Resolution # 1-2021

RECOGNIZING THE MANY PAST AND CURRENT CONTRIBUTIONS OF MONTEZUMA COUNTY CATTLEMEN AND OTHER LIVESTOCK PRODUCERS AND SUPPORTING THE LOCAL RANCHING INDUSTRY

WHEREAS, the Governor of Colorado has proclaimed a boycott of meat products, referred to as a “MeatOut” – in order to promote meatless diets as promoted by the Farm Animal Rights Movement (FARM), to be observed by Coloradans on March 20, 2021; and

WHEREAS, cattle and other livestock production has historically been, and continues to be, one of the key economic drivers in Montezuma County; and

WHEREAS, Montezuma County Cattleman and our ranching families are part of a $3.4B state industry with a $40B economic impact that accounts for 10% of the State’s total export sales; and

WHEREAS, The U.S. Department of Agriculture reports (2017) the annual sale value of Montezuma County cattle, calves, poultry, and hogs exceeds $16M ; and

WHEREAS Region 9 data shows employment in the agriculture sector and related industries provides jobs to over two thousand Montezuma County citizens, a very large number of which are involved in ranching and livestock production; and

WHEREAS, The 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines issued by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration recognizes that a variety of animal and plant proteins is important to a healthy diet; and

WHEREAS, the Colorado General Assembly is considering passage of Senate Bill 21-079 which concerns deregulation of direct to customer meat sales in support of ranch to table private enterprise.

NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, THAT THE MONTEZUMA COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF MONTEZUMA COUNTY, COLORADO declares its support for our
cattlemen and other livestock producers and proclaims March 20, 2021 as Montezuma County Cattlemen’s Day; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Commission express their concern that the Governor of Colorado would call for a boycott, even of one-day duration, of an industry that is key and essential to both our local and state economy; and

FINALLY, SHALL IT BE RESOLVED, that this Commission supports Senate Bill 21-079 concerning deregulation of direct to customer meat sales in support of ranch to table private enterprise and all other legislative actions that support strengthening Colorado agriculture.

APPROVED AND ADOPTED this 2nd day of March, 2021.