[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 88 (Wednesday, June 19, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E917]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 CELEBRATING THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE OREGON CATTLEMEN'S ASSOCATION

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                            HON. GREG WALDEN

                               of oregon

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 19, 2013

  Mr. WALDEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the rich history 
and successes of the Oregon Cattlemen's Association as they celebrate 
their 100th anniversary this week in their birthplace: Baker City, 
Oregon. I commend the Oregon Cattlemen's Association for their century 
of commitment to producing high quality livestock, managing our natural 
resources, and being a highly respected voice for Oregon's livestock 
industry.
  On May 14th, 1913, over 100 ranchers met in Baker City with concerns 
about the high rate of livestock theft. They sought to create an 
organization that would represent the livestock industry, guard against 
theft, and implement a brand inspection program for livestock markets. 
During that inaugural meeting, 51 attendees joined as charter members 
of the ``Oregon Cattle and Horse Raiser Association,'' which eventually 
became the Oregon Cattlemen's Association.
  In 1913, the new association provided a much-needed voice to an 
industry facing chronic outbreaks of livestock theft across the range. 
It was reported that a rancher could turn out 500 horses for the 
summer, and only gather up 150 before winter. The organization brought 
its concern to local and state leaders, who worked with them to 
implement a system of brand laws and a brand inspection program. This 
effort cemented the Oregon Cattlemen's Association as an indispensable 
part of the state's livestock industry.
  Ranching runs deep in Oregon's history. Way back in 1834, nearly a 
decade before the first of the famous covered wagons came via the 
Oregon Trail, Ewing Young drove a herd of cattle from California to 
Oregon, establishing one of the first large commercial cattle grazing 
operations in Oregon. Ranchers today continue in many centuries-old 
traditions like moving cattle horseback, grazing cattle on large tracts 
of land, and raising prized horses. Much of the work is physically 
demanding, occurring from ``dawn to done''.
  These communities, and the ranchers that support them, understand 
that raising livestock takes more than just hard hands and a stubborn 
will. Today, ranchers must look towards the needs of their customers, 
the protection of the environment, building collaborative relationships 
with the government and non-governmental partners, and care for their 
livestock.
  Like many other areas of the West, ranchers in Oregon face many of 
the same challenges as their counterparts did in 1913--from Mother 
Nature's inconsistent attitude, loss of livestock to theft and 
predatory animals, ever changing markets, to burdensome costs and an 
overabundance of government involvement in the cattle business. Like in 
the past, ranchers have a horseback view, up close and personal, 
regarding the effect that management practices have on the land, 
cattle, and ultimately the consumer. Advances in science including 
range and meadow management, veterinary medicine, and nutrition offer 
new avenues for building on tradition.
  Additionally, ranchers have something in common with many city 
dwellers: they have a passion for healthy soils, plants, water, and 
wildlife, maintaining large open spaces, and ensuring a future place to 
share with family and friends. The Oregon Cattlemen's Association and 
its members continue to work towards solutions so they can to keep 
producing the high quality livestock that feeds the world. As the 
younger generation take over their families' operations, they will 
continue that legacy well into the next century.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in congratulating the 
Oregon Cattlemen's Association on their century of commitment to 
livestock producers in Oregon and recognize them for all they have done 
for livestock producers, the state of Oregon, and those across the West 
that make their living off the land. I am very proud to represent them 
in the United States Congress, and I wish them the very best for their 
next 100 years and beyond.

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