Green River Valley cattlemen and cattlewomen celebrate with annual events
Marbleton – The Green River Valley Cattlemen’s Association (GRVCA) spent two afternoons in annual business meetings and listening to guest speakers, Feb. 25-26, at the Marbleton Town Hall.
Members heard from Sheriff KC Lehr, who told ranchers Sublette County deputies are still checking out-of-county livestock trailers for brand inspections if there is probable cause to pull them over.
Randy Bolgiano updated members on the status of the Colorado Water Compact and how Upper and Lower Basin states are faring with droughts.
Wyoming Stock Growers Association (WSGA) Executive Vice President Jim Magagna related legislative ups and downs and explained why WSGA supports some bills and not others. Sublette Veterinarian Nikki Marincic Weaver advised producers on special nutrition needs, and Shaylee Hancock talked about the successes of Wyoming Agriculture in the Classroom study units.
New Pinedale High School ag teacher Anna Campbell introduced herself and four FFA students, who spoke about their plans and hopes.
Between coffee breaks and before the banquet, president Jeannie Murdock handed her role to Vice President Clay Olson, who resigned but nominated Mike Vickrey in his place. Vickrey will immediately move to the president’s position and Kristi Wardell was unanimously elected to be the next vice president. Kim Bright remains secretary and Audra Rouge, treasurer.
Cattlemen honored Charles and Deann Price as Lifetime Achievement members with a heartfelt nomination letter from VaLynne Thompson and Kent Price.
The annual highlight is always Saturday night’s banquet, and families and friends filled the dining room of the Southwest Sublette County Pioneers Senior Center, with mouthwatering ribeye steaks, more awards and dancing to DJ Steven “Big Red” Winer.
Green River Valley Cattlewomen/Cowbelles
In addition to the annual meetings, on Feb. 26, the Green River Valley Cattlewomen/Cowbelles met for their annual business meeting, brunch and convention at the Southwest Sublette County Pioneers Senior Center.
Along with reports of the past year’s successes such as association T-shirts, gifts, books and craft sales, President Leah Zupan encouraged discussions on future projects. Andi James talked about starting a companion show at the Sublette County Fair for heifers bred and raised in Sublette County. Many agreed this was a great project which could include both commercial and breeding heifer classes.
Vice President Laura Noble, elected last year, resigned and a new election took place for the next person to take over Zupan’s role. Hailey Lockwood Clark was welcomed as the new vice president.
In other elections, Marsha Barlow was voted in as secretary, and treasurer Terrie Springman agreed to return with the advice someone interested in numbers can shadow her this year to get a handle on the group’s many transactions.
The senior center’s new director Cari James served a beautifully plated chilled steak salad and luscious layered cake as the group began their 2022 awards ceremony.
Every year, a Ranch Woman of the Year is selected, the highest honor to a deserving nominee. The 2022 Ranch Woman of the Year is Rhonda Swain.
Daughter Tiffany Olson and daughter-in-law Matty Swain took turns reading highlights of Rhonda’s life and achievements, and she received flowers and a metal sign for the 2022 honor.
Becky Downs was nominated by Terrie Springman as the 2022 Lifetime Achievement Award and she accepted with her daughter Jacque and granddaughter Tali Downs at her side.
Honorees also included the 2022 Friend of Ag Office Outlet, Lifetime Member Becky Downs and 2022 Centennial Farm and Ranch families, who were also brought forward at the banquet.
Anyone interested in agriculture and the beef industry is welcome to join the Cattlewomen/Cowbelles and GRVCA.
For updates, photos and more, visit the Facebook page: Green River Valley Cowbelles/Cattlewomen.
Joy Ufford is a correspondent for the Wyoming Livestock Roundup. Send comments on this article to roundup@wylr.net.
