Producers reviving Jefferson County Cattlemen?s Association

Jefferson County cattle producers, who would like a stronger, more visible presence in the community, are out to revive the Jefferson County Cattlemen?s Association.

Iowa Cattlemen?s Association membership communications manager and former Van Buren County resident Trent Wellman said for the last two years, Jefferson County cattle producers have been loosely part of the state organization, which has affiliates throughout Iowa.

Now, Wellman continued, a few interested people from the area have approached the association about becoming organized locally.

?Adam Ledger of Brighton has stepped up to help get the group organized,? said Wellman.

The state association, including Wellman, was in Fairfield for a meeting with producers Tuesday night to discuss ways for the local group to organize and get involved in and give back to the community.

?When they?re active, they want to help out at events, such as serving beef at customer appreciation events, and offer educational opportunities,? said Wellman.

He added the group has decided to partner with Van Buren County cattlemen and ISU Extension Office to present an educational activity for producer farmers later this year.

The Jefferson County Cattlemen?s Association also will have a booth at the Greater Jefferson County Fair this year to distribute information about the organization, as well as the cattle industry. The fair opens Wednesday and continues through July 1.

The Iowa Cattlemen?s Association is made up of around 9,500 beef-producing families and associated companies ? grocery stores, banks, feed dealers, ag dealerships, retired beef producers and others supporting the producers ? who are dedicated to the future of the beef industry in Iowa.

The grassroots of the association is its county organizations, like the Jefferson County Cattlemen?s Association. Those organizations are involved in a variety of activities throughout the year, such identifying regulatory issues that can either help or hinder Iowa cattle farmers; taking part in promotional activities, such as grilling beef products at local events; and educational efforts for producers and youth, such as sponsoring market outlook meetings or scholarship opportunities.

?Cattle farmers in Jefferson County have a strong, positive impact on the overall economy and community efforts, so I encourage all those who are interested to contact us for more details,? said Wellman.

Wellman and the Iowa Cattlemen?s Association in Ames can be reached at 800-888-1730. Locally, Ledger can be reached at 319-694-5075. Information also is available on the website www.iacattlemen.org.