CALIFORNIA CATTLEMAN WEEKLY
August 18, 2025
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California Dems to Move Forward with Partisan Gerrymander this Week
This week, the California Legislature will consider a mid-cycle redistricting plan ahead of a Friday deadline to advance the new Congressional lines for voters' consideration at a November 4 special election. The effort to gerrymander Congressional districts to Democrats' advantage is an effort by Governor Gavin Newsom and allies to counter a similar Republican-led effort in Texas; California's proposed initiative will include language nullifying the measure if Texas and other states' gerrymandering efforts fail to materialize.
Democrats on Friday released maps outlining their newly-proposed districts. The newly-drawn map would swing the demographic makeups of five Congressional districts currently held by Republicans firmly toward Democrats, giving the state's supermajority party a potential electoral advantage of 48-4 in future elections.
Republicans who may be on the chopping block if the newly-drawn maps are approved by voters include Reps. Doug LaMalfa (CA01), Kevin Kiley (CA03), David Valadao (CA22), Ken Calvert (CA41) and Darrell Issa (CA48).
If approved, the new Congressional districts would apply for elections through 2030, after which California's Citizens Redistricting Commission would have redistricting authority based on the results of the 2030 census.
Strong Support Shown at 2025 Cattle-PAC Event
On Friday, CCA's 2025 Cattle-PAC Dinner Dance and Auction brought together a record-breaking crowd for an evening that highlighted both the strength and unity of California's ranching community. Attendees enjoyed 380 pounds of Harris Ranch beef while connecting with longtime friends and building new relationships. The energy throughout the evening reflected a shared commitment to sustaining ranching in California.
The event generated significant support for Cattle-PAC, which plays a critical role in electing candidates who understand and will advocate for the ranching industry. This support is especially important as recent successes in the Legislature underscore the impact of a strong and active Cattle-PAC.
CCA extends our sincere gratitude to the donors, sponsors, buyers, members, and friends who made this evening possible. All of your commitment ensures that ranching remains a vital part of California's future. To see photos from the event click here. Watch for a full recap to be included in the September edition of the California Cattleman.
CDFW Issues Quarterly Wolf Update
The California Department of Fish and Wildlife has announced the release its Quarterly Wolf News Update for the second quarter of 2025, spanning April through June. According to the update, the Beyem Seyo, Harvey and Whaleback packs produced new litters of pups this Spring; according to CCA analysis of Departmental updates, the state now has 98-100 wolves across ten resident wolf packs. For additional information, see last week's edition of California Cattleman Weekly.
Represent California on the Cattlemen's Beef Board
Interested in helping shape the beef checkoff? Now is your chance to get involved! The USDA Agricultural Marketing Service is seeking nominees for the Cattlemen's Beef Promotion and Research Board. Nominees will be considered to represent the Southwest Unit (California and Nevada) for a three-year term that will start in February. The Board is authorized by the Beef Promotion and Research Act of 1985 and is made up of 101 members representing 34 separate states, four units of geographically grouped states and one importer unit.
Any beef producer who owns cattle may be nominated by a USDA certified producer organization (including CCA) and submit a completed application. USDA will select appointees from the nominated producers. To learn more about the Cattlemen's Beef Board and being nominated, click here. Those interested in being nominated please contact Katie Roberti by August 22 at katier@calcattlemen.org.
Apply for a CCA Scholarship
In 2024, CCA awarded over $51,000 in scholarships to students studying agriculture. The application period for CCA's 2025 scholarships is open now through October 1. Any young, regular, or feeder member are eligible to apply for the scholarship. Scholarship amounts and quantities vary year to year and recipients of the CCA scholarship program can re-apply the following year. To learn more and to download the application, click here. Applications must be typed and returned in full to the CCA office by Wednesday, October 1, at 11:59pm PST via email to Katie Roberti at katier@calcattlemen.org.
Upcoming CCA Events
Dec. 3 – 5, Atlantis Casino Resort Spa, Reno, Nevada
Upcoming Industry Events
Public Lands Council 57th Annual Meeting
Sept. 16 – 18, Flagstaff, Arizona
The Public Lands Council 57th Annual Meeting will take place Sept. 16 – 28 in Flagstaff, Arizona. To learn more about the lineup of speakers and to register, click here.
Cattle Industry Convention and NCBA Tradeshow
Feb. 3 – 5, 2026, Nashville
The largest event in the beef cattle industry is heading to downtown Nashville. Registration and housing open Aug. 20. There are several exciting opportunities to get involved in the event with upcoming deadlines including the national anthem contest, convention internships for college juniors and seniors, scholarships for attendees (young producers, students, and first timers), and grants to offset the cost of attending. Learn more and apply at convention.ncba.org.
Industry News
The US plans to build a $750M fly factory in Texas to stop a flesh-eating cattle parasite Associated Press "The U.S. plans to build a $750 million factory in southern Texas to breed billions of sterile flies, ramping up its efforts to keep flesh-eating maggots in Mexico from crossing the border and damaging the American cattle industry." To continue reading, click here.
NCBA Notches Legal Victory Protecting Cattle Producers from Overreaching Emissions Regulations American Ag Network "Last week, the National Cattlemen's Beef Association (NCBA) notched a legal victory in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia affirming protections for cattle farmers and ranchers from onerous and unnecessary air emissions reporting requirements. NCBA, along with a coalition of other livestock and farm groups, has engaged in this litigation for years to ensure that family farmers and ranchers were not forced to file complex, overreaching reports with the federal government about emissions under the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA) and Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA)." To continue reading, click here.
California Board of Forestry and Fire Protection names new Executive Officer California Board of Forestry and Fire Protection "The California Board of Forestry and Fire Protection announced this week the appointment of Tony Andersen as its new Executive Officer. Andersen will lead the Board's operations and policy implementation, serving as the Board's lead staff person and liaison between government agencies, stakeholders, and the public." To continue reading, click here.
WSR Insurance Farm and Ranch Specialist Josh Morris joins Sorting Pen host Katie Roberti to break down the latest insurance updates impacting California agriculture. From the state's evolving Sustainable Insurance Strategy to upcoming workers' compensation rate increases, Josh shares what producers need to know now. Plus, hear what's new at WSR Insurance and why it's the perfect time to schedule your Pasture, Rangeland, and Forage (PRF) meetings. Click here to listen or stream it wherever you listen to podcasts.
