Honoring the Owyhee Cattlemen's Association on Its 125th Annivesary

HONORING THE OWYHEE CATTLEMEN'S ASSOCIATION ON ITS 125TH ANNIVERSARY

Mr. CRAPO. Mr. President, I rise today to offer congratulations to the Owyhee Cattlemen's Association on its 125th year celebration. This makes this organization the oldest cattle group in my home State of Idaho. From the original Owyhee Cattle and Horse Growers Association, which formed in 1878 to protect livestock from rustlers and Indians, to the association's present influential position on property rights, water rights, and grazing matters, it has been an effectively involved force in Idaho.

The Owyhee Cattlemen's Association has benefited from a long line of top-notch leaders, and it continues to be instrumental in representing the cattle industry in a variety of issue areas including rangeland monitoring, species issues, and environmental concerns. These are all far different from cattle rustling activities, but perhaps similar in economic effects on the cattle industry.

The association has also played a leading and pioneering role in negotiating agreements and initiatives that work towards the future viability and profitability of the entire grazing community. I particularly appreciate that it has recognized the strength of collaborative efforts in dealing with the multiple interest groups that are becoming stakeholders and hopefully partners in public land stewardship.

The past strength and resolve of the Owyhee Cattleman's Association has served the cattle industry well, and will continue
to ensure its place at the discussions of future issues, as we advance into the next 100 years of public land grazing.

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Once again, my congratulations to the Owyhee Cattlemen's Association and its members as it marks a milestone anniversary. It has an unprecedented history of accomplishments in the cattle industry. I send my very best wishes for its continued success in serving the Owyhee County constituent base and the entire Nation.