SLV Cattlemen/women share meeting highlights

MONTE VISTA — The San Luis Valley Cattlemen and Women held their annual meeting on Jan 5 at Dos Rios Restaurant in Monte Vista. The current board of officers was retained for 2013. Pres: Robert Mathis, 1st VP Ben Christensen, 2nd VP Robert Middlemist, Sec/Treas Marilyn Willett.

Representatives from the Colorado Cattlemen’s Association were on hand to give legislative updates and state of the organization. Items of concern were discussed and recommendations for local action to monitor activities and regulations that may impact the cattle industry were approved.

During the dinner an auction was held on donated items to help raise funds that support scholarship and awards sponsored by SLV Cattlemen’s. The Cattleman of the Year award was presented to Paul Peterson, a long time Hereford breeder from La Jara. Paul has been actively involved in the organization for most of his life. He has also been involved in youth activities promoting future livestock producers such as San Luis Valley Fair.

The Award to a Commercial supporter of the cattle industry was presented to Dr Ben Konishi. Dr Ben, as he is often called has been a long time member and as a veterinarian is a vital part of the livestock industry in the San Luis Valley. Dr Ben has been practicing for 63 years and is still going strong.

The San Luis Cattlemen and Cattlewomen would like to thank the following individuals and organizations for their continuined support:

Heartstrings and Heirlooms

Ace Hardware

Rio Grande Savings and Loan Association

Jan Waye

Lucky You Salon & Spa

Roy Oliver

Body Shop LLc

Rio De La Vista

Rio Grande Scenic Railroad

4UR Ranch

Creede Repertory Theater

Colorado Cowgirl

Farm Service Center

Hungry Logger

Hungry Farmer Steak House

Alpine Vet

Monte Vista Coop

Lynn Sutherland

Gold Pan Acres

The San Luis Cattlemen representing and working with the Colorado Cattlemen are seeking to recruit new and past members, to help support lobbying and legislative actives and to strengthen the cattle industry. For more info contact county directors or Marilyn Willett at 274-5364.