April 6, 2005
Oregon Affiliate Names Regional Chairs
(Billings, Mont.) – Margene Eiguren, R-CALF USA's Membership Chair for the state of Oregon, announced today that regional chairs for that state have been appointed to educate Oregon cattle producers about R-CALF USA and grow membership for the national organization.
"There is a concerted effort going on in Oregon to grow membership for the national cattle organization that works exclusively – and so effectively – for both U.S. cattle producers and the Oregon Livestock Producers Association (OLPA) – an R-CALF state affiliate," Eiguren said.
"R-CALF USA, with the help of affiliates like OLPA, is changing the direction of the U.S. cattle industry, and we want more cattle producers to get involved," she said. "To ensure the success of both organizations, Oregon has been divided into seven regions with an R-CALF/OLPA membership chair in each region to plan membership recruitment activities in that region.
"These people believe that joining both OLPA and R-CALF is an investment in your future, your businesses, and in your way of life," said Eiguren, who also is national co-chair of R-CALF USA's membership committee.
The following individuals and their appropriate contact information are listed below for those who would like additional information about becoming involved in either organization:
R-CALF USA Oregon State Chair: Margene Eiguren in Jordan Valley, Ore., (541) 586-2423.
Region 1 Co-Chair: Jim Getten in Ontario, Ore., (541) 881-8716.
Region 1 Co-Chair: Mark Joyce in Juntura, Ore., (541) 277-3495.
Region 2: Mike and Elaine Smith in Prairie City, Ore., (541) 820-4483.
Region 3: Vicki Fleshman in Joseph, Ore., (541) 432-8635.
Region 4 Co-Chair: Tom O'Leary in Silver Lake, Ore., (541) 576-2568.
Region 4 Co-Chair: Clayton Sharp in Fort Rock, Ore. (541) 576-2573.
Region 5 Co-Chair: Mike Alley in Culver, Ore., (541) 546-8171.
Region 5 Co-Chair: Mark Malott-Powell in Butte, Ore., (541) 480-7157.
Region 6: Bob Lozano in Butte Falls, Ore., (541) 865-3421.
Region 7: Steve Coleman in Molalla, Ore., (503) 829-3140.
"Oregon cattle producers are excited about this new development, and we're pleased to be affiliated with an organization willing to on the tough issues such as international trade agreements, country-of-origin labeling (COOL), meatpacker concentration, captive supply, concentration, and a host of other challenges," noted Eiguren. "R-CALF's success in these areas will make it possible for U.S. cattle producers to compete successfully in the global market, while maintaining sustainability and profitability.
"R-CALF USA's work on the Canadian border issue will help ensure that cattle and beef trade with Canada is resumed in a science-based manner that protects both our domestic cattle industry, and our greatest asset – consumers," she continued.
"Because of this commitment to grassroots producers and the issues that affect them, OLPA is proud to be the R-CALF USA state affiliate in Oregon," Eiguren said. "The Oregon Livestock Producers Association was formed in 2003 with the purpose of giving Oregon cattle producers a choice to belong to an organization that is affiliated with R-CALF USA, an organization that's returning the cattle producer segment of the industry to their long, rich heritage of having a proud national organization comprised only of U.S. cattle producers."
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R-CALF USA (Ranchers-Cattlemen Action Legal Fund, United Stockgrowers of America) represents thousands of U.S. cattle producers on domestic and international trade and marketing issues. R-CALF USA, a national, non-profit organization, is dedicated to ensuring the continued profitability and viability of the U.S. cattle industry. R-CALF USA's membership consists primarily of cow-calf operators, cattle backgrounders, and feedlot owners. Its members – over 14,000 strong – are located in 46 states, and the organization has over 60 local and state association affiliates, from both cattle and farm organizations. Various main street businesses are associate members of R-CALF USA. For more information, visit www.r-calfusa.com or, call 406-252-2516.