CALIFORNIA CATTLEMAN WEEKLY

March 31, 2025

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CCA-Sponsored AB 411 Advances Out of Assembly Agriculture Committee
On Wednesday, the Assembly Agriculture Committee considered Assembly Bill 411 (Papan), CCA-sponsored legislation which would authorize ranchers to compost routine livestock mortalities and butcher waste on their own ranches (livestock mortality composting is currently legal throughout most of the U.S., but is prohibited under California regulation).

The Agriculture Committee unanimously voted in favor of AB 411, which now advances to the Assembly Natural Resources Committee, where it will be heard sometime in late April. CCA will continue to keep members apprised of the progress of CCA-sponsored bills and other major legislation impacting the cattle ranching community.

New Episode of Sorting Pen: The California Cattleman Podcast
A new episode of Sorting Pen: The California Cattleman Podcast is out now! In this episode, Steve Lambert, a rancher from Butte County, shares his journey and insights as one of CCA’s Second Vice Presidents. Tune in to learn more about Steve’s dedication to serving agriculture at local, state, and national levels, and hear why he continues to stay involved in these organizations.

Katie and Steve also dive into the value of CCA, with a special focus on the important role seedstock producers play in the Association. Listen until the end to discover how Steve went from resisting being on social media over a decade ago to Lambert Ranch Herefords now thriving on Instagram! To listen, click here.

CDFW Releases Wolf Depredation Investigation Reports
Earlier this month, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife posted 19 reports detailing wolf depredation investigations conducted between October 18, 2024 and March 5. The reports confirm 14 livestock depredations by wolves, in addition to one “probable” wolf attack on a sheep in Modoc County and a “possible” kill by the Yowlumni Pack in Tulare County. By CCA’s count, CDFW confirmed 60 livestock depredations by wolves in 2024 – a number which likely significantly under-counts the true impact of wolves throughout the year. For additional details, see last week’s edition of California Cattleman Weekly.

Trump Admin. Signals Intent to Roll Back California National Monument Designations
As previously reported by California Cattleman Weekly, the White House earlier this month suggested that it intends to diminish or rescind national monument designations for the Chuckwalla National Monument in eastern Riverside County and the Sáttítla Highlands National Monument, which includes portions of the Modoc, Shasta-Trinity and Klamath National Forests. Both monuments were designated during former President Biden’s final week in office. As of press time, the President had not taken action on the previously-proclaimed monuments, but CCA continues to track the issue and will keep members apprised of any developments. For additional information, see the March 17 edition of California Cattleman Weekly.

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CCA in the News

Guest Opinion: We need real wolf management, not just compensation Western Livestock Journal “Since wolves arrived in the state, the California Cattlemen’s Association (CCA) has spent over a decade aggressively lobbying to shape California’s wolf policy and to ensure the state’s wolf-management policies make sense for ranchers. From the very beginning, ranchers knew if we didn’t act, the consequences would fall squarely on those of us who work the land and raise livestock.” To continue reading, click here.

Industry News

California has new fire prevention goals. Expect to see more rules and goats NBC Los Angeles “The state is looking to put livestock like goats to use in eliminating vegetation, especially in rugged terrains that are less accessible by fire crews. By expanding prescribed grazing, officials believe it can save more properties and lives from possible wildfires while supporting ecological goals.” To continue reading, click here.

Millennials and Protein Craze Boost Meat Sales to Record High Drovers“Despite the extreme inflationary pressure on income now, consumers continue to lean into their love for meat in 2024.“2024 was the strongest year on record for meat, with growth for beef and chicken, pork, lamb had a really good year, bison, veal, you name it,” says Anne-Marie Roerink, owner of 210 Analytics, who conducted the 2024 Power of Meat study.” To continue reading, click here.