The current state of Oregon’s cattle industry is volatile, to say the least. We have had our victories and a few disturbing setbacks. On the bright side, the sale of cattle and calves in Oregon remains the State’s number one commodity, with total sales exceeding $700 million, according to a just-released report by Oregon State University. These sales impact local economies across the state, with many chamber of commerce leaders telling us that these dollars have a multiplying effect of as many as seven times in their communities. We are very proud of the positive impact that our ranching community has had on our rural economies. Perhaps our brightest star has been the recent emergence and growth of the “Ranchers Feeding Kids” program that started in Baker County and now has spread to Malheur and Crook counties, and is gaining momentum in several others. Budgets are tight in these rural settings, and ranchers donating beef for school lunch programs has made a significant difference. We are very proud of those who have stepped up to fill a need.

On the other side of the coin, we have been met with resistance to our proposals for changes in Oregon’s Wolf Management Plan. We sought to amend the language addressing interaction with livestock working dogs and domestic pets to allow ranchers to defend themselves. We also sought to have Wildlife Services be the lead authority in identifying wolf predation. These modifications were rejected by the Wildlife Commission last Fall. In light of the current status of the wolf in Oregon and the sun-setting of the compensation plan for wolf depredation offered by Defenders of Wildlife, we are moving forward with a series of bills in this Legislative session to provide compensation to those ranchers who experience wolf depredation. It is our firm belief that if the political and social will in Oregon is to foster the emerging wolf population, this will not take place in a vacuum. We also feel strongly that the cost of maintaining the wolf population should not be born entirely by one segment of society.

Ranchers have also recently felt the impact of a judicial ruling in Oregon in favor of an environmental group that will stay grazing in 2011 in parts of the Malheur National Forest. Some 18 families face the likelihood of ruin due to this decision.  The affected families will either be forced to sell their herds or find alternative pasture at prohibitive costs.

The ranching community in Oregon is made up of family units some five and six generations on the same ground. These folks have a vested interest in the health and well-being of the land, the water and the wildlife it supports. They ask little and contribute much to the economy and the culture of our State. I am proud to serve them and to say that the state of the cattle industry today in Oregon is both fragile and solid, and looking forward to a great tomorrow.

Bill Hoyt, President

Oregon Cattlemen's Association