Today.
The Cattlemen’s Assocation might need a rename because six cattlewomen are calling the shots.
Deane Larue, Madison Martinez, Cheryl McMurry, Ashleigh Cogan, Abby Hutchinson, and Susie Evans revived the organization in 2020 after hosting the first “Meat In” BBQ to celebrate Colorado’s ranchers and push back against anti-beef industry state initiatives.
Today, these ladies are the voice for the county’s 35+ ranching families when it comes to local and state policies, and rallying the community for social events.
1916
The association was founded in 1916, but ranching in the valley was alive and well for almost 100 years prior. That’s 200 years of sustained agriculture in Chaffee County.
Many of the early meetings addressed problems with the Forest Service due to grazing allotments being taken away and given to sheep ranchers. In 1925 the issue was settled when a dividing line was established in the Chalk Creek District. The early members also worked to find solutions when many cattle were being killed on the railroad by writing a letter to the Denver & Rio Grand Railroad asking for a fence line to be completed. Chaffee Cattlemen have worked together for over 10 decades to ensure the sustainability of natural resources and responsible management of livestock.
For the story written in the Chaffee County Times, click here
Tomorrow.
If you ask a rancher why they continue ranching, you are sure to hear “for the next generation”.
We’re thankful for the cattlemen and women who came before us that built a path for us to carry on this industry and the lifestyle. Our goal is to preserve the ranching industry in Chaffee County for future cowboys and cowgirls who dream of conserving our landscapes and feeding our community.