CCW HOLDS REGIONAL MEETING IN FALLON, NEV.

by Callie Martinez, American National CattleWomen Region VI Director

The American National CattleWomen Region VI Meeting met in Fallon, Nev. March 23 to 25 at the Rafter 3C Event Center. Region VI covers Arizona, California, Idaho, Nevada, New Mexico, and Utah. This region meeting was hosted by California, and the WIRED Program was hosted by Nevada CattleWomen.

The region meeting kicked off on Thursday, March 23 with a media training and hands on learning activity facilitated by Chandler Mulvaney, Director Grassroots Advocacy & Spokesperson Development, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association. Chandler got us all thinking with his opening of “Today is Going to Be a Day You’ll Never Forget.” From here he gave us key words to remember: simple and visual. He said each opportunity can be blank canvas to paint a memorable difference. Chandler had us work through a Getting Started: Advocacy 101 activity, and encouraged us to share with others. We also need to remember what makes a good story. We need to keep in mind what we want them to know. How we want them to feel. Then lastly, what do

I want them to do?

We were honored to have the American National CattleWomen President-Elect Ruth Coffey, from Oklahoma come out and participate in our meeting. She is the fifth generation cattle rancher, and runs a ranch operation with her husband, Chuck Coffey, former Chair of the Certified Beef Board. She is passionate about our industry and definitely encouraged new members to get involved by volunteering to serve on a committee.

Thursday afternoon, we had two excellent Ag Education speakers: Denise Stewardson, Utah State University Extension, and she shared about the excellent variety of online resources in regards to STEM Education which can be used across the United States. All of the lesson plans are online. She makes a tab specifically for every program that she presents at. Barb Downey, Downey Ranch, Inc., gave a fantastic presentation on cattle reproduction, and how we can incorporate this into classroom visits or field days. The more hands on learning the lessons the better.

All in attendance also had the opportunity to hear about Livestock Risk Protection and Fire Insurance for Grassland, from Quinn Briggs and Britney Creamer, of Wraith, Scarlett, and Randolph. It was very neat to hear that over half of the agents at WSR, are involved with production agriculture. They gave an excellent presentation on Livestock Risk Protection which is fixed when you purchase a contract, no margin calls and not upfront costs! It was highly recommended to just complete the application as it is free. The Grassland Fire Protection deadline is June 1, with a 15-day lag time, then you are covered throughout the year. The following lands are eligible: deaded, leased, BLM, Forest Service and state leases. Also be sure to insure all or part of your ground, as the payments are based on acres burnt.

Our Region VI business meeting took place on the afternoon of March 23 and was facilitated by ANCW Vice President Nikki Weston, Utah. The first item of business was the election of ANCW Region VI Director, which was held by Callie Martinez prior to the meeting and following the election Callie will serve for two years. Nikki also went over all of the foundation chairs, as we needed to replace the open position on the membership committee. Jeri Roen, California CattleWomen President was nominated and accepted. We also filled positions on Ways and Means, as Callie was serving on the committee. Annalyn Settlemyer agreed to serve.

A big thank you goes out to all of our meeting sponsors: The following companies were Silver level sponsors: Alltech, Animal Health Express, Arizona State CowBelles, Inc., California Beef Council, California Cattlemen’s Association, CKP, Lamar and Melanie Fowle-Nelson, Utah CattleWomen, Zenith Agribusiness Solutions and Zoetis. Also, thank you to the WIRED Sponsors: Adode Insurance, AgriWebb, Allflex & Merck Animal Health, American Ag Credit, CKP Insurance, DATAMARS Livestock, Frank Turner & Sons Farms, Molly MFG, Inc. – Silencer; Multi Min, The Nevada Rancher, WSR Insurance and Zoetis.