Oregon Cattlemen's Association

The T-Bone steak is a step closer to becoming Oregon's State steak.  Supporters of the legislation says Oregon’s state vegetable is the potato, so why not make the T-Bone the state steak?   "Mr. President, thank you for this rare opportunity.  The stakes have ne...

Oregon could soon have an officially designated state steak.  A bill in the legislature aims to honor the T-Bone.   “It features two premium cuts, the strip steak and the tenderloin, symbolizing the diversity and strength of ranching operations across the state," noted Oregon Cattlemen’s Association President-Elect Diane Wirth.  She added her group unanimous...

The cattle industry was hit very hard by the 2024 wildfires across Oregon, with producers losing grazing opportunities, livestock, fences and in some cases homes.  To try to help producers pick up the pieces and move forward, the Oregon Cattle Association set up a wildfire assistance fund.   “...

Oregon’s AgriStress Helpline is running out of money.  Northeastern Oregon State Representative Bobby Levy said the 24-7 crisis line provides a critical service to rural communities.   "Farmers, ranchers, loggers, commercial fishers experience significantly higher suicide rates than any other profession.”   Eastern Or...

Four Oregon agriculture groups have thrown their support behind former Congresswoman Lori Chavez-DeRemer’s nomination for U.S. Labor Secretary.   The Oregon Farm Bureau Federation, Oregon Dairy Farmers Association, Oregon Cattlemen’s Association and Oregon Association of Nurseries said they worked with the Republican on the House Ag Committee and believe Chavez-DeRemer has a proven track record of

The cattle industry was front and center in Pendleton for the Oregon Cattlemen’s Association’s Convention late last week.  Matt McElligott, President of the OCA, said he was happy with the turn out.    “Excellent speakers and committee meeting.  We got a lot done, and so we can mo...

The farming community is paying more attention to mental health, and the needs of everyone connected to the Ag community.  To help address those challenges, the AgriStress hotline was launched in Oregon in late 2023.  Matt McElligott, president of the Oregon Cattlemen's Association, said farmers and ranchers are a pretty independent and prideful people who don’t often talk about their struggles.  

The industry may never know just how many cattle were lost in wildfires in Oregon this year.  But, whether an operator lost one or 100, government programs are available to help offset some of those cattle losses.  Other programs will look to help rehabilitate pasture and rangeland.  Matt McElligott p...

Oregon’s unprecedented wildfire season has had a big impact on the agricultural community; and it’s still unknown how much federal help is coming.  Governor Tina Kotek said the full economic impact of this wildfire season on Oregon’s agriculture community isn’t yet known.   “I’m trying to get out t...

As the 2023 fall calf run takes form, expect to see plenty of cattle pots and pickups with trailers heading down the road.