Bringing in the Herd

Evelyn Greene

ANCW President Auburn, Alabama

The great American cattle drives that took place back in the 1800s only lasted about 20 years. Yet those drives from 1869-1889 forever burned the icon of the American Cowboy into history. We all like to think of the romantic, pastoral picture of the cowboy and his horse moving across the western plains “where seldom was heard a discouraging word and the skies were not cloudy all day.” That’s not exactly how it was. Many of the cowhands were teenagers, being away from home for the first time. They faced all kinds of obstacles. Outlaws and arrows, dust storms and floods were often positioned directly between the herd and the railheads in the Midwest which was where the drive ended.

I want to thank everyone that attended the 2020 American National CattleWomen Convention and Cattle Industry Convention in San Antonio, TX in February. I would like to say a great big thanks to all who attended the ANCW 2020 presidential reception while in San Antonio. It is always a sacrifice to leave your farms, ranches and family for a few days. However the results are priceless.

Riding for the ANCW Brand this year is President-Elect Reba Mazak from Florida and Vice President Pam Griffin from Arizona. For any of you greenhorns that don’t know what riding for the brand means –hard work, loyalty, giving of your best to the outfit, being honest and true. We don’t do it for the money… We do it because we love it and are passionate about it… because we believe in it.

I have chosen #beef4generations as my theme this year because of what it represents. The sponsor for my presidential year is Alltech. The vision from Alltech is working together for a “Planet of Plenty” which is fitting for my theme of #beef4generations. I want us to do our part to assure that long after we are gone, consumers for generations to come still have an abundance of choices and plentiful supply of safe, delicious, nutritious beef. In bringing in the herd, I see all aspects of generations coming to a point of destination, just like bringing cattle to a point of destination.

Our role as a grassroots organization is assuring beef for generations, and to me that means having a goal or goals in mind and overcoming obstacles to reach those goals.

I love beef and the beef industry. It is one honor I will carry with me for the rest of my life that I am able to serve this great organization. We may try to offer a new twist here or there, but we will always first and foremost promote beef in the land that we love, the United States and across this great nation. I am sure there will be obstacles to overcome; but with your help, we will take the reins and continue to move forward as a formidable force in assuring beef for generations. We will “bring in the herd”.

Now, if you missed the cattle industry convention in San Antonio, TX, you missed a great meeting… I would suggest that if you have never been, just once you should treat yourself by attending a national cattle industry convention. It will be in Nashville, TN next year, so start making your plans now.

So, my challenge is, put your saddle on, tighten down the cinch and get ready for a heck of a ride with #beef4generations. There is no better time to become more active and really shine with your true passion than now.