Every June, CCA and CCW members meet on either the East or West slope of Colorado for a week full of education, networking, committee meetings, and a lot of fun!

Colorado CattleWomen, Inc.
2025 Annual Meeting Summary

Submitted by Sudzy Benesch, outgoing CCW Secretary

The meeting was held June 24 at the Steamboat Grand Hotel in Steamboat Springs. There were 31 members present including officers and ANCW president-elect, Casey Matzke. Full minutes of the meeting are available to any member. Account balances totaled CD-$30,739.43; Checking- $49,304.43 and Scholarship- $14,500. The proposed 25/26 budget was accepted after making the correction of adding $2,400 for insurance cost and adjusting the other line items to balance the budget. The year-long activities of the CCW Beef Ambassador program were highlighted including events at the Colorado State Fair, National Western Stock Show, Ag Next/Dr. Matsushima visit and the June 23 training which boasted 19 participants. Beef Ambassador trainees received a t-shirt, practiced talking points, and received two ag books to develop leadership, knowledge and communication skills in beef advocacy. Outgoing president, Kathleen Shoemaker, was presented a t-shirt.

Colorado Beef Council will again budget $7,000 for the upcoming year of beef ambassador activities.  Kenton Ochsner, CO Beef Council executive director, outlined three areas the Council is addressing to promote beef in our state of 6 million people. First the council is better connecting with the consumer by bringing the ranch to urban areas by using events and programs at the National Western Stock and the Spur Complex. Second, he reviewed the various educational programs in place that promote the nutritional benefits of beef, especially the “Game Plan” initiative with the Colorado High School Activities Association. Coaches, athletes and students are educated in proper nutrition and beef’s ability to supply much needed protein. And lastly, the Council is addressing consumer concerns about the welfare of animals by implementing programs at the Stock Show and utilizing social media such as Snapchat, Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram.

The ANCW president-elect shared her biography and pointed out that her beef advocacy career flourished after becoming a collegiate advocate and by joining Texas CatteWomen and ANCW.  She stated the mission of ANCW is to empower women who share the same passion with the focus on beef promotion, education and legislation. Committees that members can become involved are Collegiate Beef Advocacy, Retail Beef Promotion, Education K12, WILD, WIRED, Golden Cowbelles and Legislation.  Matzke encouraged all to get involved.

President Shoemaker proudly presented The Heather Hays Stinnett CCW Legacy Scholarships to the recipients.  Molly McMurray of Nathrop, Colo., received $4,000, and Sammi Voeglein of Cotopaxi, Colo., received $1,000. Both young women were appreciative and honored to receive the scholarship. Shoemaker also brought back the tradition of honoring outstanding members with the CCW Lifetime Awards. The recipients were JoAnn McEndree, Susie Magnuson and Connie Nelson, who received her recognition earlier in the year.

Seth Joel and Charlie Holland, producers of the Ranch Raised Kids series presented a brief video showcasing six Colorado families who are included in the upcoming Colorado Ranch Raised Kids book.  CCW has paid $10,000 toward production costs and CKP has contributed $20,000, and the ranch raised committee is working on sponsorships for the remaining $60,000.

Jo Stanko addressed three current ranching concerns: water supply issues, BLM rewriting policies and protocols and agriculture suicides. She encouraged members to become involved with water round tables discussions and district meetings and reminded everyone that the Farmers Union will help pay for mental health services.

Following proper procedures, a slate of proposed officers were presented and elected: Christy Hawk, president; Sudzy Benesch, vice-president; Kathleen Shoemaker, treasurer; Joanie Shoemaker, secretary and parliamentarian; Kathy Nelson, Northwest Rep; Sheron Berry and Chandra Fisher, Southeast Co-Reps; Barb Howe, Northeast Rep; Kam Elliott, Southwest Rep. Other positions were reviewed and retained following protocol: Cindy Magnus, Stock Show Beef Council Booth chair; Jo Stanko, current Issues; Kelsey Pope and Tami Arnold, newsletter editors; Kelsey Pope, website and social media coordinator; Sallie Miller, Beef Account; Julie Moore, Colorado Beef Council liaison. There being no further business, Kathleen adjourned the meeting.