CALIFORNIA CATTLEMAN WEEKLY

August 25, 2025

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Californians to Consider Mid-Cycle Congressional Redistricting at Nov. 4 Special Election
On Thursday, Governor Gavin Newsom signed into law three measures which pave the way for a November 4 special election in which voters will determine whether to redistrict California’s Congressional maps ahead of the 2026 Midterm Election to provide additional electoral advantage for Democratic candidates. The move by Governor Newsom and Democrats is intended to counter a similar Republican-led effort in Texas.

Assembly Constitutional Amendment 8, which will go before voters on November 4 as Proposition 50, would authorize the use of new gerrymandered maps through the 2030 election, after which time redistricting authority would return to the non-partisan Citizens Redistricting Commission. Senate Bill 280 establishes the procedures for the Nov. 4 special election and Assembly Bill 604 establishes the temporary Congressional districts which would become effective if voters approve Proposition 50.

The proposed districts can be viewed in previously-released maps. The new districts 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). For additional details, see last week’s California Cattleman Weekly.

Apply now to intern Dec. 3-5 at CCA’s Annual Convention  
The application period for the 2025 California Cattlemen’s Association Convention Internships are being accepted now through Oct. 10. Interns assist with registration, directing attendees, running the CCA merchandise table and much more. Additionally, interns have the opportunity to connect with industry leaders, and attend select meetings, general sessions, and the tradeshow with a complimentary registration. To apply send a resume and cover letter detailing why you would like to serve as a convention intern to Katie Roberti at katier@calcattlemen.org by Friday, Oct. 10, at 11:59 p.m. PST. Any young, regular or feeder member are eligible to apply for this internship. Past interns are eligible to reapply. If you are not currently a CCA member and would like to join visit calcattlemen.org/join.

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 the August 11 edition of California Cattleman Weekly.

Strong Support Shown at 2025 Cattle-PAC Event
Earlier this month, 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.

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

Upcoming Industry Events

CCA in the News

Bill aims to give CA ranchers a new carcass disposal option Western Livestock Journal “Kirk Wilbur, vice president of government affairs for the California Cattlemen’s Association (CCA), told WLJ the bill addresses a long-standing problem: insufficient disposal options as rendering facilities close across the state.” To continue reading, click here.

Industry News

EPA Takes Action to Deny California’s Latest Illegal Power Grab on Heavy-Duty Vehicles U.S. Environmental Protection Agency “U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing to disapprove of California’s Heavy-Duty (HD) Inspection and Maintenance (I/M) Requirements as it applies to out-of-state and out-of-country vehicles. The HD I/M requirement in the State Implementation Plan (SIP) submitted by California establishes an I/M program for any heavy-duty vehicle driven in the state—regardless of registration. EPA is proposing to deny these actions due to concerns that this requirement violates the U.S. Constitution’s Commerce Clause and this inconsistency with Federal law also violates Section 110 of the Clean Air Act.” To continue reading, click here.

Cows, Hikers and Mountain Bikers Coexist at This National Monument, With Help From New Technology Smithsonian Magazine “When the new Cotoni-Coast Dairies national monument opened to the public on August 16, the 5,800-acre property officially began welcoming human adventurers. However, for years, the coastal site just north of Santa Cruz has also hosted grazing cattle from nearby ranches under federal leases, reports the San Francisco Chronicle’s Kurtis Alexander.” To continue reading, click here.

US allows emergency authorizations of animal drugs to fight screwworms Reuters “U.S. health officials gave the Food and Drug Administration the power to quickly authorize veterinarians and farmers to treat or prevent infestations of a flesh-eating livestock pest with animal drugs that may be approved for other purposes or available in other countries, the Department of Health and Human Services said on Tuesday.” To continue reading, click here.