Introduction

The information within this long-range plan will assist in directing the focus and efforts of the Colorado Cattlemen’s Association from 2003 to 2006. The plan was developed through an extensive demographic review of Colorado ’s beef industry, economy and populace along with an equally extensive review of the Colorado Cattlemen’s Association (CCA). Input was obtained through randomly surveying CCA members, reports from membership-wide meetings and input from various state and national organizations.  The CCA membership subsequently adopted this plan for guidance of the association through 2006.

This plan is far-reaching in its approach to provide direction to the CCA. The plan is a single component that will be used by the association in addressing issues and achievement areas more precisely on an annual basis. The 2003-2006 CCA Long Range Plan reinforces the association’s mission and commitment to its members and the beef industry.

Situation Analysis and Trends

Thorough planning requires a careful examination of relevant trends---where we've been, and where things are headed. We may not be able to control all, or any of them, but our plans need to be laid on a "real-world" foundation. In the early part of the "double 0 decade" the following is a glimpse of the environment in which the Colorado beef producers and the Colorado Cattlemen's Association finds itself.

§         The total number of farms and ranches raising cattle has been increasing since 1995 with the growth occurring in operations with less than 100 cows. The number of operations with more than 100 cows has been declining during the same period.

§         The cash receipts from the sale of cattle and calves have increased slowly from 1998-2001.

§         Cattle numbers have been fairly stable since 1995, until the 2001-2002 period when significant reductions in the cowherd occurred due to the drought and its dramatic impact on forage resources.  Some reports indicate that up to 50% of the beef cows have left Colorado due to the drought.

§         Colorado is losing its agricultural land at a rapid pace. Between 1987 and 1997, 1.4 million acres of agricultural land was converted to other uses. The rate of agricultural land conversion from 1987 to 1997 (10 year average) was 141,000 acres per year. But from 1992 to 1997, the annual rate of conversion nearly doubled to 270,000 acres.

§         Job growth and migration of people into Colorado was increasing rapidly during the 1990’s, but has slowed considerably in 2001 and even more dramatically in 2002. The long-term projection for population growth in Colorado is that it will continue to grow at a more “normal rate” (1.5 to 2.0% annually) but still at a faster pace than the U.S. in total.

§         The boom of the 90’s is over. Since year-end of 2000, Colorado has experienced: a net job loss of 56,000, unemployment rate increase of nearly 3%, state sales tax revenue down 5.4%, a 20% decline in homebuilding, and income growth cut by almost two-thirds.

§         In general there is: increased pressure to reduce grazing on public lands, increased levels of water leaving agriculture and increasing prices for water purchase, increasing environmental laws and regulations, increasing consumption of forage resources by rapidly expanding wildlife populations, and increasing land prices making it difficult for young or new producers to finance land acquisition for cattle operations.

§         Colorado Cattlemen’s Association has experienced declining membership from 1995 to 2001 but stabilized in 2002. Convention attendance has been slowly but steadily declining since 1998. Dues revenue increased in 2002 after a six-year period of no growth.

Our Vision for

Colorado ’s Beef Industry

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A dynamic and profitable beef industry that enhances producers’ viability and preserves the environment for future generations of cattlemen

Industry Goals

§        Constantly seek avenues to increase the profitability, productivity and efficiency of Colorado ’s beef industry

§        Maintain Colorado ’s land, water and forage resources for agricultural use

§        Improve the quality, safety and consumer acceptance of beef

§        Promote a legal and regulatory climate that is favorable to the beef industry

§        Improve the public’s image and understanding of the beef industry

§        Promote the value of sound science as the basis for industry and government decision making

§        Foster a cohesive voice for Colorado ’s beef industry

§        Encourage the development of evolving technology that improves production, marketing and communication systems

§        Assist in managing for and rebuilding the industry through the drought

Our Vision for the

Colorado Cattlemen’s Association

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The premier beef cattle association that serves as the principle voice and advocate for Colorado ’s beef industry, beef producers and its members

Association Goals

§        Create greater value in CCA membership by identifying, developing and delivering timely information and services to members

§        Elevate CCA’s effectiveness in influencing government policies and priorities

§        Expand CCA’s ability to effectively communicate with internal and external audiences emphasizing evolving technologies

§        Increase membership with an emphasis on member retention

§        Provide leadership in addressing and managing key Colorado beef industry issues

§        Increase involvement and participation of members in association leadership, policy development and activities through affiliates, the state and national organizations

§        Foster long-term financial stability of the association and its foundation

§        Expand CCA’s influence and involvement with national beef industry organizations through coordination, leadership and representation

§        Continually evaluate and explore improvements in CCA’s practices and procedures with emphasis on meetings, structure, policy development and leadership development