The American CattleWoman

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From the President

Nikki We¨¶zo, UT | ANCW P e¨ideo¶

The American National CattleWomen have a long legacy I am proud to be part of. Each president has added her skills and talents to shape what we have today, I am humbled to be part of such a strong group of women. ANCW will be a voice for women in the beef industry long into the future.

Coming off a successful national winter convention, the Alabama Cattlewomen started the year off strong with a good turnout in Birmingham. They are raising the next generation and putting forth great efforts on behalf of the beef industry.

The Executive Committee met the first weekend in March to coordinate their efforts for the following year. Holding the meeting in Denver allows us as an affiliate of NCBA to have access to their meeting rooms, resources and chef. The English muffins made with beef tallow are to die for. We are grateful for their hospitality and want to build our relationship with them.

(President Continued on Page 3)

American National CattleWomen

Attn: Ashley Hughes PO Box 700038 St. Cloud, FL 34770

Email: ancw@ancw.org

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Contact the ANCW Communications Committee at communications@ancw.org

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THE AMERICAN CATTLEWOMAN

Ame icao Na¶izoal Ca¶¶leWzmeo Q¾a ¶e lÝ Ne×¨le¶¶e

The American CattleWoman is published quarterly: Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter. The American CattleWoman is designed to promote and develop ANCW programs and membership. It is a newsletter published to inform and serve the membership and to interest individuals in the American National CattleWomen, Inc. association.

ANCW Leadership L-R: Vice President Debbie Chute of Minnesota, President-Elect Casey Matzke of Texas and President Nikki Weston of Utah.

BECOME A MEMBER TODAY!

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ANCW ha¨ S¶a¶e Affilia¶e¨ f zm cza¨¶ ¶z cza¨¶! Gz ¶z aoc×.z g ¶z lea o mz e abz¾¶ ¶he Ca¶¶leWzmeo io Ýz¾ ¨¶a¶e.

2025 ANCW Leadership

President: Nikki Weston - UT

President-Elect: Casey Matzke - TX

BOD Chair: Leslee Lohrenz – MT

Region I Director: Brenda Kocher - OH

Region II Director: Madelene Means - AL

ANCW RESERVES THE RIGHT TO ACCEPT OR DECLINE ALL ADS. All ez ¶¨ aod × i¶¶eo ma¶e ial a e ¨¾bjec¶ ¶z edi¶iog. Ame icao Na¶izoal Ca¶¶leWzmeo (ISSN10425233) (USPS 315 470) i¨ ¾bli¨hed ¾a ¶e lÝ bÝ ¶he Ame icao Na¶izoal Ca¶¶leWzmeo, Ioc. All igh¶¨ e¨e Öed, iocl¾diog ¶he igh¶ ¶z e zd¾c¶izo io ×hzle z io a ¶, ×i¶hz¾¶ × i¶¶eo e mi¨¨izo. Ma ke¶iog z¨¶age aid a¶ S¶. Clz¾d, FL aod addi¶izoal mailiog zffice¨. POSTMASTER: Seod add e¨¨ chaoge¨ ¶z Ame icao Na¶izoal Ca¶¶leWzmeo, A¶¶o: A¨hleÝ H¾gHe¨, PO BzÜ 700038, S¶. Clz¾d, FL 34770.

Vice President: Debbie Chute, MN

Recording Secretary: Karen Smith, CO

Executive Director: Ashley Hughes - FL

Treasurer: Cheryl Foster, CA

Past President: Ruth Coffey, OK

Parliamentarian: Suzie Magnuson, FL

Region III Director: Donnia Besher - MO

Region IV Director: Linda Thorman - TX

Region V Director: Katharine Bruce - OR

Region VI Director: Callie Martinez - CA

Region VII Director: Beckie Christensen - ND

(President Continued)

The Executive Committee met with all of the ANCW committees to discuss their plans for the next year. There was discussion of expanding the legislative trip in October and possible ways to help with funding, as every cattlewoman who attends pays her own way. A new education program was also floated. WIRED is hands on ranching education, and there may be a need for educating women in ranching management and technology.

Madelene Means and Callie Martinez have stepped up to lead the WILD Women In Leadership Development program. They have great ideas revamping the existing program and adding training for our region directors, state presidents and committee chairs as to what is expected of them and how to ensure success for the women who will follow them when the time comes. They will present a new version of the program at summer meeting.

We spent time working on conflict resolution and the responsibilities of a board. These are a few of the highlights coming from the Retreat. Your leaders are optimistic about the future of ANCW and resolved to work hard in your behalf.

The long-range plan is a work in progress. The details are being drawn up by the committees. If you have input, please bring it forward. It is a working document designed to measure the progress we make as an organization. It will be exciting to see what we accomplish as we move into the future.

ANCW President Elect Report

Casey Matzke, TX | ANCW President-Elect

Hello! My name is Casey Matzke, and I am your new President-Elect. I am so excited about this opportunity, and I thank you all for the opportunity to serve you. I reside in a little town called Rosanky, Texas about 45 minutes from the Austin airport. I have a 13-year-old daughter in the 7th grade who absolutely loves horses.

One of my favorite programs that we do in Texas, is the Grilling 101. It is my hope that I will be able to help bring that program to the National level. I work for Texas A&M AgriLife Extension and am an avid book reader. Interested in learning more about me? Be sure to follow me on Facebook or Instagram!

ANCW is kicking off the year with a lot of activities. At the end of February, I had the opportunity to attend the ANCW leadership meeting. At this meeting, your leadership team worked on our leadership skills and spent quality one-on-one time working together. This leadership meeting kicks off my year of travels.

In March, I will be attending a Region I meeting in Ohio where we will be having a Grilling 101 program! In April, I will be in Florida for the Region II meeting and in College Station, TX for the Region IV.

I can't wait to begin attending these regional meetings and meeting all of you lovely ladies! If you have any questions, comments, or concerns, feel free to reach out to me at caseymatzke88@gmail.com!

ANCW Vice President Report

Debbie Chute, MN | ANCW Vice President

Hello! It has been a busy few weeks. Let me start by introducing myself to those who do not know me. My name is Debbie Chute. I live in north central Minnesota, three hours north of the Minneapolis/St. Paul metro area, and four hours south of the Canadian border. I have been an ANCW member since 1996. However, I was not active with ANCW until the past few years. I was busy raising our three children, with my off-farm job and doing as most farm women – whatever needs done on the ranch everything from bookwork, running for parts before the implement dealer closes, feeding anyone who shows up at mealtimes, tending and vaccinating cattle to driving tractor during hay season. We currently have seven grandchildren with our eighth grandchild due early in March. If I am not at my off-farm job or working on the farm, you can find me spending time with our grandchildren!

My husband John and I own a Red Angus cow/calf ranch with 60 - 70 mama cows. We feed out a number of our calves and sell farm fresh beef by the quarter, half or whole and have been doing this for 44 years. In addition to working on our farm, I have a full-time job at our rural electric cooperative.

I have served as membership chair, secretary, vice president, president-elect, and president of Minnesota Cattlewomen. I have just completed four years as ANCW Region III Director and have served on the Golden Cowbelles Committee and on the Long-Range Plan Committee.

One of my responsibilities as vice president is to serve as ANCW Membership Chair. Our membership committee has done an amazing amount of work in the past few years. The committee and I will continue to work hard to keep the momentum that has been built up. We will continue to have monthly committee meetings. Please contact me or another membership committee member if you have any questions or something you would like us to address. If you are a collegiate member or know a collegiate member, please let us know when your graduation date is and an email that you will use after college graduation. Collegiate members get a free year of membership after graduation.

ANCW would not exist without your support and your voices. I am honored to serve as your Vice President for 2025. I look forward to meeting many of you at upcoming meetings.

With spring coming, it means calves being born, field work needing done while in my part of our country we are still feeding hay and will have more snowstorms before spring arrives in northern Minnesota. As you work around your ranch and farm, be safe, look out for each other and remember to take breaks as needed.

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ANCW Past President Farewell

Ruth Coffey, OK | ANCW Past President

As this year closes, I think back on how privileged I have been to work with such good friends as they have served alongside me. Nikki and Casey, it has been my pleasure to have served with you this past year. Each of you have been good friends and mentors that I shall hold close to my heart from here on out.

For too many years I have struggled to say so many things: words that were embedded deeply, but my lack of self-confidence kept them there, unable to be shared.

So many of you, my encouragers, teachers, guides, and dear friends, are responsible for me rising to this place. I send my thanks to you for sharing your wisdom, guiding words, and encouragement. I want to thank my sponsors, one last time, who have shown their support for my presidency and allowed me to travel to so many places and meet such inspiring and enthusiastic CattleWomen and be the face and voice for ANCW.

The committees, meetings, and events that I attended are what drove my interest to a movement of women supporting the Beef Industry, greater than I could comprehend and helped grow my knowledge of ANCW, We each hold a separate and universal passion for the Beef Industry, or we would not be sitting in this room right now. I am here to remind each of You of this: (YOU) possess the talent and heart of a volunteer! We (I) ask YOU to step up into ANCW committee’s and leadership. There are many of you who possess the talent and ability to be standing here serving in this role.

Now and then we gripe about some imperfections, but sometimes that is good, especially if it gets us working together to make things better. The executive Officer team this year worked so well together. I thank each of you for the time and effort you have put into keeping this organization a well-oiled working body. THANK YOU! Sometimes we forget the great things ANCW represents.

That first meeting of Cattlewomen held at Mrs. Ralph Cowan’s in 1939 wanted to grow and encourage members to do their best, to present their beef stories, and drive demand of the beef they buy and the price they paid for it. The highlight for me this year was meeting Caren Cowan, granddaughter of Mrs. Ralph Cowan, the founder of the original Cowbelles. I was an honor to express my gratitude for her grandmother’s efforts! That same belief that ANCW began with holds a common thread today which I have discovered throughout our state affiliates. ANCW supports women of all ages who work throughout the agricultural industry. With the involvement you give on a state and national level, we can be assured this organization will continue to be here for the next generations.

I have been blessed to be a generational CattleWoman. I have witnessed other generational members as I have traveled to our state affiliate meetings. The heritage of generational members is what keeps our organization strong and moving toward the future. I thank all the grandmothers and mothers who have trusted this organization enough to encourage the next generation to continue on and grow ANCW! It is you who have ensured it is possible for us to continue to meet together today!

There is still so much to be done! We as CattleWomen must continue to build our memberships, support our committees as we work as a team, and encourage our states and regions to step up into leadership! We must share our stories and encourage those who are willing to join in the movement, as we strive to preserve the industry we have spent our lifetime carefully procuring as we continue to Build 4 the Future the heritage of this organization.

It is you who are the leaders and influencers in this organization, who motivate others to attend and bring in new faces. ANCW’s future relies on you as you strive to support and grow our organization. Thank you again for the support, guidance, and leadership you have shown which inspired members, including myself, throughout the years. I am only one of the many leaders who are seated in this room and it has been my honor to represent you as President.

With your help, we will continue to build ANCW into the future. It is you who have brought ANCW to the place it is today. I invite anyone here who hasn’t already done so to join, get involved, and become a working part of ANCW! THANK YOU once again for giving me this life changing opportunity to represent you in 2024.

Region I Update

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Kzche , OH | Regizo I Di ec¶z

With the onset of 2025, cold and blustery winter weather has caused significant obstacles for farms nationwide, including those in Region I. Hopefully the rest of 2025 brings us adequate moisture to the USA and relief to drought stricken areas.

As a guest, I attended the Ohio Cattlemen board meeting on December 10 at the OCA office in Marysville, Ohio. The meeting focused on the upcoming OCA annual meeting on February 1, 2025, and the Ohio Beef Expo in March 2025.

The Ohio Beef Youth Council and Ag Professional panel are scheduled to launch during the morning session of the annual meeting on February 1.

On February 1, 2025, the Ohio Cattlewomen held their annual meeting in conjunction with The Ohio Cattlemen Annual meeting. The financial review was comprehensive, with a detailed examination of the budget and proposed events for 2025.

In December a monetary donation was made to support the community service project "Cattle Drive for Hunger," which provides canned beef to the Ronald McDonald House.

Their next event is the OCW Booth shop at The Ohio Beef Expo, scheduled for March 13-16 at the Ohio State Fairgrounds.

Region I ANCW will meet on March 28-29, featuring a tour of Select Sires Beef on the 28th. The ANCW Region I meeting will take place on March 29, including a Grill 101 presentation by President-Elect Casey Matzke.

Emily Zollinger, secretary, presented the yearly scholarship award to Delaney Moore, an Ohio State University student majoring in agricultural communication. Emily emphasized the importance of new membership to continue promoting the beef industry and supporting agricultural initiatives across Ohio.

The auction donation was popular, and tickets were sold for a Yeti Cooler, with the proceeds going to The Ronald McDonald House in the form of canned beef. The meeting adjourned, and attendees joined The Cattlemen for dinner and the continuation of their event.

The first week in February I attended the ANCW/NCBA National Convention in San Antonio TX. I represented OCW as Ohio CattleWomen State President and Region I Director. I highly recommend attending this event that includes ANCW TX. tour, Meetings, Socializing with other cattle producers, Sessions, Trade Show, and Beef Fit 5K that I attended.

Virginia ladies are in the process of organizing a Virginia CattleWomen organization and establishing an ANCW State Affiliate. They plan to attend cattle events in their state and encourage ladies to join ANCW and help start a state women's organization.

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BEEF FIT

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Region II Update

Madeleoe Meao¨, AL | Regizo II Di ec¶z

Region II is no different than the rest of the US, dealing with severe weather impacts that differ from month to month. All over the region, CattleWomen are conducting state and national business to include gathering for the national convention in San Antonio!

Florida CattleWomen are hosting the ANCW Region II Annual Meeting 4-5 April in Tallahassee, FL where elections for a new Region II Director will be held. We look forward to a productive business meeting and gathering.

Region II CattleWomen are conducting their annual meetings around the southeast. Tennessee CattleWomen’s Association President Madison Martin and TCWA celebrated their 40th Anniversary in January and Madison was re-elected as state president.

Alabama CattleWomen’s Association President Shelby Easterling and ACWA held their annual meeting in February where Shelby was re-elected as state president. Shelby welcomed Alabama’s newest CattleWoman into her family (and ours), Baby MaryJo Easterling! Georgia CattleWomen’s Association President Haily Partain and GCWA convention is in March where elections will be held.

Region III Farewell

Debbie Chute, MN | Outgoing Region III Director

Hello Region III members!

This is my last update to you as ANCW’s Region III Director. Over the past couple of months, I attended Minnesota and Missouri Cattle Industry Conventions and CattleWomen’s Annual Meetings. I was honored to do the installation of officers at Missouri’s meeting.

I attended ANCW’s 2025 Annual Meeting and CattleCon in San Antonio representing all our cattlewomen members in Region III. ANCW started our time on Saturday, February 1st with a tour to the Briscoe Museum, Graff 7A Ranch and Primo Processing. It is always interesting to visit ranches and businesses around our country.

ANCW hosted their first Cowgirl Cotillion Gala. It was a full house, fantastic entertainment, a successful silent and live auction, and of course delicious food with BEEF being the star of our dinner! It was a busy few days with a lot of meetings and networking with fellow cattle people. There was also time for delicious food and fun activities. If you have never attended the ANCW Annual Meeting and the cattle convention, I highly recommend it!

Technically my time as region director was done at our 2025 Annual Meeting held in San Antonio on February 3rd. I have served as your region director for four years and have enjoyed every day, every event I have attended, meeting fellow cattlewomen from not only the states in Region III but also from throughout the United States, from sea to shining sea and everywhere in between!

A date to reserve on your calendar is June 12 - 13, 2025 for our ANCW Region Meeting. South Dakota Cattlewomen are hosting our meeting which will be held in Mitchell, South Dakota. Watch for more information and schedule to come.

As my time as region director was ending, I was contemplating what was next. I knew I wanted to stay involved and active with ANCW. I took a big step and submitted my application to serve on ANCW’s Officer Team. I was elected as ANCW Vice President at our meeting in San Antonio. I am honored to serve in this position!

As always if you have any questions or need anything from ANCW, please contact Donnia or me. Thank you for the opportunity to serve as your region director for the past four years! I appreciate your support and the confidence you have in me. I look forward to the coming year serving as your Vice President.

Region III Update

Donnia Besher, MO | Region III Director

As outgoing Region III Director, I would like to introduce you to our new ANCW Region III Director - Donnia Besher of Patton, Missouri. I know Donnia is passionate about the cattle industry and will serve you well as your region director! I will now turn the Region III duties over to Donnia. - Debbie Chute

My name is Donnia M. Besher. I grew up on a farm in Perry County Missouri near Yount, MO, not far from the Bollinger County line. I graduated from Perryville High School in 1979. I am married to Charlie Besher, and we currently reside on our farm in Patton, MO along Hwy 72 near Meadow Heights school.

I have 5 boys that live in Sedgewickville MO. We have our farm in Patton where we work daily at a cow/calf operation of Registered Hereford’s. We also own a part of my family farm in Perry County.

I have owned and operated Bollinger County Abstract and Title in Marble Hill since 1998. I currently serve as a board director for Missouri Heritage Mutual Insurance Company. I am a member of Missouri Cattlewomen and Missouri Cattlemen Associations.

I am active with Missouri Cattlewomen, and I enjoyed serving as their President in 2021. In our spare time, we enjoy camping, fishing and spending time with our families, the boys and 12 grandchildren. I am excited to have the opportunity to serve as your Region III Director.

Region IV Update

Lioda Thz mao, TX | Regizo IV Di ec¶z

It was great to see CattleWomen from across Region IV at the ANCW Convention in San Antonio. Thank you all for coming.

Arkansas CattleWomen - ACW continue doing their ag in the classroom demonstrations. Oklahoma CattleWomen - Join me in congratulating OCW as they will be celebrating their 70th anniversary on March 13, 2025 at 11:00 am—3:00 pm at the Skirvin Hotel in Downtown Oklahoma City. Lunch will be served at 11:30 am. (Just a side note….I hear the Skirvin Hotel is haunted).

OCW began when the Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Association meeting in 1955 was scheduled for March 11th at the Skirvin Hotel in Oklahoma City. The OCA Executive Committee reserved a room for the women for the purpose of organizing an auxiliary of Cowbelles if they desired. At 10:00 am on Marach 11th, the women met in the Continental Room of the Skirvin for the purpose of organizing a state Cowbelles organization. The dues for joining the Oklahoma Cowbelles were set at $1.00. But to be a voting member you, or a family member, had to be a member of the Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Association. At the time OCA dues were $5.oo per year, plus .10 cents per herd for the adult breeding cattle in their herd. My how things have changed! OCW State Meeting is set for July 19, 2025.

Texas CattleWomen - TCW will hold their Spring State Meeting on April 11th—12th in Fort Worth at the Tarrant County Convention Center in conjunction with the TSCRA Convention. TCW are gearing up for the Region IV meeting which will be held in College Station, April 25—27, 2025. Friday will find registration beginning at 11:00 am, with the meeting beginning at 1:00 pm. Dinner will be at 5:30 pm on your own at Century Square, Live-Music at The Canteen with S’mores by the firepits on Cavalry Court. Saturday will be a day of ranch tours including a live demonstration, shopping, a trip to the Blue Bell Ice Cream Factory, a visit to ST Genetics, and dinner at a steakhouse. The Sunday activities include breakfast, a time devotion at the Cowboy Fellowship of AggieLand, and a live meat demonstration at Texas A & A Meat Sciences Facilities. Door prizes will wrap up the event with a noon dismissal.

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Region V Update

Katharine

Davis, OR | Region V Director

CattleWomen in Region V are gearing up for Spring! Spring calves are growing and fall calves are growing out to be sold. Many of us are adapting to life with unforeseen changes and sadly, are fortunate enough to have Cattlewomen who are seasoned veterans when it comes to dealing with these changes, to show us how to protect our way of life. In our industry, we are blessed to have each other.

Representatives from all Region V states were present and busy building roads to ANCW’s future in San Antonio for ANCW’s Annual Meeting! Thank you, ladies, for coming together and providing a voice for your state and local members!

The Colorado CattleWomen have begun work with Charlie Holland and Seth Joel to create a Ranch Raised Kids book highlighting cow kids from Colorado. This project will provide junior beef producers in Colorado an opportunity to show the world what their lives are like growing up on a ranch. Each child’s story is told though their words and corresponding photos that can reach into the heart of the reader. For more information, please visit https://ranchraisedkids.com/.

In April, the Colorado CattleWomen will be taking part in the AgNext Tour through Colorado State University, a program that works to find sustainable solutions for animal agriculture. The Colorado ladies have also developed a Colorado Beef Ambassador program that has rolled out in their state for Colorado youth interested in advocating for the cattle and beef industry. This program is open to middle and high school students and will be highlighted in ANCW’s summer newsletter! Stay tuned for more information and check out the program here https://coloradocattlewomen.org/beef-ambassador-program/.

The Idaho CattleWomen hosted a Ribeye Lunch at the Capitol in Boise where they and the Idaho Cattlemen met the new and returning legislators and senators to discuss issues affecting the beef industry. They also met with Governor Brad Little before hosting a Ribeye steak lunch donated by Double R. The cattle women made sure he had all the fixings!

The Montana CattleWomen have been going into schools to talk to students about beef. They “Beefed It Up” at the science fair in February at Sacred Heart School in Miles City. They talked about beef, nutrition, food groups and by-products to 155 k-4 kids. Also, the Montana CattleWomen are once again offering a $1,000 scholarship to a student from a Montana home who is enrolled in one of the state colleges or universities. Applications must be submitted no later than May 1, 2025. Visit http://www.montanacattlewomen.org/resources for more information.

The Washington CattleWomen will participate in the annual Beef Day on the Hill in their state’s capitol on April 9, 2025. The tri-tip sandwiches served during the event have legislators and their staff lined up rain or shine for BEEF! Also, the Washington Beef Ambassador Scholarship will again be accepting applications this Spring with a due date of April 15. Please visit www.washingtoncattlewomen.org/wcw-beef-ambassador.

The Wyoming CattleWomen will be installing new officers in June. Also, applications for two $1,000 scholarships to be awarded to women in agriculture. They received forty-nine applications for the 2025 scholarships and will announce recipients in June. County cattlewomen throughout the state are busy with beef promotion and education activities. WCW will have a state meeting on March 8th in Cody.

This year our Region V Meeting will be held at the Black Butte Ranch in Sisters, Oregon June 2628. Join us in beautiful Central Oregon as we gather for tours, guest speakers, an opportunity for learning, sharing, and growing as strong beef advocates. Registration is open! Use this QR code at the right to take you directly to the registration page.

ANCW meetings are a time of cattlewomen friendship and development. See you all at Region V if not before! Remember that our work is never done, and our future is in our young CattleWomen and Cattlemen.

We will continue to be a voice for cattlewomen and a strong advocate for the ranching way of life.

Region V Registration QR Code

Region VI Update

callie Ma ¶ioeç, CA | Regizo VI Di ec¶z

As, we look back at 2024, we can see that the American National Cattlewomen have increased their numbers across the United States. I am proud to say that New Mexico won 2nd place in the membership contest. They increased their membership by 10.83%. They received $500 as an award.

While in San Antonio, it was realized that we definitely need to be educating and training up our Collegiate members. I had the honor of working with an amazing group of collegiates from Utah, who want to see and learn more about our organization, as a whole.

The Keynote Speaker Lieutenant Colonel Dan “Noonan” Rooney. Colonel Rooney started by sharing with us that his dream as a child was to be a top gun fighter pilot and being a golf professional. Well both of these dreams came true for him. His golf dream came first as he was a walk-on at Kansas University. He qualified for the 100th playing of the US Amateur at New Port Country Club. Following his graduation, as a young golfer who had sweated out life on the mini tours for almost two years chasing his sports dream. He joined the United States Air Force to become an F16 fighter pilot. Rooney shared of his dreams to be a pilot, and he went through pilot training in Texas and Arizona. Following, his

graduation 60 days later, he had to say goodbye to those he loved moved for his first trip to Iraq. He continued to do this two more time. He completed his three tours of duty as an F16 pilot, and 23 years of service before he discovered his next calling in life. He first thought the hardest job was being a fighter pilot, prior to becoming a dad of five daughters!

Lieutenant Rooney shared that through everything he always would keep in mind faith, family and freedom is what we are. He shared that it was on a flight from Chicago to Grand Rapids, Michigan as he was returning from his second tour in Iraq, that the pilot announced that an American hero was also on board, a hero who had given his life while fighting for America’s freedoms in Iraq. It was at this time which hit Rooney the greatest seeing the cost of freedom and patriotism while watching a fellow fallen soldier be returned to his family. It was out of this that he made the choice to start Folds of Honor. His choice to start the Folds of Honor organization which awards scholarships to children of families of fallen or disabled US military service members, and most recently first responders. Since, he founded this organization in 2007, Folds of Honor has awarded nearly 62,000 educational scholarships worth $290,000.000.

Lieutenant Colonel Rooney share with us that it is up to us to choose our path in life. It is through the many peaks and valleys in our lives that all can be set-ups or set backs. It is often in these times that it is when we question why did God put us here? As, leaders we need to remember that we are put in places for a reason even when we may not understand. It is through all types of situations that whatever you put out into the world, you get back. We need to all be like Lieutenant Colonel Rooney as we know that its never going to be an easy path. We all have to make a choice each day, live with the easy way or the right way.

Now is the time to get involved and stay involved in our industry and organization. Our industry is in the uphill fight and continues to stay strong, moving forward for many many years into the future.

Remember it is what you put into this world or organization is what you will get back in return. Any questions in regards to any aspects of the American National CattleWomen please reach out to Callie at callie.borror@yahoo.com or 530-526-3070.

Califz oia

Gala io Sao Ao¶zoiz, TX.

Che Ýl Fz¨¶e zf Califz oia eceiÖiog Ca¶¶leWzmao zf ¶he Yea a×a d f zm Reba Maçak.

Region VII Update

Beckie Christensen, MT | Region VII Director

The fall and winter have been a little slower for most of the cattlewomen.

The ND District #5 Cattlewomen were busy on the road with their reading and books program. They also held a Ground Beef Soup contest in conjunction with the three day Ag in the classroom event held in January.

ND District #1 had a booth at the McKenzie County Farm and Ranch show.

The ND Cattlewomen are currently taking registration for this years upcoming 5K run. It will be fun to see where everyone is from.

Region VII and III annual meeting will be held June 12-13 in Mitchell, South Dakota, with the South Dakota Cattlewomen hosting the event this year. Some of their activities planned are to tour a creamery, visit the world famous Corn Palace and a farm in the Mitchell area. We look forward to seeing you all there. It will be a fun time as well as educational for women of all ages.

I know that many of you are in the early stages of calving, and I hope that Mother Nature cooperates this year. I attended the Winter Convention of ANCW and NCBA in San Antonio, Texas and it was very informative on the challenges we are now facing with the new administration and the screwworm issues.

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Collegiate Beef Advocate Program

Ka¶ie KiÜmille | CBAP Chai

The Collegiate Beef Advocates have been on the road advocating hard over the holiday and winter season! Before the completion of the Fall semester, Miranda, Kyla, and Ava all completed their on-campus advocacy activities. Each found ways to engage with their peers and promote beef at their institutions. Miranda conducted her activity on the Colorado State University Student Plaza, where she handed out fliers that tackled some common questions surrounding the beef industry. Ava shared the importance of beef in students' diets and at the University of Wyoming Student Union and handed out fliers allowing them to purchase beef from the animal science department! Kyla cooked steaks on the Texas A&M campus during their ticket pull and interviewed students about their favorite cuts of beef!

Kyla also had the opportunity to attend the Certified Angus Beef Leadership Summit. Our team was invited to attend the 3day conference in Wooster, Ohio, at Certified Angus Beef Headquarters. Throughout the conference, the emphasis on professional advocacy of premium beef and those who continue to keep the tradition alive was very strong. Kyla met the CAB team and leadership, discussed the mandatory specifications that are implemented nationwide for the brand, and learned about numerous new opportunities that have been established for producers through Certified Angus Beef. This event was impactful in multiple ways, through meaningful connection with other passionate industry people, as well as learning a deeper understanding of our industry operation from those who defend it every day.

To kick-start the new year, the advocates attended the National Western Stock Show. Our friends at Colorado Cattlewomen invited them to advocate at the Colorado Beef Council Booth. The girls spent the weekend interacting with Colorado locals and producers. The “hot topic” of the weekend was the Colorado Beef Council's QR code cards that sent customers to a link and map of local producers that sell direct-to-consumer beef. The consumers were eager and “hungry” to know where their food was coming from.

A short two weeks later, they headed to warmer weather for American National CattleWomen's winter meetings and CattleCon! The girls spent the first few days attending ANCW Ranch Tours and meetings. They had the opportunity to sit in on committee meetings and interact with other cattlewomen. They also got the privilege to attend the 1 st ever ANCW Cowgirls Cotillion.

CattleCon was jam-packed! Each day, the advocates chose multiple Cattlemen’s College seminars to attend. Throughout the week, they spent time networking with industry professionals at the trade show, making friends at the ANCW booth, and attending general sessions. They met with Greeley Hat Works and Powder River, two of CBAP’s sponsors. Powder River took the time to visit with them about their equipment and passion for the industry. Greeley Hat Works showed them the art of shaping hats and got them each fitted for their custom hats! The generosity of CBAP’s sponsors is what allows them to continue shaping their futures. The Collegiate Beef Advocacy Program is beyond grateful for their support!

The Emerging Leaders Luncheon, hosted by ANCW, is becoming a vital part of CattleCon for college students! It stands as an opportunity for college students to connect with industry professionals. The girls were able to attend and help put on the event. They also got the opportunity to mediate and support the “What’s Up with WIRED” and “Women in Ranching” Cattle Chats in the Learning Lounge at the National Cattlemens Beef Association Trade Show.

The advocates have been working hard to engage with producers and consumers on our social media platforms. They have been creating educational and relatable content. They can be found on Facebook and Instagram as @beefadvocates and on TikTok as @collegiate_beef_advocate.

The advocate's term is already half complete, and they still have so much in store! They are gearing up for their spring advocacy events and attending the summer Wired events. We are recruiting advocates for next year's term! Applications are open now through June 1 st ! Applications can be found at ancw.org/cbap and on all CBAP social media pages.

GOLDEN COWBELLE’S CORNER

S¾bmi¶¶ed bÝ Melaoie Fz×le | ANCW Pa¨¶ P e¨ideo¶

A decade has passed since I became the ANCW President in San Antonio, Texas. Unknown to me at the time, but as 2015 progressed the theme I had chosen, a John Maxwell quote, “ Change is inevitable, growth is optional,” was my presidency is a nutshell. Right after I was elected in San Antonio, the Executive Meeting followed. The office space agreement with NCBA had expired, and Katie Carruth, our CEO, believed we had three options available to us. Eventually due to financial challenges, we would be leaving that home base.

I would be remiss if I did not thank NCBA for the opportunity to attend the Young Cattlemen’s Conference in June of 2014. This trip gave me a good understanding of the total beef picture. Because I was a Native Daughters member, the Executive Leadership Training Meeting met in San Francisco in the Julia Morgan designed home, headquarters of the Native Daughters of the Golden West.

The Executive Committee settled down to work by forming a task force, one lady from each of the seven regions and not necessarily gals who were in love with ANCW. As it turned out, they met over a period of a couple of months and gave us their recommendations, praise where deserved and constructive criticism where needed. NCBA, thank you for believing in us and helping to make this happen.

At the 2015 Summer Conference in Denver, ladies went on a JBS tour of both the plant and feedlot. Since there was a need for ANCW members to understand how best to navigate with differing opinions, Barb Wilkinson and Nancy Rudzek were asked to do a presentation entitled “Working with Different Personalities.”

A new website was launched November 17 and was consumer focused, using both English and Spanish. For several years ANCW had used check-off money to birth their social media program, focusing on millennials through Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest. Kasey Wallace, Iowa, had chaired this tactic, and ANCW under her leadership planned to continue with these programs on their own.

Once again ANCW was partnering with Sam’s Club where ladies promoted two different cuts of beef: sirloin and strip. This partnership had begun a few years prior. ANCW under the guidance of Desta Crawford and Evelyn Brown Greene kept the organization involved with Cooking Shows; one of my favorites before I became president was the one in Washington, DC.

One of the two major focuses of ANCW is Women’s Leadership. Thanks to Jennie Hodgen, Indiana, who offered monthly webinars. The goal of these was to not only provide a chance to stay abreast of what was current, but to also ask questions and allow gals to make their own decisions. At the end of each there was time for questions and interaction.

The second focus was collegiate’s. In February of 2016 at the Cattle Industry Convention in San Diego, it would be ANCW’s 3rd year of sponsoring the Collegiate Round Table. Again we were in a transition year with our last Beef Ambassador Team paving the way for an effective ANCW Collegiate program. The plan was beginning in 2017, there would be a collegiate team with each member matched with a professional mentor to create a roadmap of “My Year Forward” goals and one industry specific project to achieve for the upcoming calendar year.

Also during my term we partnered with the American Farm Bureau Foundation to pilot four nationwide classroom lesson plans. If ANCW were to survive, many of us had come to believe that our strength needed to come with partnering: partnering with beef councils to do what many of us did best (promoting beef to the consumer) and partnering with other Ag organizations. The opportunities were endless.

In closing, thank you California CattleWomen and Cattlemen for believing in me. Thank you my precious friends, Jean Barton, Cheryl Foster, Ann Nogan, and CEO Katie Carruth, for standing by my side. Thank you Gwen Geis and Beth Anderson for all the laughs as we developed the WIGGY Contest (membership focus) a few years prior. Finally, thank you Penny Zimmerman, the chair of Golden Cowgirls, for birthing a Book Club of sorts for us in our Golden years.

Because of Penny, my husband Lamar and I decided to attend the 2025 Cattle Industry Convention in San Antonio to renew friendships begun long ago.

ANCW Education Committee K-12

Debbie Tz e¨, CA | Ed¾ca¶izo Czmmi¶¶ee Chai

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“San Antonio Review: I would like to begin this review with a “Thank You” to Ruth Coffey and some great friends, old and new who continue to inspire us in so many ways!

We started with our tour to The Briscoe Museum where we viewed beautiful art work and displays of western history, the Alamo small replica, tiny soldiers displaying the battle strategy and more. The artistry of the building itself was as interesting as the artwork within it, Gorgeous!!!!

Load the buses and enjoy the Graff 7A Ranch where we toured the grounds and was served a delicious lunch. Family-owned Ranch. The family gave us their history. If I had to plan an event in the San Antonio area, that’s the first place I would look for a fun place to hold it. It has endless possibilities for a super event.

Back on the buses to our next tour. Primo Processing. An interesting place. This very busy small processing plant specializes in wild game and domestic animals. The wild game comes from primarily local hunting ranches.

Next morning we were off and running to our business meetings, updates, speakers, debates, discussions, committee meetings, more debates, discussions and voting, installation of new officers. The Gala Big Event – Cowgirl Cotillion and Awards was Wonderful evening with entertainment by Red Steagall. The Promoter of the Year awarded to Powder River, long time sponsor of ANCW. Thank you! Great job to Connie and team.

Committee Review and Suggestions: Thank you ladies who attended the San Antonio Committee meeting. Thank you, Wendy Pettz for taking the minutes.

Notes:

1. Back to Books, New book List ready to go. Shared some of the books on new list. Worksheets were passed around.

2. Our Committees Goals are our mission statement.

3. Group agreed that Ag Ed should be encouraged in schools beginning in Kindergarten and above. Encouraging the use of the science teacher.

4. What Students Need to Know. a. Beef is good for you. b. Where their beef comes from.

5. How Do We Accomplish This? a. Go to school board meetings. b. Do Something for Teachers. c. Sponsor programs for FFA Etc. Bottom line: Schools are still hard to get into in many states.

6. Instructional Video was preview: “How to Use the Books List”. Goal to get it on the web site as a drop down under Ag Ed tab. Short preview in San Antonio.

7. Long Range plan implementation of our goals adapted to plan.

8. Committee Members to volunteer to lead projects within the K-12 committee.

Announcement: Wow that Cow Brochures can be ordered through CEO Ashley!

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ANCW Foundation

Wanda Pinnow

American National CattleWomen Foundation will be conducting an online silent Auction. The date of the silent auction has not been determined yet and the Auction will be on the ANCW Facebook page. We are still looking for donations of items if you would like to help support the ANCW Foundation with a donated item.

Currently we have a three piece set Montana Silversmith Faith in My Heart Cross Bracelet, Necklace, or Earrings that will be auctioned off separately.

We also have a Molly’s Custom Silver belt buckle, a beautiful print by Holy Hillbish Hubbard of a horse wearing a bridle. Next we have a pencil print by Robert Shoofly Shufelt, titled “A Romp Around the Ranch”.

A Skylight Digital Picture Frame with Wi-Fi Capability will also be in the silent auction. Last, but not to be forgotten, we have a Montana West Conceal and Carry genuine hair on cowhide Hand bag.

If you have something you would like to donate please contact Wanda Pinnow or any Foundation board member. Be watching ANCW Facebook page for more details on when this will take place.

Membership Committee Wrapup

Casey Matzke, TX | ANCW Vice President

The membership committee was busy last year! We had a membership drive that ended in January. Washington won 1st place, New Mexico won 2nd and Texas won 3rd! Congratulations to these states and thank you to all the states that participated.

At the Convention this year, Membership dues for Basic members and Sustaining members were each increased by $15. The Golden Cowbelles, membership dues stayed at $60.

We were also able to implement our new Mentorship program! This program is designed for mentors to sponsor mentees and mentor them about ANCW and the amazing programs that we have. At the annual convention, we had 4 mentees sponsored and 9 more looking for mentors! If you are looking to be a mentor, please reach out to us and let us know! We can send you the recommendations along with the registration form.

We are also working on a Member Guide, we almost have it finalized! This will be a great guide for any new members to use.

Thank you for the opportunity to serve you over the last year! I had an absolute blast chairing the membership chair. I wanted to introduce you to Debbie Chute, who will be your new Membership Chair this year! She is a fantastic woman and I know the membership committee is in great hands!

Membership Committee Report

Debbie Chute, MN | ANCW Vice President

At the Convention this year, Membership dues for Basic members and Sustaining members were each increased by $15. The Golden Cowbelles, membership dues stayed at $60. We were also able to implement our new Mentorship program! This program is designed for mentors to sponsor mentees and mentor them about ANCW and the amazing programs that we have. At the annual convention, we had 4 mentees sponsored and 9 more looking for mentors! If you are looking to be a mentor, please reach out to us and let us know! We can send you the recommendations along with the registration form. z

We are also working on a Member Guide, we almost have it finalized! This will be a great guide for any new members to use.

Thank you for the opportunity to serve you over the last year! I had an absolute blast chairing the membership chair. I wanted to introduce you to Debbie Chute, who will be your new Membership Chair this year! She is a fantastic woman, and I know the membership committee is in great hands!

Hello! Let me start by introducing myself to those who do not know me. My name is Debbie Chute. I live in north central Minnesota, three hours north of the Minneapolis/St. Paul metro area, and four hours south of the Canadian border. We have three grown married children. We currently have seven grandchildren with our eighth grandchild due early in March. If I am not at my off-farm job, working on the farm, or attending cattlewomen events, you can find me spending time with our grandchildren!

My husband John and I own a Red Angus cow/calf ranch with 60 - 70 mama cows. We feed out several of our yearlings and sell farm fresh beef by the quarter, half or whole and have been doing this for 44 years. In addition to working on our farm, I have a full-time job at our rural electric cooperative.

I am excited and honored to serve as your ANCW Vice President and Membership Chair. Our committee will continue to meet monthly. I look forward to working with them on your behalf. If you have suggestions, questions, or concerns for us, please reach out to us at dchute59@gmail.com or 218-330-0042

Ways & Means Committee

Czooie Tabz | WaÝ¨ & Meao¨ Czmmi¶¶ee Chai

What an amazing way to wrap up our 2024 ANCW year than gathering together for friendship, recognition, and relaxation at our first inaugural Cowgirl Cotillion and Awards Gala!

I would like to say a big THANK YOU to everyone that helped make the gala a huge success. It takes a team to bring this type of event to fruition and the positive feedback from everyone proves that our ANCW team is the best!

The night began with a surf and turf dinner that was exceptional and set the perfect tone for the night to come. The history of ANCW was presented on screen which highlighted all of the accomplishments that CattleWomen (and Cowbelles) have contributed to the beef industry for over 70 years.

Our master of ceremonies Owana Hutchens did an outstanding job keeping the crowd entertained making the evening flow seamlessly. If you have never had the opportunity to be present as Dean Fish is auctioneering an event you missed out on the fun he brought with each of the wonderful live auction items we had.

Thank you to everyone who so generously donated items for our live and silent auctions. Unique, one-of-a-kind, and items just for cattlemen and women helped to make our inaugural Cowgirl Cotillion and Awards Gala a resounding success!

We are already planning for our 2nd annual Cowgirl Cotillion and Awards Gala when we come together in Nashville, TN in 2026! Watch for the ticket sales this fall, I know you don’t want to miss it!

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WIRED COMMITTEE

Jennie Hodgen & Becca Johnson | WIRED Chair

The WIRED Committee has been very busy behind the scenes working on the 2025 series of events. Registration is currently open for all 4 events, with sessions featuring operational diversification, carcass results and the financial impacts, marketing strategies, and herd health management. More details can be found at ANCW.org/wired. We hope you will make an effort to join us this year for some great educational and networking events.

The Committee has put together some marketing and promotion strategies to help increase the program’s visibility and accessibility. You can find regular updates on WIRED’s Facebook page, instagram @wired_ancw, or the ANCW events page. Event information will also be shared with several new media partners to help increase program awareness outside current Cattlewomen organizations. Women in Ranching - Education & Development is a program for all women in the beef industry, and we want to ensure that is widely known!

Our committee has also secured some new sponsors for the upcoming event series. We are excited to bring their new perspectives and topics into the program with the latest technology, new therapies, and more management-focused

sessions. Join us in thanking the teams at FerAppease, Breedr, and Noble Research Institute for their commitment to keeping the WIRED programs affordable for all attendees! The renewed partnerships from Merck Animal Health, Moly Manufacturing, Axiota Animal Health (Multimin) and Allflex provide the foundation of our events, for which we also share our gratitude.

As we look to the future, we are starting to discuss 2026 events, including an island adventure! Please contact the WIRED Committee if you or your organization would like to host an event, if you see an event near you that you would like to get involved with, or if you see a need for WIRED programming in a certain region or topic. We also recruit local sponsors and partners for each specific event to support in unique ways that complement our nationwide program sponsors. Email wired@ANCW.org with any questions or suggestions!

NCBA International Trade Madelene Means, AL

No new business or policy was addressed during the International Trade Committee meeting. Ken Bacus presented an NCBA policy update that included a market update, beef import issue update, tariff discussion and an update on trade implications of New World Screwworm and Avian Flu.

The committee welcomed guest speaker Earl Souva from Great Lakes Sire Service with a presentation on “Understanding Bovine Genetics Trade”. Dr. Phil Hadley, Secretary General, International Meat Secretariat (IMS) presented updates on the Conference of the Parties, World Organization of Animal Health, and the World Meat Congress.

NCBA Agricultural and Food Policy Update

Casey Matzke, TX

The Agricultural and Food Policy Committee met on February 5th in San Antonio at the 2025 Annual Convention. After the meeting was called to order and the agenda approved, we heard from Sigrid Johannes, NCBA Senior Director of Government Affairs. She gave us an update on the Dietary Guidelines Process.

The Dietary Guidelines operate on a 5-year cycle and are working on 25-30 guidelines. One of the concerning recommendations coming from the Advisory Report was a reduction in the number of oz of animal protein in a given week and replacing it with beans, peas, and lentils. It was also recommended that beans, peas, and lentils be removed as a subgroup under vegetables and placed in a subgroup under protein. In addition to those changes, the committee also recommended that the order of the Protein Foods Group be listed as the following; Beans, Peas, and Lentils first, followed by Nuts, Seeds, and Soy products, then Seafood, and finally Meats, Poultry, and Eggs.

Another interesting fact from the Dietary Guidelines is Saturated Fat. The recommendation is to limit total saturated fat intake to less than 10 percent of calories per day starting at age 2 by replacing it with unsaturated fat, particularly polyunsaturated fats. This would look like reducing butter, processed and unprocessed red meat, and dairy, and replacing them with a wide range of plantbased food sources, including plant-based protein foods (e.g., beans, peas, and lentils), whole grains, vegetables, or vegetable oils and spreads. For more information about the recommendations from the committee, be sure to read the report here.

On the positive side of this presentation was the news on "fake meat". There is currently no demand for this product and investment is drying up. Multiple companies are going or have already gone out of business.

Before we jumped into approving proposals we were presented with a presentation over Pasture, Rangeland, and Forage Insurance Program (PRF) and Weaned Calf Risk Protection Program. The PRF program has recently expanded into Hawaii and there are over 200,000 acres insured. In the lower 48, we currently have 300 million acres in the program. While not set in stone, there were a few things discussed that may or may not change with the program. There were discussions on moving from a 2-month interval to a 1month, dropping the coverage from 90% to 80%, and a potential option to have temperature play a role in how forages are grown. These were just discussions and not things implemented with the program currently. There were also discussions on some states adding more weather stations. There are currently 18,000 stations and of those, 11,000 stations are read every day.

Two minor changes to the policy resolutions were approved during this meeting. The changes are included below.

AFP-AC-Directive 1

Keeping Ag Lands in Production

BE IT DIRECTED, NCBA in the strategic plan prioritize, sustain, and enhance beginning and multi-generational family-owned livestock production operations to ensure that agricultural land stays in production to protect the sustainability of U.S. livestock industry and U.S. national food security by leading the effort to unify the livestock industry to secure the future of U.S. livestock producer.

AFP-AC-Resolution 2

Government Disaster Programs

WHEREAS, due to crop insurance requirements, some (specialty removed) crops (are at times hard removed) may be difficult to attain adequate affordable coverage (that can be afforded removed), and

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, NCBA recommends that (specialty crops removed) crops that do not count towards base acres should not penalize a producer in emergency programs.

If you have any questions or would like some more information, please reach out and let me know - caseymatzke88@gmail.com.

NCBA Live Cattle Marketing Committee

Leanna Spratling, NV

During the Cattlemen’s Convention this year I had the privilege to sit in the Live Cattle Marketing Committee. During this meeting we heard from the NCBA Red Meat Yield Working Group (RMY), Texas Tech Professor, CME, the Senate Agriculture, Nutrition & Forestry Committee, and NCBA’s D.C. update.

The NCBA Red Meat Yield (RMY) working group is a group of 30 people with different backgrounds who have come together to make improvements our yield grade (YG) system. They are still at the beginning of their work in stage two and they have a lot of work to do. As our current yield grade system was developed in the 1950 and implement in the 1970s. Since then there has been stark changes made in the beef industry. We have larger and fatter carcasses, along with other developments such as implants and beef on dairy that stretch the limits of our current method. The current equation has a 60-65% variation and this groups thinks that we can do better. One complicated change is the removal of kidney, pelvic heart (KPH) fat in the evaluation. It is now known that CT scans of carcasses are an effective form of carcasses evaluation. It is so effective that it has been deemed the “gold standard,” however this method is entirely impractical. This groups goal is improve and change the YG system in a way that will not effect prices for consumers and is practical enough for nation wide implementation.

Dr. Blake Forker from Texas Tech University went further into the issue of our ineffective YG system. Stating that with the heavier carcasses cattle who should get a YG 2 are getting a YG of 4. They are also finding that Ribeye Area (REA) is not as accurate of a representative of the rest of the carcasses muscle quality as previously thought. They are currently working to replicate the “gold standard” of CT scans in a way that is repeatable and accurate. They are working on using 3-D scans of the carcass along with virtual reality as a possible way to achieve this. One of their goals is to provide information to producers about what genetic are effective for improved meat quality.

CME Group gave us an update on price limits. Stating that the filed changed for the 2024 summer prices went into effect in October 2024. They have also updated the analysis after the requested change was brought forward by producers.

The Senate Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Committee updated included the first order of the new administration is to confirm President Trump’s nominees, budget reconciliation, the 2025 appropriations, and the Farm Bill. One of Trump’s focuses of the Farm Bill is to cut it a lot but to keep disaster relief a priority, because of this “our industry has Trump’s ear.” The GOP’s priority for the Farm Bill is to put the farm back in it. Currently over 80% of the Farm Bill goes to programs such as SNAP. This a bipartisan committee that is vey enthusiastic, one of their main goals is to be a place of regular order, as the last two years had no legislation go through the committee.

NCBA was happy to report the withdraw of the Packer and Stocker Act Change, however the USDA stated that they are still interested in making changes. Other good news from D.C. included the optimism of the the appointment of USDA positions and Brooke Rollins as the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture. There is also a good chance that our industry will benefit from the Republicans ambition about cutting taxes. This could even include a appeal of the “death tax.” Although reconciliations could be good news in terms of tax cuts it could also open a chance for The Off Act to return. This act, if passed would get rid of check off programs such as our own Beef Check Off program. NCBA did mention that the tax survey they asked us to fill out was extremely valuable on the floor. They asked that we all sign up for the NCBA D.C. text alerts to keep us all updated on what is happening in at the capital. This would also allow NCBA to essentially rally the troops when they need things like surveys done to give them numbers and statements from producers to back them up in their endeavors.

In action items the Livestock Marking Council brought forward the directive “Packers and Stockyard Act Review Task Force Regarding Stockyard, Livestock Markets, and Dealers.” A Motion was put on the floor to kick this directive back to the council over concerns of the lack of detail, the motion was passed. Additionally, Idaho made a motion to move away from formula based structure for CME. Stating we should have more flexibility and find better ways to come up with price limits that do not take long periods to change and can keep up with the market. This motion was also passed.

NCBA Federal Lands and Property Rights Committee

Che Ýl Fz¨¶e , CA

I attended NCBA joint Federal Lands and Property Rights Policy Meeting. Our first speaker was Lawson Fite from Portland Oregon. He is an Environmental Law Attorney. He believes the pendulum is swinging away from the Environmental Groups using issues to hold up society. He believes that there should be good guard rails on regulation. Keep regulation focused on the issues not letting it be expanded.

Endangered Species Act is broken. Looking for ways to streamline and rationalize ESA regulations. The Courts are very uncomfortable delisting a species. He felt the only way to delist is for a specific bill go through Congress for a Specific species.

His was an encouraging talk with expectations of the Trump administration finding a way to cut through most of the red tape NEPA and ESA have put on development. This could be a good thing or a bad thing.

The Federal Lands group left and Working Lands for Wildlife (WLFW) was our next speaker. Working Lands for Wildlife is a program by the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) that focuses on conserving America’s working lands to benefit people, wildlife, and rural communities. Through WLFW, NRCS provides technical and financial assistance to agricultural producers, helping them plan and implement conservation practices that enhance wildlife habitat on working landscapes.

WLFW showed that we are losing grass lands to Cultivation and Development, Cropland Expansion and Woody encroachment. Woody encroachment is taking as much land out of grass lands as Cultivation and Development and Cropland expansion combined.

Woody lands wild fires have a much higher flame and are subject to much greater spread. They had a booth at the tradeshow and you could see your property’s canape cover from the 1950’s compared to today.

Mary Thomas Hart gave the DC policy update. She said to expect to see pulled back and rescinded Biden Climate rules. Current focus on PFAS compounds (foam insulation) is not looking at agriculture.

We then reviewed the three new resolutions put forward for Public Lands. I was pleased the committee accepted ANCW’s recommendation of including “state lands” in the Wildfire Prevention and Mitigation Resolution. All three resolutions passed.

NCBA Tax & Credit Committee

Melioda Sa mao, NV

Jaclyn Wilson, Chair called the meeting to order meeting minutes and agenda were approved.

NCBA Policy Update Kent Bacus gave tax policy update and discussed: Corporate Transparency Act, Federal Disaster Tax Relief Act, Comments to House Ways and Means Committee and Senate Finances Committee, 2025 Tax Policy Landscape.

NCBA update from Kent Bacus and Kelsea Kemp both gave an update on the first 100 days, targets, and the tools being used for the new administration and new direction in Washington D.C. NCBA was been working on both sides of the aisle. It has been a very busy few weeks in D.C.

James Walker, Esq., CPA, from Womble Bond Dickinson, Denver, Colorado leaded an update on Easement Payments: Planning Can Reduce the Tax Bite.

Mr. Walker, discussed, income tax reducing the tax bit on easement payments and land owners’ perspectives on appraised value of the agricultural lands, capital gains with base offset with the damaged done to the land for example pipeline being place on agricultural lands. He discussed the base recovery before capital gains tax. No new policy was brought forward. Next meeting will be this summer in San Diego, CA July 7-9, 2025. Meeting was adjourned.

NCBA Checkoff Highlights Session

S¾bmi¶¶ed bÝ Debbie Tz e¨, CA

I was in attendance of the Checkoff Highlights Session Committee in San Antonio, Texas during the Cattle Con 2025. Members listened to the Checkoff review committee. The key Checkoff Program outcomes were presented.

Beef Safety: Consumer Food Safety Education Conference to be held March13-14, 2025, Houston, Texas.

Objectives: Host, facilitate or participate in at least one in-person culinary event focused on showcasing veal as a specialty food. Veal also contributes $1.00 for each head sold. Veal has a Quality Insurance like the BQA program for larger beef animals.

Meat Demand Monitor (MDM) (AR #2312-R/ FY23). Contractor: U.S. Cattlemen’s Association and the Sub-Contractor: Kansas State University.

Objectives, were U.S. Meat demands trends and Information: Monthly surveys and experiments of 2,000 U.S. residents, consisting of 1,000 food service, (restaurant focused) and 1,000 retail, (grocery-store focused). Systematic economic modeling of consumer meat demand, preference, and behavior. For the results we were directed to the K-State web site. Media use was acknowledged: RFD-TV was the example of High-impact because of its broad audience.

Three Keys PC Takeaways:

1. Do more with what we have. Reducing production costs for the Drive (Magazine) Exploring new postage classification and using producer feedback for topics.

2. Make what we have better. Secured sponsorship for the Drive. Expanding producer social media – Instagram and soon snapchat. User feedback drive website updates.

3. Continued excellence. Expansion of podcasts featuring the Beef Checkoff.

Producer surveys show stronger checkoff sentiment. Earning another National Agri-Marketing Award in January 2025 for The Drive Newsletter.

This entire review has much more content than I could share. However, it would take up more than the one page that we are allowed for our newsletter articles. This session is one we should all sit in on at the next convention. It is well worth your time to see just how much Beef Checkoff programs do on our behalf.

NCBA Consumer Trust Committee

S¾bmi¶¶ed bÝ Debbie Tz e¨, CA

The Checkoff Consumer Trust Committee Meeting was presented in San Antonio, Texas during the Cattle Con 2025. The meeting consisted of the Research and Summaries, in a Presentation Format and Tactic Guides in review of progress of ongoing programs approved during the San Diego Summer Business Meeting. The Long Range Plan Alignment with presented: Grow Consumer Trust in Beef Production, Improve the Business and Political Climate of Beef, and Safeguard and Cultivate Investment in Beef Industry Research, Marketing and Innovation.

AR’s were presented for Review. The AR’s are voted on by the members of the committee. Panels of committee members sat at separate tables and were able to ask questions of the presenters of the AR’s. Votes were taken by table and tallied, and results of those votes would be given later to the presenters and the public. Only members vote. No observers in the audience were able to vote.

The AR reviewed first was given by the American Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture. The review included the Working to inform Young Consumers. Effectively participate in public discussions on science related issues. Be equipped for a career of their choice. Long Range plan is to Deepen the Understanding of production practices that remove barriers and build trust. Informed consumers with positive perceptions that engage in conversations about the industry and increase workforce interest.

Unique, Forward Thinking, and Reputation Building. “Unravel Genetics to Raise the Steaks” earned the NGSS Design Badge in January of 2025 with a perfect score. The only unit with a badge that holds approval from three organizations: Industrientity (Beef Checkoff), Government agency (USDA) and Education authority (NextGenScience).

FY25 Teacher Training. In 2025 to train the trainer efforts. by 20 additional facilitators. The Train the Trainer Program will prepare facilitator to lead: A Multi-day immersive teacher Professional Development, like and On the Farm STEM. Lead state or regional in-person workshops at an existing science teacher event. Lead virtual professional development showcasing beef resources. 2026. Facilitator Pool will be managed by AFBFA who will collaborate with SBCs for localized events.

This process will take some time, but it sounds like it’s the right place to be with working with science teachers to get more agricultural education into our classrooms.

This session took 3 hours to complete. Once again, the space of the report would fill more than one page for review. As you can see, I only am reporting on a portion of the review of the Farm Bureau Review.