FALL 2020
THE AMERICAN CATTLEWOMAN
What does today’s CattleWoman “look like”? An American National CattleWoman is a strong, enthusiastic woman, willing to stand up for what she believes in. She is equally at home on a ranch, in a meeting, at a social function, or a legislative venue. She is not necessarily a farm or ranch woman, but she is someone who strongly supports the cattle industry and America’s Agricultural heritage through education and promotion. Header Photo Credit: Kasey Wallace, Blue Windmill Photography
THE AMERICAN CATTLEWOMAN Striving & Thriving
Evelyn Greene ANCW President Auburn, Alabama
M
anicure…check.Pedicure…check. Shampoo, rinse, dry, get hair done…check. Favorite meal…check. Have fan set up to keep me cool…check. Now make sure I have a really soft place to relax…check. Oh, I am not talking about a day at the spa for me. I was just thinking of how nice it must be if you are one of the fortunate animals that our impressive youth show at county and state fairs, and other livestock events across the state and country. I am always amused when various animal rights groups imply or just come right out and say that ranching and farming is an abusive practice to animals. OK, I will admit that all cattle are not treated as well as those that are on the show circuit, but most cattle on the farm are far from abused. How many of you have got out of a warm bed in the middle of the night to go out in the cold and check on a heifer that is close to calving? Or how about bringing a newborn calf into your house to warm up because it is so cold and raining outside and the little fellow is having a little trouble getting out of neutral? There are many examples of how cattle producers care for their animals that are not apparent to the person passing by on the highway. Simply put, we in agriculture do care about our animals. Certainly, a happy animal is a productive animal, but it goes beyond that. Proverbs states, “A righteous man regarded the life of his beast.” Cattle farming is not just a vocation. It is, in my opinion, a calling. So, if anybody tries to tell you that animal farming is abusive, take them to cattle shows or even your
own farm/ranch and ask them if anybody takes care of them that well. During the current crisis, ranches, farms, businesses, and organizations have worked faster and more effective than they have ever dreamed possible than just a few months ago. Upholding that sense of possibility of striving and thriving will be an enduring source of driven advantage. The officer team which includes myself, Reba Mazak, President-Elect, and Pam Griffin, Vice President, attended the NCBA Summer Business Meetings in Aurora, Colorado to participate and engage in the cattle industry committee meetings. The American National CattleWomen Summer Business Meeting was held virtually during the month of August with over 150 participants attending. The importance to carry on business is just what was needed to give that boost for the remainder of the year. Within these meetings, many goals and tasks were evaluated and considered within our committee structures, including the new Long-Range Plan 2021-2025. You can find a copy of the Long-Range Plan on our website at ancw. org. Strategies to obtain the goals of our objective will require the hard work and dedication of the entirety of our membership. The organizational strategy to reach our beef promotion goal will be to promote the role of beef in a healthy diet with existing resources available at the local, state and national levels while sharing the advantages of beef compared to alternative proteins through publicity. It will be necessary to capitalize on engaging consumers in a memorable beef eating experience. While we have many organized groups promoting non-animal agendas, ANCW will stand tall as we promote a positive stewardship of all of the ... (continued on page 3)
Header Photo Credit: Kasey Wallace, Blue Windmill Photography
THE AMERICAN CATTLEWOMAN THE AMERICAN NATIONAL CATTLEWOMEN, INC. IS THE VOICE FOR WOMEN IN THE UNITED STATES BEEF CATTLE INDUSTRY.
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.
Questions or Comments on the newsletter? Please contact the Newsletter Committee Chair: Eden Miller ancwnewsletter@gmail.com
American National CattleWomen, Inc. Attn: Jill Worthington 16799 Prairie Circle El Reno, OK 73036
Advertising Rates are: $500 for full page 7 1/2” x 10” $250 for half page 7 1/2” x 5” or 3 3/4” x 10”
Email: ancw@ancw.org Volume 48 | Issue III August | September | October
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MOVING?
Don’t miss a single issue of The American CattleWoman. Send ANCW your change of address! 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. Periodicals postage paid at El Reno, OK and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to American National CattleWomen 16799 Prairie Circle El Reno, OK 73036
S t r i v i n g & T h r i v i n g ( c o n t .) resources in beef production programs. These resources generate a sustainable production system for the production of beef protein for a global community. We as American National CattleWomen have a calling - to continue to be strong advocates for animal care and well-being through all of our beef production enterprises.
resources in beef production programs. These resources generate a sustainable production system for the production of beef protein for a global community. We as American National CattleWomen have a calling - to continue to be strong advocates for animal care and well-being through all of our beef production enterprises. Mark your calendars and get your guitar ready to “Tune in to Tennessee” for the cattle industry summer business meetings and the annual convention and NCBA trade show 2021 in Nashville, TN at the Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center. The ANCW meetings are scheduled for August 8-10th and NCBA meetings are schedule for August 10-12th. There will something for everyone at #CattleCon21. See you down the trail and remember #beef4generations. - Evelyn Greene, ANCW President
M a r k Y o u r C a l e n da r s , C at t l e G a l s ! W e ’ r e H e a d i n g to T e n n e ss e e
https://convention.ncba.org/general-information Please Join us in Tennessee for our 2021 American National CattleWomen Annual Meetings. We so look forward to seeing you ladies there! - Your 2020 - 2021 ANCW Executive Team
Renewing is
ANCW M e m b e r s h i p easier than ever! yo u r
With the new website, the renewal process is easier than ever. To renew your membership, you can log into your account at www.ancw.org, click the Renew button and then pay the renewal invoice. The email address we currently have on file is the email address you will need to log into your account. If you would like to change your email address or update your address, you will be able to do this through the “Member Profile” page. Click on “Edit Profile” to make any necessary changes. If you’re having trouble remembering your prior email address, feel free to contact us anytime at ancw@ancw.org. To set up automatic recurring payments, click the Renewal policy tab. You can set up recurring payments so that memberships can be automatically renewed on a regular schedule. - Kasey Wallace, ANCW PR Chair
PC: Rockin’ EM Photography
ANCW M e m b e r s h i p D r i v e
ANCW
N o m i nat i o n s for C at t l e W o m e n A w a r d s
2021
Due to our Annual Meeting in Nashville being moved from February to August, the deadline for our awards has been extended. The new deadline to nominate an exceptional ANCW member for one of these very special ANCW awards is now
2021 .
March 1,
Nomination forms can be found at https://www.ancw. org/members-only.
O r e g o n C at t l e W o m e n ’ s C o n v e n t i o n
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he Oregon CattleWomen hosted their Annual State Convention in Redmond, Oregon at Eagle Crest Resort on November 7th. With a theme of “Unity in Ranching”, more than 40 OCW and Oregon Cattlemen’s Association members came together. The single-day event started with an opening luncheon featuring Oregon Beef Council Administrative Assistant, Randi-Alexander Rolison. Randi spoke about BEEF Check-Off and Oregon’s “Five Dime” Check-Off program. After lunch, The OCW called the business meeting to order. OCA Executive Director, Tammy Dennee and Evelyn Greene ANCW President, spoke about each respective organization. ANCW President Evelyn Greene presided over the “Bringing in the Herd” installation of new OCW Executive Officers. The annual business meeting was followed by a social hour and dinner program. OCA President Tom Sharp gave legislative updates and Diana Wirth, OCW Member, entertained the audience with western ballads and their history. To the delight of all in attendance, Evelyn Greene presented her “Coat of Many Colors” and spoke about the importance of unity in our ranching community. Immediate Past President Jenny Coelho and OCW President Diana Wirth presented multiple awards including an Appreciation Award to Membership Round-Up Saddle Drive donor Ken Tew, and Legacy Awards to Peggy Biaggi, Pat Venable, and Myron and Dottie Miles. The Oregon CattleWoman of the Year Award was presented to Heidi Gorden of Bonanza, Oregon. Under gently falling snow and a renewed commitment to our industry, the evening concluded with an OCW President’s Reception in honor of Jenny Coelho and her two years of service. - Diana Worth, Oregon President, Oregon CattleWomen
Pictured left to right: ANCW President Evelyn Greene, OCW Executive Officers: President Diana Wirth, Immediate Past President Jenny Coelho, President-Elect Susan Bunch, Treasurer Heidi Gorden, and Budget Officer Nancy Bailey.
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C ow T r ac k R a n c h
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y love for cattle began as a child, with my father being a large animal veterinarian primarily working on dairy farms throughout Marin, Sonoma and Napa Counties. I would ride along with him and later helped on calving cases and watched surgeries with curious eyes. I shadowed his calls and soaked up as much knowledge as possible and learned to vaccinate, brand, castrate and doctor cows on horseback on our Cow Track Ranch in Marin County. My father began with Hereford-Angus cross cattle before my time and later purchased registered Texas Longhorn cows in the 1990s. He maintained a purebred breeding program with some fancy bulls which he purchased from a client in our small rural town. As a young teen, my parents moved into the Angus world and my father retired in 2014 after 50+ years in veterinary medicine. In my father’s retirement, I began to maintain the herd and perform all duties as my father got into his late 70s. I now run 200 Angus cows on two properties along with some Longhorns which are being phased out. I have spent the last eight years studying genetics, hand selecting bulls, building my herd and improving the quality of the animals
which I raise and maintain. In July, I just added registered Angus heifers to my program and paired with Leachman Top Line Angus bulls in the Fall. I am very excited about the future of my cattle and the business as a whole. I enjoy riding my horses or the quad every afternoon in the hills and flats to check my cows and put much effort in animal health and dedication to detailed record keeping to improve the future of my herd. This Fall, I plan to harvest a few of my own steers and look forward to a new window of opportunity into the private beef sector for something new and exciting to share with people who appreciate top quality beef. In addition to beef ranching, I work full time as a Project Manager in Healthcare. I also operate ‘The Bunk House’, a farm stay B&B on the ranch. I provide farm fresh eggs to my guests and the cows graze outside of the 1910 windows for a peaceful view. In addition, I host/stage/coordinate weddings and create rosemary & lavender salts for cooking - which are exceptional for cooking beef. My cattle are my passion and I enjoy sharing my experience as a one-woman-show with future ranchers of America. - Melissa Daniels, Cow Track Ranch Est. 1871 | 707-360-7789
ANCW F o u n dat i o n U p dat e
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he American National CattleWomen Foundation hosted their summer meeting via Zoom.The trustees want to thank everyone for their generous donations. These donations allow for the support of several wonderful projects and programs. We voted to sponsor the Emerging Leaders Workshop and Luncheon, planned for Nashville in August of 2021. We will be announcing the recipient of the Collegiate CattleWomen scholarship to attend the Cattle Industry Convention as an intern soon as the application deadline was November 1st. We created a new scholarship for State Beef Ambassadors. The application deadline is December 1st. The beautiful cattle note cards we printed are selling well. If you need any, send an email to ancwfoundation@gmail.com. The cost is $15 plus shipping. We would like to remind everyone to select the ANCW Foundation as your choice for Amazon Smile, more information is available on the ANCW website at ancw.org. Once again we thank everyone who supports the foundation with their memorials and donations. Please consider including the foundation in your estate planning. - Kristy L. Lage, Nebraska President | ANCW Foundation P.O. Box 5 | Arthur, NE 69121 #308-764-2372 | cell #9946
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HUMP CREEK BEEF:
CHASING KIDS, CORRIENTES & DREAMS
“D
o more with what you have.” This idea has always struck me and motivated me. This summer it was the driving force behind what started as my desire to have a few head of corriente cattle around the ranch, to rope and track on my young horses, becoming a full-blown start-up business marketing certified corriente beef directly from the ranch. All in hopes it will become a thriving, value-added venture which will allow my daughters and I to come home to the family ranch. It took work - hours upon hours of research and evaluation of what seemed like a wild idea - could I really take a roped-out corriente and finish him to become high quality beef? I made the calls, I did the work. What I had found was that it was not only possible, but a very promising opportunity. I wanted a way to combine my passion for beef and the ranching lifestyle with my desire to advocate for agriculture and educate consumers. What better way than by offering beef sold directly off the ranch? I’m still building, and of course it’s a process. It hasn’t been easy - that’s something you’ll find out quickly when you do something that is a little ‘out of the box.’ The banker looked at me as if I was crazy when I pitched my business plan to him. But I had done the work to back it up, and by the end of our conversation, he was willing to give me a chance. I’m excited to say that within the next couple of months, I will be bringing home 10 high quality corriente steers, to finish out and offer as beef in 2021. I am so thrilled and excited to be able to do so! The coolest thing about the process so far has been the other people in the beef industry, who’ve been more than willing to talk with me on the phone, answer my questions by email, or have text conversations.
I truly had the greatest network of producers, as well as others throughout the chain - such as processing plant owners, the animal industry board, board members and staff of the North American Corriente Association (NACA), and many more. Never once did I hear the words “No, I won’t help you with that.” They all gave up their time to help me out, or sent me to someone who could, even though to some, I could become their competition if I succeed. I cannot stress how grateful I am to those people, and I encourage anyone who’s struggling with their own questions pertaining to the beef industry to reach out. There’s always someone willing to help. I enjoy utilizing social media, and I recognized that it would afford an opportunity to not only market my business, but to tell my story - to share my journey of building the business from the ground up. The beauty of social media is it allows us to connect in a very personal way with those we encounter there, so I strive not only to allow followers to see my journey, but also to share information transparently, as well as address misinformation when it comes to the ag industry. By sharing what I do and exactly why I do it, it gives followers and potential consumers a sense of understanding and trust in the fact that as a producer, I’m dedicated to my work, for the sake of my land, my livestock, and my consumers. Every day I work hard to do my part to feed the world, and I don’t take that for granted. I encourage others in the industry to share your stories as well - the intimate, the raw, the relatable moments. It can be hard, but it can also be beautiful, and it is so important for the future of our industry. I remember another woman in the beef industry whom I admire posting something to the effect of whether or not we are building
HUMP CREEK BEEF:
CHASING KIDS, CORRIENTES & DREAMS a legacy for those who come after us. I have two beautiful daughters, and I want nothing more than for them to know that it’s ok to think outside of the box and to chase your dreams, wild though they may be. Hump Creek Beef is the legacy I’m building for them. And while I would never force them to take it over, I dang sure want it to be there if they should choose to come home to the family ranch when they’re grown. It is my ultimate hope that their grandchildren will be “chasing kids and corrientes” on the ranch that has been in our family for generations. That would mean my little dream had come full circle. If you’d like to follow along as I build the Hump Creek Beef business and share all things relating to beef and the ranch lifestyle, I’d love to have you follow me on Instagram @chasingkidsandcorrientes! - Dusti Berry, South Dakota Owner, Hump Creek Beef
What a testament to the passion and dedication one woman can have to provide #beef4generations!
W a s h i n g to n C at t l e W o m e n Hold H y b r i d A n n ua l M e e t i n g
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he setting of the Washington CattleWomen’s Annual Meeting was a bit different this year, but the leadership took it as an opportunity to try something new. A hybrid meeting was organized at the Washington Cattlemen’s Association office where we had a packed room of in-person attendees and we streamed the meeting over Zoom for virtual participation. There were some concerns with a hybrid structure, however it ran rather smoothly after laying the ground rules for giving meeting report presentations at our podium and limiting unorganized discussion across the meeting room. This ensured our virtual attendees could hear almost everything, and luckily, we could hear the virtually given reports well too through good computer speakers. Agenda, budget proposal, and other discussed documents were able to easily be screen shared for virtual attendees as well and save them from printing at home. We surveyed a handful of virtual attendees after the meeting and they all liked the opportunity to join virtually, felt it ran smoothly, and would like to see it offered again in the future. At this time, the Washington CattleWomen (WCW) plan to hold their winter quarter meeting after the New Year in a hybrid format again. The WCW Past President, Linda Henderson, inducted the incoming officers for 2021-2022. It was a very fun installation as Linda used a saddle analogy and bottle of wine. Continuing in their roles are President - Kady Porterfield, Secretary – Gail Shelton, Treasurer – Bev Cridelbaugh, 1st Vice-President – Brenda Hart, and Parliamentarian – Jeannie Kiehn. Filling new roles for the coming year are President-Elect – Kelby Tostenson and 2nd Vice-President – Katie Quicksall.
After the Annual Meeting adjourned, those in person enjoyed a catered lunch of prime rib dip sandwiches and door prize drawings. The Director of Industry Relations for the WA Beef Commission, KayDee Gilkey, also offered a voluntary workshop after lunch on Digital Advocacy Tips. It was formatted as a roundtable discussion, where KayDee presented the basics of the social media platforms and cattlewomen had the chance to ask questions. Input and answers came from all around the table as ladies shared their own experiences and tips with each other. Along with many fellow American National Cattlewomen across the United States, the WCW also hopes to be back to normal and have the chance to visit Pendleton, Oregon as we host the 2021 Region 5 Meeting in partnership with the Oregon Cattlewomen. The dates are set for April 29th - May 1st and there’s an amazing, fun-filled agenda lined out. Hopefully we can all get together to enjoy it! - Kady Porterfield, Washington President, Washington CattleWomen
W a s h i n g to n C at t l e W o m e n L e a d e r s h i p
Pictured left to right: Kady Porterfield, Gail Shelton, Bev Cridlebaugh, Katie Quicksall, Brenda Hart, Kelby Tostenson, and Jeannie Kiehn. Photo Courtesy of Marty Stingley.
I n j e c t M u lt i m i n 90
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ANCW S p o n s o r S p ot l i g h t : A l lt e c h Agriculture has the greatest potential to shape the future of our planet. With the advent of new agriculture technologies, the adoption of improved farm management practices and, above all, the ingenuity inherent in the human spirit, a world of abundance could be ours. Join us as we work together for a Planet of Plenty. - Alltech | planetofplenty.com
P l at i n u m S p u r s I n c e n t i v e P ro g r a m
Incentive Program to recognize top recruiters for ANCW membership. To • • •
become part of this elite posse a current member must: recruit 5 new members, OR collect dues on 5 renewed ** members, OR combination of these totaling 5
**renewed have lapsed 3 months or more (after January 1) Top recruiters will be recognized: • At Annual Convention • At Summer Convention Platinum Spurs shall receive: • Spur lapel pin designating their status (first year) • Ribbon each year • Recognition at opening meeting • Recognition at general membership meetings and newsletters • Special recognition gathering at o Annual Convention o Summer Convention Platinum Spurs must: • maintain an additional 3 recruitments/renewals ** each year. **renewals have lapsed 3 months or more (after January 1) Program runs on October 1 to September 30. Possible member incentives:
As the program grows, a special reward shall be given to the Top Member Recruiter and Top Revenue Recruiter each calendar year. The reward to be determined as program grows and budget allows.
T h e W o r l d N e e d s M o r e C owg i r l s
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s 2020 seems to dive deeper into chaos, now more than ever, the world needs more cowgirls. The world needs more women who greet you with a firm handshake and a warm smile. We need more women who invite a dear friend or perfect stranger over for coffee, welcoming them just the same. We need more women who love those around them, no matter what they look like or their political beliefs. We need more women in the business of making lifelong friendships, instead of acquaintances. The world needs those who look at the job at hand, roll up their sleeves, and work hard to ensure it’s done right. We need more women who can be extremely proud of what they have accomplished, but humble at the same time. We need more women who seek to surround themselves with others to build them up, instead of tearing others down. We need more women who aspire to do the right thing and trust in God for success, instead of chasing a title or other worldly things. The world needs more cowgirl grit to use trials and tribulations as motivation, not a lifelong crutch. We need more women who aren’t afraid to run full speed towards their goals, even if they aren’t sitting just right. We need more women to trust in those who help them along the way, no matter how scary that might be. The world needs more women we want our daughters, sisters, and mothers to look up to for something besides a perfect bikini body. The world needs more women who celebrate their uniqueness and aspire to be unapologetically themselves. We need more women who aren’t afraid to break boundaries and not fit into a certain box. We need more women to aspire to learn each day, no matter their age. The world needs more women who can be a doctor, musician, seamstress, baker, and cowgirl all in the same day if they need to.
We need more women to wake up each morning and choose to actively seek the good out of that day, no matter the circumstances. We need more women whose first instinct is to find the good in people, instead of assuming the opposite. The world needs more women who will stand strong in their morals and beliefs, even when it may go against those around them. We need more women that can listen to others and have meaningful discussion even when they may disagree with that person. The world needs more women who would rather saddle up and go see the world around them, than look at a screen to see it. We need more women who appreciate the little things, and let go of the things that shouldn’t matter. We need more women who are so focused on their own happiness, it’s infectious to those who know them. The world needs more women who are kind, thoughtful, and strong at the core of their being. We need more women who are true to themselves and follow what their dreams are, instead of the ones instilled in them by those close to them. We need more women who want to share their thoughts, ideas, and dayto-day dealings with others, instead of only the highlight reel. The world needs more women who are more afraid of never trying, than trying and failing. We need more women who can remain understanding and compassionate if they are chosen as runner-up, that will celebrate their hard work regardless. We need more women who aren’t afraid to put in the time and hard work it takes to be successful, instead of expecting greatness immediately. The world NEEDS more cowgirls. And when I say cowgirl, I don’t mean necessarily that you have to be in boots, wranglers, and own a horse. Being a cowgirl starts with what is in your heart and shows in your spirit as you go about life. A cowgirl is someone who is
T h e W o r l d N e e d s M o r e C owg i r l s sensitive, determined, and grounded simultaneously.We can all take something away from the way cowgirls conduct themselves and live their lives freely. Whether you are reading this right now in the middle of a pasture in Nebraska or as you walk down the busy streets of Los Angeles. The world needs more cowgirls, and not just the ones tending to our nation’s livestock. - Haley Potter, Montana Ramblin’ Red Blog Past ANCW Collegiate Beef Advocate
O k l a h o m a C o l l e g i at e C at t l e W o m e n
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t Oklahome State Univer sity, we have been for tunate enough to be able to be on campus for some of our classes , which means clubs are still able to host activities as long as they follow social distancing guidelines . The Oklahoma Collegiate Cattlewomen have held both in-person and vir tual meetings for member s this semester. We have had numerous guest speakers like Kristi Sproul, ANCW Collegiate Beef Advocac y Program coordinator, and Amarie Griffith, Oklahoma CattleWomen’s secretar y. For ever y meeting, students are given the option to attend via Zoom seeing as there can only be so many students in a classroom building at one time and in case any students cannot attend in-person. Our last meeting for the year was on Thur sday, November 19, and we are had a Singo contest, which is bingo but with Chr istmas song titles . Although the semester has looked ver y different for us , we are still grateful to be able to have meetings and share knowledge about the cattle industr y.
T e x a s A g g i e C at t l e W o m e n
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he Texas Aggie CattleWomen are wrapping up our first completely virtual semester. We have had speakers at our online meetings, listened to local FFA presentations, and even had a social over Zoom! To help build relationships during a virtual semester, we have also launched our 2020-2021 Mentor Program. This program is designed to bring officers and members together to learn and grow from one another. While next semester we will likely have to be online once again, we are looking forward to finding new ways to vir tually connect with our members!
Texas Aggie CattleWomen 2020-2021 Officer Team: P re s i d e n t : M o r g a n M a t h i s V i c e P re s i d e n t : J o rd a n F r y re a r S e c re t a r y : M a l l o r y H e w i t t Tre a s u re r : G ra c e F o s t e r Re p o r t e r : A n n e C h i a ra N e u f e l d F u r s t e n a u 2 0 1 9 - 2 0 2 0 Pa s t P re s i d e n t : M i ka e l a Ta l l e y
Morgan Mathis
Jordan Fryrear
Mallory Hewitt
Grace Foster
Anne C.N. Furstenau
Mikaela Talley
ANCW N o m i nat i o n s R e q u e s t
O
nce again your ANCW Nominating Committee is asking ANCW members to consider inter viewing for an office . You will discover that there is nothing more fulfilling or rewarding than becoming a member of the ANCW Leadership team. The team is a group of members whom by working together offer an organization, of which we can all be proud to say we are members. The committee needs to inter view applicants to fill the (4) Members At-Large to the Board of Directors seats and (1) Collegiate Member elected, as this is stated in the Bylaws. Applicants shall refer to ANCW website for instruction and all necessar y documents. The information will be under members only > applications and forms. Please have all information postmarked by December 18, 2020. Mail to Wanda Pinnow, PO Box 39, Baker, MT 59313. For questions please send to cwpinnow@midrivers.com. Inter views will take place the evening before the industr y tour in Nashville in August of 2021. The Nominating Committee will not be asking for inter views for PresidentElect nor Vice President. It was presented by the Nominating Committee at summer conference to allow President Evelyn Greene, President-Elect Reba Mazak, and Vice President Pamela Griffin to ser ve their terms also in 2021. As per ANCW By-Laws Ar ticle V, Section 2: They may be re-elected, but no officer shall ser ve more than two consecutive terms in the same office. The committee felt that the officers never really had the opportunity to fulfill the office due to COVID-19. The motion was passed by the Executive Board and the Board of Directors to offer those three positions a “do over� in 2021. - Wanda Pinnow, Montana ANCW Immediate Past President
“L o o k
for a
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s fall is upon us, I hope everyone is well and we are all onto fall work on our places and homes. It’s been a challenging time in many ways but the upside is that it always brings opportunities to maneuver new situations, to grow. Our team continues to work towards navigating all things new. I am excited we have worked towards positive outcomes in creative ways. The word that comes to mind is “resilience”. We understand that with uncomfortable things better things will come. Some years are good with bumper crops and lots of babies on the ground and great market prices with conditions being optimal. We also know that we will have years that are not as beneficial. We accept all that with what we do, the love and conservation of the land, the care of the livestock and our way of life. We look forward to a new dawn and we have the wonderful circumstances to see renewal each day. Our goal as always is to leave things better for the upcoming generations (#beef4generations) and to provide safe, healthy and nutritious protein for our consumers - BEEF! Recently we discussed sharing, “Why join ANCW?” When I bought my first heifers, I felt that I had a greater responsibility than just starting a cow/calf business. I had the responsibility to become involved with an organization that was comprised of the people I respected and looked to for advice. Those that promoted our product, were concerned with educating consumers and our upcoming generations, being involved legislatively and became more deeply involved in the beef industry on multiple levels. What I found was a treasure-trove of highly experienced, encouraging, impressive, exceptional, advanced thinking and “resilient” women who became more than just that. I found allies, I found solid ground and I continue to find lifetime dear friends who understand everything we experience.
Light”
It’s one of the best things I’ve done and I highly encourage others to join. I believe in this organization, its goals and the path we are on. In writing this article so many of our CattleWomen are experiencing torrential storms, droughts, fires, and catastrophic events. My sincere prayers go out to everyone. I shared a photo with Evelyn and Reba from our fire. As Reba responded, “A light in all the darkness”, the perfect description. Our Niece, Jill Browning Wilson, was leaving the ranch, fire on both sides of our closed highway and she noticed something curled up in the middle of the road. She stopped, normally not touching a baby critter, but in this case, knowing mama wasn’t around, picked up a two-day old doe fawn. She is ok and turned over to a proper place to care for her. Look for a “light” in all circumstances. Be well, be safe, be resilient and I’m looking forward to the next time we all meet in person. - Pamela Griffin, Arizona Vice President, ANCW
ANCW R e g i o n D i r e c to r S p ot l i g h t : R e g i o n IV - D e b b i e G i l l (TX)
D
ebbie, together with her husband Ron, runs Gill Cattle Company, a cow calf operation in North Central Texas. Not coming from a ranch family or background, the learning curve was steep but she has enjoyed it all. Debbie had the idea for a hands-on training program for women and has worked with Texas CattleWomen to present Women In Ranching, Tours, Education, Training and more. Through her involvement in Texas CattleWomen and American National CattleWomen, she has become a strong advocate for the beef industry. This year she was appointed to serve on the Cattlemen’s Beef Board and is looking forward to serving on the Safety Committee. In February, Debbie received the 2020 American National CattleWomen Outstanding CattleWoman of the Year award at the Annual Convention in San Antonio. We are so grateful to have dedicated women like herself to devote their time and energy to organizations for the betterment of our industry.
T hank
you for your contributions to this organization and the industry , D ebbie !
We
appreciate all that you do .
ANCW E x e c u t i v e O f f i c e r S p ot l i g h t : VP - P a m e l a G r i f f i n
P
amela was born in Anaheim, California surrounded by strawberry fields and orange groves. In 1974, the family moved to Arizona, landing in Carefree. Both parents left agricultural roots. Her father’s family ran a farming and meat operation, and her mother’s side ran the family’s grain operation. Pamela grew up on what she considers a hobby farm. As an adult, she worked in the legal field as well as commercial and residential real estate development.
Rural Leadership Class XXIII. In 2019, she was the inaugural recipient of the Governor’s Award for Outstanding Arizona Woman Rancher awarded by Governor Doug Ducey. Pamela believes that her involvement in the cattle industry comes with larger obligations and responsibilities, including learning from others, staying up-to-date on current events and becoming an active advocate in the industry by sharing her voice. She is truly humbled by and thankful for the opportunities that have presented themselves along her journey and the people who have mentored and welcomed her along the way.
In 2008, she met her husband John Griffin. They live on Griffin family’s third-generation 110-year-old cow/calf operation, Griffin Cattle Ranch and started their own cow/calf operation, X4 Cattle Company, LLC. Together, they are pursuing the custom beef industry. She has served in numerous capacities, including: Gila County Cowbelles President, Arizona State Cowbelles President, Board Member of Arizona Cattle Industry Research and Education Foundation, Board MemberGila County and Arizona State Cattle Growers, and past honorary member of the Arizona Beef Council Board. Pamela currently serves as ANCW Vice President, Arizona Farm Service Agency Chairman, Gila County Planning and Zoning Commissioner, Board of Director – Arizona State Cowbelles, Director- Southern Gila County Economic Development Corporation, a member of the Arizona Department of Agriculture President’s Advisory Council. She is a graduate of Project CENTRL for Arizona
Thank
you for your contributions to organization and the industry, Pam!
We
-
are so blessed to have you in
this
ANC W !
T hank each and every one of you for your continued support of and dedication to A merican N ational C attle W omen . Y ou are the backbone of this industry . T he future is very bright with cattlewomen leading the herd . - The 2020 ANCW Executive Team -
WE WISH YOU A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS & A BLESSED NEW YEAR!
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