Shasta County Cattlemen's Association
P.O. Box 49240 Redding, California 96049-2401

530-224-4900
SCCA DIRECTOR’S MEETING
Minutes of March 25, 2008
President Ron Masingale called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m.  Directors attending were Paul Bertagna, Matt Fowler, Pete Hufford, Bob Williams, Joe Crowe, Glenn Aldridge, George Herrick, Steve Moller and Bill Gregory.  Others attending included Ag Commissioner Mary Pfeiffer, Farm Advisor Larry Forero, Missy Lockie, Chase Lentz, John Martinez and Vivian Crowe.

Candidate for California Assembly District 2, John Martinez spoke reviewing his position on issues including drug cartels, water issues and gun rights.  Mr. Martinez is hoping to fill the seat of retiring Assemblyman Doug LaMalfa. 

Minutes of the February 26, 2008, meeting was approved as mailed.

The Treasurer’s Report was unanimously approved as follows:
 Cash in bank as of February 26, 2008     $4,486.12
  Deposits     $466.25       Disbursements                     472.76 
 Cash in bank as of March 25, 2008                       $4,479.61
Matt clarified that the Shasta Western Shop sponsored the Beef Princess buckle, and the SCCA donated the $200 gift certificate.

Missy Lockie reported that the Shasta District Fair is soon approaching and that the Farm Bureau is more than willing to help with the Cattlemen’s Day BBQ.  She volunteered to head the committee, along with Matt and Ginger Fowler.  It was motioned, seconded and carried to continue holding the Cattlemen’s Day BBQ.   Everyone expressed gratitude to Bill Gregory for having prepared the BBQ in the past. 

Missy also reported that the state has lain off our brand inspector until June 1st.   This layoff is at an ill-timed time for those moving cattle from winter to summer pasture.

Ag friendly Proposition 98, Eminent Domain initiative was discussed.  League of California Cities has sponsored Proposition 99.  Proposition 99 is NOT an Ag friendly proposition.  Before voting, become informed!

Mary Pfeiffer reported that it is again budget time.  Mary noted that support might be needed to maintain the Wildlife Specialist Program

Committee Reports:
Steve Moller reported on the Quality Assurance Program as having qualified for a $4000 grant to improve materials.  He will attend the Quality Assurance Meetings at the CCA Mid-Year to be held in June.

Pete Hufford reported that the State Water Control Board is in the process of monitoring run-off water from dry rangeland in the central coast area.  This is disturbing as with this type of activity, it is only a matter of time and the State will impose monitoring of dryland run off in the north state.

Pete reported that anti-gun advocates, environmentalists and the Humane Society continue to push to take away our second amendment rights.

Bill Gregory reported of the problems regarding the Shasta County Animal Shelter. The present facility is in poor condition.  Options for a new facility involve funding, EIR reports, development of water/sewer, and the possibility of developing a “green” operation are all issues that are remaining. 

An overview of the California Rangeland Trust Conservation Easements took place.  The general feeling was that if a contract is developed, be cautious and develop a contract to benefit your situation.

Matt Fowler noted that the CCA ask that any reimbursements for local membership be handled electronically rather than by mail. After discussion, it was motioned, seconded and carried to maintain the mailing of the checks, as it is important to maintain a paper trail.

Chase Lentz discussed a program called, “Take it Outside: Children and Nature Initiative.”  This is a program to engage children and their families in the outdoors. Though this program is developed for public lands, it is open to individual landowners interested in such a program.

Larry Forero discussed the Farm Service Agency’s figures for carrying capacities for the various areas in Shasta County.  This is in an effort to determine grazing losses for the 2006-2007 Livestock Assistance Programs.

Discussion of the use of commercial fertilizers and the high cost in relation to yield took place.  The return for the cost of fertilization may be beneficial if haying, but may not be feasible for grazing purposes depending on individual situations.

Mary Pfeiffer noted that there is concern regarding the quality of some pesticides imported from China.  After much discussion, she noted that if anyone purchases any product that is ineffective, or in anyway of concern, to contact her office.

The possibility of holding a Public Officials Tour was discussed.  This could be very beneficial in demonstrating some of the benefits agriculture provides.  Larry offered to pursue this idea and report next month. 

After discussion of the valuable programs provided by the Cooperative Extension Services and the many programs they develop, it was motioned, seconded and carried to donate $500 the Regents of the University of California to assist in these programs.

With the passing of long-time friend and member, “Bud” Farrell, it was motioned, seconded and carried to donate $50 to the charity of the family’s choice.

With no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:46 p.m.

The SCCA meetings are open to the public.  We encourage anyone interested to attend.  The SCCA meets on the fourth Tuesday of each month (except December) at 7:30 p.m. at 1851 Hartnell, Redding, CA. Visit our Website at www.shastacountycattlemen.com

Respectfully submitted,

Vivian Crowe, Secretary,