PAUSE Initiative Dangerous to Agriculture’s Future the vast implications passing such a measure would have on veterinary care, sustainable livestock production and food costs. The coalition is hoping that changing the title will provide more clarity to the actual intent of the initiative and provide Colorado citizens with a more transparent view of the potential outcomes. While waiting for the court to hear the appeal, the Colorado Title Board approved a petition for circulation on April 16 and a mere two days later, proponents of the measure began collecting signatures. Colorado Governor Polis is opposed to the initiative. Shelby Wieman, deputy press secretary for the State of Colorado, released a statement from
the governor’s office saying Polis stands with Colorado agriculture producers. “Governor Polis stands in solidarity with Colorado farmers and ranchers in opposition to the PAUSE ballot initiative because it would hurt Colorado and destroy jobs,” Wieman said. If the initiative is assigned a proposition number, over the next 15 months proponents would need to collect nearly 125,000 voter signatures to get on the ballot for the November 2022 election. Colorado is home to more than 30,000 farms and ranches covering more than 30 million acres of land – nearly half of the state’s total land mass. Colorado agriculture is one of the top three economic sectors in the state
and accounts for nearly $50 billion in economic activity. If this petition reaches the ballot in November 2022 and passes, the repercussions would be far-reaching. Not only would Colorado farmers and ranchers be severely impacted, but a critical precedent will also have been set for other states. Already a similar petition, Initiative Petition 13, has been filed in Oregon for the 2022 general election. Ranchers, farmers and other industry stakeholders who wish to assist with combating the PAUSE initiative can sign up for updates at www.coloradansforanimalcare.com. Donations are also being accepted to assist with organizing efforts into one unified endeavor. This is an ongoing issue and will be discussed in future issues of the Red Angus Magazine as developments occur. n
Red Angus Announces Plans for 2022 National Red Angus Show by Brandi Buzzard Frobose, Editor and Director of Communications
The Red Angus Association of America board of directors voted to hold the 2022 National Red Angus Open and Pen Shows at the Cattlemen’s Congress in Oklahoma City. This decision comes at the recommendation of the RAAA Show & Sale Committee after soliciting significant feedback from Red Angus exhibitors and breeders. A regional junior show will also be hosted in Oklahoma City. Similarly, a regional junior, pen and open show will be hosted at the National Western Stock Show moving forward.
The 2022 National Red Angus Show will be in Oklahoma City at the Cattlemen’s Congress after receiving feedback from exhibitors. 32
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Exhibitors and interested members should visit RedAngus.org for more information regarding show schedule, fees and other details as they become available in the coming months. n
