2025 Mid-Winter Conference Overview
Submitted by CCW secretary, Sudzy Benesch

A cold blast greeted CCW at the Mid-Winter general membership meeting held at the Denver Mariott West in Golden on January 20. Present were ten board members, six members and four guests. Minutes from the annual general membership meeting through the December meetings were available for members to peruse.

A financial report showed a balance of $49,081.58 in checking, $30,707.30 in the money market and $13,550 in the Heather Hays Stinnett memorial CCW Legacy scholarship fund. Karen Smith shared that the scholarship committee is now accepting applications through April 15. A basket, a framed print and a commemorative gun were being auctioned at mid-winter meetings as a fundraiser.  She invited interested members to join the scholarship committee.

Sudzy Benesch reported that there are currently 26 youths on the CCW Beef Ambassador roster and seven would be attending the National Western Stock Show.  She encouraged members to look at the “Meet the Ambassadors” page on the CCW website, detailing the many activities ambassadors are doing.  She and Sara Shields will speak on behalf of the CCW Beef Ambassador program at the ANCW Winter Convention on Feb 2.

Joanie Shoemaker introduced Ranch Raised Kids creators and publishers, Seth Joel and Charlie Holland, who presented a PowerPoint featuring photos and quotes from previous state books.  Nearly $30,000 of the $90,000 publication cost has been raised. The Colorado book will feature more youth quotes from the 26 families highlighted in the Colorado book showcasing a wide variety of landscapes to capitalize on the uniqueness of the state. Joanie will be soliciting banks and other entities to secure continued funding for the project.

Kathleen Shoemaker announced that the Honorary Lifetime Member Award would again be presented to a worthy CCW member after a lengthy hiatus.  In addition, a Lifetime Achievement Award would be created to honor special CCW members. Co-winners of the Membership Drive were Weld County and Elbert County Cowbelles.  Each group increased membership by 11 members and will receive $250.

Robert Sakata, water policy advisor to the Colorado Department of Agriculture, shared many concerns facing agriculturalists: aging water structures, high seasonal temperatures, evaporation, drier soil, decreasing water tables and the water demands of an increased state population.

Todd Inglee, Colorado State Brand Commissioner, explained why and how fees would be going up in the future to fund the brand inspection division of CDA. He also updated membership on stolen cattle cases and protocols.

Erika Giesenhagen, Manager of Communications for AGNext detailed the innovative research it does to enhance ecosystems, sustainability, profitability for ranchers and supply chains. She spoke about the multi-faceted ag curriculum at Colorado State University and invited members to attend a Research Summit on June 13.

Vice-president of Operations of the Colorado Beef Council, Julie Moore, discussed the high-profile beef promotions and QR codes on YouTube, Facebook, Instagram and other digital platforms.  She outlined the partnership the Council has with Colorado High School Activities Association in promoting beef as a good protein choice for students.  The Colorado Beef Council Booth at the National Western Stock Show showcased the Beef Quality Assurance Program in addition to sustainability this year.  Consistent beef messaging was shared on table tents and flat screens throughout the Stock Show.

ANCW Beef Ambassadors Ava Budde Miranda Zuvich and Kyla Beck outlined the many social media projects they created to connect with consumers and to dispel myths around the cattle industry. They shared the many activities they directed on various college campuses and helped man the Beef Council Booth at the Stock Show.

Executive Director of Leadership Development of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, Barb Wilkinson, led the group in a self-discovery exercise to help CCW members and affiliates become better leaders and organizations. Using the SOAR method (Strengths, Opportunities, Aspirations, and Results) explored ways to improve leadership roles and relationships.

After the exercise, Kathleen invited everyone to participate in the June CCA/CCW Convention and adjourned the meeting.