Commissioners proclaim March 20 Phillips County Cattlemen’s Day
When Gov. Jared Polis issued a proclamation declaring March 20 “MeatOut Day” to promote meatless diets, reactions from ranchers, farmers and other supporters of agriculture in Colorado showed that many were not in favor of the idea.
On Feb. 26, the Phillips County Board of County Commissioners proclaimed March 20 to be Phillips County Cattlemen’s Day.
On that day, a free barbecue is planned in Holyoke, and state legislators will visit with community members.
The commissioners adopted a resolution recognizing the many past and current contributions of Phillips County cattlemen and other livestock producers and supporting the local ranching industry.
The resolution acknowledges that cattle and other livestock production have historically been and continue to be one of the key economic drivers in Phillips County, providing jobs to a great number of Phillips County citizens.
In a broader scope, the resolution points out that Phillips County cattlemen and ranching families are part of a $3.4 billion state industry with a $40 billion economic impact and accounts for 10% of the state’s total export sales.
Noting that the 2020-2025 dietary guidelines issued by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration recognizes that a variety of animal and plant proteins is important for a healthy diet, commissioners expressed their concern that the governor would call for a boycott — even for one day — of an industry that is key and essential to the local and state economy.
They also declared their support for Senate Bill 21-079 concerning deregulation of direct-to-customer meat sales in support of ranch-to-table private enterprise and all other legislative actions that support strengthening Colorado agriculture.
Polis proclaims March 22 Colorado Livestock Proud Day
On March 11, livestock industry advocates were notified that Polis officially signed a proclamation declaring March 22 Colorado Livestock Proud Day.
The proclamation acknowledges that farmers and ranchers raise livestock to provide nutritious, affordable protein for families across the state and throughout the nation, and animal proteins supply the body with essential nutrients.
It further reads that agriculture producers take seriously the responsibility of protecting the land, water and air and are devoted to the animals in their care.
It notes that the livestock industry is an essential part of Colorado’s past, present and future and is the cornerstone of the foundation of the state, serving as its economic backbone and supporting more than 170,000 jobs.
Colorado Livestock Association was joined by Colorado Dairy Farmers, Colorado Egg Producers, Colorado Pork Producers Council, Colorado Wool Growers Association and Rocky Mountain Farmers Union in requesting Polis to issue the Colorado Livestock Proud Day proclamation.
Free barbecue planned
A free barbecue is scheduled for Saturday, March 20, from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. in the parking lot between Hometown Liquors and Bank of Colorado. Freewill donations will be accepted, and all proceeds will go to local 4-H clubs.
Shanda Willmon said the organization of the event has really been a group effort, and it’s all about supporting agriculture.
“The industry has done so much for the community,” she said. “They deserve to have someone supporting them and backing them.”
Kayla Kafka, who also helped organize the event, said the meat provided is all locally sourced from Phillips County. Seaboard Foods will also be supplying pork for the barbecue.
“We want to showcase the fact that agriculture is important,” Kafka said. “These are the people who produce it.”
Meat and Greet scheduled
In an event separate from the barbecue, state representative Rod Pelton will be visiting Inklings Book Store on Saturday, March 20, at 10:30 a.m. for a “Meat and Greet” in response to “MeatOut Day.” He will be there to listen to constituents’ concerns and encourage people that he’s fighting for their interests. State Sen. Jerry Sonnenberg may also be in attendance, depending on scheduling.