3 minute read
Get to Know a Young Member
GET T O KNOW A YOUNG MEMBER :
COMPILED BY ANGELA FARYAN & TYLER HARRIS WITH OCA’S YOUNG CATTLEMEN COMMITTEE
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The Young Cattlemen’s Committee is proud to introduce Jason & Kari Ott as our Young Rancher Spotlight for this month. Both Jason and Kari have been members of the Oregon Cattlemen’s association since January of 2019. As you read along, it’s easy to see why these two deserve our attention. We hope you are as inspired by their interview as we were!
Most importantly, what is your favorite cut of beef? Rare, medium, or well done?
Ribeye for both of us! Medium rare for Jason, medium for Kari. How did you get started? What is your background?
We both grew up with (at least one) parent working on a ranch. Jason worked for different ranches and Kari went to college to become an accountant. We were married after Kari graduated from college and she moved to the Burns area. Jason continued to work for a couple different ranches. We started our cow herd when Jason earned ten cows as a bonus from a ranch he worked for.
The Ott family L to R: Rylee, Kari, Sage, Jason and Lexi
JASON & KARI OTT FROM HARNEY COUNTY
What has helped you grow your operation and grow personally over the years?
After we started our cow herd, we got the opportunity to lease a small place and purchase more cows. We are continuously working to purchase additional cows and find pasture in order to expand. What is the best piece of advice you received from some of your elders?
Don’t pass up any opportunities to grow and make yourselves better. It doesn’t happen overnight; it takes hard work and drive to be successful. Why did you choose to join the Oregon Cattlemen’s Association?
Kari did an annual financial review for the OCA and Jason and Kari attended the annual convention for a few years. The convention highlighted what the OCA does for the industry and we decided we wanted to join. What do you think is the most important thing that we must focus on for the future of our industry? The cattle industry needs to work to keep young producers involved in the industry. What advice would you give to young and beginning producers?
Work hard and don’t be afraid to take opportunities as they come up. Last question…what’s a “fun fact” about you?
Jason rode stock saddle bronc in rodeos when he was younger. Both Jason and Kari can braid rawhide. Our favorite quote from this interview is:
THANK YOU PRODUCERS!
No matter what circumstance we face, you consistently work hard to feed our world.
AMEN! Can someone carve that into a wall hanging or something?! Wow, we just love this wisdom and advice from Kari and Jason. If you know them, be sure to give them a little shout out. They are great people who are working hard and inspiring others. Thank you, Jason and Kari Ott!
Simplot Western Stockmen’s is proud to serve you and we thank you for all that you do.
Can you think of someone who should be featured? To submit a nomination for Young Rancher Spotlight, email Angela Faryan (angela.faryan@gmail.com) or Tyler Harris (otiscreekth@gmail.com).
