Livestock group forms co-op

The first annual meeting of the CPoW Livestock Processors Cooperative Association was held in Odessa March 28. A total of 59 members and guests, of which 32 members cast ballots, attended the meeting in Odessa and enjoyed a delicious meal prepared by 231 North Catering of Reardan.

The primary orders of business were election of the expanded board and to celebrate how much progress the association has made since this time last year.

We have met the requirements to secure the $1.2 million, zero-interest CERB loan, raised private investment capital (still seeking about $200,000 additional for operating cash) and signed the lease on property at the Odessa Industrial Park. Water and sewer engineering will be complete by the time you read this, and construction packages will be out for bids on road and utilities the first week of April.

The five-member incorporating board of directors has now transformed into the first full nine member board. Sue Lani Madsen and Joel Huesby, originally serving as president and secretary, respectively, have resigned from the original board to pursue other business interests. Sue Lani will be transitioning to a new role as project manager for the Odessa Public Development Authority for the construction of the facility.

Continuing on the board are:

Willard Wolf, president, who ranches in Valleyford, Wash. and Oklahoma, brokers cattle, has over 50 years of professional experience in the cattle industry, has served on many boards and has held several positions in the Cattle Producers of Washington (CPoW), currently Director District 3.

Fred Brown, vice president, is an entrepreneur, electrical engineer, professional rodeo competitor and third-generation rancher from Colbert. He graduated from Gonzaga University and received his Masters from Texas A&M in engineering. He serves on several boards such as Gonzaga's entrepreneur board.

Wade King, treasurer, is a fourth-generation cattle rancher and also raises registered quarter horses in Coulee City. Has served on many boards, including the past president of CPoW and currently director for District 2.

Ed Gross, director, from Reardan, has a lifetime of experience with processing, distribution and exporting agricultural crops. He is a skilled butcher and crew manager and a past director of CPoW.

Jeff Schmidt, director, ranches and farms in Othello, has experience with multiple breeds and crops. Along with his family, he owns and operates a store in Sequim where many of their products are sold.

Asa Timm, director, is a third-generation rancher, who grew up on the family ranch on the Columbia River. He graduated from Washington State University in Agri Business, after graduation worked for three years managing the swine center at WSU and currently manages one of the family ranches north of Coulee City.

Cass Gebbers, director, from Brewster is the president and CEO of Gebbers Farms, one of the world's greatest sources of cherries and apples. Cass brings a wealth of knowledge from refrigeration to marketing.

Gary Galbreath, director, third-generation farmer and rancher from Ritzville, serves on many boards, including the Wheatland Bank Board of Directors.

Randy Emtman, director, is a fourth-generation farmer and cattleman from Valleyford. He has a successful branded meat program featured at the Coeur d' Alene resort, serves on several rancher/farmer association boards and is a WSU graduate.

Teresa King, secretary, ranches with her husband Wade in Coulee City, manages their Blue Lake Storage facility, has 20 years experience as administrative assistant and past secretary for CPoW.

Sue Lani Madsen, past president, from Edwall, has been a licensed architect and experienced project manager for public and non-profit organizations for over 30 years. Along with her husband, she raises goats and sheep and is a past president of CPoW Livestock Processors Cooperative Association.

More information can be obtained at the website at http://www.cattleproducersofwa.org/Livestock-Processors-Co-Op.html.