Top Consignments from throughout California and Nevada will be Showcased during These Upcoming Special Sales ...
SPECIAL WEDNESDAY FEEDER SALES November 6 • November 20
No Sale Thanksgiving Week on November 27 December 4 • December 18
CLM ANNUAL BRED COW AND REPLACEMENT FEMALE SALE AND
PARNELL’S 56TH ANNUAL CENTRAL CALIFORNIA ‘WORLD OF BULLS’ SALE Saturday NOVEMBER 2
Females at 9:30 a.m. • Bulls at 12:30 p.m. Featuring Top Angus, Beefmasters, Brangus/Ultrablacks, Charolais, Gelbvieh/Balancers and Red Angus Top Seedstock Producers from throughout the West
2
UPCOMING WESTERN VIDEO MARKET SALE December 3 – Silver Legacy Resort, Reno, NV Consignment Deadline: November 14
Galt, California Saturday, November
56th Annual
CALIFORNIA CATTLEMEN’S ASSOCIATION
3841 North Freeway Blvd., Suite 130 Sacramento, CA 95834
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. Periodical postage paid at Lubbock, Texas, 79402. Publication # 8-3600
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POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: California Cattleman, 3841 North Freeway Blvd., Suite 130 Sacramento, CA 95834
UPCOMING
Yolo County Cattlemen's Dinner and Dance | Nov. 2 | Woodland
Siskiyou County Cattlemen’s Fall Tour Dinner | Nov. 2 | Yreka
Modoc County Cattlemen's Fall Meeting & Dinner | Nov. 8 | Alturas
CCA & CCW Convention | Dec. 4-6 Grand Sierra Resort | Reno, Nev.
Lassen County Fall Meeting & Christmas Party | Dec. 14 | Susanville
ASSOCIATION PERSPECTIVES
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CATTLEMEN’S COLUMN
A pleasure to serve you
BUNKHOUSE
Years flying by
DUES DOLLARS AT WORK
In depth 2024 legislative recap
VET VIEWS
Preconditioning puts more money in the bank
NATIONAL PERSPECTIVE
No matter the election outcome, NCBA hard at work for you
RANGELAND TRUST TALK
Silacci Family celebrates love of land, cattle and keeping consumers happy
YOUNG PRODUCER
Recalling terror of family's Tehama County cattle ranch
CCA &
If you haven't yet registered, don't wait to get in on this year's event! BIANCHI'S BEST Family expands beef operation to include direct-to-consumer brand
ON THE COVER
As fall rolls in full force all over the West Coast, cattle are moving to market and ranchers are preparing for winter. This month's cover photo is courtesy of Bianchi Ranches. To read more about the evolution at this family ranching operation, see page 24.
CATTLEMEN’S COLUMN HONORED TO SERVE
by CCA Second Vice President Mike McCluskey
As my two year term as a second vice president of the California Cattlemen's Association is coming to an end, I reflect back on how I came to this position. I didn’t grow up on a ranch. My parents were not in the cattle business nor were they farmers. I grew up in a small rural town where I was exposed to agriculture and it became my passion and still is today.
I pursued a career in agriculture which led me to managing a row crop farm and eventually working in the cattle business for Tehama Angus Ranch, and my wife Kendra and I running a small cow calf operation in Red Bluff. I continually wonder, "why me? why was I asked to serve in this position." I asked Kirk Wilbur this same question. His reply was something like, "You would call the office quite often, during your local presidency, wanting information on issues you were dealing with and you showed interest."
I guess the moral to my story is don’t be afraid to get involved. If you love the cattle business, the western way of life, and the opportunity it provides us to work live and raise our families in an environment and a lifestyle that is by far the best place in the world to be, then get involved. Join your local cattlemen's association, join CCA, attend the meetings, learn the issues, try to find solutions and make a difference.
The cattle industry right now is in a good position, we're finally operating in the black and the market looks good into the future. But the cattle industry in California and for that matter nationwide is constantly under attack. Be it by the state's mismanagement of the wolf, among many other things. The seemingly constant attempts to take our water and water rights or activist groups that want the cattle and livestock industry as a whole to be put out of business, as they are doing now in Sonoma County with
Measure J. We also have a fake meat industry that would like to take our place.
All of these issues above and many more are your call to get involved. If you are not already a member of CCA I urge you to become one. If you are a member but are not involved other than paying your dues every year, come to the convention in December and be a part of the process. If you are a small producer with 50 head or less, don’t think your voice doesn’t count — it does. You are the majority of cow calf producers in the U.S. Get involved because the more members we have, the louder and stronger we can be in Sacramento and beyond.
When you get involved you are going to meet and work with the CCA staff. Be it directly through lobbying, passing important information on to our membership, monitoring the media and responding when necessary, growing our membership and keeping track of your hard-earned dues dollars. This staff and organization gets it done year after year.
It has been my pleasure and an honor to be asked and to serve as a director and second vice president of the California Cattlemen's Association. Traveling our state and attending local meetings and meeting a lot of great people has been challenging but rewarding. It has been a priviledge to be involved in all that CCA does to protect our industry.
Get involved, come to the convention in Reno. Dec. 4 through Dec. 6 at the Grand Sierra Resort. Come see what we do, CCA has many facets and there is a place for everyone.
Thank you for allowing me to serve.
2024 CCA & CCW ANNUAL CONVENTION & TRADESHOW
DEC. 4 - DEC. 6 | GRAND SIERRA RESORT | RENO, NEV.
2024 TENTATIVE SCHEDULE
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 3RD
8:30am - 2:00pm California Rangeland Trust Board Meeting
10:30am - 5:00pm CCA Scholarship Interviews
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 4TH
7:00am - 7:30pm Registration Open
9:00 - 10:00am Mandatory Tradeshow Exhibitor Meeting/Allied Industry
9:00 - 10:30am CCA Officer’s Meeting
11:00am - Noon YCC Networking in the Tradeshow
11:00am - Noon A California CattleWomen Heritage Foundation, Inc.
11:00am-12:30pm California Cattlemen’s Foundation Board of Directors
Noon - 9:30pm Tradeshow Open
Noon - 1:30pm California Rangeland Trust Landowner Appreciation Lunch
1:30 - 2:30pm CBCIA Board Meeting
1:30 - 2:30pm CCA Finance and Membership Meeting
2:30 - 4:00pm California CattleWomen Executive Committee
2:30 - 3:30pm Cattle-PAC Meeting
2:30 - 3:30pm YCC Social
4:00 - 5:00pm Opening General Session
6:00 - 9:00pm Tradeshow Welcome Party
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5TH
6:30am - 7:30pm Prayer Gathering
7:00am - 5:00pm Registration Open
7:00am - 1:00pm Allied Industry Tradeshow
7:00- 8:00am Breakfast in the Tradeshow
7:00 - 8:00am LMRF Meeting
7:00 - 8:00am Wolf Subcommittee Meeting
7:00 - 8:00am Fire Subcommittee Meeting
8:00 - 9:30am General Session #2
9:30 - 10:45am California CattleWomen Workshop
10:00am - Noon Cattle Health and Well-Being
10:00am - Noon Cattle Marketing and International Trade
10:00am - Noon CCA Federal Lands
11:00am - 1:30pm Cowbelle of the Year Lunch
Noon - 1:00pm Lunch in the Tradeshow
Noon - 1:00pm Past Presidents Lunch
1:00 - 2:00pm General Session #3
2:00 - 4:00pm Cattlemen’s Poster Session
2:00 - 4:00pm CCA Property Rights & Environmental Management
2:00 - 4:00pm CCA Agriculture & Food Policy/Tax and Credit
3:00 - 4:00pm Tax & Credit (Policy Breakout)
3:00 - 5:00pm California CattleWomen Board and Membership Meeting
4:00 - 5:00pm Young Cattlemen’s Chute Side Conversation
4:00 - 5:00pm Local Presidents and Secretaries Meeting
5:00 - 6:00pm CCA President’s Reception
6:30 - 9:00pm CCA & CCW Awards Reception and Banquet
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 6TH
7:00 - 8:00am CCA Nominating Committee
7:00 - 9:00am California CattleWomen Awards Breakfast
8:30 - 10:00am CCA Board and Membership Meeting
9:30 - 11:30am California CattleWomen New Executive Board Workshop
GENERAL SESSION SPEAKERS
Jess Pryles
Jess Pryles
Founder of Hardcore Carnivore
Founder of Hardcore Carnivore
EVENT REGISTRATION
Full Registration - Member
Colin Woodall National Cattlemen’s Beef Association
Full Registration includes all events except Cowbelle of the Year Lunch and CCA/CCW Awards Banquet | $300.00
Full Registration – Non Member
Full Registration includes all events except Cowbelle of the Year Lunch and CCA/CCW Awards Banquet | $400.00
Full Registration – YCC
Full Registration includes all events except Cowbelle of the Year Lunch and CCA/CCW Awards Banquet | $100.00
Additional Cost
Cowbelle of the Year Lunch - $60.00 Awards Banquet - $85.00 CCW Awards Breakfast - $45.00
HOTEL RESERVATIONS
The CCA room block at the Grand Sierra Resort is open! To make your reservations in the group block visit our event page at https://calcattlemen.org/convention2024 or call the Grand Sierra Resort at (775) 789-2000 and mention the group code CCAC24
THE ROOM BLOCK CLOSES ON NOV. 11.
Tradeshow Welcome Party Entertainment
Dave Stamey
Speak sp s ed by,
THE DAYS ARE LONG BUT THE YEARS ARE SHORT
Where we've been and where we are going
by CCA Executive Vice President Billy Gatlin
“The days are long, but the years are short,” is a parenting adage that sounds cliché but is true on so many levels. It sounds so cheesy that I am certain I rolled my eyes the first time my wife uttered those words to me. When my oldest, Catherine, was two years old it was encouragement to embrace the chaos and live in the moment. Today, as she approaches her 13th birthday those words hit me a little differently. I find myself wondering “where did the time go,” and faced with the reality that in five short years she’ll likely be leaving home as she heads off to college. The years seem to be getting shorter and shorter.
As many of you know the early years of parenting are consumed with repetitive, daily tasks. Changing diapers, feeding, burping and naps seem to consume most of the day and by the time you put them to bed at night, you’re exhausted and confronted with the fact that you’ll wake up in the morning and repeat the same process. The tedious, monotonous daily tasks, at times, can overshadow the joy of being a parent. In the moment you’re so focused on the next task that the days and eventually the years all blend together.
To fully appreciate the entirety of being a parent and watching your kids develop in front of you requires deliberate reflection. When you
force yourself to look back on the months and the years you can more fully remember and appreciate moments that rise above the monotony of the day-to-day. You can also celebrate all the successes of the year that sometimes get overshadowed by the small daily defeats.
As I approach my 14th year at CCA, I see the similarities between the process of parenting and leading the association. Like parenting, it’s easy to get overwhelmed with many of the daily, repetitive tasks and bogged down by the weight of a seemingly endless list of issues that need attention. It can be easy to end each day feeling like a failure and wondering if you accomplished anything of significance. But when you reflect on the months and years you can easily identify the progress that has been made.
The 2024 legislative session was full of days where we had small setbacks and at times what felt like outright defeat. But now that the legislative session has officially concluded, and
...CONTINUED ON PAGE 14
we can judge our progress on the entirety of the session by all accounts it was an extremely successful year for CCA.
When I look back even further to April 2011, when I first started at CCA, and compare that to October 2024 the amount of progress we’ve made as an organization is even more stark and impressive. Year after year we’ve notched legislative victories to protect ranching families and defeated extreme animal rights organizations efforts to put us out of business.
One of the greatest successes during that time was the establishment of the California Cattle Council. Which now collects and invests over $3 million annually to promote ranching in California and support California ranchers. Over the last decade, the narrative around grazing has continually become more positive and the Cattle Council’s efforts have accelerated our progress.
Despite our collective success ranching in California remains challenging. Wildfires continue to consume thousands of acres of rangelands and has made it impossible to secure affordable property insurance. Wolves continue to terrorize herds and ranchers throughout the state. California’s endless regulatory efforts continue to threaten the livelihood of ranchers and pose new challenges for the next generation.
It's my sincere belief that in the next decade we will make progress on all these challenges and will be faced with new challenges. But the progress we’ve made over the last decade has positioned us for continued success. It’s also important to recognize that our successes today are built on the foundation of progress laid by previous generations. CCA has over a century of history in our state. That history along with the dedication of CCA’s current leadership and staff is what fuels my optimism about the trajectory of CCA and ranching in California.
As we head into the holiday season, I encourage you to deliberately reflect on the past year, the past decade, and even longer to
consider the progress you have made with your family and your ranch. I suspect you will realize that you’ve made a lot more progress than you might have otherwise thought. Being able to fully recognize and appreciate the progress that has been made is critical to overcoming the tediousness of the day-to-day. It is also my hope that it provides a burst of optimism to fuel a successful and rewarding 2025.
As the old adage goes, “the days are long, but the years are short.” It’s hard to believe that I’ve been working for CCA for well over a decade. The years have flown by. I am grateful for every big moment and even appreciate the monotony of the day-to-day because when I measure progress in years, we’ve accomplished a lot together, and I know we will go a lot further.
SHOULD YOU ORDER THE ANAPLASMOSIS VACCINE?
Anaplasmosis is an infectious parasitic disease in cattle, spread primarily by ticks and blood sucking insects like mosquitoes. The killed anaplasmosis vaccine protects cows and bulls of any age from infection and requires a booster given 4 to 6 weeks after the initial vaccination. Find out below if you should order the vaccine!
Do you own cattle?
You don’t need it, but should still support the California Cattlemen’s Association
Do they graze in areas where Anaplasmosis is a problem?
Do you want to prevent the effects of the disease including severe anemia, weakness, fever lack of appetite, depression, constipation, decreased milk production, jaundice, abortion and possibly death?
You don’t need to
(Consult your local veterinarian to find out)
YOUR DUES DOLLARS AT WORK
ANOTHER GOOD YEAR FOR CATTLEMEN ASSESSING CCA’S LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES
AT THE END OF THE 2023-24 SESSION
by CCA Vice President of Government Affairs Kirk Wilbur
California’s two-year legislative session gaveled to a close on Aug. 31, and by the end of September, Gov. Gavin Newsom had completed the work of signing or vetoing each of the bills that made it to his desk. With the ink dry on the 2023-24 Legislative Session, this month’s edition of California Cattleman is an opportune time to take stock of how CCA fared in lobbying its policy priorities.
Fortunately, the hard work of CCA’s government affairs team paid off well this year. By the end of June, CCA had achieved all three of its Budget priorities, obtaining renewed funding for the state’s Wolf-Livestock Compensation Program, staving off an effort by the State Water Board to increase its permitting and enforcement staff (and pass the cost off on producers) and stymying plant-based food producers’ efforts to get state subsidies for research and development of “alternative proteins."
On the policy front, CCA succeeded in killing most of the bills opposed by the association this session, and those that did manage to get signed into law were significantly watered down through agricultural advocates’ tireless lobbying efforts. Additionally, CCA priorities related to transportation and wildfire resilience were signed into law.
AB 99 (Connolly) – State roads and highways: integrated pest management
CCA-OPPOSED – WIN Vetoed by the Governor
A two-year bill first introduced in 2023, AB 99 would have required the California Department of Transportation to limit roadside pesticide application in any city or county in which the local government has voted to limit or discontinue use of pesticides. CCA opposed the bill because it would have diminished pest management on farms and ranches adjacent to CalTrans-managed roadsides. In a veto message, Governor Newsom noted that the measure would have complicated “Caltrans' ability to manage vegetation safely and efficiently across the state.”
AB 460 (Bauer-Kahan) – State Water Resources Control Board: water rights and usage: civil penalties
NEUTRAL (as amended) Signed into law
As introduced, AB 460 increased the maximum fines the State Water Resources Control Board could assess for violations of the Water Code, permitted the Board to issue “interim relief orders” prohibiting alleged Water Code violations without adequate due process and allowed any “interested party” to petition the Board for interim relief – a provision CCA feared would be abused by anti-grazing environmental groups.
Strenuously opposed by CCA, the bill stalled in the Senate Natural Resources and Water Committee last year. The measure was revived as a two-year bill in June, pared down to retain only the provision increasing maximum fines for violations of curtailment order. While CCA does not support increased enforcement authority in the hands of the SWRCB, the removal of the bill’s most toxic provisions resulted in CCA removing opposition and taking a neutral stance on the bill.
AB 1963 (Friedman) – Pesticides: paraquat dichloride
CCA-OPPOSED
Signed into law
As introduced, AB 1963 outlawed the use of paraquat dichloride – a pesticide commonly used in California agriculture, including in alfalfa production – based on alleged links to Parkinson’s Disease and certain cancers. After significant pushback from agricultural groups, including CCA, AB 1963 was amended to merely require the Department of Pesticide Regulation to complete an expedited review of the product by 2029.
While some foreign nations have outlawed paraquat, the federal Environmental Protection Agency reapproved paraquat in 2021 and supported continued approval of the product in an interim decision this year; a final decision from EPA is expected in January. CCA is hopeful that DPR’s review will accord with those of federal regulators, as pesticide cancellations in California have far outstripped new authorizations for replacement products.
AB 2079 (Bennett) – Groundwater extraction permits for large-diameter, high-capacity water wells
CCA-OPPOSED – WIN
Failed passage in Senate Natural Resources and Water Committee
AB 460 would have enabled the State Water Resources Control Board to issue new ‘interim relief orders’ to prohibit activities alleged to violate nearly any provision of the state Water Code, including exceeding one’s water right or violating a curtailment order. The bill would allow the Board to issue $10,000/day fines for violations of the interim orders – 20 times greater than the maximum daily fines the Board can issue. Additional fines of $2,500 would have been authorized for each acre-foot of water diverted in violation of the interim orders, a provision the bill’s supporters justified in part by demonizing cattle ranchers who in 2021 made the difficult decision to violate a curtailment order to provide water to stock.
Within groundwater basins identified as critically overdrafted, this bill would have required a local agency to provide 30 days’ notice to the public, local Groundwater Sustainability Agencies and nearby landowners prior to approving any new “large-diameter, high-capacity well” (misleadingly, the bill initially classified any well which would produce more than two acre-feet of water annually – the threshold for de minimis use under the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act – as “high-capacity”). The measure also would have required a local agency to deny a well permit for any “large-diameter, high-capacity well” proposed within a quarter-mile of any domestic well or within a quarter-mile of an area that has subsided half a foot or more since Jan. 1, 2015. AB 2079 was similar to Asm. Bennett’s AB 2201 (2022) and AB 1563 (2023),
both of which CCA successfully opposed in the prior two legislative years.
AB 2149 (Connolly) – Gate standards and inspections
CCA-OPPOSED – WIN
Held in Senate Appropriations Committee
AB 2149 was well-intentioned, aiming to improve the safety of heavy vehicular entry gates which have been known to injure or kill young children at schools and residences in the state. But the bill went much further than schools and residences, initially applying to any gate over 50 pounds and either wider than two feet or taller than seven feet. AB 2149 would have required that all such gates be inspected every five years, with any safety repairs conducted by licensed contractors, all at great expense to property owners.
While amendments eventually exempted agricultural facilities, the bill still would have applied to gates on any farm or ranch which was open to “any considerable number of persons,” an incredibly vague standard likely to result in unjustified enforcement on agricultural premises.
AB 2330 would have created a voluntary, streamlined process for local governments to coordinate wildfire preparedness activities –including prescribed grazing – with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife to enhance communities’ wildfire resilience while avoiding impacts to threatened and endangered species. Unfortunately, Governor Newsom vetoed the legislation, arguing that it would create “significant, ongoing costs that should be considered in the annual budget process.”
AB 2436 (Alanis) – Cattle inspection fees
CCA-SPONSORED – WIN
Signed into law
The Bureau of Livestock Identification is funded solely by brand registrations and inspection fees, and proceeds from those fees must be sufficient for the Bureau to remain revenue neutral. Unfortunately, cost pressures including wage increases for brand inspectors and a mandate to transition to zero-emissions vehicles have increased the Bureau’s expenses, requiring an adjustment to fees.
To address this, AB 2436 adjusts statutory fees payable to the Bureau for brand inspections. Importantly, this bill does not increase actual inspection fees, but rather aligns the statutory fees with the fees implemented by Secretary Ross on January 1 based on the unanimous recommendation of the Bureau’s producer-driven Advisory Board.
AB 2552 (Friedman) – Pesticides: anticoagulant rodenticides
CCA-OPPOSED
Signed into law
With limited exceptions, existing law prohibits the use of second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides and the first-generation anticoagulant diphacinone in wildlife habitat areas managed by the state or by local governments. AB 2552 adds two other first-generation anticoagulants – warfarin and chlorophacinone – to this existing prohibition on pesticide use within governmentmanaged wildlife habitat areas.
While CCA remained opposed to AB 2552 because of its potential indirect impacts on adjacent landowners and its disregard for the Department of Pesticide Regulation’s scientific process for approving or restricting rodenticide use, the version of the bill signed into law is significantly better than the bill initially introduced by Asm. Friedman. As introduced, the bill would have prohibited the use of second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides, diphacinone, warfarin and chlorophacinone not just on state- and locallymanaged wildlife habitat areas, but on all lands within 2,500 feet – or just under half a mile – of such areas, even on privately-owned lands.
Amendments secured by agricultural advocates struck this ‘buffer zone’ from the bill, preventing direct impacts to private lands.
AB 2722 (Friedman) – California Endangered Species Act: wolverines
LETTER OF CONCERN FILED – WIN
Held in Assembly Appropriations Committee
California law designates the wolverine as a fully protected species, and legislation passed last year (AB 147, Ashby) requires the California Department of Fish and Wildlife to assess the population status of all fully protected species. AB 2722 would have required the Department to “assess the feasibility of a population reintroduction or supplementation program with the goal of restoring a viable population of wolverines to the state” when it assesses the species’ population status under AB 147.
CCA expressed significant concerns about the state investigating reintroduction of another predator species at a time when CDFW has insufficient resources to effectively manage the state’s existing predator populations, and fortunately the bill was held in the Assembly Appropriations Committee over its estimated $235,000 price tag.
AB 2761 (Hart) – Reducing Toxics in Packaging Act NEUTRAL
Held in Senate Environmental Quality Committee
AB 2761 sought to ban per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS, also known as “forever chemicals”) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC)
from plastics packaging used in California. These chemicals are sometimes used in meat packaging (for instance, thin PVC films are often used to cover meat trays) and are heavily regulated and authorized by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Given these uses, CCA expressed concerns about the bill early in the legislative process, ultimately negotiating amendments with the author which exempted packaging regulated by FDA and USDA from the proposed bill, allowing CCA to remain neutral.
AB 2827 (Reyes) – Invasive species prevention CCA-SUPPORTED
Held in Senate Appropriations Committee
AB 2827 would have declared it “a primary goal of the state to prevent the introduction, and suppress the spread, of invasive species within its borders” and sought to direct state agencies to implement strategies to detect and irradicate invasive species “to protect the state’s agriculture, environment, and natural resources.” Unfortunately the bill did not advance out of the Senate this year.
AB 2870 (Muratsuchi) – LCFS regulations: avoided methane emissions from livestock manure: prohibition
CCA-OPPOSED – WIN
Held in Assembly Agriculture Committee
The California Air Resources Board’s LowCarbon Fuel Standard (LCFS) regulation attributes carbon intensity values to a variety of fuels based on direct and indirect greenhouse gas emissions. AB 2870 would have prohibited CARB from incorporating “avoided methane emissions” –methane emissions captured via livestock manure management such a dairy digesters – in its calculation of carbon intensity for fuels derived from livestock manure management. While the author argued that “California should not be incentivizing the production of methane,” the bill would have disincentivized manure management practices that CARB has recognized as vital to meeting the state’s near-term climate goals.
AB 2900 (Soria) – Small agricultural truck fleet assistance program
CCA-SUPPORTED – WIN
Signed into law
According to the author’s office, “recent years have seen an increasing number of [California Air Resources Board] regulations applied to agricultural trucks that growers have struggled to comply with,” including the Truck and Bus Regulation and the Advanced Clean Fleets Regulation. This bill establishes within CARB the Small Agricultural Truck Fleet Assistance Program “to provide dedicated technical assistance to owner-operators or owners of small fleets to support the transition to cleaner emissioncompliant trucks.” CCA is hopeful that such dedicated technical assistance within CARB
will help ease ranchers’ frustrations regarding compliance with the agency’s numerous, oftencumbersome regulations.
SB 945 (Alvarado-Gil) – The Wildfire Smoke and Health Outcomes Data Act
CCA-SUPPORTED
Held in Assembly Appropriations Committee
This bill 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.
SB 1101 (Limón) – Fire prevention: prescribed fire: state contracts: maps
CCA-SUPPORTED – WIN Signed into law
When wildfires strike, CAL FIRE has emergency authority to expedite contracting and logistical response efforts. For prescribed fires, though, CAL FIRE has been subject to bureaucratic red tape that
can prevent the agency from taking advantage of favorable burn windows. SB 1101 removes this red tape, streamlining contracting and procurement requirements for CAL FIRE’s prescribed fire efforts. The bill also directs CAL FIRE to work with local, state, federal and tribal agencies to map networks of potential fire boundaries that can be used in planning prescribed fires and to enhance wildfire response. CCA is already working within our Wildfire Resilience Working Group to establish a strategy to enhance the bill’s implementation in 2025.
Looking Ahead
While the 2025-26 Legislative Session is all but certain to be governed by a Democratic supermajority, this month’s General Election will significantly reshape some of the politics and personalities at the State Capitol. Outcomes of major ballot initiatives also stand to impact CCA’s government affairs efforts in the years to come (for instance, passage of Proposition 4 would kick off a bevy of activity to determine how climate bond funding is allocated.
The Legislature will convene at noon on Dec. 2 for an organizational session, and the legislative session will begin in earnest in the first week of the new year. CCA is already at work laying the foundations for the Association’s 2025 legislative priorities. As always, expect regular updates in the pages of California Cattleman.
VET VIEWS
CAPITALIZE ON CALF PRICES
Implementing strong preconditioning protocols will fetch top dollar
from Zoetis
A successful preconditioning program will set calves up for optimal future health and performance while enabling producers to command full market value on their calves, said Phillip Kesterson, DVM, with Zoetis beef technical services and based in western Nebraska. Preconditioned calves are four times less likely to get sick in the feedyard, so it’s the right thing to do from an animal stewardship perspective, too.
“A strong preconditioning sets animals up for success in their next production stage,” added Jeffrey Sarchet, DVM, Zoetis beef technical services. Sarchet works with cattle producers across sectors in Texas, Oklahoma and Kansas. He often sees firsthand how preconditioning programs pay off.
“Preconditioned calves are more equipped to handle stressful situations and will shrink approximately half as much as nonpreconditioned calves,” Sarchet said. “When we get paid by the pound, the extra pounds really pay.”
And as calf prices continue to go up, preconditioning can add even more value.
“We’re coming off a good forage year. Last winter feed costs were down, and current calf prices are promising,” Kesterson said. “Cowcalf producers can capitalize on this window of opportunity with a properly timed and well executed calf vaccination program.”
Here are some of the veterinarians’ top tips for ensuring preconditioning programs pay off:
Allow time for vaccinations to do their job.
Administer vaccines between three and eight weeks prior to weaning to allow calves enough time to mount an effective immune response.
If calves are initially vaccinated at weaning, or only a week ahead of weaning, the time interval isn't adequate for a complete immune response. "Weaning is a stressful time for calves, and administering vaccines during that time is going to make it more difficult to achieve the level of immunity that we can achieve in a true preweaning preconditioning program," Kesterson said.
Select
vaccines with proven efficacy against core diseases.
During the pre-weaning stage of your calf’s life, they’re beginning to rely on their own immune system. Vaccinating against core diseases at this time can result in a better response and a greater boost to their immune system for the next, more stressful phases of their life.
"This is an area where it's important to consult your local veterinarian," Kesterson said. "He or she will bring a lot of regional wisdom and can help you develop a preconditioning strategy with the appropriate products, timing and dosage."
Ensure proper handling and storing of vaccines.
One of the greatest threats to vaccine efficacy, and ultimately animal performance, is mishandling before the product is ever administered. “Too often we use an old refrigerator that wasn't adequate for the house, and we dedicate that as a vaccine storage refrigerator,” Kesterson said. One University of Arkansas study tested 191 on-farm refrigerators, and found 76 percent were unacceptable for storing pharmaceuticals, because temperatures were not consistently maintained between 35° F and 45° F.
Identify ways to add value, protect calf well-being.
“Vaccination timing can easily coincide with internal parasite control or implanting for greater labor efficiencies,” Kesterson said. Administering a dewormer is a great way to protect calves against internal parasites that threaten weight gain and profit potential.
And depending on your operation's goals, you can drive additional calf value by implanting during this time. "A common misconception is that preconditioned calves get too soft or too fleshy and bring less money," Sarchet said. "Implants are an easy workaround to this scenario, because they enhance lean muscle development and help increase overall growth."
Consider
alternative marketing options.
The truth is that calves will get sold whether they are preconditioned or not, especially in this market. However, there are multiple ways that you can command greater value for your preconditioned calves. “One option is a SelectVAC® program,” Sarchet said.
Selling cattle with a history in a verified preconditioning program, such as SelectVAC, provides transparency to buyers because the program documents which products were
administered and when.
Western Video Market data shows the value of calves enrolled in SelectVAC over a recent fiveyear period: Calves enrolled in WeanVAC™ earned $17.27 per head more than non-enrolled calves, and calves enrolled in PreVAC+ earned $10.85 per head more than non-enrolled calves.
Another simple marketing strategy that's growing in popularity is price insurance," Sarchet said. "If you're hesitant to hold calves, this method can help ensure you get the price you want for the calves when you're ready to sell them."
Consult local experts.
“A preconditioning program is not as simple as checking a box on a sale listing,” Kesterson concluded. Preconditioning programs do require some additional planning and, in many cases, an analysis of the market in your area.
"In addition to working with your local veterinarian, consult other producers who have seen success in preconditioning calves," Sarchet added. "They can tell you what works, what doesn't work, and what they're doing to ensure their calves bring a profit."
To learn more about developing a strong preconditioning program visit with your local veterinarian or go to BuildingHealthyHerds.com.
NATIONAL PERSPECTIVE
WHATEVER THE DIRECTION, NCBA WILL LEAD
by National Cattlemen's Beef Association Chief Executive Officer Colin Woodall
In just a matter of weeks we will know the new political landscape that lies ahead. Regardless of the outcome, we are prepared to continue our proud tradition of being your voice and leading this industry through the next several years. We’ve experienced all the various combinations of political party control in our government, and we have found a way to navigate them all. We are prepared and our team has the knowledge, experience and fortitude to tackle the upcoming challenges and opportunities. We will go forward with your success at the core of our strategy.
Producer profitability and preserving the cattleman’s way of life lies at the heart of all we do as an association. If we can’t help you stay in business, then there is no viable U.S. cattle industry and definitely no NCBA. Every NCBA member has a different view of what our role is when it comes to profitability. I wish we had the ability to control the markets the way some believe we do, but there are many other variables that impact the bottom line. Our work in policy advocacy, producer education, and beef research and promotion all have an impact on your success.
Part of the work we do in ensuring that our industry is viable for years to come is anticipating what might impact future success. NCBA’s officers and executive committee are currently working on a new strategic plan for the association. Strategic plans are critical in identifying the priorities of the
association and where we want the association to go in the future. Given everything we must deal with, it can be easy to get distracted. Following a strategic plan ensures we are working on the highest priority issues that will impact your profitability and ability to pass on the farm or ranch. We would love to work on each issue that comes our way, but we just don’t have the time or resources to do that.
We began the strategic planning process during the Cattle Industry Summer Business Meeting in San Diego. Attendees were invited to participate in the Richard McDonald Leadership Institute where we conducted a SWOT analysis getting feedback on NCBA’s Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats. We received candid and helpful feedback that has been shared with the officers and executive committee. Later this month, the executive committee will meet in Denver to utilize this feedback in crafting a new strategic plan. After they complete the draft, we will circulate it to all our state and breed partners to get feedback before it is finalized and voted on during the NCBA
Board of Directors meeting in February in San Antonio. The process so far has been the most grassroots focused strategic plan that I can recall.
Timing our new strategic plan with a new presidential administration and the 119th Congress couldn’t be better. As the White House and Capitol Hill get prepared for the upcoming year, we will be there to advocate based on the priorities outlined in the plan. Producer profitability will be front and center as we tackle many of the expiring provisions from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017. Signed into law by former President Trump, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act included many of our requests such as doubling the Death Tax exemption amounts and indexing them for inflation. As of Jan. 1, the Death Tax exemption is $13.61 million per person and $27.22 million for a married couple. Equally as important was preserving steppedup basis. These two provisions alone go a long way in protecting the majority of us in agriculture. However, at the end of 2025, these exemption levels revert to $5 million per person and $10 million per couple.
As I mentioned earlier, the price we get paid for our cattle is only one
component of profitability. NCBA will continue our tradition of co-leading the small business and agriculture tax coalition in fighting for a tax code more favorable to cattle producers. We will address Death Tax, step-up in basis, Section 1031 like-kind exchanges, 2032A special use valuations and more as we start to see Congressional action on the tax code provisions that begin to expire at the end of 2025.
Taxes won’t be the only issues we work on. New legislative challenges will arise, and we will continue to fight the regulatory burdens coming out of federal agencies, regardless of 1600 Pennsylvania’s new occupant. Come January, the most important thing will be for us to get out and engage with the new members of Congress and the new administration to let them know that NCBA is the trusted leader and definitive voice of the U.S. cattle and beef industry.
EID RULE CHANGES TAKE PLACE NOV. 5
Starting Nov. 5, the USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) will require electronic identification (EID) for certain cattle and bison moving interstate. If you transport livestock for competitions, sell cattle across state lines, or just manage a large herd, this new rule may affect you directly. This is a big change for many farmers and ranchers, so it is important to understand the rules, avoid delays, and stay compliant as the deadline arrives.
The ruling was announced in April and enhances a previous 2013 rule that requires all sexually intact cattle and bison 18 months of age or older, dairy cattle, and rodeo and exhibition cattle to have an official form of animal identification. This ruling institutes visual ID tags for interstate movement and the new rule switches producers to EID tags.
The 2013 ruling determined a USDA Animal Disease Traceability rule required that all sexually intact cattle over 18 months, rodeo
and exhibition cattle and dairy cattle moved interstate have official identification.
Under the new 2024 Animal Disease Traceability rule, starting on Nov. 5, all sexually intact cattle over 18 months, rodeo and exhibition cattle and dairy cattle moved interstate must have an official ID with an electronic identification device (EID). The only EID technology approved by USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) at this time is an 840 tag—that is what will be required starting Nov. 5 for these classes of cattle.
Did CCA support this new rule?
Yes, CCA members voted and chose to support the adoption and implementation of electronic identification devices for interstate movement for these groups of cattle only. In short, the change coming Nov. 5 is going to require tags to be electronically readable, on top of visually readable.
MERGING MARKETS
BIANCHI
RANCHES STRIVES FOR
EXCELLENCE
ON THE RANGE WHILE BRINGING BEEF DIRECT TO
CONSUMERS
by CCA Associate Director of Communications Maureen LaGrande
California is a diverse state serving as home to many multigenerational farms and ranches that have continued to operate amidst natural disasters and everchanging regulations that make it difficult for an operation to carry on. In Zone 4 of the California Cattlemen’s Association lies the local associations of Contra Costa –Alameda and Santa Clara County. To expand upon a business, many ranchers look for ways to diversify and build upon their operations so that in the years to come those who want to continue in the business have the opportunity to do so. Involvement, innovation and education are continually being implemented at Bianchi Ranches, located in the foothills of Gilroy. Now in its fifth generation, the ranch is run by Robert and Chris Bianchi, their daughter Erica Bianchi Pirnik, her husband Steven Pirnik, their daughter Mila and friend Juli Figone. The land in which the ranch resides was purchased in the early 1910s by Chris’s grandfather George Milias, the then mayor of Gilroy and a hotel owner. Milias made the decision he wanted to become a cattle rancher and purchased range land, some of which is now Bianchi Ranches. Since Miliases start in the cattle industry, the ranch has been passed down from generation to generation.
RUNNING THE RANCH
Following in the footsteps of previous generations who have raised livestock on the ranch, the Bianchi family wears many hats running a cow-calf operation, raising purebred Charolais, Hereford, Red Angus and Black Angus
cattle, and selling their meat direct-to-consumer. “While there have been changes to the ranch over the years, we are very fortunate to still be here ranching,” said Erica Pirnik. Having so many moving parts on the ranch, it’s always all hands on deck, with each family member overseeing the various facets of the operation.
Robert can be found out on the ranch tending to the cattle as well as working alongside Steven keeping up on ranch maintenance and projects that need to be completed. In addition to their cow-calf operation, the family also raises purebred livestock including bulls that they sell via private treaty and at various livestock sales throughout the state and have a few commercial calves that they raise and sell to youth showmen throughout California, Oregon and Nevada.
On the purebred side of things, there is a lot of record keeping, and each association has a different set of standards that must be followed and submitted. Chris keeps detailed notes to make sure their records are up to date and handles all the necessary paperwork for the breed associations. To ensure that they are producing strong genetics, Pirnik shares that they do a lot of embryo work and utilize the use of some artificial insemination.
“We invest in really good herd bulls that can breed everything,” said Pirnik.
With a strong foundation of genetics, Pirnik explained how their operation with the bulls is twofold, for the family uses their home-raised bulls on their ranch allowing them to see what they are selling to their customers. When they aren’t on
the ranch, the Bianchis can be found in the barns helping out and showing at livestock shows and sales including the Red Bluff Bull and Gelding Sale, Klamath Bull and Heifer Sale and Western States Hereford show to name a few.
BIANCHI RANCH BEEF, HEADED TO CONSUMERS PLATES
A few years ago, as Pirnik was moving home from college and Figone getting ready to graduate, the family sat down to discuss the expansion of their ranch and how they could find a way to incorporate everyone into the business. Upon their conversation, the decision to start a direct-to-consumer beef program was made. Now entering their third year in the direct-toconsumer market, the Bianchis are continuing to learn and flourish.
All animals in the beef program are raised on the ranch, starting out as calves that are grass-fed and as they age are moved to the bunk where they are fed spent grain from local breweries.
“We are doing the breweries a service by removing a byproduct that is not beneficial to them by feeding it to our cattle,” said Pirnik. When close to harvest time, the animals are put on grain to be finished. On a yearly basis, 60-100 head are harvested for the Bianchi’s program and are all USDA certified.
When the family made the decision to start their direct-to-consumer program, their main goal was to purchase a box truck with a freezer equipped so that they could easily transport their meat to multiple locations.
“Food safety was our highest priority, we don’t display our meat out on the table but are happy to grab a cut and show the customer upon request,” said Pirnik. By doing this the Bianchis can ensure that their products all stay at the correct temperature.
Bianchi Ranch Beef can be purchased online through their website but is primarily sold at farmers markets throughout the year. “We ship our meat throughout the western states and do local pickups on designated nights,” said Pirnik. The summer run is one of the busier times for Bianchi Ranch Beef, attending about seven markets a week, with Figone going to most of them. Having Figone come home and work on the operation has been detrimental to the success of the direct-to-consumer operation, with Pirnik sharing that they wouldn’t be able to attend as many markets as they do without Figone.
At farmers markets, the ranch’s booth set up includes graphics and a list of meat available for purchase, pictures of the family and the ranch, educational materials on beef from the California Beef Council and Bianchi Ranch apparel. As
customers visit the booth, they can speak with Figone about certain meat cuts or learn more about the ranch where their meat comes from.
“When people ask questions, we have good conversations by sharing our story and talking about our operation,” said Pirnik. “Our hope is that they walk away better understanding and appreciating all the hard work farmers and ranchers do.”
Pirnik is in charge of taking care of the billing, scheduling dates for animal harvest, and coordinating the cutting and wrapping of their meats. Limited hanging space and room at processing facilities can at times be challenging, Pirnik explained how crucial it is to reserve harvest dates in advance to ensure that they can process their animals at the correct time.
When Bianchi Ranch Beef first started, they used a company that was able to harvest, cut, and wrap their meats all in one place, but due to the facility's closure, the Bianchi’s had to find a new place to take their animals. After using a few different places, the Bianchi’s were able to find a facility to harvest their animals. Once harvested and processed, the carcasses are then transported to Sonoma County Meat Company
...CONTINUED ON PAGE 26
Steven, Mila and Erica Pirnik with Erika's parents Chris and Robert Bianchi at home on the family ranch.
to be cut and wrapped. From a sales standpoint, the packaging of a product is important, especially to a consumer. Pirnik shared that when they were originally looking for a cut-andwrap facility, good packaging was one of their priorities.
Aside from their farmers markets and current clientele, Bianchi Ranch ground beef is now being used at a friend’s burger stand located at a local pumpkin patch just outside of San Jose.
“We were thrilled to have our friend use our beef for the burger stand and have heard of how much customers are enjoying the burgers.” Said Pirnik. In the coming months, their ground beef will also be used at a Gilroy take-and-bake lasagna restaurant.
Bianchi Ranch’s website, social media and word of mouth are utilized to advertise and market their products. Figone covers all communications with customers and runs both the Bianchi Ranch and Bianchi Ranch Beef social media pages. Through their media channels, Figone works hard to generate posts that educate their followers on everything ranching, including explanations as to why they move cattle, and the day-to-day life on a working ranch. On the beef page, she posts how to cook certain cuts of meat and interacts with customers as they share and tag their beef recipe creations.
Pirnik shared that while she grew up in the beef industry and has a lot of knowledge about cattle, there was so much that she did not know when it came to all the cuts of beef and how they could be best utilized. Since embarking on the direct-to-consumer venture, she herself has learned about underutilized cuts and the various ways to prepare them.
For those who are looking to add a directto-consumer program to their operation, Pirnik encourages them to think long-term, be ready to make the commitment to selling their meats and do all the research before getting started. While the days may be long and the work is hard, the Bianchi family continues to strive to provide quality cattle and meat to their customers.
“Getting to interact with customers who purchase our meats and cattle buyers is amazing,” said Pirnik.
For more about Bianchi Ranches and Bianchi Ranch Beef, visit them online atbianchiranches.com or brbeefllc.com.
Juli Figone serves Bianchi Ranch Beef to consumers at local events and regional farmers markets.
Bianchi Ranch cattle graze year-round on the home ranch in Gilroy.
SUPPORTING RANCHER WILDFIRE PREPAREDNESS AND RECOVERY
A team of University of California researchers surveyed California ranchers who have been impacted by recent wildfires. The team developed a policy brief from the survey results, highlighting how the 2024 Farm Bill can support rancher wildfire preparedness and recovery.
“Unfortunately, catastrophic fires continue to impact families, communities, business, farmers and ranchers,” states Dr. Roche, University of California Davis, Professor of Cooperative Extension in Rangeland Management. “Project results show how the Farm Bill helps ranchers in rebuilding after fire and highlights opportunities for the next Farm Bill to better support livestock producers with rebuilding their businesses and restoring their lands post fire.”
The Farm Bill offers financial assistance, risk management tools, and support for farmers and ranchers, promoting the stewardship of natural resources and sustainable agricultural production. It also allocates resources for disaster prevention and recovery, which is particularly important in wildfire-prone regions like California.
“I witnessed farmers and ranchers struggling to prepare and recover from wildfires and it inspired me to pursue this study,” shared Natalia Pinzón Jiménez, postdoctoral researcher at UC Davis who led the research project team. “This was an opportunity to make a difference for farmers and ranchers by shedding light on the impacts and response strategies used by agricultural communities facing wildfire.”
The policy brief developed from the survey
results discusses wildfire impacts, disaster assistance and recovery, along with wildfire risk reduction. The survey found 58 percent of ranchers impacted by wildfire did NOT use USDA disaster assistance, highlighting the need for a comprehensive understanding of opportunities and challenges within Farm Bill disaster recovery programs. To address this, one key recommendation from the brief is to “Elevate technical assistance, outreach, and research by investing in USDA agency collaborations with local organizations (e.g., Cooperative Extension) to raise awareness, expand access to assistance programs, and provide science-based solutions for wildfire recovery.”
“We can see the impact of fires damaging infrastructure and burning forage; however, this survey found the number one wildfire impact for ranchers is on their physical and mental health,” states research team member Tracy Schohr, University of California, Livestock and Natural Resources Advisor in Plumas, Sierra, and Butte counties. “This underscores the need for future USDA disaster programs to prioritize physical and mental health and emphasizes the importance of USDA’s investment in training staff and partners in trauma-informed approaches to aid farmers and ranchers affected by disasters.”
Read the policy brief and learn more about the research results at https:asi.ucdavis.edu/fires. For media inquiries and requests for presentations from the project team please contact Natalia Pinzon at wildfires@ucdavis.edu.
CCA ZONE 4 BY THE NUMBERS
CCA Executive Committee
Zone 1 Director: Myles Flournoy
Zone 2 Director: Jason Hunt
Zone 3 Director: Rich Ross
Zone 4 Director: Clayton Koopmann
Zone 5 Director: Bob Brennan
Zone 6 Director: Mike Souza
Zone 7 Director: Claude Loftus
Zone 8 Director: John Hammon
Zone 9 Director: Mike Williams
Appointees at Large
Myron Openshaw
Greg Kuck
Trevor Freitas
Kevin Kester
Steve Lambert
*Not all cattle owners in these counties are CCA members. These numbers are only used to illustrate proportion of cattle to people in areas within this zone.
ALAMEDA
RANGELAND TRUST TALK
SILACCI RANCH Family working to keep food on dinner plates
by Madison Goss, California Rangeland Trust Communications Specialist
In the Salinas Valley of California, known as the “Salad Bowl of the World,” a local ranching family is helping to ensure that there will always be protein on the plate.
For over 140 years, the Silacci family has called the Valley home – beginning when patriarch Bautista Silacci immigrated to Monterey County. After living in Moss Landing in the early 1880s, he decided to move inland to Salinas to work at a local dairy. In 1887, seizing an opportunity to establish roots on the land and in the industry, he purchased the dairy. Together, he and his family raised dairy cattle and cultivated various crops, contributing to the Valley’s notorious bounty.
As the family grew, so did their ambitions. In 1939, they acquired an adjoining property, encompassing 9,400 acres from the Valley floor to the mountain peaks of the Gabilan Range. The area boasts seven different plant communities, including Coastal Oak Woodlands, Chaparral and Annual Grasslands. The varying and rugged terrain was not suitable for many of the traditional crops grown in the area, so they decided to shift their operations.
The Silaccis transitioned from raising dairy cattle to beef cattle while continuing to grow crops on 300 acres of the ranch along the Valley floor. This not only diversified their income but also, through rotational grazing, provided significant environmental benefits for the local wildlife and plants, including special-status species such as the golden eagle, California tiger salamander, Pinnacles buckwheat, Tule Elk and California false lupine.
Pete Silacci, Salinas, third generation on
the ranch and current co-manager, noted, “We see wildlife and a variety of plants all the time; it is just a part of being on the ranch. As much as we call this ranch a home, it is our intention [through our management] for it to stay a home for all of them as well.”
As the years progressed, the family and their ranching business prospered on the property, but they slowly started to notice a shift in the community around them.
Despite its nickname and deep agricultural roots, the Valley could not escape the inevitable growth and development happening throughout the region. In 1940, Salinas was a small town of 11,586 people, primarily populated by farm and ranch workers. Over the following decades, the area experienced significant expansion with the population soaring to 151,060 by the 2000s.
This period of urban expansion mirrors trends across California and the nation, where farms and ranches continue to disappear while being replaced by urban development. Statewide, California lost more than 465,000 acres of ranch and farmland from 2001 to 2016. And future trends look just as bleak with projected losses of nearly 797,000 acres of productive agricultural land by 2040— an area over half the size of the Salinas Valley’s 1.2 million
acres of prime agricultural space.
Determined to preserve their legacy amidst urban sprawl and mounting pressures facing producers, Pete, along with his son and comanager, Kevin Silacci, sought a lasting solution to protect their land in perpetuity. In 2023, they partnered with the California Rangeland Trust to secure a conservation easement on the entire property, ensuring its future as a working ranch and wildlife haven.
Funding to complete conservation was secured through Walmart’s Acres for America Program and through a private foundation. Acres for America is a competitive grant program administered by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation. It is dedicated to conserving lands and wildlife habitat of national significance while benefiting local communities and economies. Because of its unique location, the Silacci Ranch plays a crucial role in connecting over 27,600 acres of uninterrupted migration corridors and conserved habitat for local wildlife. This, along with the land’s ecological importance, made it a top contender to receive grant funding.
For the Silaccis, the conservation easement is not only securing prime wildlife habitat, but also helping to strengthen the future viability of their family businesses, preserve the agricultural traditions of the region, and ensure the sustainability of the land.
• Easy to operate scissor style tailgate
• Tilts with hydraulics to 78 degrees
• accommodate up to 800 lbs. calves
• 4 fold down doors for access to calf when in chute position
“Between balancing taxes, regulations, climate change and everything else, anyone in the industry is aware that it is becoming increasingly more and more difficult for landowners to maintain their property, while keeping it true to its history, and then pass property to their children,” explained Kevin. “While it is a privilege working this land, it is also difficult and hard work. By partnering with the California Rangeland Trust, we conserved the land in its natural, working state while providing an avenue for our children to keep the legacy in the family for future generations.”
As urban sprawl encroaches and challenges to modern ranching persist, the Silacci family remains resilient, as does the conserved landscape they so carefully steward. For over 140 years, they have been integral to the Salinas Valley, contributing to its agricultural bounty, upholding its legacy as a global food hub, and providing both quality crops and beef to consumers. The Silacci Ranch, with its thriving ecosystems and sustainable practices, is a testament to the Valley's enduring role in global agriculture.
In the Salad Bowl of the World, the Silacci family ensures that beef has its place alongside the Valley's famous produce—because, as the saying goes, "Eat beef; the West was not won on salad."
• Push pull operation with no adjustment required
• Cam Slam Latch Design on gates
• Double anti-backing ratchets
• Rubber coated fibre-glass anti-backing bar
• 3 different head restraint options
YOUNG PRODUCER
THE HEART OF RESILIENCE AT ZANE RANCH Illustrating terror at home in Payne's Creek
by Masie Skelton, horitculture student, Purdue University
Resiliency has become a trending word in California agriculture, symbolizing the ability to endure and overcome the multitude of challenges farmers and ranchers face. I think the word "resilient" captures the complexity of agricultural life, embodying the strength, adaptability, and perseverance required to thrive despite adversity. In agriculture, resilience is more than just a trait; it is a way of life.
At the heart of this resilient spirit lies Zane Ranch in Paynes Creek, in the Sierra Nevada foothills. For my grandparents, Steve and Peggy Zane, Zane Ranch is more than a home—it is a legacy, and a livelihood built on decades of hard work and sacrifice. Over this past summer, a formidable hardship threatened that livelihood, one that continues to challenge my family even months later.
Growing up, I was fortunate to be raised so close to my grandparents and to experience the agricultural way of life firsthand, which has wholly defined who I am and the values I hold to this day. In my rural hometown, agriculture is more than an industry; it is the lifeblood of the community. It encourages a sense of belonging and shared responsibility, where neighbors are as close as family and everyone understands the meaning of hard work.
My grandparents have always made their home of Zane Ranch an extension of themselves and have extended that part to our community as an offer of family and warmth, creating an environment where the lines between family and neighbors blur. Their ranch has been a place where people come together—not just for the tasks of ranching, but to support one another during times of crisis.
On July 24, a wildfire ignited in Upper Bidwell Park in Chico, a spark that would quickly escalate into an all-consuming threat. By 11:48 p.m. the following night, the fire had grown to a staggering 145,171 acres, leading to widespread evacuation warnings, including for my nearby home in Dairyville. By noon on
Friday, July 26, the fire had swelled to 178,090 acres and continued to rage northward with alarming speed. By 7:30 p.m., it had reached Zane Ranch.
In a single night, my grandparents, uncles, and mother worked side by side with CalFire, employing every tool and ounce of energy they had to fight the encroaching flames. They cut fire breaks, cleared brush, extinguished spot fires, watered the pastures and barns, and filled water tanks, battling relentlessly to protect our cattle, homes and structures. The night was long and sleepless, but their determination was unwavering. Long before the sun started to rise, it was clear that the threat of the fire destroying everything was nonexistent. The flames, though perilously close, had been held at bay, and my family was able to secure the ranch from a threat that could have been much worse.
Amid the chaos of that night, a moment of irony highlighted the resilience of life on the
ranch. While my family fought to protect the land, the cattle were in the midst of calving season. That very night, as the fire raged nearby, three new calves were born—a poignant reminder that life in agriculture does not pause for disaster. No matter the obstacles, the cycle of life continues.
The impact of that Friday night extended far beyond our family. The fire displaced many residents of Paynes Creek, forcing families from their homes and disrupting lives. Yet, in the aftermath of the fire, the strength of the agricultural community shone through.
Farmers and ranchers, often face unpredictable challenges as a part of their daily lives, and this network of support is not just about physical aid but emotional encouragement, as they understand the unique struggles that come with repairing after such a catastrophe.
The Park Fire, however devastating, illuminated the incredible spirit of recovery and cooperation that defines rural communities and farming families. In the face of overwhelming loss, people came together—not just to rebuild their homes and livelihoods but to reaffirm the values of unity and collective strength which I believe lie at the heart of agricultural life.
PRESERVING HISTORY
HERITAGE CLUB HONORS AND PRESERVES
CALIFORNIA’S AGRICULTURAL HERITAGE
from AgWest Farm Credit
In 1844, four years before California became a part of the U.S. and before John Marshall discovered gold at Coloma, a 16-year-old boy left his home in what later became West Virginia and joined an ox team headed west. James John Morehead was by himself, with only a horse and flintlock gun to his name. After the Gold Rush began, he tried mining but soon began raising cattle and farming wheat south of Chico.
Morehead prospered and in 1872 he purchased 765 acres of fertile land just outside of Chico, and eventually expanded his holdings into neighboring counties. It was Morehead's good fortune to have come west, for in his 33 years in California he acquired 1,700 acres in Butte, Colusa and Tehama counties, 13 lots in Chico, increased his assets a hundredfold and was regarded as a prominent and successful farmer and businessman. (Unfortunately, Morehead’s flintlock – with many notches in the stock – and powder horn were stolen in the 1930s from the fireplace mantle of the family’s summer home in Magalia and never recovered.)
Today, the Morehead-Hill-Baker Ranch grows mostly almonds, and the remaining property is farmed by fourth and fifth generation family members. This historic farming operation was one of five farming and ranching enterprises that have been in business for at least 100 years that were honored at this year’s California State Fair in July. The ranch was recognized for 150 years of California farming.
Each year, the Fair, through its California Agricultural Heritage Club, honors farms and ranches, ag-related businesses and ag-related
organizations that have been in operation for at least 100 years, at least 125 years, at least 150 years and at least 175 years. Some farm and ranch owners apply when they hit their threshold, but others do so a few years later, in most cases because they weren’t aware of the program.
Club chair Judy Culbertson, whose family’s ranch was inducted in 2003, said emceeing the event is one of the most enjoyable events she does during the year.
“These are warm, salt-of-the-earth farm and ranch families who are proud of what they do and of each other. You don’t find many 100-year-old companies, and some of their stories are heartwrenching,” she said.
Farm Credit has been a top sponsor of the breakfast event since 2015 and was one of the 100-year honorees in 2016, noted Kevin Ralph, California State President for AgWest Farm Credit.
“As a more than century-old institution, Farm Credit is proud to sponsor the ceremony each year,” Ralph said. “The inductees are integral members of California’s agricultural community, whose families built the foundation of our state’s giant agricultural enterprise.”
Mary Pimentel, Relationship Manager with American AgCredit, added that without sponsors, the event could not be held.
“Without the California Heritage Agricultural Club, these pioneer farms and ranches wouldn’t receive the recognition they’ve earned – and without sponsorships, the Club wouldn’t be able to put on their program each year,” Pimentel said. “As California agriculture continues to move forward, it’s also important to honor the men and
women who have made California the proud leader in food production and agriculture.”
Farm Credit organizations supporting the event are AgWest Farm Credit, American AgCredit and CoBank. These organizations are part of the nationwide Farm Credit System – the largest provider of credit to U.S. agriculture.
Culbertson said the program began in 1948 – the centennial of the California Gold Rush – as the 100 Year Club. In 2001, it was given its current name and expanded to recognize businesses and organizations that had been in existence for up to 150 years and began honoring 175-year-old ag-related companies in 2010.
All this year’s honorees have colorful histories.
George Thompson immigrated to California from Ireland in the 1860s. He and his wife, May, moved from New York to Big Valley in Lassen County where they started their homestead along the Pit River in 1871. After George passed away, his 13-year-old son Jim took over running the ranch for his mother. He eventually bought out several neighbors to expand to the presentday 4,040-acre ranch. Now with nearly 500 head of cattle, the Thompson Ranch is still owned and operated by the Thompson Family.
Scott Brothers Dairy was founded by Ira J. Scott in 1913 when he moved from Iowa to California. and has continued to grow ever since. Originally located in Pomona, the company added a second dairy, manufacturing plant and retail location added just down the road in the agricultural zone of Chino in 1961. The dairy farm is now located in San Jacinto. The family-owned and -managed 900-acre farm has over 1,000 head of cattle, with all the milk sent daily to the production facility in Chino. Now in its fourth generation, the company sells dairy products in 54 countries under private labels and copacking agreements – and is one of the largest manufacturers of frozen yogurt in the world.
In 1919, Faustino Silva arrived in California from Portugal with a dream to start a farm and ranch. He discovered the beautiful and fertile Sacramento area and got to work. His son, Gary Silva Sr., followed in his footsteps and continued to build their dream. Today Gary Silva Jr. has taken over the family tradition with his wife, Tracy, and their children, Justin
and Alexis. Together, the family continues to provide delicious top-quality ranch-raised, grassfed, grain-finished beef from the Silva Ranch in Herald.
Today the largest grower of fresh artichokes in North America, Ocean Mist Farms' family farming roots took hold exactly 100 years ago when Daniel Pieri, cousins Amerigo and Angelo Del Chiaros, and Jim Bellone immigrated to the U.S. from Italy. They settled in Castroville and joined forces with another founding father, Alfred Tottino, to form the California Artichoke & Vegetable Growers Corp. Together, they leased land south of Castroville and set up shop in a tinroofed wooden shed at the Del Monte Junction. In addition to artichokes, the company has since added 30 other fresh vegetables to its line and members the Pieri-Reasons and Tottino families continue to be involved in operations.
Owners of farming and ranching operations that have been in business for at least 100 years are encouraged to apply to be recognized during the 2025 California State Fair. Applications are available at https://calexpostatefair.com/specialevents/ca-agheritage/
CATTLEMEN’S REPORT
Annual
Col. Rick Machado
Annual
Col. Rick Machado
Col.
Col.
Greg Ramelli with Rick and Weston Roberti at the Beef Solutions Bull Sale in Ione.
Ellington Peek and Dave Daley at Elwood Ranch's Bull Sale in Red Bluff.
Quanah Gardiner and Bill Borror at 9 Peaks Ranch Angus Bull Sale in Fort Rock, Ore.
The family at McPhee Red Angus on sale day in Lodi: Helene, Royce, Rose, Rita, Mary, Anna and Roman.
2 Red Angus bulls .........................................
9 PEAKS ANGUS RANCH
18th Annual Angus Bull Sale Oct. 8, Fort Rock, Ore.
Col. Eric Duarte
76 spring yearling Angus bulls ................... $9,419
25 fall yearling Angus bulls $11,010
101 total Angus bulls $9,804
LEACHMAN CATTLE TOPLINE CALIFORNIA SALE
Oct. 9, Aromas
Col. Jim Warren
8 registered Angus heifers $4,262
30 F1 black white face heifers ...............$2,800
Stabilizer
MONTANA RANCH
Annual Maternal Revival Production Sale Oct. 9, Big Fork, Mont.
Col. Roger Jacobs
38 live lots ........................................................ $20,242 28 embryos ......................................................... $1,796
VINTAGE ANGUS RANCH
38th Annual Genetic Gold Female Sale Oct. 8, Modesto
Col. Steve Dorran 118 registered Angus female lots ....... $25,157
EZ ANGUS RANCH COMPLETE DISPERSION Oct. 13, Farmington
Col. Jake Parnell and Col. Rick Machado Managed by Parnell-Dickinson, Inc.
THOMAS ANGUS RANCH Bull Sale Oct. 17, Baker City, Ore.
Col. Trent Stewart
LAMBERT RANCH
Butte Bull Sale with Sunbright Angus and Westwind Angus Oct. 19, Oroville
Col. Rick Machado
FAMOSO ALL BREEDS BULL SALE Oct. 19, McFarland
Col. Justin Mebane and Col. Bennett Mebane
68 total bulls $5,435
Cal Poly's Zach McFarlane with wife Missy and kids Wesley and Avery on sale day.
Eagle Grip Cattle was honored as Consignor of the Year at Cal Poly on Oct. 6.
Western Livestock Journal's Logan Ipsen with LiveAg's CJ Page at Thomas Angus Ranch in Baker City, Ore.
IN MEMORY
Beatrice “Betty” Peek, wonderful wife, mother, grandmother and friend, passed away Sept. 6, at her home in Anderson, surrounded by family and friends. She was born Nov. 17, 1929 at Fourth Crossing, to Andrew and Bessie Gomes. She was the youngest of five children. Her father, Andy died when she was 16 on their small ranch near San Andreas. Her grandfather, Frank Gomes came to California in 1850 during the Gold Rush and homesteaded in Calaveras County. That historic ranch is still in the family today and she was proud of that. After her father died, she was raised by her mother and two older brothers, Woodie and Cyril. After graduation from high school, her brother Cyril took her to San Francisco where she attended modeling school.
In 1950 she met the love of her life, Ellington Peek, at a dance in Mokelumne Hill in Calaveras County. They married just a few months later. They would have celebrated their 74th wedding anniversary Nov. 26.
Ellington and Betty had four children; Andy (Rhonda), Callie Wood (Darrell), Laurie Norene (Jerry), and Brad (Gaby). Ellington’s cattle buying business kept him on the road, so Betty was often playing both the mother and father role, but she was the best mother, always there for her family.
In 1956, Ellington and Betty started their first business adventure when they leased the Shasta Auction in Anderson. Betty, being the business woman she was, was the one to actually take the sale receipts from the first sale to the bank in Angels Camp where they had their operating loan.
As time went on and the livestock auction business expanded, Ellington talked Betty into opening a small retail store in the yard next to the auction ring. She sold tack and jeans on sale day. She took that idea and ran with it. Betty started Shasta Western Shop and never looked back. After building the facilities in Cottonwood, she earned the nickname “Tornado Betty.” She ended up expanding the store three times and became one of the leading western wear stores in northern California. People came from all over to buy what Betty had to sell as she knew how to buy merchandise that her clientele wanted. Betty retired at the age of 79 in 2009 after losing her oldest son, Andy to pancreatic cancer. Even to this day, Betty was flattered to have people say how
much they missed her store.
While Betty and Ellington, both worked hard, they also enjoyed spending time at the ranch that she was raised on near San Andreas. Betty’s work ethic and character can be attributed to her formidable years on the ranch as a young girl. They had no electricity growing up, and during grammar school Betty had to ride a donkey to school. Ironically, she never liked riding horses since. Betty’s father was one of eleven children, so there were always get-togethers with the large extended family. The ranch was always the place that Betty returned to.
Besides the Gomes Ranch, Betty loved the mountains around Mineral. Early in their marriage Betty, Ellington and the kids spent many summers at Feather River Meadows where they had different older cabins. In 1988, they bought a lot near Mineral. Betty along with Barbara Holliday spent many months clearing the land for the log cabin she would build. She loved being in the mountains at “the Cabin.”
Four years ago, when most ninety-year-olds are moving to a rest home, Betty and Ellington finally decided it was time to buy the house of their dreams. They left the house where they had lived for sixty years to fulfill Betty’s lifelong dream to move to a new home in Anderson. The new location had the added blessing of being next door to daughter-in-law Rhonda and grandson Mason.
Betty was always one to give advice to her family and loved them all. She leaves behind grandchildren; Mason Peek, Ramsey Wood (Trisha), Dallice Nuttall (Logan), Matthew Norene (Kaci), Courtney Trumm (Daniel),as well as bonus grandchildren Tarin Morrison (Dennis), JP Vansickle, Kelsey Alexander (James), Sara Garaventa (Roman), and Michael Uhalde.
She was also blessed with many great grandchildren; Tyler, Royal, and Karla Wood; Franky, Clayton, and Reese Nuttall; Carter, Brady, Levi, and James Norene; Colton, Maverick, and Jaxston Trumm and bonus great grandchildren Kayli Pfrimmer (Riley), Lexie Regelin, and Kynnadee Regelin; Gavin, Tanner and Caleb Alexander; and Lew Garaventa.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that you consider making a donation to the Andy Peek Livestock Scholarship, P.O. Box 887, Cottonwood, CA 96022.
A Celebration of Betty’s life was held Oct. 26 at the Shasta District Fairgrounds.
BETTY PEEK
Our sweet mother, Bernice Hagata, passed away on Sept. 15 at the age of 91. She was proceeded in death by her parents Hilda and Clyde Taylor, siblings Clyde and Ina, numerous friends and relatives; and the love of her life Frank Hagata. She was born in 1932 in Susanville and spent an ideal childhood growing up in her family home on Main Street, attending local schools, taking family drives on Sundays, and spending vacations in Nova Scotia, where both her parents were raised. Following a year at Chico State, she met and fell in love with Frank Hagata, they married on Sept. 15, 1951 and moved to the Hagata Ranch in Willow Creek Valley.
Mother spent the next 70 years working hard and fully embraced the ranching way of life. She rode horses, worked cattle, cooked for the crew, milked cows, bottle-fed and warmed-up newborn calves in the living room during the cold winters, and did everything imaginable and necessary to support the ranch and create a happy life for her family.
Off the ranch, she was a 4-H leader for many years, a founding member of the Lassen County CowBelles, served on the California Beef Council and the Lassen County Fair Board, as well as a member of various local service groups. She even rallied our community to successfully “Save the Old Uptown Jail” from being torn down. She was recognized as Lassen County CowBelle of the Year, Lassen County Cattleman of the Year, Lassen County Fair’s Old Timer of the Year and Grand Marshall of the fair parade.
After the three of us kids were off to college, she began to pursue some of her dreams and passions. Mother and Daddy began traveling the world, visiting China, Australia, Canada, Alaska, Europe and most every state here at home. She enjoyed spending hours working in her yard, with a gift for growing lovely flowers. She created a beautiful place for our family and friends to gather. She took painting classes and began to watercolor
scenes from the ranch, and made rustic barbed wire wreathes from old ranch relics she would find.
When the grandchildren began arriving on the scene, they called her “Gramsi,” and she cherished them with all her heart! They loved visiting Papa Frank and Gramsi and the kids always had stories to tell when they got home! She took them on all kinds of exciting adventures down in the meadow or up to the rocks and she loved finding special books to read to them. She was always there for them; however, she informed them she would never bail them out of jail!
Gramsi’s words of wisdom to her grandchildren were, “Follow Your Heart.”
She was a wonderful mother. She encouraged and taught us to be creative, understanding, to believe in what mattered to us, do our best, have fun, and live a life to be proud of. Our mother was a character. She had a special style about her and a constant positive outlook on life. She filled our lives with practical wisdom, unwavering comfort, the best home-cooked food ever, and an abundance of love and always laughter! As fate would have it, she passed away on the date of her wedding anniversary; we are certain that Papa Frank has been waiting to celebrate with her in Heaven.
Bernice leaves behind her three children: Darcy (Jack) Hanson, Daren (Patti) Hagata, and Teri (Joe) Bertotti; six grandchildren: Andrew Bertotti, Wyatt (Kelli) Hanson, Daniel (Molly) Bertotti, Brad (Robin) Hanson, Taylor (Tori) Hagata and Bailey (Colton) Van Riet; and 10 great grandchildren: Penelope, Isabelle, Brooks, Harper, Charlotte, Clyde, Sawyer, Townes, Finley, Stetson, and two on the way.
Although Mother is gone, her legacy will live on and the love and memories she gave to her family will always remain in our hearts, as a beautiful reminder of her presence in our lives.
A small family gathering honoring her and to celebrate her wonderful life, will take place in her lovely yard in the near future.
Donations in her memory can be made to the Lassen County CattleWomen’s Scholarship Fund (P.O. Box 1469, Susanville 96130) or to a charity of your choice.
BERNICE HAGATA
IN MEMORY
CAROLYN HUNT
Carolyn Ann Moore Hunt passed away after a brief illness on Sept. 23, in Eureka.
In Carolyn’s own words, I was born on June 11, 1936, in Redwood City, and was the first child of Jack Eugene Moore and Evelyn Sarah (Lightbody) Moore. I was of the sixth generation to live in California, as my Moore ancestors arrived in Santa Cruz in 1847. My family left Menlo Park after WWII to spend six years in Centralia, Wash., when dad lived his life-time dream of opening a furniture store. By 1952 we were again in Menlo Park for nine months before moving to Arcata.
On my first day of class I met my life-long friend Karen Krestensen. I graduated from Arcata Union High School in 1954, and then attended Humboldt State College majoring in their secretarial program, which was the norm for ladies at that time.
I met Richard Hunt on a blind date, and we married on Nov 11, 1956. Rich was from a pioneer Humboldt County Ranching family, and I learned without delay to keep the ranch records, prepare meals for the help and become a mother of three sons, Dean and Dana (Lucas) Brian and Cindi (Anderson) and Scott and Sandi (Stafford).
In addition to my ranch duties, I was active in the Humboldt County Cowbelles/ Cattlewomen, Humboldt Sponsors, Pacific Union School PTA. As an active member of St. Alban’s Episcopal Church since the late 50s, I cannot even estimate the number of meals and coffee hours and altar guild duties I performed. My focus was my sons, six grandchildren, Jason (Jenna), Cory (Andreena), Chris (Kristina), Kendall (Stephanie), Tyler and Alex (Shelby), and 10 great grandchildren, the ranch and friends.
After dad died in 1973, I took an active part in managing and owning an interest in Baker and Stanton Furniture until it closed in 1996.
I loved playing Bridge and was active from the time my boys were young. At one time I
belonged to three Bridge clubs. Historically, I had dreadful hands, but was convinced that being with longtime friends was worth the frustrations. But 52 pieces of card stock was not going to separate me from my friends!
I am grateful I was able to raise my sons as a “stay-at-home” mom! I am grateful for having my family close by so I could be a part of their lives. In addition, two of my sons and their wives live within walking distance of my home, supporting me in so many wonderful ways. Writing in my journal through the tough times and my faith has helped me see that I have lived a wonderful life!
The saddest day of our lives was the day our middle son Brian passed away at the age of 51. His personal and professional reputation resulted in one of the largest services in Humboldt County.
I was preceded in death by my parents, my husband Rich, my son Brian, sister-in-law Peggy Stebbins and her husband Laurald and Rich’s parents Esma and Vinal Hunt.
The family would like to thank her loving in-home caregivers who made it possible for her to remain in her home. We would also like to acknowledge the outstanding care she received at Providence St. Joseph Hospital.
Services to be held on Saturday, Nov. 16, at 11:00 AM at St. Alban’s Episcopal Church in Arcata followed by a celebration of life for Carolyn and Rich from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Ingomar Club in Eureka.
Consider donating to St. Alban’s Episcopal Church, Humboldt Sponsors, Humboldt County CattleWomen or a charity of your choice.
To share your family news, obituaries, weddings and birth announcements, please contact the CCA office at (916) 444-0845 or e-mail: magazine@calcattlemen.org.
Jerold R. White, passed away Monday, Aug. 26, at age 82. Jerry was born in Paso Robles and raised in Shandon.
After graduation from Shandon High School, he attended California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, graduating with a bachelor of science degree in Farm Management. In 1966, he joined the army and served three years. In 1971, he became a partner in White Ranch Company with his father Marion White, brother Kenneth White, Uncle George White and Cousin Ronald White.
White Ranch was originally homesteaded in 1888, by Jerry’s great grandfather, George A. White. George, at the age of 12, came to the Shandon area from New Brunswick, Canada. The original homestead of 320 acres, in the McMillan Canyon area, has expanded over the generations. The ranch is now used to run pasture cattle and grow dry land crops, barley, wheat and safflower.
Jerry was a lifelong member of San Luis Obispo County Cattlemen’s Association, California Cattlemen's Assocation, and the National Cattlemen's Beef Association as well as local and
NEW ARRIVALS
RTAP’s Noah Lopez and wife Katie, Woodland, welcomed their first child, a baby boy, Bodie Woods Lopez on Sept. 6, weighing 7 pounds, 8 ounces.
state Farm Bureaus. He served on the San Luis Obispo County Cattlemen’s Association Board of Directors, and was elected to a two-year term as President in 1991. In 1998, Jerry was honored as San Luis Obispo Cattleman of the Year. Also in 1998, Jerry was instrumental in spearheading the initiation of the Cattlemen’s Western Art Show, serving as Chairman for its 21-year duration.
In 2009, Jerry, along with his family, was honored as Agriculturist of the Year, by the San Luis Obispo County Farm Bureau. He also served on the San Luis Obispo County USDA Farm Service Agency committee and Santa Barbara Fiesta Committee. In 1983, he joined the Rancheros Visitadores Campo Los Bustardos as a Maverick and remained a member until joining Enramada upon his passing.
Jerry’s hobbies included team roping, branding, hunting and traveling. He also enjoyed spending time with his nephews, grandniece and grandnephews.
Jerry is survived by his sister-in-law, Cyndra White, nephew Clay White and wife Melanie, grandnephew Koyle and grandniece Keeleigh, nephew Clint White and grandnephew Ryder.
He was an icon and a hero to many. He is greatly missed.
ADDISON CAUDILL SLOAN ETCHEVERRY
Morgan and Brian Caudill, of Plymouth, welcomed their daughter, Addison Joy, on Aug. 14. Addison weighed in at 7 pounds, 8 ounces and was 19.5 inches long.
Nicholas and Kimberly Etcheverry, Bishop, welcomed a sweet daughter Sloane Ximena Etcheverry. She was born Aug. 27 weighing 7 pounds, 7 ounces and was 21.5 inches long.
BODIE LOPEZ
RED ANGUS
SimAngus Ca le
John Teixeira: (805) 448-3859 Allan Teixeira: (805) 310-3353 Tom Hill: (541) 990-5479
www.teixeiracattleco.com
California’s Leading Producers
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THE FEMALE SALE
VINTAGE ANGUS RANCH WOULD LIKE TO THANK OUR 2024 FEMALE BUYERS
We know that your time is your most valuable asset. That’s why we would like to thank everyone that took the time to attend our 2024 sale. You made it a great day that saw 81 lots gross $2,968,488 to average $36,648!
LOT 1B
Thank you to Tall Timber Angus, GA, for their $130,000 selection of Vintage
LOT 15
Thank ou to Edisto Pines, SC, for their $100,000 seletion of Enamel 2252.
LOT 9
Thank you to Pollard Angus, OK, for their $90,000 selection of Vintage Blackbird 4398
LOT 1
A special thank you to JC Land and Cattle, CA, for their $330,000 selection of Vintage Rita 4159, the top-selling female in our 2024 sale.
LOT 29B
Thank you to Triple A Fams, TN, for their $150,000 selection of Vintage Isabel 4037.
LOT 29C
Thank you to Deer Valley Angus, TN, for their $90,000 selection of Vintage Isabel 4082.
Thank you to Wilks Ranch, TX, for their $160,000 selection of Vintage
Thank you to Hopsen Angus, OK, for their $90,000 selection of Vintage Queenie 4176.
