SUMMER 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 The Challenge
Evelyn Greene ANCW President Auburn, Alabama
T
he livestock industry is of basic importance to world existence…dedication, support, labor, love, generation, land, life, humility, nature, hope… faith… future. You probably recognize these words by Mrs. Willard Sobak, known as The American National CattleWomen Creed. Our purpose is to empower women who share a passion for the beef community… And I sure can say that these words, penned to paper many years ago, still ring loud and clear today. When women in agriculture come together, work begins to happen for the betterment of the beef industry. Each year of life that we live on earth brings increased challenges and opportunities. CattleWomen across the United States have risen to the occasion of these challenges and made opportunities be the finest hour. Winston Churchill said, “To each there comes in their lifetime a special moment when they are figuratively tapped on the shoulder and offered the chance to do a very special thing, unique to them and fitting their talents. What a tragedy if that moment finds them unprepared or unqualified for that which could have been their finest hour.” The American National CattleWomen were prepared and very qualified and made the finest hour debut. When it comes to moving forward in challenging times, you best not tie your horse long at the “hitching post” because cattlewomen from sea to shining sea have made these challenges into opportunity changes. Just a few for example: reaffirming the safety of livestock production and reminding consumers of our robust food safety system; giving back to their communities in a time of need while
of
Change
serving health care workers nutritional beef meals; promoting BeefItsWhatsForDinner.com for inspiring beef recipes for families to enjoy; sewing masks for healthcare workers; sharing beef recipes to help maintain what was for dinner every night; positive social media post engagement about the beef industry; collegiate students inspiring their peers on how to prepare easy beef meals; online cattle shows; being the classroom teachers for all ages in their families; moms teaching kids how to sustain themselves on their farms and ranches; and moms, aunts and grandmothers giving guidance on the importance of faith, family, and our country. People in the livestock industry are not strangers to natural disasters and pandemics though. Whether it be a world war, civil rights, disease outbreaks, droughts and fires or hurricanes and floods, those of us involved in agriculture are keenly aware of the challenges nature throws our way while we feed and clothe the world. Cattle folks are cut from a pretty stubborn piece of cloth and we will bounce back while remembering the past and looking to the future. Giving back within our communities makes a positive impact. As we stand together as a grassroots organization, we must continue to meet the needs of the consumer. Thanks to all the CattleWomen across this country by shining in your finest hours.
Mark your calendars for the Beef Industry Summer Busines Meeting in Aurora, CO July 26 – 27, 2020. You can check out our website at ancw. org for information to come regarding specific details. Thanks for everything you ladies do for the beef industry and ANCW. See you down the trail and remember #beef4generations along the way.
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 PR Committee: Cheyenne Sparks 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 1I May | June | July
ANCW RESERVES THE RIGHT TO ACCEPT OR DECLINE ALL ADS.
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
M a r k Y o u r C a l e n da r s , C att l e W o m e n !
ANCW MEMBERS: Although the effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic have created unknown consequences, we hope to see you soon at the ANCW Summer Business Meeting! - Your 2020 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 2020 A n n ua l M e e t i n g s Recap of San Antonio Meetings On February 3rd through the 5th, the American National CattleWomen met in San Antonio, TX to conduct the 68th annual conference. President Wanda Pinnow, Baker, Montana, called the meeting to order by reciting our creeds then introducing all the executive board members and past presidents in the room. Vice President, Reba Mazak, of Geneva, Florida, called the President’s Council to order. There were 18 presidents in attendance and 10 were absent. Mazak had the states send in their state information of activities prior to the meeting.Those who attended were given a booklet containing all of this information. Region Directors still were given time to report on what their regions were shining in. Our tour to Texana Feeders and Dean & Peeler Meat Works were very informational and it is always great to see how the other parts of the U.S. do things. We finished off the evening with a meal at the Buckhorn Saloon. We were able to tour the Texas Ranger Museum afterwards. Our second day of meetings began with a presentation from Colin Woodall, Executive Director of NCBA. Mr.Woodall gave the members a lot to think about. He informed us about fake meat, trade & markets, climate policy and waters of the U.S. Next we heard from Tanner Beymer, Associate Director of Government Affairs, NCBA/ PLC. Tanner is so enjoyable to listen to as he is very enthusiastic when he speaks. He spoke about Bureau of Land Management issues such as endangered species, which include black buzzards, sharp-tailed grouse, grizzly bears and wolves. It was sad to say goodbye to our 2019 Collegiate Beef Advocacy team. Ryan,Valley and Tyler did such a wonderful job. We hope to see them at future events. We welcome our new team of Madison Forbes, Sarah Drown, and Fallon Plaisance. The Membership Committee gave the Honorary Membership to NCBA 2019 President
Jennifer Houston. Mrs. Houston received a one-year complimentary membership. The firstplace winner of the Moove contest was Florida. They received $1500 credit with Powder River. Second place was Oregon, receiving $620 in Dectomax from Zoetis. Washington won third place receiving a $300 credit from Purina. Forty ladies were recognized for being part of the membership recruitment contest “Platinum Spurs.” During the general membership meeting the 19 resolutions were voted on and adopted into policy. The adoption of the by-law changes, stand-alone Budget Committee and stand-alone Ways & Means Committee, took place. The Non-Discrimination clause was also added to the by-laws. The elections took place and are as follows: Evelyn Greene, President; Reba Mazak, President Elect; Pam Griffin, Vice President; Budget Committee Chair, Tammi Didlot; Board of Directors Member At-Large, Kahla Mills (ViceChair); Board of Directors Member At-Large, Sheila Bowen (Chairman); Board of Directors Collegiate Representative, Mikaela Talley; Nominating Committee At-Large, Ddee Haynes and Eden Miller. This year ANCW held the Emerging Leaders Luncheon. President Elect, Mazak, was the organizer. The luncheon was held on Friday with an 11:00 AM slot. Sierra Simpson, of Kremlin, Oklahoma was the featured speaker. Sierra taught the attendees how to work with the USDA for free/0% down loan assistance and government programs. Reba asked our State Presidents, men and women, to be our mentors. A mentor was placed at each table. The attendees were given time to visit with the mentor then they were asked to rotate to another table. The feedback was that it was a very good luncheon and worth their time. - Wanda Pinnow, Baker, MT ANCW Immediate Past President
ANCW 2020 A n n ua l M e e t i n g s Special Thanks to Emilee Haubner, Western Cowgirl Design Photography, for the beautiful photos from our Annual Meetings in San Antonio this year!
2020 ANCW O u t s ta n d i n g C att l e W o m a n o f t h e Y e a r
I
n the hunt for this year’s recipient of the ANCW Outstanding CattleWoman of the Year, the overwhelming recommendations for one lady in particular best embodied the caliber of cowgirl rightfully due the honor. As one fan put it, she should be considered for the Outstanding “SuperWoman” of the Year. She was lauded for doing “an exemplary job” in leadership with “passion and enthusiasm.” Another reported that “she poured her heart and soul into increasing the number of new local chapters as well as working very hard to increase communications throughout the state.” Hailed as a “diligent and fearless leader and motivator,” she was also admired for being “very personable and encouraging.” The definite passion she has for the beef industry was best “exemplified by the time and energy she puts forth,” including an eight hour drive one way to attend a local CattleWoman’s meeting. Her success has not been simply measured by increased friends and membership, nor officer positions and committee appointments on the local, state, regional and national levels. This classy and savvy professional has proven to be a dedicated leader with a positive attitude and teamwork mentality, and someone who never fails to encourage other women in the cattle and ranching industry to be successful as well. She was “the wind beneath the wings” of her state’s Beef Ambassador program. She worked tirelessly as a Region Director for ANCW. Her great knowledge, alongside her ability to teach, motivate and inspire others most recently showcased one of her greatest accomplishments -- the Texas Women in Ranching program. Events are designed to strengthen, encourage and further develop women’s skills, knowledge and talents within the ranching industry.
Information provided is timely and helpful when so many more women are either becoming involved in the family ranch or are having to take over after the illness or death of a spouse. So innovative and impressive was her novel concept that the American National CattleWomen adopted and mirrored it. ANCW rebranded and launched the program as WIRED – Women in Ranching, Education and Development. The program’s intent is to challenge women to make their mark on the industry and to help pave the way for future female figures in the cattle world. One woman will go down in history as the first mark-maker in ANCW’s WIRED history. Perhaps Jill Worthington of El Reno, Oklahoma said it best, “Not only has this nominee been a valued President for Texas, but she has excelled in promoting the agriculture industry as a whole in her journey. She has been advocating for the beef industry for many years, but she does it with grace and honor in educating, advertising and walking the everyday life of agriculture. “She promotes beef and agriculture with the knowledge she has learned in her and her husband Ron’s ranching operation in North Texas and along his side as he promotes agriculture through his many trainings and seminars across the world. She passes on her passion for the industry through her vibrant energy to everyone she meets. She very rarely meets a stranger, and when she does you can bet she will somehow promote the beef industry. You cannot go wrong with choosing Debbie Gill as your National CattleWoman of the Year. She will continue to represent every cattlewoman with grace and pride as she continues on her journey of promoting the beef industry.”
2020 ANCW O u t s ta n d i n g C att l e W o m a n o f t h e Y e a r Please help us thank and CattleWoman of the Year,
2020 ANCW Outstanding Station, Texas – DEBBIE GILL.
congratulate your from
College
Farm & Ranch Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner Signs
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2020 ANCW O u t s ta n d i n g E d u c ato r o f t h e Y e a r
I
f you’ve ever met her, you’ve been awed by her endless loyalty to the American National CattleWomen. She’s a go-getter, trend-setter, and fully invested ranch woman that somehow finds the time to educate folks about beef at every turn. But before you’ll ever see her out front, you need to understand that the bulk of her service is behind the scenes. She’s served on countless committees at the state and national level, working with Beef Ambassadors and Advocates, the State Beef Cook-Off, the ANCW Foundation, and Collegiate CattleWomen. She dynamically led her state association in nearly every officer position and has stepped up at the national level in multiple committee chair, officer and volunteer roles. Most recently, this multi-talented gal with a whole lot of heart has made education and leadership training a top priority. She jumped in feet first to host an ANCW Women in Ranching Education and Development (WIRED) event in her home state for a Region IV meeting. An event of this size required careful preparation, and she was just the lady for the task, donating the time and mastery to execute a polished and profitable meeting.
H ow about a big “GO POKES!” for 2020 ANCW E d u c a t i o n S ensation from O klahoma – TAMMI DIDLOT.
Before the hands-on, educational event ended, seven new recruits were enlisted as ANCW members. For those already engaged, the master planner provided an educational experience to learn how to put on successful events in their chapters, areas and regions. She developed planning guides for her committees, empowering other cattlewomen to take the reins and employ her “Keep it Simple” strategy. Not everybody possesses such educational prowess, or wears orange so well, but this little Okie has earned the reputation for pulling powerful sponsors out of thin air. For this event alone, she secured more than $4,000 in local sponsors and more than $15,000 in national sponsorships to help with gifts, transportation, meals, supplies and much more. She’s an ace at creating committees that pull together, while she pulls her weight like the true “Cowboy” she is. Let’s just say, it wasn’t a Pioneer Woman that drew the masses to Pawhuska. It was ANCW’s past president, past pro-bono Chief Financial Officer, and former CattleWoman of the Year, Tammi Didlot.
2020 ANCW O u t s ta n d i n g B e e f P ro m ot e r o f t h e Y e a r
A
4th generation rancher with a love of agriculture instilled in her at a very young age, this promoter is a prominent, daily spokesperson for the Beef Industry through many forums. Her degree in Ranch Management makes her a reliable source at numerous agriculture related events where she takes full opportunity to promote her state’s cattlewomen. From beef cooking demonstrations for the masses at her state fair, to presenting a steak to the Governor, she has no fear. Having served in nearly every leadership position in her state affiliate, she is determined to also stay active and connected with the cattlemen. She attends her Cattlemen’s Association Fall and Spring events each year and encourages other CattleWomen’s Directors and Officers to be there as well. As a result, new memberships have been rounded up at every meeting. Speaking of membership, as a past state president, she achieved one of her main goals to increase the number of local chapters across the state and to encourage the existing chapters to increase membership. In fact, she catapulted membership numbers higher than several previous years. Serving on the ANCW Membership & Communications committee was a perfect fit. Ever on the lookout for a way to put beef center stage, this tireless promoter has secured donations for the Beef for Backpacks Program in Oklahoma. She presented the Regional Food Bank with over 240 pounds of fresh ground beef to be used to make the beef sticks for the backpacks.
Please show your appreciation for her beef passion by congratulating 2020 ANCW’s Beef Promoter of the Year – RUTH COFFEY.
She also organized the first Official State Ribeye Steak Presentation to the Governor of Oklahoma, made on behalf of the Oklahoma CattleWomen. She has also been very active on the Beef Demonstration Stage at the Oklahoma State Fair and the Ribeye Tent at the Tulsa State Fair. Many Ranch Roundups and other Organizations across the state offer booth space to the CattleWomen at their various events. If she couldn’t secure someone for each space, she was there herself!! Promoting beef is one of her greatest passions and she was afforded the ability to do that throughout the nation and internationally as she accompanied her husband on several CBB Beef Trade trips. She always returned to state meetings with great information about beef marketing to other countries and what her fellow cattlewomen could do right at home to further beef trade internationally. At a time when there is often an exodus from rural communities, this Oklahoma rancher is blessed to have all three of her children return to the agriculture industry and continue to help run the cow/calf operation. Of course, that just leaves this Oklahoma CattleWomen more time to promote beef!
F i r s t G e n C att l e W o m a n F o l low i n g H e r P a s s i o n
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y story is a little different than most, but that is not going to stop me from sharing it. I will be the first person in my family to work in the beef industry and have a lifestyle associated with agriculture. We all have to start somewhere, right? My goal is to pass down the love I have for this industry and lifestyle for many, many generations to come. I am currently a master’s student at the University of Missouri studying beef cattle reproduction focusing on applied reproductive technologies (AI, estrus synchronization). The love I have for this industry stems from the meaning behind it—hard work, passion, dedication, family and feeding the world. I love the work—it is hard work that comes with blood and sweat but oh, how rewarding it can be. I love the people—I have met some of the best people in my life, people who would give me the shirts of their backs after just meeting me—people that are full of good morals and good stories and good truth. Most importantly I love the lessons it teaches—lessons about life and death, lessons about family, lessons about struggling and growing, lessons about who you are and what you are made of.
I strive to one day have a positive impact on the beef industry by helping create sustainable protein to feed the world, by closely working alongside producers and families and by advocating for this industry any second I can. My passion for beef is so deeply engrained and I want to live my life showing the rest of the world what this industry is made of. My fiancé, who is currently studying ruminant nutrition, comes from a ranch in Nevada. We plan to start our own herd (cows...NOT kids... yet!) once we graduate. So, stay tuned! - Carson Andersen, Graduate Research Assistant, Division of Animal Sciences - Applied Reproductive Physiology, University of MissouriColumbia
“ACCEPT”
I
went to school Friday, March 13 of 2020 just like every day – dreading the tests, excited for the friends, and honestly fretting about my senior prom. Little did I know that was going to be my last day of normal high school. For the next few weeks, it felt like my world was falling apart. COVID-19 took my sports, my prom, my graduation, and my last bit of high school, and all I could do was accept it. Accepting this dramatic change was not quick or easy. It took me weeks to accept how this quarantine was going to change my life, at least my life right now. During my time inside, I have gone through many emotions: optimism, grief, bliss, regret, anger, worry. Everybody, schools, parents, friends, family, tried to help, but nothing felt like it was going to help. I felt lost, like I had nothing to show for the last 13 years of my life. I often wondered, “what was the point of participating in every school activity? What was the point of spending hours preparing for my FFA contests? What was the point if all of it was just going to be taken away in the blink of an eye?” I finally found my answer to these questions looking out my window and seeing our cows grazing. The cows didn’t actually speak to me. Instead, they reminded me of my many memories growing up in animal agriculture and the lessons that I learned from it. My first thought was a saying my dad used to repeat – “don’t stop till the job gets done.” He usually said this when he would come home late from checking cows. Whether it was a storm or a pandemic, the cows came first because they depend on us. As a high schooler, I heard countless times that my job was my education. My job wasn’t done because COVID started.
Though I wasn’t actually in school, I was gaining my education through online school. I accepted that I had to work until the job got done because COVID did not take my education away, it just changed how I was going to get it. The other thing I realized when I saw the cattle was the importance of family. I remember helping my uncles and cousins build the fence for this pasture. I remember spending summer Sunday afternoons at the lake. Cattle and farming are what held my family so close together, making this quarantine easier. I learned that through all the tough times and losses I feel like I’ve experienced in the past few months, I could not get very far without my family. I finally feel at peace with COVID after looking at the calm, grazing cattle. For the first time in a long time, I felt excited. I was excited for my future in the beef industry. That was the point. I am not only accepting my future, but I am excited for it. - Bailee Schiefelbein, Class of 2020 Graduating High School Senior, Minnesota
Award Winner Shares Her P a s s i o n F o r C att l e
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adison Forbes, a junior at the University of Iowa (UI), was awarded one of three Collegiate Beef Advocate Awards by the American National CattleWomen (ANCW). Forbes was honored at the Cattle Industry Convention, held last month in San Antonio. “Getting involved with ANCW really brought the advocate out of me,” Forbes said. “I have a passion for agriculture and am trying to share my experiences with those who may not come from the same background as me.” Forbes was raised on a cow/calf and row crop operation in Louisa and Johnson counties. Her parents, Johnson County Farm Bureau members John and Kelli Forbes, live at the homeplace, while Forbes lives a few miles away, near Lone Tree, and commutes to Iowa City for class. In addition to helping with her family’s Angus herd, Forbes has her own 20head Charolais herd. She recently wrapped up calving her Charolais for this year, and said she’d like to grow her herd to 30 head in the next few years. Her path to the UI passed through Iowa State University (ISU), where she started out as an agronomy student. But after completing an internship in agronomy and another in ag marketing, her educational focus began to shift. So, this school year, she transferred to UI to focus on journalism and mass communications with a goal to work in marketing at an agricultural company in the future. “I have a real love for public speaking, for writing and talking about agriculture. It’s what I want to do,” she said. And doing it, she is, from the farm and in the classroom. She remembers being a little apprehensive ahead of her move from ISU to UI, due to perceived cultural differences between the two institutions. But she said she has experienced no pushback in Iowa City to being a farmer in animal agriculture.
“If I get any response at all, it’s usually people who are interested in what I am doing,” she said. “But I’m not the only farm kid at (UI). I’m always surprised how many boots I see on campus.” She has done class projects and presentations about her operation and has made friends at school with similar backgrounds to her own. She also has the support of her family and boyfriend, all close at hand. The ANCW award includes a $2,000 scholarship, along with speaking and educational opportunities through the rest of 2020. She is also enrolled in training from ANCW geared specifically to women working with cattle. “I’m really excited to be more engaged in the industry this year, and for the travel,” Forbes said. The two other winners of the 2020 award are Sarah Drown from Oklahoma State University and Fallon Plaisance from Louisiana State University. In addition to these efforts, Forbes is part of a small but dedicated group organizing to restart ANCW’s Iowa chapter, which went dormant a few years ago. And, Forbes utilizes her personal Instagram account — instagram.com/madisonrforbes — to share her experiences and thoughts on farming, advocacy and anything else that seems relevant. Asked for advice she’d offer others who want to advocate for agriculture publicly, Forbes said just to jump in. “I know there’s a lot of controversy out there right now, but you have to just go full force into it,” she said. “And don’t worry if you’re not getting enough attention or interest at first. It’s up to all of us as producers to share our stories.” - Corey Munson, Iowa Farm Bureau (Article from Spring 2020)
ANCW S o c i a l M e d i a
W
hat is our goal as an organization? Outreach. Who do we want to reach? Everyone. How do we do that in the middle of a quarantine? Social Media. With the entire country on a virtual lockdown, we sought out to take advantage of our captive audience on social media. Our most popular “May is Beef Month” post reached over 14,000 Facebook users. We had great interaction on other posts and are looking forward to keeping folks intrigued with our page content. Keep inviting your friends, family and other Facebook users to like and follow our ANCW page. We love seeing the many faces that represent cattlewomen and the industry across our great nation. As I’ve said before, our organization exists to be the voice of cattlewomen everywhere, shedding light on the passion and dedication we bring to our industry. Each of your ideas are welcomed and appreciated. We want to hear them all. Send any outreach ideas to myself, Eden Miller, at the email listed below. - Eden Miller, Social Media Manager, ANCW | edenmmiller5@gmail.com
B e e f P ro s I n s tag r a m T a k e ov e r @ beefpros
is seeking cattlewomen and cattlemen that would
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are always looking for great grilling , picnic and
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you are interested in taking over the
summer upon us , we
usually involve a person
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ANCW F o u n dat i o n L e g acy Scholarship Winners
T
he American National CattleWomen Foundation is pleased to announce the 2020 Legacy scholarship winners. Abbey Schiefelbein is from Kimball, Minnesota and will be a sophomore at Kansas State University majoring in Food Science, secondary major of Global Food System Leadership, with a meat science certificate. She is a member of the Food Science and Development Team. Abbey chose this field of study to follow her passion. “I discovered my passion for the food industry. I really enjoyed creating new products that incorporate my favorite ingredients,” Abbey said. Bailee Schiefelbein is from Kimball, Minnesota and will be a freshman at Oklahoma State University pursing a double major in Agricultural Communications and Animal Science. She is the recipient of the OSU McKnight Leadership award. “I chose this field of study because of my time in the Minnesota Beef Ambassador program. I enjoyed every aspect of communicating with the public and the producers. I wanted to turn this passion into a career by deciding to major in Agricultural Communications. After speaking with industry professionals, I found a secondary degree in Animal Science would benefit my future in this area,” Bailee said. Georgie Lage is from Arthur, Nebraska and will be a senior at West Texas A&M University in Canyon, Texas majoring in Agribusiness Economics. She is on the Dean’s List and enrolled in summer classes. “When choosing what field of study to major in during college, there was no doubt that it would be Ag related. I have always had a large passion for agriculture that has led me to show cattle and pigs in 4-H, be the backbone to the start of an FFA Chapter in Arthur County, work on large cattle ranches
in the Nebraska Sandhills, and start my own cattle operation. I chose the major Agribusiness Economics because it can be so versatile and lead to so many different job positions, making a successful future career with this degree very possible. I moved to Canyon, Texas last fall to work towards a bachelor’s degree at West Texas A&M University. Since then, I have learned so much about the ag industry including the understanding of international trade, analyzing markets, and how to promote agriculture more successfully. I have a large passion for agriculture and it is my main priority to promote the industry and ensure a successful future for farmers and ranchers everywhere,” Georgie explained. The American National CattleWomen Foundation was established in 1978 and is registered with the IRS as a 501(c)(3) foundation. Throughout the years it has supported close to $100,000 in scholarships, educational and leadership programs. The Foundation’s success and its ability to present these dollars has been possible only because of the support of dedicated, giving cattlewomen, grants and sponsorships. - Kristy Lage, ANCW Foundation President
ANCW F o u n dat i o n L e g acy Scholarship Winners
Abbey Schiefelbein
Bailee Schiefelbein
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ANCW S p o n s o r S p ot l i g h t : M u lt i m i n USA, I n c .
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ultimin USA is an injectable trace mineral company focused on helping cattle producers improve the growth, fertility, and health of their herds. Injectable MultiMin formulations were first developed in South Africa in the 1980s to address mineral deficiencies in sheep which grazed open range and were rarely handled. MultiMin 90 is a fastacting, specifically-timed injectable source of copper, zinc, selenium, and manganese. Even if cattle are provided an oral mineral supplement, consumption can vary drastically between animals, especially during times of stress, such as calving, breeding, branding, weaning, and transportation, when animals typically have decreased appetite. Cattle also utilize more trace minerals during stressful times, which can lead to trace mineral deficiencies resulting in decreased reproductive performance, less growth, and compromised immune systems.
Over 20+ research studies have shown the benefits of MultiMin relating to increased fertility in cows, heifer, and bulls, stronger immune systems in beef and dairy calves, as well as increased growth in cattle injected with MultiMin 90. MultiMin is a proud sponsor of ANCW and their efforts to provide education to cattlewomen across the country. We believe by supporting ANCW, we are able to partner with the most innovative and enthusiastic cattle producers in the country. We appreciate ANCW allowing us the opportunity to work together towards building a greater American cattle herd. - Ashley Hughes, Technical Sales Representative, Multimin USA
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.
2020 ANCW P l at i n u m S p u r s
C ongratulations
2020 ANCW P latinum S purs ! Y ou ladies pour your hearts into keeping the future of ANCW thriving by encouraging new and previous memberships . O ur organization is blessed to have such devoted cattlewomen holding its reins . to our
Front Row: (L-R) Debbie Torres, Cheryl DeVuyst, Kasey Wallace, Ruth Coffey, Kaye Nelson, Debbie Gill, Heather Hays-Stinnett. Back Row: (L-R) Jodi Jordan, Evelyn Greene, Nikki Weston, Sheila Bowen, Diana Wirth, Sierra Simpson, Jenny Coelho, Kady Porterfield, Penny Zimmerman, Reba Mazak, Katharine Jackson, Gwen Geis, Tammi Didlot, Sharon Kickertz-Gerbig, Casey Matzke. Not Pictured: Lucy Bowers.
COVID-19
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enior year is the best time of a teenager’s life. It’s a time to figure out who you chose to be for the rest of your life. It is a time to work your tail off to get the grades needed for scholarships. It is a time to spend every second on the farm learning everything you can from your dad, because you are about to be one step closer to taking over the cattle farm. It is a time to cry when you realize your last cattle show is quickly approaching... and now it is a time to sit and wait for all these things to take place again. I woke up on the morning of March 13 not knowing it would be my last day of my senior year. Prom and the Alabama Beef Expo, scheduled for the same weekend, were a week away. I was working as hard as I could to get my college classes done, my dress ready, the trailer packed, heifers in their prime, and making sure all my ducks were in a row. The next morning, I woke up to nothing. Nothing happening for the week to come. My time of many “lasts” was over. I have worked twelve years to succeed in school, now I sit and wait to “hopefully” graduate. I have heifers sitting in the barn and am praying they do not lose hair before I get to “hopefully” show my last show.
Many last memories are on hold, and it is absolutely devastating; but there is good in everything. I have spent more time with my dad on the farm than I have in a long time. I am learning everything I need to know about taking over the cattle farm. I have cried watching the sunset over the mountains realizing I am blessed with far more than I deserve. I have faced and overcame many things an 18-yearold girl should never have to do. The farm has taught me life is not unicorns and rainbows; and the world certainly is far from a rainbow right now. Many seniors involved in the cattle industry have faced difficult times during this time of panic, but I believe the things we face every day in the cattle industry help toughen us up for situations like this. Instead of being negative like many others my be, I have decided to better myself, my cattle, and my attitude while God has allowed us this time of distance. - Emma Merriman, Class of 2020 Graduating High School Senior, Alabama
R e g i o n II U p dat e
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s we entered into the 2020 year no one had any idea how our lives would change not only as Americans but as American Cattle Producers. We are strong resilient people and have proven ourselves as the most giving, compassionate, and committed in our communities. Through these past few months we have all tried to make sure our families stay healthy, we have continued to ranch, and stand firm on our principles as cattle families during this crisis. One way the Covid-19 pandemic effected our Southern Region (ANCW Region II) is where we had a wonderful Region II meeting planned to be held at the University of Georgia Campus during the last week of May. The meeting was to be hosted by the Georgia CattleWomen and they had many plans already in place for a great meeting. Of course, with the meeting to be held right in the middle of the current pandemic situation and also on the Georgia University campus (which was closed until further notice), the decision was made to not only postpone the 2020 meeting but to reschedule it to approximately the same time and location in May 2021. We are excited for the future Region II meeting and can’t wait to see all the activities that have been planned. I believe it will be awesome!
The Tennessee CattleWomen will be awarding four scholarships for the 2020-2021 academic year. These are $600 scholarships and will be awarded to outstanding students who are pursuing careers in the beef industry. The Alabama CattleWomen of Marshal County featured CattleWomen and their giving spirit for May’s Beef month and told the story of their hard working leadership in their county CattleWomen’s Associations. The Florida CattleWomen had a beautiful collection of photos on Facebook featuring their CattleWomen members flying their American flag proudly on their ranch to honor and remember on Memorial Day. The Georgia CattleWomen held #GeorgiaBeefMonth! They were excited to kick off their month-long celebration by opening their online orders for t-shirts benefiting the Georgia Food Bank Association and giving back. These are just a few of the ways Region II has continued to shine during these past few months, as they have continued to stay strong and resilient! God Bless our nation and cattle industry. - Debbie Gill, Region II Director, Florida
Great things are happening in all our Region II states as we all celebrated May as National Beef Month and honored our fallen heroes on Memorial Day. I also encourage our Region II members to continue to post on social media and use #beef4generations to share your story with others. Remember as important as it is to get our story out about who we are, it is also just as important to create these great stories and memories with our families in these times. A few of the activities some of our region states have been able to continue during these times are exciting!
PC: Rockin’ EM Photography
R e g i o n II U p dat e
Georgia CattleWomen’s Association at Brother Charlie’s Rescue Center, Inc. with Ms. Wanda Colwell and presenting is Patsie Cannon.
PC: Rockin’ EM Photography
Florida cattle operations flying their flags to honor our fallen servicemen and women for Memorial Day. Left: Florida CattleWoman Lacy McKettrick’s Arcadia Stockyard operation. Right: N/A
Alabama CattleWomen 2020 Exeutive Board (L-R): Evelyn Greene - ANCW President, Kayla Walker - District 2 Director, Mona Plyler President Advisor, Lana Slaten - Treasurer & Parliamentarian, Laraine Morrison - President Elect, Bea Jai Merriman - President, Henrietta Gibson - Vice President , Holli Thompson - Secretary, Shelby Thompson - District 3, Crystal Key - Immediate Past President; Collin Woodall CEO of NCBA. (Not pictured, Loretta Reid District 1, Jillian Brooks District 4. )
R e g i o n V U p dat e
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egion V meeting was canceled and rescheduled. It will be ‘same time, same place’ in 2021. Washington will be teaming up with Oregon so there may be an added day! Projected dates: April 28 evening registration until early afternoon May 1, 2021, in Pendleton, OR, in conjunction with Cattle Barons. Official SAVE THE DATES will be sent out by the time of the ANCW winter convention in Nashville, end of January 2021. Cattle Barons hold an event every year in early May. Their main focus is raising funds for scholarships. As it was canceled this year, they lost their major fundraising opportunity. When Region V planners were refunding our meeting registrations, registrants were given the opportunity to make a donation from that fee to Cattle Barons. I’m proud to say our registrants donated $1,500 to Cattle Barons for their scholarship fund. Way to go Region V – you are the BEST! - Angela Whitlock, Region V Director, Wyoming
ANCW L au n c h e s R e d e s i g n e d W e b s i t e
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e are so pleased to unveil ANCW’s newly redesigned website. We’ve redesigned our website with you, our members, in mind.
In addition to providing a fresh and professional look for the association, the new site will help members connect more easily and gain access to members-only resources. This will eliminate the use of a common user ID and password. It will also allow you the opportunity to update your address and email as needed, making renewing so much easier for our members. The newly redesigned website would not have been made possible without the help of consultant Joy Duling, owner of The Joy of Membership. The Joy of Membership provides growth consulting and operational support for associations, trade groups and membership-based nonprofits. With Joy’s help, we integrated our website from Wordpress to Wild Apricot, which hosts our membership database. Your feedback is very important to us as we strive to develop a website that is valuable to you. Please submit any questions, comments, and concerns to ancw@ancw.org. To stay connected on social media, follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. - Kasey Wallace, Public Relations Committee Chair, Iowa
R e g i o n VI U p dat e
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e are lucky, blessed and excited to be able to attend an ANCW Region VI Meeting graciously hosted by Arizona Cowbelles at the Wa-Ka-Po conference center and resort in Fountain Hills July 15. Arizona Cowbelles are inviting us to come for a day of fun, learning and laughter. If your travel plans allow, come Tuesday night (July 14) for a Meet and Greet with Eats and Treats. Some of the highlights will be hearing from the Arizona Beef Council, Arizona Cowbelle President Carrie Hughes, ANCW introductions, business, a beef demonstration and shopping. There will be a Past Presidents Breakfast hosted by Marie Pyeatt. Belle Party time is Wednesday night. Come for a Mooving Groooving Good Time to the Oldies but Goodies and dress up. It’s formal attire. This event will be held in conjunction with the Arizona Cattle Growers Summer Convention. California is finding new solutions in this challenging time. They were able to hold their state beef ambassador contest in a Google classroom. The mid-year board meeting will be online this year.
California and Nevada are getting together for their annual convention December 2, 3 and 4 in Reno. Nevada is holding a Stockman and Stewardship Class in Elko, August 11 and 12. New Mexico is still in lock down and they are planning on hosting the Region VI Meetings next spring. Utah held their Beef Ambassador Program on line. The new ambassadors are working with the 4-H program holding farm field days online until they can get to work in person. Utah CattleWomen are cautiously optimistic about holding winter convention in Salt Lake City December 2, 3 and 4. - Nikki Weston, President - Utah CattleWomen, ANCW Region VI Director, Utah
ANCW P o l i c i e s & R e s o lu t i o n s
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ue to the different and difficult year this has been, we were not able to hold any of our Region meetings. The Region meeting is a great place to discuss issues facing cattlewomen and the cattle business and to bring forward suggestions and additions to our current resolutions. We went through an extensive update of ANCW’s Policies and Resolutions last year. If we can think about and bring forward issues each year as they arise, we can keep the Polices and Resolutions current and meaningful. This is your opportunity for 2020 to bring forward ideas and suggestions. The beef business has been in the news a lot lately with the perceived shortages and the wild price swings that seem to be benefiting only a small portion of the industry. Also, shutting down the majority of the world’s transportation systems has clearly shown that cattle are not the major cause of pollution. President Trump is weighing in on the importing of beef and cattle; but just because beef or cattle make the news cycle does not mean we need a policy or resolution for every news bite. Please review the current policies and resolutions. The document is on ancw.org at: https://www.ancw.org/bylaws-policies-procedures-resolutions-committee/. You can also visit the home page, hover your mouse over the Members Only tab, the Organizations and Committees option, then choose the Bylaws, Policies and Procedures, and Resolutions Committee. On that page, it is listed as ANCW Resolutions and Policy Statements. If there is something you believe we should update or add please get back to either myself, Ruth Coffey or Angela Whitlock. - Cheryl Foster, ANCW Legislation Liason Contacts: Cheryl Foster, cherylafosterlb@gmail.com Ruth Coffey, rcoff.doubleccattle@gmail.com Angela Whitlock, whitmvr@gmail.com
Shining Our Light
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hope as you are reading this, you and your family are well. It has been such a trying time for our industry, and our country. I’m so thankful to be a part of an organization that takes pride in its members, as well as our country and our Lord. As this pandemic struck and had shut down the nation, many of us never missed a day of work. In fact, we probably got some tasks complete on the farm or ranch we had been putting off. While many in-person meetings have been canceled or postponed, we at ANCW have continued to take care of our business as well as promote and educate consumers along the way. This has been a time for us to shine. Our everyday lives have become a point of interest to so many people wanting to know about where their food comes from. Promoting our product to the public and telling our story about how our lives on the ranch or farm has been is what CattleWomen do. I’m sure you have seen our updated web site, a reformatted newsletter, as well as an increase in our social media. This committee has done a great job in keeping us up with the times.
as an
I n d u s t ry
To someone else it could be just the beginning, starting fresh with new ideas and new business plans. I do believe the greatest interpretation of this hashtag is the FUTURE. Whether it is the preservation of the land, which in turn will preserve our way of life and production agriculture, or the laws passed that can hinder our ability to do that. ANCW has a history of uniting women from around the country in focusing their agricultural interests collectively for the betterment of our industry. The three pillars that we stand on are promotion, education and legislation. I’d like to thank Multimin USA for their continued support of the American National CattleWomen. Multimin USA is sponsoring me for the next two years as I serve as PresidentElect and President. Keep up the good work ladies!! I look forward to seeing each of you. - Reba Mazak, ANCW President-Elect, Florida
If you attended our Annual meeting in San Antonio, you were all shown a fun video of CattleWomen and their families dancing to The Git Up, and then asked to join the “GET UP IN ANCW” CHALLENGE. I hope you have been giving that some thought as we are looking for some new Region Directors and committee members. See where you can shine your light in our grassroots organization and help our industry as well. Keeping up with our President’s message of #beef4generations, we need to let people know what that means to us. It could be so many different things. My first impression is the generational rancher or farmer because I am a fifth generation cattle rancher in Florida.
L-R: Dr. Lourens Havenga, CEO, Multimin USA, Inc.; Reba Mazak, ANCW President-Elect; Heath Landis, Sales Development, Multimin USA, Inc.
ANCW R e g i o n D i r e cto r S p ot l i g h t : R e g i o n II - D e b b i e G i l l (FL)
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ebbie Gill serves proudly as the current ANCW Region II Director and is the 2019 Past President of the Florida CattleWomen’s Association, where she continues to serve in several chair positions on the FCW executive board. She has been instrumental in bringing awareness of the importance of the Florida Ranch Woman’s role in today’s cattle families and their livelihoods. These ranching women are honored with the support of FCW through promotional videos, highlights, and a beautiful cabinet that holds the wonderful historic items of Florida’s CattleWomen/CowBelles. You can usually find Debbie on her cracker horse riding alongside her husband Anthony through their cattle herd. Whether pushing the cattle, preparing bookwork in the office, picking up parts, or just loving on one of her six beautiful grandchildren, she truly lives the life she is so blessed to have. Her homestead in the small town of Fort Lonesome, designated by the State of Florida as a Century Pioneer Farm, where six generations have continued to work and live on the land for over 100 years. She is a Founding Member of Florida Agri-tourism in her state, a partner in the Fresh From Florida program, and a member of Florida Farm Bureau. Besides her family’s commercial cow/ calf operation, she also runs a U-Pick Florida Peach Orchard, an environmental company that relocates Gopher Tortoises and other endangered species to large ranch properties within the state, and hosts some of the most beautiful weddings on her family’s historic property.
T hank you for your contributions to
this organization and industry , D ebbie !
the
We
appreciate all that you do .
One of Debbie’s favorite committees that she co-chairs is the FCW “Beef for the Holidays” Committee. On this committee, CattleWomen throughout the state sponsor the children of the Hope Children’s Home by giving Christmas gifts to all 70+ children of the home. She also works with the Florida CattleWomen and Cattlemen to raise monetary funds to present Beef Certificates to the Children’s Home so they are able to purchase enough ground beef for the children’s meals throughout the entire year. Debbie is very dedicated to her faith and family, and has a servant’s heart to others. She is devoted to always promoting the beef industry through FCW, ANCW, and her everyday life. She knows the seeds she plants today of her beef promotion efforts are the future growth of what her hopes for her grandchildren’s families will be for generations to come.
ANCW R e g i o n D i r e cto r S p ot l i g h t : R e g i o n V - A n g e l a W h i t lo c k Born and raised in a suburban area in Baltimore County, Maryland, I moved onto a farm upon marrying George almost 36 years ago. George and I are proud parents of six children and eight grandchildren. Growing up in the suburbs, cows were animals in fields as we drove by.When I married George, cattle became a little more personal. We are ‘first generation cattle ranchers’, neither of us having been raised on a farm or ranch. We now have three generations living on and working our ranch. We raise Polled Herefords/Herefords and grow enough hay to feed them. Irrigation is a full time job in the summer. In MD, I was involved with MD Poll-ettes, the women’s side of the Polled Hereford Association, serving as Secretary, Vice President and President. In 1998, when we moved to WY I was voted Area 12 Director for the National Organization of Poll-ettes. During my four years as Area Director, I served as Secretary one year and was either a member or chair of various committees. In 1999 I was invited to attend a Cody Country CattleWomen’s meeting. I have been an active member ever since. I have served as Secretary, Vice President and President, multiple times as well as being active on many committees, including scholarship. One of my favorite activities is reading to 3rd graders during Ag Week. With schools closed this year, I gave a lesson via zoom to one 3rd grade class. We ‘toured’ the ranch looking at the cattle then talked about by-products. What a great way to reach the public if you can’t be there personally! When my children graduated from college I became more active in WY CattleWomen, serving as Secretary, VP (twice), and President (twice). While serving as VP, I attended my first ANCW meeting. As I attended ANCW
meetings, I tried to learn as much as I could. I really liked the programs and promoting all beef, not just a specific breed. I was asked to serve on the Membership Committee, and continued serving when it became the Membership & Communications Committee. I really enjoyed participating at a Metro cooking show. This was a great way to showcase our product and interact with the public. In 2017, I became the Parliamentarian at the request of Penny Zimmerman. I became the Region V Director in January of 2018, and am just beginning my second term, serving through 2021. I have served as Co-Chair on the By-Laws, Policies and Procedures, and Resolution Committee for two years. I have also completed the Masters of Beef Advocacy and Women’s Leadership programs. My activities outside of the beef industry include being active in my church, Christ Episcopal. I love being a member of the Bell Choir, and am also active on the Fellowship Committee, having served as Chair several years and the Communion Bread Bakers committee for the past 20 years. Locally, I am a member of the Irma Flats Mothers’ Club, an organization that is over 100 years old and the PEO Chapter D. I have served in various capacities in these organizations including Secretary, Vice President and President.
T hank
you
for your contributions to this organization and the industry ,
A ngela !
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 : CFO - T a mm i D i d lot
T
ammi Didlot grew up on a farm and ranch in Southwest Oklahoma. Her grandparents were in the Oklahoma Land Run and homesteaded in Altus. After spending several years away from Oklahoma working in the corporate world, Tammi and her husband, Dale, decided to return to Oklahoma where Tammi would assume a managerial role on the family farm and ranch alongside her father until his death a few years ago. Tammi’s duties include all day-to-day decisions for H & D Cattle. The operation consists of 100 cows and a small wheat crop. The herd is primarily Red Angus. Tammi works with her husband and two brothers to keep the family farm and ranch running.
In addition to serving as President for ANCW, Tammi was the President for Oklahoma CattleWomen and the President of Agriculture Leadership Oklahoma at the same time. Tammi is currently serving as President of the Diamond Hats organization. This organization helps promote youth in agriculture. Other organizations she supports include the: Sirloin Club, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA), and Texas Southwest Cattle Raisers Association (TSCRA). In 2011, Tammi received the Oklahoma Ag Woman of the Year award. In 2018, Tammi received the National CattleWoman of the Year award and, in 2020, she received the Educator of the Year Award for ANCW.
Tammi has a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from Oklahoma State University. She has completed the Oklahoma Agricultural Leadership Program. Tammi has served as President and is currently the Chief Financial Officer for American National CattleWomen (ANCW). In addition to working on the farm and helping with the cattle, Tammi owned and operated, SelectForce, a company that performed preemployment screening and drug testing. Tammi sold SelectForce and retired 2 years ago. Prior to joining SelectForce, Didlot worked for ChoicePoint, a data aggregation company, in numerous roles including Vice President of Sales and Marketing. With those positions she spent time in Oklahoma, Arizona, New Mexico, Nevada, Utah and Kansas.
Thank
you for your contributions to this organization and the industry, Tammi!
We
-
are so blessed to have you in
ANC W !
2020 NCBA I n t e r nat i o na l T r a d e C o mm i tt e e R e p o rt FEBRUARY 2020
T
he NCBA International Trade Committee Meeting held in San Antonio, discussed International Trade highlights within this past year, a report from an NCBA working group reporting their findings on Transparency in Labeling for markets, and introduce any proposals discussed at the 2019 Summer Business Meeting. The NCBA Senior Director of International Trade and Market Access, Kent Bacus, began his portion of the presentations by declaring that 2019 was a really great year for NCBA and the Beef Industry. He discussed NCBA’s engagement in trade policies such as the US Canada Mexico Trade Agreement that President Trump proposed which happens to be a fulfillment of his campaign promise to rewrite the NAFTA trade rules. Mexico ratified the deal in January, Canada agreed to the deal, but their ratification is still pending. This agreement would help the Beef Industry with non-restrictive, duty-free trade access which will increase profits throughout the industry. President Trump met with leaders in Japan to establish a better trade agreement with Japan. In the past, all US Beef has had a 38.5% tariff attached to the price for all US imported beef to Japan. This tariff made US beef very costly for our new Japanese connoisseurs. The increasing Japanese demand for US Beef despite the cost speaks highly of the quality of US Beef! This new trade deal will gradually drop our tariff to 9% in 15 years, eliminate tariffs on US processed beef such as beef jerky, sandwich meats, etc., safeguard imports of 242,000 metric tons of beef due to increase over the years, and if issues threaten the agreed upon safeguards, the two countries will come together to renegotiate a mutuallyaccepted trade deal.
President Trump has worked tirelessly with China and taken aggressive positions to establish fair trade for US Beef. In fact, when the Chinese came to the US to begin trade negotiations, they were accommodated at the President’s “Mar-a-Lago Resort” and an exquisite dinner was planned which included US beef as the main course. July 1, 2019, the US sent its first shipments of beef to China. By Jan 15, the new China Trade Agreement was signed and adopted! As China agrees to a US trade deal, the US Beef Industry will see present trade barriers removed and bring about a bright future for our producers. The President is working to create a trade deal with the European Union, EU. He would like to begin exporting 35,000 metric tons of Duty-free US Beef. Non-hormone treated cattle is a huge issue with the Europeans. The present agreement is not viewed by the US as a permanent relationship. Plans are in place to have further discussions before deals are set. Gary Horlick, Trade Attorney for NCBA, discussed Brexit and opportunities for the United Kingdom after Brexit. The United Kingdom promises a bright future for the US Beef Industry. An obstacle to overcome is climate change issues which will be a tough conversation. An objective for NCBA during these trade discussions will be to educate the negotiators with a thorough sciencebased education of our industry utilizing presentations of the safety practices in place and an openness of who we are as an industry. Trade negotiations with the United Kingdom will begin around December 2020. After January 2021, the UK does not have to apply the high tariffs the EU imposed on all its imports. As these times turn up, the UK will be expected 1)to make trade deals with every EU nation, 2)required to make trade deals ...
2020 NCBA I n t e r nat i o na l T r a d e C o mm i tt e e R e p o rt ... with countries the EU does not trade with, 3) establish the UK Criminal Data Base to get coordinated with EU Criminal Data Base so US beef will be able to be traded fairly.
v alue t o enrolled cat t le , t he fle x ib ilit y t o adapt t o t he needs of producer s , an d h ave been designed and t est ed by c at t lem en in real- world product ion.
Transparency in Labeling for marketing of US Beef was presented by a NCBA working group which included grassroots cattle raisers from across the US. Gene Copenhaver was selected the working group leader. This group investigated US beef product labeling in grocery stores to determine how labels were misused. The group visited with USDA staff questioning how the current labeling process is conducted.
THEREFO RE BE IT RES O LVE D, N C B A suppor t s t he use of volunt ar y s ou rc e of origin c laims, and BE IT FU RTHER RES O LVE D, N C B A suppor t s U S DA verific at ion of a ny s ou rc e of origin claim or label.”
The group’s findings were presented to the NCBA leadership. The group concluded that a loophole exists which allows meats from other countries to be sold along with US beef in packaging. It was suggested that when their report was presented in San Antonio, the NCBA membership would be allowed to discuss and vote on their written resolution. The resolution read as follows: … . “ W H E RE AS, the USDA current ly ove r s e e s mu l t i ple , Vo lunta r y Proc ess Ve ri f i e d P ro g r a ms (PV Ps) tha t i nclude Sou rc e o f Or i g in cl a ims, a nd tho se PVP’s h ave a p rove n t ra ck re co rd o f a dding
Another resolution discussed and voted on concerned Market Program Assistance submitted by the Oregon Cattlemen’s Association. This resolution states: …. “WHEREAS assist ance h as b een made av ailable for agric ult ural p rod u c er s of non- spec ialt y c rops, dair y, h ogs , an d spec ialt y c rops; THEREFO RE BE IT RES O LVE D, N C B A suppor t s policies enabling t he in c lu s ion of U S c at t le and beef prod u c er s in assist anc e programs offered t o m it igat e adverse expor t market im p ac t s t o producers of U S agricult ural p rod u c t s .” - Ruth Coffey, Member - ANCW Legislation Committee, Oklahoma
2020 NCBA E x p o rt G rowt h C o mm i tt e e R e p o rt FEBRUARY 2020
F
oreign Market Development is one of the most significant ways the Beef Check-off drives demand for beef. The Expor t Growth Meeting highlighted some of the ways that check-off dollars were being used to encourage the consumption of U.S. beef around the world. The U.S. Meat Expor t Federation (USMEF) is a subcontractor for the Beef Checkoff. They work to grow demand for U.S. meat in international markets in a variety of ways. These ways include attending international food events, conducting training sessions, working with retailers, encouraging restaurants to feature U.S. beef, facilitating the opportunity for influencers in foreign countries to learn more about U.S. beef and launching social media campaigns promoting U.S. beef. Japan accounted for the largest share of 2019 beef exports at 26.4%. South Korea was the second largest market with 22.6%. Mexico was third with 14.0%. Canada was fourth at 8.9% followed by Hong Kong with 7.7%. The top five markets along with Taiwan at 5.8% represent 85.4% of total expor ts. Beef exports to China increased in the second half of 2019 bringing the total for the year to 1.1% share of total expor ts.
While beef expor ts in 2019 were down 4.4% compared to 2018, the prospects for U.S. beef expor ts are expected to increase in 2020. With the signing of recent trade deals, we have the potential to improve exports substantially over the next few years. The “Phase One” trade deal between the U.S. and China opens the door to potential increases in beef expor ts there . China is expected to increase its beef demand in general. Also, with the outbreak of the African Swine Fever (ASF), there may be a need to provide protein from alternative animal sources including beef. The Japan – U.S. Bilateral Trade Agreement restores U.S. beef ’s competitive position in Japan by reducing heavy tariffs. As a side note , the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMC A) has been ratified by all three countries and should be implemented this year providing additional opportunities to expand trade . - Sheila Bowen, Chair, ANCW Board of Directors , California
PHOTO REQUEST Have any stunning cattle or pasture photos you want featured in the newsletter?! Email them to: ancwnewsletter@gmail.com to be reviewed and potentially used in The American CattleWoman!
PC: Rockin’ EM Photography
W e would love to be able to feature your photos . H ere are a few guidelines : 1. T ry
to take them with your smartphone / camera in horizontal position .
2. P lease 3. S unsets
email them with the proper accredation mentioned .
and sunrises are great !
T ry
to get them without the glaring
dots from the sun showing up .
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
Keep an eye out for ANCW WIRED events happening near you! Check out our newly redesigned website for event calendars and more.
www.ancw.org
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