause smiles to spread across your face. If you have not joined a local cattle chapter, please get out and join one of whatever descriptor. The industry is looking for people with passion. Come join us!

President: Terri Parker

2561 Hwy 82 S Jefferson, GA 30549 770-714-5977 coachtdawg@gmail.com

Vice-President: Hailey Partain PO Box 86 Thomaston, GA 30286 706-975-6826 hrobinson@uga.edu

Secretary: Jennifer Scott 392 Long Farm Road Jefferson, GA 30549 678-283-0936 jscott@braselton.net

Treasurer: Tracie Wheeless 1840 Fort Lamar Road Commerce, GA 30530 706-614-7436 4wvalleyfarm@gmail.com

Parlimentarian: Cynthia Douglas 1950 Delray Road Thomaston, GA 30286 770-550-1070 douglasfarm@windstream.net

Past President: Theresa Molle 190 Long Bridge Road Helena, GA 31037 229-315-1466 tmolle@windstream.net

www.gabeef.org/gcwa cattlewomen@gabeef.org

AMERICAN NATIONAL CATTLEWOMEN PO Box 3881, Centennial, CO 80112 303-694-0313, fax: 303-694-2390