The Nevada Cattlemen’s Association 74th Joint Annual Convention concluded successfully.

For three days members joined together in educational forums, Cattlemen’s College sessions, Joint policy meetings, social events, and Award Banquets.

Each year our members join together to set policy and the direction of the association, and this year was no exception. This year 150 members traveled to Reno and participated in these important meetings.  Issues such as wild horses, estate tax, youth education, animal welfare, water rights, wildlife, and federal land management were discussed and policy was set forth. For copies of the new resolutions, please contact the NCA office at 1-775-738-9214. The new resolutions will also be printed in the NCA monthly publication, Sage Signals (see pages 11-14). This year we joined with California for many of our meetings, Cattlemen’s College, and social events. The first of the joint meetings was Pfizer Cattlemen’s College. The theme of this year’s meeting was “The Story of Beef” continuing on that theme was the first session teaching the basics of social media. Daren Williams, the spokesperson for development, media relations, public affairs and organizational communications functions for NCBA, presented to the membership the basics of spokesperson training. With the changing elements of media there are more outlets for misinformation regarding agriculture and animal production to be published. Websites such as facebook, twitter, and myspace redefine communication between friends and strangers. Daren explained how to spread our message and our story. Each and every producer has a story to tell, and people want to hear where their food comes from, and we should be telling that story.

After learning about how to tell our message and story, Daren talked specifically about Twitter and Facebook. He spoke about the specific tools that each site has to communicate not only with friends, but with strangers. He showed examples of how other advocacy groups and individuals use these tools from #agchat on Twitter to HSUS on Facebook. Some examples were given to help encourage members to participate in these communication mediums.

The second day of convention was filled with policy meetings. New and renewing policy was heard, along with updates from state and federal agencies. Issues such as water rights, wildlife, wild horses, grazing permits, brand department, animal health, and litigation were discussed during the meetings. Look for more updates regarding these issues in upcoming articles in the Sage Signals.

Along with the Cattlemen’s College several other joint sessions were held. These meetings discussed issues such as animal welfare and rights, public land issues, federal programs, and membership. Members of both Nevada and California joined together to learn about common issues and potential solutions. Meetings and conventions such as these bring individuals together and create unique opportunities for discussion and commitment for the future. Discussions during these joint meetings lead to interactive dialog between members with no regard to state boundaries.

During the general membership meeting of the NCA the Nominating Committee announced their picks for the officer team. It was proposed to the general membership that the officer’s lineup for 2010-2011 would be Ron Cerri, President; JJ Goicoechea, President-Elect; Ron Torell, First Vice President; Jon Griggs, Second Vice President. It was voted on and approved unanimously to accept the Nominating Committee’s recommendation for the 2010-2011 officer line up. Look for future articles highlighting the new leadership of NCA.

Each year we look not only to our producer members to support the association; we also turn to our associate members to help sponsor events, meals, and meetings during convention. Without the help, dedication, and support of our allied members events such as convention would not be possible. I would like to thank the sponsors who helped to make this year’s convention a success: Animal Health Express, Utah Wool Marketing, Allflex USA INC, Intermountain Beef, Boyd and Audrey Spratling, Newmont Mining, American AgCredit, Eureka Vet Clinic, Dow Agro Sciences, USDA-NRCS, Winnemucca Publishing/Nevada Rancher, Pinenut Livestock, Kafoury Armstrong, Pfizer Animal Health, McMullen McPhee, Western Video Market, Maggie Creek Ranch, Edward Jones, Nevada FFA State Leaders, United Rentals, and John Ascuaga. The Association thanks these allied members of Nevada Cattlemen’s Association who help to make events like this possible. We appreciate all your support and dedication to our producers and members.

The final event of convention each year is the Awards Banquet. This annual event honors individuals in our industry that have gone above and beyond to represent what our industry stands for. This year we had five award recipients.

The first award of the evening was presented to Walter Leberski. Walt was recognized for his dedication to the industry and long commitment to not only to resource issues, but producer concerns as well. Harvey Barnes presented Walter with a hat and certificates from Congressman Heller, Senator Reid, and Senator Ensign.

Another mile stone award is the 100,000 mile award. Each year this award is given to an individual that has spent a lifetime in the saddle. This year’s recipient was Floyd Slagowski. Floyd’s life was rich with family, adventures, and service to his country. He traveled many many miles in his lifetime and from hunting adventures, to ranch work, to military service. There are few individuals that can lay claim to 100,000 miles horseback, and we are proud to recognize those that do.

Angie Taylor presented the CattleWomen of The Year award. This year it was given to Meredith Trindle, who served as state President this year. Meredith worked hard this year as president traveling and participating in events statewide and nationally. She was recognized for her dedication and support to the mission of the CattleWomen.

Each year a Cattlemen of the Year is presented to an outstanding individual who represents industry, Nevada, and the elements that make a great cattleman. This year the award was given to John Carpenter. John has served in the Nevada State Assembly for over 20 years and served in government for over 30. His dedication to rural Nevada, agriculture, and the cowboy way is unwavering. Each year in the Assembly he would represent our voice, issues, and concerns. Dave Armstrong from American AgCredit presented John with their traditional gift of a new hat. With humility John accepted the award and wore his hat with pride. We thank John for his years of service to the livestock industry.

The final award of the evening was the President’s Award. This award is chosen by the President of the association and given to someone who they feel has impacted the industry in a positive way. This year Leana Stitzel was chosen for the award. Her creative passion for the industry has produced a magazine that helps to spread information and stewardship within the livestock industry. Her ability to connect universities, associations, producers, and businesses together has resulted in better communication and impacts on the land. President Gralian presented Leana with a custom leather pad folio for her Presidential Award.

Boyd Spratling presented Dan Gralian with the Presidents Buckle and thanked him for his hard work over the past two years. Countless hours and issues have come before the association and ultimately the president. With pride and dedication Dan has addressed the issues and help lead the association into the future. We thank Dan for all his hard work, tough issues, and commitment to the members of NCA.

Concluding the evening was the passage of the gavel to Ron Cerri as the new President of NCA. Ron looks forward to representing the association on both state and national issues. He is humbled with the responsibility that the members have entrusted him with.

A special Appreciation Award was given to Walt Leberski. Pictured are Dan Gralian, Harvey Barnes, Walt Leberski, John Eade, and Ed Depaoli.

The 100,00 Mile Club Award was presented to Floyd Slagowski. Pictured are Dan Gralian, Floyd Slagowski, J.J. and Sally Goicoechea.

The Cattleman of the Year Award was presented to Assemblyman John Carpenter. Pictured are Dan Gralian, John Carpenter, and Dave Armstrong with American AgCredit, who sponsored the award.

The CattleWoman of the Year Award was presented to Meredith Trindle. Pictured are Meredith Trindle and Angie Taylor.

The President’s Award was presented to Leana Stitzel. Pictured are Dan Gralian and Leana Stitzel.

The President’s Buckle is presented to out-going President Dan Gralian by Past-President Boyd Spratling. Also pictured is Ron Cerri, current President of Nevada Cattlemen’s Association.

Outgoing NCA President Dan Gralian hands the gavel to new NCA President Ron Cerri.

74th Joint Annual Convention

November 11-13, 2009