For many years, I’ve been on-record stating that in spite of February being the shortest calendar-month — it feels like the lengthiest on many a Cariboo cattle-outfit!
Further proof of that theory was evidenced, somewhat indirectly, by the large turnout of cattle producers in attendance at two separate events last week in Williams Lake.
On Valentine’s Day, at the BC Livestock Co-op cattle yards/auction there was hardly a parking spot to be found in their huge lot.
Inside, the bleachers were crowded with local-producers who chatted happily over coffee/lunch as the sale proceeded. Some did a little of home work — checking prices (slightly depressed) as the cattle rambled through the ring.
Fast forward to the next morning at the annual general meeting of the Cariboo Cattlemen’s Association.
By 11 a.m. (start time) — there was another full house which also included (besides cattlemen) various government employees (different branches), agri-business representatives (sponsors of the meeting/coffee breaks, lunch, beverages), Cariboo Regional District staff, bankers and politicians — all of whom have a direct link with, or vested interest in the cattle industry.
One newsworthy item came with the Cariboo Cattlemen’s Association — president’s report, given by current president Duncan Barnett, who concluded his presentation with the advisory that he would be stepping down as association president.
Barnett is the NDP candidate for the Cariboo-North riding, running in the upcoming (May) election and requires more time for his election campaign.
The organization (CCA-BCCA) will miss (among other things) Barnett’s organizational skills and efficient chairmanship and knowledge of procedure, his intelligence and ability to sift through and decipher miles of documentation and ability to sort the chaff from the grain — the members are appreciative of the time and energy that Duncan gave to their issues.
Elections (for CCA directors) concluded the meeting, it was nice to see a couple of young fellows (sans grey-hair) elected. Spring is in the air!