The American CattleWoman - Fall 2023 Edition

THE AMERICAN CATTLEWOMAN

Quarterly Newsletter of the American National CattleWomen

Make A Difference

Pam Griffin, AZ | ANCW President

We have some very exciting news to share, we are up to 180 additional members as of 8/18/2023! Thank you to the membership for sharing about American National CattleWomen and all the benefits of our organization. We take our hats off to the membership and the Executive Team for making this happen within our organization. Our entire Executive Team is looking forward to the future and we are here to assist you in any of your questions or needs! There isn’t anything we can’t accomplish together as a team.

Those attending the ANCW Legislative Days had quite an adventure NCBA briefed us the first morning, and we went straight into our meetings with Legislators after that We met with twenty-two Legislators in two days, met with the House Agriculture Committee, House Natural Resource Committee, Majority Whip’s Office, and some of us were able to sit in on the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations Hearing chaired by Congressman Gosar in regards to the proposed BLM document/Biden Administrations efforts to limit access to public lands We were able to hear testimony from Montana, New Mexico, Utah and Arizona It was so informative On the first evening we were invited to a private tour of the Capitol at night (first night tour since Covid) by Congressman Westerman, that was a treat for all. We ended with dinner together on our last evening at Mount Vernon. [cont'd]

IN THIS ISSUE

ANCW REGION UPDATES

MEET THE NEW CBAP DIRECTORS AND TEAM

GOLDEN COWBELLES

FEATURE BETTY

CHOATE

2023 SUMMER BUSINESS MEETING

American National CattleWomen

Attn: Ashley Hughes PO Box 700038

St. Cloud, FL 34770

Email: ancw@ancw org

Volume LI | Issue III

July | August | September

Questions or Comments?

Contact the ANCW Public Relations Committee Chairman,

Cheyenne Sparks at ancwnewsletter@gmail com

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THEAMERICANCATTLEWOMAN

American National CattleWomen Quarterly Newsletter

The American CattleWoman is published quarterly: Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter The American CattleWoman is designed to promote and develop ANCW programs and membership It is a newsletter published to inform and serve the membership and to interest individuals in the American National CattleWomen, Inc association

ANCW Leadership LtR: Vice President Nikki Weston of Utah, President-Elect Ruth Coffey of Oklahoma, and President Pamela Griffin of Arizona.

BECOME A MEMBER TODAY!

Join online at wwwancworg/join-or-renew ANCW offers multiple levels of membership for all ages of CattleWomen

ANCW has State Affiliates from coast to coast! Go to ancworg to learn more about the CattleWomen in your state.

2023 ANCW Leadership

President: Pam Griffin - AZ

President-Elect: Ruth Coffey - OK

Vice President: Nikki Weston - UT

Recording Secretary: Leslee Lohrenz – MT

Executive Director: Ashley Hughes - FL

CFO: Melinda Sarman - NV

Past President: Reba Mazak - FL

Parliamentarian: Barbara Jackson - AZ

BOD Chair: Kady Porterfield - WA

Region I Director: Brenda Kocher - OH

Region II Director: Beth Barber Jones - TN

Region III Director: Debbie Chute – MN

Region IV Director: Ddee Haynes – OK

Region V Director: Katharine Bruce - OR

Region VI Director: Callie Martinez - CA

Region VII Director: Shirley Thompson – SD

All reports and written material are subject to editing American National CattleWomen (ISSN1042-5233) (USPS 315 470) is published quarterly by the American National CattleWomen, Inc All rights reserved, including the right to reproduction in whole or in part, without written permission Marketing postage paid at St Cloud, FL and additional mailing offices POSTMASTER: Send address changes to American National CattleWomen, Attn: Ashley HugHes, PO Box 700038, St Cloud, FL 34770

[continued from cover] What a great place to end our time together in D.C. Our feedback from NCBA was fantastic from the Legislators. We had further discussions with NCBA on the optimum time for ANCW to hold their future Legislative Days. It was determined that to provide the most impact for our industry, NCBA will hold their traditional Legislative Days in April and ANCW will begin holding theirs in September. Please watch for future announcements for ANCW Legislative Days for September 2024. Now we will have D.C. Legislators hearing from our industry twice a year!

As we exited D C and reviewed what we learned, it is more apparent than ever before that membership is vital for our way of life, for our livelihoods and for the future generations As we ’ ve mentioned before, as a member you can be as active as you like within ANCW, the doors are open and all are welcomed For those, that just want to join to be supportive, we absolutely welcome you Your memberships are so appreciated and imperative to the future of the industry Membership means your interests are represented on all levels of the industry

2023 Summer Convention in San Diego, California was well attended We had tremendous success with our pilot virtual program, and we were excited to see so many participants on virtually Our first day we conducted ANCW business and had a very informative update from Ethan Lane with NCBA on what is happening on the “Hill” and what we need to watch for We did have a reception in my suite on Sunday after the meetings where everyone was able to visit informally and enjoy one another’s company We had some snacks and beverages before anyone headed out for their dinner plans, it was truly enjoyed

The second day consisted of Committee Roundtables and Region Roundtables. We received so many compliments on bringing the roundtables back to the meeting. We will be working on ways for the virtual attendees to participate in some manner in future roundtables. We then had Coach Kiah, a California Cattle Rancher, who is a motivational speaker on a mission to empower others to love themselves deeper, care for themselves better, and find joy in this messy, beautiful journey of life. The tools she gave us and the reflection she shared can make us all look at ourselves differently and one another. She took us through a process together that was moving, eye opening, emotional, and caused us to take a step back to allow for more compassion for one another. Immediately after that we had the dynamic duo of Sarah Falen and Karen Budd-Falen, both are attorneys. Sarah is a sixth-generation rancher and has taken to social media platforms to educate others about agriculture and the laws that impact our most important industry issues She’s on all social media platforms and so impactful. Karen, fifth generation rancher, most recently served the Trump Administration in the Department of the Interior, the Deputy Solicitor for Wild and Parks. As Deputy Solicit Karen was the lead attorney revising the regulations implementing Endangered Species Act (ESA), including the regulations recognizing rights of local governments protect the economic stabi and customs and cultures o their constituents She was heavily involved in drafting regulations giving landown

Pictured Right: ANCW President, Pam Griffin with fellow CattleWomen in Washington DC May 2023

the rights of appeal of wetland maps on the National Wildlife Refuge System lands. Karen also served as Interior’s representative on the task force that revised the regulations implementing the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). They both have extensive resumes in being serious advocates for the industry we love. Both have been before Congressional hearings and testified.

We do have an exciting announcement that came from our 2023 ANCW Summer Business Meeting, Ashley Hughes accepted the position as Executive Director for ANCW. This is a contract labor position; part time and she is under a one-year contract We are excited to have Ashley, her resources, knowledge, and organizational abilities Her extensive contacts have proven invaluable to ANCW Please join me in congratulating and welcoming Ashley Hughes!

At region meetings during Summer Convention, a couple of us were able to visit with our Hawaii ranching sisters who wanted to discuss coming back on board with ANCW I did make contact in Maui, they had losses that are heart wrenching Please keep Maui in your prayers

Next on the agenda, Ruth, Ashley, and myself are heading off to Orlando, Florida to meet with NCBA on pre-convention planning on behalf of and representing ANCW I will then be off to meetings with Texas, Washington, California, Oregon, Minnesota, and Montana The list continues to grow, and I do have a pending list It is such a pleasure to be invited to the state meetings and sharing our ANCW story I do have a conflict in my schedule with Oregon, so Ruth will attend Oregon’s meeting What an exceptional group of women on every road we travel!

As ANCW President, we do also sit on the Executive Committee for NCBA, we attend monthly meetings virtually and quarterly in person. It’s always a pleasure to serve with such an exceptional team.

The Bylaws Committee and Executive Team has been reviewing our Bylaws and Policies and Procedures; you will see some proposed Bylaws changes in our next newsletter, so please keep an eye out for those proposed changes for vote in Orlando, Florida.

I know we are all so excited for our 2023-2024 CBAP Team! Our new WIRED Directors have been chosen and are being mentored and brought up to speed. We are grateful to those taking their time and expertise to do that.

Our ANCW Book Drive begins September 15, 2023 and is headed by our Education Committee with Cheyenne Sparks setting up the link; thank you to all who have assisted with this. I think this will be a tremendous success, getting books in the hands of youth about agriculture is imperative Thank you to all of you that have made this happen and thank you in advance to all of you that participate in purchasing a book!

The team is grateful for those that have served before us, making a path for ANCW to be the premiere resource for women who have love for our industry and who live in honor and respect for all that we hold dear, our organization, one another, the land, wildlife, and our livestock

We are ready to roll into 2024 and Orlando, Florida with positivity, success, and the willingness to always #makeadifference, with one positive thought, with one action and with one good intention!

We all pray for the safety of each and every member, and that your operations and family are well

DISCOUNT CODE: CHEYENNE

ANCW President Elect Report

Ruth Coffey, OK | ANCW President-Elect

As your President Elect, I have had the extreme pleasure to attend your Region Meetings and immerse myself in your graciousness. While attending these Region Meetings I was able to meet the face of ANCW through each of you. As I shared the history of ANCW in my presentations, I urged our members to become involved in the leadership of our organization. The places for these meetings were held in amazing locations such as Fallon, Nev, Denver, Co, Oklahoma City, Ok, and Watford City, North Dakota

I want to thank you for making me feel welcome and giving me an opportunity to take some memories into fruition These ladies made sure I had transportation to and from the airports, included me in the planning of the meetings, and most importantly I was able to learn about the hosting states through the escorts they had assigned to me In fact, I was able to get to know a great lady as a roommate at one of the region meetings

This year, I have made two additional trips outside of those I made to the region meetings Both trips brought me to Washington DC, and only three weeks apart from each other! The first trip to DC was our ANCW legislative trip which was composed of officers and members We were fortunate to have two ANCW past presidents who knew all the short cuts and passageways which shortened the distance between the legislative buildings. This trip was a wonderful time to not only make new ANCW acquaintances but also discover the current issues that define our diverse regions. I learned how passionate we all are when it comes to preserving our way of life and the beef we raise to feed the coming generations. This trip was filled with memories that can’t be duplicated.

I was also given a scholarship by the ANCW Foundation to help defray my cost to attend NCBA’s young cattlemen’s conference (YCC) which was a 9 Day trip. Our group included 75 NCBA members and 3 sponsors Our YCC group started in Denver at the NCBA headquarters We enjoyed some great spokesmen from NCBA who educated us about the services NCBA offers their members and the Beef Industry Some of the highlighted places we were able to visit were, Five Rivers Feed Yard, Greeley Hat Works, Tyson Foods, IBP, Certified Angus Beef, Wendy’s Global Headquarters, and we wound up in Washington DC for tours and legislative issues This DC trip was much different from the prior trip to DC, we traveled with people from states who only visited with their state legislators and had drop in visits from legislative members who told us about the legislative issues that were of importance to them

This YCC DC trip presented an entirely different legislative conversation experience Because of our group size, we were segregated by the states we represented There were four of us from Oklahoma who traveled together It was interesting as each of us shared different concerns from 4 different parts of the state with six Oklahoma legislators. Our trip ended with a PAC auction for NCBA’s Pac for us to participate in. Each of the attendees were expected to submit an auction item from the organizations we were representing. I was able to find a signed, numbered western themed print and Oklahoma CattleWomen’s Afghan which was inscribed with the words, “Building Their Brand,” by Katherine Leitner. The items I offered brought $1300 in PAC donations Our group was able to raise $119,000 for NCBA’s Political Action Committee I have enjoyed my journey as your ANCW President Elect!

Pictured Left: 2023 YCC group photo in Washington, DC

ANCW Vice President Report

Nikki Weston, UT | ANCW Vice President

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ANCW Nominations Committee

Reba Mazak, FL | Nominations Committee Chair

Hello Ladies! It is indeed my honor to be the Chairman the nominating committee and have Evelyn Greene as the Vice Chairman for 2023. We look forward to presenting a great slate of potential officers, as well as members to fill t vacancy ’ s on the Board of Directors, and nominating committee Positions for Chair and Co-Chair on the Board Directors, and a Collegiate member at large for Board of Directors are open Applications for these position can be found on our website under APPLICATIONS AND FORMS, qualifications can be found on our website under BY LAW POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

We will also be electing one member at large to serve o g membership at our annual meeting in Orlando

The positions of Vice President and President Elect are also up for election, these submissions have qualification that many of you ladies already have If you have interest in working in leadership and fulfilling a passion for the beef community, here is your opportunity Working your way up the leadership ladder is not only fulfilling within the industry, but you gain some of the best lifelong friends there are

All applications must be submitted by January 1, 2024 to myself as chairman, My information is listed on the website, as well as in the directory and personify If you have any questions, please feel free to contact myself or any officer past or present Again, these applications are on our website under APPLICATIONS AND FORMS and the qualifications are under BY LAWS, & POLICIES AND PROCEDURES.

ANCW Education Committee

Debbie Torres, CA | Education Committee Chair

“If you don’t know what your passion is, realize that one reason for your existence on earth is to find it.” -Oprah

Back to School Time

Let the craziness begin. New school clothes and shoe shopping, new backpack and lunchbox. The morning rush begins. Get lunches made, make sure homework is in the backpack, books, permission slips, snacks, chores done, and get out the door. Does this sound like your morning? So, it begins. As the dust settles, getting our families into a routine, let’s lay the groundwork with the school administration and teachers about getting Cattlewomen back into the classroom or our outside classroom, aka the playground. Get those special projects on the school calendars now. Fall is a great time for an outside rodeo or class ranch visits, and reading in the classroom.

Fall Reading Challenge

Couldn’t get that Summer Challenge going? Start a Winter Challenge. The winter months when it gets dark early, is a good time for a Reading Family Challenge. Get all adults, parents, and grandparents included in this home reading challenge. Make your incentives worth the challenge. Work with local restaurants or markets to get a family dinner donated (beef of course). Check out your community for other top prizes. Books as prizes are a must. Could be a joint venture with the school PTA. For every hour of reading together, the family would receive a ticket to be placed in a drawing for your prizes.

On the Moove

It was great seeing so many members at the San Diego meeting. The Round Table Committee Meetings went well. The Education Committee was presented with a copy of the K-12 Education Proposed Projects 2022-23, as well as the budget and breakdown that was proposed to the Executive Board and Budget Committees. The overall budget made us aware that we will need to get very creative with our education funding; finding new ways to proceed with funding through new corporate sponsorships for our projects. The top of the projects list is to continue our “Back to Books List” and the promotion of our “Book of the Month”. Katy Porterfield has done an excellent job of getting the book list and monthly listing on the ANCW website. If you haven’t visited our education Listing – please check it out. We are working on getting the list caught up and a more usable format. Remember that our list can be passed on for teacher use. The Author’s as Readers Project will continue to be a work in progress. This project will have the Author of some of our chosen books reading their own published books to be used on our ANCW u-tube channel. This will make it available for teachers’ classrooms and for use at ANCW events to promote Beef Education. Authors as Speakers Project would invite some of chosen Author’s to join us during our ANCW National events. More to come on this project.

Riley’s Memorial Book Drive

This project was proposed to the Education Committee to coordinate with Cheyenne Sparks to assist in setting up the project with Amazon The project was submitted to the Executive Board and was approved. Cheyenne will be taking the lead on getting us signed up with Amazon as she has experience with this project. The Kick-Off of the project will be September 15, 2023. Cheyenne will fill you in on how the project works. The Education Committee will create a Wish List of Books for donation and where and how those books will be distributed. Stay tuned for more information on this very special project.

CBAP ANNOUNCES NEW LEADERSHIP

The Collegiate Beef Advocate Program (CBAP) is under new leadership! Developing beef advocates and leaders for the cattle industry is the goal of CBAP. Hosted by ANCW, the program provides an outlet for students to use their unique strengths to connect with consumers and peers to promote beef. To learn more go to ancw.org/cbap.

KATIE KIXMILLER (pictured top right)

Katie is a fourth-generation row crop farmer in Southwestern Indiana. She resides there after graduating from Purdue University with dual majors in Animal Science and Agricultural Business Her passion for the cattle industry comes from growing up on a cow calf operation and has only continued to grow since Katie was President of Purdue Collegiate Cattlemen for three years and expanded her advocating abilities and became involved in ANCW Katie is in the process of starting back up her family’s cow calf operation

ASHLEY EVANS (pictured bottom right)

Ashley is a rancher in Smith, Nevada. Her family operates a cow-calf primarily on publicly leased land. Ashley has been an active member of her local cattlewomen's affiliate since she was nine and has served as their secretary for the past three years. In 2020, she started her own beef-direct business which has led her down a charged path in fueling her ambition to advocate for beef. Her driving force has always been education whether it was in a classroom or now on social media where she provides information on ranching, cattle-environment symbiosis, or using public lands! She was a Collegiate Beef Advocate in 2018 and is happy to now be contributing to the committee, giving back to ANCW who offered so much to her!

-2024 CBAP TEAM

BrittleyBowers

2023-2024CBAPTeam

BrittleyBowerswasborninDalhartTexastoChip&AudriBowers Sheisoneofsixchildren&hasfivebrothers.In2008,theymovedto FredericksburgTexaswheresheliveduntilmovingtoCollegeStationto attendTexasA&MUniversityin2021.Allherlifeshehasgrownupinag, &ithasshapedherintowhosheistoday.Frombeingheavilyinvolved in4-H&FFAtoshowinglambs&goats&workingcattleonher grandadsranch,shehasbeenabletounderstandfullywhatthe agriculturalindustryasawholeislike. ShewillbeajunioratTexas A&MUniversitywheresheisheavilyinvolved.Herpassionforthe industryledhertojointhe2023Fightin’TexasAggie

MeatsJudgingTeam&shehaslovedeverysecondofit Additionally, sheisheavilyinvolvedintheCollegeofAgriculture&LifeSciences councilwhereshewillserveastheVicePresidentofLeadershipinthe upcomingyear.Lastly,Brittleyhastakenaninternshipthissummerfor ElancoAnimalHealthwheresheisasalesinternfortheBeefCattle team.Thissummersheisabletoallowherpassiontoshinebrightlyas sheworksdayin&dayoutwithproducers.

ChayleeTonniges

ChayleeTonnigesisafifth-generationcattleman whogrewuponadiversifiedagoperationnorthofGresham Nebraska.Herfamilyrunscowcalfandstockeroperations,aswell as,farmsrowcrop.SheiscurrentlyaseniorattheUniversityof NebraskaLincolnstudyingAnimalScienceBusiness Communication.ChayleesitsontheYoungNebraskaCattlemen Boardandwasthe2022-2023NebraskaCattlemenBeef Ambassador

Throughthatroleshepromotedbeefinschoolsbyeducating highschoolagprogramsacrossthestateaboutthelifecycleof beef.ThispastsummershewasaninternwithMerckAnimalHealth astheUSStrategiesandBusinessChannelsSalesIntern.Whenthis passionateagriculturalistisn’tinLincoln,sheisactivelyengagedin herfamily’soperationandsubmersesherselfwithopportunityinthe beefindustry!

CBAP in San Diego, CA

Congratulationsandajobwelldonetothe20222023CBAPTeam,IzzyMcGibbonandJillianPfeuffer! Theseinspiringyoungadvocatestraveledthe countrythislastyear,learningandpromotingthe beefindustry.Weareproudofalloftheir accomplishmentsandlookforwardtowatching theircontinuedsuccessasCattleWomen!

2023-2024CBAPTeam

Pictured Left: Jillian Pfeuffer and Izzy McGibbon were presented with plaques at the 2023 ANCW Summer Business Meeting

ANCW Foundation Report

Kristy Lage, NE | ANCW Foundation President

The Foundation trustees recently met in San Diego during the Cattle Industry Summer Conference Several agenda items were reviewed Wanda Pinnow shared the treasurers report.

Kristy and Wanda had a recent review with Lana Stewart, Edward D. Jones financial adviser, she presented an update on the investment funds and how the current market trends and inflation is affecting the balance, to date the markets have recovered some from last summers review.

There was discussion on the reprinting of the note cards and other fund raising options. The note cards are available for purchase via the ANCW website; they make excellent gifts. We are still selling fundraising tickets, contact any trustee for purchase! Wanda updated the gift envelopes to reflect current programs and projects

We want to encourage members to choose the foundation as their prefer Facebook birthday fundraiser Every little bit adds up and is appreciated Please continue to donate in memory of loved ones and consider including the foundation in your estate plans Donations can be made online via the www ancw org website

The State Beef Ambassador Scholarship Applications and the Annual Convention Intern Scholarship Applications are both due December 1 st

The Foundation is once again sponsoring the Eclipse Dismal River Run, Half Marathon, 10k, and 5k to be held on September 17th Last year 159 health minded runners from as far away as Spain and Texas, ran the Sandhills of Nebraska, “Gods Cow Country!" It was a beautiful fall morning and their family and friends cheered them on They all received swag bags filled with beef nutrition information, delicious beef recipes and a beef stick. Following the race, runners were fed a beef brisket meal served by Smoken Hills BarBQue. This was an amazing event with unbelievable positive reviews! This year the medals are made from cedar trees cut off the Dismal River. The neck ribbons read “Beef it’s What’s for Dinner. “ Cattlewomen organizations are encouraged to consider doing similar promotion projects. ANCW has a checkoff funded tool kit available to assist in the planning. Feel free to contact Kristy Lage cowlage@nebnet.net for more information.

Congratulations, Callie!

Birth Announcement

Callie and Joe Martinez, of Winters welcomed a son, William Antonio Martinez on July 26, 2023 at 10:19 pm. William weighted 7 lbs 5.7 oz. and was 19 inches long. He joins big sister Ainsley.

William is the grandson of Kevin & Linda Borror of Red Bluff; Frances Martinez of Winters; and great grandson of Jean Barton, Red Bluff; and Bill & Sandy Borror, Tehama

Congratulations to Callie and her family on their newest addition to the herd! Well wishes and congratulations can be sent to the family at callie borror@yahoo com

Pictured Left: ANCW Region IV Director, Callie Martinez welcomed a son, William Antonio Martinez, on July 26, 2023

WIRED Program Under New Leadership

Tammi Didlot & Jill Ginn | WIRED Directors

The Women In Ranching, Education and Development (WIRED) Program is welcoming new leadership in 2024 Starting in January, Jennie Hodgen will step into the title of WIRED Director, with Becca Johnson as her Assistant WIRED Director Please join us in welcoming these great ladies to the team! For more information on WIRED events go to ancw ord/WIRED

IRED Director nnie Hodgen

nnie Hodgen, Ph D , is a strategic account manager Merck Animal Health on the value chain and sumer affairs team Jennie has been with the mpany for 15 years in various roles working on arch and communication of effects on quality, sumer acceptance, safety, food safety, traceability, transparency research in meat from animals given mal health products She has also spear headed ormance technologies animal well-being post roval studies, training videos, and continues to vide expertise to associations, industry, and ernment officials

ennie grew up on her family’s ranch in northeastern She earned her bachelor’s and master’s degree m Oklahoma State University She has a PhD from University of Nebraska-Lincoln In Indiana, the

family raises row crops, has a couple hundred cow-calf pairs, and feeds out cattle for their and others’ freezer beef programs with her husband and four kids

She has been a member of the CattleWomen since college and has served as region director and webinar chair along with participating in most of the WIRED programs to date

Assistant WIRED Director

Becca Johnson

Becca Johnson grew up on a cow/calf and stocker operation in central Oklahoma. She graduated from Oklahoma State with a degree in Agribusiness and Finance and then began working in community banks doing credit and compliance. She has been a member of Oklahoma Cattlewomen for 10 years including time as a Regional Director and on the Scholarship Committee.

Becca and her husband, Reece, currently run a cow/calf herd in Norwich, Kansas. Her hobbies include traveling, attending sporting events, and spending time with family.

Region I Update

Brenda Kocher, OR | Region I Director

June 19, Dona Tullis and Connie O’Connell attended the 2023 4-H Achievement awards. The Beef Achievement award was given to Kylie Homan from Licking County OH. This award was sponsored by Ohio CattleWomen

June 24, the Ohio CattleWomen had a Summer Fun Day The day began with our meeting in the conference room at the Ohio Cattlemen’s Office in Marysville, OH at 10am Dona Tullis, a long time member, was recognized as an Out Standing Ohio CattleWoman, there was narrated slide presentation of what she has contributed to though the years along with a plaque Following the meeting we traveled to the nearby Der Dutchman Restaurant to have a delicious meal, and browse through their great gift shop and take home some delicious bakery and food items We than went to the nearby park to enjoy crafting a fun sign painting/ sipping wine session

July 26-August 6, The Ohio CattleWomen had their annual Cattle Beef Store open from 10am-5pm at the Ohio State Fair with CattleWomen members volunteering their time to sell beef related toys, cookware, farm books, jewelry, freshies, and keychains; just to name a few things. We also have raffle tickets for sale for a Blackstone Grill that will be raffled off at the end of the Ohio Beef Expo in March 2024. A table had free beef recipe pamphlets supplied by the Ohio Beef council, and a poster board telling about ANCW and the Ohio CattleWomen. Membership forms were available as well.

The Ohio CattleWomen sponsored the Grand Champion and Reserve Champion Market Steer at the Ohio State Fair with our secretary Brooke Gibbons presenting them to the winners.

Pictured Top Left: Ohio CattleWomen Secretary, Brooke Gibbons presents the Grand Champion State Fair Market Steer Tropy

Pictured Top Right: Dona Tullis being presented her Plaque for Ohio Outstanding CattleWoman

Picture Left: Ohio State Fair CattleWomen store

Pictured Above: Ohio’s Summer meeting crafting and sipping activity

Region II Update

Beth Jones, TN | Region II Director

Region 2 has been as busy as ever this summer with county fairs, southern women ’ s shows, & all the other great activities that goes into being a cattlewoman in today’s world.

Alabama Cattlewomen celebrated their 70th anniversary by hosting a capitol campaign to raise money for the Louis Wilson Memorial Scholarship Fund. The fund has provided over $27,000 worth of scholarship money. Past president, Mona Plyer, presented the AJWA Round-up, winner to Cheyenne Walker for best in showmanship. The ladies also assisted & judged the Battle of the Beef Contest for the junior association. ACW will be hosting the Region 2 spring meeting on April 19-20, 2024

Tennessee Cattlewomen presented Molly Ralston with the TCWA scholarship The summer convention brought about another successful year with the basket raffle The basket (pictured right) themes ranged from Hereford Life to twenty-five pounds of delicious chocolates This event is always a favorite among convention attendees TCWA also provided steak//biscuits & milk to the junior exhibitors at the Beef Expo Also, during convention, TCWA sponsored a speech contest with the winner this year Brooklyn Bales

Georgia Cattlewomen’s Association continues to support are production sales for their members across the state by assisting in promotion & advertisements. The Cattlewomen’s board met in August for their annual retreat. Their event consisted of eating great beef, strawberries & ending the day with a nutritious smoothies & facials. These treats help promote great discussions about promoting, educating, & supporting the beef industry. GCWA recognized National Hunger Month & is donating several $100 grants throughout the fall to aid those in need.

Florida CattleWomen in conjunction with FCA continue to support efforts around the state From state & county fairs to local fundraiser auctions, these ladies stand shoulder to shoulder with folks from all walks to support the beef industry The Lake County CattleWomen showed their appreciation to the local fire house to a beef taco dinner This will be a quarterly event Members Bridget Stice, Rhonda Waters, Blair Buchanon, & Rebecca Finley attended the Farm to Table Networking event offer by the Visit Central Florida & Florida Farm Bureau They also hosted their Beef Short Course with the Beef Cook Off theme Their Beef Ambassador contest was held in July with the winners being Sr. Gillian Matheson & Jr. Shelby Lynch.

Region III Update

Debbie Chute, MN | Region III Director

Region III Cattlewomen have been busy! Missouri’s State Fair was August 10 – 20 and the cattlewomen were there every day advocating and educating fair goers about the importance of beef at the table

Minnesota’s State Fair was August 24 - September 4; Minnesota cattlewomen will be there Minnesota held their second 360 Cattlewomen education day on June 10 The topic was “Minerals –There is More to Them than a 50-Pound Bag” Coming up on September 30th will be “Disease – The One Chain We Need to Break ” These education days are open to any interested cattlewomen and are held in different parts of the state

North Dakota CattleWomen and ANCW Region VII hosted an excellent region meeting in Watford City, ND June 23 – 23 We started our time with an update from North Dakota Beef Checkoff Executive Director Nicole Wardner Nicole shared information on how the Beef Checkoff program started, how the decrease in beef numbers impacts the budget of not only North Dakota’s Beef Council but every state and national Beef Council office

After a delicious lunch of beef of course, we heard from Calli Thorne Calli’s topic was “Generational Mental Health”, what she likes to call Mental Health First Aid We discussed factors of mental health disorders which can include isolation, stress, weather, markets, finances. Also discussed was why we do not ask for help – too proud, not sure what resources are available, the stigma of what others will think.

Bruce Cason of CKP Insurance, Expertise in Pasture, Rangeland and Forage, explained how CKP Insurance can help farmers and ranchers, especially during the drought areas of our country has been experiencing.

Shaye Koester kept our attention with “Your Voice is Powerful. Use it!” workshop. Why should you use your voice and who to share it with? Who better to tell our story than us, the people living it every day. What can you talk about for 60 minutes without any preparation? What makes a good story? Honesty, interesting – something that pulls the people in to listen, and emotion. There are many ways to tell your story – writing, speaking, video. Writing can include blogging, social media, newspapers, and magazines, and can be as simple as sharing messages with family and friends. Speaking can be done with podcasts, radio, social media, and voice

Pictured Bottom Left: “Generational Mental Health” with Calli Thorne

Pictured Bottom Right: “Your Voice is Powerful Use It!” with Shaye Koester

memos Video – YouTube, social media, or television Tips and simple; lists and numbers do well; many formats are effective Find the one that works for you Make it yours! Be honest!

ANCW Update was given by President-Elect Ruth Coffey As of June 23, ANCW had 1,044 members Ruth shared her family’s ranch history She also shared meetings she has attended since being elected ANCW President-Elect in January 2023. Ruth shared ANCW’s programs and the opportunities that are available for cattlewomen to become involved with our national organization.

Debbie Chute, ANCW Region III Director, gave an update on region activities and what her time has been spent on. As there were only two Region III members in attendance, elections were not held. They will be done virtually. Penny Zimmerman, Region III ANCW Membership Committee Member, reported on the membership committee meetings.

Friday morning started with an update from North Dakota Stockmen’s Association President Jason Leisesth Jason explained how the stockmen’s association works, the challenges they are facing, and projects they are undertaking

Renee Rongen entertained and inspired us with “Attitude: It’s an Inside Job” It’s how we choose to show up Do we bring joy, or are we joy suckers? Go all the way in by being present, not holding anything in and commit

“Finding Gratitude in Challenging Times” with Jessie Veeder rounded out the morning Jessie tells her story through folk music You can’t choose your blessings, when they come to you or how they come You just have to take them Part of Jessie’s life story defined her She did not let it overcome her Instead, it made her stronger and gratified Don’t hide your scars – they make you strong!

Thank you, North Dakota CattleWomen, and ANCW Region VII for hosting an amazing meeting in a beautiful part of North Dakota!

Mark your calendars for our 2024 ANCW Region Meeting

May 30

June 1, 2024 in St Joseph, Missouri.

Pictured Top Left: Shirley Thompson, ANCW Region VII Director, Penny Zimmerman, ANCW Past President and current Membership Committee Member, Ruth Coffey, ANCW President-Elect, Debbie Chute, ANCW Region III Director, Wanda Pinnow, ANCW Past President

Pictured Top Right: “Finding Gratitude in Challenging Times” with Jessie Veeder

Region IV Update

Ddee Haynes, OK | Region IV Director

ught, followed by rain, the Texas Cattle Raisers Convention, the as Cattlemen’s Convention, the Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Convention, gion IV meeting, and a WIRED event along with several county Women meetings kept the Region IV ladies the last few months ng attended the Oklahoma Convention, the Region meeting along e Wired Event, it makes my heart proud to see the leadership from te Presidents, the dedication of the members who continually give time, finances, and hearts to support the beef industry

many of you know, at our Region meeting, I announced that I would not be completing my two-year team as the Region IV Director, but I will complete this year, before handing over the reins to a very capable Cheyenne Sparks With that being said, I would like to use my last article to brag just a bit on my state Presidents and a few of the accomplishments made under their leadership the past year In no particular order I will start off with the great state of Texas!

Texas President Casey Matzke continues to think outside of the box and come up with new ideas to educate and promote beef. For their educational outreach, a new event that some of the local Texas chapters have been doing are ranch tours with education aspects to it. While on the tour, a speaker comes out and speaks on a specific topic. For their promotional outreach, which could also be considered educational, they have had several Grilling 101s. Through these fun events people, (mainly women) learn about the flat iron steak, participate in the cooking demonstration, and then get to enjoy the steak with a meal. In addition, the pants are sent home with an apron, thermometer, grilling guidelines, n information, and recipes donated by the Beef Council klahoma, Cheyenne Sparks, ended her term as the Oklahoma ent in July But under her leadership the Oklahoma CattleWomen busy educating and promoting! One particular promotion program particularly proud of is the beef certificate While the beef ates have been available for many years, a resurgence of the m took off with implementation of a new beef certificate database ows members and non-member to search for producers, grocers, staurants that accept beef certificates For education outreach, Peggy berry led the charge as OCW partnered with Oklahoma Ag in the Classroom in hosting a “read an accurate’ ag book week It was a great way to not only educate the children but also the teachers.

Arkansas President Betty Garner continues to hold her state together; these ladies get things done! With three wooden life size cows the AR CattleWomen share not only the nutritional value of beef, but also all of the by-products that come from a cow. These cows have been a big hit helping to educate young and old alike.

In addition to educating and promoting, the Region IV states have several scholarships for young people and often have fundraisers where they use the money to help with projects or those less fortunate within their states.

Thank you Region IV for all that you do! Blessings in Beef!

Region VI Meeting

Callie Martinez, CA | Region VI Director

Women from across the United States traveled to San Diego for the ANCW Summer Business Meeting. We had good representation of Region VI there. Our region had some great discussion on what the goals are for the region during the region roundtables A goal as Region VI Director for the region is to increase the membership in our region by 15%, which is asking each state to bring 15 new members

Also think about bringing a friend to a meeting We also want to increase the junior membership

Other goals include to try to include a monthly or bimonthly meeting with states to check-in with each other, the membership, not just the calls with the state presidents These calls with the membership can be open to anyone Also, to increase the involvement in committees, which can include having an

online check-in with the chairs so that the membership is more involved, and the discussion doesn’t just take place twice at year at the national meetings It was brought up that Utah is looking into hosting a standalone WIRED Event; they are working with Wyoming on it to be a joint Region V and VI event. To increase the att adding a youth track. The states within our region also want Promotion area to expand into new in person presentation involved with little league games, that way we start the con event or lessons at the state FFA conventions. This could als workshops with high school nutrition students.

CattleWomen also had the opportunity to hear from Coa great points on how we are shaped as young girls in our con impressions leave a mark on us for who we are to become. to follow the stories which we have believed or blaze our ow the mountain top and overcome the peak of it, or just stay i remember that our feelings matter for the way that we show up in our organization

Kiah brought up an excellent point relating back to cow crap, and how it stinks when we are in the thick of it It is the times that we are in the thick of it that we grow as individuals or an organization Your mindset is the biggest piece In the closing of her talk, she reminded us that we all need to remember that it is okay to teach others that it is okay to struggle We need to learn to belong to ourselves first, which also allows for us to heal yourself

Please save the dates of Sunday January 28 to Wednesday January 31, and join other ANCW ladies and NCBA members in Orlando for our Annual meeting I know the Executive team is working on a fantastic program and tour The following are other dates to mark on your calendar Region VI meeting dates are April 11- 13 in Las Cruxes, New Mexico New Mexico is working to include a tour of the Santa Teresa Cattle Crossing as part of our meeting A fact on the Santa Teresa Crossing is that hundreds of thousands of cattle cross each year making the port the host to the largest import/export facility on the Mexican border. Planning has started for a possible joint Region V and VI meeting either in 2025 in Redmond, Oregon or in 2026 in Hawaii. Some ladies from Hawaii who attended the summer meeting in Hawaii expressed interest in getting a membership going again there. So, we will work with them and see what we can come up with. Either way a joint meeting with both regions in the next couple of years will be taking place. Hope to see you all in Orlando or New Mexico.

Region VII Update

Shirley Thompson, SD | Region VII Director

Greetings from Region 7!

The North Dakota Cattle Women have been very busy promoting beef! The ladies have been busy in Dickinson interacting with attendees of the Dickinson Women’s Expo event including beef samples, recipes, and nutritional information They also supported the Ward County Public Library with donations of new sets of Beef Books. The NDCW was also active at the North Dakota State Fair where they hosted Farm to Gym workouts and supported the local military members with a military appreciation lunch featuring Beef. Many members also supported the Red River Valley Fair and a 4th of July parade highlighting Beef It’s What’s for Dinner!

The South Dakota Cattle Women are gearing up for the South Dakota State Fair and look forward to featuring many prize items for fair goers that feature beef nutritional and cooking information. They are also holding their quarterly meeting with a Puzzles, Pitchers, and Pizza challenge The meeting participants will provide teams that have to complete a puzzle, drink a pitcher of beverages, and finish a pizza to win!

The South Dakota Cattlemen’s Auxiliary hosted a Beef Day at the Sioux Empire Fair in Sioux Falls Members provided beef jerky, information, and recipes in addition to entertaining attendees with beef facts and helping attendees to decorate

NCBA International Trade Committee

Ruth Coffey, OK | ANCW President Elect

Kent Bacus, NCBA Staff Liaison, gave an update on the Product of USA Labeling. He discussed the positive and negative issues tied with US trade with Brazil and Paraguay. To conclude his report, Kent shared how trade development with the European Union and United Kingdom is looking these days. There were also International Trade policies discussed before the meeting closed to determine whether highlighted policies should be recommended to bring forward to adopt or recommended to expire them.

Kent started his discussions with Product of USA labeling He reminded the audience of the time we have spent discussing this topic through the years Finally, the USDA has come up with a ruling for this topic of concern Kent stated that NCBA has always been in support of producers having the choice whether to participate with the sourced labeling of their product, not a mandated sentence for all to follow With all the petitions that were written, all were denied, and the USDA came forward with their own proposed rule The USDA’S proposed rule states that Product of USA labeling will remain voluntary They state that this proposed label is a genera marketing claim (The producer can use a Product of USA label on their beef, if they will provide documentation to prove their claim that the animals of said labeling have been born, raised, harvested, and processed in the US So far, information has not been provided as to how the implementation for this information will be shared Cell-based meat enthusiasts are looking at this new ruling as a great way to market cell-cultured beef Concerns that remain are who will maintain and oversee the producer information gathered for? This should remain on a voluntary basis, so compliance costs remain at a minimum and consumers have a choice to pay the price difference or not. There were 3500 Product of US Labeling comments submitted during the allotted time frame; results from the comments are expected to be noticed in 2024.

PHOTO BY MARTIN R SMITH

Trade with Brazil seems to be a challenge right now. NCBA has been the lead voice of opposition when it comes to trade with Brazil and its failure to report their A typical BSE cases. NCBA has requested multiple times for Secretary of AG, Vilsack, requesting a full audit and certification for all A Typical BSE cases. In order to protect US meat markets, all health records must be kept up to date and recorded. The Brazilian government has stopped vaccinating in critical areas and by 2026 they will cease all F & D vaccinations. The bad behavior Brazil continues to practice should not be excused if a country wants to maintain standards that are straight forward, honest, and an engagement of communication between neighboring business partners Paraguay has applied to document their beef herds with APHIS (Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service), hoping to comply with US

standards A problem to fear is that the USDA is taking outdated (2008 & 2014) standards to use when inspecting There are concerns the country will not be able to support on-site visits for F & D preparedness A prevailing presumption is that the private sector may be the sole source for funding safeguards and if they can adequately provide the necessary safety precautions for their herds On a broader international beef market, NCBA has been experiencing positive responses from the United Kingdom due to sharing production practices, animal welfare measures used, and comparing similar farming standards. NCBA is working to build confidence with Britts to assure them that our animal welfare standards are amongst the highest and our concern for the environment is the main driver for our production practices. The animal health and welfare discussions center around familiarizing them with our BQA educational programs which are very similar to their “Red Tractor Program ”

NCBA Cattle Health & Well Being Committee

Dr Cheryl DeVuyst, OK | Checkoff Evaluation Chair (CBB)

The meeting started with an update on the National Bio & AgroDefense Facility Maggie Stuck Behnke, DVM DACCLAM gave a presentation on the new facility and the structures inside for the study animals Their focus was on keeping the animals comfortable in a very unnatural environment The facility is up and running but not all activities have been transferred to the new location

Next, we heard from Julia Herman DVM, NCBA’s Beef Cattle Specialist Veterinarian She spoke about the very real concern of a Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) outbreak occurring in the United States and the efforts to increase awareness and preparedness

Rober Larson DVM spoke about new research taking place on emerging issues and diseases One disease in particular that they are working on caught my attention was Anaplasmosis, a tick-borne blood disease. This was a primary regional disease but its spread is increasing.

We then quickly went through the expiring resolutions and approved one new resolution.

NCBA Property Rights & Environmental Management (PREM) Committee

Reba Mazak, FL | Property Rights & Environmental Management (PREM) Report

The meeting was called to order at 9:45am in San Diego, California. Charlie Besher, Chair Barb Cooksley, Vice Chair & Mary-Thomas Hart, Staff Liaison presided. After approval of the agenda & minute from the annual meeting in New Orleans, the Guest Presenter on Black Vultures gave a power point presentation about the Black Vulture & its updates Black Vultures are scavengers as well as predators Each year more & more vultures are moving northward & continue to threaten calf crops as well as the momma cows It takes extensive permitting & lots of revenue & resources to control the loss of animals Chairman Charlie Besher was leaving San Diego to testify on behalf of the cattle producers about this subject in Washington D C He has first hand knowledge of the Black Vulture, as he experiences it on his farm in Missouri

Next, Mary-Thomas Hart, NCBA Chief Counsel & Kent Bacas, Executive Director, Government Affairs gave theirup dates on the importance of the issues that we are facing in Washington D C They spoke of Sackett vs EPA, National Pork, the EATS Act, and Cheveron. Farm Labor Act & Ag Gag Laws were also topics of interest.

Policy’s under consideration were reviewed Tennessee, Ohio, Missouri, & Oklahoma had added language to be considered & to move forward for discussion. All the policy’s can be reviewed & NCBA members are encouraged to take part in these meetings so that our staff can properly defend our property rights. Meeting was adjourned at 11:00 by the Chair, Charlie Besher.

PHOTO BY MARTIN R SMITH

NCBA Federal Lands Committee

Wanda Pinnow, MT | NCBA Federal Lands Committee

Jim Hellyer Chair, Alisa Ogden Vice Chair, and and Sigrid Johannes Staff Liaisons called the me and welcomed the group.

The BLM Grazing Regulation has been put on further notice. They got the message from our m that this ruling needs to have more discussion fr the table Congress agree that this ruling is muc agency The USFS Hand Book will be familiarized carefully, and will be completed by December T grazing in the handbook At this time they are w On the sage grouse we can expect a draft plan a (environment independent study)

Wild horses, we really need them, provide fun feeding them They created this problem and ne farms to house them In the past they gathered they will only gather 7,000 this year Reach out t congressional member and urge them to vote to welfare for the horses Your NCBA staff are also w lobbyist in congress.

The Farm Bill will not be completed until 202 waiting to see what congress will try to put in th voted to renew ten resolutions, amend and rene resolutions, and sunset one resolution. Until nex

Sunny in San Diego

Jean Barton, CA

ThissummerIhadtheopportunitytoattend the71stAmericanNationalCattleWomen(ANCW) Mid-SummermeetinginSanDiegowithCheryl Foster,aSiskiyouCountyCattleWomanwhoisalso theANCWLegislativechair Shehad accompaniedtheANCWofficerswhentheymade theirvisittoWashingtonDC inApril Cherylkeeps themembershipinformedaboutbillsthataffect thebeefcattleindustrywhenNational Cattlemen’sBeefAssociation(NCBA)sendsher theinformation

FlyingintoSanDiegowasanexperiencesince theSouthWestterminalissmall,andpeoplewere everywhere.Peoplewaitingtoboardwere standing,orsittingonthefloorsincealltheseats werefilled.Therewerepeopledressedinweird clothingandIdidn’trealizetheComic-Con

InternationalConventionwasclosingaswearrived.(InBalboaParkthereisaComic-ConMuseum.)

ANCWPresident-ElectRuthCoffeypostedonFacebook:“Comic-Conisaconventionforpeople whosuperenjoytheirfavoritecomiccharacterbydressinginfullcostumewithmake-up/appropriate hairpiecetryingtoachievetheclosestlookoftheircharacter.Theywereholdingtheirconventionas wearrivedforourconvention.Ithadbeensolongsincelhadwatchedcartoons,ldidnotrecognize themajorityofthecharacterslranacross SadlylsawnoSnoopy,CharlieBrown,Popeye’s,Sylvester Cats,orDaffyDucks!Ihadtostealafewimages(picturessheposted)becauselhadneverseenso manyadultsdressingupincostumesoutsideofHalloween Thequestionlwantedtoaskwasifthey dressedliketheirfavoritecharacterwhilewatchingorreadingtheirfavoritecartoon”

NotbeingfamiliarwithcartooncharactersIamunabletodescribewhatIsaw,butsincethen,I havebeentoldComic-ConpeoplemeetinReddingandothercitiesacrossthenation Itwasaweird experienceforthisgrey-hairedpersontoseeadultsdressedastheywere,inamajorcity

ThisyearANCWhadour“pilotvirtualattendance”usingzoomformembersunabletoattendthe meeting ANCWRegionVIDirectorCallieBorrorMartinezwasjustdaysawayfromgivingbirthtomy great-grandsonWilliamAntonio,whileothermembersfoundtheexpensewasmorethanaranch couldafford.Thecostforourroomforthreenightswasone640poundsteerat$2.67apound.

RegistrationforANCWwasnotasexpensiveasforNCBAmembers.Acupofblackcoffeewas $6.00.Nottravelingrecently,Ihadn’trealizedhowexpensivethingshavebecome.The$15breakfast burritohada6%surcharge,plustaxof$1.23,plustip.InSanDiegoourhotelroomhada10.5% occupancytaxof$40.01,2%SDTMDAssessmentof$7.62,CATourismAssessmentFeeof0.65cents, DestinationFeeof$39.00,DestinationFeeOcc.Taxof$4.10,andDestinationFeeSDTMD

Assessmentof078centsforeachnightofoccupancy Ifothertownsandcitieshavechargessimilar,I canseewhyMt LassenMotorTransitnolongerofferstheirwonderfultoursthatIenjoyedinpast years

Themeetingwasworthattendingbecausewesawoldfriends,heardinformativespeakers,and attendedtheNCBARegionalmeetingandFederalLandsCommitteeplusCattleHealthandWell BeingCommittees CherylwasvotingforANCWintheCattleHealthmeeting,andayoungwoman

fromWestVirginiaaskedaboutourorganizationandwasinterestedsincehergrandmotherusedto beamember ShebecameANCW’s180thnewmemberthisyear

PamelaGriffin,ArizonaisourANCWpresident,anditwasnicetoseepastpresidentsRebaMazak, FL;GwenGuis,WY;WandaPinnow,MT;andPennyZimmerman,MNinattendance

EthanLane,NCBAVicePresidentofGovernmentAffairsgaveusanupdateonthemanythingsthey areworkingforandagainstinWashington,DC

ThateveningweenjoyedareceptioninPamela’ssuite,andifhismustachehadbeenblack insteadofgrey,IwouldhavethoughtthatthelateBaxterBlackwasintheroom Pamela’shusband, JohntoldmethatheandBaxterusedtoexchangenametagsandpeopledidn’tknowthe difference.VisitingwithJohnwediscoveredthatwehadattendedaPublicLandsmeetingin Washington,D.C.26or27yearsago.IwaswithMikeByrneandhismotherBettyLou,andJohnwas fromAZ.

Nextday:afterreportsfromANCWcommitteesandregions,wehadguestspeakerKiah TwisselmanBurchett;thankstoPamelaGriffin.Kiahadusdoanexercisewithaseriesofvery personalquestionsaboutabuse,aboutsuicide,aboutselfworth,andaboutworriesontheranch; probably15verypersonalquestions.Afterwehadwrittendownouranswers,shehadusfoldour paperthreetimesinhalf Kiawentthroughtheroomrandomlyswappingandswappingourpapers out We’dneverknowwhosepaperwegot Then,shewentthroughthequestions;we’dstandupifa boxwascheckedonthepaperforthatquestion Shehadus“StandUpForOurSisters”Becauseof someofthequestionsandtheamountofwomenstanding,ithityourheart;itwasveryemotional Afteradelightfulluncheonoutdoors,watchingthepeoplegopastatTheCheeseCakeFactory,we had6thgenerationSarahFalenof‘WildWestAdvocacy’withhermother,KarenBuddFalenspeak BothwomenarelawyersinWyoming,anditwasaninformativepresentation Theystressedhow importantitisforpeopletogotoWashingtonDC andtelltheirstorybecuasetherearebadlaws thatcanputusoutofbusiness ShesuggestedwhenANCWleadershipvisitsWashingtonDC,“don’t ignoretheagencieswhenyouvisitthelegislatorsandstaff,leaveastoryandpictures,anddon’t forgettosendahandwrittenthankyounoteafterwards.”

CelebratedtheendofANCWmeetingswithaseafooddinnerwithawaterfronttablebythe boardwalkandSanDiegoBay,atSally’sFishHouseandBar.AlmostascolorfulaswatchingComicCon.ThenextdayafterattendingtheNCBAmeetingswewereinterestedin,CherylandIbecame touristsontheOldTownTrolleyTours,witha25miletourthroughoutSanDiegoandCoronado.

The Cattle Man’s Wife

Hailey Partain, GA | GCWA President

Arizona State Cowbelles

Trina Sue Riggs, AZ | Arizona State Cowbelles President

Our Arizona State Cowbelles 2023 Cattlewoman of the Year

Barbara Stephenson Jackson, our 2023 ASC Cattlewoman of the Year, was born in Tucson, AZ. Her family owned a cattle feeding operation, so her life with cattle started at birth. Her introduction to Cowbelles came at a young age as well because her mother was a Cowbelle. She had been an ASC president and an American National Cowbelle president while Barbara was growing up.

Barbara graduated from the University of Washington and came back to the family business for a short time. She worked with Syntex for 10 years as a sales rep and region manager. Barbara married Tim Jackson and together they decided to start their own business. Animal Health Express was a mail order business which eventually grew to include the Vaquero Feed and Livestock Supply store. They purchased the High Haven ranch north of Sonoita, AZ a few years ago.

Barbara has been a member of the Arizona State Cowbelles since she was old enough to join. She followed her mother’s footsteps of being their president and gone on to become president of American National Cattlewomen She has served on the Cattlemen’s Beef Board and NCBA Board of Directors along with Arizona Cattle Growers’ Association

Cattle have always been a way of life for her!

Pictured Above: Secretary Kellie Wolverton, Vice President Micaela McGibbon, ANCW President Pam Griffin, Immediate Past President Stephanie Teskey, President Trina Sue Riggs, and Treasurer Sara Burris

Who Are We

Emilee Haubner, TX | PR Committee Region IV Rep

It’s as simple as a person thinking a hamburger comes from a store shelf Or the child who learned that chocolate milk comes from a brown cow in their science class Or learning that GMOs will harm your body because their genetics are changed to harm your hormones and body cells There are hundreds of topics taught incorrectly to every age in society

I am sure you are shaking your head right now, just as I did when I heard these stories That’s it, they are stories that are incorrect So, what can you do? What can I do? It is who we are and what we do that we must stand up for. You know the answer to this, because you live it every day. As cattlewomen we know the importance of teaching correct principles of agriculture and why we cannot live without the whole industry of agriculture. But, who does not know this? Have you stopped to see who around you truly does not know?

A few ways you can share your message, your story, and your passion:

Speak to an individual, on their level, sharing with them a story about agriculture that they can relate to Show them how agriculture helps them

For those who are in Texas, go vote on Nov 7th, 2023 and say yes to Prop 1- The Right to Farm Bill

It is time to have this bill a part of our Texas Constitution Talk about this now, tell people to go vote and why the Right to Farm Bill is so important to their life If you are in another state, get involved with your legislature and vote for bills to protect your state’s agriculture

Know you do not have to be a speaker, you can just simply cook with someone, then share with them how it was your great grandmother’s recipe who grew up in agriculture

Go read to kids in a classroom, at the library, or to kids you know.

Give of your time. Have someone over to your place to spend time doing what you do every day.

Our world was created with agriculture. All the way from the beginning of time, animals and humans found food sources and created items they could use from the land. This is agriculture. We as women in the ag industry have the duty to keep agriculture alive. What will you do?

GOLDEN COWBELLES CORNER

Joellen Choate Gilje, ND

BettyChoatewasbornElizabethMaryKnipein Fairhaven,Mass,1907 HerfamilymovedtoArizon

1912toaranchnearTucson Withnoranching experience,butastrongdesiretobecomeranche herfamilypurchased80acresoflandintheRinco Valley

BettyreceivedherteachingdegreefromTempe Normal.Shetaughtschoolatmanylocationsarou SouthernArizonaincludingtheone-roomschool housesofTurkeyCreekandRuckerintheChiricah Mountains.

ShemarriedMiles"Poke"Choateattheageof23 TheystartedtheirmarriageattheElCoronado Ranch,theranchPoke’sparentshomesteadedintheChiricahauaMountainsnorthofDouglas Arizona TheChoatesleftElCoronadotostrikeoutontheirown,operatingrancheselsewherein CochiseCountyandNewMexico.

ItwaswhilelivingandteachingattheElCoronadoRanch,Bettybecameamemberofthe DouglasCowbelles.ShelovedbeingamemberoftheDouglasCowbellesandattendedmeetingsin DouglasnomatterwhereshelivedinCochiseCounty.Mysisterremembe GrandmotherhostingaCowbellesmeetingattheDustyPistolranchwhe Bettylivedinthe70’sand80’s.“Sheevenworeadress.Itmusthavebeen importantforhertowearadress”wasmysister’sstatement. WhenIwas maybe8or9Iaskedherwhereshewasgoingandshesaid“Douglas Cowbelles” Iaskedwhattheydidandshesaid“promotetheranchlivean beef” AtayoungageIdidn’tknowthatwassomethingyouhadto“active do” Iassumedeverybodylovedranchersandatebeef Inowseethe wisdominthatworthyambitionandI,myselfamamemberoftheNorth DakotaCattlewomenforthesamereason

BettymademanylifelongfriendsatherCowbellemeetingsinDougla Thursdaywasherdaytovisitoldfriendsandgetgroceries WhenIwasold enoughtorememberandpayattention,notallofherCowbellefriendsw tattendthemeetingsanymore

Pictured Left: Betty and Poke camping Pictured Center: Betty and her brother Ted at the Rincon Ranch outside of Tucson Arizona Pictured Right: Poke and Betty with their two sons Miles and Rufus at the El Coronado Ranch Miles is my father

Pictured Above: Betty Choate pumping water with burro power, Rincon Mountain Ranch, 1912

CowbellegiventoBettybytheDouglasCowBelles “TheCowBellesBettyChoatePresident1986”

JUNIOR CATTLEWOMAN SPOTLIGHT

Brooklynn Goetzinger | Oregon | 16 Years Old

Oregon Junior CattleWoman, Brooklynn Goetzinger, (age 16) is beginning her junior year of High School and an incoming member of the Redmond Oregon FFA chapter She competes in public speaking, livestock judging while showing black angus cattle When she is not washing her heifers you can find her throughout the community helping youth fit, wash and improve their showing skills at home After concluding her term serving as FFA chapter reporter Brooklynn continues to serve as secretary of the TriCounty CattleWomen in Central Oregon where she serves as the youngest elected executive officer in state history.

This fall she will be amongst the education committee teaching others about her "heifer in the classroom" a project about the lifecycle of her seedstock heifer "Beemer" and "Ziggy the bull" a new bull calf at home that students will be able to visit at the local county fair after watching him grow through the school year.