A Letter from the President

As I step into the role of president for YCGA, I have a great sense of responsibility to continue our pursuit of representing the cattle industry well. I have the honor of making sure YCGA continues to be relevant to our community and beneficial to our members. As a local organization, we are small enough to be welcoming yet large enough to make an impact. I sincerely believe this industry is critical to the needs of society and seek to protect it. My commitment is to steer our organization towards new growth while keeping alive the legacy of YCGA in our community since 1932.

As a  cattle rancher in Yavapai county, my own journey in the cattle industry has been one of innovation and learning, as well as personal and professional growth, so I understand the importance of organizations like YCGA.

The changes around us—whether social, political, technological, economic, legal or otherwise—require that we continually grow and progress to best represent cattle ranching at the local, state and national level. This profoundly impacts the ranchers for which we work, our communities, and the profession at large. In many instances, we are responsible for helping shape the legal landscapes that affect our members, their livelihoods and our food supply.  Our amazing YCGA community is often engaged in policy making efforts and has often collaborated with many other organizations (such as PNF, NCBA, ACGA, AACD, PLC) and the U of A for technical and scientific assistance. We seek to relieve economic hardships for ranchers while also protecting natural resources and lands.

The upcoming year promises to be transformative. We anticipate enhancements to our existing programs and implementation of new ideas and methods. Among them:

(1) engage our members to become even more involved (2) help our members grow professionally (3) continue to provide support through endeavors such as our Crisis Fund (4) increase engagement with government representatives and policy makers (5) continue our local philanthropic activities and (5) increase the footprint of YCGA in our community.

Did you know, YCGA provides scholarships to graduating FFA students seeking agricultural related degrees, awards to FFA students for the best “Bred & Fed” steer at the Verde Valley and Yavapai County Fairs, donates to local retirement homes, and gives food to organizations that help feed those in need during the holidays? We also support the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) yearly, among other benevolent activities throughout the year.  We believe in supporting our Yavapai county community while seeking to protect the farmers and ranchers our society depends on.

Our website provides YCGA members with an opportunity to renew their memberships, for readers to donate and support our philanthropic activities in the community and helps us promote YCGA to the public. I hope you found it informative and invite you to stay engaged for information regarding our events throughout the year.

Thank you for entrusting me with the leadership of this organization. I look forward to what we will achieve together and invite you to contribute, collaborate, and grow with us. 

If you have an idea, suggestion or comment, please contact me or any of our executive board members. Reach out to us at [email protected].

I’m looking forward to a productive 2024-25 season and am grateful for your partnership and dedication to the YCGA that makes it all possible.

Respectfully,

Tim Petersen