Wyoming CattleWomen April 2, 2016 Fire Rock Steakhouse, Wine Room Casper, WY MINUTES Approved at Wyoming CattleWomen meeting held June 1, 2016. Motion made by Gwen Geis, seconded by Deanna Crofts; motion carried. President Janet Givens called the meeting to order at 11:05 a.m. The Pledge of Allegiance and CattleWomen s Creed were recited by all present. No introductions were made. There were sixteen attendees, including guest speakers: Jim Magagna, Steve True, and Haley Lockwood. GUEST SPEAKERS: Jim Magagna, Wyoming Stock Growers Association: Jim Magagna gave a brief overview of recent activities and issues before the WSGA, including topics discussed in the 2016 state legislative session. Haley Lockwood, Wyoming CattleWomen member/wyoming Stock Growers Association Young Producers Assembly: Haley Lockwood informed members of the creation of the Young Producers Assembly now working under the guidance of the WSGA. This organization is a forum to bring together younger members of the livestock producing community to provide them with information, learning, and networking opportunities. All are invited to participate. Steve True, Director, Wyoming Livestock Board: Wyoming Livestock Board Director Steve True reported that a new lead investigator has been hired to investigate livestock associated crimes within the state. He also gave a brief overview of livestock related issues dealt with at the recent 2016 session of the state legislature and health issues being worked on in cooperation with the Wyoming State Veterinarian, brand inspectors, and other organizations including organizers of the Cheyenne Frontier Days. The main focus of Mr. True s presentation had to do with the theft of livestock. He stated that livestock theft falls into four categories: 1. Theft of animals for the purpose of selling for profit. 2. Animals stolen to be butchered. Wyoming CattleWomen Minutes April 2, 2016 Page 1 of 8
3. Animals taken or lost to neighboring farms or ranches that are not returned. 4. White Collar theft including bank and insurance fraud. There were approximately 50-55 cases of livestock theft reported in the state over the past year. It is estimated that this is about a 15% increase over recent years. It is believed however that the increase is due in part to increased awareness rather than and increase in illegal activity. Steps that can be taken to help prevent livestock thefts include: Branding, tagging, and tattooing livestock. Having an accurate count of animals. Inform authorities promptly of any animals suspected to be missing. The likelihood of finding a missing animal diminishes over time. Animals missing longer than two days are often never recovered. Keep accurate records of your herd. Be aware of weaknesses around shipping and holding pens: o Is there easy access o Are gates and access points secured with chains, locks, or other security devices Ask local authorities for increased patrols when animals are present and unattended. Have guard dogs protecting property and livestock Use game cameras to record activity at your location Have signage. The Livestock Board can provide signage for producers. Form relationships with neighbors and other producers. Keep an eye on their property and animals and inform them quickly if you see problems to encourage them to do the same for you. Maintain structures and fencing, and keep areas free of debris. Thieves often use rubbish tied to fencing, etc. as markers. Pay attention to employees. ASSOCIATION BUSINESS: Minutes Minutes for the November 30, 2016 meeting were distributed via email for review prior to the meeting. A motion to approve the minutes was made by Angela Whitlock, seconded by Faith Hoffman; motion carried. Minutes Approval Committee will be Kim DesEnfants and Ladonna Good. Correspondence Wyoming CattleWomen Minutes April 2, 2016 Page 2 of 8
Jenny Conrad reported that a packet had been received from the publishers of the WREN magazine giving information on pricing to advertise in the publication. The information will be kept on file for future reference. Kim DesEnfants received a postcard addressed to the WCW and the Lander Valley CattleWomen, from Jill Moeller thanking the organization for help and support given for the compilation of the history of ranches in the Lander Valley. This is an ongoing project funded by a grant from the Wyoming Arts Council. The grant funds are being distributed through the WCW for tracking, record keeping, and reporting purposes. Treasurer s Report Kim DesEnfants reported that the General Fund checking account has a current balance of $51,528.55. The CDs held at First State Bank both matured, September 18, 2015 with respective balances of $20,210.89 and $10,105.46. The CD held at Platte Valley National Bank for beef gift certificates has a balance of $58,612.56. It matured July 13, 2015. There was $300.00 funds billed to the Wyoming Beef Council. The total net worth (excluding Beef Gift Certificates) is $140,757.46. Budget Proposal 2016-2017 Kim DesEnfants reports that a proposed budget has been made based on recent years income and expenses. Contingency/Reimbursement in the amount of $500.00 is what is needed to balance the budget for the coming fiscal year. Angela Whitlock notes that the amount for Region V will need to be adjusted since Wyoming hosts the conference in 2017. There will be additional review and a vote to approve the budget at the June meeting. COMMITTEE REPORTS: Associate Membership Lindsay Wood There are currently forty five associate members listed for the WCW. Lindsay Wood reports that the numbers are up from previous years. She recently sent a mass mailing out to try to get more interest. WCW window clings are available for new and existing associate members. They can be obtained through Lindsay. The current fee is $40.00; with $30.00 going to WCW and $10.00 to affiliates. Condolences Karen Buchanan Karen Buchanan is not present at the meeting. She sent a brief note to secretary Jenny Conrad stating that there is no new information to report at this time. She will have a consolidated report to be given at the June meeting Wyoming CattleWomen Minutes April 2, 2016 Page 3 of 8
Beef Promotion Liz Lauck Liz Lauck was absent from the meeting, no report was given. Website The website continues to be updated as needed. Be sure to visit www.wyocattlewomen.org Facebook Angela Whitlock The WCW Facebook page is also kept current by Liz Lauck and Angela Whitlock. The page can be viewed at www.facebook.com/wyomingcattlewomen. Angela Whitlock reports that there are currently 971 fans of the Facebook page. Grass Roots Funding Angela Whitlock Angela Whitlock reported on activity for Grass Roots Funding: Affiliate Activity # Reached Expense Reimbursement Goshen CW In-store Father s Day Promo 110 (45 millennial) $0.00 $0.00 Fremont/Lander Ag in the Classroom 50 Cancelled $0.00 Albany County Dine and Discover 130/130 millennial $1,084.32 $300.00 Totals: 110 $1,084.32 $300.00 Niobrara County has submitted an application for a Cooking with CattleWomen activity that has been approved; however the venue has been changed for the event. A revised application will be submitted for review and approval before the May application deadline. Legislative Janet Jensen Janet Jensen was not in attendance for the meeting. Jim Magagna reports that there are three main legislative issues being watched by the Wyoming Stock Growers. The issue of trespassing for the purpose of obtaining antler/horn sheds. The allowance of red meats through the Wyoming Food Freedom Act. This topic is strongly opposed on a federal level, making it difficult to pass without facing heavy backlash. The delisting of Grizzly bears from the Endangered Species list. Membership Jenny Conrad Jenny Conrad reports that the deadline for 2016 memberships was March 31, 2016. On that date there were 286 active members, eight of whom are life members, and 11 affiliates. Wyoming CattleWomen Minutes April 2, 2016 Page 4 of 8
There are 194 members from 2015 who have not yet paid their 2016 dues. Jenny will send postcard reminders to those people as well as updated lists to affiliate presidents and membership chairs. The annual membership fee is $25.00 ($15.00 collegiate/$300.00 lifetime) and the form can be found online at http://wyocattlewomen.org/membership.htm. Beef It News Marcia Campbell Marcia Campbell thanked Liz Lauck for the design and sending of the postcard announcing today s meeting. The next newsletter will be produced in May to announce the summer meeting. The deadline to submit information will be May 2, 2016. Bylaws and Rules Changes Angela Whitlock Angela Whitlock suggested in a previous meeting some changes are needed for bylaws and rules. Items for consideration are: Meeting scheduling/timing. Electronic notifications on the wording for notifications of meetings, et cetera. Changing of membership fee due dates to coincide with that of the American National CattleWomen. The Bylaws committee was established to include Amanda Hulet, Angela Whitlock, Lindsay Wood, and Jenny Conrad. The committee will work together via email and conference calls to have proposed revisions available for reading and discussion at the June meeting. Wyoming Beef Council Funding Janet Givens reports that the Wyoming Beef Council understands the difficulties created with Grass Roots Funding since the shift in focus to the millennial age group. Ann Whitman asks members to please not hesitate to bring forward any new ideas for events or activities. Although all may not be approved they will all be considered. Region V Liaison Angela Whitlock The American National CattleWomen needs a volunteer from Region V to serve on the Membership and Communication committee. Angela Whitlock has served for three years on this committee. The committee is responsible for trying to incentivize membership growth, tracking membership and reminders of membership renewal. Communications deals with the quarterly newsletter and what is hoped will be a weekly e-news blast regarding ANCW happenings. Committee members are elected for a one-year term and may be re-elected to serve for a total of three years. Committee members are expected to attend winter (Jan/Feb) convention and summer (July) convention. There are also conference calls - usually held once a month. After some Wyoming CattleWomen Minutes April 2, 2016 Page 5 of 8
discussion it is agreed that another state should select a volunteer since Wyoming has been represented for the past three years. OTHER REPORTS: American National CattleWomen 2016 Region V Meeting The Region V meeting will be held April 28 through 30, 2016 in Richland, Washington. Registration information can be found on the home page of the WCW website at http://woycattlewomen.org. Window Decals The Laramie Peak CattleWomen have requested that window decals, similar to those given to Associate members, be purchased/provided for all members to help promote the organization. The cost to purchase those for associate members was $172.00 for 300 decals. Liz Lauck has volunteered to do the work involved with getting the decals made and distributed. Angela Whitlock moves that we have window stickers printed with the Wyoming CattleWomen logo and member, to be mailed to members with a thank you for membership; budgeting $500.00 for this project. The motion was seconded by Ladonna Good; motion passed. American National CattleWomen Summer Meeting Auction items are needed for the ANCW summer meeting silent auction. Last year the WCW donated a $750.00 Cabela s gift card to be included in a sports themed basket. After some discussion Ladonna Good moves that discussion be tabled until further information is received from the American National CattleWomen regarding what type of auction items are requested. This matter is to be addressed at the June Wyoming CattleWomen meeting. Seconded by Kim DesEnfants; motion passed. Wyoming CattleWomen Summer Meeting The WCW summer meeting will be held in conjunction with the Wyoming Stock Growers Association summer conference at the Hilton Garden Inn in Laramie, Wyoming. Attempts will be made to schedule the WCW meeting for 10:00, Wednesday, June 1 st, although this must be coordinated to work with the WSGA s schedule. Janet Givens asks if ANCW president, Ann Nogan, should be invited to attend and speak at the event. Ann Nogan has been a featured speaker for the WCW in the past. After some discussion it is decided to invite presidentelect Penny Zimmerman so that members will have an opportunity to get to know the incoming president. Wyoming CattleWomen Minutes April 2, 2016 Page 6 of 8
2017 American National CattleWomen Region V Convention Campbell County CattleWomen would like to host the 2017 ANCW Region V Convention that is to be held in Wyoming. Campbell County proposes the convention be held in Gillette. The town features good accommodations in a number of hotels, jet service is available from both Denver and Salt Lake international airports, there are numerous activities and tours available in the area, and it provides easy access for visitors. Proposed dates for the event are April 20 through 22, 2017. There are usually between 100 and 150 members in attendance. Angela Whitlock moves that Campbell County host the 2017 American National CattleWomen Region V convention. Kim DesEnfants seconded; motion passed. Fiftieth Anniversary Gala All are invited to attend the Albany County CattleWomen s fiftieth anniversary gala event to be held June 4, 2016. Many fun activities including a ball have been planned for the event. Corporate Audit Kim DesEnfants notes that the WCW s annual corporate report is due to the Secretary of State s office by June 1, 2016. She will need to report who the WCW officers for the coming year are at that time. Angela Whitlock states that the slate of officers will be unchanged from 2015-2016: President Vice President/President Elect Secretary Treasurer Parliamentarian Auditor Janet Givens Deanna Crofts Jenny Conrad Kim DesEnfants Liz Lauck to be determined Kim DesEnfants that if anyone else is interested in serving as for the 2017-2018 year that she would be willing to help that person prepare to take over. She is still willing to serve in the position. Adjournment - At 2:09 p.m. a motion to adjourn was made by Angela Whitlock, seconded by Faith Hoffman; motion carried Wyoming CattleWomen Minutes April 2, 2016 Page 7 of 8
UPCOMING EVENTS American National CattleWomen Region V Conference April 28-30, 2016; Richland, WA Wyoming Stock Growers Association/WCW joint conference June 1-4, 2016; Hilton Garden Inn, Laramie, WY Wyoming CattleWomen Minutes April 2, 2016 Page 8 of 8