“The liberties of a people never were, nor ever will be, secure, when the transactions of their rulers may be concealed from them.”      – Patrick Henry

Howdy Folks,

I was hoping and praying that by the time I needed to compose this letter that the summer rains had moved in and everyone was having to fix water gaps, the grass was green and growing,

and the pressures of the drought had subsided. In our part of the country, this hasn’t happened yet. In fact some yearlings have already been shipped and a few friends and neighbors have developed drought plans to ease the pressure on their pastures by culling their herds and weaning early.

The summer meeting was well attended and had first-hand lessons on a few of the subjects talked about. The various ways of coping with range fires was a hot topic (pun intended). We met with forest fires burning on two sides of us. These fires kept us focused on the topic and gave insight on how we can better be prepared for the prevention of fires and the reparations of our lands. Speakers were being shuffled around to be able to respond to the situation. The Livestock Board should be commended for the response for removal of livestock that were in harm’s way of these fires. Coordination of all concerned groups and communication, or lack of, between these groups was one concern that kept coming up. My hat goes off to all the men and women who work in whatever capacity in the fighting of these fires.

During our summer meeting in the “Ring of Fire,” representatives of Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona met to come up with ideas, plans, policies, or whatever else one might call it to address the catastrophic wild fires that have torched the West and have caused such a loss to ranchers, farmers, loggers, and home owners of our three states. The economic burdens are almost unbearable. We are working on a resolution to address these problems and to present it to our congressional representatives in Washington. A Town Hall meeting has been scheduled for the 10th of August in Springerville, Arizona to discuss these issues. Representative Pearce, along with Representatives from Arizona will be in attendance. The Cattle Growers’ office will have more information coming in the near future. We need all the hats we can get for this meeting. Please try to be there.

Again, there have been losses of loved ones among our members. Please help me in giving these families our condolences. This has been a tough year on every front and these losses are felt even more. My thoughts and prayers goes out to each and everyone affected.

Remember, it’s one day closer to a rain, and I pray that day is not far off.

You will show me the way of life, Granting me the joy of your presence
And the pleasures of living with you forever.              – Psalm 16:11 NLT