Women in Ag: ICA Board Member, Dawn Anderson
Dawn, and her husband James, are partners in a registered Hereford and Red Angus purebred cow-calf operation, started by her parents. The ranch has an annual production sale, the 2nd Monday of March. Dawn and her husband have been married for 28 years, and have two children, Bryan and Jae.
How are you involved in agriculture and/or beef industry today? I am currently on the Idaho Cattle Association Board of Directors. I provide support services for the Idaho Junior Hereford Association (IJHA) as well as the Idaho Hereford Breeders. We do a little bit of showing with our Herefords. With a little help from the kids, I break the cattle and get them ready to head to the show. I work outside the home, but use evenings, weekends and other days off to register cattle, work cattle, run parts, and do whatever else needs done.
How has your life been shaped by agriculture and/or beef industry? I was raised on the ranch we live on and have spent my entire life around cattle and farming. My dad always said that cattle raise good kids. I was very fortunate to be raised in this environment and have been blessed to be able to continue to live this lifestyle as well as raise our children with the same opportunities.
Who inspires you or serves as a mentor? My parents, John and Bev Bryan, have always been my inspiration. My husband James was not directly raised in the Ag/Beef industry, but had a true passion for it from the beginning and this allowed me to stay involved. Together, our inspiration is making it possible for our children to continue to be involved in the industry and continue on a family tradition.
How do you provide encouragement to others? I was involved in 4-H and the IJHA while growing up. I don’t believe I ever left either program. I help with our county 4-H market animal sale, and help with IJHA shows and events. I look for opportunities to encourage youth to stay involved in agriculture and the beef industry.
If given the chance, what message about agriculture or the beef industry would you share with a large group of people? The ag & beef industries are the lifeblood of our nation and our world. We care about our natural resources; therefore we are invested stewards of our land. We recognize that life sustainability depends on us feeding the world with safe, wholesome food.
What are you most thankful for? My family; past, current and future. I know it would have been very difficult to have had the experiences I had growing up had my grandparents and parents not had the tenacity to stick with this industry during the difficult years. I was lucky to find a man who was willing to work hard so that we could stay in this industry, and I am thankful that we have been able to introduce our children to this industry.
What is your favorite meal to cook yourself or for others? My favorite meal to cook includes steak. It might be because it is an easy fix and easy cleanup, but it is soooo good.
What is your favorite childhood memory? My brother Shawn had Reserve Champion Steer at the Gooding County Fair. He had the opportunity to show him in the Open to the World Steer Show at the Twin Falls County Fair two weeks later, but he wanted to be done with taking care of the steer. We made a deal that I would feed and continue to care for the steer through the show, and I would get whatever premium money he received from that show. He ended up winning the carcass contest with premiums of $300. That was quite a bit of money at that time. Shawn quietly handed over the money.
What are your guilty pleasures in life? Red Wine and Beer. Not necessarily in that order.
What are some of your favorite pastimes and/or hobbies? I love to run. Call me crazy – well, you could if I didn’t get the chance to run and work off some stress. I run 3-5 times a week 3.5 – 8 miles each time. I occasionally participate in 10K and 5K running events. I’m not fast, but I can finish. That’s all that matters. I also like to golf.
Make sure to follow Dawn and JBB/AL Herefords on Facebook!