By BRIAN PORTER | Rocky Mountain Voice
There’s some similarity in a 19th century problem, which led to the beginnings of the Colorado Cattlemen’s Association, and today’s environment for cattle raisers.
Founded in 1867, the Colorado Cattlemen’s Association predates statehood and helped form the National Western Stock Show in 1899, the Colorado Brand Board in 1902, and the Colorado Beef Council in 1956.
“We are still focused on the same issues today — we are still dealing with cattle theft,” said Erin Karney, the organization’s executive vice president during a lecture kicking off the Colorado Farm Show.
A year ago in Rifle, there were 150 or more head of cattle stolen. Just recently, there were 160 or more head of cattle stolen from a handful of landowners in Montrose, she noted. It was even a point made by Gov. Jared Polis in his State of the State address in January.
“I always think back to 168 years ago, this is the reason the Colorado Cattlemen’s Association was founded,” Karney said.
The state has a population of nearly 2.7 million head of cattle, down by about 200,000 in the past eight years, but not likely due to any great extent by cattle rustling.
“We’re seeing a decrease in livestock producers and an increase in land parcel (size),” Karney said. “We are also seeing a record number of acres leave production.”
The greatest concern for cattle raisers entering the 75th session of the Colorado General Assembly is farm labor, she says.
Senate Bill 21-087, passed by Democrats largely on party lines and signed into law by Polis, removed agricultural producers and employees from exemptions of the Colorado Labor Peace Act. It allows agricultural employees to organize and join labor unions, and engage in collective bargaining, among other activities.
“One of the biggest fights in the legislature is going to be Senate Bill 5,” Karney said.
The bill would eliminate a second election being needed in formation of a union. She noted Polis is opposed to the measure.
A primary focus in Washington will be the passage of a farm bill, while there is some concern toward tariffs.
“As the beef industry relies upon trade, we’re trying to figure the best path forward,” Karney said.
She also noted the issues of federal lands and endangered species. It is likely, she said, a Trump Administration would be more favorable toward grazing federal lands, which is a valued tool in wildfire mitigation. It could also mean a delisting of the gray wolf from the endangered species list.