Page 19 - WCA September Ketch Pen 2020

The lack of ag industry members at the meeting on July 22 was concerning. Maybe we have become com- placent, maybe there are so many concerns right now, water isn’t at the top. I really don’t have an answer. I am thankful that I was able to attend this meeting and see firsthand how the tone of the DOE has changed. I remain positive that we can move forward from this first meeting, working towards true water quality, which encompasses ag needs. Having a seat at this ta- ble is very important for the WCA and I will continue to be the representative for the good of the member- ship. If I start to feel like I am stale in this position, or that there is a conflict with one of my ongoing cases, I will let WCA leadership know.
On that note I would like to thank Sam Ledger- wood, Mark Streuli, and Jack Field for being available and talking through my concerns after the meeting on July 22. Because of the great leadership of this organi- zation, and our good working relationships with other ag leaders, the issues that presented themselves at
this meeting were dealt with efficiently. A joint letter went out from WCA and Feeders that was impact-
ful and reminds DOE that we are here, and we aren’t going to be made a target. Water quality is important to every aspect of agriculture. Using common sense and sound reasoning when dealing with water quality issues needs to be the norm, not the exception. WCA will continue to fight for its members and promote the environmental benefits that raising cattle brings to the environment.
Allison Trimble Blake Westhoff
360-961-5537
Specializing in hobby farms, commercial farms, residential and raw land
allisonblakerealestate.com
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Mid Valley Milling
Thank You for your support!
Ketch Pen www.washingtoncattlemen.org
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September 2020