ASSOCIATION PERSPECTIVES

CALIFORNIA CATTLEMEN’S ASSOCIATION

______________ Since 1917

1221 H Street Sacramento CA 95814 (916) 444-0845

business as usual:

Steadfast in protecting our industry

by CCA Second Vice President Trevor Freitas

As we all move forward and put the signs of a worldwide pandemic behind us one thing remains, as beef demand continues to rise the cattle industry critics have no intentions of letting up on their movement against us. To no one’s surprise as quickly as our colleague’s release data touting facts on issues such as climate change, sustainability and other issues it is met with a barrage of negative media across every possible platform.

Recently bills introduced in Colorado and Oregon serve as another reminder that our livelihoods and way of life are not immune from baseless attacks from ill-informed politicians. I am sure everyone is aware of the Colorado ballot initiative and that Oregon has introduced a similar initiative that would in effect end animal agriculture in those states. Oregon legislators also introduced bills in both their house and senate seeking a moratorium on construction of “large-scale” dairy construction in their state which would impact construction of any confined animal operations (CAFOs) in that state as well. Those of us who are part of the animal agriculture industry in California know all too well what it is like staring down the barrel of these types of initiatives seeking to end beef production for good. The CCA staff and officer team are monitoring these issues and others like them so we have a chance to address the impacts before they get close to becoming reality. These initiatives are just a small example of why as an industry we must keep looking forward and work to send a clear message that our industry is sustainable and should be part the solution to worldwide food demand.

We now live in a world where many have decided to weaponize media platforms and attack our industry as they push a narrative with no regard for facts as long as their agenda stays relevant. I will never pass up an opportunity to share our story and the progress we have made or address a piece of misinformation someone ran across on a social media platform even if it seems like a never-ending battle. As an officer team we never have a shortage of issues we are working on and navigating through some of those items would be a lot easier without the constant noise coming from our biggest critics. We would like to hear from as many members as possible who are truly the boots on the ground when it comes to addressing issues within the cattle industry.

As mentioned in the last issue of California Cattlemen we are starting to get some of our freedoms back and planning for events is well underway. The annual feeder meeting that is typically held in May now has an August date set and has a great group of speakers coming together to discuss some of the hottest topics in the industry. I cannot think of a better place to be than San Diego in August for one of our first events in over a year to be held in person. I hope many of you can join us for what is sure to be a great event.

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 your membership status, contact the CCA office at (916) 444-0845. The California Cattleman (Publication #8-3600) is published monthly except July/August is combined by the California Cattlemen’s Association, 1221 H Street, Sacramento, CA 95814, for $20/year, or as part of the annual membership dues. All material and photos within may not be reproduced without permission from publisher. Periodical postage paid at Jefferson, Mo. National Advertising Group: The Cattle Connection/The Powell Group, 4162-B Carmichael Ct, Montgomery, AL 36106, (334) 271-6100. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: California Cattleman, 1221 H Street, Sacramento, CA 95814

JUNE 2021

Volume 104, Issue 6

ASSOCIATION PERSPECTIVES

CATTLEMEN’S COLUMN Business as usual for CCA and its members

BUNKHOUSE New normal is better than no normal 4

6

YOUR DUES DOLLARS AT WORK 8 Updates on school lunch, rangeland conservation HERD HEALTH CHECK 16 Fly control as the temperature heats up

NATIONAL STAGE 75% Plan to tackle marketing concerns PROGRESSIVE PRODUCER Ending ectoparasites 18

34

SPECIAL FEATURES

Applying for drought assistance 12 UC project aims to charge groundwater 22 Fellow rancher shares forest fire experience 28 Sound tax policy for rural America 36

READER SERVICES

Obituaries and Wedding Bells 38, 39 Buyers’ Guide 40 Advertisers Index 46

ON THE COVER

This issue’s cover photo was taken by Harris Shiffman near Novato in Marin County.

UPCOMING CCA MEETINGS & EVENTS

AUG. 10-12 CATTLE INDUSTRY CONVENTION & NCBA TRADE SHOW

Nashville, Tenn.

AUG. 18-20

CA/AZ FEEDER MEETING Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina

AUG. 25-26 CCA MIDYEAR MEETING

Paso Robles Inn

AUG. 25 CATTLE-PAC FUNDRAISER

Mid State Fairgrounds, Paso Robles

DEC. 1-3 CCA/CCW CONVENTION

Peppermill Spa and Casino, Reno, Nev.

STAY TUNED FOR OTHER UPCOMING CCA EVENTS! FOLLOW OUR SOCIAL MEDIA PAGES ON FACEBOOK AND INSTAGRAM FOR ANNOUNCEMENTS!