Little did the California CattleWomen know that President Merrilee Doss would be a living example of both “Protect Our Heritage and Build Our Future.” Heritage was addressed when she showcased her father’s bits, and she helped all of us build on the future of California CattleWomen with her innovative ideas. Merrile resigned in late October because her husband’s work took them to St. George, Utah. California CattleWomen wish her the best.
At the recent Convention in Sparks, Nevada, I was elected your President to complete Merrilee’s one remaining year. We will continue with all committee chairs and Merrilee’s theme. In the fall of 2010 we will transition into a new two year cycle, and I trust I will have earned your respect and a nod for another two years.
To give you a little of my background, in 1946 my father, Clarence Dudley, moved my mom, Arvilla, my one month old sister Libby (Dudley) Sears and me to Noyes Valley, nine miles to the east and north of Callahan, from Riverside. Siskiyou County became our home. For several years we had no electricity and a ranch sawmill cut most of the lumber for a new ranch headquarters and two homes. I rode my horse to a one room school, East Fork, and graduated from Etna High, 23 miles from the ranch.
While I was growing up, dad raised registered Herefords. At one time he was the Hereford representative on the California Cattlemen’s Board. My mom was a Siskiyou County Cowbelle and secretary of California Cowbelles.
When I was nine years old, I joined the Etna 4-H and remained a member until 21. This program provided me with many opportunities and a small herd of registered Hereford cows. These “ladies” put me through a 4 year degree at Cal Poly San Luis and a 5th year at Ohio State.
Ken, my husband, earned his doctorate in Animal Nutrition from Oregon State, and we returned to Scott Valley in Siskiyou County when he graduated . In 1970 we began buying dad’s registered Hereford herd, and in 1973 acquired the McBride Ranch, location of an Oregon Trail Stage Stop. We continued to raise registered cattle and about seven years ago began purchasing registered Angus. We sell bulls to commercial cattlemen. For diversification we raise registered Hampshire and Suffolk sheep and focus on breeding rams for commercial flocks.
For about 18 years we were co-advisors to the California Junior Hereford Association, and also were instrumental in bringing the National Expo to Chico, a first for California. At the same time we served as 4-H Community and Project leaders. Our son Jeff enjoyed both of these groups. Our favorite assignment was coaching the livestock judging team for 38 years and only losing twice at our county fair.
To make ends meet, I taught high school English and some social science classes as well and served as a guidance counselor for 39 years, primarily at Etna High. This meant we fed in the dark both morning and night during the winter months. During lambing season we were both short on sleep; however, I have no regrets.
For fun I love to drive my Percheron draft horse Handy, and presently I’m also enjoying a Quarter Horse mare that was raised at Harrell Herefords in Baker City, Oregon..
Today our son Jeff, his wife Erin, and son Kyle live and operate the part of our ranch on the west side of the Scott River. We are indeed blessed to have family so close.
Ladies, please help me make this a worthwhile three years for all of you.
-Melanie Fowle |
