Page 6 - WCA September Ketch Pen 2020

Headquarters
FROM YOUR PRESIDENT
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Ashley House is on board!!
Mark Streuli and I have been in constant contact with Ashley to help her get up to speed on current and upcoming events. Ashley’s opinions and help as we are currently preparing for our upcoming Committee Meetings and Board Meeting Aug. 25-26 have been a great asset. I know by the time you are reading this the meetings will have already taken place. I hope many of you were able to either join us or call in. Mark, Bev Cridlebaugh and Ashley worked hard to set up a good meeting agenda with purpose and direction.
I hope everyone is enjoying the new Ketch Pen format. Dillon Duncan is doing a great job. We have received many positive comments. Each month he needs pictures and articles. If you have something that would in- terest the membership, whether it be a problem you are dealing with or something positive you would like to share please send it to Dillon for publishing.
Dick Coon, Region 5 Vice President for NCBA, and I traveled to Denver for the NCBA Summer Meetings
the end of July. It is always a pleasure to travel with Dick. As you can imagine it was a little strange with all
the Covid-19 safety procedures in place. It was instinctive to reach out and shake the hand of a gentlemen
that I had talked to on the phone several times but had actually never met. He shook my hand then discretely pulled out a little hand sanitizer and wiped his hands as we talked. Normally one would be offended but in our current state I completely understood. Not sure I will recognize him if I see him without a mask. Is this our new normal? During the meetings we were given an update on the Beef Check-off and their new “Unit-
ed Steaks of America” campaign. They are working hard to promote our product as safe and wholesome. he Marketing Committee meeting was long and sometimes heated. After four and half hours, and several roll
call votes, it was apparent to me that although we have some divide in our industry, the many intelligent and capable people in the room could and would come together for the good of our industry as a whole. It was a very interesting process. I enjoyed the company and help of our neighbors to the East, as Idaho Executive VP Cameron Mulrony and President Dawn Anderson were seated next to me. I also had the chance to visit with Karen Budd-Falen from the Department of Interior. I thanked her for her help and success in stopping Grizzly Bear reintroduction into Washington Forests. She also updated me on the delisting of wolves. Although hesi- tant to state a time (it seems things always get delayed) she did assure me the delisting of wolves was moving forward. The contacts, new friends, old friends and overall comradery always make attending these meetings/ events worthwhile.
Meanwhile back at home, I have been driving grain truck. One afternoon I came up behind a one-ton flatbed going extra slow (Walter Riley, Sonny) it was obvious he had a flat on the outside dual and was in no hurry. This reminded me of how when I was younger I was always in a hurry, places to go things to do, I would get irritated with some old farmer or rancher driving slowly as they looked around at both sides of the road. It occurred to me as I slowed down, I am that guy driving slowly and farming or ranching both sides of the road. I have also started to wonder “who is working for who” when I am putting up hay in 100-degree weather while my cows are laying under a shade tree in the Blue Mountains. (Just a few things I ponder as I drive.)
Ketch Pen www.washingtoncattlemen.org
September 2020