A message from YCCWGA President, Walt Lucas

A question I am often asked when people find out I am a member of the Yolo County Cattlemen and Wool Growers Association is, 'people raise cattle in Yolo County'?

The answer is, absolutely, sheep too. Many people who are not familiar with Yolo County think about farm ground and the cities of Woodland, Davis, West Sacramento. While the great majority of population resides in these cities, the rural areas of the county hold a rich and diverse agricultural heritage. There are many thousands of acres of farm land in Yolo County, but farming isn't the only form of agriculture here, there are also over 18,000 head of cattle roaming the hills and valleys. I would be remiss if I did not include the almost 15,000 head of sheep who also graze our hills and valleys.

Cattle and sheep production are alive and well here our county, but we do face challenges in a rapidly changing world. Living in a State as diverse as California, we see many new laws, written by well meaning folks, and some not so well meaning folks, who have never set foot on a working cattle ranch, let alone tried to make a living on a family ranch. Some of these laws would make it almost impossible to raise livestock, or keep a horse on your own property. When we hear of these we know that the California Cattlemen's Association will be there to protect the interests of those of us in the livestock industry. What about here in our county? Who is trying to educate the local officials here about the ways local ordinances and regulations effect the people in the rural parts of the county?

That is where you and can get involved. By joining the YCCWGA you lend your voice to an organization who represent livestock owners, land owners, and people who live in our rural communities. Joining the YCCWGA is only $20 per year. It is my goal to see our association grow to over 100 members by the end of this year. I hope you will join me and encourage your friends and neighbors to sign up. Like we say in on our front page, we do throw a great BBQ.