Livestock association to hold annual meeting Feb. 13

The annual meeting of Southwestern Colorado Livestock Association will be held at the Cortez Elks Lodge on Saturday, Feb. 13, featuring an appearance from U.S. Rep. Scott Tipton.

The morning session begins at 9 a.m. with reports from county and state officials. Tipton plans to discuss legislation of concern to the members. Representatives from Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, Parks and Wildlife and other organizations will provide updates on agriculture and community issues.

Members and guests will be served a potluck dinner at noon compliments of Southwestern Cowbelles. The business meeting will begin at 1 p.m. with regular business and election of directors.

Evening festivities start at 7 p.m. with a steak dinner and all the trimmings. The highlight of the evening is the announcement of the Stockman of the Year and Cowbelle of the Year.

Dance music will be provided featuring “The Vanishing Breed Band.” Dinner and dance tickets can be purchased from any member of the board of directors for $30 each. The dance will start at 9 p.m. with dance tickets only available at the door for $5 per person.

A “Silent Auction” will be held with proceeds awarded as scholarships to local youths. To date, Southwestern Colorado Livestock Association has awarded more than $85,000 in scholarships to assist area youths achieve their educational goals. For more information about the Scholarship Fund, or, if you would like to make a contribution to the silent auction, to help students in Montezuma and Dolores Counties, contact Bill or Peggy Blackmer or a board member.

Members of the Board of Directors include president Zane Odell(749-5476), vice-president Drew Gordanier (759-5392), voting secretary A1 Heaton (749-2532), Jason Blackmer (739-5577), Joe Lanier (560-2363), Wayne Rogers (739-0682), James Snyder (560-4629), Bentley Colbert (749-2725), and Steve Hinton (560-4623).

For more information, contact a director or secretary-treasurer Lynelle Brumley at 565-1972.