Women Are Ranchings Unsung Heros

Women Are Ranchings Unsung Heros

Susan Allen
Susan Allen

 

Woman are ranching unsung hero’s, but the average American several generations removed from farming typically associates cattle with men. Now Why is that?  I’m Susan Allen welcome to Open Range. Early Greek writings depicted the unique bond between women and horses but interestingly society as a whole has overlooked womens role in ranching. Last year I MC’d an event started by Denise Smith, a rancher from Heppner Oregon that showcases western art created by women in the cattle industry.  The artist’s I met worked cattle, ran ranches and raised families. Art in it’s many forms was an outlet for lives often isolated and hard. Last week while on a tour showcasing Washington State Beef again I observed ranching women’s passion for producing and promoting the most renewable and healthy protein source we have, one I might add we take for granted as we shape a hamburger or stir spaghetti sauce. Beef isn’t raised on a factory farm but on some of our most spectacular western landscapes like the Acheson Ranch in Ellensburg. While Rob Acheson explained his operation to twenty five chefs, the Kittitas County Cattle Women prepared a showcase meal featuring beef that impressed the heck out of folks that cook for  five star restaurants. And  they did it all outside,  under the ranches immense poplars.  Cattlewomen’s Associations have been promoting beef prior to the time my mother-in law as  young wife was  proud to be president of what then was called "Cowbells."  The name’s changed but these women’s tireless passion to promote the "ranching lifestyle and beef to an even more discerning consumer sure hasn’t. I’m Susan Allen
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