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Bent-Prowers Cattle and Horse Growers Assoc. annual meeting

story and photos by Susan Russell Bent-Prowers Cattle & Horse Growers Association

Awards recognizing long-time service, lively auction bidding, industry update reports and elections, all culminated the Bent-Prowers Cattle & Horse Growers Association’s annual meeting, banquet and dance.

The cattlemen’s group, which serves Baca, Bent, Kiowa, Otero and Prowers counties, met March 18 at the Cow Palace Inn in Lamar, Colo. The evening’s banquet honors included recognizing three ranchers whom have given service to their communities, fellow cattlemen and the beef industry.

Ray Hayes of Prowers County, Pat Karney of Bent County and Calvin Thompson, who grew up in Baca County, all were bestowed the Bent-Prowers Cattlemen Honorary Life Member award. Each recipient was lured to Lamar for the surprise presentation, in which Jo Ann McEndree highlighted their achievements and presented a plaque and the association’s thanks.



The evening also included a fun-filled auction in which money was raised for the Bent-Prowers Endowment Trust Fund, a dance with live music by Blue Sage, and two other presentations.

Joe Corum was recognized by the Colorado Brand Board, the Colorado Department of Agriculture and the Bent-Prowers Cattlemen. Brand Commissioner Gary Shoun thanked Corum for his 39 years of service as a brand inspector in the region. And Bent-Prowers President Jim Rogers of Wiley was given a traveling belt buckle and thanks for his year of service from past president Tim Erickson.



Earlier in the day, Rogers was re-elected as president of the group, which is the largest and oldest cattlemen’s organization in the state. It was organized in March 1870. Other elected officers included McEndree of Springfield, first vice president; Ron O’Neal of Eads, second vice president; and Susan Russell of Sugar City, re-elected secretary/treasurer. Directors also were selected.

In addition to elections, the afternoon session included industry updates from Travis Black, Colorado Department of Wildlife area wildlife manager; Fred Lombardi, Colorado Beef Council executive director; Gary Shoun, Colorado brand commissioner, Terry Fankhauser, Colorado Cattlemen’s Association (CCA) executive vice president; and Bill Gray, CCA president from Ordway.

John Braly, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association vice president, was the keynote speaker. Braly focused his remarks on the importance of beef safety, exports and trade, and nutrition. He also outlined issues including the upcoming Farm Bill, the identification of animals and trade that are all facing the industry.


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