February is Oregon Beef Month, time not only to enjoy a delicious, locally raised steak, brisket or burger, but also to recognize the important economic and environmental contributions made by our state’s hard working cattle ranchers.
![Photo Courtesy: Oregon Cattlemen's Association]()
Photo Courtesy: Oregon Cattlemen’s Association
While technology, timber and apparel markets often take center stage in media coverage and discussions about Oregon’s economy, cattle operations are a growing industry and one of the most consistent contributors to Oregon’s agriculture economy and job force. As president of the Oregon Cattlemen’s Association (OCA), the leading voice for the cattle industry in Oregon, and owner of two cattle ranches in eastern Oregon, I know firsthand how hard my fellow ranchers work to produce the finest quality beef, practice environmentally sustainable agriculture techniques and contribute to Oregon’s economy.
Oregon cattle’s impressive economic statistics deserve attention. There are approximately 13,000 cattle operations statewide. Seventy-nine percent of those ranchers own fewer than 60 head of cattle. Overall, there are an estimate 1.79 million head of cattle in Oregon. Furthermore, more than 57% of Oregon’s farmland (9.4 million acres out of16.5 million) is reported to be in cattle production. Cattle ranching provides one of the few alternatives to utilize acreage in arid portions of the state for food production.
Agripedia, the U.S. and Oregon Departments of Agriculture reported that cattle and calves were Oregon’s second largest agricultural commodity and valued at nearly $709 million, behind only greenhouse and nursery products. Oregon beef and veal exports were valued at $57.5 million in 2012.
Success for cattle ranchers is not only defined in economic terms, but also by the health of their animals and the environment surrounding their ranches. Many of our efforts adirectly benefit Oregon’s environment, wildlife habitat and ecosystems. Cattle grazing minimizes non-native plant growth, significantly reduces wildfire risks, contributes to soil stabilization and promotes grass tilling, plant reproduction and healthy plant communities. Grazing also creates healthy meadows, providing excellent forage for livestock and wildlife.
Oregon cattle ranchers are excellent stewards of some of the most beautiful land our state has to offer. Ranching preserves open space for wildlife habitat in the rapidly growing West. Farmers and ranchers provide food and habitat for more than 70 percent of Oregon’s wildlife.
Cattle ranchers are in the business of humanely caring for animals and producing safe, wholesome beef for consumers around the world. They take their responsibility to their livestock, the wildlife and environment seriously. Many Oregon cattle ranchers have recently begun taking advantage of OCA’s new sustainable ranching program designed to educate livestock producers about environmental regulations impacting agriculture. This educational outreach program helps ranchers understand what the environmental requirements are and where they can turn for help.
Unlike many Oregonians, most cattle ranchers live at their job site, on ranches and in rural communities across our state, in map-dot towns with funny names like Ione and Paisley. We gamble on Mother Nature with our livelihoods daily, betting that she will bring us just the right amounts of sun and rain when we need them most. There is very little separation between our home and work lives; the lines are blurred as ranching is a way of life rather than merely just a job. The hours can be long and hard but the rewards are great.
Oregon’s ranchers’ and farmer’s’ grit and determination, their innovative methods of doing business, and their protection and reverence for animals and the environment drive to the core of what it means to be a true Oregonian.
Please join Oregon cattle ranchers this month in enjoying the high quality beef they produce, celebrating their hard work, and recognizing the important role they play in keeping Oregon’s economy and environment strong.
Ray Sessler, President, Oregon Cattlemen’s Association of Prineville, Ore.
